HC Deb 23 May 1950 vol 475 c1827
17. Mr. Nabarro

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning whether he is aware that his Department recently refused permission to Mr. J. B. Morton, The Elms Hotel, Abberley, Worcestershire, to erect a road sign reading, "For Elms Hotel, fork left"; and how the erection of this sign would detract from the scenic amenities of the district.

Mr. Dalton

The Worcestershire County Council refused consent, and I upheld their decision on appeal.

Mr. Nabarro

Is the Minister aware that, notwithstanding this refusal to allow the erection of an inoffensive signpost, it is now definitely proposed by the Minister of Fuel and Power to requisition the whole of the surrounding land, including the kitchen garden of The Elms Hotel, for opencast coal mining, and what does he think that will do to the scenic amenities?

Mr. Dalton

That does not seem to arise out of the Question. The Worcestershire County Council turned down this proposal because they thought it was contrary to local amenities and that it would distract the attention of travellers going round the corner. I upheld them because I think that probably they are the best judges of local amenities.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Have similar signs near Dorking just been taken down?