HC Deb 12 December 1983 vol 50 cc318-9W
Mr. Murphy

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will consider the introduction of a right of appeal for an individual following the listing of a private residence.

Mr. Macfarlane

A right of appeal to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State already exists for anyone refused consent by a local planning authority in respect of an application to demolish a listed building; or to alter or extend one in any way that would affect its character. The initial decision to list a building is taken solely by reason of its special architectural or historic interest. Nothing precludes the owner of a building that has been listed from claiming that this interest is not, in fact, present and that the building should cease to be listed, and all such claims that are supported by relevant evidence are carefully considered. I see no need to go beyond this to introduce a formal right of appeal.

Mr. Murphy

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will consider compensation for the loss in market value of a private residence in consequence of listing.

Mr. Macfarlane

The fact that a building is listed as of special architectural or historic interest does not mean that it will be preserved intact in all circumstances, but it does ensure that the case for its preservation as well as for its development is given a full hearing, through the procedure for obtaining listed buildings consent. It may be that a misunderstanding of the implications of listing does affect the market value of some properties. I have seen no evidence that this is generally the case, however, and I do not consider that there is a need to institute an offer of compensation to owners of buildings that have been listed.