The island asks for less information for building works on registered buildings than neighbouring jurisdictions.

Environment, Food and Agriculture Minister Geoffrey Boot was asked whether the system could be made simpler by Jason Moorhouse (Arbory, Castletown and Malew) in the last Tynwald sitting before the recess.

Registered building applications follow a similar process to planning applications, however they are subject to different considerations.

Mr Boot said: ’An application is needed only for works affecting a registered building where the proposed works affect its character as a building of special architectural or historic interest (such as historic staircase or fireplace).

’Consent is not needed for any works that do not alter its historic or architectural character (i.e. the removal of a modern radiator, or modern partitions).

’At the current time all we ask of applicants is that they list each element of work they are going to do, where in the building that is, and how that will affect the building. We ask that the works are supported by drawings and/or photographs.’

He suggested that the island ’perhaps’ could consider asking for more information.

In England, applications of a similar type require a heritage statement or statements of historic significance.

The Minister said having this information would ’make it easier for the application to be assessed and for the planning committee to be more confident in the decisions they make’.

Mr Boot added: ’Thought has been given to amending the process such that only one application form is needed to cover both the planning application and the registered building consent.

’But in reality this does not make the process more complicated, there are different considerations in determining a planning application to considerations that are given to registered building consent.’