HC Deb 23 June 1959 vol 607 cc1017-8
34. Mr. Brockway

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs on what grounds he granted permission for Messrs. Courage and Barclay Limited to erect a public house at the corner of Stoke Poges Lane and Granville Avenue, Slough, contrary to the decision of the local planning authority.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Housing and Local Govern-men (Mr. J. R. Bevins)

My right hon. Friend decided to give planning permission because, after considering the report of his inspector who conducted a public local inquiry, he could find no reason for thinking that a public house on this site would do any harm. I have sent to the hon. Member a copy of the letter issued to the parties which gives the reasons for this decision in greater detail.

Mr. Brockway

Whilst appreciating that it is the normal practice for the decision of the Minister after a public inquiry to be final, is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that in this case there are very exceptional circumstances, that the Slough Council had allocated this land for housing, that the construction of houses had actually begun and that a majority of the residents in the area has petitioned against the decision?

Mr. Bevins

This is a relatively small site on which not more than five houses could have been constructed. The inspector's conclusion was that a public house was acceptable in this predominantly residential area. I entirely agree with the hon. Gentleman that seemingly a majority of the local residents was hostile to this proposal. That was taken into consideration by my right hon. Friend, but it is not a decisive consideration.