Context
The question arises from concerns about the difficulty community groups face in securing listed status for historically significant buildings, impacting their ability to preserve heritage and repurpose structures.
Question
What steps her Department is taking to help support community groups to secure listed status for buildings. In Long Stratton, there is a beloved former local authority building called South Norfolk House. It has won numerous awards for its innovative architecture and its ahead-of-its-time design focus on energy efficiency, but it has been refused listed status. This could be a fantastic community asset for the town; it could be an arts hub.
Answer from Chris Bryant
Historic England assesses applications for listing. I want that process to be as simple as possible for community groups up and down the land, so they can steer a balance between preserving what is truly valuable and leaving communities with decaying, listed eyesores. I am very happy to meet my hon. Friend. Many community groups up and down the land have tried to do precisely the same thing: bring a historical building back into community use. Obviously, we want to support that wherever possible, where it is sustainable in the long term.
Not addressed: The specific steps being taken by the Department are not detailed.
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