The IHBC has submitted its response to consultation proposals for a new ‘Right to Regenerate’, a proposed reform by MHCLG (Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government) of the existing ‘Right to Contest’.
… reduce the number of sites that are detracting from the amenity, character or appearance of land…
The Community Right to Contest already allows members of the public to request that the government directs the disposal of unused or underused land, including vacant homes and garages, owned by public bodies. This right is little-known and little-used, with only one direction to dispose issued since 2014. The consultation proposed a new ‘Right to Regenerate’ which is intended to be a quicker and easier route to use land more effectively and stimulate regeneration.
… Sites with existing buildings should not be treated economically as potentially cleared sites…
The IHBC writes in its response:
… the proposal.. will help… reduce the number of sites that are detracting from the amenity, character or appearance of land in a particular area….
… Conditions should prevent any damaging changes to the land especially if it affects a listed building or its setting or the character and appearance of a conservation area…
… Sites with existing buildings should not be treated economically as potentially cleared sites especially where the buildings on the site may be of heritage, local, community or townscape value in any way not simply through formal designation. This may especially but not exclusively apply to industrial, agricultural, religious and community buildings…
… Temporary uses should not make changes which may limit potential future uses; they should not make any damaging changes to the land especially if it affects a listed building or its setting or the character and appearance of a conservation area; that there is clarity about the long term intentions for a particular site…
For more on IHBC consultations and the panel’s work see the Consultations Panel web page.
For more on joining the Panel see the NewsBlog
See more of the resources that guide the IHBC’s consultation responses on the IHBC’s ToolBox
