Monthly Archives: February 2012

Government has been criticised after admitting there was ‘very little’ evidence for claim that Part L changes will boost Green Deal   Building Co UK Article: LINK

The owner of chemical giant ICI’s former headquarters in Stockton-on-Tees has won permission to take its fight to save the building from demolition to the Appeal Court, citing a violation of the European Convention on Human Rights.   A DECISION … Continue reading →

A new offensive on cutting energy waste was launched by Edward Davey, with the creation of a dedicated team within the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) assembled to spearhead energy efficiency policy and make it more relevant to … Continue reading →

The Treasure Trove Unit and Historic Scotland (HS), with the support of National Museums Scotland and English Heritage, are holding an afternoon meeting, on Friday 9 March 2012, 1330-1700, to explore the theme of crimes against heritage in Scotland. Historic Scotland writes: … Continue reading →

The Tory leader of a west London council praised by Prime Minister David Cameron has been appointed to aid the government in its drive to ‘reduce red tape’ relating to housing and construction.     After launching the Department’s Red … Continue reading →

Edinburgh World Heritage (EWH) the charitable organisation responsible for conserving and promoting the interests of the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage Site is seeking a new chair and trustees – (see http://www.ihbc.org.uk/jobsnew/).   EH writes of itself: … Continue reading →

  Training manuals designed to equip construction SMEs with the knowledge and skills they need to unlock the commercial opportunities around the Green Deal have been launched by CITB-ConstructionSkills and are available for download at no charge.   The publishers … Continue reading →

New rules to make it easier for householders in Scotland to make changes to their homes without applying for planning permission have come into force.   New rules came in to force on February 6, 2012 to make it easier … Continue reading →

An additional £87 million will be invested in affordable and energy efficient homes to support jobs in the construction industry, Housing Minister Keith Brown has announced.   The funding was outlined in the Scottish Parliament by Finance Secretary John Swinney, … Continue reading →

  Charles Walker and Ab Rogers join Alex de Rijke as part of the London college’s expansion plans   BD Online: LINK

The IHBC has posted on its web site new guidance on how members can keep IHBC fee costs to a minimum, including by making sure that they register IHBC fees as a professional expense in their tax records.   IHBC … Continue reading →

Consumers should avoid being tempted by a cheap cash deal and protect themselves against paying more in the long term, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in response to comments by the HMRC Permanent Secretary in the Telegraph.   … Continue reading →

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) has responded to The National Audit Office Assessment of Adult Apprenticeships.   John Hayes, Minister for Skills said: ‘Unprecedented investment, backed by tough new measures to ensure that quality matches quantity, has … Continue reading →

The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) has appointed Peter Schofield director-general for neighbourhoods.   He joins DCLG from HM Treasury and will take a lead role in implementing the housing strategy, major reforms of the planning system and … Continue reading →

Unprecedented funding, of more than one billion pounds, for a new charity paves the way for the launch of the new Canal & River Trust later this year – a new ‘national trust for the waterways’ that will harness the … Continue reading →

The number of students applying to study architecture, building and planning degrees has fallen by around one-sixth, according to figures published today by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).   Search Planning Resource: LINK

Northern Ireland’s Environment Minister, Alex Attwood, has announced the appointment of six new members, and the re-appointment of the chairman and eight existing members to the Historic Monuments Council for a five-year term, effective from 1 February 2012.   Welcoming … Continue reading →

Plans aimed at ensuring that Wales’ natural environment is managed to deliver the best environmental and economic outcomes for Wales have been launched by Environment Minister, John Griffiths.   The Minister attended a launch event at Tata Steel in Port … Continue reading →

Applications are invited by the York Foundation for Conservation and Craftsmanship for bursaries to assist the training of craftsmen and conservators.   Bursaries of up to £1500 each are available to further the knowledge and skills of craftsmen and conservators … Continue reading →

Heritage Alliance has provided an update on discussions in the House of Lords around the NPPF.   Heritage Alliance writes: In a lively exchange in the Lords on Monday (23 January), Peers urged the Government to show its commitment to … Continue reading →

The Clore Leadership Programme is currently inviting applications from exceptional individuals with the potential to take on significant leadership roles within culture, with a deadline of 24 February.   Sponsored by Arts Council England, the general fellowships are open to … Continue reading →

The Challenge Fund, launched last summer, is co-funded by the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation and English Heritage, and managed by the Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF).   Repair grants of up to £200,000 are available for projects undertaken by charities tackling … Continue reading →