It has been revealed that English Heritage is to abolish the Grade II* category for Listed buildings, which currently sits between Grade I and Grade II. Grade I buildings are described as ‘those of exceptional interest’, while Grade II* are ‘particularly important buildings of more than special interest’. The move is part of a consultation document entitled The Heritage Protection Review.

Commenting on the status of Listed properties, James Gloag of leading property consultants Strutt & Parker says, ‘Whenever we offer a Listed building for sale we do see increased interest. Some prospective buyers are put off by a home being Listed, but by and large people do recognise that a Listing means that a house is of architectural or historic interest.

‘The abolition of Grade II* is a shame and it will undoubtedly leave a gap. A three tier system offers more scope than just two levels. There is a considerable gulf between a modest cottage which merits a Grade II Listing and something like Blenheim Palace.

‘It’s hard to say where the impetus for this change has come from. Maybe it is to narrow down which properties really are of importance, and eliminate those that have scrapped into the Listing.

‘What should be acknowledged is the debt owed to owners of Listed buildings, who maintain a large part of our architectural heritage at their own expense.’

Following the abolition of Grade II* there will inevitably be a period of adjustment in which buildings in that category will be moved up or down – and opinion is that the majority will go down to Grade II. This will lead to them being less well protected and is of particular concern to enthusiasts of more modern Listed buildings, who are worried that their protection will be significantly weakened. Many homes of architectural importance by Lutyens and Voysey are currently Grade II* Listed. Both SAVE Britain’s Heritage and The Twentieth Century Society have come out strongly against the plans. Grade II* properties can be eligible for grants for repairs; Grade II buildings are not.

James Gloag went on to say that the abolition of Grade II* won’t have any effect on the values of Listed property.