In light of this, a group of 1500 properties in the area was given Conservation Area status,[1] and Plumbe's northern section of the estate was granted Article Four Direction by Michael Heseltine, Secretary of State for the Environment, preventing any alterations to the external appearances of the properties without planning permission, in recognition of its architectural and historic interest.[61] St Mark's Church was meanwhile Grade II listed.[59] However, these measures have not been consistently enforced, and Noel Park has been cited in a report by English Heritage as a prominent example of the failure of conservation areas.[62][63]