HC Deb 16 May 1961 vol 640 cc121-2W
67. Mr. Warbey

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs why he granted planning permission for the development of an open space on the Regina Crescent Estate, Newstead, in view of the opposition of the local planning authority and of the owners of the adjoining property.

Sir K. Joseph

The first question in this case was whether the land was incapable of reasonably beneficial use in its existing state. My right hon. Friend concluded that it was; and his alternatives then were to force the local authority to buy it or to allow development. The authority had made it clear that they did not wish to buy, and my right hon. Friend did not think it a case in which it would be right to make them do so.