Rescue has noted with interest the Government’s latest response to concerns raised about the proposed Neighbourhood Planning Bill, provided by Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth following the Second Reading of the Bill on the 17th January. Once again, the Government has failed to provide any support for their conclusion that the Bill will not unduly restrict the …
STONEHENGE ALERT! Highways England has announced a 7-week consultation on widening the A303 with a single 2.9km (1.8mile) tunnel option for the World Heritage Sites (WHS). The consultation documents can be seen here: https://highwaysengland.citizenspace.com/cip/a303-stonehenge/, and include maps, videos and a questionnaire for public feedback. An easy-to-use standard response letter can be accessed at http://stonehengealliance.org.uk/act-now/write-to-highways-england/. We urge …
Rescue react to short tunnel option at Stonehenge Read More »
Rescue have submitted a response to the Government’s “Review of Museums in England”((https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/review-of-museums-in-england)), described thus: The Museums Review will consider how museums and galleries across England can thrive and become even more inclusive. The Review will look at how the sector operates, the challenges it faces and the role of government-sponsored museums. Rescue have highlighted …
As part of consultation on the Neighbourhood Planning Bill, the Dept for Communities and Local Government recently consulted on measures to address what they termed “the inappropriate use of pre-commencement planning conditions”((https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/improving-the-use-of-planning-conditions)). Rescue believes that these proposals should be completely reconsidered, as they might well lead to conflicts with national and international environmental policies. The …
Improving the use of planning conditions: Rescue respond Read More »
The Historic Environment Forum (HEF) ((http://www.theheritagealliance.org.uk/historic-environment-forum/)), convened by the Heritage Alliance describe themselves as …the top level cross-sectoral committee, bringing together chief executives and policy officers from public and non-government heritage bodies to … strengthen advocacy work and communications. Over Summer 2016 they have issued a set of consultations on heritage reform and resourcing in local authorities, an …
Rescue respond to the “Historic Environment Forum” heritage reform proposals Read More »
Rescue were concerned to hear news that Kirklees Council is proposing closing Tolson Museum, Dewsbury Museum and Red House Museum (as reported on 4 July)((http://www.examiner.co.uk/news/west-yorkshire-news/revealed-museums-kirklees-councils-firing-11559743)). We have written to Councillor Graham Turner and the Rt Hon John Whitingdale. Rescue have reminded DCMS of the recent emphasis of the Culture White Paper on the wide-ranging benefits of culture …
Rescue have responded to DCMS’ publication of The Culture White paper which “sets out the government’s ambition and strategy for the cultural sectors.” Read our full response below. The range of topics covered by the White Paper is impressive and it is clear that the government envisages a significant role for culture in its broadest …
The Queen’s Speech (18th May 2016) saw the Government announce their intention to introduce the Neighbourhood Planning and Infrastructure Bill during the new parliamentary session. Reports in the press (notably the Daily Telegraph) raised the prospect that amongst the provisions of the Bill would be changes to the system of pre-commencement planning conditions which would …
RESCUE wrote to Lancashire County Council in November, expressing concern over their proposals to close their HER and archaeological advisory services, and urging them to reconsider, and to keep the services open as their obligations to national planning policy require. Lancashire have – disgracefully – waited until after the decision has been taken to respond …
Rescue receive response from Lancashire CC with regards to cutting their HER Read More »
Rescue have responded to proposed changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). These changes, proposed in December 2015, include changes to affordable housing and planning permission with regard to Brownfield sites inter alia. Read more here. In summary, our concerns throughout the proposals centre on the consideration of the historic environment within the planning process and …
