News and Events/News archive
News Archive
The Draft Heritage Protection Bill discussed by IHBC Chair Dave Chetwyn, Ian Lush and Margaret Hodge on BBC's 'You and Yours' - Thursday 17th April 2008
Assessors needed for Purple Flag Standard for Town and City Centres
Purple Flag is the new "gold standard" for entertainment and hospitality zones at night. It is a fresh approach to nightlife, linked to the standards that people expect from their town centres. The Civic Trust is launching Purple Flag in Spring 2009. To find out more about Purple flag please visit http://www.civictrust.org.uk/our-work/purple-flag-award/ We are currently recruiting experienced practitioners to become assessors or Purple Flag. We are looking for a wide range of experienced practitioners involved in managing and developing the night time economy - Police Officers, Town Centre Managers, BID Managers, Licensing Officers, Licensees, Planning Officers, Transport workers, Environmental Health Officers, members of Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships, Built Environment professionals. More details To find out more or register your interest in becoming an assessor please email Hannah Mummery on hmummery@civictrust.org.uk or phone 020 7539 7908
21 November 2008
ASC to become Homes and Communities Academy
From the 1st December 2008 the Academy for Sustainable Communities (ASC) will become the Homes and Communities Academy, a part of the new Homes and Communities Agency, a new housing regeneration agency for England. The Homes and Communities Agency is intended join up the delivery of housing and regeneration, bringing together the functions of English Partnerships, the investment functions of the Housing Corporation, the Academy for Sustainable Communities and key housing and regeneration programmes delivered by Communities and Local Government. http://www.communities.gov.uk/housing/strategiesandreviews/homesandcommunities/
12 November 2008|
TV company Ricochet seeks IHBC members’ advice
TV company Ricochet is seeking to develop a new series about Britain's master craftsmen. They say: ‘Each episode will explore a different traditional craft from stonemasonry to thatching and uncover the social history behind it. We would like to meet sector experts during the programming, building up to a major conservation project at the end that the presenter could help out with. Ideally this would be somewhere iconic like a cathedral, castle or a building that has some nationally significant history, such as stonemasonry at Canterbury or Gloucester Cathedrals or thatching at the Globe Theatre.’ The company is seeking projects that have on-going work or are due to start in the next 6 months or so, that they could possibly get involved with on site. Any ideas please contact IHBC Director, Dr Seán O’Reilly, at director@ihbc.org.uk , in the first instance.
11 November 2008
Tributes to the late Hilary, Lady Weir, OBE, former Secretary of the Architectural Heritage Fund
Follow the links below for tributes.
The Prince’s Regeneration Trust http://www.princes-regeneration.org/news.php?id=25 The Brooke http://www.thebrooke.org/content.asp?id=6964 Scotsman obituary http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/obituaries/Hilary-Lady-Weir.4679714.jp
7 November 2008
Threat to progress of Heritage Protection Bill from Credit Crunch
Following rumours that the progress through Parliament of the Heritage Protection Bill for England and Wales will be delayed to give Parliamentary time for new legislation to address the credit crunch fall-out, English Heritage has issued the following statement: ‘No-one can pre-empt the Queen's Speech. We welcome the Government's firm commitment, given recently at the launch of Heritage Counts 2008, to the heritage protection reform programme, and to introducing legislation at the earliest opportunity. Government’s will to put heritage at the heart of the planning system means that many of the objectives set out in the White Paper could be taken forward by other means if a Bill were not to be introduced in the next session. We particularly welcome the Government's commitment to a revised Planning Policy Statement and believe that this, together with the continuation of the reform programme already underway can achieve the key changes necessary for a more streamlined, simple and transparent heritage protection system.’ Building Design (BD) of 4 November reported that the Culture Minister Andy Burnham has indicated that the Bill may not figure in the Queen’s Speech on 3rd December, where the programme of forthcoming legislation is announced. The contents of the speech, and the legislative programme, are kept under wraps beforehand, but BD reported that English Heritage Chief Executive Simon Thurley, attending the launch, said ‘I understand [Burnham] can't give a 100% commitment.’ IHBC Director Dr Seán O’Reilly said that ‘We raised the potential impact on conservation of the fall-out from the American sub-prime crisis as early as our 10th Anniversary celebrations in Edinburgh in September 2007, and these worries have now been fully and tragically confirmed. It would be unfortunate if the sector’s hard work to address conservation issues in the 21st century, including the Heritage Protection Bill, also succumbed to the credit crisis. We’re delighted that English Heritage sees the potential of progressing reforms even if the Bill cannot keep to its intended time-scale. We can all take the opportunity to look more carefully at how proposed changes can be implemented most effectively, both as regards resources and the need to make sure that we find the most sustainable future for our valued places’.
