Sir Oliver Letwin’s interim report to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government. Letwin identifies that the ‘The fundamental driver of build out rates once detailed planning permission is granted for large sites appears to be …

The Women and Equalities Committee inquiry into disability and the built environment looked closely at a wide range of issues affecting disabled people. This report sets out the government’s response to the recommendations in the committee’s report. The report noted that while that some, small-scale, …

The website poll started on Monday 6th March to coincide with the launch of National Planning Policy Framework consultation. Based on the survey of 458 votes cast so far, the Civic Voice poll found (in order) communities wanting: 1. Green space better protected (35.33%) 2. …

The European Council has adopted a recommendation on a framework for quality and effective apprenticeships which will help young people to enter the world of work. The recommendation encourages the development of a highly skilled and qualified workforce which is responsive to the needs of …

The Government guidance has an updated paragraph 044 on when an application for planning permission is required to carry out works to a listed building. The Guidance has removed the following: ‘an application for planning permission is not required if the works would normally be …

Historic England is asking the public to share their knowledge of England’s secret, unknown and forgotten memorials. Historic England wants photographs and information about lesser-known memorials, and those that are well-loved by small groups or communities but unknown nationally. It is also looking for rituals …

To mark the centenary of the People’s Representation Act which gave some women the right to vote, the National Trust is partnering with the National Portrait Gallery for a touring exhibition to three Trust places. The Workhouse, Nottinghamshire , 29 April – 22 July 2018 …

The Libraries Taskforce (with contributions from community managed libraries) has produced a good practice guide for people who are running or considering establishing community libraries, many of which will be heritage assets.

Charities in the UK received more than £10bn worth of donations during 2017, despite the fact that the number of people giving actually fell, according to the Charities Aid Foundation. The UK Giving report, published by CAF, showed that the total amount given to charity …

Europa Nostra [Alliance member] and the European Investment Bank Institute have announced the most threatened heritage sites in Europe for 2018: the Post-Byzantine Churches in Voskopoja and Vithkuqi in Albania, the Historic Centre of Vienna in Austria, the Buzludzha Monument in Bulgaria, the David Gareji …

The C20 Society has just published a report on C20 Conservation Areas. Sadly, much valuable and interesting post-war development is being demolished or heavily altered, with little or no regard to its heritage significance. The Society has become increasingly aware of the potential benefits conservation …

A new £27 million scheme to improve the water environment across England has been jointly launched today by Defra, Natural England and the Environment Agency. The Water Environment Grant scheme will provide £9 million each year over the next three years to applicants applying for …