Category Archives: Sector NewsBlog

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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 →

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.

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 →

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 →

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.

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 →

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

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

The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has been awarded a Scoping Grant from The National Archives as part of the Archives Revealed Scoping Grant programme. image RTPI website

Environmental principles, governance and biodiversity targets: White Paper published by Welsh Government seeking views on strengthening environmental governance in and further address climate change and biodiversity loss.

Dr Chris Michaels, an English Heritage trustee since March 2023, has been appointed as the charity’s new Deputy Chair. image English Heritage

Campaigners have voiced concerns about ‘damaged stonework’ and ‘poor repairs’ at a historic railway bridge in Cumbria which National Highways exhumed last year at an ‘eyewatering’ cost to the taxpayer. image for illustration: Great Musgrave Bridge by RuthAS – Own … Continue reading →

Fife Council’s Cabinet Committee has given approval for the local authority to host a permanent national Building Standards Hub. image for illustration – Open Government Licence v3.0

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is looking for an exceptional Chief Executive Officer (CEO), with applications closing 01/03.

The UK Parliament  has summarised the position on permitted development rights in England, and why some building works do not need planning permission from the local planning authority. image for illustration: Parliamentary copyright images are reproduced with the permission of … Continue reading →

The Heritage Fund has changed the application guidance and forms to reflect its new strategy, simplified its materials and made its requirements more proportionate to the amount of money being applied for.

As Michael Gove’s landmark ruling has been challenged in the High Court by M&S on procedural grounds, SAVE Britain’s Heritage outlines the background. image for illustration: Gary Rogers / Marks and Spencer. Commons Wikimedia

The Theatres Trust has shared plans for the Theatre Green Book UK, the grassroots initiative that sets common standards for sustainable theatre. image for illustration: The Theatres Trust

Over 60 employers from across Wales including several Electrical Contractors Association (ECA) and Fire and Security Association (FSA) members have joined up to call for funding for the Welsh Government flagship apprenticeship programme to be protected. image for illustration: Open … Continue reading →