Monthly Archives: February 2016

The Historic Environment (Wales) Bill will progress to Stage 4 with the passing of the bill in plenary due on 9 February at the meeting of the National Assembly for Wales, and IHBC members and colleagues are encouraged to join … Continue reading →

The Scottish Government have launched an online platform where anyone can add their voice to opinions on the future of the planning system in Scotland; the Independent Review of Planning interactive site allows you to add your ideas, comment on … Continue reading →

The Law Commission has received news that conservation covenants are one step closer to becoming part of the management system for habitats and historic buildings.  The Law Commission writes: ‘We are delighted to have received the Government’s positive and encouraging … Continue reading →

The Royal Borough of Greenwich has become the first planning authority to require fully public, unredacted viability assessments along with residential planning applications.  View the LocalGov website report ‘Local authority first to require developers to make viability assessments public’ View … Continue reading →

The Countryside Stewardship Scheme (CSS) is now open for applications, which includes opportunities for boundary treatments under the hedgerows and boundaries capital grant, and an ideal opportunity for works involving traditional dry stone walls. DEFRA writes: The hedgerows and boundaries … Continue reading →

Liverpool City Council have issued a new plan for the Welsh Streets area.  Liverpool City Council news (Liverpool Express) writes: A new plan which could lead to the regeneration of the Welsh Streets has been unveiled by Liverpool City Council. … Continue reading →

Wentworth Woodhouse is to be purchased by Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust (WWPT), under a £7 million acquisition plan as lead rescue body SAVE announces that ‘Agreement has been reached on the purchase of one of the finest houses in Britain.’  … Continue reading →

A timber sculptural artwork which had attracted the attention of locals and planning officials at Purbeck District Council in the Dorset AONB has been given retrospective planning permission to be retained for up to two years.  The Dorset Post reports … Continue reading →

New information published for the first time by the Association of British Insurers (ABI) has revealed that buildings deemed to have inadequate maintenance are an important factor in the refusal of insurance claims, highlighting the need to have appropriate proper … Continue reading →

A review of heritage provision in Wales relating to commercial/property issues is to be launched, with a feasibility study prepared by the end of March 2016 by Welsh Liberal Democrat member of the House of Lords, Baroness Randerson The Welsh … Continue reading →

A new research briefing has been released by the House of Commons Library, outlining the similarities and differences in the planning system between different areas of the UK, offering especially useful insights into the approaches to, and the languages of, … Continue reading →

The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC) is to make all its property advice available online, opening up its pre-application files without the need for FOI requests.  The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea writes: As part of its … Continue reading →

The Construction Industry Council (CIC) is holding a consultation on its strategic review, with views sought by 15 February. The Construction Industry Council (CIC) writes: CIC is currently undergoing a Strategic Review to define its priorities for the next five … Continue reading →

A new online trail has been launched by the Historic Houses Association (HHA) to celebrate and commemorate the work of landscape architect ‘Capability’ Brown, as it announces ‘26 stunning HHA Member landscapes around England, all designed by the ‘Father of … Continue reading →

The latest debate on the Planning and Housing Bill was held on 26 January, with discussion on the implementation of planning permission in principle, the role of agencies such as English Heritage in consultations, and the design of new housing … Continue reading →

The Built Environment Forum Scotland (BEFS) is seeking help to input into a new piece of research which researches volunteering in the historic environment.  BEFS writes: BEFS is delighted to be involved in managing a piece of research, commissioned by … Continue reading →

A new report by Historic England looks at the role of temporary airfields in the second world war, and their design and construction.  Historic England writes: This report looks at the intricate subject of Second World War temporary airfields; it … Continue reading →

Funding for regeneration projects in Wales has been allocated, amounting to an additional £16.5 million for eligible work.  The Welsh Government writes: Following today’s publication of the Public Accounts Committee’s report into the Regeneration Investment Fund for Wales, it has … Continue reading →

Lessons are still to be learned on dealing with social housing allocations, according to reporting of recent complaints to the Local Government Ombudsman (LGO) in a report assessing the impact of recent changes under the Localism act. The Local Government … Continue reading →