e-Bulletin no.22  30th Oct 2008

Short-cut to sections:-  Consultations | Publications | Scottish Government news releases | News releases | Recent parliamentary questions | Recent parliamentary answers | Other parliamentary activity | Events | Training  | Job vacancies

Consultations 

Joint Working Agreement: Consultation - Historic Scotland & Planning Authorities (HS 28/10/08)
Consultation on a joint working agreement between Historic Scotland and Planning Authorities in relation to Statutory Casework and consultation. Consultation open to planning authorities only.
http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/index/about/consultations/currentconsultations.htm
News release: http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/index/news/news_article.htm?articleid=20859

National Planning Framework for Scotland 2 SEA: Supplementary Assessment of the Environmental Effects of Candidate National Developments Environmental Report Annex 2 - Consultation Paper (SG 18/09/08)
In accordance with the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005, a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of the National Planning Framework is currently being undertaken.
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/09/17124524/0
 

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Publications

Delivering Planning Reform (SG 28/10/08)
A wide-ranging package of improvements to make Scotland's planning system leaner and fitter have been announced. Key measures include: simpler and more transparent processes; government agencies to focus increasingly on matters of genuine national interest; Scottish Government and agencies to publish annual reports on performance; up to date development plans that provide investors and communities alike with greater certainty; quicker decision making by councils on high-quality applications; a new electronic planning system to be formally launched next Spring.  The Scottish Government is streamlining over 20 separate Scottish Planning policies into one. The first two parts, on core principles and the key elements of the planning system were published on 28/10/08.  The third part, a statement of policy on a number of development themes, will be published in the Spring 2009.
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/10/27130725/0
News release: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2008/10/28100001

Scottish Planning Policy (SG 28/10/08)
Parts one and two of three elements of the new Scottish Government Planning Policy 2008.
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/10/28115149/0

Scottish Planning Policy SPP 23: Planning and the Historic Environment (SG 28/10/08)
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/10/28135841/0

Scottish Historic Environment Policy (HS 28/10/08)
The SHEP was originally developed as a series of free-standing publications (SHEPs 1 to 5, published between 2006 and 2008). Now that the series is nearing completion Ministers have decided to publish it as a single document. The SHEP now includes policies on Listing, the process that identifies, designates and provides statutory protection for buildings of special architectural or historic interest; and Listed Building Consent which deals with applications to alter or demolish listed buildings.
http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/index/heritage/policy/shep.htm
News release: http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/index/news/news_article.htm?articleid=20859

Climate Change Consultation on Proposals for a Scottish Climate Change - Scottish Government Response - Scottish Government response to Consultation on proposals for a Scottish Climate Change Bill (SG 27/10/08)
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/10/response/response

Draft Regulations on Development Planning: Consultation Paper: Analysis of consultation responses (SG 22/10/08)
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/10/21145322/26

Analysis of Historic Battlefield SHEP consultation: Analysis of consultation responses (HS 20/10/08)
The consultation on the Scottish Historic Environment Policy (SHEP) on Historic Battlefields ran between April and July this year. It was the ninth consultation on a SHEP that Historic Scotland has conducted. 70 responses were received from the public, heritage groups and other organisations.
http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/index/news/mediareleases/news_article.htm?articleid=20688

A report on best practice in tackling Hard to Treat properties, with a particular emphasis on addressing fuel poverty and carbon emissions. (SG 17/10/08)
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/10/17095821/15

PAN 83: Planning Advice Note: Master Planning (SG 16/09/08)
The PAN covers the master planning process from beginning to end: from understanding the need for master planning, to preparing, creating, processing and implementing a masterplan.
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/09/08133722/0

Scottish Budget: Draft Budget 2009-10 (SG 16/09/08)
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/09/12140641/0

Action on Climate Change: Proposals for Improving the Energy Performance of Existing Non-domestic buildings: report of workshop (BEFS 22/09/08)
This workshop was convened to engage stakeholders in discussing the government consultation on proposals to improve the energy performance of existing non-domestic buildings.
http://www.befs.org.uk/08.09.22.ClimateChangeWorkshopReport.pdf

