HC Deb 28 April 1959 vol 604 cc1074-5
2. Mr. Hayman

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether he will make a statement on the report on the local inquiry into the proposal, approved by the Cornwall County Planning Committee, to provide a café on Porth Navas quay by the Helford river, Cornwall.

Mr. H. Brooke

The inspector who held the inquiry reported that the café proposal was open to a series of objections which added up to a formidable case against it. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of his report. I agree with the inspector and am now consulting the Cornwall County Council about revoking the permission for the café, and also about ending the use of the quay for landing scrap metal and cutting it up.

Mr. Hayman

Is the Minister aware that during this century public footpaths have been obliterated in the Helford River area and that ugly slipways have been constructed across the beaches? Will he take into account the rights and privileges of ancient Cornish families and review his decision with a view to granting this project, which had the approval of the county planning committee?

Mr. Brooke

No, Sir. I reached a decision, having studied the report of my inspector, and I am now consulting the county council to see whether it would be willing to make an order or whether I should do that.

Mr. G. R. Howard

Can my right hon. Friend say whether in this case the powers were vested entirely in the local council concerned or whether these were powers upon which he could exercise broad control?

Mr. Brooke

It is the local planning authority which has power to grant or to withhold planning permission in all cases.