§ Mr. Sillarsasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the procedure for informing owners of property that they are in possession of listed buildings and outlining their legal responsibilities.
§ Mr. McElhoneWhen a property is added to the statutory list of buildings of special architectural or historic interest the appropriate planning authority is notified. The planning authority has a statutory obligation to serve a notice on every owner, occupier or lessee of the property advising them that it has been listed. At the same time information is provided about the main features of the listed buildings legislation.
§ Mr. Sillarsasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what are the categories of listed buildings; and if he will explain the restrictions placed on owners or tenants in each of the categories.
§ Mr. McElhoneListed buildings are in three categories—A, B and C in order of importance. Any proposal to demolish any listed building regardless of its category or to alter or extend it in such a way as would affect its character requires listed building consent before works can proceed.