HC Deb 11 July 1973 vol 859 cc340-1W
36. Mr. Barnes

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will introduce legislation to prevent residential property in urban areas being demolished before planning permission has been granted for any new development on the site.

Mr. Graham Page

The Town and Country Planning (Amendment) Act 1972 included powers to control the demolition of unlisted buildings in conservation areas. There would be real difficulties in going further than this. I am, however, to discuss the problem with the local authorities' associations at the request of the Association of Municipal Corporations.