§ Sir J. Edenasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is aware that some hotel proprietors in the country, finding it uneconomic to continue as hotels, are seeking permission to turn them into flats; and what is the policy of his Department so far as planning permissions for such purposes are concerned.
§ Mr. OakesI am not aware of any trend in this direction. However, applications for planning permission for change of use would normally be decided by local planning authorities. Each case would be decided on its merits, but the likely effects upon the area of the loss of hotel accommodation, and the suitability of the buildings for dwellings, would, no doubt, be material considerations.