§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many grade 2 listed buildings have been demolished in Gwent and the Glamorgan counties in the last three years; and what information is held on the circumstances of such demolitions.
§ Mr. David Hunt[holding answer 22 April 1991]: Before a listed building can be lawfully demolished listed building consent must be obtained. Local planning authorities consider such applications against the detailed guidance issued by my Department. This is contained in Welsh Office circular 61/81, a copy of which is available in the Library of the House. Where a local authority is minded to grant consent for demolition the papers must be referred to my Department for the case to be examined. In the past three years, in line with this process, two grade II listed buildings have been demolished in Gwent and the three Glamorgan counties with the benefit of listed building consent. In addition, my Department is aware of the demolition of a further grade II structure. An application for retrospective consent for this case is being considered.