§ Sir Terence HigginsTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 28 February,Official Report, columns 562–63, why he maintains that those on the proposed route for the A27 who have to sell their property because of urgent personal problems can do so at a market price.
§ Mr. KeyOwner-occupiers of property which would be physically affected by the proposals for the A27 at Worthing can ask the Department to purchase them under the statutory blight provisions. Those whose property would not be physically affected by the proposals, but whose enjoyment of their property would be seriously affected by them, can apply to the Department for purchase under the Secretary of State's discretionary powers. These are exercisable in cases where there is a recognised urgent need to move. In both cases, property which is accepted for purchase would be bought at the full market value calculated as if the scheme had never been proposed.
§ Sir Terence HigginsTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 28 February,Official Report, columns 562–63, why he is attempting to sell now rather than wait for the outcome of the public inquiry.
§ Mr. KeyThe Department is obliged to sell surplus property and, with advice from the district valuer, may do so throughout the planning and development stages of any scheme. At Worthing a small number of properties are being offered for sale which would not be affected by the published proposals or by any alternative route proposed at the current public inquiry.