Crown Estate should stop being so secretive

Published: 18 February 2010

• AS you reported (February 11), the head of asset management at the Crown Estate, Paul Clark, is looking to raise about £250 million by selling off the freehold and management of the properties in several locations across London, including Cumberland Market, Regent’s Park. 

Some residents fear longstanding communities will be broken-up. Consultation has been disappointing. At a packed public meeting on Saturday, almost everyone who spoke complained about lack of detail coming out of the Crown Estate, in particular claiming the estate was unwilling to tell them which prospective landlords they had been speaking to, whether current rights for tenants will be guaranteed and whether accommodation for key public sector workers will continue. 

These are important questions. The Crown Estate should stop being so secretive and explain what they are up to. I have written to the Chairman, Sir Stuart Hampson, to ask that he and fellow board members attend a public meeting so that local residents can air their concerns in an open forum. Readers can do the same by writing to Crown Estate Board, 16 New Burlington Place, London, W1S 2HX.”
GEORGE LEE
Conservative prospective parliamentary candidate
Holborn and St Pancras