Planning for Places - article by Diarmaid Lawlor, A+DS Head of Urbanism (A+DS 08/09/08)
The focus of any plan must be on the outcome. What is it you want to achieve? Once this is decided, the plan is the means to get you there. The efficiency of the plan will enable you to get there quicker. The modernisation of the planning system in Scotland, enabled by the Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006, seeks to achieve a system which is fit for purpose, efficient and inclusive. There is clarity about the objectives of the proposed system. There is clarity about the objective to support sustainable economic growth. There is clarity on the need to effect a culture change to implement and benefit from the proposed system. But what is the desired outcome, in place terms, that the planning system seeks to achieve? What kind of places are we trying to create, and how will the Local Plan enable these places to be delivered?http://www.ads.org.uk/news/424_planning-for-places

Government Response to the Culture, Media and Sport Committee Reports on the Draft Heritage Protection Bill and Draft Cultural Property (Armed Conflicts) Bill Cm7472 (DCMS 20/10/08)
The Government reviewed and considered the comments and recommendations of the report, and has published its formal response.
http://www.culture.gov.uk/reference_library/publications/5551.aspx

English Heritage publishes lead theft guidance (EH 13/10/08)
English Heritage has issued specific guidance on metal theft in view of the intensification of the problem in recent months, particularly on lead roofs on churches.
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/ConWebDoc.14772

Constructive Conservation in Practice (EH 07/10/08)
In this book, English Heritage champions the 20 best development schemes in historic places, all of which are exemplars of a new way to rescue heritage called Constructive Conservation.   Constructive Conservation is a progressive approach to conservation that involves heritage and development professionals working together as a team and being guided by English Heritage's newly-published Conservation Principles.
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/ConWebDoc.14751

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Scottish Government news releases

Churches provide affordable homes (SG 03/10/08)
Communities Minister Stewart Maxwell has praised 13 Scottish church bodies which have joined forces with the Scottish Government to promote greater use of surplus church properties and sites for affordable housing. The Church Property & Housing Programme aims to help supplement the mainstream affordable housing programme, and contribute to sustaining rural communities. It identifies need, opportunity and viability, and creates links with planners, funders and developers.
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2008/10/03104511

House building in Scotland (SG 25/09/08)
The UK Government is being urged to do more to help Scotland's house building industry following the publication of an Office of Fair Trading report on house-building in the UK Communities Minister Stewart Maxwell backed recommendations to increase consumer protection for those buying a new-build house and the introduction of an effective industry code of conduct.http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2008/09/25080446

Architecture design champion review (SG 23/09/08)
Architecture and Design Scotland will undergo the first review of its policy and financial management since being established as the nation's design champion for the built environment in April 2005.
Linda Fabiani, Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Culture, today announced this review which will contribute to the refinement of Architecture and Design Scotland's responsibilities within the reshaped built environment sector: a commitment the First Minister made in January as part of a programme of simplification of public services.
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2008/09/23102102

Help for communities to reduce carbon footprint (SG 17/09/08)
Funding of more than £700,000 to empower communities across Scotland to take action to tackle climate change has been announced. The first tranche of projects supported through the Climate Challenge Fund include supporting a village-wide energy efficiency scheme, to survey every property and provide free insulation where required.
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2008/09/17112830

Energy efficiency (SG 14/09/08)
The energy companies have pledged to move quickly to increase spend in Scotland from the £3.36 billion fund created to achieve the GB-wide Carbon Emissions Reductions Target (CERT). CERT is an initiative that places an obligation on companies to provide households with subsidised energy efficiency measures, such as cavity wall and loft insulation, energy efficient appliances and low energy light bulbs.
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2008/09/16095049

Planning Reform - Historic Scotland launch pilot with local authorities (HS 08/10/08)
Historic Scotland has launched a pilot scheme with three of Scotland's local authorities in a bid to improve the process of dealing with category-B listed building consent (LBC) applications.
http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/index/news/news_article.htm?articleid=20600

The protection of Scottish battlefields (HS 17/09/08)
Historic Scotland today stated that no decision had been taken on whether Bannockburn would be granted protection in any future inventory of historic battlefields. Contrary to recent reports, the criteria for designation as a historic battlefield and the means by which such a site would be protected have not been decided.
http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/index/news/news_article.htm?articleid=20388

