§ Mr. Macleanasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list those planning regulations which prevent individuals from starting small businesses in their homes.
§ Mr. MacfarlaneSections 22(1) and 23(1) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1971 provide that planning permission is required for a material change in the use of a building. However, non-material changes of use and uses ancillary to the main use are free from control. Whether any particular change of use is material is a matter of fact and degree. Where planning permission is required, local authorities should always grant permission, having regard to all material considerations, unless there are sound and clear-cut reasons for refusal.