HC Deb 18 February 1985 vol 73 c328W
Mr. Anderson

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will consider revising the Use Classes Order to clarify whether the proposed special housing development for single people with medical or social problems or related matters is a material change of use requiring planning permission.

Mr. Macfarlane

Planning permission is not needed for the occupation of dwelling-houses by single people with medical or social problems provided that no material change of use is involved, nor for any change of use falling within class XIV of the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1972. The position is elaborated in the memorandum submitted by my Department to the Social Services Select Committee on 27 July 1984. I will consider whether further clarification is needed, and, if so, what form it might take, together with any recommendations on this matter which the Select Committee may make in its report to the House.