§ 2.36 p.m.
§ LORD CONESFORDMy 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 local planning authority, if any, has given permission to Christopher Rowland and Company of Northwood, Middlesex, to erect the houses at Welwyn advertised in the Sunday Telegraph of February 25, 1962.]
THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT (EARL JELLICOE)My Lords, I understand that permission to erect the particular houses in question has not yet been given. I am informed, however, that the development of the estate has been proceeding for some time under a permission given before the war, and that a number of houses similar in type to those advertised have been approved by the Hertford Rural District Council.
§ LORD CONESFORDMy Lords, does this planning authority not concern itself at all with the design of the houses that it permits? Does it pass everything submitted to it, no matter how deplorable? What is the view of my noble friend himself?
EARL JELLICOEMy Lords, to judge from the photograph in the newspaper, I would agree that the somewhat Tudoresque appearance of these houses perhaps leaves something to be desired. I understand, however, that the local planning authority have already had fairly detailed discussions with the developers on this subject. And in the circumstances I do not think that my right 172 honourable friend would feel prepared to take the matter out of their hands. However, I will see, in any event, that the noble Lord's strictures on these houses are brought to their attention.
§ THE EARL OF SWINTONMy Lords, may I ask whether houses of this character are going to be produced as one of Dr. Hill's great improvements to Oxford?