Listed Buildings

HC Deb 13 May 1985 vol 79 cc21-2W

Mr. Heddle

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will introduce legislation imposing a duty on inspectors responsible for the listing of buildings to notify owners of intended visits and of the possibility that the property may be listed; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Macfarlane

No. Unfortunately, there is a real danger that some owners would take advantage of prior notification to carry out works prejudicial to the special interest of a listable building. My Department takes all reasonable steps to explain to owners the implications of listing after a building has been added to the statutory list. Field workers carry identity cards to show to owners or occupiers in cases where internal inspection is necessary, and have been briefed to explain the nature of the survey as necessary.

Mr. Heddle

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will introduce legislation to provide an appeal procedure in relation to the listing of buildings; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Macfarlane

No. A building is listed if it is considered to be of special architectural or historic interest. This is a professional and technical assessment made according to principles of selection formulated in 1970 by the former Historic Buildings Council, agreed with my Department and consistently applied ever since. Those assessments depend entirely on the actual merits of particular buildings and an appeal procedure would not therefore be appropriate. There is, of course, a full right of appeal by an owner against the refusal of consent to alter, extend or demolish a listed building.

Mr. Heddle

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the qualifications necessary for appointment as an inspector responsible for the listing of buildings; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Macfarlane

Appointment to the Historic Buildings Inspectorate of the Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission for England currently requires a degree in architectural history or a related subject, together with evidence of relevant post-graduate research.