29 October 2008
IHBC & friends celebrate heritage in Wales
Heritage Minister Alun Ffred Jones AM addresses Treftadaeth 2 in Llandudno, 23 October 2008 The Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC), the UK’s professional body for historic environment conservation specialists, along with the Civic Trust for Wales and Cadw, have joined up in Llandudno to celebrate the rich built heritage of Wales and the broad public interest in its historic places. Treftadaeth, organized by Trust with the IHBC, and funded by Cadw, focused on policy developments following the inaugural event in Cardiff in April 2008, also supported by the IHBC. With friends from a huge range of local and national heritage organizations, the event provided an invaluable forum for representatives of the heritage sector in north and mid-Wales to be informed and consulted on government strategy and priorities for the historic environment. Alun Ffred Jones, Minister for Heritage, was the keynote speaker, and said: ‘I will shortly begin work on a strategic statement on the historic environment in Wales and I see this conference, following on from the success of the first Treftadaeth event, as an important opportunity for as many stakeholders as possible to engage with the process.' Nathan Blanchard, IHBC Council Member for Wales, said ‘This is a classic example of how the sector can work in partnership to promote a common agenda for our historic places’. IHBC President, Eddie Booth, who led talks on the day, said he was ‘hugely impressed by the enthusiasm of the delegates for their heritage; if government can match that, then the outlook is great!’. References: For IHBC & sector news see: www.ihbc.org.uk For Cadw see press release see: http://www.cadw.wales.gov.uk/default.asp For Civic Trust for Wales, see http://www.civictrustwales.org/ Queries: Seán O’Reilly: (0131) 5583671, director@ihbc.org.uk
View BBC coverage of the issues raised at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00f84rl/The_Politics_Show_Wales_26102008/
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St Pancras International wins the Crown Estate Conservation Award
(Announcement made 11th October 2008) St Pancras International by Alastair Lansley (for Union Railways) has won the Crown Estate Conservation Award 2008. The design strategy for St Pancreas involved radical intervention – the removal of part of the floor to link the pedestrian circulation in the undercroft (formerly a barrel store) to the train shed above - as well as restoration of the majestic interior of the Barlow and Ordish train shed. It was a brilliant strategy that intentionally establishes the magnificence of the architecture. Speaking about the building, Roger Bright said: "Enormous care has been taken in restoring the original structure with scholarly reference to historic documentation and skilful consultation and collaboration with the local planning authority, English Heritage and other bodies. The establishment and maintenance of such relationships were critical to progressing the project. The result is that the Barlow roof now lives up to its billing as the architectural and engineering focus of the building – some would say the best example of its kind in UK railway architecture." The other shortlisted buildings for the award were: 1. Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds by Levitt Bernstein Associates 2. The Listed Wind Tunnels, Farnborough by Julian Harrap Architects 3. De La Warr Pavillion, Bexhill-on-Sea by John McAslan & Partners 4. Royal Festival Hall, London by Allies and Morrison
http://www.architecture.com/NewsAndPress/News/AwardsNews /Press/2008/StPancrasWinsCrownEstateAward.aspx
28 October 2008
The Scottish Historic Environment Policy (SHEP) sets out Scottish Ministers’ policies, providing direction for Historic Scotland and a policy framework that informs the work of a wide range of public sector organisations. The SHEP was originally developed as a series of free-standing publications (SHEPs 1 to 5, published between 2006 and 2008). Now that the series is nearing completion Ministers have decided to publish it as a single document, reducing the amount of detail and duplication between the original publications. There have been no substantive changes to previously published policy on Scheduling, Scheduled Monument Consent, Gardens & designed Landscapes and Properties in the Care of Scottish Ministers). The consolidated SHEP also sees the publication of the final Ministerial policy on Listing and Listed Building Consent, which were consulted upon in 2007. The new SHEP (version 2008/01) is structured as