The full results of England’s National Heritage Protection Plan (NHPP) review and forward planning are now available on the English Heritage website, with the IHBC now highlighting especially the evidence gathered on the pervasive sector concern over ongoing capacity problems in local planning authorities (LPAs) and wider user access to specialist skills and advice.
Mike Brown, IHBC Chair and NHPP vice chair said: ‘We’ve already thanked our many members who contributed to the feedback on and future for the NHPP, so it’s now worth highlighting the high prominence given in the final reports to the importance of local planning authority infrastructure, capacity and wider access to expertise and skills.’
‘LPA’s reduced capacity has loomed very large as an issue across all sectors engaged with our historic environment. We were clear from previous business sector studies, not least the Penfold Review, that this is a serious problem, but now we have further confirmation from the heritage sector itself through its input to this NHPP review.’
‘Also highlighted are concerns over access to relevant expert advice, which is seen as critical to future protection, management and conservation. Here, of course, the IHBC has a central role to play, not just in advocacy, but in delivery too.’
‘Not only will the IHBC continue to help in the training and standards on offer within local authorities – not least through our renowned Annual Schools – but our un-equalled reach across private and public sectors means that we are well-placed to continue to help all players in heritage protection as they respond to these structural problems.’
‘These concerns reflect issues that more than 90% of NHPP review respondents highlighted as being ‘extremely’ or ‘very’ important to the future of the programme. So the NHPP review clearly offers an agenda for the IHBC as a body, just as much as for the widest heritage sector in England.’
