Historic England consulted on this document with a selected group of stakeholders, including the IHBC, with the IHBC Consultation Panel findings including that the document should refer to BS 7913: 2013 and better reflect the English Heritage advice on Disposal of Heritage Assets: Guidance note for government departments and non-departmental public bodies.
The Panel’s other findings include:
- The document attempts to reinvigorate interest in heritage management but it is a weighty subject that may be a challenge for local authority councillors
- It contains little content about keeping vacant local authority heritage assets in a stable condition pending the often lengthy period of disposal.
- It does not reference Circular 06/03: Local Government Act 1972 General Disposal Consent (England) 2003
- It has a very broad base and could include more detail if it is to address the serious difference to the decline of heritage assets through poor management.
- It should include advice on preventing poor practices, ensuring correct construction skills are used and underscoring breathability
- It should explicitly remind local authorities that they are responsible for taking care of what is defined as BARS (Buildings at Risk).
