HC Deb 09 June 1971 vol 818 cc1021-2
10. Mr. Loughlin

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will institute an inquiry into the increasing number of developers who flout planning regulations and contravene conditions of planning consent; and if he will make a statement.

The Minister for Local Government and Development (Mr. Graham Page)

No, Sir. I have no evidence of an increase in breaches of planning control. The 1968 Act gave local planning authorities increased powers for enforcement of planning requirements.

Mr. Loughlin

Does not the hon. Gentleman read the newspapers? Is he aware that a considerable number of cases have been reported in the Press recently of a complete flouting of planning regulations? Does he have knowledge of the case which I brought to the attention of his right hon. Friend in which the conditions laid down were completely contravened by developers? Is it not a fact that some of the larger developers are getting away with murder?

Mr. Page

I am aware of the case to which the hon. Gentleman refers, but I do not think that that, in itself, is sufficient evidence for the sort of inquiry for which he is asking. It is for the local authorities themselves to consider whether it is expedient for them to use their powers of enforcement; and these powers were considerably increased by the 1968 Act.

Mr. Selwyn Gummer

Is my hon. Friend aware that the answer to this problem is for planning permission to be given before demolition and not upon construction? If that were to happen, people could not demolish anything until they had obtained planning permission. This would prevent buildings from being pulled down on a technicality. Does the Minister agree that it is about time that the Ministry did something about this problem?

Mr. Page

The point about having to obtain planning permission before demolition raises another question, though it is one which we have under consideration.