§ 12. Mr. Warbeyasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what steps he took, before granting planning permission for the development of an open space on the Regina Crescent estate, Newstead, to ascertain the views of the owners of other land on the estate.
§ Sir K. JosephMy right hon. Friend was informed by the local authority that adjoining owners were likely to object to development of the land, and he took this into account before reaching his decision.
§ Mr. WarbeyIs the hon. Gentleman aware that under the procedure followed in this case under Section 19 of the Act there was no opportunity for the house owners on adjoining land, who had been led to believe that this open space would be permanently retained as such, to cross-examine witnesses or to present their objections to the Ministry inspector? As the Minister must have made his decision without being in possession of all the facts, will he reconsider the matter?
§ Sir K. JosephThe answer to the last part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question is, "No, Sir". The question before my right hon. Friend was whether the land would be capable of reasonably beneficial use to the owner. As a result of a hearing of the two parties, he was satisfied that it was not. Therefore, he had only to decide whether, bearing in mind the known attitude of the neighbours—and their attitude was known—he should allow some beneficial use or force the local authority, which did not want to buy the land, to purchase it.
§ Mr. WarbeyIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the hon. Gentleman's reply, I give notice that I shall seek to raise the matter on the Adjournment.