§ 7. Sir C. Thornton-Kemsleyasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs, in view of his rejection of the appeal of Mr. Ancrum Evans against the decision of the London County Council that, although he has permission to use three designated rooms in his residence, 8 and 9 Eccleston Square, for office purposes, he should not be allowed to transfer the 1156 permission to other rooms of an equivalent floor-space in the same inter-communicating building, whether he will state the policy of the Government with regard to the right of planning authorities to control the right of an individual to allocate rooms for professional purposes in his own house in the way that suits him best.
§ Sir K. JosephMy right hon. Friend does not accept that this proposal involved only an equivalent exchange of floor space. The London County Council, whose power to control changes in the use of buildings derives from the Town and Country Planning Act, 1947, has stated in the development plan for the County of London that only in very special circumstances will permission be given for residential accommodation to be changed to some other use; and this policy has my right hon. Friend's full support.
§ Sir C. Thornton-KemsleyWhy should not an owner-occupier be allowed to use any rooms he pleases in his own house for the purposes of his own profession? Ought not such a case to be covered by the Use Classes Order?
§ Sir K. JosephThere is ample space for professional and business users in London. This area is zoned residential.
§ Sir C. Thornton-KemsleyIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Motion for the Adjournment.