Written question asked by Anthony Steen (Conservative) on Tuesday, 26 February 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 29 February 2008. It was answered by Baroness Hodge of Barking (Labour) on Monday, 3 March 2008 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Totnes Railway Station: Historic Buildings

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will prevent the demolition of the Brunel pumping station at Totnes railway station; and if he will request English Heritage to list the building as a Grade II building.

Answer: [holding answer 29 February 2008]: Following careful consideration of all the relevant evidence, including advice from English Heritage, the Secretary of State decided on 16 November that the pumping station, Totnes, was not of sufficient special architectural or historic interest to merit listing. The Secretary of State upheld this decision on 22 February 2008 following a review of the case.Listing a building does not necessarily prevent its demolition. The purpose of listing is to ensure that care will be taken over any decision affecting the building and that the case for its preservation is taken fully into account in considering the merits of any development proposals.

Secondary information