Daily Archives: 18/05/2012

The Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC) has condemned the withdrawal of VAT relief for key heritage construction works, saying it will undermine the future improvement of many of the UK’s listed buildings while threatening much-needed growth, especially in construction … Continue reading →

Parliamentary questions raised on behalf of Built Environment Forum Scotland (BEFS), of which the IHBC is a member, confirm that the Scottish Government considers the move ‘deeply regrettable’, and ‘in the opposite direction from the approach that the Scottish Ministers … Continue reading →

The Chancellor has agreed an extra £30 million to help resolve the damage to the future of listed places of worship by the budget’s recent heritage ‘VAT raid’, a subvention only confirming the high-level recognition of the damage caused by … Continue reading →

More storage space, better soundproofing and ‘period features’ such as good light are some of the key features that people need when choosing a home! A new Ipsos MORI research report for the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has … Continue reading →

Communities Secretary Eric Pickles has decided not to intervene over Cornwall Council’s decision to allow the redevelopment of the derelict South Quay in Hayle which is part of a World Heritage Site. Both English Heritage and UNESCO’s consultants objected to … Continue reading →

The Churches Conservation Trust (CCT) has published its ‘Regeneration Strategy for 2012-15’, and launched a film on the work of its Regeneration Task Force and the diverse groups it has worked with in securing the conservation of churches. Crispin Truman, … Continue reading →

The Urban Design Group (UDG) has published the outcome of its pilot survey undertaken spring 2012 into research needs in urban design. Download the report, entitled ‘Urban Design and Public Realm research use and needs’, HERE: LINK

Former RIBA president, architect George Ferguson, has said he will run for the post of elected mayor in Bristol and pledges to save city £3m. Bristol24-7 Article: LINK BD Online Article: LINK

The Environment Agency (EA) has issued working draft guidelines advising interested parties on its role and responses regarding planning and permitting issues, with a closing date for responses of 15 June. The EA states: These guidelines have been developed to … Continue reading →

The government has officially launched the search for a successor to Paul Morrell as the Government’s chief construction adviser. Construction News Article: LINK

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has announced earmarked support totalling £15.9m for the regeneration of 12 city and town centres stretching from Falkirk to Folkestone. HLF’s investment will come through its Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) programme which fosters effective partnerships … Continue reading →

North of England Civic Trust (NECT) has been awarded £302,900 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to deliver its innovative Heritage Skills in Education project. The Heritage Skills in Education (HSed) project is an innovative programme to engage students with … Continue reading →

Plans for a housing scheme in north London have been rejected on appeal after an inspector found that it would significantly harm the setting of heritage assets, including a burial ground dating back to the 17th century. Search Planning Resource: … Continue reading →

VirtualTourist.com Announces World’s Top 10 Toilets, with pics! VirtualTourist states: Whether referred to as a restroom, loo, toilet, or otherwise, ‘the facilities’ are always an important part of being on the go. With this in mind the members and editors … Continue reading →