Monthly Archives: July 2015

The Historic England blog has an article about women in architecture, featuring examples of buildings which women have been involved in conservation, construction and design across England. View the article on the HE blog View the architecture article on international … Continue reading →

The government has set out its planned strategy for addressing future growth, which includes planning reforms and changes to local government, as well as the scrapping of the zero carbon Allowable Solutions carbon offsetting scheme and the planned increase in … Continue reading →

There has been mixed reaction to the Government summer budget proposals from the built environment community, this newsblog post outlines a selection of opinions in the recent week.  RIBA responds to productivity plan FMB on scrapping of zero carbon standards … Continue reading →

With the applications for built environment experts (BEE) closing on 31 July, some members may be considering if their skills match the desired profile, or perhaps considering CPD needs for future career planning; if so the Design Council advice on … Continue reading →

A debate in the European Parliament has called for destruction of cultural heritage assets to be classified as a war crime, and for tighter working co-operation to combat the trafficking of heritage assets.  The European Parliament writes: Deliberately destroying and … Continue reading →

The Law Commission has launched a consultation on making Welsh law more accessible, with a closing date of 9 October. The Law Commission writes: Throughout the UK the law can be difficult for professionals and the public to find and understand. The volume … Continue reading →

Scottish Ministers have issued a notice of intention regarding the proposals to extract minerals within the WHS buffer zone, meaning that the decision is to be referred back to the Scottish Government DPEA (Department of Planning and Environmental Appeals). BEFS … Continue reading →

The Royal Mail has pledged to work with Historic England to preserve and conserve the post box network, and also act under equivilant agreements in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.  Royal Mail writes: Royal Mail and Historic England (formerly English … Continue reading →

An historic building in Stirley, Huddersfield has won the ‘Retrofit Projects’ category in the UK Passivhaus Awards, converting a derelict barn into an eco centre. The Green Building Store writes: The Cre8 Barn at Yorkshire Wildlife Trust’s Stirley Community Farm … Continue reading →

Bristol Temple Meads railway station has become the first station to accept a local currency, it now accepts ‘Bristol Pounds’, joining others taking part in the expansion of the community currency and adding to the European Green Capital events. Bristol … Continue reading →

The Civic Voice has released the shortlist of candidates for its awards in the three categories of restoration, public realm and new buildings.  The Civic Voice writes: Civic Voice – the national charity for the civic movement – has today … Continue reading →

The Coastal Communities Fund, which is designed to bring economic investment to coastal areas, has been extended substantially, with a chance to bid for £90 million of government funding.  DCLG writes: Seaside towns across the country will have a chance … Continue reading →

Small housebuilders are able to take part in a new programme which DCLG has launched aiming to give support for housebuilders to grow their business partnering with the Lloyds Banking Group to create a fund of £100 million. DCLG writes: … Continue reading →

A national conference organised by the charity NESTA has highlighted the importance of the Northern Ireland’s (NI) Public Sector Innovation Lab in creating new ideas and approaches for governance meeting the needs of society. The NI Executive Department of Finance … Continue reading →

The latest building at risk report from SAVE hopes to tug on our historic building heartstrings, it is entitled ‘Falling In Love: Buildings at Risk 2015-16’.  SAVE writes: SAVE’s new Buildings at Risk Report ‘Falling In Love’ showcases historic properties … Continue reading →

The 2016 Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design in Scotland will include a ‘festival of architecture’ as part of the celebrations, with the RIAS being granted funding from the Scottish Government and Events Scotland.  The Scottish Government writes: Culture Secretary … Continue reading →

Concerns over house price affordability and availability in rural areas have been highlighted by The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) in their latest paper ‘A living countryside: Responding to the challenges of providing affordable rural housing’, with a call … Continue reading →

The call for participation in heritage open days is still open, this year the days for events will be 10 – 13 September. Heritage Open Days writes: We’d love you to join us. Heritage Open Days is an inclusive event, … Continue reading →

The importance of local area groups (funded by LEADER) in managing local community issues in rural areas across Northern Ireland (NI) has been stressed by the Agriculture and Rural Development Minister, who has also praised the involvement of women and … Continue reading →

Chancellor George Osborne promised a further raft of planning reforms when he delivered his summer budget this week, but details will not be unveiled until 10 July.  The Planning Portal writes: In his budget speech Osborne insisted the administration remained … Continue reading →