The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 contains a number of heritage provisions designed to ease up the system.

The government says that the changes will ensure that the existing levels of protection for listed buildings remain intact.

Heritage Minister Ed Vaizey said: “These provisions will provide real benefits for owners and local authorities by cutting costs and reducing bureaucracy”.

“But they will also ensure existing levels of heritage protection are maintained whilst allowing local authorities to deliver a more effective and efficient service”.

Local planning authorities are responsible for ensuring that listed buildings are properly protected and they will still have a duty to consider the impact of any proposals on the architectural and historic character of the listed buildings affected.

The public consultation seeks views on the draft legislation and will last for six weeks.