HL Deb 04 December 1980 vol 415 cc578-80WA
Lord Melchett

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Why the Department of Transport has published no alterative route to their proposal to put a new dual carriageway section of the A.34 through High-clere Park, Hampshire, in view of the fact that the park is based on a medieval park and owes its present beauty to the work of Capability Brown, and in particular why the department has not published the alternative route recommended by the Landscape Advisory Committee in 1978.

The Earl of Avon

Following a site inspection of possible routes for the improvement of the A.34 trunk road at Whitway in north Hampshire in March 1978, the Landscape Advisory Committee recommended that a route to the east of the A.34 and a route to the west should both be pursued, but expressed a preference for the latter, which passes through the eastern edge of Highclere Park. In November 1979 the Department of Transport consulted the public about this route. Although no alternatives were offered for comment, the department's published statement explained that an alternative to the east of the A.34 had been considered and rejected, because it would be more damaging to the environment of the community of Whitway and to local agriculture, would sever Whitway from neighbouring Burghclere and would be more expensive to construct. There was little response to the consultation but the replies received indicated general support for the route through the park. It was of course open to anyone to suggest an alternative route but no one did so at that stage. The way, therefore, seemed clear for my right honourable friend the Minister of Transport to proceed with the formal publication of his proposals under the Highways Acts and that was done in July this year. There have since been objections and they will be considered before the matter is taken any further.

Lord Melchett

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the current position over the Department of Transport's proposed new dual carriageway section of the A.34 through Highclere Park, Hampshire, and whether they will hold a public inquiry into the proposal.

The Earl of Avon

My right honourable friend the Minister of Transport published his proposals for the Whitway Diversion of the A.34 trunk road in July this year. A number of objections, including suggestions for alternative routes, have been received. There have also been representations in support of the published route. My right honourable friends the Minister of Transport and the Secretary of State for the Environment are considering the next steps, which could include a public local inquiry, and will make an announcement as soon as possible.

Lord Melchett

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they were aware of the Department of Transport's proposal to put a new dual carriageway section of the A.34 within yards of the Ionic Temple, remodelled by Sir Charles Barry in 1838 and situated in Highclere Park, Hampshire, when the Historic Buildings Council made a grant of almost £20,000 to repair the Temple, and whether they were aware of this proposal when the decision was taken to open the area around the Temple to the public as a country park.

The Earl of Avon

The Department of the Environment was aware of proposals for improving the A.34 when the question of a grant towards the cost of repairing the Temple came before the Historic Buildings Council in 1979. The proposed new route for the A.34 should not damage it physically, nor interfere with views of it from the park.

The decision to open to the public the area surrounding the building rested with the owners.