§ 14. Mr. McKayasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether he is aware of local concern about the proposal of Northumberland County Council, which has been submitted to him, to demolish residential and commercial property in High Street, Gosforth, with a residual life of 50 years; whether compensation will be based on the market value of the property before the plan was published; and whether, in view of the expense of carrying out the proposal and the recent depreciation in the value of the property, he will make a personal visit to the area in company with local councillors and representatives of the residents' association.
§ Sir K. JosephI know of this case but it is still being discussed locally and has not yet been submitted to me. If it is, there will be an opportunity for objections to be heard at a public inquiry before any decision is reached.
If the plan goes ahead and land is purchased compulsorily for it, compensation under existing legislation is based on current market values unaffected by any depreciation attributable to the knowledge that compulsory powers were likely to be used.
I have no immediate plans to visit this area.