§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is his policy on the protection of residents in conservation areas for which planning consent has been refused and who are faced with eviction by prospective developers, with particular reference to the case of Holt's Field, near Swansea; and if he will make a statement. [40147]
§ Mr. HagueControl of demolition within a conservation area is provided by the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. There are no powers under the Act to give protection to residents who are faced with a court order for their eviction. Eviction of the residents of Holt's Field is a matter between the owner of the land and the residents and is ultimately one for the courts to decide. It is not an issue in which I can intervene. Under legislation contained in part III of the Housing Act 1985, a local authority has a duty to secure accommodation for all households accepted as unintentionally homeless, or threatened with homelessness, and in priority need of accommodation.