follows: Chapter 1: Scotland’s Historic Environment – this is a reduced version of the original SHEP 1, updated to take account of the policy framework of the Scottish Government. Chapter 2: Designations –incorporates previously published policy on Scheduling and Gardens & Designed Landscapes; newly published policy in Listing; a redacted version of policy on Conservation Area designation previously published in the Memorandum of Guidance. Chapter 3: Consents – incorporates previously published policy on Scheduled Monument Consent, Gardens & Designed Landscapes; newly published policy on Listed Building Consent; a redacted version of policy on Conservation Area Consent previously published in the Memorandum of Guidance. Chapter 4 – policy previously published on Properties in the Care of Scottish Ministers. The SHEP will continue to develop and will be revised as necessary. Ministers have consulted on policy on Historic Battlefields and the Marine Historic Environment and it is intended that Ministers’ finalised policies on these matters will be included in later versions. Linked Web Site http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/shep
21 October 2008
Government issues response to Heritage Bill committee report
For details click here or visit http://www.culture.gov.uk/reference_library/publications/5551.aspx
14 October 2008
IHBC supports revised EFAP manifesto
The European Forum for Architectural Policy has updated its manifesto to include support for the retention of existing urban fabric. The IHBC strongly endorses this addition as it conforms to its own policy of fabric conservation. For more information click here
5th October 2008
Historic towns take the initiative on Heritage Protection
3rd October 2008
IHBC 'Mainstreams' Conservation in Northern Ireland
IHBC ‘mainstreams’ conservation in Northern Ireland Date: 03/10/2008 Mainstreaming conservation issues in Northern Ireland was the focus of the recent visit and reception there by the council of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC). The IHBC, the UK’s professional body for conservation specialists, set conservation at the heart of intensive discussions that took place over nearly three days. It hosted private dinners with senior figures in government and the civil service, including Northern Ireland’s First Minister Peter Robinson MP MLA, and Minister of the Environment Sammy Wilson MP MLA. The IHBC also held a one day conference on ‘Conserving Northern Ireland’s Historic Places’, at which Cynthia Smith, Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Planning Service, provided the keynote presentation.
For more information click here
New blood sought for regional earth buildings group
E A R T H A East Anglia Earth Buildings Group (EARTHA) is looking for new blood. EARTHA is a long-established regional group of professionals and interested laymen, formed to promote understanding and good practice in earth construction, both old and new. Recent major projects include: • A visual survey and database of the clay buildings in Diss, numbering over 350. This information is now available to the local Building Control Department so they are aware when they are dealing with clay building applications. • Training days for builders in the appropriate skills and practices of repairing and working with clay buildings. • EARTHA New Build Sub Group, formed to facilitate the use of clay within modern designs. This Sub Group has influenced exciting new-build projects which are currently under construction. At this interesting time of ‘eco’ developments, as well as traditional conservation, EARTHA is looking for new active members to help continue these and other initiatives. You are invited to three events to meet other members and learn more: 1.Saturday 1 November 2008 – New Build Group meeting at Bressingham Village Hall. 2.Saturday 15 November 2008 – Visit to a modern, clay lump house under construction near Eye in Suffolk. 3.Friday 21 November 2008 – EARTHA AGM, with guest speaker and optional dinner, at the Pickerell Inn, Ixworth, commencing at 7.00 pm. For further information on EARTHA and these events, contact Sarah Roberts on 01379 646812 or brader@sky.com Linked Web Site http://www.eartha.org.uk
2nd October 2008
Eddie Booth congratulated as new IHBC President
