§ 29. Mr. Benceasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received respecting the granting of planning permission to erect blocks of multi-storey flats in the burgh of Bearsden; and what steps he is taking to consider these representations.
§ Mr. NobleRepresentations were received in February from the hon. Member, Bearsden Town Council and the Mosshead Association. My hon. Friend, the Joint Under-Secretary of State, replied to the hon. Member on 4th March explaining that it would be inappropriate for me to intervene in the matter, and similar replies to the other representations were sent on my behalf on the same day.
§ Mr. BenceIs the hon. Gentleman aware that there is considerable discontent in this area? These people in Moss-head have paid fantastic prices for their land and houses because they were given verbal pledges that this was the type and style of amenity which they would enjoy. Planning permission has been given for multi-storey flats right up against them. The landscaping is on the other side of the flats, away from the bungalows. This is a shocking piece of development and a shocking piece of undemocratic procedure by the county planning authority and by the right hon. Gentleman in not intervening to stop the building of these flats. Will he do something about it?
§ Mr. NobleI think that the hon. Member knows that the responsibility in this matter rests with the local planning authority, not with me. It may be that if 215 there is an appeal it wilt come to me as the final arbiter. That has not yet happened.