The IHBC, the UK’s professional body for historic environment conservation specialists, welcomed the conclusion by England’s Local Government Ombudsman that a planning authority’s failure to manage its duties in conservation could amount to ‘injustice’. Seán O’Reilly, IHBC Director, said: ‘Given delays in the new heritage legislation it is a timely reminder that planning authorities must be fair to all interests in our historic places.’
Dr O’Reilly continued: ‘The report examines a complex, but not untypical, conservation issue. The IHBC doesn’t comment on specific cases, but its grave conclusions provide a crucial base line for modern conservation services. Local authorities can only respect all our interests by giving effective corporate support for substantial conservation services that are fully integrated with the decision-making processes of the planning system. Lacking clear legislation, the Ombudsman’s oversight here, as ever, is both invaluable for stakeholders and a cautionary note for councils.’
The Ombudsman’s criticism of Darlington Borough identified ‘multiple and various failings’ in handling a case of conversion and demolition of historic buildings. She concluded that these ‘amounted to maladministration causing injustice.’ The Ombudsman also urged the authority to ‘ensure that all staff involved in dealing with development control decisions are properly trained in the law and its own policies and procedures relating to
listed buildings.’
References:
For IHBC & sector news see: www.ihbc.org.uk
For the Ombudsman’s report & links see: http://tinyurl.com/7ljrty
Queries: Seán O’Reilly: (0131) 5583671; director@ihbc.org.uk
