HC Deb 31 May 1945 vol 411 cc382-3W
Mr. Viant

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the L.C.C. has been making arrangements for the development of a 153-acre housing site at Headstone Lane, near Pinner; what price has been paid for this land and what was its previous rateable value; what area was occupied by buildings and what has been their rateable value.

Mr. Willink

Yes, Sir. The price paid for the land was £125,000. Apart from one acre occupied by buildings of rateable value £875 the land was agricultural and derated.

Mr. Viant

asked the Minister of Health if the Tonbridge Rural Council has been successful in its negotiation for the acquisition of any or all of the following housing sites: Ashurst Road, Ashurst, 0.50 acres; The Green, part of Tatty's Farm, Maidstone Road, Matfield, 2.175 acres; Carpenter's Lane, Hadlow, 2.5 acres; Furnace Lane and Gibbett Lane, Horsmonden, 4.46 acres; and Furnace Lane, Lamberhurst, 3 acres; what price has been agreed upon in each case and what was the previous rateable value of the land.

Mr. Willink

Negotiations are still in progress for the acquisition of the sites at:—

Ashurst Road, Ashurst—.629 acres.

The Green, Matfield (part of Tattys Farm)—2.382 acres.

Carpenters Lane, Hadlow—2.635 acres.

Furnace Lane, Lamberhurst—2.716 acres.

The Council are not proceeding with the acquisition of the site at Furnace Lane and Gibbett Lane, Horsmonden (4.46 acres).

Mr. Viant

asked the Minister of Health whether he has given his approval to the purchase by the Tonbridge Rural Council of the following sites: Ringden Meadow, Paddock Wood, 14.52 acres; Crockhurst Street, Tudeley, 1 acre; Mount Pleasant, Hildenborough, 2 acres; Riding Lane, Hildenborough, 0.92 acres; High Street, Bidborough, 1.50 acres; and if he will state the price proposed and the previous rateable value in those cases where acquisition is taking place.

Mr. Willink

I have approved the acquisition of the following sites which have been purchased at the prices mentioned—Ringden Meadow, Paddock Wood, 14.339 acres at £2,300; Mount Pleasant, Hildenborough, 2.2 acres at £1,275. The land was agricultural and therefore derated. The Council are not proceeding with the purchase of the other two sites referred to in the Question.