Monthly Archives: May 2014

A new publication reviewing the effectiveness of Welsh national planning policy for retailing and town centres has been issued, and features Ruthin, a designated conservation area and market town.  The Welsh Government writes: The research covers: retail statistics the threats … Continue reading →

The publisher Routledge is offering a selection of publications available for free to view during the month of May 2014, from both its built environment (BE) and sustainability series. Items of particular interest to IHBC members may include Planning, History … Continue reading →

The latest Biennial Conservation Report from English Heritage, covering the period 2011-13, was published on 23rd April 2014 and describes how 26 departments, agencies and non-departmental public bodies (including English Heritage itself) manage their heritage assets. The report identifies significant … Continue reading →

The latest edition of the National Piers Society news summarises the toll which the recent storms took on historic piers throughout the UK coastline. News of damage to piers in the following areas is given: Cromer Blackpool North Skegness Saltburn … Continue reading →

Planning Resource has compiled a summary of recent media coverage of the recent news on councils potentially facing legal action if they fail to release plots of land to self-builders, as announced by England’s Planning Minister Nick Boles. Search Planning … Continue reading →

English Heritage (EH) is looking for expressions of interest in membership of its London Advisory Committee (AC) from parties with expertise in modern architecture; planning and local government, or gardens and designed landscapes, interested in taking volunteer roles there, with … Continue reading →

Four cultural sites in Europe were recently awarded the ‘European heritage label’ The 2013 winners were: Peace Palace, The Hague Camp Westerbork, the Netherlands Great Guild Hall, Estonia Park Carnuntum, Austria View the awards speech detailing the significance of the … Continue reading →

The Land of Oak and Iron Landscape Partnership, responsible for  strategic direction, governance and legacy of this highly regarded Landscape Partnership situated around the Derwent Valley in North East England is recruiting for a new voluntary Chair, with applications due … Continue reading →

Europa Nostra has issued details of the European monuments and sites deemed to be most at risk.  The full list comprises: Historic Stage Machinery of the Bourla Theatre, Antwerp, BELGIUM Neighbourhoods of Dolcho and Apozari, Kastoria, GREECE Citadel of Alessandria, … Continue reading →

Details of the new builders finance fund which was announced in the budget have now been revealed as half billion pound fund is available to help smaller housing schemes and increase the number of available homes with applications to be … Continue reading →

September is Scottish Archaeology Month and Archaeology Scotland are currently inviting events for submission for this years programme. The full programme goes live in July. Archaeology Scotland writes: Scottish Archaeology Month (SAM) is one of Archaeology Scotland’s best loved initiatives. … Continue reading →

The implementation of the HS2 high speed rail link (HS2) between London Euston and Birmingham moved closer this week with the approval of the House of Commons High Speed Rail (London – West Midlands) Bill.  Planning Portal reports: The hybrid … Continue reading →

A judge has upheld a legal challenge by two housebuilders against a West Midlands council’s decision to adopt a local plan which placed two previously undesignated sites in the green belt, ruling that the authority had failed to take into … Continue reading →

The list of submissions in the stage 1 Parliamentary scrutiny of Scotland’s Historic Environment re now available, with the IHBC supporting the submission by Built Environment Forum Scotland (BEFS). See the submissions Education and Culture Committee papers

Communities Secretary Eric Pickles has announced The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) is part-funding a study which will look at the prospects for replacing 1960s, 70s and 80s slab and point block housing estates in London with more … Continue reading →

Gordon Nardell QC and Justine Thornton (barristers) have written a reflection on the Barnwell Manor case, involving Heritage Assets (HAs) and wind turbines: ‘Does a recent Court of Appeal ruling mark a change in the wind in relation to decision-makers … Continue reading →

The March 2014 Future Trends Survey results have been issued by the RIBA, revealing encouraging results from architectural practices across the UK, and in particular for the North of England and Scotland.  RIBA writes: ‘All UK nations and regions returned … Continue reading →

The funding recently announced within the 2014 budget for cathedral repairs is now open for applications.  The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) writes: Grants from the £20 million fund, which was announced by the Chancellor at Budget 2014, … Continue reading →

A new advisory board established by the Department for Communities and Local Government is to look at how digital technology can help create sustainable high streets, while the board has held its inaugural meeting. The Chief Executive of Home Retail … Continue reading →

The UK Commission for Employability and Skills (UKCES) has launched a new fund to help address a lack of off site skills among construction firms. UKCES writes: Up to £600,000 is available to co-invest with employers in testing ways of … Continue reading →

The Department of Energy & Climate Change (DECC)-commissioned Draft Moisture Risk Assessment and Guidance has been released for consultation by The Sustainable Traditional Buildings Alliance (STBA), which will be carrying out an analysis of the consultation responses on behalf of DECC, … Continue reading →

Proposals to demolish the 1960’s-built Red Road tower blocks as a highlight the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games opening ceremony were recently reversed following widespread public criticism and community objections. A proposal to broadcast live the dynamiting of five tower blocks … Continue reading →