Feedback from owners selected for a prestigious new list of historic buildings has been positive, according to planning officials.

The reaction to the new historic buildings list, which is designed to protect and nurture the Island's physical heritage, has been good so far.

Packages have been sent out to owners of structures included on the 800-strong list, informing them what the new initiative means and what their rights are.

A Planning Department spokesman said there had been around 13 calls from owners, and all, apart from one disgruntled person, had been positive.

Inclusion on the list -- which is the result of six years of painstaking research by the Historic Buildings Advisory Committee -- is being promoted as adding to greater home value.

The 132 buildings that are designated "grade one'' are considered of such importance that they should be preserved in their original state with any minor alterations being carried out in the same materials and style.

Although the grading is unofficial, it does give indication of the importance of the particular building, the spokesman said.

But he added that it does make it more restrictive for owners who wish to make changes to their homes or other structures.

Those who disagree with the listing, for example believing that a grade one could be to their disadvantage, could argue their case with the Planning Department.

The appeals process for rejected planning applications is exactly the same for listed buildings as it is for any other structure.

The scheme is designed to help protect and preserve for future generations, examples of Bermuda construction and buildings with important historic links.

Included in packages sent to owners is formal notification from the Minister of Environment, an information booklet and a listing building record sheet.

The record sheet contains details of the property and an estimation of its age.