Owners can seek a declaration from their local authority indicating the types of work they can carry out on a protected structure without damaging its character.

Planning applications concerning protected structures will have to be accompanied by additional information on the building.

Local authorities will grant 50 per cent of the cost, to a maximum of £10,000, with 75 per cent, to a maximum of £20,000, available in certain cases.

Owners may be required to carry out works to stabilise endangered buildings; fines of up to £1 million are provided for.