§ Mr. Aitkenasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received concerning future redevelopment plans for the London Pavilion theatre; whether he will call in the planning application now before Westminster council and hold a public inquiry; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ShoreI have received a number of representations from hon. Members, and others interested in the live theatre, to call in the planning application to rehabilitate and extend the London Pavilion which is at present before Westminster city council. Most of the representations have been about the effect of the proposed development on the possible future use of the Pavilion as a theatre.
I have given this matter very careful consideration in the light of these representations 28W and of the many planning difficulties that have affected Piccadilly Circus over the past 20 years or so. I have borne in mind the consequences of further delay in the redevelopment and rehabilitation process, the social and environmental effects of any development in this area and the need for buildings erected in Piccadilly Circus—and the use to which they are put—to enhance the character of this important and prominent area as an entertainment and shopping centre.
After taking into account these and other considerations I have concluded that the issues raised by the proposals at present before Westminster city council do not warrant my intervention. I am confident that the council, as local planning authority, will be able to give adequate consideration to those issues and to the various representations which have been made on the merits of the proposals without there being any need for a local inquiry. I do not therefore propose to call in the planning application for my decision. I am unable to comment on the merits of the planning application in case it should come before me on appeal.
However, I have today written to Westminster city council and the Greater London Council expressing my concern that whatever the outcome of the planning application they should do all that they can, for example through their letting policies, terms of leases, licensing of premises etc., to ensure that the reputation of the area which has in recent years been increasingly sullied by the association with drug addicts, vice and squalor, is improved.