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Kew Gardens Bill: Lords third reading

12 June 2019

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The Kew Gardens (Leases) (No. 3) Bill had its third reading, a chance to 'tidy up' the bill and make changes, in the Lords on Tuesday 11 June.

No changes were suggested to the bill ahead of third reading. Members discussed the passage of the bill through the House at the conclusion of its Lords stages.

Following the completion of third reading, the bill now passes to the Commons for its consideration.

Lords report stage: Wednesday 5 June

Members discussed subjects including:

  • the granting of land leases for residential purposes and;
  • ensuring such leases do not impact the Royal Botanic Gardens' status as a World Heritage Site, nor the Board of Trustees ability to carry out its functions under the National Heritage Act 1983.

Lords committee stage: Tuesday 21 May

Members discussed a range of subjects, including:

  • government consultation with the Charity Commission to extend a land or building lease longer than 31 years
  • ensuring intended activities on leased land or buildings are compatible with the objectives of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
  • potential impact of any new leases on the Royal Botanic Gardens' Unesco World Heritage Status

Lords second reading: Tuesday 7 May

Lord Gardiner of Kimble (Conservative), parliamentary under-secretary in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, responded on behalf of the government.

Members discussed a range of topics, including leases to be granted on land at Kew, protections in the planning system and funding.

Kew Gardens (Leases) (No. 3) Bill summary

This bill will aim to:

  • extend the government's management powers in relation to the Royal Botanic Gardens (Kew) to include the granting of a land lease for a term of up to 150 years
  • disapply restrictions in the Crown Lands Act 1702 which currently prevent the sale of Crown land (such as Kew) and limits land lease terms to 31 years

Further information

Image: Unsplash / James Orr

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