HC Deb 27 October 1997 vol 299 cc720-1W
Mr. Edward Davey

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to review the maximum length of tenancy a court may grant to a sports club under the terms of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954. [12704]

Mr. Raynsford

The Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 enables courts to order the renewal of business tenancies—including sports club tenancies—for a maximum of 14 years. The Law Commission has recommended increasing this to 15 years. Other than considering this recommendation, we have no plans to review the maximum length of tenancy courts may grant when considering applications for renewals of leases under the 1954 Act.

I know there is concern over the circumstances in which landlords may be able to frustrate applications by sports clubs for the renewal of their leases. We are considering this point.