14. Mrs. Butlerasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what consideration he has given to control of the location of premises used for car sales by removing such premises from the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs (Mr. Henry Brooke)The effect of this Order is that if shop premises previously used for some other trade are used for the sale of motor cars, this change of use does not require planning permission. On the evidence before me, I do not consider that I should be justified in amending the Order so as to make planning permission necessary in such cases.
Mrs. ButlerSince the sale of cars invariably involves as much disturbance and traffic nuisance as, say, a petrol filling station or a garage, is not it desirable that car sales showrooms should be taken out of the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order so that planning permission is necessary before they come into operation?
§ Mr. BrookeWe have had very few complaints in this matter. I am always ready to watch it. An access to the highway to enable cars to get on or off shop premises would require authorisation. I can say to the hon. Lady in all sincerity that at present I am not convinced that we need to make a change.