HC Deb 28 May 1946 vol 423 cc960-1
3. Mr. Marples

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning if it is the Government's policy, under the Town and Country Planning Acts, to grant permission for the conversion of large houses into flats, accompanied by a provision that the fiats may only be used for a limited period of time.

Mr. Silkin

In the present housing emergency, it is the Government's policy to encourage in appropriate cases the conversion of houses into flats. Local planning authorities may, however, limit the period of time during which the flats may be used, in order to prevent prejudice to their longer-term planning requirements. But in determining the period of time, they should take into account the capital expenditure incurred by the developer.

Mr. Marples

Is the right hon Gentleman aware that licences are being issued by the London County Council with a limiting period of 14 years, and does he not agree that this policy does not allow flats to be converted out of old Victorian houses, and it is definitely not helping the existing housing shortage?

Mr. Silkin

It is always open to a developer who is dissatisfied with a decision of the London County Council to appeal to me.

Mr. Janner

When licences are granted for the conversion of houses at present covered by the Rent Restriction Acts, will the right hon. Gentleman see that proper provision is made for reasonable rents to be charged for flats as and when they become ready for occupation?

Mr. Silkin

That, of course, is another question.