§ 44. Mr. J. Johnsonasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he is aware of the continuing concern felt by the Rugby Rural District Council regarding his decision about Mr. Warren's bungalow at Old Nun Wood, Princethorpe; and whether he will state the circumstances in which his decision was given.
§ Mr. BevinsMy right hon. Friend is aware of the Council's concern. Dismissal of this appeal would have led to the demolition of a bungalow which, though built in the wrong place, had been occupied for two years by Mr. Warren's family. My right hon. Friend's predecessor thought that in all the circumstances dismissal would not be justifiable, though he expressed his general support for the Council's policy.
§ Mr. JohnsonWill the Minister give an assurance that this decision was related purely to the circumstances of that particular case, and will not be a precedent in the future for any council which wishes to demolish a building which is in contravention of these provisions?
§ Mr. BevinsCertainly, Sir, but my right hon. Friend is sometimes obliged to make planning decisions that may mean the demolition of buildings. It was only in the particular circumstances of this case that we thought it would be wrong to dismiss this appeal.
§ Mr. JohnsonWill the Minister give an assurance that this is unique, and will not be a precedent for the future demolition of houses which may be in contravention of the law?
§ Mr. BevinsIt all depends on what the hon. Gentleman means by unique. There are cases which are exceptions to the general rule, and this is one of them.