The new President of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC), the UK’s professional body for historic environment conservation specialists, is Mr Eddie Booth, Director of the specialist conservation service The Conservation Studio. A former Chair of the IHBC, Mr Booth said ‘Having set one ball rolling when I was Chair, by encouraging the appointment of a professional director, I can take some pride in the IHBC’s remarkable progress since 2004. Our splendid ministerial reception in Northern Ireland last week, at the remarkable and historic centre of civic government there, Hillsborough Castle, proved to the 80 or so distinguished attendees that the IHBC is both a resource for, and a friend of, the best of conservation across the UK. Our branch and members there are to be congratulated for their success, as well as our institute, for providing such a focus for conservation interests.’ David Lovie, outgoing President and predecessor to Mr Booth, said that he was ‘delighted that such a distinguished and busy figure would help lead the IHBC from the front’. IHBC Chair, Dave Chetwyn, expressed the institute’s gratitude to Eddie for accepting ‘an honour, tinged with essential, but hopefully enjoyable duties’. Dr Seán O’Reilly, IHBC Director said that he was ‘looking forward to working closely with our new President in times that are both challenging and stimulating’. Dr O’Reilly went on to note that ‘training, standards and resources will continue to occupy the institute and all the sector stakeholders, not least given the diverse private and public sector interests, as well as the pan-disciplinary specialisms, that our members represent’. References: The IHBC is the UK’s professional body for historic environment conservation specialists see: www.ihbc.org.uk For The Conservation Studio see: http://www.theconservationstudio.co.uk/ Queries: Seán O’Reilly: (0131) 5583671; director@ihbc.org.uk
24th September 2008 (updated 2nd October 2008)
English Heritage advertises Heritage Protection posts
English Heritage is engaged in a major recruitment of new staff to the Heritage Protection Department, with advertisements in The Guardian newspaper and online. Details can also be found on the English Heritage website and are published in the Heritage Link bulletin (issue 146 19 Sep 2008). This recruitment marks an important new stage in the process of Heritage Protection Reform, because it is our first real step towards building the capacity we shall need to operate the new system successfully. Our HPR implementation programme, to be rolled out over the next few years, is designed to ensure that the sector as a whole is adequately equipped to take the reforms forward in partnership with us. Enhancing our own resource base in our HPR team and in our core listing and scheduling activity will enable us to lead the process, as government expects us to do. This is an exciting moment for the heritage sector. We are hoping that our recruitment will be recognised for the significant investment in the future that it represents, and will therefore attract wide interest from those who wish to contribute to making the proposed reforms a reality. Some of the posts are specifically aimed at those who wish to receive further training in this aspect of heritage management, and offer a real opportunity to explore new areas of work that the Heritage Protection Bill envisages. English Heritage has advertised a range of jobs relating to Heritage Protection and Heritage Protection Reform. For information visit http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/nav.18437
23rd September
Geograph © Andrew Smith
IHBC & Civic Trust for Wales with Cadw announce second Treftadaeth Conference
On April 30, 2008, over 130 people attended a special event for the historic environment sector at the Millennium Centre in Cardiff. Members of voluntary organisations together with professionals in the public, private and third sectors debated priorities within historic environment policy and strategy. Workshop sessions produced proposals for more effective partnerships and suggestions as to priorities for action. Trefadaeth 2008/2, to be held on 23 October in Llandudno, provides an opportunity for the many who could not get to Cardiff – or discovered that the event was oversubscribed – to join the debate. Organised in partnership with Cadw, the historic environment service of the Welsh Assembly Government,the conference will look at progress with a draft Historic Environment Strategic Statement and the reform of heritage protection legislation. The Heritage Minister,Alun Ffred Jones, AM will talk about his priorities for the historic environment and debate the issues with participants. Workshops will discuss communications, partnerships, and challenges. Outputs from the workshops will develop the ideas that emerged at the April conference, with the chance to propose action points for government and the voluntary sector.
