The Government is considering the possibility of delisting two Grade 3 listed buildings, according to recent notices.

The move comes as the Bermuda National Trust voiced concern over the failure to preserve buildings listed for protection for their architectural and historical value.

According to the notices, published in the Official Gazette, Walter Roban, the Minister of Home Affairs, is considering delisting 70 Somerset Road and 10 Spice Hill Road – a property also known as Cane Villa Cottage.

The notices said that under the Development and Planning Act 1974 he was required to give notice to owners, occupiers and the public of the consideration so that he can receive any representations or objections before a final decision is made.

Such representations must be made in writing to the Permanent Secretary of Home Affairs by May 22, 2023.

Cane Villa Cottage was added to the list of buildings of special architectural or historic interest in 2008, while 70 Somerset Road was added to the list in 2002.

Charlotte Andrews, head of cultural heritage at the Bermuda National Trust, said the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Department of Planning in particular, maintained the island’s Listed Buildings Register, making them “the first point of contact for concerns about listed buildings or historic monuments”.

“The planning process is fairly robust around delisting, including review by the Historic Buildings Advisory Committee, who often work extensively with owners of listed buildings to prevent delisting,” Dr Andrews said.

“The planning process ensures all proposed delistings are advertised, which provides the opportunity for the public to object.

“The trust nonetheless is concerned about the neglect we are seeing of listed buildings. As owners of many historic properties ourselves, we are sympathetic to the struggles owners of listed buildings face.

“We are also aware of the low level of support for owners of listed buildings, as to our knowledge there is no financial support from Government to help owners conserve historic properties, such as a reduction of land tax or a rebate on building materials.”

She added: “The Department of Planning’s interest-free loan scheme has been discontinued. There has long been talk of a repository where materials from demolished buildings could be stockpiled for use by those restoring listed buildings, but this idea isn’t yet a reality.

“So there is much to be done to better support owners of listed buildings, and the trust will continue supporting the development of such processes.

“With more infrastructure behind the Listed Buildings Register in place, we can all be more proactive to avoid the neglect that leads to delisting.”