The Planning Acts allow a planning authority to include in its development plan objectives for the preservation of interior features of buildings, where such interiors are of artistic, historical or architectural interest. The inclusion in development plans of such objectives, whose principal effect is to make certain development which would otherwise be exempted development for planning purposes subject to planning permission requirements, is a matter for individual planning authorities.
The Programme for a Partnership Government contains an undertaking to reinforce the existing framework for the protection of listed buildings. Measures to give effect to this commitment are being considered and will be announced in due course.