Minister endorses partnership working for heritage sector (HS 16/09/08)
The Historic Properties Group, a partnership of Historic Scotland, Historic Houses Association and the National Trust for Scotland, has commissioned research into how the future of heritage tourism might look. The study 'Trends for Growth in the Historic Properties Sector' focuses on what the heritage industry needs to do to perform better as an industry.
http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/index/news/news_article.htm?articleid=20386

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News releases

Government to Review A+DS Structure (A+DS 23/09/08)
Architecture and Design Scotland (A+DS) has welcomed today's announcement, from the Scottish Government, that a review of its policy, financial management and remit is to be carried out.
http://www.ads.org.uk/news/427_government-to-review-a-ds-structure

Master planning PAN Launched (A+DS 16/09/08)
Sebastian Tombs, Chief Executive of Architecture and Design Scotland (A+DS), has welcomed the publication of the most recent Scottish Government Planning Advice note (PAN) on 'Masterplanning'.
http://www.ads.org.uk/news/425_masterplanning-pan-launched

Architectural profession challenges government to 'come up with the goods' on planning (RIAS 28/10/08)
The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) has endorsed a range of planning initiatives announced by John Swinney, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth. While welcoming the proposals, which include simplifying the planning infrastructure and clarifying planning policy, the Scottish architectural profession looks forward to the aspirations being achieved. The Incorporation, with other relevant bodies, is involved in ongoing discussions with the government about initiatives which will stimulate growth and improve the skills base in the planning profession.

Map the future and attend SNH-led drop-in sessions (SNH 16/09/08)
Locals and visitors have been asked to pop along to two special events organised by Scottish Natural Heritage to help shape the new-look Cairngorms National Park.
http://www.snh.org.uk/press/detail.asp?id=1941

How do you know if it's an eco-town? (CABE 25/09/08)
The government's eco-towns initiative has started a number of debates - about their size and the choice of locations, and how lessons from new towns can be applied to the existing built environment.
http://www.cabe.org.uk/default.aspx?contentitemid=2771

CABE welcomes minimum design standard for schools (CABE 18/09/08)
All secondary school designs coming through the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme will now have to meet a minimum design standard, the government has announced.
http://www.cabe.org.uk/default.aspx?contentitemid=2756

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Recent parliamentary questions

Answers will appear in a subsequent Bulletin, with questions reproduced.

S3W-16635 Alison McInnes: To ask the Scottish Executive whether a correlation exists between the projects listed in National Planning Framework for Scotland 2 SEA: Supplementary Assessment of the Environmental Effects of Candidate National Developments Environmental Report Annex 2 - Consultation Paper and projects being considered in the strategic transport projects review. (SP 01/10/08)

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Recent parliamentary answers

Q     S3W-15545 Des McNulty 15/08/08: To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will publish its single outcome agreements with the 32 individual councils in Scotland or make them available in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.
A     John Swinney (11/09/08): Copies of all 32 single outcome agreements which were agreed with local authorities on 30 June 2008 can be obtained via the Improvement Service website by the following link:
http://www.improvementservice.org.uk/component/option,com_docman/Itemid,43/task,cat_view/gid,561/.

Q     S3W-16475 Robin Harper: To ask the Scottish Executive when the first policy and financial management review of Architecture and Design Scotland will be undertaken and what the terms will be of this review. (SP 23/09/08)
A     Linda Fabiani (23/0908): The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that each public body is subject to a policy and financial management review at least once every five years. Architecture and Design Scotland started operating on 1 April 2005 and this first review of its activities will take place early so that it can contribute to our programme of simplification of public services - which includes a commitment to refine the responsibilities of Architecture and Design Scotland within the reshaped built environment sector. The terms of reference for the first stage of the review will be:
1. An examination of the functions of Architecture and Design Scotland and how these are currently delivered at a strategic, operational and local level. This would include a review of the resources invested; the external changes that have occurred following its creation; the outcomes and benefits being achieved by Architecture and Design Scotland, and, in particular, how the body engages with national, regional and local delivery partners, including local government.
2. An examination of the effectiveness of Architecture and Design Scotland; assessing its impact with key decision makers and the public, drawing on stakeholder, customer and staff views on the strengths and weaknesses of the current structural and delivery arrangements, and determining whether changes in structure and behaviour are required.
As an essential part of the review process, officials will be consulting widely with interested parties.

