§ Sir E. Graham-Littleasked the Minister of Town and Country Planning whether he will look into the case, particulars of which have been supplied to him, in which on land at Chicheley Hill, Sherington, scheduled as an open space, a Nissen hut and a disused railway coach have been erected under Class VI of the First Schedule of the Town and Country Planning (General Development) Order, 1948, which overrides the powers of the district and county council; and whether he will consider amending the order so that due local consideration can be given to preservation of local amenities without detriment to agriculture.
§ Mr. SilkinThe purpose of Class VI of the First Schedule to the General Development Order is to free farmers from the need to apply for planning permission to put up minor farm buildings. I am satisfied that any curtailment of this provision would hamper agricultural production and I see no need to limit its scope. County planning authorities have adequate powers under Section 26 of the Town and Country Planning Act, 1947, to deal with any occasional abuses. I am writing to the hon. Member about the case of which he sent me details.