For more information please visit www.civictrustwales.org
17th September 2008
Two BURA Awards open for entries
12th September 2008
1st September
The IHBC has announced today that Sir Martin Doughty the Chair of Natural England will be keynote speaker at the 2009 Annual School. With his background in environmental management and his keen interest in the historic and natural environment Sir Martin will be well placed to ask if conservation of the historic environment is a truly a sustainable activity. His talk will place the foundations to build the School's theme of conservation and sustainable design. IHBC Projects Officer Fiona Newton welcomed Sir Martin's contribution which she felt "would highlight the strong synergies between our environment, built and natural, and the sustainable use of our planets resources". 'Fit Past, Future Perfect? Conservation a key to sustainable design', the 2009 IHBC Annual School is to be held in the historic spa town of Buxton Derbyshire from 11- 13 June. For a video preview for the event see http://www.ihbc.org.uk/school09index.htm or You tube ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDaJzaHFO-Y )
28th August
IHBC welcomes EC proposals to reduce Heritage VAT
IHBC partners Scottish Government in delivering key national indicator for Smarter, Greener Scotland
27th August
Home Events DEADLINE - CALL FOR PAPERS - International TICCIH Congress in 2009
DEADLINE - CALL FOR PAPERS - International TICCIH Congress in 2009 CALL FOR PAPERS! XIV International TICCIH Congress in Freiberg, Germany 30 August - 5 September 2009 Industrial Heritage Ecology & Economy With this first announcement and call for papers we would like to invite you to participate in the XIV International Congress of The International Committee for the Conservation of the Industrial Heritage (TICCIH), which will be held in Germany from 30th of August to 5th of September 2009. The Programme Committee of the congress invites all interested colleagues to offer papers, posters or special sessions and workshops for the TICCIH congress 2009 especially for the following questions and dimensions of the main congress topic “Industrial Heritage, Ecology and Economy”: • Industrial monuments and the cleaning up of old industrial sites • Industrial Heritage, environmental protection and the preservation of nature • Heritage concepts for the cleaning up and the re-use of industrial areas and industrial landscapes • Economical concepts for the preservation and re-use of industrial monuments, industrial areas and industrial landscapes • Regeneration through heritage: Reviving and maintaining the social fabric of urban and rural communities • Industrial monuments and relicts of industrial culture as elements of cultural landscapes More and other issues closely connected to the main congress topic may be offered. They are welcome. Congress language will be English. All papers have to be presented in English. There will be no translation service. The congress will be organized in three different types of presentations: Sessions, workshops and poster-sessions. The decision about the admission of a session or workshop and a free paper or poster will be made at the end of the year 2008 by the Programme Committee of the congress. Deadline for the application of a session, workshop, paper or poster will be 30th November 2008. Information about the accepted sessions, workshops, papers and posters will be sent out in February 2009. There will be a minimum of 55 and a maximum of 77 sessions/work-shops with together 175 to 245 papers in 5 to 7 parallel meetings of one and a half or two hours. Two poster-sessions will be held. Proposals must be sent until 30th November 2008 to: Congress Secretary’s Office TICCIH 2009 Institute for History of Science and Technology TU Bergakademie Freiberg D – 09596 Freiberg / Germany Fax: 0049-3731-2832 | Tel.: 0049-3731-3406 E-mail: info@ticcih2009.de This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it You can find out more about the Congress from the following: http://www.icon.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=859&Itemid=16
14th August
Understanding Historic Buildings: Policy and Guidance for Local Planning Authorities
This policy statement and guidance sets out the English Heritage policy on the assessment, investigation and recording of historic buildings within the English planning framework. Through a combination of written advice and case studies it provides advice on how a specialist understanding of the significance of an historic building can inform a development proposal and assist in the decision-making process. It also identifies the need to record evidence that may be damaged or lost. The document has been produced to promote and encourage greater consistency in the use of historic building assessment, investigation and recording through the planning process. Aimed at local authority planning and historic environment officers, the policy and guidance has achieved wide support from sector. It is a companion document to the English Heritage guidance, Understanding Historic Buildings: A Guide to Good Recording Practice (Product Code 51125), and a third document, Understanding Historic Areas, is to be produced later in the year. The policy statement and guidance was provided to all delegates at the IHBC Annual School and is available, together with more detailed versions of the case studies it contains, on the Historic Environment Local Management (HELM) website (www.helm.org.uk <http://www.helm.org.uk/> ). Copies can also be ordered from customers@english-heritage.org.uk quoting Product Code 51414.
5th August
Supplementary response to draft Heritage Protection Bill - Conservation Area clauses
IHBC has joined together with other professional institutes in commenting on detail on the recently published conservation area clauses of the draft Heritage Protection Bill. The response follows on from that to the main draft bill and unites six professional and corporate bodies that together account for nearly 250,000 members (RTPI, RIBA, RICS, CIOB & POS) The response argues its one principal concern that the proposed legislation fails to take a stronger vision for the future of Conservation Areas than can be found in the current legislation. It then goes on to comment in detail on the various clause proposed in this part of the draft bill.
click here for supplementary response click here for Response to Draft Heritage Protection Bill click here for DCMS Draft Heritage Protection Bill
31 July 2008
Conservation capacity in local authorities: IHBC endorses concerns in parliamentary select committee's new report
29 July 2008
IHBC's Policy Chair Mike Brown advising the CMS Committee on the Heritage Bill for England and Wales
Research Councils investing over £8m in UK heritage science
25 July 2008
IHBC Condemns Planning Skills Inquiry Report
17th July 2008
VOLUNTEERS WANTED: THE IHBC NEEDS YOU!
