§ Baroness Anelay of St. Johnsasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they plan to introduce statutory protection for historic cinemas on the same basis as that awarded to theatres. [HL376]
§ Lord McIntosh of HaringeyThe Government see no case for additional safeguards for historic cinemas beyond those already available under current listed building legislation. Any cinema which my right honourable friend has listed as being of architectural or historic interest is protected on the same basis as applies to any other listed building. Under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, listed building consent is required for the carrying out of works resulting in the demolition of a listed building or for any alteration or extension which would affect its character as a building of special architectural interest. Conservation area consent is required for the demolition of an unlisted building within a conservation area. The Act also allows local authorities to take action where a historic building has deteriorated to the extent that its preservation may be at risk.