Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure local planning authorities fast-track energy efficient measures in listed properties, such as replacing single-glazing with energy efficient approved alternatives which do not alter the appearance of historic buildings.

I refer the noble Member to policy HE6(4) of the new National Planning Policy Framework published on 17 August. This makes clear that enabling energy efficiency and low carbon heating measures to be employed is an important public benefit which should be weighed against any harm to designated heritage assets, including listed buildings, when determining planning applications.

Local planning authorities also have powers to make local listed building consent orders which grant a general listed building consent for works of a specified description for the alteration or extension of the listed buildings specified in the order – this could include energy efficiency works.