§ 42. Mr. Clinton Davisasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he proposes to take to deal with the increasing number of conversions of properties previously subject to the Rent Act, 1968 into near-hotels, particularly in housing stress areas in London.
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§ Mr. ChannonAction can be taken under planning powers if conversion involves a material change in the use of a building. Whether there is such a change depends on the facts of each case. I support the policy of the Inner London boroughs that hotel development which would cause a loss of housing accommodation, either by demolition or conversion is generally unacceptable. I am keeping the position under review.