§ 2.41 p.m.
§ LORD BOSSOMMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government what attempt, if any, has been made either by local or national authorities to prevent the suggested housing development in the village of Langton Green, Kent, being constructed in such a way as largely to destroy the charm of this historic spot.]
EARL JELLICOEMy Lords, the responsibility for considering applications for permission to develop land at Langton Green has rested entirely with the local authorities. I understand that an outline planning permission has been given for 103 houses. However, details of design and layout have still to be approved by the authorities, and my right honourable friend feels sure that they will have every regard to the character of the area when considering any proposals submitted to them.
§ LORD BOSSOMMy Lords, while thanking my noble friend for that Answer, does he not agree that it is much more important to try to give greater consideration than is at present being given to the destruction of these beautiful and irreplaceable villages? All over the country 1072 they are being pulled down and destroyed.
EARL JELLICOEMy Lords, I fully agree with my noble friend that this is an important matter and that our villages are a most important heritage. But I cannot agree with him that careful consideration has not been given to this particular application and is not being given to other similar applications.
§ LORD SILKINMy Lords, is the noble Earl not aware that it is open to the Minister, in important cases of this kind, to take over the application and deal with it himself, and that many areas are being ruined by leaving a decision entirely to the local authority until it is too late to intervene?
EARL JELLICOEMy Lords, I am aware that this lies within my right honourable friend's power. Nevertheless, it is his policy to leave matters to the local authorities when in his view, as in this case, a decision lies clearly within their competence.
§ LORD BOSSOMMy Lords, recognising the responsibility that now lies on the local authorities, is my noble friend satisfied that they have always good enough taste to exercise it?