HC Deb 05 December 1985 vol 88 cc295-6W
Mr. Steen

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment why it has taken three years to conclude negotiations with the estate of the late Mr. King, the former lessee of the Old Battery at Dartmouth Castle, with regard to compensation; and what estimate he has made of the potential income lost as a result of the delay.

Mr. Tracey

These negotiations were complicated by the fact that there were four separate interests in the property that had to be reconciled. No estimate has been made of potential income lost during the negotiations.

Mr. Steen

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment for how long the Old Battery at Dartmouth Castle has been empty.

Mr. Tracey

Four years.

Mr. Steen

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will set out in the Official Report the use envisaged for the Old Battery at Dartmouth Castle; and what steps he is taking to see the premises are re-let at the earliest opportunity.

Mr. Tracey

The Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission plans to open the Old Battery to the public in an improved presentation of Dartmouth Castle as a whole. These plans will seek to provide better refreshment facilities and new lettings are being urgently negotiated.

Mr. Steen

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if his Department will consult Dartmouth town council about the future use of the Old Battery at Dartmouth Castle.

Mr. Tracey

The Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission will, I am informed, consult Dartmouth town council about its plans.

Mr. Steen

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what have been the factors which have resulted in the Old Battery at Dartmouth Castle being unoccupied for three years since the death of the former lessee.

Mr. Tracey

The factors were as follows: first, the late Mr. King's landlord, the South Hams district council, chose not to renew their lease from the Crown Estates Commission in 1981 and instead asked the Secretary of State who had guardianship of the monument to renegotiate a new lease between the freeholder and Mr. King.

Secondly, Mr. King died in 1981 before terms could be agreed.

Thirdly, Mr. King's estate claimed a protected tenancy facility entitling them to a renewal of the sub-lease.

Fourthly, management under guardianship was transferred from the Department of the Environment to the Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission.

Fifthly, the Commission's plans to improve presentation of the monument were delayed by protracted negotiations with Mr. King's estate on the surrender value of the sub-lease.