Sir, I can assure Jeff Wall (letter, Jan 7) that the Ministry of Defence is taking a close interest in Bentley Priory and is safeguarding its future. I have visited the priory and understand the aspirations of the many interested stakeholders, who include the veterans associated with the Battle of Britain Fighter Association (BoBFA), English Heritage and the London Borough of Harrow.
The disposal of Bentley Priory is not being carried out in isolation. It is part of a carefully considered wider programme of work to realign the MoD estate in London to meet better the defence needs of the 21st century. We are currently working towards selecting an industry partner to take this project forward, and a key task placed upon that partner will be to find a solution that preserves the heritage of the priory. I am determined that the solution eventually agreed upon will allow public access to the site.
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My officials have already had constructive discussions with BoBFA and have facilitated meetings between the association and the two shortlisted industry partners. The marketing strategy will be subject to scrutiny by the MoD, working with the stakeholders above, before being approved. As I alluded to before, finding a way forward for Bentley Priory will provide the funds to fuel a significant modernisation of RAF Northolt — a critical defence site — improving working and living conditions for current and future generations of servicemen and women: something I am passionate about.
While it is too early to say in any detail what form the future development of the site and its listed buildings will take, our clear intention is to ensure that the site is preserved in a state that is appropriate to its significant importance, enhances public access and which is sustainable, to ensure that this continues in the longer term.
DON TOUHIG
London SW1