HC Deb 17 February 1971 vol 811 cc1831-2
37. Mr. Julius Silverman

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to announce his decision upon the Birmingham County Borough's South Aston Redevelopment Order.

Mr. Graham Page

The statutory processes will not be completed before March. If there are no further objections, I may be able to announce a decision by Easter.

Mr. Silverman

I hope the Minister will expedite his consideration because the people in this area are living in intolerable circumstances in the interim period awaiting redevelopment, with some houses which are boarded up and others which are lived in but with vandalism rife. Will the Minister do whatever he can to expedite consideration of this matter?

Mr. Page

Yes, indeed. This is a very important development area, and I am anxious that we should proceed with it as quickly as possible. In November Birmingham asked for a major modification of the development plan, which was advertised a few days ago, and objectors will have 21 days in which to make representations. We shall proceed as quickly as possible according to the statutory procedures.

Mr. Chapman

Bearing in mind the tremendous demand and enthusiasm for private housing in this part of Birmingham, would my hon. Friend see that at least 50 per cent. of the houses built will be for owner-occupation?

Mr. Page

This is a matter for the local planning authority to decide, but it is a principle which we should certainly support.