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Latest: Welcome to the last BEFS Bulletin of the
year. Last week BEFS held its quarterly General Meeting for members
and also welcomed colleagues to the latest in its series of seminars on
'perspectives on place-making'. We are grateful to Riccardo Marini,
City Design Leader at the City of Edinburgh Council, and Adam Wilkinson,
Director of Edinburgh World Heritage, for offering their own
perspectives, which stimulated a wide ranging discussion in the open
forum.
Of particular note in this current Bulletin - this last
couple of weeks have seen the publication of Scotland's Climate Change
Bill; an announcement of forthcoming consultation on a draft bill to
amend heritage legislation in Scotland; publication of the Marine and
Coastal Access Bill (Westminster); publication of the National Planning
Framework 2: proposed framework; launch of a consultation at UK level on
the future designation of world heritage sites; and a statement on the
draft Heritage Protection Bill (Westminster) which is on hold.
Best wishes for Christmas and the New Year from Jo and
Anne in the BEFS office.
For further information on BEFS, visit http://www.befs.org.uk/
.
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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
Householder
Permitted Development Rights: Consultation Paper (SG 03/12/08)
This consultation paper concerns the relaxation of planning controls on
development in relation to existing dwelling houses thus removing the need
for planning applications.
Consultation period: 3/12/08 - 13/03/09
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/12/02145212/0
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2008/12/03110822
Andy
Burnham launches debate on the future designation of World Heritage Sites
in the UK (DCMS 02/12/08)
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport is seeking to explore the
extent to which the UK's current approach to World Heritage supports the
interests of the UK Government and those of the Governments of the Crown
Dependencies and Overseas Territories in protecting and promoting their
cultural and natural heritage; their wider strategic priorities; and their
international goals, particularly in relation to UNESCO.
Consultation period: 02/12/08 - 24/02/09.
http://www.culture.gov.uk/reference_library/media_releases/5640.aspx
http://www.culture.gov.uk/reference_library/consultations/5629.aspx
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Publications
Scottish
Marine Bill Partial Regulatory Impact Assessment (SG 15/12/08)
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/12/15093138/0
National
Planning Framework for Scotland 2: Proposed Framework (SG 12/12/08)
This proposed National Planning Framework builds on the first NPF, drawing
on the analysis contained in the 2006 Monitoring Report and the views of
stakeholders. It identifies key issues and drivers of change, sets out a
vision to 2030, and identifies priorities and opportunities for each part
of the country in spatial perspectives for the Central Belt, the East
Coast, the Highlands and Islands, Ayrshire and the South-West and the South
of Scotland.
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/12/12093953/0
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2008/12/12113210
National
Planning Framework 2: Discussion Draft: Analysis of Consultation Responses
(SG 12/12/08)
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/12/04155027/0
Treasure
Trove in Scotland: A Code of Practice (SG 12/12/08)
The Code of Practice is intended to clarify the procedures involved in
Scotland's Treasure Trove System
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/12/04114930/0
Development
Management: Analysis of Consultation Responses (SG 09/12/08)
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/12/08091054/10
Modernising
Planning Appeals: Consultation Paper: Analysis of Consultation Responses
(SG 02/12/08)
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/12/02095331/0
Modernising
Planning Appeals: Consultation Paper: Analysis of Consultation Responses:
Main Findings (SG 02/12/08)
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/12/02095250/0
Planning
Enforcement Regulations 2007: Consultation Paper: Analysis of Consultation
Responses (SG 02/12/08)
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/12/02110236/0
Marine
and Coastal Access Bill published (DEFRA 08/12/08)
The Marine and Coastal Access Bill has been published. The Bill makes
provision for: a new network of marine conservation zones; the
establishment of a new Marine Management Organisation; a new marine
planning system; a simpler more streamlined marine licensing system; better
management of fisheries; and a new right of access for people to walk round
the English coast for the first time. http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/latest/2008/marine-1205.htm
Inclusion
by design: equality, diversity and the built environment (CABE 27/11/08)
Inclusion by design sets out CABE's position on equality, diversity and the
built environment. It offers everyday examples from urban living
demonstrating how good design can help create places that work for
everyone.
http://www.cabe.org.uk/default.aspx?contentitemid=2886
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Scottish Government news releases
Minister
announces new approach to Scotland's heritage protection (HS 05/12/08)
Scottish Ministers are to consult on a draft Bill to amend existing
heritage legislation next year, Culture Minister Linda Fabiani has
announced. Linda Fabiani MSP, Minister for Europe, External Affairs and
Culture, said: "Scotland has a rich heritage that plays a central role
in the country's identity, education and tourism. At the same time the
country needs sustainable development and economic growth."
