Monthly Archives: February 2015

The 2015 English Heritage ‘Heritage Angel’ awards are now open for entries, recognising the efforts of dedicated local people with four categories recognising the best in work to properties at risk and a closing date of 26 April. The four … Continue reading →

An article in the Guardian written by David Black (chair of Edinburgh’s Southside Association) questions whether Edinburgh should retain its WHS status and the effect of recent planning decisions on the city. View the article

Members involved in construction work may be interested to know about ideas for new proposals to deal with small claims; a three tier online dispute resolution process (HM Online Court) has been proposed by the Civil Justice Council in a … Continue reading →

The Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) has published a report into the ‘cultural ecology’ of the UK, and IHBC members will be interested to read about the examples within relating to the importance of heritage and the urban realm, … Continue reading →

The Welsh Government have announced a £5 million funding scheme for town centres, offering loans to seven local authorities for 15 years to boost regeneration.  The Welsh Government writes: Communities and Tackling Poverty Minister, Lesley Griffiths, has recently announced £5 … Continue reading →

A new construction industry action plan has been developed by DCLG and the Design Council to help guide inclusive design for all, entitled ‘Inclusive Environments: Built Environment Industry Action Plan’.  DCLG writes: Minister for Communities Stephen Williams and Minister for … Continue reading →

The Brooklands museum in Surrey has received a grant of £4.6 million to restore part of the oldest purpose built motor racing track in the world, and provide facilities to house their aircraft and showcase manufacturing and engineering techniques in … Continue reading →

The Planning Advisory Service (PAS) have been compiling research into the provision of pre-application guidance across England and found that there are wide variations; they have recently published information from a training seminar offering guidance on how much pre-application guidance … Continue reading →

New funding for food enterprise zones (FEZ’s) has been announced by The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) which provides financial support as well as a greater say in local decision making on issues involving food and farming … Continue reading →

 The Department for Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) has reported record numbers of overseas tourism visits, as well as an increased number of visits to DCMS funded museums in the last year. DCMS writes: New figures published today (Thursday) reveal … Continue reading →

£6 million has been allocated to the Community rights programme by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) and new contracts have been awarded under the legislation to support communities, including on neighbourhood planning and community Right to Build … Continue reading →

Potentially the world’s biggest windfarm (of 400 turbines at Dogger Bank off the Yorkshire coast) has been approved this week, to be delivered by a consortium of four energy firms and powering up to 2 million homes. The Department for … Continue reading →

The Infrastructure Act has been passed and brings changes to Land Registry conveyancing responsibilities and the introduction of Highways England to replace the Highways Agency, as well as aiming to make the sale of public sector land and property easier. … Continue reading →

The Planning Portal blog reports a 14.6% increase in planning applications submitted through the Planning Portal since the same time last year.  View the Planning Portal Director’s Blog