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RAF Bentley Priory

Answer

Studies within the Ministry of Defence have concluded that there is no current defence requirement for retaining Bentley Priory and therefore the Department is considering options for its disposal. This work is being taken forward through Project MoDEL, which aims to consolidate the defence estate in Greater London to ensure that it is the right size and quality to support our future operational outputs and to improve working and living conditions for current and future generations of service personnel in London. The MOD is in the process of selecting an industry partner to take the project forward.The MOD is well aware of the unique historical importance of RAF Bentley Priory. Defence Estates has completed a detailed Heritage Assessment, which was shared with English Heritage in July 2004. The Department has engaged with a wide range of stakeholders with an interest in the future of RAF Bentley Priory, including the Battle of Britain Fighter Association (BoBFA), and understands their aspirations. Meetings have also been facilitated between BoBFA and the two short-listed industry bidders for the Project MoDEL contract. Defence Estates' staff are also engaging with BoBFA over the development of a formal Conservation Statement, which will act as the definitive identification of the site's heritage importance.The MOD wishes to identify a long-term and sustainable solution that will ensure that the site is preserved in a way that is appropriate to its significant importance, whilst seeking to enhance public access. In doing so, it is important that we maintain the momentum of Project MoDEL, in order to realise the benefits it will deliver at the earliest opportunity.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

42319; 441 c2128W

Session

2005-06

Subjects

Historic buildings RAF Bentley Priory

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk