HL Deb 05 April 1971 vol 317 cc2-4
LORD STRABOLGI

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps are being taken to save Sandford Manor House, Chelsea, the reputed home of Nell Gwynne, from further deterioration and threatened demolition.]

THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE, DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT (LORD SANDFORD)

My Lords, it may help and reassure the House if I make two preliminary remarks before I answer this Question. First, I am not aware that there is, or ever has been, any connection between my own family and Sandford Manor House, or, indeed, with the lady named in the Question. Also I may say that Sandford Manor House used to be in the Borough of Fulham, is now in the Borough of Hammersmith but has never been in the Borough of Chelsea. Having got those matters out of the way, my Lords, in answer to the Question I would say that the Hammersmith Borough Council have refused consent to the owners to demolish this building and are now considering a new application from other persons to restore it for use as a club and restaurant. As either of those applications might come before the Secretary of State for decision, I cannot comment any further at this stage.

LORD STRABOLGI

My Lords, while thanking the noble Lord for his reply and noting that there is no connection between the noble Lord and Nell Gwynne, may I ask him whether the Government are aware of the absolutely disgraceful condition in which this building is and how much it has been allowed to deteriorate? Will they do their utmost to persuade the owners, the Gas Board, to live up to their responsibilities, so that if planning permission is given there will be something left to save?

LORD SANDFORD

Yes, my Lords. There are a number of responsibilities in this field and I am anxious, as well as not to be drawn too far into this matter for the reasons I have given, also not to trespass on the responsibilities of the Borough Council. The responsibility of the Department is to see that if the building is of sufficient importance it is listed. That has been done, and it is Grade II. As to the other responsibilities, these are, in the first case, for the London Borough of Hammersmith, and they are fully aware of the importance of this building and have made that position clear to the owners.

LORD STRABOLGI

My Lords, may I ask the Government whether they agree that this brings to light a loophole in the present legislation, and will they consider closing it? Whilst, in law, an owner is obliged not to pull a building down, there is nothing to make him look after it.

LORD SANDFORD

No, my Lords, I would not entirely agree with that. I think the North Thames Gas Board, who, strangely enough, are the owners of this building, have been made aware of their responsibilities, and I have no reason to suppose that satisfactory use will not be found for it in due course.