HC Deb 29 May 1956 vol 553 cc25-6
41. Mr. Blenkinsop

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will investigate the circumstances in which the Newcastle City Council has given planning permission for the purchase of a private dwelling-house, 250, Heaton Road, for use for political meetings, in spite of the petition of fifty-four local residents and of the zoning of the area for residential purposes.

Mr. Powell

No, Sir. Meeting places are often located in residential areas; and this is not a matter in which my right hon. Friend would think it right to question the decision of the responsible local authority.

Mr. Blenkinsop

Is the Minister aware that the house in this case is not a detached house? Should not Conservative Party premises clearly be in as isolated a position as possible? Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that in this case there have been petitions by local residents to the local authority? Will he not at least consider establishing some rules of conduct for the premises for the protection of local inhabitants?

Mr. Powell

The politics of the users of premises are not a planning matter. It is competent for the local planning authority to attach what conditions it thinks fit to a planning permission, but it would be quite wrong for my right hon. Friend constantly to be over-ruling local authorities' planning decisions