HC Deb 28 November 1973 vol 865 cc152-4W
Mr. Sydney Chapman

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will introduce a new regulation under the general development orders requiring owners of all garages and filling stations to propose a scheme covering paintwork and facias to be agreed with the local planning authority, implement it by a set date and thereafter maintain it subject to any alteration subsequently agreed.

Mr. Graham Page

Facias which are advertisements are subject to the advertisement regulations. In so far as other facias materially affect the external appearance of a building they already require planning permission.

Painting, other than for the purpose of advertisement, announcement or direction, is permitted development under the general development order, but can be brought into control by a direction under article 4 of the order.

Both facias and painting can be controlled by conditions attached to planning permissions relating to the premises. It seems, therefore, that local planning authorities have adequate powers to control these matters.

Mr. Sydney Chapman

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will introduce a new regulation under the general development orders controlling the positions and sizes of advertisements on petrol filling stations and garages ;

(2) if he will introduce a new regulation under the general development orders so that there is more effective control of temporary advertisements.

Mr. Graham Page

Following an approach by my right hon. Friend the then Secretary of State for the Environment, the trade organisations and companies concerned with petrol-filling and service stations are working on a code of conduct for the display of advertisements at these premises. I have just asked for a progress report on their negotiations before consideration is given to amending the provisions of the Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) Regulations 1969 as they affect such advertisements.

Mr. Sydney Chapman

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will introduce a new regulation under the general development orders controlling the display of motor vehicles, caravans and boats, etc., on the forecourts of garages and other premises, offering them for sale.

Mr. Graham Page

Local planning authorities already have power to control the display for sale of motor vehicles, etc., on forecourts by means of conditions attached to planning permissions relating to the premises. Where such display amounts to a material change of use at existing premises planning permission is required and, in default, enforcement action can be taken.