Monthly Archives: June 2012

A businessman who wrapped a giant red ribbon around his Cardiff restaurant has been told to remove it by council officials. Adam Pledger put up the 19-metre red bow on the listed building to attract customers to the Park House … Continue reading →

The government has set out the framework and the timetable for its initiative to upgrade the energy efficiency of the nation’s building stock. Building4change updates as follows: The government’s green deal incentive scheme to support energy efficiency improvements to existing … Continue reading →

An application to give listed status to the Coronation Street set, which would help secure its future when it is vacated next year, has been refused by English Heritage. The ITV soap is due to move from its current home … Continue reading →

A Chairman and Vice Chairman Ombudsman who will lead a more customer-focused Commission that champions the rights of redress for local residents have been appointed. DCLG writes: Acting Chairman Dr Jane Martin has been designated as Chairman of the Commission … Continue reading →

A 10-mile buffer zone to protect the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Llangollen Canal from development is being considered by Wrexham councillors. The planning guidance has been drawn up in response to a recommendation by UNESCO, which awarded the site World Heritage … Continue reading →

The Green Deal is a win-win opportunity for landlords by removing the upfront cost of work to upgrade the property making it cheaper to run, more environmentally friendly and ultimately more attractive to rent, Chris Huhne, Secretary of State, has … Continue reading →

  Two new heritage gardening courses have been launched this week, representing the most significant development in horticultural training for 20 years in the National Trust (NT), the charity has announced. The National Trust writes: Co-funded by the National Gardens … Continue reading →

The Design Council has commissioned a short guide to help make the case for good design and fill a gap left by PPS1: ‘A Design Wayfinder’ Design Council Article: LINK

After twelve years as Director, Ian Dungavell will be leaving the Victorian Society at the end of August to join the Friends of Highgate Cemetery Trust as Chief Executive. Further details: LINK

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has today (Thursday 31 May) published free guidance for architects on the tax credits that are available for Research & Development (R&D). ‘UK Research and Development Tax Credit Scheme – a guide for … Continue reading →

The annual report and review of The Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC), the Yearbook, has just been published, featuring volunteering in the built environment and the IHBC’s own work. IHBC President Trefor Thorpe said: ‘Volunteering has always been at … Continue reading →

Skills Minister John Hayes has announced funds over £2.4m from the Growth Innovation Fund (GIF) to the nuclear and creative and cultural sectors. The cultural heritage sector is to benefit from a new investment announced by Department for Business, Innovation … Continue reading →

The Government has a duty to save our historic buildings from disrepair and needs to abandon its Budget plan to add 20% VAT to listed building alterations, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the … Continue reading →

The Chief Executive of Historic Scotland (HS), Ruth Parsons, is to retire from her position. The Scotsman Article: LINK

The proposed conversion of the Grade II-listed former central fire station in Birmingham to provide student accommodation, including a 23-storey tower and commercial uses, has been criticised by the Cabe Design Council. The latest report from the design review panel … Continue reading →

A High Court judge has ruled that plans to redevelop the Grade ll-listed former home of Sherlock Holmes author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle must be quashed. Waverley Borough Council had approved plans to part demolish the property, known as Undershaw, … Continue reading →

The National Trust has won the top prize for the UK in the prestigious Ashden Awards for green energy achievement. The charity has almost halved its energy use and CO2 emissions in Wales in just two years. The pioneering work … Continue reading →

Environmental campaigner is refused planning permission by Hounslow council. Building Co UK News: LINK

The Forth Bridge will be put forward to UNESCO to consider making it a World Heritage Site. Historic Scotland writes: The nomination of the engineering icon will be submitted to the World Heritage Committee of the United Nations Educational, Scientific … Continue reading →

A further multi-million pound cash boost for communities will help tackle the blight of empty properties and bring thousands of homes back into use, Communities Minister Andrew Stunell has announced. Following bidding processes, 20 successful councils will each receive a … Continue reading →

Telecoms giant BT has halted its roll-out of super-fast broadband in part of west London after being refused permission to install cabinets in the streets. The firm said it had decided to pull its engineers from the Royal Borough of … Continue reading →

Following the success of an energetic campaign by ‘pasty’ sellers led by Greggs, and equally successful lobbying by the Church of England in getting the new VAT levies reimbursed, as well as a reversal on the charity tax, pressure must … Continue reading →

A suite of heritage legislation has been introduced in England’s new Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Bill, including: · the merger of planning permission & Conservation Area Consent · Heritage Partnership Agreements · A statutory basis for circumscribing the boundaries of … Continue reading →

The new issue of Context, the membership journal of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC), is now out, exploring themes linked to the impact and consequences of transport. Editorial Board Chair, and contributing author, Fiona Newton summarized some features … Continue reading →

The Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC), the UK’s lead professional body for built and historic environment conservation specialists, has welcomed confirmation that critical guides underpinning England’s recently withdrawn Planning Policy Statements (PPSs) remain a material consideration in planning. The … Continue reading →