§ John MannTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what regulations exist to limit the use of fire sprinklers in listed buildings. [33509]
Ms Keeble: I have been asked to reply.
Listed building consent is required to alter a listed building in any way that would affect its character as a building of special architectural or historic interest. Listed building controls extend to all works, both external and internal, that would affect a building's special interest.
It is for local planning authorities in the first instance to decide whether consent is required in any particular case, including for works involving the installation of fire sprinklers. In appropriate cases, conditions may be attached to the grant of listed building consent requiring the preservation of particular features.