Gosforth (Offices and Parking Facilities) (Hansard, 18 July 1963)

§ 27. Mr. McKay
asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he is aware of the discontent of the local council and the residents of Gosforth regarding the decision to grant planning permission for high offices and facilities for car parking to be provided in the midst of a residential area, which will increase traffic dangers and depreciate property values; and if he will meet a deputation from the Gosforth Urban District Council to discuss these decisions.

§ Mr. Corfield
My right hon. Friend is aware of the views of the district council and of the residents; but the decision has issued and no useful purpose would be served by either my right hon. Friend or myself receiving a deputation.

§ Mr. McKay
May I put it to the Minister that it is not right that when there is a dispute between a local council and the residents where permission is given to erect great blocks of high offices in a splendid residential area, the county council or the planning authority gives a final decision without allowing time for local people to meet the Minister and make their objections? Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in this case there were two or three other sites where the offices could have been built and where there was easy access? Is he aware that the facts in this case begin to smell and that people are beginning to think that a wealthy company can pull the wires and—

§ Mr. P. Williams
On a point of order.

§ Mr. Speaker
I do not want any point of order. I think that we had better 708 go on with the rest of that perhaps another day.

§ Mr. Corfield
I will try to reply briefly to the hon. Member's speech. I would remind him that Parliament, and that includes Governments of both political parties, has placed the responsibility for planning matters on the local planning authorities, in this case the county council. It is clear that in this case the county council took some pains to find out the views of the rural district council and the residents and acted perfectly properly and well within its powers. My right hon. Friend has no power to intervene.