Monthly Archives: April 2014

The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) has issued a prospectus to help communities propose and plan garden city developments, supporting recent budget announcements for new housing funding. The DCLG writes: Communities with ideas for a new generation of … Continue reading →

Draft guidance issued by the Sentencing Council (SC) this month on theft sentences specifically mentions provisions to deal with heritage crime and damage to heritage structures IHBC members may wish to respond to the consultation which closes on 26 June … Continue reading →

Essex County Council are seeking assistance from IHBC members to help influence national guidance on sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) and the historic environment, by completing a survey, with a closing date 6 June 2014. Essex County Council writes: In partnership … Continue reading →

The Guildhall in Londonderry, one of the winners of the RIBA Northern Ireland architectural awards has been described as ‘a masterclass in conservation practice’.  BBC news on the awards  View previous winners Derry Londonderry Guildhall website

Chester Cathedral ‘Cathedral at Height’ works which started in summer 2013 have now been completed, revealing a new visitor walkway to the roof, a new exhibition space and extensive stonemasonry and roof repairs. Chester Cathedral news release Consultancy team press … Continue reading →

The Commons Select Committee has launched an inquiry into the operation of the NPPF and is calling for written submissions about the impact of the framework on planning for housing, town centres and energy infrastructure, with a deadline of 8 … Continue reading →

The Heritage Alliance (THA) is launching a new training programme for heritage fundraisers in partnership with the Institute of Fundraising under the ‘Giving to Heritage’ scheme. THA Giving to Heritage officer Mark Webb writes: The initial course will be Planning … Continue reading →

The defacing of a scheduled ancient monument of prehistoric rock art at Lordenshaws in Northumberland is being treated as heritage crime by Northumbria Police. Anyone with information is asked to contact Northumbria Police on 101, quoting reference 487 070414, or … Continue reading →

Welsh Minister for Housing and Regeneration, Carl Sargeant has announced a £2 million fund for areas of socio-economic deprivation in Wales. The Welsh Government writes: The additional funding comes on top of the £5 million announced last September as part … Continue reading →

A recent report has highlighted concerns over a skills shortage in Local Authorities putting services at risk, as the report suggests that the extent of staff cuts in the public sector will cause reforms to fail, while leadership, IT and … Continue reading →

The conservation category of the Saltire Society Civil Engineering Awards is now open with a deadline for entries of 30 May 2014. The awards recognise excellence in civil engineering, the conservation category is open to projects involving restoration and refurbishment.  … Continue reading →

Government reports this week have highlighted that the number of empty dwellings in England is at a ten year low.  The Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) writes: The numbers of empty properties in England have fallen to a … Continue reading →

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has announced a new opportunity for original research into architectural matters. RIBA writes: The RIBA Research Trust Award will make grants of up to £10,000 available to support original independent architecture research by … Continue reading →

The RICS launched a new service this week aimed at helping those who require project management data information to assist in managing budgets. Information which is available includes inflation information, access to civil engineering estimating data and quarterly analysis of … Continue reading →

A hotel is set to go ahead on land close to Colchester’s Castle Park after a councillors attempt to secure a judicial review failed for the fifth time. Search Planning Portal

The Henley Standard has reported on unauthorised works to a listed building in the centre of Henley, where the owners claim no knowledge of the listing and are being required to submit a retrospective application for internal works to the … Continue reading →

The search is on for English Heritage (EH) 2014 heritage angels, the annual awards celebrate achievements of local people in rescuing buildings at risk with nominations closing 1 June 2014.  The four categories of awards open for nomination are: The … Continue reading →

A new £3m fund to support community groups and organisations has been launched this month by the Scottish Government and partners, aimed at support emerging community groups.  The Scottish Government writes: The funding will support emerging community groups and provide … Continue reading →

Pam Alexander has been appointed chair of the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) to succeed Paul Finch. Planning Resource report