§ Mr. David PorterTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement outlining the reasons for the listing of the water tower at Southwold in Suffolk.
§ Sir George YoungThe old water tower was listed on 16 May on the basis of clear advice from English Heritage, the Secretary of State's statutory professional advisers, that it is a building of special architectural or historic interest. English Heritage advised that the tower, which was built in 1886, is a very rare example of a wind-powered water tower.
§ Mr. David PorterTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement outlining the procedures that were followed in the listing of the old water tower at Southwold in Suffolk; and if he will give the names of the inspector and of those who were consulted.
§ Sir George YoungThis building was drawn to the Department's attention in April and, in accordance with the provisions of section 1 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, English Heritage's advice was sought on whether it was a building of special architectural or historic interest. No other body was consulted in this particular case. The inspector who assessed the building was an historic buildings inspector from English Heritage, but the final decision was taken by the Secretary of State. It is not our normal practice to consult more widely on proposals for listing, or to give the names of the inspectors who advise the Secretary of State.