Q     S3W-16203 Stuart McMillan: To ask the Scottish Executive what financial support it is giving to encourage small and medium-sized enterprises to reduce carbon emissions. (SP 10/09/08)
A     Jim Mather (23/09/08): We offer loans of between £5,000 and £100,000 through our interest free loan scheme to encourage small and medium-sized enterprises make capital investments in energy efficiency and microgeneration technologies.

Q     S3W-16424 Hugh O'Donnell: To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to protect archaeological sites on farming land. (SP 19/09/08)
A     Richard Lochhead (01/10/08): The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 places a statutory requirement on Scottish ministers to compile and maintain a schedule of monuments of national importance. Once designated in this way, these monuments are protected under the provisions of that act. Scheduled monuments on farming land are further protected through the Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition standards (GAEC) attached to Single Farm Payments. Under GAEC, farmers must avoid altering, damaging or destroying protected elements of the historic environment, including scheduled monuments. The Scotland Rural Development Programme 2007-13 (SRDP) offers financial support for the management of archaeological sites under the Conservation and Upgrading of the Rural Heritage set of measures. In addition, agri-environment funding under SRDP Rural Development Contracts is on condition that recipients avoid damaging any feature or area of historic or archaeological interest. This condition applies to both designated and undesignated archaeological sites on farming land.

Q     S3W-16425 Hugh O'Donnell: To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has made, along with UK Government departments, to the European Union in favour of the EU's definition of "environment" being extended to include historical, archaeological and other landscape features. (SP 19/09/08)
A     Linda Fabiani (26/09/08): We have made no representations to the European Union on this issue so far. I understand that this question has been raised in the context of the Scottish Government''s consultation on the Future implementation of the Common Agricultural Policy in Scotland. The consultation closed on 5 September 2008. Around 50 responses were received and are currently being analysed. It would not therefore be appropriate to pre-empt the outcome of the consultation before the responses have been analysed.

Q     S3W-16426 Hugh O'Donnell: To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to restore agri-environment payments to compensate farmers for not cultivating archaeological sites in arable areas. (SP 19/09/08)
A     Richard Lochhead (01/10/08): Under the 2007-13 Scotland Rural Development Programme, payments to land managers to protect archaeological sites are made under the Conservation and Upgrading of the Rural Heritage set of measures. The Scottish Government is aware that some stakeholders are in favour of moving some of these payments into the agri-environment set of measures, as was the case in the 2000-06 Scotland Rural Development Programme. The issue will be considered by the Scottish Government as part of its working towards a modification of the Scotland Rural Development Programme 2007-13 in 2009. Any changes to the programme will need to be agreed by the European Commission.

Q     S3W-16454 Liam McArthur: To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish its renewable energy strategy. (SP 22/09/08)
A     Jim Mather (30/09/08): The Scottish Government will set out its plans for the development and deployment of renewables in Scotland in our Renewable Energy Framework consultation in the very near future.

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Other parliamentary activity

Petitions

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Events

Energy Efficiency Seminar - Historic Scotland's Technical Conservation Group are holding a one day seminar on Energy Efficiency in Traditional Buildings. 26th November 2008, 8:30am - 17:10pm, The Hub, Castlehill, Edinburgh.
The seminar will present the results of recent research on energy performance and co2 usage in traditionally built structures by research partners and others involved in the work.  Additional speakers will consider other aspects of the thermal performance of older buildings. Cost: £50.00 including lunch & refreshments.
http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/index/heritage/conservation/conservation-conferences-and-seminars/energyefficiencyseminar.htm

