Historic England pilot scheme for indemnification of LA's serving BPN's

Historic England, in concert with the DCMS, have now launched a two year pilot scheme intended to encourage greater use of Building Preservation Notices by local authorities during applications for listing. Providing certain procedures are followed, the scheme provides local authorities with indemnity against potential compensation claims arising where a BPN is served, but that building is not subsequently listed. Full details can be seen via the attached link.

https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/listing/bpn-advice-note-2018/

It does appear to be the case that fears of compensation claims deter local authorities from making greater use of BPN's, so this pilot scheme is welcome. But extensive research suggests that compensation claims are actually vanishingly rare. There are many other reasons why LA's fail to serve BPN's, and I am doubtful that this pilot scheme will significantly impact on the number of BPN's served.

I continue to believe that the best and simplest route to providing proper interim protection is by creating automatic temporary protection, as has been done in Wales. I see no reason why this legislation cannot be introduced across the UK, and will be continuing to press for this. HE have invited me to contribute to their ongoing online debate on this issue, and I will provide a further update on this in January. But I would encourage everyone who has signed the petition to contact HE to make their own views known.