11th July 2008
IHBC calls for 2008 Gus Astley Student Awards Entries click here for Newsflash click here for Guidance
4th July 2008
DCMS publish draft Conservation Area clauses in Heritage Bill
3rd July 2008
Winston Churchill Memorial Trust 2009 Travel Fellowships announced
1st July 2008
27th June 2008
26th June 2008
18th June 2008
Southampton’s Tudor House comes one step closer to reopening as a major heritage attraction
Southampton City Council is pleased to announce the completion of the first phase of a major restoration project at the Tudor House Museum. In March 2007, the repair works totalling £1.9m were embarked upon in an effort to preserve the historic structure in Bugle Street, in preparation for its major redevelopment as a heritage attraction. The building works, which have been funded by the city council, the Heritage Lottery Fund and English Heritage, have incorporated traditional techniques and replicated materials used in the medieval times. The end of phase one of this important renovation scheme comes as Southampton launches a campaign to become an international city of culture by 2026. As part of this, the city council is carrying out a consultation to look at how Southampton can make the most of its rich heritage and creative talent. The improvements to Tudor House are just one reason why there’s never been a better time to invest in Southampton’s cultural offer: the 2012 Olympic Games, Titanic centenary commemorations and the 400th anniversary of the sailing of the Mayflower, are all coming up in the next 20 years. Councillor John Hannides, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Heritage, said: “There are many cultural attractions scattered across Southampton. Many of these, like Tudor House, are of regional significance and over a million people pass through their doors each year. We want these residents and visitors to help us develop our cultural and heritage offer. That is why we are asking to take part in this consultation.” He added: “Our aim is to enhance and build on Southampton’s cultural credentials so that we can improve attractions such as Tudor House and bring Southampton’s heritage alive for everyone.” Southampton already has the building blocks in place to create an impressive cultural offer: • Its living, breathing open spaces • The most complete set of original medieval town walls in the country • A Long heritage as a world port • A nationally significant cluster of art galleries • And, rich stories connected to globally significant events, such as Titanic, the transatlantic liners, the Spitfire, Henry V and King Canute. Consultation flyers will be available in city heritage and leisure venues for people to complete and return with their views on how Southampton can promote its heritage and culture. Meanwhile, proposals are now being development for the next phase of the Tudor House project to include new visitor facilities including new displays and experiences, which will tell the story of the house and the people who lived and worked there. There will also be an education suite based at the Tudor Merchant’s Hall and a café, as well as full access for people of all abilities. It’s estimated the second stage of the work will cost around £5.4m. Funding will again come from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the city council and other grants.
Linked Web Site http://www.southampton.gov.uk/leisure/localhistoryandheritage/museums-galleries/tudorhouse.asp
IHBC member named in the Queen's Birthday Honours
28th May 2008
IHBC ANNUAL SCHOOL 2008: Historic Areas - managing the spaces in between 26th to 29th June 2008
EFAP conference: 'Urban regeneration - adapting to climate change', 15-17June, Ljubljana
New protection proposed for World Heritage Sites in England
27th May 2008
New training scheme in historic environment management in English Heritage
23rd May 2008
HELM training event series on Enabling Development
NATIONAL: NEW CHIEF PLANNER TO BOOST COMMUNITIES Steve Quartermain The Government's vision for vibrant and sustainable communities was given a boost with the announcement of a new highly skilled Chief Planner by Communities Secretary, Hazel Blears. The Government's ambitious reforms aim to make the planning system faster and fairer with people and councils engaged in shaping their communities. The new Chief Planner has been appointed to help drive forward this agenda. Steve Quartermain will spearhead the Government's drive to ensure the planning system supports the delivery of housing growth, climate change, sustainable economic development and works to protect and enhance the natural environment. As Chief Planner his priorities will include helping local councils deliver their local plans for better housing and sustainable communities. He will also drive forward our ambitions to strengthen the skills and capacity of planning departments through encouraging new professionals and graduate into planning careers. Mr Quartermain is Executive Director of Hambleton District Council where the planning service he led was recognised for its high quality work. Steve