Monthly Archives: December 2015

The Demos ‘think tank’ has published a research report that highlights the differences between decision making timescales on housing developments across the UK, and opines that ‘NIMBY-ism’ is ‘not inevitable’. Demos writes: A new report from cross-party think tank Demos … Continue reading →

The public votes for the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) award for England’s Greatest Place have been counted, and the winner is Liverpool waterfront, while Thame High Street in Thame, Oxfordshire and Saltaire, the World Heritage Site-designated historic village near … Continue reading →

In a recent parliamentary debate MP’s debated the protection of trees and ancient woodland, with discussions on the potential effects of development proposals on these areas, and highlighting the value of ancient woodlands, with the statistic given that only 2% … Continue reading →

The winners of the prestigious national Skillbuild competition where construction trainees and apprentices compete in high level competition to show their skills have been revealed, from the final held at the Birmingham NEC. CITB writes: The SkillBuild National Final 2015 … Continue reading →

New planning regulations proposed in England is now out for consultation, including revisions to the National Planning Policy (NPP) relating to housing issues, with a deadline for responses being 25 January. DCLG writes: This consultation is seeking views on some … Continue reading →

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has released new analysis to explore the data contained in the Atlas of Tourism in further detail. ONS writes: The purpose of this analysis is to assess the possibility of grouping areas (county and … Continue reading →

The urban landscape has been a hotbed of innovation around smart cities and the Internet of Things, and there has been no shortage of new technologies emerging in this field over the last few years, while one such example has … Continue reading →

A new publication has been launched by the Visitor Safety in the Countryside Group (VSCG) on responsible management of visitor sites, including inputs from Cadw, Historic England, Historic Environment Scotland, The Historic Houses Association and other built and natural heritage … Continue reading →

Applications to the £25 million package for roof and gutter repairs to listed places of worship is now open, with a deadline of 26 February.  The Church of England writes: The second round of the Listed Places of Worship Roof … Continue reading →

It is not every day that a new access bridge is proposed for an iconic scheduled ancient monument on a dramatic coastline – especially when the heritage sector as a whole faces such financial pressures – but English Heritage (EH) … Continue reading →

Do you have innovative ideas on how development economics could work in planning?  This years RTPI essay prize relates to innovation economics in planning, and offers a £1000 cash prize for the winner with a closing date for entries is … Continue reading →

3.4 million people from across Great Britain discovered the joys of Heritage Open Days this year, with 2 million visitors sampling the four-day festival for the first time as evaluation of the 2015 events show satisfaction was up on last … Continue reading →

The Heritage Update on the Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) is now available. Heritage Update writes: The Chancellor invited all Departments to model savings between 25 and 40%. Given the £27bn windfall, the cuts announced on 25 November were less drastic … Continue reading →

The recent increase in proposals for tall landmark buildings has led to Historic England (HE) releasing new and updated guidance on the planning and design of tall buildings, as tall buildings continue to rise  The guidance is issued as a … Continue reading →

The Conservation Plan for the City Walls in Derry Londonderry has been launched at the UNESCO conference, with a Prosperity Agreement with Londonderry Inner City Trust signed to promote best practice in business growth within the historic city, while the … Continue reading →

The Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF) has announced the appointment of ex- British Property Federation CEO Liz Peace CBE as its new Chair.  Liz is a well-known figure in the property industry, having served as Chief Executive of the British Property … Continue reading →

Details of a master plan for the ambitious redevelopment of York’s largest brownfield site have been unveiled this week as York Central, a 72-hectare site in the heart of the city, could be transformed to provide some 2,500 new homes … Continue reading →

A blog article from solicitor and planning lawyer Martin H Goodall LARTPI offers thoughts concerning shared services, concentrating on the case of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council where substantial costs are arising as they ‘extricate themselves from a partnership they had … Continue reading →

The influential UK contemporary arts prize has been won for the first time by an architecture and design collective, Assemble, winners of the Turner Prize 2015 for regeneration and community work on the Granby Four Streets, Toxteth, Liverpool. TATE writes: … Continue reading →

The Mavisbank Trust has successfully nominated Mavisbank House in Midlothian as one of the 14 monuments and sites shortlisted for ‘The 7 Most Endangered’ programme 2016, run by Europa Nostra and the European Investment Bank Institute (EIBI); it is the … Continue reading →

The Civic Voice Design Awards 2016 which celebrate community buildings and spaces have been launched, with a deadline for applications of 14 February. Civic Voice writes: Civic Voice, national charity for the civic movement, will launch the Civic Voice Design … Continue reading →

BEFS is asking for help in connection with a new website proposed for tenement and flat owners in Scotland (Under One Roof)- answering the quick questionnaire can make a real difference to shaping easy to read advice.  The Built Environment … Continue reading →