§ Mr. Terlezkiasked the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what representations he has received in relation to the Property Advisory Group's proposals for changes in planning controls in Wales; and if he will make a statement;
103W(2) if he plans to introduce legislation to permit the use of residential premises in Wales by commercial concerns employing five or fewer staff;
(3) if he plans to introduce legislation to end the distinction between commercial and industrial premises in Wales for the purpose of planning controls;
(4) if he plans to introduce legislation to end planning controls on the development in Wales of residential homes or hostels for 10 or fewer residents.
§ Mr. Mark RobinsonA sub-group of the Property Advisory Group has reviewed the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1972 (SI 1972 No. 1385) and has made recommendations for changes. Consultations about these recommendations as they affect Wales have been undertaken by the Welsh Office and 14 organisations have responded.
The effect of the use classes order is that if an occupier of land wishes to change the use of that land from one use to another within the same use class, he does not need planning permission to make that change.
The sub-group recommends, among other things, a new general business use class, to bring together the present use classes for offices and light industry, and a new residential use class which would include use of a building as a residence and for any other activity (other than a shop) compatible with that use subject to amenity and traffic safeguards and to the proviso that no more than five people engaged in any business activity are present in the building at any one time. The new residential use class would also include the provision of permanent housing accommodation for not more than 10 people.
The responses to the consultations are being considered by my right hon. Friend in conjunction with the consideration being given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment to the responses to similar consultations in England.