Gareth Thomas
MP for Harrow West · Labour (Co-op) · United Kingdom
“Local councils such as Harrow need to invest more in youth facilities that divert young people away from crime. Some of the CCTV projects in my constituency that Harrow council has turned down—in Wealdstone, south Harrow and central Harrow—should get funding.”
“I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Pendle and Clitheroe (Jonathan Hinder) on securing the debate and on the way in which he approached the subject. I join him and my hon.”
“I also want to suggest that the Metropolitan police does not get recognition across the whole of the UK for its hugely important work in tackling national and international crime, and that perhaps more recognition of that is required in the funding formula.”
“In particular, in Harrow, we recently saw enforcement teams contracted out to an organisation called Kingdom. The responsibility for that contract was with Harrow council. There was widespread criticism of the way some of the staff employed by Kingdom tried to levy fines on a number of young people in south Harrow, in my constituency.”
“One way we can further support the Metropolitan police is by allowing it to keep more of the proceeds from successful operations, such as recovering stolen funds hidden in bitcoin assets. I congratulate my hon.”
“Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has done a huge amount to try to redirect funding from other parts of his budget to minimise the impact of that cut.”
The complete record
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“10 (1) Section 86 (periodic tenancy arising on termination of fixed term) is amended as follows. (2) In subsection (1), after “secure tenancy” insert “to which this section applies”. (3) After subsection (1) insert— “(1A) This section applies to a secure tenancy of a dwelling- house in Wales. (1B) This section also applies to a secure tenancy of a dwelling- house in England that is— (a) an old-style secure tenancy, or (b) a flexible tenancy the term of which ends within the period of 9 months beginning with the day on which paragraph 4 of Schedule (Secure tenancies etc: phasing out of tenancies for life) to the Housing and Planning Act 2015 comes fully into force, unless it is a tenancy excluded by subsection (1C).” (4) In subsection (2), for “this section” substitute “subsection (1)”.”
“(4) For subsection (6) substitute— “(6) Subsection (5)(b) does not apply if— (a) the secure tenancy was for a fixed term and was an old-style secure tenancy or a flexible tenancy, or (b) the secure tenancy was for a fixed term and was a tenancy of a dwelling-house in Wales, and in such a case the demoted tenancy is a weekly periodic tenancy.” 7 After section 82 insert— “Orders for possession and expiry of term etc” 8 In section 83 (proceedings for possession or termination: general notice requirements), in subsection (A1), for paragraph (b) substitute— “(b) proceedings for possession of a dwelling-house under section 86E (recovery of possession on expiry of certain English secure tenancies).” 9 In section 84 (grounds and orders for possession), in subsection (1), for “section 107D (recovery of possession on expiry of flexible tenancy)” substitute “section 86E (recovery of possession on expiry of certain English secure tenancies)”.”
“(2) After subsection (4) insert— “(4A) The court may not make a demotion order in relation to a secure tenancy of a dwelling-house in England if— (a) the landlord is a local housing authority or housing action trust, and (b) the term has less than 1 year and 9 months left to run (4B) But subsection (4A) does not apply to a tenancy to which an exception in section 86A(2) or (3) applies.” (3) In subsection (5), for paragraph (b) substitute— “(b) the period or term of the tenancy (but see subsection (6));”.”
“(9) Regulations under this section are to be made by statutory instrument which is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.” 5 In section 82 (security of tenure), in subsection (3), for the words from “section 86” to the end substitute “section 86 or 86D shall apply”. 6 (1) Section 82A (demoted tenancy) is amended as follows.”
“(6) The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision about the procedure to be followed in connection with a review under this section. (7) The regulations may, in particular— (a) require the review to be carried out by a person of appropriate seniority who was not involved in the original decision; (b) make provision as to the circumstances in which the person who requested the review is entitled to an oral hearing, and whether and by whom that person may be represented. (8) Regulations under this section may include transitional or saving provision.”
