IHBC’s Council Update: On planning law reform in Wales, extends President’s term to March, & explores current priorities and more

The IHBC’s Council, the Institute’s inclusive advisory and training body open to all members, held its eighth online meeting on 16 October, with 160 IHBC members attending.

The IHBC writes:

The meeting included matters of Council business along with engaging and informative CPD focusing on the IHBC’s Legislation and Policy Competence.

Barrister Dr Charles Mynors considered the lessons of the recent planning law reform in Wales and what impact the simplified legislation made by the Senedd in Cardiff Bay might have for other countries especially England.  The Senedd is committed to legislation which is fit for purpose and is conducting a programme to consolidate all statute law in Wales beginning with the Historic Environment.  The Historic Environment (Wales) Act 2023 is a consolidation act which will replace existing legislation to create a Code of law, where all future legislative changes will be part of the same act. Charles described the contents of the Act and in particular how it differs from the previous legislation, often in giving a more logical name to key aspects.  He also described changes in England likely to come into force as a result of the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023. A Planning Bill in Wales will follow in autumn 2025 as part of the Senedd’s programme whilst a Planning & Infrastructure Bill is due in England.

IHBC Council is responsible for electing the IHBC President & Vice President. A Council vote extended current President Mike Brown’s term, which was due to conclude in October, to March to allow the transition of Rebecca Thompson to President at the end of her term as Vice President. 

At that time a new Vice President, or Vice Presidents, will be needed so, if any member feels willing to join the presidential team and stand as Vice President(s), please get in touch. The President and Vice President(s) are not trustees or directors of the institute, and are responsible directly to the membership through our Council, which in turn operates under the IHBC’s Board.

The other main Council business of the afternoon was an update on the IHBC’s exploration of a petition for a Charter: #IHBCpetitionforcharter.  Since the last Council meeting heritage sector bodies had been asked to send letters of support for the IHBC’s Chartering and some positive responses have already been received.  The next stage is the submission of a Memorandum to the Privy Council Office to seek its views on the IHBC’s suitability for the award of a Charter.

See more details on the IHBC Council HERE

See more on the #IHBCpetitionforcharter, update pending

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