§ Mr. CashTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is his policy with respect to the removal of or change of site of war memorials(a) throughout the country and (b) in the district local authority area of Stafford district council on the grounds of (i) planning and (ii) movement of traffic around the war memorial. [40007]
§ Mr. BowisThe removal or change of site of war memorials is essentially a matter for the local planning authority concerned. Before reaching their decision on whether to give planning permission, they are required to consider any representations received and to consult the local traffic authority, where this is a different authority, if the removal or re-siting of a memorial is likely to have traffic implications for the area. Where a war memorial is a listed building, listed building consent would also be required from the Secretary of State for the Environment. The Secretary of State for Transport has no role to play in the process.