§ Mr. Maxwell-HyslopTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will issue an urgent planning circular to planning authorities recommending that they relax planning requirements that storm damaged thatched roofs must be repaired or replaced with thatch, where shortage of available thatchers renders such a course impractable for the householders concerned.
§ Mr. Michael Spicer[holding answer 6 March 1990]: In those cases where planning or other permissions are required, each proposal must be considered on its merits, having regard to the development plan and any other material considerations. Wherever possible, local planning authorities should adopt a flexible approach, but they will need to take account of the long-term consequences for the special character of thatched buildings and their surroundings.