Britain's historic buildings and sites could be privatised under Tory plans to be announced today.

Culture Secretary Maria Miller intends to turn state-run English Heritage into a self-funded charitable trust, while creating a new government organisation to deal with planning applications and protecting historic buildings by offering expertise and giving listed status.

The organisation would receive an £80 million "golden handshake" in 2015 to send it on its way to independence.

Ms Miller said: "Our historic buildings are loved by everyone and act as a magnet for tourists from all over the world. English Heritage sites like Stonehenge, Hadrian's Wall, Tintagel Castle and Battle Abbey are at the very heart of what England is all about.

"As such we want to give them the tools they need so as they can generate their own income."

The government says that by turning English Heritage into a charity it will have more freedom to raise capital and gain funding and will enjoy tax breaks.

However, concerns have been raised that the measures are just "privatisation by the backdoor."

Former Barbican managing director Sir John Tusa told the Independent the proposed moves were a "stalking horse for more privatisation of culture."

He said: "The question is this: is this the start of backdoor privatisation of major institutions?"

Left economist Neil Clark said the proposals, which have been put out for consultation, are part of a ideological drive by David Cameron and will not benefit England's heritage.

He told the Star: "They say English Heritage will have more freedom to raise money, but this is just a pretext.

"This government is the most fanatically pro-privatisation in history - nothing will remain in the public sector except the police and part of the justice system if they get their way.

"English Heritage has done a great job in protecting our heritage and environment.

"The Tories are transferring as much power to the private sector as they can. They're selling it all off for those who bankrolled them."