HC Deb 20 January 1984 vol 52 cc358-9W
Mr. Body

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will give the reasons for the delay in making his decision as to whether Nos. 19 to 21 Fleet street, Holbeach, Lincolnshire, shall be demolished, the departmental reference number of the application being EMP/5313/270/44.

Mr. Macfarlane

Nos. 19 to 21 Fleet street, Holbeach are listed as buildings of special architectural or historic interest grade II, and consent to demolish listed buildings is not given lightly. In order to enable my right hon. Friend to consider whether or not to intervene and decide the application himself following a public local inquiry, it has been necessary to seek professional architectural advice, and a surveyor's report on the structural condition of the buildings. My right hon. Friend will, of course, notify the local planning authority of his decision as soon as possible.