Monthly Archives: May 2009

This is a briefing paper on the Bill, which aims to promote local democracy and economic development and to devolve greater power to local government and communities. http://www.info4local.gov.uk/documents/publications/1239780

Built Environment Forum Scotland today notified its members that the process for the dissolution of HEACS – Scotland’s outgoing historic environment advisory group – has commenced today (29 May) with the introduction of the Public Services Reform Bill to Parliament. … Continue reading →

IHBC Director Seán O’Reilly has welcomed the launch of the analysis by the Scottish Civic Trust (SCT) of the Party Manifestos for the European elections.  Dr O’Reilly said ‘We need more of this conservation-focussed scrutiny.  It’s not only about the … Continue reading →

There were multiple failures by Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council in the handling of an extension to a primary school next to a 17th century hall that is Grade 2* listed, finds Ombudsman, Anne Seex. In her report, issued today (22 … Continue reading →

Incorrect advice has landed City of York planners in hot water from the Local Government Ombudsman after a complaint over the guidance given for a renovation scheme on a Georgian terraced property. This resulted in the resident putting in a … Continue reading →

English Heritage has urged local planning authorities to make much greater use of Article 4 Directions to safeguard conservation areas. That call came as the Government’s adviser on historic buildings and monuments published its latest annual Heritage at Risk Register. … Continue reading →

English Heritage today (Monday 18th May), took ownership of Heritage Open Days, securing the future of the popular cultural event and reassuring one million participants and 35,000 volunteer organisers by guaranteeing that it will take place this year.  English Heritage … Continue reading →

Built Environment Forum Scotland (BEFS) welcomes new research demonstrating the hugely significant contribution that Scotland’s historic environment makes to the  Scottish economy. The research by ECOTEC provides evidence to show that the economic contribution of  the historic environment is comparable … Continue reading →

This consultation Following the publication of the IHBC’s research into conservation services, as part of its joint paper on historic environment services in LPAs,  Huw Morris, in ‘Planning’, 15 May 2009 has highlighted the dangers of skills shortages in conservation … Continue reading →

This consultation seeks views on the proposed provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Listed Buildings (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill.  The Scottish Government notes that the Bill is a tightly-focused technical amending Bill that will introduce new provisions and remove barriers to … Continue reading →

National Heritage Training Group (NHTG), the UK’s heritage training initiative linked to ConstructionSkills, the sector skills council supported by the construction industry, has recently launched a major new website providing a one-stop-shop for information on skills and training for the … Continue reading →

The European Landscape Convention (the ‘ELC’, the Florence Convention) has been ratified by 30 European countries. It has been in force in the United Kingdom since March 2007. English Heritage has therefore prepared a high level Action Plan to assist … Continue reading →

A new cross-Government strategy stresses that good quality buildings and ample green infrastructure – parks, trees and waterways – are not a luxury that can be dropped during difficult economic circumstances. http://www.communities.gov.uk/news/corporate/1229626

One of the Killian Pretty projects we’ve picked up asks us to identify and promote excellent LPA websites. Planning Portal Director Chris Kendall  says he is very interested to hear your views on what a good local authority planning web … Continue reading →

CLG has set out a vision for world class places with a new strategy on improving quality of place. Edinburgh is the first case study, as it ‘ remains a model of sustainable urban design…  Although designed as a residential … Continue reading →

The heritage sector has urged the Government to encourage local authorities not to cut historic environment services, as latest research revealed a dramatic fall in specialist officers. The figures were compiled by English Heritage, the Institute of Historic Building Conservation … Continue reading →

Indicators for Scotland’s Historic Environment Audit – 2008 baseline data tables are now available.  Baseline data (as at 2008) covers a series of indicators about Scotland’s Historic Environment. Publication of this baseline data is intended to increase awareness about the … Continue reading →

http://www.helm.org.uk/upload/pdf/EH_Managing_Assets.pdf?1240823957

The Marine (Scotland) Bill was introduced to Parliament on April 29, 2009, to make provision in relation to functions and activities in the Scottish marine area, including provision about marine plans, licensing of marine activities and the protection of the … Continue reading →

CASE the Culture and Sport Evidence initiative is the new £1.8M, 3 year joint programme of research led by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport in England, in collaboration with the Arts Council England, English Heritage, the Museums, Libraries … Continue reading →

A major project to identify castles and tower-houses which could be suitable for future restoration and development to drive economic investment and tourism to Scotland during the current climate, was announced by Culture Minister Michael Russell today (Sunday, 3 May) … Continue reading →

Under the rules on rate relief for empty non-domestic properties in England, office and retail premises are eligible for full rate relief for the first three months of becoming vacant and industrial and warehouse premises and listed buildings for the … Continue reading →

20 April 2009: A number of the world’s top architects have jointly-condemned the Prince of Wales for using ‘his privileged position’ to intervene in the design process for the Richard Rogers Chelsea Barracks scheme in London. In a letter to … Continue reading →

In 2006 the UK House of Lords Science and Technology select committee published an inquiry report on science and heritage.  One of the recommendations of that report is the development of a national strategy for heritage science.  Since October this … Continue reading →

Management of Research Projects in the Historic Environment (MoRPHE) is a set of free guidelines covering the management of all historic environment research and ‘research and development’ (R&D) projects undertaken or funded by English Heritage. MoRPHE provides a framework of … Continue reading →