PARK LANGLEY ESTATE, WEST WICKHAM.

HC Deb 26 February 1930 vol 235 cc2284-5W

Mr. SMITHERS

asked the Minister of Health if steps were taken to ascertain whether the Bromley Rural District Council, before suggesting a shopping zone on the Park Langley Estate, West Wickham, gave consideration to the needs of the district; and what district was considered as requiring the erection of shops on this estate?

Mr. GREENWOOD

I have no reason to think that the Bromley Rural District Council did not consider the needs of the district before agreeing to a shopping zone on the estate. I would remind the hon. Member that the legitimate claims of the estate owner must also be considered in deciding the extent to which town planning powers are used to prevent development which is otherwise lawful.

Mr. SMITHERS

asked the Minister of Health whether his Department has ever suggested that the whole, or part, of the Park Langley Estate, West Wickham, originally scheduled for six houses to the acre, should be scheduled under the Town Planning Act for a density of 12 houses to the acre; and, if so, when and to whom the suggestion was made?

Mr. GREENWOOD

The answer to the question is in the negative. Objection was raised to the proposed density of six at the public inquiry into the preliminary statement. I am informed that the rural district council have now agreed with the estate owners, after comprehensive negotiations, for the development of parts of the estate at six, eight and 12 to the acre, respectively.

Mr. SMITHERS

asked the Minister of Health whether his Department wrote in January, 1928, asking the Bromley Rural District Council to consider a proposal for a new through road or suitable modifications of it; whether the council was asked to consult interested owners and to furnish his Department with any representations by such owners; and what reply the council made as regards interested owners on the Park Langley Estate, West Wickham?

Mr. GREENWOOD

The answer to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the last part of the question, I am informed by the council that they succeeded after considerable negotiation in persuading the estate owners to vary their plans to allow for a modified line of the suggested road.