Monthly Archives: June 2012

IHBC’s officers, members and delegates offered enthusiastic congratulations to its South Branch for organising and hosting yet another highly successful and challenging Annual School for the institute. IHBC President Trefor Thorpe said: ‘The great speakers and fascinating site visits highlighted … Continue reading →

The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) is currently active in helping link activities opposed to the ‘Heritage VAT raid’, including the work of the IHBC, and ahs recently provided an update on press coverage achievements by the partner bodies. FMB … Continue reading →

Following the open letter to the Chancellor co-signed by bodies leading opposition ot the ‘heritage VAT raid’, including the IHBC, George Osborne has rejected calls for its reconsideration, while partners encourage signatories to maintain pressure on MPs and in media. … Continue reading →

The Government’s response to the VAT consultation has just been published, with the section on listed buildings received the highest number of responses – 818 in total. The Federation of Master Builders [FMB] reports on it as following: The transitional … Continue reading →

A recent appeal case involving a hotel demolition documents one planning inspector’s thinking around the application of England’s Localism Bill and the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). The inspector concluded (paras 177-8) that ‘… I have carefully considered all matters … Continue reading →

The Government has laid before Parliament draft regulations for how neighbourhood planning referendums should work, including the wording of questions. Referendums must be held on a neighbourhood development plan, a neighbourhood development order or a community right to build order. … Continue reading →

The National Trust has decided to take legal action over the decision to grant planning permission for a £100m golf resort on Northern Ireland’s north coast near the Giant’s Causeway, a World Heritage site. This move has generated criticism from … Continue reading →

bdonline has released the current nominations for its ‘carbuncle cup’. Bdonline writes: You can influence the shortlist by sending a short paragraph explaining your nomination to bdonline@ubm.com. Current nominations include: ArcellorMittal Orbit, Olympic Park, London, by Anish Kapoor and Cecil … Continue reading →

Members of the Lords, including the chair of English Heritage, debated the future of English cathedrals on Thursday 28 June. Lord Cormack (Conservative), who tabled the debate, is vice-president of the Historic Churches Preservation Trust/National Churches Trust and a former … Continue reading →

The Government has introduced new regulations that will allow previously dismissed proposals under the Sustainable Communities Act to be reconsidered. The Government has also launched a consultation on whether parish and town councils should be given the power to make … Continue reading →

A planning application has been submitted by an artist who intends to create a 40-metre sculpture by the side of the M1 overlooking Sheffield. Steve Mehdi’s proposed ‘Man of Steel’ sculpture, depicting a male sat on a steel plinth, would … Continue reading →

IHBC Wales Branch Chair Richard Dean has welcomed the Welsh Government’s Committee Inquiry into historic environment and conservation policy, as its sets the foundation for a planned heritage bill in 2014-15. Richard Dean said: ‘We’ve been working closely with the … Continue reading →

The National Heritage Training Group has a new Chairman, with Ray Robertson succeeding Paul Simons at the 2012 AGM held on June 20 at St Fagans National History Museum in Cardiff. Ray is perhaps best known for his work with the … Continue reading →

Anthony Ibbitson has been ordered to pay a £1,000 fine for unlawfully using the title ‘architect’. Architects Journal News: LINK

Historic Scotland (HS) has launched its new technical conservation website. Historic Scotland writes: Our new technical conservation website, is now live! The website contains information and resources on conservation methods, traditional materials and skills, current research and provides access to … Continue reading →

The Government has laid before Parliament draft regulations for how neighbourhood planning referendums should work, including the wording of questions. Referendums must be held on a neighbourhood development plan, a neighbourhood development order or a community right to build order. … Continue reading →

The Queen’s Birthday Honours list has been announced with awards that include a DBE to Zaha Hadid, CBE; CBEs to Kit Martin, Tony Burton and Paul Callaghan; OBE to Graeme Bell for services to the Town and Country Planning Association … Continue reading →

Unesco is preparing to strip Liverpool of its world heritage status if Chapman Taylor’s Liverpool Waters scheme is built. United Nations officials have recommended that Liverpool waterfront be added to its list of world heritage sites that are in danger, … Continue reading →

Some 20 empty Government buildings will become spaces available for start-up businesses it has been announced. A total of 18 locations across England have been identified as having the potential to be used by aspiring entrepreneurs to build and grow … Continue reading →

The countryside should be graded in the same way as listed buildings, according to Simon Jenkins, chairman of the National Trust (NT). Speaking at the Hay Festival, Mr Jenkins argued that the current planning regime did not do enough to … Continue reading →

The National Audit Office (NAO) has released a report claiming that government liason with local authorities is poor, with the spending watchdog urging the government to improve its communication with councils, especially in the current climate of decentralisation. One issue … Continue reading →

A tide of community support has saved Ringo Starr’s childhood home from the wrecking ball, Housing Minister Grant Shapps said. CLG writes: Fans of the Fab Four from across the world will now be able to pay homage to the … Continue reading →

These are the last few days before booking closes on the IHBC’s 2012 School in Winchester. The 2012 IHBC School is an especially critical event for all historic environment and conservation specialists because its theme, ‘Significance’, is centre stage in … Continue reading →