HC Deb 18 October 1976 vol 917 cc309-10W
Mr. Michael Morris

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his policy towards listing marginal buildings.

Mr. Shore

In borderline cases where there may be room for doubt I am asking my professional advisers to look more critically at them and if necessary to seek a second opinion.

Mr. Michael Morris

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether the Government intend removing from the existing listings any buildings.

Mr. Shore

Like my predecessors, I am prepared to consider a claim that a building should cease to be listed on the grounds that it is not of special architectural or historic interest. Any such claim, with the evidence supporting it, is carefully considered.

Mr. Michael Morris

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether the Government intend altering the criteria for a building to be listed.

Mr. Shore

No.

Mr. Michael Morris

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether the Government intend giving further guidance to local authorities on listed buildings.

Mr. Shore

No, since the statutory responsibility for listing such buildings is mine.

Mr. Stephen Ross

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment under what circumstances he permits the demolition of streets consisting of 40 listed Grade II buildings situated within a conservation area.

Mr. Shore

Were such an application to come before me, I should be required to have special regard to the desirability of preserving the buildings, or any features of special architectural and historic interest which they possessed, as well as the contribution they made to the character or appearance of the conservation area.