LETTER : Listed buildings can save you tax

From Mr Vane Sutton-Vane

Sir: I am sure that many of us can equal or cap Peter Lord's example of the horrors of trying to alter a listed building (Letters, 16 March). At least he has got a window, whereas we have to live in gloom.

However, a point that seems to have been missed is that the listing of buildings is really back-door nationalisation, with no right of appeal and with no compensation. Surely, there should be a right of appeal and, as there is no such right in this country, should not the matter be taken to the European Courts?

For compensation, I suggest a 25 per cent reduction in council tax for all properties within a conservation area and a 50 per cent reduction for all listed buildings. This would concentrate the minds of some of the dottier local authorities and give owners some compensation for their loss of rights.

Yours sincerely,

VANE SUTTON-VANE

Sturminster Newton,

Dorset

16 March