§ 80. Sir A. FELLasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture if the Government is considering proposals for the rebuilding of any portions of Regent Street or the Quadrant; if so, if the strictest limits 446 are to be placed upon the height of the buildings to be erected so that the present sky line or height is not altered, and the whole street damaged for the benefit or gain of any particular premises; and if the height of the present buildings is as high as the breadth of the street will permit without serious damage to the light and air of this street?
Sir A. BOSCAWENI have been asked to answer this, question as the Crown property in Regent Street, including the Quadrant, is in charge of the Commissioners of Woods. Many of the houses have already been rebuilt, and agreements have been entered into, or are under consideration, for the rebuilding of others. The highest will be well under the limit prescribed by the London Building Acts and the effect may be judged by the new buildings already erected. The Commissioners do not consider that the old buildings are as high as the breadth of the street will permit without serious damage to the light and air of the street. They would prefer the buildings to be kept low, but are advised that it would be impossible to satisfy the business requirements of tenants and to obtain the full ground rents which the property is worth without allowing rebuilding to be carried to the height of the new buildings. As regards the Quadrant the question of height was specially considered by a committee of eminent architects who unanimously advised that the height must be regulated so as to conform exactly with that of the recently erected Piccadilly Hotel.
§ Sir A. FELLWill the House have an opportunity of discussing the matter, and seeing the proposed plans, before we are committed to any rebuilding scheme in Regent Street?