§ Mr. Fauldsasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what action is open to him when there is clear evidence that a local authority, having agreed to the adaptation of a listed building which is then demolished and replaced by a modern structure faked up as a historic one, fails to take action to prevent the developer ignoring the restraints and requirements of circular 23/77.
§ Mr. MacfarlaneThe Secretary of State has powers to take enforcement action, after consultation with the local planning authority, or to prosecute if unauthorised works are carried out to a listed building. Such action is normally left to the local planning authority as it is responsible for the day-to-day administration of listed building control. If the hon. Member has clear evidence about a particular case, I would be happy to look into it.