The IHBC, the professional body for building and historic environment conservation specialists, has released its most recent draft response to CLG’s PPS 15 consultation on the historic environment. The IHBC’s draft is available, see its home page at www.ihbc.org.uk.
IHBC Director Seán O’Reilly said, ‘Following the positive reception amongst members and the sector to our initial PPS commentary, and the widening of informed public debate about this critical government document, we want to progress the discussion on the PPS with the our latest version. Along with the commentary on the draft PPS our new draft also covers the questions asked by CLG about the relevance and fitness of the document ’
‘Following a mammoth consultation across our multi-disciplinary membership – a membership divided equally between private and public sector – we have to conclude that the present version could undermine the management of the historic environment as a resource for generations to come. How we bring that conclusion to government as a positive contribution to the debate is a question we are struggling with, but, like many other informed stakeholders, we cannot escape this simple fact.’
‘The detailed concerns are in our paper, but headline issues include the inherent failures in determining the future of historic places and structures based on their cultural significance alone – as opposed to giving expert consideration to the many other benefits they can bring to society. The PPS also focuses on back office activities to the detriment of the strong tradition of pro-active heritage-led development that is a huge part of our members’ interests and output. Indeed it sidelines large parts of a service description already agreed with English Heritage in our joint research into local government resources.’
‘Like many others, we’re also concerned at the problems that will arise with such radical changes in policy, unsupported as they are by any associated legislation, by additional burdens for improving owners in recessionary times and by the lack of clarity for community involvement. In our view the 1990s guidance, for all its limitations, is better suited to the 21st century than that presented here, not least as it values places as a resource for future generations more than as a record of the past.’
‘We do see much to admire and welcome, not least in promoting the understanding of historic places and archaeological remains, and the encouragement for early engagement in the process, but these are already outlined in PPS 1 and detailed in existing guidance. As the draft fails on the most substantial part of the historic environment, making our built heritage contribute to sustainable development, it cannot be considered as a document fit for purpose.’
The IHBC is very grateful for the overwhelming contributions of so many members and other interested parties from so many perspectives.
Notes
1. To download the IHBC’s draft response CLICK HERE
2. To see the CLG consultation, CLICK HERE
3. Given the relationship to the background White Paper and proposed Bill, the signatories will copy their responses to the relevant Parliamentary Committees, CLG and CMS, for information.
4. The formal CLG consultation closes on 30th October and any further contributions to or comments on our response should be made two days in advance of this date.
