HC Deb 13 November 1962 vol 667 cc19-20W
40. Mr. C. Johnson

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs on what date Benfleet Hall, Green Lane, Cobham, was included in the list of buildings of special architectural or historic interest under Section 30 of the Town and Country Planning Act, 1947; and why, despite the importance of the building in the architectual history of the last century, planning permission for a redevelopment of the site has been granted.

Mr. Corfield

Benfleet Hall is not listed, although my right hon. Friend proposes to take such action if events warrant it. This house, an early work of Philip Webb, came to his notice at the end of July, 1962. He notified the local authorities early in August, that he was considering listing it and was informed that planning permission had already been given for the erection of 12 houses an the site. He is in touch with the Esher Urban District Council and the local planning authority about the situation because he believes that with the co-operation of the owner the Webb house can be preserved without preventing the satisfactory development of the rest of the site.