“(2) The sole purpose of a review under this section is to consider whether the length of the tenancy is in accordance with any policy that the prospective landlord has about the length of secure tenancies it grants. (3) The request must be made before the end of— (a) the period of 21 days beginning with the day on which the person making the request first receives the offer, or (b) such longer period as the prospective landlord may allow in writing. (4) On receiving the request the prospective landlord must carry out the review. (5) On completing the review the prospective landlord must — (a) notify the tenant in writing of the outcome, (b) revise its offer or confirm its original decision about the length of the tenancy, and (c) if it decides to confirm its original decision, give reasons.”
“(2) The landlord must, within the period of 28 days, make the tenant a written offer of a secure tenancy in return for the tenant surrendering the original tenancy. (3) If the tenant accepts in writing within the period of 28 days beginning with the day on which the tenant receives the offer, the landlord must grant the secure tenancy on the tenant surrendering the original tenancy. 81D Review of decisions about length of secure tenancies in England ‘(1) A person who is offered a secure tenancy of a dwelling- house in England (under section 81C or otherwise) may request a review under this section, unless the tenancy on offer is an old-style secure tenancy.”
“(3) Other provisions of this Part set out the consequences of a tenancy being an old-style secure tenancy. (4) Regulations under subsection (1) may include transitional or saving provision. (5) Regulations under subsection (1) are to be made by statutory instrument. (6) A statutory instrument containing regulations under subsection (1) may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament. 81C Duty to offer new secure tenancy in limited circumstances ‘(1) This section applies where a change in circumstances means that a tenancy that is not a secure tenancy would become a secure tenancy but for the exception in paragraph 1ZA of Schedule 1.”
“(2) If a person purports to grant a secure tenancy in breach of subsection (1), it takes effect as a tenancy for a fixed term of 5 years. (3) This section does not apply to the grant of an old-style secure tenancy (as to which, see section 81B). 81B Cases where old-style English secure tenancies may be granted ‘(1) A person may grant an old style-secure tenancy of a dwelling-house in England only— (a) in circumstances specified in regulations made by the Secretary of State, or (b) in accordance with subsection (2). (2) A local housing authority that grants a secure tenancy of a dwelling-house in England must grant an old-style secure tenancy if— (a) the tenancy is offered as a replacement for an old-style secure tenancy of some other dwelling-house, and (b) the tenant has not made an application to move.”
“(3) In subsection (3)— (a) in the definition of “flexible tenancy”, for “107A” substitute “115B”; (b) at the appropriate place insert— ““secure tenancy” has the meaning given by section 79 of the Housing Act 1985 and “old style-secure tenancy” has the meaning given by section 115C of that Act;”. Housing Act 1985 (c. 68) 2 The Housing Act 1985 is amended as follows. 3 For the italic heading before section 79 substitute— “Secure tenancies” 4 After section 81 insert— “Grant of new secure tenancies in England 81A New English secure tenancies to be between 2 and 5 years in general ‘(1) A person may grant a secure tenancy of a dwelling-house in England only if it is a tenancy for a fixed term that is— (a) at least 2 years, and (b) no more than 5 years.”
“New Schedule 4 “Secure tenancies etc: phasing out of tenancies for life Law of Property Act 1925 (c.20) 1 (1) Section 52 of the Law of Property Act 1925 (conveyances to be by deed, unless excepted by subsection (2) of that section) is amended as follows. (2) In subsection (2), after paragraph (db) insert— “(dc) secure tenancies of dwellings in England granted on or after the day on which paragraph 4 of Schedule (Secure tenancies etc: phasing out of tenancies for life) to the Housing and Planning Act 2015 comes fully into force, other than old-style secure tenancies;”.”
“26) 26 In Schedule 6 to the Postal Services Act 2000, in paragraph 2, after sub-paragraph (2) insert— “(2A) A person may not be authorised under sub-paragraph (1) to enter and survey or value land in England and Wales in connection with a proposal to acquire an interest in or a right over land (but see section 111 of the Housing and Planning Act 2015).” Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 (c. 17) 27 In the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 omit sections 17 and 18. Localism Act 2011 (c. 20) 28 In the Localism Act 2011 omit section 210. — (Mr Marcus Jones.) See Member’s explanatory statement for NC18. Brought up, read the First and Second time, and added to the Bill.”
