Bermuda's historic buildings are to be barricaded against the bulldozers -- and thoughtless renovation.

Environment Minister Tim Smith said hundreds of buildings had been picked out for possible listing.

And householders would learn within 90 days whether their property was on this list.

They would then have the chance to protest before a final register was drawn up, he added.

"I am excited by the prospect and I sincerely trust that the community generally and professional architects specifically will welcome and support this initiative.'' Mr. Smith declared the move would revolutionise town planning in Bermuda.

His announcement was made to the Institute of Bermuda Architects during a dinner on Saturday at Hamilton's Princess Hotel.

He said it was high time the Island drew up a register of buildings considered to be of "architectural and historical importance''.

Currently, only three park gates in St. George's, an old Shelly Bay chimney, and a Bailey's Bay boathouse were protected. This was sad and surprising for a country which took such pride in its architecture, Mr. Smith continued.

"Fortunately, the stock of homes and buildings worthy of listing, outside the City, have remained, for the most part, in tact.

"Unsympathetic additions and careless renovations are not unknown -- but thankfully demolition is uncommon.

"Within the City, the situation is quite different and, I suggest, a much more complex issue to deal with.

"Not too many landowners would welcome the news that their single-storey, architectural gem cannot be demolished to make way for a six-storey office block.'' Outside Hamilton, however, the position was less complex.

Listing overseas seemed to enhance property values, and there was no reason why the same could not be true in Bermuda.

"The listing of buildings of architectural and historical importance is long overdue.

"I am pleased to advise you tonight, that the publication of that list is imminent.'' Mr. Smith said properties on the provisional list would be judged either Grade I, II, or III listed.

Some 640 buildings, he added, outside Dockyard and the City had been "provisionally'' identified as listed properties by the Historical Buildings Advisory Committee.

"Very soon, a circular will be mailed to all the owners to advise them their building has been provisionally listed and to give them an opportunity to make `representations and objections' within say 30 days.

"These submissions will be taken into consideration in preparing the final list.

"The publication of the report and the list will represent a significant watershed in the history of town planning in Bermuda.'' He added: "The list represents a big leap forward from three gates, a chimney and the remains of a boathouse.

"The presence of so many fine examples of Bermudian architecture is thanks to the architects who came before you.

"I know you and your fellow registered architects will maintain Bermuda's best architectural traditions and will relish the challenge of ensuring our buildings remain ripe, functional and that they need not die.'' He outlined criteria for assessing how properties should be listed: Grade I: Buildings, or groups of properties, such as Waterville or St. Peter's Church, which have survived in basically their original condition and are of "such exceptional interest and architectural or historical value that they should be preserved.'' Minor essential changes or additions, if allowed at all, must be carried out in the same material and in the "same structural and decorative style''; Grade II: Properties of such historical value, such as Clebrig Paget and Crawl Gospel Hall, that any alterations should be minor and "not impinge on those parts of the building to be protected or preserved.''; and Grade III: Buildings, such as Montpelier and Cliff Lodge, which "serve Bermuda as an important visual amenity and are of such architectural or historical value that alterations or additions should be carried out in sympathy with the structural and decorative style dominant in the existing structure.'' Mr. Smith said it was probable historic properties would be exempt from planning application and building fees.

Mr. Tim Smith MP