§ 33. Mr. K. Robinsonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Crown Estate Commissioners have communicated to him their plans for the redevelopment of Carlton Gardens, S.W.I; and the nature of the proposals.
Mr. AmoryThe Crown Estate Commissioners have informed me that they are considering a scheme for redevelopment on the sites of Nos. 5, 6 and 7, Carlton Gardens by the erection of a new building to contain offices and flats.
§ Mr. RobinsonWhy is it that a redevelopment in London always seems to involve the demolition of our most attractive buildings? These buildings are part of Nash's great scheme, much of which has already disappeared. Will the right hon. Gentleman use his influence with the Commissioners, who have already shown themselves sensitive to public opinion about the Regent's Park Terraces, to get them to think again?
Mr. AmoryI agree generally with what the hon. Gentleman has said, but these buildings are not on the list of those which would have been scheduled as being of historic or architectural interest had they not been Crown property. Other buildings in the vicinity are on the list, but not these particular ones.
The drawings of the redevelopment are being submitted to the Fine Art Commission and, after that, to the London County Council as planning authority. The Crown Estate trustees will not take any action until they receive reports from both those bodies.