Monthly Archives: September 2013

English planning authorities are determining major applications significantly faster than a year ago, according to new research by the the British Property Federation (BPF) and others. According to studies undertaken by property consultant GL Hearn, in partnership with the British … Continue reading →

ICCROM (International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property), with partners, is seeking opinionated, creatively critical and passionate bloggers from around the world are being sought to cover a unique event in Italy, to be … Continue reading →

The Government has signalled it is considering a review of planning policy in National Parks. This exercise would explore whether the present balance between growth, social and economic development and the protection of the landscape reflects both current Coalition policy … Continue reading →

Architect David Chipperfield is among the distinguished recipients of a leading global award that this year also honours Anthony Gormley, Placido Domingo and Francis Ford Coppola. The Praemium Imperiale is a global arts prize awarded annually by the Japan Art … Continue reading →

The Government’s Triennial Review of the CITB – Construction Industry Training Board – is now under way, with a report setting out the outcome expected to be published next spring. CITB writes: Led by the Cabinet Office and BiS, the … Continue reading →

The Heritage Lottery Fund is looking to recruit both committee chairs and members to help make decisions on heritage projects across England: two Chairs, one to lead the London committee and the other to lead the East Midlands committee; and … Continue reading →

Liberal Democrat party conference delegates have voted for a review of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) as part of a new policy to boost the green economy.  Search Planning Resource: LINK

BRE and homeless charity All People All Places are seeking partners to join their Empty Homes Nationwide initiative, which aims to help tackle the empty homes crisis by bringing up to 100,000 homes back into use over the next 10 … Continue reading →

An investigation is under way amid reports a large section of Offa’s Dyke ancient earthwork has been damaged near Wrexham. The BBC writes: North Wales Police say they been made aware of possible damage to the protected ancient monument near … Continue reading →

Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond has announced a new programme of Focus Years to celebrate the very best of Scotland and its people, with Years of Architecture in 2016 and Heritage in 2017. EventScotland writes: Today’s announcement will enhance the … Continue reading →

The Government has started consulting on the detail of a national biodiversity offsetting scheme designed to ensure developers provide new wildlife sites better than any they are allowed to build on. This could improve the environment for wildlife as well … Continue reading →

Reading, dancing or visiting historic sites, museums and libraries can have a positive effect on your health, according to a new report from the Scottish Government (SG). ‘Healthy Attendance?’ was based on responses to the Scottish Household Survey, making it … Continue reading →

Sue Owen, currently Director General of Strategy at the Department for Work and Pensions, has been announced as the new Permanent Secretary for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. She replaces Sir Jonathan Stephens, who stepped down from the … Continue reading →

Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) Communities Minister Don Foster MP has announced new measures to bring parish powers back to the towns and cities of England. The measures announced should enable more people to run local services and … Continue reading →

The Scottish Parliament has debated Scotland’s proposed Historic Environment Strategy as Cabinet Secretary Fiona Hyslop led speeches and discussion on heritage and related issues on 10 September? as they ?debated ‘Scotland’s historic environment? – the way forward’. The Cabinet Secretary … Continue reading →

Welsh town councillors have been forced to apply for retrospective planning permission after repainting a traditional red telephone box blue. Montgomery town council in Powys has turned its listed, disused phone box into a mini tourist information centre, installing racks … Continue reading →

As the National Trust secures public access to the place of nightmares that even Orwell couldn’t have imagined, it also offers a rationale. The National Trust writes: You may well ask why on earth the National Trust, in collaboration with … Continue reading →

England’s Design Council is seeking Trustees to sit for fixed term appointments of three years, with the possibility of renewal up to a maximum of six years in unremunerated positions, with an emphasis on fundraising and business development, and with … Continue reading →

Department for Business, Innovation & Skills (DBIS) and Technology Strategy Board (TSB) have a plan to boost the construction industry in the UK with up to £150 million over the next five years. DBIS writes: The construction industry in the … Continue reading →