§ Mr. Pavittasked the Minister of Works (1) why he permitted the erection of a 2-storey office block on the Stag Brewery site, Victoria, overlooking Buckingham Palace;
(2) what were his reasons for vetoing a high density housing scheme within half a mile of Holyrood Palace.
§ Lord John HopeI have myself no powers either to permit or to veto these schemes. The appropriate planning 199W authority is statutorily required to consult with me on any proposed development within half a mile of a Royal Palace or Park, so that it may take my views into account in determining the application. I accepted the height of the Victoria development in the interests of the architectural treatment of the area. With regard to the Edinburgh housing scheme, I considered that, as then planned, it would dominate and spoil the view from Holyrood Park which is one of the most beautiful in Scotland. I understand that a revised scheme is being considered.