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Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions;Highways Agency

Answer

Mr. Love: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress has been made in resolving the outstanding claims for compensation relating to the compulsory purchase of land at Pymmes Park as part of the A406 widening at Edmonton; what parts of the claim by the local authority have been accepted in principle by the Highways Agency; what issues remain outstanding; and if he will make a statement. [111981] Mr. Hill: Compensation negotiations between the District Valuer, acting for the Highways Agency and the London Borough of Enfield are continuing. The Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Mr. Peter Nutt, will write to my hon. Friend with further details. Letter from Mr. Peter Nutt to Mr. Andrew Love, dated 7 March 2000: The Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Keith Hill, has asked me to write in response to your recent written Parliamentary Question about compensation being claimed by the London Borough of Enfield for land acquired under compulsory purchase at Pymmes Parks as part of the widening of the A406 North Circular Road. I explained in my letter of 8 December to you, that negotiations between the District Valuer, acting for the Highways Agency, and the London Borough of Enfield were continuing. Exchange land has already been provided to offset the loss of open space at Pymmes Park. The remaining heads of claim include the value of land as well as reasonable compensation for the loss of amenity and other damages to Pymmes Park. The District Valuer wrote to the Council on 3 February, on our instruction, setting out the Agency's position but unfortunately was unable to offer unconditional settlement on any of the nine heads of claim. I appreciate that this does not represent the progress the Council wishes to see, and I too would be pleased to see all these matters brought to speedy, equitable and amicable conclusion. May I suggest that the best way forward is for officials from Highways Agency, supported by the District Valuer, to meet Council officials at Enfield? If you would like to take up this suggestion, your secretary could discuss arrangements by contacting Andrew Gallagher, the Highways Agency's Director for London on 0171-921-4306.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

111981; 345 c596-7W

Session

1999-00

Subjects

Compensation Compulsory purchase Construction Roads Trees A406