§ Mr. LoveTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when the London Borough of Enfield will receive compensation for the loss of a cedar tree in Pymmes Park as part of the compulsory purchase relating to the A406; what steps he will take to ensure that the Highways Agency pays compensation; and if he will make a statement. [100821]
§ Mr. HillCompensation negotiations between the District Valuer, acting for the Highway's Agency and the London Borough of Enfield are continuing. The Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Mr. Peter Nutt, will write to my hon. Friend with further details.
544WLetter from Richard Thorndike to Mr. Andrew Love, dated 8 December 1999:
The Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Keith Hill, has asked me to write in response to your recent written Parliament Question about compensation being claimed by the London Borough of Enfield for the loss of a mature cedar tree in Pymmes Park, as a result of works to improve the A406 North Circular Road. I am replying in the absence of Peter Nutt, the Chief Executive.Although the tree was located very close to the highway construction area, it was intended to carry out the road works without disturbing it. Once construction started, however, because of the tree's extensive root system, it was found that it would be seriously affected. Ways of saving the tree including moving it, at an estimated cost of £100,000 were considered but none were found to be practicable. The Agency concluded that the only option was for it to be cut down. Meetings between the Agency, the District Valuer and the Council to discuss the provision of replacement trees, wider landscape proposals for Pymmes Park and compensation matters have taken place and are set to continue. The final settlement of any compensation due will depend on the outcome of these negotiations. In the event that agreement on compensation cannot be reached the Lands Tribunal is available to make an independent determination.As part of the overall arrangements to offset disturbance, the Agency has provided exchange land at the former Willoughby Gas Works, as replacement for public open space land taken from Pymmes Park for the A406 works.