IHBC has welcomed the strategic and ambitious vision for the historic environment of Northern Ireland and offered to take an active role in partnership for the delivery of a new ‘Historic Environment Policy for Northern Ireland’.
Alina Holyst, Chair of the Northern Ireland Branch of the IHBC greeted the emerging Policy saying: ‘The Institute particularly welcomes the emphasis on partnership and the opportunity to strengthen collaboration across the heritage sector. It also highlights the importance of conservation-led adaptive reuse, recognising the potential of historic buildings to contribute to climate action, regeneration, community wellbeing and sustainable development.’
‘While supporting the policy’s overall direction, the IHBC emphasises the need for clearer delivery mechanisms, responsibilities and funding arrangements to translate ambition into meaningful action.’
‘The IHBC looks forward to working with the Department for Communities and wider partners to ensure Northern Ireland’s historic environment is not only protected, but continues to evolve, thrive and contribute to contemporary life.’
The IHBC writes:
Successful delivery will require collaboration extending beyond government and statutory bodies and there is a particular opportunity for the IHBC to contribute through professional expertise, training, CPD, research, technical guidance, case studies and knowledge exchange.
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The most sustainable future for many heritage assets will depend upon their ability to remain in, or return to, viable use and we consider that the final policy should place greater emphasis on conservation?led adaptive reuse. Adaptive reuse also provides an important connection between heritage policy and wider objectives for climate action, town and village regeneration, housing, community infrastructure and social value. Retaining and adapting existing buildings conserves embodied carbon, reduces waste and allows historic places to continue contributing meaningfully to contemporary life. Sensitive adaptation, repair and compatible retrofit should be recognised as positive conservation actions where they are informed by a proper understanding of significance and follow established conservation principles.
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The consultation sets out a strategic and ambitious vision, but it would be helpful to understand the formal status of this document and its relationship to current and future departmental strategic policies and guidance, as well as local?level policymaking in Local Development Plans. To help stakeholders understand its practical impact and measure its success, the policy must clearly define its relationship with the current planning system and outline the distinct roles of central and local government. As this is a ten?year policy, clearer details on funding, delivery, governance, and responsibilities are needed to judge whether its goals are realistically achievable.
The Consultations Panel
The IHBC constantly monitors Government Departments and other national and regional organisations for relevant proposed changes to legislation, policy and guidance. The Consultations Panel formulates responses to these documents on behalf of the IHBC.
See the IHBC response HERE
For current relevant consultations that the IHBC is aware of and for past consultation responses.
NB: The IHBC may not necessarily comment on all these consultations, but we are glad to hear opinions on them from both members and non-members.
