Monthly Archives: December 2014

Councils should set out how they will investigate alleged cases of unauthorised development and make officers’ reports easier to find on their websites, the Local Government Ombudsman (LGO) has said. The LGO writes: The Local Government Ombudsman (LGO) has published … Continue reading →

The demolition of the Civic Centre in Reading, opened in 1976, followed by the Hexagon in 1977, has been approved by the council. The BBC writes: The 1970s concrete building will be vacated over the coming few weeks.  But the … Continue reading →

Scotland’s Independent Regeneration Network (SURF) is beginning the process of developing a collaborative manifesto for the 2016 Scottish Parliament elections. SURF writes: Throughout 2015, we will be using our various networks, processes and events to discuss perspectives on specific manifesto … Continue reading →

The Communities Secretary has refused a development of six wind turbines in Cambridgeshire, citing the potential visual impact on the setting of a listed thatch cottage, and harm to the setting of conservation areas as reasons for refusal. Matters of … Continue reading →

The Argus has reported that the campaign for retaining the Brighton Hippodrome as a theatre continues, despite Brighton and Hove Council approving the redevelopment and conversion into a leisure complex. Argus recent article 1 and article 2 IHBC newsblogs on the … Continue reading →

DCLG have produced an animated infographic showing the uptake of neighbourhood planning across England from July 2013 to the present.  DCLG infographic DCLG homepage for neighbourhood planning  IHBC newsblogs on neighbourhood planning 

A private members bill involving ‘a contract with the relevant planning authority’ has been proposed by Nigel Evans under the Ten Minute Rule (SO No 23), which received its first reading in the House of Commons on 10 December, with … Continue reading →

Grounds, land and property at Sunningdale, formally owned by the Cabinet Office (which includes a Grade II listed mansion) is now for sale, with a planning brief issued to outline development options for the site.  Planning documentation for Sunningdale Info … Continue reading →

Culture Themes (a group of museum professionals) recently held a twitter day urging museum managers and members of the public who have an interest in architecture to share stories and pictures relating to the architecture of museums, with the hashtag … Continue reading →

The Welsh Government have this week further debated matters affecting the sustainable development of the country, to be introduced in the ‘Well-being of Future Generations’ Bill, described as ‘perhaps the most ambitious piece of legislation that the Welsh Government has … Continue reading →

The Historic Environment Scotland Bill received Royal Assent on 9 December, which will now lead to Historic Environment Scotland being formed. Full legislation text Bill’s progress and previous amendments IHBC NewBlogs on the HES bill

The Government is to make a further £30m available to help make homes in England and Wales more energy efficient. Localgov writes: The latest phase of the Green Deal Home Improvement Fund will see households able to access up to … Continue reading →

DEMOLITION work has begun on Abronhill High School, the school made famous in Gregory’s Girl. Latest News writes: Abronhill High School was the backdrop for Bill Forsyth’s coming of age romantic comedy. The low-budget film starring John Gordon Sinclair, Dee … Continue reading →

The Kerslake Review – an independent report commissioned by The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) in July) -has now been published calling for ‘a simplified planning framework this should flow from the City Plan’ as part of its … Continue reading →

Labour councillors have joined stars including Benedict Cumberbatch in calling for Soho to be protected from mounting ‘gentrification’, following the closure of a nightclub. LocalGov writes: The calls came after Westminster decided to revoke the license of historic nightclub Madame … Continue reading →

The Department of Transport (DoT) has published plans for ‘a transformational level of investment’ in the strategic road network, which includes details of the provision of a 1.8 mile tunnel at Stonehenge.  Page 13 of the Road Investment Strategy overview … Continue reading →

The Welsh Assembly recently debated and voted in favour of a motion recognising the importance of religious buildings to Welsh heritage, calling for a register to be formed and for their importance to be recognised in the Heritage Bill.  The … Continue reading →

Further details of the roofing grants available to help listed places of worship (as discussed in the recent budget announcements) have now been released. The National Heritage Memorial Fund (NHMF) writes: Congregations across the UK responsible for looking after listed … Continue reading →

The Museum of London potential move to Smithfield market has been welcomed in principle by The Victorian Society (Vic Soc). The Victorian Society writes: The Victorian Society has welcomed, in principle, the news that the Museum of London may move … Continue reading →

Prospective participants are invited to an event in March 2015 where the doors of construction sites are opened as part of a national project run with the aim of challenging perceptions and showcasing construction careers. Are you involved in running … Continue reading →

Minister of State for Housing and Planning Brandon Lewis has announced changes to developer contributions following the recent consultation, including the power for Local Authorities to implement a lower threshold in National Parks.  The DCLG writes: For designated rural areas … Continue reading →

Wales Online has published an article from Mark Baker (member of the National Trust Wales Advisory Board) that criticises the effects of austerity measures implemented by the UK Government on Welsh Councils dealing with the conservation of historic buildings, as … Continue reading →