This consultation seeks views on the proposed provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Listed Buildings (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill. The Scottish Government notes that the Bill is a tightly-focused technical amending Bill that will introduce new provisions and remove barriers to the use of existing powers that will enhance the ability of the regulatory and planning authorities to mange our historic environment in a sustainable way for the enjoyment and benefit of future generations.
Minister Mike Russell says:
’This Bill will improve the ability of owners, tenants, businesses, the voluntary sector and the regulatory authorities to manage this unique historic asset for the benefit of future generations. The Ancient Monuments and Listed Buildings (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill is about making sure we are giving people in the front line of protecting Scotland’s historic environment an effective toolkit, so that we pass on a legacy of which future generations of Scots can be proud.
We are responding to suggestions from stakeholders, particularly in local government, about how primary legislation can best be used to: remove uncertainty; enhance ability to work with developers; align aspects of the listing and scheduling systems; contribute to planning improvement; increase deterrent penalties; improve capacity to deal with urgent threats; and remove obstacles to the use of existing powers.
This is a rare chance to tackle some long-standing practical issues which can only be dealt with through primary legislation, leaving a valuable legacy in relation to the day-to-day business of protecting what we have for future generations. The Bill, however, is only part of a much wider package of administrative reforms being progressed by Historic Scotland and the rest of the Scottish Government in partnership with local authorities.
I would encourage all who have an interest in Scotland’s historic environment to consider carefully the proposed amendments set out in the draft Bill and to respond to this consultation.’
www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/currentconsultations
Consultation closes 14 August 2009.
