HC Deb 04 March 1937 vol 321 cc533-4
50. Mr. Rostron Duckworth

asked the Minister of Health what steps are being taken by county councils to ensure that in the opening up of rural districts to residential occupation special attention is paid to the constructional use of appropriate building materials and colouring?

Sir K. Wood

Every planning authority has adequate powers to control the external appearance of new buildings. In rural districts the planning authority is ordinarily the rural district council, but 32 county councils are now actively helping the smaller authorities, either as member of an executive joint committee, or with powers relinquished by the district councils. Planning in the rural districts is making progress, and I have no reason to think that authorities are not fully awake to the importance of encouraging the use of appropriate materials and colourings.

Mr. Duckworth

While thanking the Minister for his reply, may I ask whether he does not consider that it is of equal importance with the purchasing and acquisition of historical buildings and beauty spots for the nation, that we should try to develop the aesthetic qualities of rural districts?

Mr. Austin Hopkinson

Is the Minister not aware that under the Town and Country Planning Act a building may be as offensive and inappropriate as the owner chooses to make it?

Viscountess Astor

Could not the hon. Gentleman represent to the authorities that it is a mistake to make doors in the shape of horseshoes?

Sir K. Wood

I will give consideration to that.