Monthly Archives: December 2011

The review of the IHBC’s governance, centred on the update of the constitution, continues into a new phase as many council members have benefited from briefing and tools to help them promote discussion across our membership.   Most council members … Continue reading →

The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) has appointed Matthew Slocombe, a full member of the IHBC, to take over as Director when Philip Venning retires next summer.   IHBC Director Sean O’Reilly said: ‘Matthew’s been a hugely … Continue reading →

The Communities and Local Government (CLG) Select Committee report on the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) highlights the danger of reduced or unclear guidance promoting ambiguity and appeals, suggesting a second consultation as it concludes that: ‘There is a danger … Continue reading →

The Apollo Pavilion, the structure known as ‘Pasmore’s Pavilion’ in Peterlee designed by the internationally-renowned artist Victor Pasmore, has been awarded Grade II* status following advice from English Heritage, and will now take its place in the top five per … Continue reading →

The continued use of parts of a grade II* listed terrace house in central London as an art gallery and for film shoots has been rejected after an inspector decided it would harm housing supply and disturb neighbours.   Search … Continue reading →

The Royal Institute of British Architects’ (RIBA) Council approved 14 new RIBA Honorary Fellowships to reward individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, including IHBC member and ACO past-Chair Chris Smith of English Heritage, Ai Weiwei, Boris Johnson, Malcolm Hankey, … Continue reading →

The inaugural Greenbuild awards are now open for entries, as they recognise sustainable building performance – both newbuild and retrofit – and celebrate the green achievements of all types of buildings, from homes to hospitals. The awards focus on actual … Continue reading →

A developer has been refused permission to demolish three run-down outbuildings within the curtilage of a listed farm in Gloucestershire after an inspector found insufficient evidence to show that this is necessary to allow a mixed-use development.   Search Planning … Continue reading →

A home proposed in a West Yorkshire conservation area has been rejected for a second time because it would harm the open quality of a site that plays an important role in maintaining the area’s character. Search Planning Resource: LINK

At Heritage Day on 8 December Alliance Chairman Loyd Grossman announced the joint winners of this year’s Heritage Alliance Hero Award – a scheme celebrating the outstanding efforts of the half a million heritage volunteers across the country. Heritage Alliance … Continue reading →

The IHBC has just launched a new ‘mobile-friendly’ development of its celebrated website, making it more accessible to those using mobile technology such as smart phones and iPads, as well as offering exciting new links to less familiar pages.   … Continue reading →

  A rogue builder who turned a quiet street in an historic conservation area into a building site after knocking down his house without consent is now more than £500,000 worse off after being taken to court by Hammersmith & … Continue reading →

English Heritage (EH) is consulting on the progress of its National Heritage Protection Plan (NHPP), the forward plan for the organisation’s heritage protection activities, with the consultation closing on 27 January.   Edward Impey, Director of Heritage Protection and Planning … Continue reading →

Planners have welcomed the publication of the final report from shopping guru Mary Portas who was commissioned by the Government to review the future of the High Street.   However, the Planning Officers Society (POS) has argued that most of … Continue reading →

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has offered some additional good news to the sector for Christmas. Heritage Alliance writes The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has announced an increased budget for new awards in 2012-13 of £375m. This budget represents an increase … Continue reading →

Looking to encourage community groups to tackle buildings at risk in their areas, three new Regional Support Officers have been appointed in a joint partnership between English Heritage and the Architectural Heritage Fund.   Jo Hill, based in Leeds, will … Continue reading →

Derek Mackay has been named as the Scottish Government’s planning and local government minister after predecessor Aileen Campbell was appointed as minister for youth employment.  Search Planning Portal: LINK

Two organisations devoted to the protection of historic vessels throughout the UK will shortly combine as The Maritime Trust will join forces with Heritage Afloat.   The Maritime Trust was established in 1969 in response to concerns at the steady … Continue reading →

  English Heritage (EH) has provided an commentary on its interpretation of the reforms to Conservation Area Consent identified in the Penfold update.   Duncan McCallum at English Heritage writes:   ‘There have been a few queries from different quarters … Continue reading →

A planning application has been made for the comprehensive regeneration and restoration of the disused and derelict Broadford Works in Aberdeen, the largest collection of Category ‘A’ Listed buildings at risk in Scotland.   Owner Ian Suttie has teamed up … Continue reading →

The Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC), the UK’s professional body for built and historic environment conservation specialists, has responded cautiously to the recent update on progress with the ‘Penfold review, an initiative intended to ease the burden of ‘non-planning … Continue reading →

Planners have welcomed publication of the Government’s second National Infrastructure Plan, a key element of Chancellor George Osborne’s Autumn Statement.   The Statement also stressed the need for planning reforms and included the promise of a review of the appeals … Continue reading →

The Sustainable Traditional Buildings Alliance (STBA) was launched on 29 November 2011 at Somerset House in London with widespread support from across the sector, as the IHBC says ‘it tackles precisely the issues which have been a major concern for … Continue reading →

The Heritage Lottery Fund has provided an update of its information for applicants, with good news including that Townscape Heritage initiative funding is to continue for another year with a budget increase of £3m.   HLF writes: Grant budget for … Continue reading →

Energy Saving Trust (EST) research highlights scale of challenge for UK’s built environment, as it says Climate targets require ‘one building retrofitted every minute’ until 2050.   One building will have to be given a green makeover each minute from … Continue reading →