§ Mr. AllasonTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if she will take steps to ensure the protection of the listed features of the Torbay cinema. [16540]
§ Mr. SproatThe Torbay cinema is a grade II* listed building, and is protected under the provisions of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. Listed building consent is required for demolition of the building and for any works of alteration or extension which would affect its special character. Any application for consent is a matter for the local planning authority in the first instance. In determining applications for consent, the local planning authority must take account of Government policy as set out in planning policy guidance note 15: "Planning and the Historic Environment". The guidance advises that there should be a general presumption in favour of the preservation of listed buildings. In the case of listed building consent, applications relating to grade I and II* buildings, the local planning authority is required to notify English Heritage and—if it is minded to grant consent—my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment, who is empowered to call in cases for his own decision.