§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 22 April 2004,Official Report, column 662W on land releases (Hampshire), if he will make a statement on the consultation process that will follow announcements about land disposals. [170468]
§ Mr. CaplinIn Hampshire, as elsewhere, as soon as an opportunity to rationalise the estate emerges, we begin the consultation process with all concerned, including staff and local authorities, to inform identification of options (including alternative defence uses) and to ensure that all relevant factors, including sustainability issues, are taken into account when decisions are made.
In recognition of the high concentration of defence sites in the County, Defence Estates hold twice-yearly liaison meetings involving all the local authorities in Hampshire to discuss all relevant issues. The last meeting was on 18 March 2004.
In the case of disposals, it is our usual policy to work within the planning process led by local authorities. In addition all disposal sites are now put on the Register of Surplus Public Sector Assets, operated by English Partnerships, for 40 working days. Former owner and pre-emption rights are, of course, taken into account where appropriate. Sites are usually sold on the open market with the benefit of planning permission, and this will involve discussion with local planning authorities in regard to local or unitary plans, alternative uses that might be permitted and the views of the community. Listed and environmentally sensitive sites are dealt with under specific guidelines.