The Autumn Statement set out action the Government is taking to promote economic growth and enhance the competitiveness of the business environment in the UK, taking particular interest in the operation of the planning system. Now addressing the planning consent regimes, examined in the Penfold Review - which reported in July 2010 - the Government has detailed the Penfold Review Implementation Programme.

Subject to Parliamentary time, the Government will introduce a long list of measures "to simplify and reduce costs associated with the heritage protection system" (Section A).  To reduce the number of unnecessary applications, the Government will enable the extent of a listed building’s special interest to be legally defined in its list entry – so only those parts of a building that contribute to its special interest are protected by regulation; developers may seek a Certificate of Immunity (COI) from listing or scheduling at any time, valid for five years;  owners of listed buildings and local authorities may enter into Statutory Management Agreements and enable works specified in such agreement to be undertaken without the need for separate applications; Government will remove the requirement for Conservation Area Consent when demolishing unlisted buildings, and make this subject to planning permission instead. Demolishing an unlisted building in a conservation area without planning permission is an offence.

The Government will consult on further measures, including an option for introducing a system of prior-approval for specified types of works to listed buildings, and options for allowing certification of applications for Listed Building Consent by accredited independent agents. The Government will also consult on legally defining circumstances in which minimum compensation should be payable when listed buildings are subject to compulsory purchase.

English Heritage will undertake a programme to update the list entries of listed buildings. This will mean those parts of a building of special interest are protected by regulation, and parts of a building that are not listed are not subject to Listed Building Consent. The programme will start with enhancing the listings of C20th office buildings – a category subject to regular applications for works by businesses.

Whilst some of these proposals need further clarification, and possibly adjusting, this brings another welcome opportunity to air in the public domain the importance of heritage protection. The Heritage Alliance's Spatial Planning Advocacy Group will meet in late January to examine these issues in more detail.

Over the past few years in debates around planning reform,  a figure bandied about - to support the claim that our planning system is restricting growth - quotes the cost to the economy at £3bn. At the CLG Select Committee on the draft National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) though, the RTPI revealed that - following a Freedom of Information (FOI) request - HM Treasury has reported officially that "after a search of our records HM Treasury does not hold any recorded information in the scope of your request". Click here for the FOI response.

"English Heritage welcomes the Government’s indication that they would like to bring forward legislative reforms to the heritage protection system to operate more efficiently. Much work has already been undertaken, including as part of the draft Heritage Protection Bill. English Heritage will continue to work with government to develop the proposals to ensure they deliver a more effective system without compromising the level of protection for the historic environment.

"English Heritage supports the integration of Conservation Area Consent into Planning Permission. The simplification will create a more straightforward system and, subject to some important safeguards, will not reduce protection for the historic environment in practice if the change is properly legislated for.

"English Heritage supports the proposal to have a duty to promote sustainable development, subject to a satisfactory definition within the National Planning Policy framework. Heritage and development are not in conflict. Heritage can help the UK economy grow faster. It makes a big contribution to existing economic activity and is not a barrier to growth. This is a message English Heritage already promotes through our Constructive Conservation publications and our approach to individual cases where we aim to support long terms sustainable solutions.  

"English Heritage will be working with Government and stakeholders to explore how innovative approaches to managing change such as prior approval and deemed consent can deliver growth without compromising heritage protection. Making the system clearer and quicker would cut delays to developments, free up local authority resources and be more efficient and certain for owners and developers. While there are, of course, some heritage sites that are so sensitive that they can only accommodate a very limited degree of change, the vast majority of sites have great potential to contribute to growth." 

Alliance member the Historic Towns Forum (HTF) - together with English Heritage - has responded to the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) High Street Review on how “we can bring the bustle” back to high streets (fronted by TV Presenter Mary Portas).

The response was put together following two recent consultation events with retail leaders, set within the context of HTF members’ interests in the protection and revitalisation of historic cores. These roundtables highlighted a number of issues and trends pointing to challenging circumstances for historic high streets, towns, and city cores. On considering how a balanced retail offer could be created and protected, it was agreed that support for smaller and independent retailers would be paramount. Read the full response here.

The feedback from these events will inform an HTF workshop in the new year, looking at wider retail issues, and revision of the publication Retail Development in Historic Areas.

