Monthly Archives: November 2011

The UK’s most inclusive conservation award for students, the Institute of Historic Building Conservation’s (IHBC) annual Gus Astley Student Award, is ready for online submissions at http://gasa.ihbc.org.uk/, with a closing date of 31 July 2012 Taught course tutors, leaders and … Continue reading →

  The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) is consulting on 2 major issues, with responses on ‘Certification and advisor specifications’ due by 5 December, and that on ‘Energy Company Obligations’ due by 18 January.   DECC writes on … Continue reading →

  Director of Built Environment Forum Scotland (BEFS) Craig Stirrat, soon to retire from his post there, has highlighted sector concerns over the balance of priorities in the Green Deal, noting that ‘It makes no sense to have solar panels … Continue reading →

  At the CLG Select Committee on the draft National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) RTPI revealed that, following a Freedom of Information (FOI) request, HM Treasury has reported officially that ‘after a search of our records HM Treasury does not … Continue reading →

A new ‘All Party Parliamentary Group’ (APPG) for civic societies was launched in the House of Commons on 1st November and over 40 MPs have already signed up.   The first meeting heard from Tony Burton and Deputy Chair Freddie … Continue reading →

Heritage campaigners have urged Northern Ireland Environment Minister Alex Attwood to intervene to save a landmark Victorian building in Belfast city centre facing demolition. Last week Belfast City Council’s town planning committee backed a decision to replace the Athletic Stores … Continue reading →

Inland Waterways Association (IWA) has urged all waterways supporters to write to their MPs urging them to make the case to Waterways Minister Richard Benyon that ‘there needs to be more money put on the table’ for the transfer of … Continue reading →

The Historic Environment: Local Authority Capacity (HELAC) Case Studies are now available to view on the HELM website. HELAC Cast Studies: LINK

Lochaber Geopark which covers the area around Ben Nevis, was designated in 2007 as one of six UK areas of geological interest, or ‘geoparks’, by UNESCO, but it has lost this status because it cannot afford to employ a required … Continue reading →

Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has issue report seeks to better understand the Big Society landscape in relation to culture and sport using the latest Taking Part data.   The report looks specifically at those who give time … Continue reading →

Wales Environment Minister John Griffiths has launched a consultation on a new plan that will help the construction and demolition sector to manage and treat its waste much more sustainably whilst ensuring better economic outcomes for Wales, with a closing … Continue reading →

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has called on architects to use their skills and expertise to help communities to make the most of their new planning powers and create exciting and bold visions for the future of their … Continue reading →

The Conference on Training in Architectural Conservation (COTAC), supported by the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC) and the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB), has highlighted how inappropriate ‘Green Deal’ works could threaten the historic environment.   … Continue reading →

Scottish Ministers have commissioned an options appraisal, through the heritage agency Historic Scotland (HS), on the future of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS).   Responding to Claire Adamson MSP for Central Scotland, Cabinet Secretary for … Continue reading →

The ingenious re-design and renovation of a 1960s house in Highgate, north London, by Duggan Morris Architects has scooped the Royal Institute of British Architects’ (RIBA) prestigious Manser Medal 2011 for the best newly designed house or major extension in … Continue reading →

Welsh Environment Minister John Griffiths has announced that Professor Phillip Jones will chair the first Wales-only Building Regulations Advisory Committee.   This is being established now building regulations are being devolved to the administration with effect from 31 December 2011. … Continue reading →

The legislation underpinning major reforms of the English planning system has received Royal Assent with ministers arguing the measures represent an historic shift of power back to local people.   As well as abolishing regional strategies and the Infrastructure Planning … Continue reading →

The AHRC is seeking expressions of interest from suitably experienced individuals from the academic/ commercial/ government/ voluntary sectors, to fill vacancies on its Advisory Board.   Submit your expression of interest to Cathy Saward, email c.saward@ahrc.ac.uk by the deadline of … Continue reading →

Britain’s oldest housing and planning charity, the Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA), has appointed Katy Lock to lead its work on garden cities and new towns.   She will work with developers, investors, designers, local authorities and community groups … Continue reading →

Skills Minister John Hayes announced a review of the Skills Funding Agency and the statutory post of Chief Executive of Skills Funding.   The Government has committed to undertake a regular evaluation of its key delivery bodies, and to radically … Continue reading →

The Princes Foundation is offering an eight-month programme of practical experience and study to give building craftspeople the opportunity to enhance and advance their design knowledge and experience in traditional and sustainable building crafts, with a closing date of 2 … Continue reading →

Priority Regulatory Outcomes, a new approach towards refreshing the national enforcement priorities for England, has been launched by Local Better regulation Office (LBRO), focused on simplifying the regulatory system, ensuring business voices are heard in the delivery of regulation and … Continue reading →

Those with works on site, or due on site, under the Listed Places of Worship Grant (LPWG) Scheme are facing serious financial challenges under the scheme’s new arrangements.   Heritage Alliance reports: The changes to the way the LPWG Scheme … Continue reading →

The Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC), the UK’s professional body for built and historic environment conservation specialists, is piloting a new Full Member Application Form to further help support appropriate professional accreditation in the increasingly specialised field of conservation. … Continue reading →

IHBC Wales Branch Committee member John Edwards is to leave his post in English Hertage to take up a new role with Cadw as Assistant Director, responsible for building conservation.   John said: ‘ As Cadw’s lead on building conservation … Continue reading →