§ Miss HoeyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) for what reasons the plan to construct a divisional headquarters in Grafton square, Vauxhall, was not proceeded with; [8329]
(2) what plans the Metropolitan police have (a) to relocate and (b) to provide adequate modern accommodation on their present site for Vauxhall police division; [8330]
(3) what consultation has taken place within the borough of Lambeth regarding the proposed use of Grafton square as a criminal justice facility. [8331]
§ Mr. MacleanI understand from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that a strategic review of the provision of police accommodation in Lambeth, particularly in Clapham and Streatham, indicated that to continue with plans for a divisional headquarters in Clapham would not represent the best use of public funds. 267W He considers a criminal justice facility would provide greater benefit to the area. The new criminal justice facility will free much-needed space in the other police stations within the borough of Lambeth, enabling local police managers to make better use of existing police buildings. I understand that Metropolitan police architects consulted the senior planning practitioner for the London borough of Lambeth. The plans were discussed at a meeting of the Clapham sector working group and details of the drawings and proposals were sent to three local councillors. A deputy assistant commissioner from the Metropolitan police also addressed a public meeting. The Commissioner tells me that the Metropolitan police have delayed their planning application to allow more time for residents to consider the proposals.