A new report from the think tank Demos - A Place for Pride - has found volunteering to be the single biggest factor in inspiring national pride amongst Britons. About 40 per cent of those polled who had volunteered in the last 12 months "strongly agreed" with the statement "I am proud to be a British citizen", compared to 25 per cent of those who had not volunteered.

The aim of the research was to assess whether patriotism and civic or national pride are important to policy-making, and to find out what people identify with about Britain and what makes them feel proud of our country. Polling revealed that people overwhelmingly want more opportunities to express their pride in Britain - challenging "the hand-wringing about [its] perceived decline" - that they feel we are less proud of our country than were our predecessor, and that there is a profound disconnect between “political narratives of patriotism and ordinary citizens’ pride in Britain.”

Responses indicated that “people turn to the fabric of daily British life to find inspiration for patriotism. They are proud of our culture of volunteering and social action, they are proud of our manners and our respect for each other, they are proud of our politeness and our eccentricities.” Underlining this pride in the culture of volunteering and interpersonal contact, when asked to from a list of 12 ‘symbols of Britain’ which made them feel proudest to be British, respondents placed Alliance Member The National Trust second on the list (pipped to the top spot by Shakespeare). The National Trust beat symbols such as the pound, the monarchy, the BBC, Parliament and the legal system.

The Demos poll was carried out by YouGov and polled 2,086 British citizens online and in focus groups between 4 and 9 May 2011. Read the full report / see the full poll results here.

Engaging Places - the national initiative promoting teaching and learning about the historic and contemporary built environment - is now part of Open-City, a London-based architectural education organisation promoting the built environment as a learning tool.

Engaging Places had been based at CABE – the former Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment – in a partnership that involved English Heritage and Culture24. Following the 2010 Spending Review and the subsequent winding up of CABE in its present form, Engaging Places sought a new partner; the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has provided a grant to Open-City to enable it to create a sustainable model for the future.

Heritage Minister John Penrose said: “I’m really pleased that Engaging Places has transferred to Open City. Our architecture - and buildings old and new - shape our everyday life, and are important parts of any cultural education. So I am very glad DCMS was able to support the transfer with some funding.”

Engaging Places provides a web portal to a rich seam of teaching resources and materials, topical features, information about places to visit, and lesson plans for teachers and education providers, as well as championing built environment education across the UK. More here.

We appreciate sponsorship for Heritage Update and give sponsors the opportunity to explain their company, a particular policy position, or to outline a project they are particularly pleased with. Our current Update Sponsor Donald Insall Associates has contributed this piece on the Portico project:

Chester’s Walls are the best preserved circuit of city walls in England, and were built mainly in the early 18th century on Medieval and Roman remains. The Walls are one of the City’s best used historical features but its towers are inaccessible, interpretation is basic and major emergency repairs have been needed.

Portico is an EC funded programme between Chester, Cologne, Ghent and Utrecht, focussing on archaeological heritage. Donald Insall Associates (DIA) is implementing Portico in Chester and work is well underway.

DIA’s Conservation Management Plan informed an Interpretation Plan, developed with Cheshire West and Chester’s Archaeology, Conservation and Museum Staff and Imagemakers. In parallel, DIA prepared an action plan based on improving amenities, access and shelter around the scheduled monument.

Extensive consultation led to a short list of proposals that could be delivered within the grant budget. Designs and consents applications followed for a string of projects, focussing primarily on the Towers.

The works include repairs and new access arrangements to Morgan’s Mount; innovative structural interventions and a cantilevered balcony - developed with Ramboll - at the King
Charles Tower; accommodating an artist’s installation at Thimbleby’s Tower; shelters at the Newgate, and a new interpretation pavilion overlooking the Roodee.

Progress can be monitored here or if you want to know more email tony.barton@insallarchitects.co.uk, or visit the DIA news website here.

We’re delighted to welcome the RIBA Conservation Group as a full Member of The Heritage Alliance, bringing our membership up to 92 – a record high.

The RIBA Conservation Group provides an expert knowledge resource to support the RIBA's policies, actions and guidance on the repair and conservation of historic buildings. It develops RIBA policy (national and regional) on conservation, the listing process, heritage sites, and building regulations; communicates the role of architects in conservation; provides advice to individual architects, practices and other professions; and encourages architects to become accredited.

As well as membership, the Heritage Alliance’s valued base of supporters is growing, with more and more individuals pledging their support alongside our sponsors and corporate and affiliate supporters. Click here for a full list of our members and here to find out more about how you can support us to continue our work on behalf of the sector.

