say in the developing of historic buildings plans.

He and Planning Department officials are awaiting feedback from the 800 owners of buildings earmarked for protection under the new historic buildings list.

The list sets out restrictions for the different levels of historic buildings, with the aim of nurturing them for future generations via scrutiny from the Historic Buildings Advisory Committee.

An extension of the time limit for owners to return information is being considered. An announcement will be made next week.

When all the data is collected, officials will be able to consider changes to the policy.

Mr. Soares was responding to a plan put forward by architect John Gardner, who suggested land tax on listed buildings be channeled in to a special fund to be utilised as grants for owners.

In addition he suggested that the grading system be simplified to give more freedom on what can be done to properties.

But the Minister said he wanted to wait until all the information was gathered, before making any alterations.

He intimated that if the overwhelming message was to change a particular aspect of the policy, for example the grading system, then he would look sympathetically at that.

But the feedback from the public would be tempered with the data bank that had been collected by the Historic Buildings Advisory Committee, which spent six years surveying and recording the Island's notable structures.

"I am convinced the people will come up with some very good advice for us -- if we get information from 800 people, that will be great,'' Mr. Soares said.

It will help mould the policy and we can't do that without feedback. This affects their and their children's lives.'' GOVERNMENT GVT