HC Deb 29 July 1982 vol 28 cc703-5W
Mr. Faulds

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment, in view of Her Majesty's Government's endorsement of recommendation 880 (1979) of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, to what extent his policy accords with the recommendation that information about the conservation of the architectural heritage be collected and disseminated to interested bodies such as local authorities, professional institutes, commercial and industrial groups, tourist organisations and the media.

Mr. Neil Macfarlane

A large amount of information about all aspects of the conservation of the architectural heritage is available to a wide audience, and the Government contribute regularly to it.

Mr. Faulds

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment in view of Her Majesty's Government's endorsement of recommendation 880 (1979) of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, what steps he has taken to ensure that in the centres of historic towns funding for the rehabilitation of old buildings shall be on a scale at least equal to that provided for the construction of new houses.

Mr. Macfarlane

I regret that this information is not available, and cannot be obtained.

Mr. Faulds

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment in view of Her Majesty's Government's endorsement of recommendation 880 (1979) of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, what powers he has regarding the protection of architectural heritage to amend decisions by regional and local authorities where they have permitted incongruous new construction in areas of historic interest.

Mr. Macfarlane

So far as decisions by local authorities are concerned, section 276 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1971 gives the Secretary of State powers to revoke or modify planning permission. Paragraph 11 of schedule II gives similar powers for the revocation of listed buildings consents. The reference to decisions by regional authorities does not apply in England.

Mr. Faulds

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment in view of Her Majesty's Government's endorsement of recommendation 880 (1979) of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, whether he will seek powers to order the suspension of any construction or demolition work which could adversely affect the architectural or archaeological heritage, whether or not the building or site has been listed.

Mr. Macfarlane

No. I shall not seek powers for unlisted buildings. Where a building has been listed or is in designated conservation area, legislation already provides safeguards.

Mr. Faulds

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment, in view of Her Majesty's Government's endorsement of recommendation 880 (1979) of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, whether he has, or will take, powers to ensure that, as regards the architectural heritage in areas designated for special protection, local authorities consider action to enhance the quality of the environment, including measures to (a) divert traffic and restrict car parking, (b) create pedestrian areas, (c) secure the removal of unsightly overhead wires and (d) plant more trees in towns and villages.

Mr. Macfarlane

The requirement has already been placed on local planning authorities by section 277(8) and 277(B) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1971 as amended by the Town and Country Amenities Act 1974.

Mr. Faulds

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment, in view of Her Majesty's Government's endorsement of recommendation 880 (1979) of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, whether regular reports on the progress of architectural conservation in the United Kingdom are being made at set intervals by Her Majesty's Government to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.

Mr. Macfarlane

Yes. The United Kingdom contributed to the 1978 report by the Council of Europe on the architectural heritage, and contributed again last year to the Council's project to update that report.

Mr Faulds

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment, in view of Her Majesty's Government's endorsement of recommendation 880 (1979) of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, whether he has powers to require local authorities to control the design of new shop-fronts in conservation areas.

Mr Giles Shaw

Development involving the installation of new shop-fronts is already subject to control by local planning authorities, which are under a statutory obligation in the case of a conservation area to pay special attention to the desirability of preserving or enhancing its character and appearance.

Mr. Faulds

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment in view of Her Majesty's Government's endorsement of recommendation 880 (1979) of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, whether planning authorities have been advised that new development proposals should be examined with due regard for their effect, not only upon the immediate surroundings, but also upon more distant views and skylines.

Mr. Giles Shaw

Planning authorities are already under a statutory obligation, when deciding planning applications, to have regard to the development plan and to any other material considerations. These considerations will certainly include any significant impact which a development would have on more distant views and skylines as well as the effects on the immediate surroundings.

Mr. Faulds

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment in view of Her Majesty's Government's endorsement of recommendation 880 (1979) of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, what financial assistance is available to private owners for the maintenance of listed buildings by means of grants or loans at low-interest rates.

Mr. Macfarlane

Grants are available for repairs to buildings of outstanding historic or architectural importance under section 4 of the Historic Buildings and Ancient Monuments Act 1953 and for selected buildings in conservation areas under section 10 of the Town and Country Planning (Amendment) Act 1972. In addition, local authorities can make grants or loans under the Local Authorities (Historic Buildings) Act 1962. The same Acts also give powers to make loans. Grants may also be made for buildings included in town schemes under section 10 B of the 1972 Act.

Mr. Faulds

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment in view of Her Majesty's Government's endorsement of recommendation 880 (1979) of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in respect of the architectural heritage, in how many cases those responsible for the unauthorised alteration or demolition of listed buildings have been required to restore or re-build the listed property so damaged.

Mr. Macfarlane

I regret that this information is not available.

Enforcement notices are served by local authorities, and if they are complied with, the Department is not informed.