Monthly Archives: November 2015

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has released its first public consultation which is seeking views about the Corporate Plan, by 8 February 2016.  Historic Environment Scotland (HES) writes: People across Scotland are being asked for views on how the past is … Continue reading →

The Prospect Union for Professionals has launched a new campaign urging those passionate about heritage to support their #High5Heritage project which protests at cuts proposed in the forthcoming spending review.  Prospect writes: Prospect is urging members and the wider public … Continue reading →

Reading Borough Council has been assessing its conservation areas and, as well as considering the character and appearance of the areas, it is also looking to assess opinions on HMO’s (Houses in Multiple Occupation) within these areas and the possibility … Continue reading →

A new review has been launched by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) to assess views on the CIL (community infrastructure levy), with a questionnaire which closes on 19 January 2016. DCLG writes: The review will come forward … Continue reading →

Ulster Architectural Heritage Society (UAHS) has reported on the newly issued research into Buildings at Risk (BAR) in Northern Ireland, which highlights key data on the impact of funding cuts and information on buildings at risk by Council area. Ulster … Continue reading →

IHBC members who deal with historic buildings in rural areas will be interested in research undertaken by the Historic Houses Association (HHA) which highlights opportunities for heritage from the EU LEADER funding scheme.  HHA writes: While sources of government funding … Continue reading →

Civic Voice, the national charity for the civic society movement, held the first meeting of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Civic Societies on 16 November.  Civic Voice writes: The launch, which saw Craig Mackinlay MP proposed and elected … Continue reading →

Broadcaster Neil Oliver is leading this year’s campaign by the SPAB to make people aware of the importance of winter property maintenance, the annual National Maintenance Week campaign which encourages owners of all sorts of buildings (not just ancient ones) … Continue reading →

The Scottish Government has announced a new initiative which has resulted in £40 million of European investment into Scottish Cities, including funding for local empowerment initiatives.  The Scottish government writes: Scottish Government investment in cities is delivering tenfold, with £4 … Continue reading →

The new ‘Taking Part’ survey has revealed that 95% of adults agree that it is important for historic buildings and environments to be cared for, and ‘happiness scores’ being used to consider attitudes to heritage activity.  Historic England writes: The … Continue reading →

A survey by Fields in Trust has reported on the potential threats to parks and greenspace, with the North East of England being the most active park users, 16% of respondents reporting pending issues, and 95% of respondents feeling protection … Continue reading →

The Big Lottery Fund’s £9 million Community Asset Transfer 2 Programme (CAT2) has brought new life into community facilities throughout Wales, including listed buildings. The Big Lottery writes: Transforming old railway buildings into community spaces and creating facilities for maritime … Continue reading →

A new project has been launched by the Government with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) to help rediscover war memorials, entitled the Living Memory Project.  Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) writes: Communities Secretary Greg Clark is launching ‘The Living … Continue reading →

The National Heritage Science Forum (NHSF) has appointed Alastair McCapra as the next Chair of its Board of Trustees, to succeed current Co-Chairs Nancy Bell and Professor May Cassar at the AGM on 16 December 2015.  The NHSF writes: Alastair is … Continue reading →

The Islington Tribune has reported on the pleasant news that the London Open House weekend brought a former conservation officer face to face with a property owner who now lives in the former butchers shop which was rescued by him … Continue reading →

A new skills survey by the BRE Academy aims to generate a comprehensive picture of the UK’s construction skills gap from senior leaders down to sub-contractors, with a closing date for the survey is 31 January 2016. BRE writes: The … Continue reading →

In a speech made on 9 November Chancellor George Osborne has outlined the plans for government savings where four departments (including DCLG) will make 30% savings.  Chancellor George Osborne said on 9 November: I’ll spell out the full details of … Continue reading →

The Centenary of the first Women’s Institute meeting in England has resulted in new listings and re-listings of buildings associated with this important institution.  Historic England writes: Re-listings announced by Historic England on the centenary of the first Women’s Institute … Continue reading →

The Historic Houses Association (HHA) has reported on the economic contribution of privately owned historic houses in the UK, with £85 million per annum spent on repair and maintenance alone.  The HHA writes:  The Historic Houses Association (HHA) has published … Continue reading →

BBC news has reported on the updated situation regarding the Surrey farmer who constructed a ‘hidden castle’ behind haybales, who has now been given a three month suspended sentence for contempt of court and must demolish the construction by June. … Continue reading →

Nine new prisons are to be constructed, and Victorian prisons are to be sold for housing in new plans announced this week by the Ministry of Justice, with one housebuilder group already announcing their interest in this scheme. The Ministry … Continue reading →