HC Deb 17 July 1956 vol 556 cc1031-2
43. Mr. E. Fletcher

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what representations he received prior to the demolition of the Abel Collin's Almshouses, Nottingham; and on what grounds he declined to make a building preservation order under the Ancient Monuments and Historic Buildings Act.

Mr. Powell

The Nottingham Corporation made strong representations supporting the proposal of the trustees of the charity concerned to demolish these almshouses. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the letter to the corporation which sets out the grounds on which my right hon. Friend decided not to make a building preservation order under the Town and Country Planning Act, 1947. He has since received representations from the Georgian Group and from local architects expressing regret at this decision.

Mr. Fletcher

Is it correct that the advisory committee advised against that decision? With such a conflict of views, is it not desirable that there should be a public inquiry before any decision is taken?

Mr. Powell

There was no conflict of opinion amongst those primarily concerned in the future of these almshouses. I do not think it would be proper for my right hon. Friend to disclose the advice he took on this matter, but he fully informed himself of all the aspects.

Lieut.-Colonel Cordeaux

I appreciate the interest rightly taken in these beautiful and historic almshouses by people even so far distant as Islington, but may I ask whether my right hon. Friend realises that these old buildings are now quite unsuited for their present purpose but that nevertheless they occupy one of the richest building sites in Nottingham—[HON. MEMBERS: "Ah."]—and that by their sale the trustees will be enabled to perform what is their overriding duty of providing the maximum number of homes for the old people of Nottingham? Does he also realise that, were the corporation to take over these almshouses, the ratepayers of Nottingham would have to find some £50,000 in compensation for the trustees?

Mr. Powell

My hon. and gallant Friend has correctly and fully stated many of the factors determining the decision.

Mr. J. Harrison

What reasons were given by the Nottingham Corporation when urging the demolition of these premises?

Mr. Powell

I do not think I can do better than refer the hon. Gentleman to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Nottingham, Central (Lieut.-Colonel Cordeaux).