LISTED BUILDINGS

The Government is to abolish the Grade II* listing for historic English buildings in a move designed to make the listing system easier for the public to understand. The changes are being introduced despite over 90% of respondents to an English Heritage consultation saying that the present system should be kept. According to Architects' Journal, ministers think that Grade II* is not readily understood.

Grade I buildings are regarded as outstanding and Grade II special but what Grade II* means exactly is not clear. Abolishing Grade II* would be followed by a protracted period during which English Heritage would decide whether buildings should be reclassified as Grade I or Grade II, currently overseen by local authorities. Some conservationists believe English Heritage is planning to relegate a limited number of the younger II* buildings, likely to be Modern Movement, 20th century structures, down to Grade II.

Homeowners with Grade II* listed buildings would see little difference if their properties were downgraded to Grade II. Owners of any listed properties have to apply for listed building consent from their local council for any changes. English Heritage is only consulted on buildings that have listings above Grade II. In the case of Grade II* and Grade I listed buildings, if English Heritage disagrees with a council's final recommendation, it can ask the Secretary of State to intervene to prevent works going ahead. (Source: Daily Telegraph, Jan/06)