To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which organisation undertook the technical assessment of the hydro-electric potential of the River Cam on the Littlecombe site in Dursley; how the decision that hydro-electric power from this source was not a viable proposition was communicated to the Environment Agency; and what the basis was for this conclusion. (81084)

An agent acting on behalf of the owner of the site undertook the technical assessment.

The Environment Agency does not know how the decision was taken. They have not received any technical assessment or report relating to this site. At a meeting to discuss the development proposals, an Environment Agency officer was informed by the agent that the joint planning applicants for this site, St. Modwens Developments Limited and the South West of England Regional Development Agency, will not be proceeding with any hydro-electric power scheme. They did not give a reason for this.