“57) 23 (1) Section 171 of the Water Resources Act 1991 is amended as follows. (2) In subsection (2) omit paragraph (a) (and the “or” at the end of it). (3) In subsection (4), for the words before paragraph (a) substitute “The powers conferred by this section or section 111 of the Housing and Planning Act 2015 shall not be exercised on behalf of the Agency or the NRBW in any case for purposes connected with the determination of—”. Environment Act 1995 (c. 25) 24 (1) Schedule 8 to the Environment Act 1995 is amended as follows. (2) In paragraph 1(2) omit paragraph (b). (3) In paragraph 2(3)— (a) at the end of paragraph (a) insert “and”; (b) omit paragraph (c) (and the “and” before it). Greater London Authority Act 1999 (c. 29) 25 In the Greater London Authority Act 1999 omit section 333ZD. Postal Services Act 2000 (c.”
“59) 21 In section 64 of the Land Drainage Act 1991, after subsection (1) insert— “(1A) A person may not be authorised under subsection (1)(a) or (b) to enter and survey or value land in connection with a proposal to acquire an interest in or a right over land (but see section 111 of the Housing and Planning Act 2015).” Water Industry Act 1991 (c. 56) 22 (1) Section 169 of the Water Industry Act 1991 is amended as follows. (2) In subsection (2) omit paragraph (a) (and the “or” at the end of it). (3) In subsection (4), for the words before paragraph (a) substitute “The powers conferred by this section or section 111 of the Housing and Planning Act 2015 shall not be exercised on behalf of a water undertaker in any case for purposes connected with the determination of—”. Water Resources Act 1991 (c.”
“29) 18 In Schedule 4 to the Electricity Act 1989, in paragraph 10, after sub-paragraph (1) insert— “(1A) A person may not be authorised under sub-paragraph (1) to enter and survey or value land in England and Wales in connection with a proposal to acquire an interest in or a right over land (but see section 111 of the Housing and Planning Act 2015).” Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (c. 8) 19 In section 324 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 omit subsection (6). Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 (c. 9) 20 In section 88 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 omit subsection (5). Land Drainage Act 1991 (c.”
“68) 16 In section 54 of the Housing Act 1985, after subsection (2) insert— “(3) A person may not be authorised by a local housing authority under subsection (1)(a) to enter and survey or value land in connection with a proposal to acquire an interest in or a right over land (but see section 111 of the Housing and Planning Act 2015).” Local Government and Housing Act 1989 (c. 42) 17 In section 97 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989, after subsection (1) insert— “(1A) A person may not be authorised by a local housing authority under subsection (1)(a) to enter and survey or value land in connection with a proposal to acquire an interest in or a right over land (but see section 111 of the Housing and Planning Act 2015).” Electricity Act 1989 (c.”
“(f) in any case not falling within paragraphs (a) to (d) above where the Secretary of State is considering making an order under or in pursuance of this Part of this Act— (i) authorising the compulsory purchase of land in Scotland or Northern Ireland, (ii) providing for the creation in favour of a particular person of a right in or in relation to land in Scotland or Northern Ireland, or (iii) declaring that an area of land in England and Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland shall be subject to control by directions.” (3) In subsection (3)(e), after “(1)(e)” insert “or (f)”. (4) In subsection (4)(b), after “(1)(e)” insert “or (f)”. (5) In subsection (7)(c), after “(1)(e)” insert “or (f)”. Industrial Development Act 1982 (c. 52) 15 In section 14 of the Industrial Development Act 1982 omit subsection (6). Housing Act 1985 (c.”
“(2) In subsection (1), for paragraph (e) substitute— “(e) in any case not falling within paragraphs (a) to (d) above where the Secretary of State has made an order under or in pursuance of this Part of this Act— (i) authorising the compulsory purchase of land, (ii) providing for the creation in favour of a particular person of a right in or in relation to land, or (iii) declaring that an area of land shall be subject to control by directions.”
