The Stage 3 consideration of the Historic Environment (Wales) Bill will take place in Plenary on 2 February, and with lead plans for ‘a statutory list of ‘Assets of Special Local Interest’ and government amendments proposing that the duty for the preparation of HERs is on Welsh Government rather than local authorities as previously proposed.’
Jane Lee at the Welsh Local Government Association, writes:
So far amendments have been tabled by Peter Black AM proposing a statutory list of Assets of Special Local Interest and government amendments proposing that the duty for the preparation of HERs is on Welsh Government rather than local authorities as previously proposed. This change of heart from Government is due to a number of factors including the provision in the Bill for a list of historic place names, issues re Welsh Language Standards, future proofing in light of local government reorganisation and removing the risk of a LPA setting up a HER of their own. All in all WG considered it to be more manageable and neater if they have the duty. This duty will be discharged through the WATs so there should be little change of the ground and Cadw provides the funding anyway.
As a result of this change, the guidance on HERs that will be published will set out how LPAs should use HERs in decision making.
Read more on the Bill’s progress
View the Combined Notice of Amendments
See the Groupings of Amendments
