Monthly Archives: February 2016

Councils will compete to process planning applications and be able to offer fast track application services under new proposals being explored by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG).  DCLG writes: Councils will compete to process planning applications and … Continue reading →

A proposal for three turbines in the vicinity of a Lutyens designed Grade II* listed Gledstone Hall has been dismissed by Communities Secretary Greg Clark. The decision notice considered the effect on heritage assets, ‘the Grade II* listed Gledstone Hall, … Continue reading →

The panel set up to advise the Government on regenerating some of England’s most deprived estates has met for the first time. Government writes: A panel, who met for the first time recently, will look at how the layout of … Continue reading →

Historic England (HE) has warned that the latest proposals for an expanded Station Hill development near Reading station risk ‘serious harm’ to the settings of the Grade I listed Greyfriars Church and 39 Friar Street, a Grade II listed property. … Continue reading →

The Scottish Government (SG) has revealed the beneficiaries of the £2.5 million Strengthening Communities Programme fund, including some involving the re-use of derelict buildings.  The SG writes: More than 40 community organisations that are transforming disused properties and setting up … Continue reading →

The National Churches Trust grant programmes are open, with a closing date of 31 March. The National Churches Trust writes: The 2016 Community Grants Programme is now open. Please see below and follow the links for further information and to … Continue reading →

The Association for Preservation Technology International (APTI) is inviting submissions for the student scholarship programme to facilitate attendance at the October international conference, with a deadline of 31 March, and also draws attention to submission for the Student Scholarships Program … Continue reading →

Anyone in or beyond the heritage, development and cultural communities can now take a 6-month ‘taster’ of the IHBC’s membership benefits by signing up for our free email news updates – the IHBC’s celebrated NewsBlogs – and experience just one … Continue reading →

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland (NI) has released a new short report, detailing how arts are valuable to Northern Ireland, including arts impact on community regeneration, exploring and celebrating cultural identity and heritage. The Arts Council of NI writes: … Continue reading →

The next meeting of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Civic Societies, which has the Civic Voice as its secretariat, is organised by the Steering Group of the newly established Historic Cathedral Cities Alliance (HCCA) and will take place … Continue reading →

A rural planning review in England is aiming to introduce ‘rural proofing’, including addressing home building needs.  DEFRA writes: A new Rural Planning Review will look to reduce regulatory burdens in support of new homes, jobs and innovation.  Rural entrepreneurs … Continue reading →

The Welsh Government’s chief planner has written to all the country’s chief planning officers providing guidance on the slew of changes to the development management system due to come into force on 16 March, including, enforcement and environmental impact assessment … Continue reading →

From 1 April England’s Local Authorities are required to keep a register of aspiring self and custom house builders.  DCLG writes: Self-builders will find it easier to kick-start dreams of building a home with the launch of new registers to … Continue reading →

A new opportunity has arisen for craftspeople, under the Prince’s Foundation’s Building Craft Apprenticeship (deadline 26 February)  The Prince’s Foundation writes: The Prince’s Foundation’s Building Craft Apprenticeship is designed for craftspeople looking to bridge the gap between basic qualifications and … Continue reading →

Transport for London (TfL) has launched new streetscape guidance, as part of a Streets Toolkit.  Transport for London (TfL) writes: Transport for London (TfL) yesterday (Tuesday 9 February) launched the third edition of its Streetscape Guidance, building on past successes … Continue reading →

On 1 March many CADW properties will be open at no charge, in recognition of St David’s Day CADW writes: Many of Wales’s heritage sites are to open up for free this St David’s Day (1 March 2016), as visitors … Continue reading →

The Canal and River Trust has appointed an honorary research fellow to work with the National Waterways Museum and nurture new networks in waterways history, leisure studies and marine engineering.  The Canal & River Trust writes: Dr Jodie Matthews, from … Continue reading →

The Social Investment Awards are seeking nominations by 18 March so why not nominate someone who has made a difference in your local community? The Cabinet Office writes: The Social Investment Awards, supported by NatWest, celebrate the businesses and people … Continue reading →

New regulations are to be introduced on 29 February concerning development plans in Northern Ireland, under the Planning (Local Development Plan) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015.  DoENI writes: The regulations amend the transitional provisions in the Planning (Local Development Plan) Regulations … Continue reading →

Members who are involved in procurement and specification may be interested in a new initiative promoted by the Builders Merchants Federation and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), to help promote responsible and sustainable timber trading.  The WWF writes: The Builders … Continue reading →