“66) 12 In section 289 of the Highways Act 1980, after subsection (1) insert— “(1A) A person may not be authorised under subsection (1) to enter and survey or value land in connection with a proposal to acquire an interest in or a right over land (but see section 111 of the Housing and Planning Act 2015).” New Towns Act 1981 (c. 64) 13 In section 73(1) of the New Towns Act 1981 omit paragraph (b) (and the “or” before it). Civil Aviation Act 1982 (c. 16) 14 (1) Section 50 of the Civil Aviation Act 1982 is amended as follows.”
“(4) In subsection (7)— (a) for the words before paragraph (a) substitute “Where it is proposed to search or bore in pursuance of this section in a road within the meaning of Part 4 of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991—”; (b) in paragraph (a) omit “55 or”; (c) in paragraph (b) omit “69 or”; (d) in paragraph (c) omit “82 or”; (e) for the words after paragraph (c) substitute “have effect in relation to the searching or boring as if they were road works within the meaning of Part 4 of that Act.” (5) In subsection (9)— (a) for “Upper Tribunal” substitute “Lands Tribunal for Scotland”; (b) for the words from “section 4” to “costs)” substitute “sections 9(2) to (5) and 11 of the Land Compensation (Scotland) Act 1963 (procedure and expenses)”. (6) Omit subsection (13). Highways Act 1980 (c.”
“(1B) See section 111 of the Housing and Planning Act 2015 for a power to enter and survey or value land in England and Wales in connection with a proposal to acquire an interest in or a right over land.” Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980 (c. 65) 11 (1) Section 167 of the Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980 is amended as follows. (2) In the heading, after “land” insert “in Scotland”. (3) In subsection (1)— (a) in paragraph (a) after “any land” insert “in Scotland”; (b) in paragraph (b) after “other land” insert “in Scotland”.”
“46) 10 In section 43 of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979, for subsection (1) substitute— “(1) Any person authorised under this section may at any reasonable time enter any land in Scotland for the purpose of surveying it, or estimating its value, in connection with any proposal to acquire that or any other land under this Act or in connection with any claim for compensation under this Act in respect of any such acquisition. (1A) Any person authorised under this section may at any reasonable time enter any land in England and Wales or Scotland for the purpose of surveying it, or estimating its value, in connection with any claim for compensation under this Act for any damage to that or any other land.”
“56) 6 In section 11(3) of the Compulsory Purchase Act 1965 for “surveying and taking levels” substitute “surveying, valuing or taking levels”. Criminal Justice Act 1972 (c. 71) 7 In the Criminal Justice Act 1972 omit section 60. Welsh Development Agency Act 1975 (c. 70) 8 In Schedule 4 to the Welsh Development Agency Act 1975 omit paragraph 14(1). Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 (c. 57) 9 In the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 omit section 15. Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 (c.”
“30) 4 In section 21 of the Land Powers (Defence) Act 1958, after subsection (1) insert— “(1A) A person may not be authorised under subsection (1) to enter and survey or value land in England and Wales in connection with a proposal to acquire an interest in or a right over land (but see section 111 of the Housing and Planning Act 2015).” Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960 (8 & 9 Eliz 2 c. 62) 5 In section 26 of the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960, after subsection (1) insert— “(1A) A person may not be authorised under subsection (1) to enter and survey or value land in England and Wales in connection with a proposal to acquire an interest in or a right over land (but see section 111 of the Housing and Planning Act 2015).” Compulsory Purchase Act 1965 (c.”
“97) 3 (1) Section 108 of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 is amended as follows. (2) In subsection (1)(a), after “therein” insert “in relation to land in Scotland”. (3) After subsection (1) insert— “(1A) A person may not be authorised under subsection (1) to enter and survey or value land in England and Wales in connection with a proposal to acquire an interest in or a right over land (but see section 111 of the Housing and Planning Act 2015).” Land Powers (Defence) Act 1958 (6 & 7 Eliz 2 c.”
