§ Mrs. Lena Jegerasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what proposals he has received for the development of the Covent Garden site: and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Graham PageThe Greater London Council has submitted proposals for amending the Initial Development Plan for Greater London by defining about 96 acres of land at Covent Garden as a comprehensive development area. The proposals include a new principal traffic road broadly on the line of Maiden Lane and other alterations to the road pattern; a new open space in the centre of the area; an international conference centre; an extension of the Royal Opera House and a sports centre. Shopping, entertainment, cultural and hotel facilities would also be provided. The explanatory274W statement adds that it is intended to increase the total residential population from the present 2,500 to about 6,000. I have received 87 objections to the Greater London Council's proposals and a local inquiry is being arranged. Details of this will be announced shortly.