Britain’s oldest heritage body, the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB - a member of the Alliance) has announced the appointment of Matthew Slocombe as its new Director.  Matthew will succeed Philip Venning when he retires in summer 2012, after 28 years as SPAB Secretary.

Matthew has worked for the SPAB since 1991 when he took up the post of Head Caseworker, moving on in 1995 to become the SPAB’s Deputy Secretary (and Company Secretary since 2005). Matthew is also Secretary of the Joint Committee of the National Amenity Societies. 

Matthew says: “I feel passionately that SPAB has much to offer homeowners, local authorities and to the communities whose role in the management of the historic environment is due to expand under the government’s Localism agenda. I intend to make it a priority to ensure that all are aware of the help and advice we can provide.” More here.

After 24 years working to establish ethnic environmental participation, Judy Ling Wong CBE has decided to step down as Director of Black Environment Network (BEN – an Alliance Member). James Friel, who’s been at BEN in Birmingham for the last ten years, has taken on the role of Chief Executive.

James will take forward BEN’s work programme across diverse sectors in the context of sustainable development, integrating social, cultural and environmental concerns. Current themes include history and heritage, natural conservation, urban design, identity, health, employment, and access to the countryside and urban green spaces.

Judy has accepted the honorary role of BEN President, and will continue to represent BEN at policy level. More here.

It’s that time of year again!  Why not take the hassle out of Christmas shopping and beat the crowds by giving a gift of support to our heritage this Christmas. You can support the work of The Heritage Alliance through an Individual Subscription for a loved one for just £25 per annum. And you can support the work of Alliance members through gift memberships; have a look at our list of 92 members – many very small organisations - and see if any takes your interest. Click on their names for contact details.

Across the Channel the French Government has protected its culture budget, announcing an increase (excluding staff costs) in 2012 of 2.9 per cent, bringing the total pot to €2.1bn. €75.7m will be spent on arts education and access to culture. Culture Minister Frederic Mitterrand noted that “while cuts are made in the cultural budgets of most of France's European partners, the budget of the Ministry of Culture and of the Communication in 2012 is a testimony to the attention paid by the Government to the cultural sectors.” More here.

The Association for Industrial Archaeology was established to encourage improved standards of research, recording, conservation and publication. Following on from the launch of the English Heritage Industrial Heritage at Risk initiative for 2011-2012, the AIA would draw attention to its range of awards for fieldwork and recording projects, publications, undergraduate and postgraduate dissertations, travel bursaries and the conservation and restoration of sites and structures. More here.

Proposal to examine the deregulation of Schedule One of the Licensing Act 2003. A DCMS consultation seeking views on a proposal to remove licensing requirements in England and Wales for most activities currently defined as regulated entertainment in Schedule One to the Licensing Act 2003. These include events such as live music performances, plays and film screenings. Deadline: 3 December.

Community Infrastructure Levy: detailed proposals and draft regulations for reform  A DCLG consultation seeking views on the detailed implementation of the Government's proposals, including on the draft regulations, for the reform of the Community Infrastructure Levy. Deadline: 30 December.

Neighbourhood Planning Regulations. A DCLG consultation seeks views on whether the proposed neighbourhood planning regulations in the Localism Bill are fit for purpose. Deadline 5 January.

The Green Deal and Energy Company Obligation. A DECC consultation seeking views on the details of the Green Deal and energy company obligation policies, which are to be implemented in secondary legislation and under the energy licensing framework. Deadline: 18 January.

Environmental reports on the revocation of existing Regional Spatial Strategies. A DCLG consultation. The Government is carrying out environmental assessments of the revocation of the existing regional strategies in Yorkshire & Humber, the South East, the West Midlands, the North West, the North East, the East, the East Midlands, and the South West. Deadline: 20 January.

Consultation on the new rural policy functions within Government and the proposed abolition of the Commission for Rural Communities This consultation seeks views on the new rural policy functions within Government and the proposed abolition of the Commission for Rural Communities as a statutory NDPB, as provided for under the Public Bodies Bill currently before Parliament, following the Government’s Arms Length Body Review. Deadline: 30 January.