“94) 1 In section 16 of the Defence Act 1842, at the end insert— “(3) A person may not be authorised under subsection (1) to enter and survey or value land in England and Wales in connection with a proposal to acquire an interest in or a right over land (but see section 111 of the Housing and Planning Act 2015).” Coast Protection Act 1949 (12 & 13 Geo 6 c. 74) 2 In section 25 of the Coast Protection Act 1949, after subsection (1) insert— “(1A) A person may not be authorised under subsection (1) to enter and survey or value land in England and Wales in connection with a proposal to acquire an interest in or a right over land (but see section 111 of the Housing and Planning Act 2015).” National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 (12, 13 & 14 Geo 6 c.”
“(3) A direction given under this paragraph in relation to a document ceases to have effect if a direction is given under paragraph 8 in relation to that document.”” — (Mr Marcus Jones.) This new Schedule inserts a new Schedule A1 to the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 which makes detailed provision for the intervention in local plan-making by the Mayor of London or a combined authority described in NC17. Brought up, read the First and Second time, and added to the Bill. New Schedule 3 “Right to enter and survey land: consequential amendments Defence Act 1842 (5&6 Vict c.”
“Temporary direction pending possible use of intervention powers 13 (1) If the Secretary of State is considering whether to give a direction to the Mayor of London or a combined authority under paragraph 8 in relation to a development plan document, he may direct the Mayor or the authority not to take any step in connection with the adoption or approval of the document— (a) until the time (if any) specified in the direction, or (b) until the direction is withdrawn. (2) A document to which a direction under this paragraph relates has no effect while the direction is in force.”
“10 Subsections (4) to (7C) of section 20 apply to an examination held under paragraph 9(3)— (a) with the reference to the local planning authority in subsection (7C) of that section being read as a reference to the Secretary of State, and (b) with the omission of subsections (5)(c), (7)(b)(ii) and (7B)(b). 11 In the exercise of any function under paragraph 8 or 9 the Secretary of State must have regard to the local development scheme. 12 The Mayor of London or the combined authority must reimburse the Secretary of State for any expenditure incurred by the Secretary of State under paragraph 8 or 9 that is specified in a notice given by him to the Mayor or the authority.”
“The “relevant part” is the part of the document that— (a) is covered by a direction under paragraph 8(5) which refers to only part of the document, or (b) continues to be covered by a direction under paragraph 8(5) following the partial withdrawal of the direction. (6) The Secretary of State must publish the recommendations made to him by virtue of sub-paragraph (3) or (4) and the reasons of the person making the recommendations. (7) In considering a document or part of a document submitted under paragraph 8(5) the Secretary of State may take account of any matter which he thinks is relevant. (8) It is immaterial whether any such matter was taken account of by the Mayor of London or the combined authority.”
“(2) No steps are to be taken in connection with the adoption or approval of the document until the Secretary of State gives his decision, or withdraws the direction. (3) If the direction is given, and not withdrawn, before the document has been submitted for independent examination, the Secretary of State must hold an independent examination. (4) If the direction— (a) is given after the document has been submitted for independent examination but before the person appointed to carry out the examination has made his recommendations, and (b) is not withdrawn before those recommendations are made, the person must make his recommendations to the Secretary of State. (5) The document has no effect unless the document or (as the case may be) the relevant part of it has been approved by the Secretary of State, or the direction is withdrawn.”
“(6) In relation to a document or part of a document submitted to him under sub-paragraph (5) the Secretary of State— (a) may approve the document or part; (b) may approve it subject to specified modifications; (c) may reject it. The Secretary of State must give reasons for his decision under this sub-paragraph. (7) The Secretary of State may at any time— (a) after a development plan document to which this paragraph applies has been submitted for independent examination, but (b) before it is adopted under section 23 or approved under paragraph 2(4)(a) or 6(4)(a), direct the Mayor of London or the combined authority to withdraw the document. 9 (1) This paragraph applies if the Secretary of State gives a direction under paragraph 8(5).”
