HC Deb 01 February 1949 vol 460 cc1484-5
7. Commander Maitland

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning on what grounds a proposal of Mr. Scarcliffe of the Old Police House, Old Bolingbroke, near Spilsby, Lincolnshire, to convert his house into a fish friers business was turned down by the Town and Country Planning authorities.

Mr. Silkin

I am unaware of the grounds on which this proposal was refused. The decision was the responsibility of the Spilsby Rural District Council acting on behalf of the County Council and no doubt the reasons were conveyed to Mr. Scarcliffe. He has now given notice that he wishes to appeal to me against the decision.

Commander Maitland

Will rather more attention be given to him than is given to Hurstmonceux Castle?

Mr. Silkin

He will be given a very fair hearing, which is what we are doing with Hurstmonceux.

Mr. Joynson-Hicks

Does the right hon. Gentleman say that although the matter is not one for his Department the appeal is being made to him?

Mr. Silkin

It is an appeal against the decision of the local authority. That appeal has to be made to me under the terms of the Town and Country Planning Act, 1947.