The Heritage Alliance Heritage Day 2011

The British Museum Cultural Equalities Now conference

ICOMOS UK Christmas Lecture: Cultural Heritage of Libya

Westminster Education Forum: Responding to the Henley Review - the Future for Cultural Education

CCRI Rural Policy Conference: Adapting Rural Policy for a Sustainable Future

The principal heritage consultant role is focussed on the management of change in the historic built environment, and combines high-level technical expertise and architectural knowledge with commercial acumen and business leadership. The postholder would be expected to lead complex and challenging projects, consent applications and assessments.  This will include a variety of work ranging from planning and other consent applications, to conservation plans, conservation area assessments, Environmental Statements, urban renewal strategies and complex conservation projects for sites in the UK and internationally. 
  
A key element of the role involves developing winning bids, so the postholder will need an in-depth knowledge of the marketplace and will need to develop quickly an understanding of the full range of skills available within Atkins.

Salary is £35,000 - £59,000. Based in the South East. Further details / apply here.

Atkins is seeking to further strengthen its established heritage team and support the delivery of an expanding portfolio of major infrastructure and development projects through the appointment of an experienced Heritage Consultant in its Birmingham or London offices.

Whilst this is primarily a technical role, sound commercial acumen and business development skills are required.  Applicants should have proven experience in a commercial consultancy environment and be able to prepare robust desk-based assessments and chapters for Environmental Statements. They will also need to understand the EIA and planning process and be fully conversant with relevant environmental / heritage legislation and guidance.

Salary negotiable. Based in either London or Birmingham. Six month contract with the possibility to extend. Interviews will be held in Birmingham or London on Monday 19 December & Tuesday 20 December. Further information / apply here.

The NHTG is looking for a self-employed person to work as Project Manager on a fixed-term contract for 27 months (January 2012 to March 2015), full-time, based at home but involving extensive travel throughout England.

The role is to manage the development of an HLF-funded programme for organisations across England to create new heritage training opportunities by delivering bursaries, site-based placements, mentoring, specialist awards and foundation degrees. It will involve managing and monitoring the project on a day-to-day basis;  financial management; reporting to the HLF and the Project Management Board; and managing and developing relationships with the seven Regional Heritage Skills Coordinators and other partners.

Salary is £38,000 - £44,000 per annum (depending upon experience). Further information here, or for an application form email emma.atkinson@emcbe.com. Closing date is 5 December.

Based in the Armouries Conservation Department at the Royal Armouries in Leeds, this Internship will focus on general conservation practice with specific focus on the conservation of both European and Oriental armour, and of firearms. The postholder will have the opportunity to work in one of the largest and most significant collections of arms and armour in the world.

A recent, recognised qualification in objects conservation is essential for this internship. Experience with archaeological material as part of that qualification or through work experience is desirable.

The placement will run from April 2012 - April 2013 and the postholder will receive an Educational Bursary of £15,750. Further details / apply here. Closing date is 9 January 2012.

Wymondham Abbey is seeking two consultants – a client representative / internal project manager and a fundraising consultant – to support the development of their round two application to the Heritage Lottery Fund for the Abbey Experience. The project will bring the Abbey, its valuable archives and the ruins of the Benedictine Priory alive for visitors, the local community and schools.

Further information about the two posts can be obtained by emailing mjhalls@tiscali.co.uk Deadline for receipt of proposals is Monday 9 January 2012.

The Society is seeking a part-time Deputy Conservation Officer for England. The postholder will work in close association with the Principal Conservation Officer and the Conservation Casework Manager in planning casework. They will also be involved in developing and updating the Society’s generic conservation advice (known as Planning and Conservation Advice Notes), and will be closely involved in training and support for county gardens trusts and other local and national amenity societies who are undertaking conservation and planning work.

Details of this part-time post are available from the Society’s office, by email to enquiries@gardenhistorysociety.org. Closing date is 13 January 2012.

The Society is looking to appoint a panel of appropriately experienced and qualified Consultants, upon whom it can call to deal with specific conservation cases. Consultants should be members of the Society, but Trustees are ineligible for this role.

This freelance work would be undertaken on the basis of a standard inclusive case fee. A Brief may be obtained from the Society’s office by email to enquiries@gardenhistorysociety.org Expressions of interest via a covering letter and CV should be sent to the same email address.

Got some news?  If you would like to propose an item for inclusion in Update, please email details to the Editor Emma Robinson no later than midday on the Tuesday prior to publication (Update is published on alternate Fridays).

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