§ Mr. Stanleyasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what steps he will take to safeguard racecourse land against building development where such development would mean loss of valuable open space, recreational facilities and general amenity.
§ Mr. CrossmanMy Department wrote this autumn to the planning authorities in a number of areas where this question could be relevant, reminding them of the important implications that any use of a large open space such as a racecourse can have for the planning and amenity of its 159W locality. The letter went on to ask that they should refer to me any proposals they are minded to approve involving development of all or part of their local course for non-racing purposes.
The letter was sent to the following authorities:
- Northumberland—in respect of the Newcastle course.
- North Riding—in respect of the Redcar course.
- Surrey and Greater London Council—in respect of the Kempton and Sandown courses.
- Lancashire—in respect of the Haydock and Liverpool courses.
- Leicestershire—in respect of the Leicester course.
- Berkshire—in respect of the Newbury course. Wolverhampton—in respect of the Wolverhampton course.
I am pleased to say that each of the authorities has confirmed that it would do as I asked, and I regard this as a valuable step towards preserving suitable racecourse land as open space.