HC Deb 16 December 1968 vol 775 cc308-9W
Mr. Emery

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government (1) whether he will issue a revocation order for the planning permission to allow a caravan site for gypsies and a scrap metal yard at Thornhills, Farway, in order that a public inquiry can be held into this matter;

(2) what information he obtained, in the course of his inquiry, as to the existence of sanitation or water on the land affected by the planning permission for a caravan site for gypsies and a scrap metal yard at Thornhills, Farway;

(3) why he agreed to a proposal for planning permission for a caravan site for gypsies and a scrap metal yard, at Thorn-hills, in view of the fact that the only disposal of sanitation refuse will be by the tenants having to bury such refuse; and what criteria are normally required before planning permission is granted to a caravan site.

Mr. K. Robinson

This proposal, which was to improve an existing gypsy site, was made by Honiton Rural District Council and planning permission for a period of five years was given by Devon County Council without reference to my right hon. Friend; this was entirely a matter within their discretion and I see no grounds for intervening.

My right hon. Friend gave general advice about the need to provide sites for gypsies and the choice of sites in Circulars 26/66 and 49/68. He has also specified model standards for conditions in caravan sites but their application in any particular case is a matter for the authorities concerned.