brings 29 years of planning experience to the role and as President of the Planning Officers Society he has already represented the planning profession at a national level. Planning Minister, Caroline Flint said: "This is an important appointment. The new Chief Planner will play a vital role shaping the future of planning. Mr Quartermain's appointment will be key to ensuring we work well with councils and local planners so the planning system delivers the best possible local plans that have high quality housing and infrastructure with environmentally friendly developments for communities." Mr Quartermain said: "I am delighted to take up this role. It is a challenging and exciting time for planners in Government, councils and through out the profession. My aim as Chief Planner is to make a positive contribution toward ensuring that planning promotes the development of prosperous and vibrant communities." www.communities.gov.uk
20th May 2008
Draft Heritage Protection Bill 2008 Commentary by English Heritage
16th May 2008
2nd May 2008
The new and more comprehensive THI application guidance. ...more
A third round of CARS was announced by our Minister on Wednesday -(Click on "Guidance Notes and Application Form") ...more
GUS ASTLEY STUDENT AWARD 2007 - Announcement of Awards
In 2007 the IHBC established an Annual Student Award in memory of the Institute’s former membership Secretary and long-time supporter, Gus Astley, funded through the IHBC and the Gus Astley Memorial Fund. The award is made for an ‘outstanding’ work in any aspect of conservation – from historical research to intervention strategies – submitted as part of an under-graduate or post-graduate taught course. The judges , Bob Kindred MBE of Ipswich Conservation and Design Service, Nathan Blanchard, of Heritage Initiatives, and the IHBC Director Dr Seán O’Reilly noted the high standard of the submissions.
HOW TO CARE FOR PLACES AND PEOPLE: Towards a common standard in Historic Environment Conservation Services & Skills. A new IHBC consultation document from IHBC which begins to define the skills needed by professionals working in historic environment conservation and the level of services that should be expected from historic environment conservation bodies especially in local government. The gamut of conservation activities are individually defined and the lead officer and local government department for each identified. The matrix also examines the possible impact of the Heritage Protection Review on the current situation. Each activity is linked closely to the IHBC’s Areas of Competences which represent the fundamental skills set for a conservation professional. Informed by national and international standards, they have been developed out of the skills sets required by conservation professionals, and in particular by Conservation Officers working in local planning authorities. As such these standards represent a microcosm of the services that should be available through the local authority if it is to fulfil its statutory duties and civic obligations to historic environment conservation. Consultation runs until 2 May 2008.
Download Consultation Document
Send opinions to: skillsconsultation@ihbc.org.uk
IHBC, NHTG, ICOMOS and other partners announce conference launching research into built heritage professionals and traditional craft skills This Conference will launch the Publication of two new National Heritage Training Group (NHTG) Research Reports: Review of Traditional Building Craft Skills in England, 2008 and Current Skills and Future Training Needs of Building Professionals in the UK Built Heritage Sector 2008 providing hard quantitative evidence of the need for more integrated skills training and education for the built environment and demonstrating progress since the ICOMOS-UK Workshop: Conservation in Architectural Education: Making the Case at the University of Bath in 2005 Flyer (PDF)
Vat Update from Europe
Conference - Wales’ Historic Environment in Focus
IHBC, Civic Trust for Wales and Cadw have announced a conference putting ‘Wales’s Historic Environment in Focus’ - Treftadaeth 08 – to nform government policy and shape partnership working in Wales. Speakers will include Rhodri Glyn Thomas, Minister for Heritage at the Welsh Assembly Government and Richard Keen, Chairman of he Historic Buildings Advisory Council. It will take place in the ales Millennium Centre, Cardiff. Central theme will be how people can work together to create more effective partnerships, helping the sector secure a sustainable future for historic places within a better Wales. There will also be an opportunity for an update on the proposed new heritage protection legislation Full details
The IHBC needs you
New volunteers are always encouraged. Contact Devon DeCelles if you would like to get involved ( membership@ihbc.org.uk ), and look at the web site for notices.
CPD assessment on its way
Assessment of compulsory CPD has started with a pilot targeting IHBC Council members and staff. Remember to maintain your CPD forms.
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