Category Archives: Sector NewsBlog

‘No turning back’ says RIBA report: 41% of architects now using AI

A new RIBA AI report includes the findings of a survey asking architects how they are using and plan to use AI, which reveals that 41% of UK architects are already using AI on at least the occasional project. image … Continue reading

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DLUHC and RTPI work to tackle shortage of planning enforcement officers in councils

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) has supported the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) in addressing the critical shortage of Planning Enforcement Officers across councils nationwide.

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Pathways to Planning: information for councils

The Local Government Association (LGA) ‘Pathways to Planning’ aims to widen the pool of graduates entering planning roles in local authorities, as the scheme offers an exciting opportunity for councils and graduates alike. image for illustration: Open Government Licence v3.0

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Purcell and Harlow Consulting undertaking major research for DCMS – online survey now closed

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has commissioned a major research project to understand the scale and nature of the UK’s cultural infrastructure maintenance needs, with the online survey now closed. image for illustration: Open Government Licence v3.0

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Logs the length of a double decker bus, harvested by Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) now used to build a full-scale log house

The house is now being constructed by Bedrock Buildings and erection on site is expected to begin in the early summer, on a plot of land in the village of Tomich…The finished house will use a total of 55, massive, … Continue reading

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CLC: Construction industry unveils plan to increase biodiversity and support the natural environment

The Construction Leadership Council’s (CLC) Green Construction Board has launched its Biodiversity Roadmap for the sector, detailing how the construction industry will work together to reduce harm to our natural environment.

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Shell to begin demolition of Aberdeen HQ as bosses promise ‘positive vision’ for site

The distinctive Altens building has been a prominent part of the city of Aberdeen skyline for decades and demolition to commence on 26 February. image for illustration: Aberdeen from Kincorth Hill  by Peter Robinson, CC BY-SA 2.0,  via Wikimedia Commons

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HE’s Everyday Heritage Grant: New Funding to Uncover and Celebrate Working Class Heritage

Historic England’s Everyday Heritage Grant will fund 56 new projects across the next 2 years to celebrate working class histories. image for illustration

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Listing Protection for Westminster Gas Lamps

England’s Arts and Heritage Minister Lord Parkinson has announced the listing of 4 historic gas lamps in Covent Garden, London. image for illustration

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England’s Museums to benefit from £24Mn investment to fund major infrastructure projects

More than £86 million overall to be invested in projects across England to develop world-class culture, reports Government UK, as 67 projects across England have already benefited from the scheme and a fourth round of the Museum Estate and Development … Continue reading

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Package of interventions in the London housing market

£50m of new investment over the next two years should unlock new homes and improve the quality of life for existing residents through estate regeneration in London, reports Government UK. image for illustration: Open Government Licence v3.0

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Build on brownfield now, Gove tells underperforming Councils

Big city councils must prioritise brownfield development, building new homes in right places and protecting the Green Belt. image for illustration: Open Government Licence v3.0

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UK to establish world’s first UN-backed centre for circular economy research

The UK is to establish the world’s first UN-backed centre for circular economy research, where sustainable approaches to the circular economy and resource efficiency will be developed to enable the transition to a greener future. image for illustration

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SocEnv Awards 2024 now open, to 17th April 2024

The Society for the Environment has announced that its annual SocEnv Awards are back and nominations are now open to 17/05. image for illustration: Open Government Licence v3.0

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Sustainable insulation company achieves a UK first

IndiNature, based in the Scottish Borders, has become the first UK company manufacturing industrial hemp insulation to achieve a full agrément certificate from the British Board of Agrément (BBA). image for illustration

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Theatres at Risk Register 2024 announced

The Theatres Trust has published its annual list of theatres under threat of permanent closure, redevelopment, or demolition across the UK.

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Testing Works calls for conservation trustees etc for care of GII* London engineering

Testing Works has asked the IHBC to post a notice to members and readers who might be interested in helping with the governance of its small volunteer-run charity, caring for and celebrating the work of Victorian engineer David Kirkaldy.

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House of Commons Library publishes research briefing: ‘Restoration and Renewal: Developing the strategic case’

The House of Commons Library has published a research briefing: ‘Restoration and Renewal: Developing the strategic case’, outlining the different options for undertaking the restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster. Parliamentary copyright images are reproduced with the permission … Continue reading

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Victorian Society Director Joe O’Donnell

After almost 4 years with the Victorian Society, Joe O’Donnell has moved on from his role as Director to focus on project managing the restoration of his new home.

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Medieval Glasgow heritage site to be heated using energy from the Clyde thanks to net zero funding boost

A group dedicated to preserving and promoting one of the most renowned collections of early medieval sculptures in Europe has been awarded a grant of £150,000 by SP Energy Networks Net Zero Fund to make vital sustainable upgrades to the … Continue reading

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Crooked House: Owners of ‘wonky pub’ ordered to rebuild by South Staffs

The owners of The Crooked House pub have been ordered to rebuild ‘Britain’s wonkiest inn’ after it was destroyed last year in a suspected arson attack, as South Staffordshire Council has served an enforcement notice on the owners of the … Continue reading

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Vic Soc (and others) welcome government launch of ‘consultation to stop the demolition of unlisted historic buildings under permitted development rights’

Government has opened consultation on permitted development rights (closing 9 April) in line with a commitment secured through advocacy and lobbying by The Victorian Society and its supporters.

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High Court quashes Gove decision to block redevelopment of flagship M&S store

The Secretary of State for Levelling Up’s called-in decision to refuse planning permission for a new flagship Marks & Spencer (M&S) store in London has been quashed by the High Court, in a decision that comes after a two-day appeal … Continue reading

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PM appoints Towns Tsar

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has appointed Adam Hawksbee as interim Chair for the new Towns Unit. image for illustration – Joanna Theobald  

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Built Environment Parliamentary Committee launches new inquiry into high streets, to 22/03

The Built Environment Committee has launched an inquiry into high streets in towns and small cities, closing 22 March. image for illustration – Joanna Theobald

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