8. Mrs. Butlerasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether he is satisfied that sufficient weight is given to the particular character of a town, to local opinion, and to the views of the local planning committee when he approves, on appeal, plans for skyscraper flats and offices; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir K. JosephYes, Sir, these matters are always given full weight when any scheme for high buildings is decided by my right hon. Friend. He also takes into consideration the fact that high-density building in appropriate places will help us to meet the need for development with the least sacrifice of open land.
Mrs. ButlerDoes the Minister realise the acute public concern that there is over recent cases, particularly at Henley-on-Thames, where the Minister himself has approved a 15-storey block against his inspector's recommendation of not more than seven storeys? As these decisions can change the whole face of Britain, could not the Minister arrange for some independent expert panel to look at these cases before a final decision is made?
§ Sir K. JosephThe points mentioned by the hon. Lady were all taken into 803 account by my right hon. Friend. The fact is that these matters arouse strong feeling, but so also does the general desire to keep the green belt and agricultural land. We have to accept a higher density in appropriate places. My right hon. Friend takes all these matters into account. Somebody has to take the decision in these cases, and it does not seem to us to be preferable that it should be taken elsewhere.
§ Captain PilkingtonWill my hon. friend ensure that the greatest care is taken that these high buildings go only in appropriate areas and not elsewhere?
§ Sir K. JosephThe very greatest care is taken not to harm the environment in such places.