Mentally Handicapped People (Hansard, 2 May 1986)

§ Mr. Wigley
asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make it his policy, when considering appeals against planning decisions relative to the provisions of small community-based homes for mentally handicapped people, to take into account the objectives of the all-Wales strategy for mentally handicapped people.

§ Mr. Wyn Roberts
Each appeal is decided on its planning merits and with all material considerations being taken into account.
Full weight is given to the all Wales strategy for mentally handicapped people in considering planning appeals for which it is a material consideration. I take this opportunity to underline the advice given in development control policy note 15 that homes for the mentally handicapped should be part of the community and should allow the occupants to enjoy normal community life, so far as their handicaps permit.

§ Mr. Wigley
asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make it his policy, when considering appeals against planning decisions relative to the provision of small community-based homes for mentally handicapped people not to withhold planning consent for such residential units involving the provisions of support services if planning consent could be given, or already exists, for residential purposes for non-handicapped people.

§ Mr. Wyn Roberts
Each planning appeal is considered on its merits. The Secretary of State and his inspectors have regard to all material considerations when considering appeals.

§ Mr. Wigley
asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will take steps to remove the requirement for a change of use certificate to be issued for a residential house or flat if the occupiers of such premises are to be mentally handicapped persons requiring support services; and if he will make a statement.

§ Mr. Wyn Roberts
My right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Wales and for the Environment are reviewing the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1972 and have before them a report produced by a sub-group of the Department of the Environment's property advisory group. One of the sub-group's recommendations is the creation of a new residential use class which would provide for the special type of use of a house by a group of not more than 10 people living together and enjoying the services of non-resident and resident supervisory or domestic staff. The report has been the subject of widespread consultation and the responses are now being considered.