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Northern Ireland Office

Answer

Mr. Hume: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many buildings in Spencer road in Derry are classified as derelict; what estimate he has made of the value in rates that these buildings would contribute if they were brought back into use as business premises; and how many of these buildings are in Government ownership. [201264] Mr. Spellar: Government do not hold information on the number of buildings on Spencer road that are classified as derelict. Valuation and Lands Agency has confirmed that derelict property does not appear in the Valuation List, as it is not capable of occupation. The Valuation and Lands Agency only assesses the rateable value of such property if and when it becomes capable of occupation. No estimates are made of potential rates liability except in the case of buildings which are to be refurbished for future Government occupation and which are to be subject to an economic appraisal. No such estimates have been prepared for buildings on Spencer Road. In relation to property in Government ownership, the Department for Social Development owns the Distillery Brae site, which fronts onto Spencer road and comprises of 11 vacant and derelict buildings, and a site at the junction of Spencer road and Lower Fountain Hill, comprising of 350 sq m of land.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

201264; 428 c328W

Session

2004-05

Subjects

Brownfield sites Empty property Government Ownership Business rates Tax yields Londonderry

Contains statistics

Yes

Link

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