HC Deb 29 January 2001 vol 362 c50W
Mr. Chope

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) when the NHS appealed against non-determination of the planning application in respect of land and buildings at St. Leonard's Hospital, Dorset; for what reason the appeal has been deferred; and if he will make a statement; [147817]

(2) for how long the surplus land and buildings at St. Leonard's Hospital have been identified for disposal; and when he expects a scheme to be completed; [147816]

(3) when he will give instructions for the immediate demolition of the surplus unoccupied buildings at St. Leonard's Hospital, Dorset; and if he will make a statement. [147821]

Ms Stuart

There has been a phased re-provision of patient services from the St. Leonard's Hospital site since the late 1980s. The last patient services were relocated off the site in January 2000.

A number of unsuccessful planning applications for the site have been made over the last 10 years. The latest planning application for a special care housing development on the site was made in September 1999. East Dorset District Council failed to make a decision on this application and National Health Service Estates appealed against the non-determination of the application in April 2000.

In July 2000 the Planning Inspectorate requested that NHS Estates undertake an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the site. Work for the EIA was commenced immediately and is expected to be completed in spring this year when a date for the public inquiry will be set by the Planning Inspectorate.

It would be inappropriate to demolish the buildings until the conclusion of the planning appeal.