HL Deb 08 July 1999 vol 603 cc118-20WA
Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What are the terms of the lease between the Crown Services Agency and the tenant of Pembroke Lodge in Richmond Park governing the maintenance and use of Pembroke Lodge; and [HL3404]

What are the safeguards to ensure that traffic through Richmond Park is regulated so as to protect the wildlife in the Park and its character as an area of special scientific interest; and [HL3405]

What restrictions are imposed on public access to Pembroke Lodge, Richmond Park, by reason of the leasing arrangement with a private individual; and [HL3406]

What are the safeguards to protect wildlife in Richmond Park against the effects of night traffic attending private functions at Pembroke Lodge. [HL3407]

Lord McIntosh of Haringey

Responsibility for the subject of these questions has been delegated to the Royal Parks Agency under its Chief Executive, Mr. David Welch. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

Letter to Lord Kennet from the Head of Policy of the Royal Parks Agency, Ms Viviane Robertson, dated 8 July 1999.

In the absence of the Chief Executive, David Welch, I have been asked by the Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport to reply to your parliamentary Questions about the Royal Parks Agency's arrangements for Pembroke Lodge and about traffic in Richmond Park. These are operational matters which are the responsibility of the Royal Parks Agency.

The tenant of Pembroke Lodge is required to submit a planning application to refurbish and repair Pembroke Lodge. Following detailed negotiations with English Heritage and Richmond planners, planning and listed building consent was granted on 12 November 1998. Demolition has already commenced and building work in connection with this consent will commence shortly.

The lease, which runs until 31 March 2026, requires the tenant to put and keep the premises in good and substantial repair and condition and permits the premises to be used for restaurant, conference, functions, exhibition, seminar, craft workshop or residential purposes.

The agency is looking at all aspects of traffic in the park and drawing up a strategy to deal with it based on the results of a survey carried out last summer into the origin and destination of traffic using Richmond Park. We will consult interested parties before making any final decisions, and any measures we introduce will need to meet the requirements of all park users.

Pembroke Lodge is open to the public every day of the week, except Christmas Day. As a temporary measure until completion of the works, the tenant is permitted to close the building early on certain days for functions, provided he makes alternative catering arrangements within the gardens. The garden of Pembroke Lodge remains open to the public while work is in progress on the building.

There are strict safeguards to restrict access to Pembroke Lodge in Richmond Park after dark. To prevent unauthorised evening access, barriers have been erected at both Richmond Gate and at Pembroke Lodge, the design of which has been approved by the park manager. These are manned by staff employed by the tenant and only customers who appear on a guest list are allowed into the park to attend pre-booked functions at Pembroke Lodge after the park has closed.