Monthly Archives: July 2013

Planning for biodiversity ‘should be integral to every part of the planning process’, according to a new report, ‘Planning Naturally’, jointly produced by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) and environmental groups.  Development and nature can go hand in hand, … Continue reading →

Membership records contained in the historic archives of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) are to be inscribed in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register, in recognition of their international importance.  The Memory of the World Programme ensures the … Continue reading →

Members of the Lords debated the importance of culture and arts to the economy on 13 June, with Lord Puttnam focussing on arts funding and the need for sustained investment in skills, warning ‘we will all too quickly become unfit … Continue reading →

Former Heritage Minister John Penrose is celebrating as his proposal for a second National Trust, in the form of a financially-independent charity which will care for landmark English Heritage sites was confirmed in George Osborne’s Spending Review statement.?? The John … Continue reading →

Protections for natural heritage will be strengthened by a new updated planning policy for protection of natural resources and protected landscapes, Planning Policy Statement 2 ‘Natural Heritage’ (PPS2) , the Northern Ireland (NI) government has said.  NI Government News: LINK

A planning inspector has turned down developer Barwood Strategic Land’s proposals for a 124-home development in the village of Irchester refused by Wellingborough Borough Council due to the harm that would be caused to the character and appearance of the … Continue reading →

The impact on historic town centres of the changing face of retail and shopping compounded by difficult economic times is explored in new English Heritage (EH) research just published, The Changing Face of the High Street: Decline and Revival, covering … Continue reading →

Energy minister Greg Barker has hit back over claims the Green Deal is failing to boost energy efficient conversions AJ News: LINK 

In the Court of Appeal, SAVE Britain’s Heritage and the Victorian Society (Vic Soc) established the correct interpretation of the crucial and controversial paragraph 133 of National Planning Policy though on the facts of this particular case they failed to … Continue reading →

The Charity Commission for England and Wales and the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) have launched a consultation on a new draft Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP), closing on 4 November.  The SORP provides a comprehensive framework for … Continue reading →

Land subject to certain statutory development orders or identified for potential development in draft local plan policies would be protected from applications for registration as a town or village green under proposals unveiled in a joint consultation by the Department … Continue reading →

John and Maureen David have had their partially-built retirement home at the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site demolished following a four-year planning row.  Telford and Wrekin Council said the actual building was much bigger than the plans which had been … Continue reading →

In partnership with the Princes Regeneration Trust, The Churches Conservation Trust’s Regeneration Taskforce have developed a toolkit aimed at volunteer and community groups seeking to bring new life to heritage buildings.  The CCT writes: The toolkit focuses on a crucial … Continue reading →

As part of the Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) the government has cut the revenue funding of English Heritage (EH) by a further 10% for 2015-16. EH writes: Last week the future of the National Heritage Collection was secured following the … Continue reading →

The government has outlined proposals for one of the biggest reforms of Gift Aid rules in recent years, with reforms to make it easier for charities to claim tax relief on donations made online or by text message, ensuring that … Continue reading →

A High Court judge has ruled that the Planning Inspectorate must reconsider an appeal by Hopkins Development whose 58-home scheme on the edge of Wincanton had been rejected by South Somerset District Council. The council’s stance was subsequently upheld by … Continue reading →

A group of students from the University College London (UCL) are celebrating winning an international competition to re-imagine a garden city for the 21st century.  Their winning entry, which beat over 90 entries from across the world, sets out how … Continue reading →

Culture Secretary Maria Miller has decided to recognise the regional and national significance of the Barnsley Main colliery by listing the remaining colliery engine house and its pithead structures which now have Grade ll listed status. BBC News: LINK

Wales Heritage Bill e-Bulletin has been issued, providing updates on progress with Wales’ Bill discussions. For Cadw see: LINK

The Scottish Government’s National Review of Town Centres: External Advisory Group Report was published today. To download go to: LINK BBC News Scotland: LINK

Creative & Cultural Skills and English Heritage, with additional funding from the Welsh Government’s Sector Priorities Fund pilot programme, are seeking the views of employers and freelancers regarding skills and workforce development issues within the cultural heritage sector.  The telephone … Continue reading →

Matthew Slocombe, a full IHBC member and director of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings has asked in the press whether heritage can survive more cuts.  For the SPAB see: LINK Guardian Article: LINK

The Government has signalled that the Environment Agency and Natural England must consolidate their planning advice processes so they provide a ‘seamless planning advice service to developers on environmental issues’.  That requirement came following a triennial review of the two … Continue reading →