A plan to set up a preservation fund to help owners with repairs to listed buildings has been suggested by an architect.

The idea has come from John Gardner, who believes it would be a positive move that could help ensure the 800 structures included on the new historic buildings list were protected in the right spirit for the future.

Mr. Gardner, senior partner at Cooper and Gardner Architects, and a listed building occupier, believes it would show the Government was serious about looking after the nation's heritage and would encourage owners to embrace the new rules.

He believes the land tax collected from listed buildings should be channeled into a fund that could then be used for grant purposes for the repair and upkeep of such structures.

If that idea wasn't acceptable, then waiving the tax altogether to lessen the burden could be the way forward, he said in a letter to The Royal Gazette .

"It would be a tremendous statement by the Government to show their support,'' he said. "And the financial aspect would not be that much, compared to other funds.'' In addition, he has suggested that the grading system is changed to incorporate just one level, to allow owners more freedom in what can and can't be done to their property.

At present there are three grades of listed buildings, with grade one being the most strict and grade three allowing owners more freedom with any improvements.

All planning applications are scrutinised by the Historic Buildings Advisory Committee, which make recommendations on plans in the light of the grading.

His plan would lighten the load on people who may be struggling with repairs in the light of new rules.

"This is closest to the spirit of the exercise while still permitting appriopriate latitude on an individual basis,'' he said.

And he also made a plea for owners to recieve Government assurances that listed building policies will not become stricter in the future.

Mr. Gardner said some owners would be under financial pressure from the new rules and it would be seen as a great gesture by the Government, towards showing residents that they are supporting their efforts to preserve the Island's notable buildings.

BUILDINGS BLD