“(3) Where a direction is given under sub-paragraph (2)— (a) the Mayor of London or the combined authority must comply with the direction; (b) the document must not be adopted or approved unless the Secretary of State gives notice that the direction has been complied with. (4) Sub-paragraph (3) does not apply if or to the extent that the direction under sub-paragraph (2) is withdrawn by the Secretary of State. (5) At any time before a development plan document to which this paragraph applies is adopted under section 23, or approved under paragraph 2(4)(a) or 6(4)(a), the Secretary of State may direct that the document (or any part of it) is submitted to him for his approval.”
“Intervention by Secretary of State 8 (1) This paragraph applies to a development plan document that has been prepared or revised— (a) under paragraph 1 by the Mayor of London, or (b) under paragraph 5 by a combined authority. (2) If the Secretary of State thinks that a development plan document to which this paragraph applies is unsatisfactory— (a) he may at any time before the document is adopted under section 23, or approved under paragraph 2(4)(a) or 6(4)(a), direct the Mayor of London or the combined authority to modify the document in accordance with the direction; (b) if he gives such a direction he must state his reasons for doing so.”
“7 (1) Subsections (4) to (7C) of section 20 apply to an examination held under paragraph 6(2)— (a) with the reference to the local planning authority in subsection (7C) of that section being read as a reference to the combined authority, and (b) with the omission of subsections (5)(c), (7)(b)(ii) and (7B)(b). (2) The combined authority must give reasons for anything they do in pursuance of paragraph 5 or 6(4). (3) The constituent planning authority must reimburse the combined authority— (a) for any expenditure that the combined authority incur in connection with anything which is done by them under paragraph 5 and which the constituent planning authority failed or omitted to do as mentioned in that paragraph; (b) for any expenditure that the combined authority incur in connection with anything which is done by them under paragraph 6(2).”
“(3) The combined authority— (a) must publish the recommendations and reasons of the person appointed to hold the examination, and (b) may also give directions to the constituent planning authority in relation to publication of those recommendations and reasons. (4) The combined authority may— (a) approve the document, or approve it subject to specified modifications, as a local development document, or (b) direct the constituent planning authority to consider adopting the document by resolution of the authority as a local development document.”
“5 If the Secretary of State— (a) thinks that a constituent planning authority are failing or omitting to do anything it is necessary for them to do in connection with the preparation, revision or adoption of a development plan document, and (b) invites the combined authority to prepare or revise the document, the combined authority may prepare or revise (as the case may be) the development plan document 6 (1) This paragraph applies where a development plan document is prepared or revised by a combined authority under paragraph 5. (2) The combined authority must hold an independent examination.”
“Default powers exercisable by combined authority 4 In this Schedule— “combined authority” means a combined authority established under section 103 of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009; “constituent planning authority”, in relation to a combined authority, means— (a) a county council, metropolitan district council or non-metropolitan district council which is the local planning authority for an area within the area of the combined authority, or (b) a joint committee established under section 29 whose area is within, or the same as, the area of the combined authority.”
“3 (1) Subsections (4) to (7C) of section 20 apply to an examination held under paragraph 2(2)— (a) with the reference to the local planning authority in subsection (7C) of that section being read as a reference to the Mayor of London, and (b) with the omission of subsections (5)(c), (7)(b)(ii) and (7B)(b). (2) The Mayor of London must give reasons for anything he does in pursuance of paragraph 1 or 2(4). (3) The council must reimburse the Mayor of London— (a) for any expenditure that the Mayor incurs in connection with anything which is done by him under paragraph 1 and which the council failed or omitted to do as mentioned in that paragraph; (b) for any expenditure that the Mayor incurs in connection with anything which is done by him under paragraph 2(2).”
“2 (1) This paragraph applies where a development plan document is prepared or revised by the Mayor of London under paragraph 1. (2) The Mayor of London must hold an independent examination. (3) The Mayor of London— (a) must publish the recommendations and reasons of the person appointed to hold the examination, and (b) may also give directions to the council in relation to publication of those recommendations and reasons. (4) The Mayor of London may— (a) approve the document, or approve it subject to specified modifications, as a local development document, or (b) direct the council to consider adopting the document by resolution of the council as a local development document.”
