Temple Meads Railway Station (Historic Buildings)

Oral Answers to Questions — Environment – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 16 June 1971.

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Photo of Mr Arthur Palmer Mr Arthur Palmer , Bristol Central 12:00, 16 June 1971

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will place a preservation order on those parts of Temple Meads Railway Station, in particular the first engine shed, which date from the Brunel era.

Photo of Mr Graham Page Mr Graham Page , Crosby

These buildings are already statutorily listed as of special architectural or historic interest, and therefore have to the full the protection formerly given by preservation orders.

Photo of Mr Arthur Palmer Mr Arthur Palmer , Bristol Central

I thank the hon. Gentleman for that answer. Does he agree that this will now put temptation beyond the reach of British Railways?

Photo of Mr Graham Page Mr Graham Page , Crosby

Bristol Corporation has refused to grant listed building consent for demolition. In view of the possibility of this matter coming before my right hon. Friend on appeal, I should not say any more. Perhaps I could take this opportunity to say that the Government have already completed the listing for the whole of England. We are now revising all the lists and many more buildings are being added to the list than previously.

Photo of Mr Robert Cooke Mr Robert Cooke , Bristol West

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind that there is real anxiety, both in Bristol and elsewhere, about this building and that certain parts of the station, although perhaps not as historic or interesting as those mentioned in the Question, have been demolished and there is great fear that future development will wipe out the remains of the buildings?

Photo of Mr Graham Page Mr Graham Page , Crosby

We are well aware of that. The main portions are the Brunei fore-building with the facade to Temple Gate and the Brunei engine shed. The former are the parts in relation to which demolition permission has been refused.