Monthly Archives: July 2016

Proposals to convert the GII* and GII listed former Shepton Mallet prison into a mix of flats and houses have been rejected by Mendip District Council, as members refused the main application because of concern over parking provision and traffic … Continue reading →

The Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) is seeking nominations for new members to be appointed to its Peer Review College (PRC), with a deadline of 22 September. AHRC writes: Peer review lies at the heart of the AHRC’s operations, … Continue reading →

London’s Tower Hamlets Council is considering taking legal action following the unauthorised demolition of ‘several’ unlisted properties in the Coldharbour conservation area. Tower Hamlets Council writes:The council is considering taking legal action following the unprecedented unauthorised demolition of several unlisted … Continue reading →

Clive Betts MP, chair of the Commons Communities and Local Government Committee has written to the new planning minister Gavin Barwell asking if the proposed neighbourhood planning and infrastructure bill will be published in draft. The committee letter asks for … Continue reading →

The Local Government Ombudsman (LGO) has issued a further report into a planning complaint against Durham County Council in which residents complained about the way Teesdale District Council considered planning applications to build cowsheds on farmland. The LGO writes: The … Continue reading →

Charities and local groups who would like to get involved are being encouraged by Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust (PKHT) to come forward with suggestions for use as there is potentially over 2,000 square metres of floor space over the … Continue reading →

The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) has launched a new Community Rights and Heritage resource, ‘My Community’ which has been created in partnership with Heritage Lottery Fund, Historic England, Locality, The Architectural Heritage Fund, Civic Voice and Groundwork. My Community … Continue reading →

RSPB Scotland has won a legal challenge over the decision by Scottish ministers to allow four large offshore wind farms to be erected in the outer firths of the Forth and Tay The Scotsman writes: Conservationists have won a legal … Continue reading →

The Local Government Ombudsman (LGO) has issued its Annual Report noting that it has investigated more than 11,000 complaints over the past year, annual report says. The LGO writes: Local Government Ombudsman, Dr Jane Martin, has issued her last annual … Continue reading →

Civic Voice, has announced awards that aim to recognise and celebrate the huge efforts that have already been made throughout the UK to commemorate the First World War, with the deadline for nominations on 9 September 2016 and the awards … Continue reading →

Former Communities Secretary Greg Clark has dismissed an appeal for a proposed road/rail freight interchange on metropolitan green belt land north of the A4 Colnbrook bypass. Planning Portal writes: In one of his last decisions former Communities Secretary Greg Clark … Continue reading →

Historic England’s (HE) Annual Report and Accounts for 2015/16 have been issued. Government writes: Historic England’s Annual Report and Accounts for 2015/16 was laid before Parliament on 18 July. It comprises the audited accounts and, new for this year, Performance … Continue reading →

Insurance giant Royal London’s bid to expand its Wilmslow campus on land in the green belt, creating up to 600 jobs, has been given the go-ahead by Cheshire East Council. Planning Portal writes: Its planning committee has approved an outline … Continue reading →

The Heritage Alliance (THA) has announced that its long-running annual award for heritage volunteers is renamed Ecclesiastical’s Award for Heritage Heroes in recognition of the insurance company’s generous sponsorship, with a deadline for applications of 16 September 2016. THA writes: … Continue reading →

The National Churches Trust (NCT), the UK’s church repair and support charity, has launched ‘50 Things to do in a Church’, highlighting the range of activities and events that take place in and around church buildings and the many different … Continue reading →

The Department for Culture, Media & Sport has announced that almost 40 cathedrals across England will benefit from government funding of £14.5 million for repairs to help secure their future. DCMS writes: Awarded from the First World War Centenary Cathedral … Continue reading →

The full list of all government appointments following Theresa May becoming Prime Minister has been published, as Sajid Javid replaces Clark as Communities Secretary and Gavin Barwell takes over from Lewis as planning and housing minister in the new Cabinet … Continue reading →