“I will not press it to a vote. I beg to ask leave to withdraw the motion. Clause, by leave, withdrawn. New Schedule 2 Default powers exercisable by Mayor of London or combined authority: Schedule to be inserted in the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 “SCHEDULE A1 Section 27A Default powers exercisable by Mayor of London or combined authority Default powers exercisable by Mayor of London 1 If the Secretary of State— (a) thinks that a London borough council, in their capacity as local planning authority, are failing or omitting to do anything it is necessary for them to do in connection with the preparation, revision or adoption of a development plan document, and (b) invites the Mayor of London to prepare or revise the document, the Mayor of London may prepare or revise (as the case may be) the development plan document.”
“It is always important to debate new provisions. In that spirit, I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for giving way. I think of the proposal to redevelop the College Road site in my constituency. The bottom area, in which a new square is proposed to attract high-end restaurants and so on, is very popular, but the height of the overall development, at 20-plus storeys, is not popular. Might that development benefit from his amendment, or would it not be covered?”
“It is the height that worries residents. If the hon. Gentleman’s proposal for Wimbledon were to allow an inspector to vary something like the height of a development, I am sure his amendment would be of considerable interest to my constituents. I, too, look to the Minister with great interest to see whether his hon. Friend has managed to persuade him.”
“Very briefly, and following up the hon. Gentleman’s request for more information, I wish to talk about the planned development on the College Road site in Harrow West, which may or may not be covered by the amendment. The proposed development is in the centre of the shopping area in my constituency, so it is well known to most of my constituents. Many of them will be concerned about its height—potentially 20-plus storeys high, it might block out the iconic St Mary’s church in Harrow on the Hill. If there was some way in which residents, or the inspector on behalf of residents, could intervene to express a view on the height, the other parts of the proposed development at ground level, which will refresh and improve a part of Harrow town centre that has been blighted by lack of development for some time, would be popular.”
“I want to support the hon. Gentleman as a fellow London MP, but I think it would help him to gain the Committee’s support if he could give us some examples of where the problem he describes has been enough to stop development going ahead. I do not want to cause him trouble or difficulty, but I want to see how serious the problem is.”
“One thinks at the moment of the flooding that is taking place in many parts of the country. From time to time, there will be applications to build on a floodplain. Would my hon. Friend’s amendment potentially give a developer an indication of what might be acceptable to be built on a site that is in a floodplain, bearing in mind the potential risk to exacerbate flooding down the line?”
“When my hon. Friend found the Minister’s policy statement, did she by any chance find attached to it the operational document that the National Housing Federation and the Government were apparently going to publish on how voluntary right to buy will work?”
“I think of a small industrial estate in Keswick which houses a number of business and, indeed, a small museum, which might in future be a development site. However, it is close to the River Greta, which has once again flooded, despite some flood alleviation measures put in place since the last time it flooded. With amendment 284 in place, Sir James—”
“If the requirements in amendment 284 had been on the statute book 10 years ago, that developer might not have rushed quite so quickly to buy the site, or, if it had bought the site, would at least have had some sense of the community’s expectations of what might be appropriate on that site. In that sense, I think it is a helpful amendment. I come to the example of flooding I gave in an intervention on my hon. Friend the Member for Dulwich and West Norwood. I think in particular of a site in Keswick in the Lake district, which has been subject to particularly heavy flooding. I am sure the whole Committee sends its support to the people of Keswick, who have been so badly affected by flooding.”
“Amendment 284 would help to control—a little—the cost of land for development by setting out clearly the expectations of the community in its broader senses for a particular spot of land. I raised in interventions the example of the College Road site in Harrow town centre; it is the site of the former post office, which has lain empty and earmarked in theory for development for 10 years and more. Part of the reason for the failure to develop that site is that the purchasers bought it when land values in Harrow were at their highest, they had unrealistic expectations of the value they might extract from the site, and as a result they finally had to sell the site off.”