HC Deb 12 December 1974 vol 883 cc247-8W
Mr. Richard Wainwright

asked the Secretary of Sstate for the Environment how many houses in conservation areas have been demolished in each year since 1970; and if he will express these figures as a percentage of the total number of houses in conservation areas in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Oakes

This information is not available to my Department.

Mr. Richard Wainwright

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what criteria he applies when considering the holding of an inquiry into the proposed demolition of sections of conservation areas by local authorities.

Mr. Oakes

As the general control of the demolition of unlisted buildings in conservation areas was not introduced until the Town and Country Amenities Act 1974 came into effect in August 1974, no inquiries into proposed demolition under that Act have yet been held. Since circumstances are bound to vary from one part of the country to another, it is not possible to set out criteria which will invariably have general application. However, the importance of the conservation area, the value to the area of the buildings to be demolished and the weight of public objection are likely to be relevant.