HL Deb 09 June 1964 vol 258 cc774-5

2.38 p.m.

LORD CONESFORD

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 whether an application has been made for permission to erect high buildings over railway property near Kensington High Street Station; whether the development would give rise to a considerable volume of traffic; what provision for such traffic would be made and what would be the means of access from the east; and whether they can give an assurance that permission for the development will not be granted, unless the Minister of Housing and Local Government is satisfied that the development and consequential traffic will not injure the existing amenities of any residential area.]

LORD HASTINGS

My Lords, I understand that an application has been made to the London County Council for permission to develop the site around Kensington High Street Underground Station. The development proposed includes shops, flats, garages and a new station, and provides for some high buildings. How much traffic would be generated by the proposed development, and whether it could be adequately dealt with, are no doubt matters to which the London County Council will give special attention in considering the application.

I cannot comment on the merits of the application at this stage, but my right honourable friend the Minister has asked the Council to consult him if they wish to grant permission.

LORD CONESFORD

My Lords, may I thank my noble friend for that Answer, and ask him this further question? Is he aware that it is widely feared in Kensington that this development would give rise to a volume of traffic that would destroy the amenities of areas in which it is still pleasant to live? Do I gather correctly from his Answer that he and his Minister agree that it should be a principal object of town planners to avoid such a result?

LORD HASTINGS

That is so, in principle, my Lords; but I cannot, of course, comment on the detailed application of that principle to the present case.