Monthly Archives: April 2015

The latest statistics show a growth in apprenticeship and traineeship figures from the latest academic year, writes the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB)  CITB writes: Apprenticeships are going from strength to strength after official figures revealed they saw a boost … Continue reading →

A poll by the Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment (IEMA) reveals opinions that the Green Investment Bank should be given a greater role in national infrastructure projects, and criticises the role of the planning system in lack of action … Continue reading →

Recruiting has commenced for the post of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Historic Environment Scotland (HES). Jane Ryder OBE, Chair, HES, writes: This is an extraordinary and exciting moment for the historic environment in Scotland as the organisation prepares to … Continue reading →

London Mayor Boris Johnson has decided not to intervene over proposals for a 215-metre high residential tower, the UK’s tallest, proposed for Marsh Wall near Canary Wharf on the Isle of Dogs in East London. The scheme, known as South … Continue reading →

The Department for Communities and Local Government has announced changes to the guidance on the vacant building credit (VBC) regime initially introduced in November last year.  The changes confirm that the intention of the VBC is to act as an … Continue reading →

The Welsh Government have released a new best practice guide to community asset transfer, outlining case studies of successful transfer, templates for best practice and summarising the legislative process applicable to transfers. Download the guide

The Icon Conservation Awards 2015 Programme has been launched, with six major national awards on offer to individuals or on behalf of an organisation or community projects, with applications due before 15 May 2015. further details…

The Open University (OU) is seeking participants for a national project relating to the adaption of religious buildings, and offering two PhD studentships connected to the project.  The Open University (OU) writes: Researchers at The Open University (OU) are looking … Continue reading →

Several war memorials associated with Gallipoli have been listed, or had their listing upgraded, to make the centenary of the military action. Historic England writes: War memorials in Warwickshire, Greater Manchester and Kent associated with Gallipoli, one of the most … Continue reading →

The Historic Houses Association (HHA) has been celebrating its 40,000th member.  The Historic Houses Association (HHA) writes: We are delighted to announce that we now have our 40,000th Friend! Kate Dewhirst from Stockton-on-Tees became the 40,000th Friend of the HHA … Continue reading →

The National Trust (NT) has now completed the three year project restoring Mount Stewart in County Down, costing £8 million and involving volunteers, staff and specialist contractors.  The National Trust (NT) writes: Mount Stewart, on the shores of Strangford Lough in … Continue reading →

Planning Portal continues its analysis of manifestos on planning matters, and the RTPI continues its coverage and analysis on its election news pages, while The Heritage Alliance has released an analysis of manifestos relating to heritage, and Arts Council England … Continue reading →

New statistics from the latest RICS BCIS study reveal that 3% of GDP is accounted for by the £55 billion spent on building maintenance. RICS writes: The £55billion a year spent on building maintenance makes a significant contribution to the … Continue reading →

The European Union Committee of the Regions has highlighted the need for more investment into assisting with sustainability initiatives in the building industry in relation to meeting EU indicators on sustainability and waste, and the importance of the use of … Continue reading →

The Stevenage Comet reported on the case of the unauthorised demolition of a Grade II Listed Building (LB), an outbuilding, for which the owner was ordered to pay a £35,000 fine. View the article and photographs IHBC research pages (including … Continue reading →

The Planning Inspectorate has confirmed that staff shortages at the organisation have led to delays of up to 10 weeks to validate planning and householder appeals, with worst affected categories appear to involve enforcement appeal inquires, listed building/conservation area consent … Continue reading →

The latest polls by YouGov reveal that 58% of people would like to see empty and derelict homes brought back into use to help meet housing requirements. Callcredit Information Group writes: Research released by Callcredit Information Group, has revealed that … Continue reading →

Funding opportunities offering up to 80% support for rural historic buildings have been announced by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) under the countryside stewardship scheme.  DEFRA states that the higher tier projects eligible for grant may … Continue reading →

The Victorian Society has reported their disappointment at the loss of an unlisted, but locally important, building designed by the internationally celebrated Bristol architect E.H. Godwin, following its demolition by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA). View the news release … Continue reading →

Proposals to partially convert an iconic art deco cinema into a church have been rejected by Luton Borough Council. It had received a planning application to refurbish the front section of the ABC cinema in George Street, which would have … Continue reading →

Locals in Carlisle are having issues with electoral publicity materials as banners that the council say need Listed Building Consent (LBC) have been put up without any application being made. View the article