Scottish Stone Liaison Group (SSLG) Inaugural Annual Lecture - Thursday 13th November 2008, The Lighthouse, Glasgow.
This year's keynote speaker will be Bruce Kennedy, Architect Director of BDP Glasgow, speaking about the use of natural materials in BDP projects - examples will include the Shetland Museum and Archives and the Kelvingrove refurbishment. The event this year also includes the launch of the Scottish Building Standards Guidance, Natural Stone Masonry in Modern Scottish Construction: A guide for designers and constructors - essential reading for all those working with stone. Tickets for the event are priced at £20 (£10 for students), including a buffet.
www.sslg.co.uk/events_sslg.html

EUROPA NOSTRA UK: A series of illustrated lectures and discussions on Scottish World Heritage Sites in the wider European context -
Tuesday 18th November 2008: Robin Turner, Head of Archaeology at the National Trust for Scotland
Board room, NTS, 28 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh, 5.45 for 6.00pm (to end by 8.00pm)
Cost: £5 (Europa Nostra UK or NTS members) or £7 (non-members), to include a glass of wine at the conclusion of each event. Spaces are limited - to book a place contact: lesterborley@waitrose.com, or tel: 0131 332 2364.

RTPI in Scotland Annual Conference - Spatial Dimensions of Climate Change, 13th November 2008, 9:15am - 4:30pm, at The Royal Society of Edinburgh, 22-26 George Street, Edinburgh. 
Cost: from £95 + VAT
www.rtpiconference.co.uk

Vital and Vibrant Town Centres Conference - 'The challenge for our town centres and high streets'
19th November 2008, 9am - 4pm, Stirling Management Centre.
Cost: from £50 + VAT
For further details contact: Business Improvement Districts Scotland (BIDS):
www.bids-scotland.com/latest-news/vital-and-vibrant-town-centres-conference.html

A new Housing Bill for Scotland: what does the housing sector want?
Monday 1st December 2008, 9.30am-1.00pm, City Chambers Business Centre, Edinburgh.
The Scottish Government has announced that it will consult on a Draft Housing Bill before summer 2009, leading to a Bill in parliament the following year. This seminar is the first opportunity for the Scottish housing sector to discuss what it might want to see in a Housing Bill and how best to advance its arguments.
Cost: £85 (£55 voluntary organisations) + VAT.
For further details contact: scotlandevents@shelter.org.uk

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Training

SSLG Launches Deconstructing Building Stone CPD Programme
This seminar series addresses the sustainable use of stone in construction. Delivered in association with Historic Scotland and a number of professional bodies, the programme consists of 4 full-day seminars, plus a field study day. The programme runs from November 2008 until April 2009, with the first seminar being held on 20th November at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh.
The programme covers the main aspects of repair & maintenance, the use of stone in new build and changes to standards, including a review of the new Scottish Building Standards Guidance - Natural Stone Masonry in Modern Scottish Construction: A Guide for Designers and Constructors.
http://www.sslg.co.uk/events_sslg.html

Scottish Lime Centre Trust: Introduction to Masonry Repairs in Traditional Buildings
18th -20th November 2008
This is our most popular course and it provides an introductory guide to the use of a range of traditional materials used for the effective conservation and repair of masonry buildings. A combination of lecture and practical teaching this course gives an understanding of traditional building technology. By the end of the workshop you will be able to recognise vernacular and historic finishes to masonry buildings and understand the performance characteristics of lime binders and sands. You will also gain an understanding of building diagnostics including defects and be able to determine simple specifications in relation to exposure, season, substrates and the nature of masonry repair including repointing, external lime finishes, internal plastering and limewashing.
Cost: £375 + VAT
Contact: admin@scotlime.org
See website for further workshops: www.scotlime.org

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Job vacancies

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Information in the Bulletin is extracted from a number of websites; including the Scottish Government (SG); the Scottish Parliament (SP); Architecture and Design Scotland (A+DS); Historic Scotland (HS); Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH); Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO); English Heritage (EH); Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE); Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG); Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS); Department of Environment and Rural Affairs (DEFRA); National Assembly for Wales (NAW); Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS); Scottish Building Standards Agency (SBSA). For further information, links are provided to the relevant documents. Back copies of the Bulletin are available approximately one month after publication on the BEFS website.

If you have any questions or comments on the above, or would like to submit information to be included, please get in touch with Jo Robertson jrobertson@befs.org.uk or call the BEFS Office on 0131 220 6241.