HC Deb 28 November 1989 vol 162 cc157-8W
Mr. Campbell-Savours

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what access to Westminster hospital will be affected by proposals by the Property Services Agency to carry out development at Page street, London SW1;

(2) what correspondence he has received from Lord St. John of Fawsley on behalf of the Royal Fine Art Commission in relation to the proposed Property Services Agency development at Page street, London SW1;

(3) what objections he received from English Heritage in the case of the Property Services Agency's proposals for development at Page street, London SW1; and if he will make a statement;

(4) what recommendations he received from English Heritage in the case of Berkely House's proposals for development at Thames house, Page street, London SW1;

(5) what representations the Government have received as to its proposed development by the Property Services Agency at Page street, London SW1;

(6) whether he has received objections to the proposed development by the Property Services Agency at Page street, London SW1 from the Westminster Society; and if he will make a statement;

(7) whether the Property Services Agency intends to apply for planning permission for the proposed development at Thames house, Page street, London SW1;

(8) which Government Departments will occupy Thames house following upon the proposed works by the Property Services Agency;

(9) why he waived listed building requirements in the case of the proposed development by the Property Services Agency at Page street, SW1.

Mr. Moynihan

The proposals by the Property Services Agency to carry out works to refurbish Thames house were considered by Westminster city council under the procedure for development by the Crown set out in DOE circular 18/84—"Crow n Land and Crown Development". Listed building requirements were not waived.

The views of English Heritage were given to the local planning authority and to the Property Services Agency during consideration of the proposals. Local residents' associations were consulted by the local planning authority and any representations made by them were taken into account. The agency is discussing the proposals with the secretary of the Royal Fine Art Commission and will take account of any comments to be made by the commission. The development will not affect access to Westminster hospital. The local planning authority raised no objections to the proposals. Arrangements have not been finalised as to which Departments should be accommodated in the building. There were no recommendations from English Heritage in the case of Berkely House's proposals.