http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/index/news/news_article.htm?articleid=21233
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News releases
Export
blocks save outstanding cultural treasures for the UK public (DCMS
08/12/08)
A copy of the warrant for the execution of Mary Queen of Scots; a portrait
of General Wolfe; a medieval decorated manuscript roll of arms and a brass
astrolabe quadrant are some of the important cultural objects which have
been saved for the nation in one year.
http://www.culture.gov.uk/reference_library/media_releases/5662.aspx
Ministerial
joint statement on draft heritage protection bill (DCMS 03/12/08)
A joint Ministerial Statement from Andy Burnham (Secretary of State for
Culture, Media & Sport), Barbara Follett (Minister for Culture) and
Baroness Kay Andrews (Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for
Communities and Local Government).
http://www.culture.gov.uk/what_we_do/historic_environment/5644.aspx
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Recent parliamentary questions
Answers
will appear in a subsequent Bulletin, with questions reproduced. Questions
marked with a triangle (?) are initiated by the Scottish Executive in order
to facilitate the provision of information to the Parliament.
S3W-19114
Patricia Ferguson: To ask the Scottish Executive what plans it has for the
future of the Royal Commission on Ancient and Historical Monuments. (SP
17/12/08)
S3W-19115
Patricia Ferguson: To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to review
the role, function or operation of Historic Scotland. (SP 17/12/08)
S3W-19118
Alasdair Morgan: To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to review
the planning guidelines and Scottish Planning Policies relating to listed
buildings to clarify the situation regarding replacement of single-glazed
windows by windows with improved heat-retention properties. (SP 17/12/08)
S3W-18904
Ms Wendy Alexander: To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of Scottish
Planning Policy 1 being superseded by Scottish Planning Policy, what the
reasons are for the absence of timescales for the processing of planning
applications, particularly large applications. (SP 15/12/09)
S3W-18799
Ms Wendy Alexander: To ask the Scottish Executive what the reasons are for
the absence in the Scottish Planning Policy document of targets or
timescales for the determination of planning applications by planning
authorities. (SP 12/12/08)
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Recent parliamentary answers
Q. S3W-18813?
Christopher Harvie: To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to lay a
proposed National Planning Framework before the Parliament in accordance
with the requirements of the Planning etc (Scotland) Act 2006. (SP
12/12/08)
A. Answered by John Swinney (12/12/08): I am pleased
to announce that the proposed National Planning Framework was laid before
the Parliament on Friday 12 December 2008, for a period of 60 days
consideration. The proposed framework builds on the first National Planning
Framework, drawing on the analysis contained in the National Planning
Framework Monitoring Report (September 2006) and the views of stakeholders
following an extensive programme of public engagement. The proposed
framework takes forward the spatial aspects of The Government Economic
Strategy. It articulates the spatial consequences of policies for
transport, energy, climate change, waste management, water and drainage,
flooding etc, rather than making policy on these matters. It provides a
means of efficiently delivering national policies and programmes and
identifying key strategic infrastructure needs which support the Scottish
Government's central purpose of sustainable economic growth. Copies of the proposed
National Planning Framework are available from the Scottish Parliament
Information Centre (Bib. number 47159).
Q. S3W-18312
Elaine Murray: To ask the Scottish Executive how the coastal landscape and
seascape are protected during the planning process when new coastal
developments are under consideration. (SG 01/12/08)
A. Answered by Stewart Stevenson (12/12/08): The
primary responsibility for determining planning applications lies with
local and national park authorities, although Scottish ministers have a
general power to intervene. Planning applications must be determined in
accordance with the development plan unless material considerations
indicate otherwise. Most local plans have policies on the landscape impacts
of development, and many have specific policies dealing with coastal
development. Impacts on landscapes and seascape may be a material
consideration taken into account by planning authorities when considering
proposed developments, as may relevant Scottish Government planning policy.
National Planning Policy Guideline 13 : Coastal Planning (NPPG 13) and NPPG
14: Natural Heritage set out relevant Scottish Government planning policy
on developments affecting coastal landscapes and seascapes. For fish farm
developments, planning authorities must also take account of Scottish
Planning Policy 22: Planning for Fish Farming.
Developers proposing the construction, extension or operation of a marine
based generating station over 1 Megawatt in size within Scottish
territorial waters (out to 12 nautical miles) or the Scottish Renewable
Energy Zone (12nm to 200nm) will require Scottish Ministers consent under
section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989. Developers considering any marine
developments are subject to a number of legislative and other regulatory
requirements including the Food and Environment Protection Act 1985 and the
Coast Protection Act 1949. The local planning authority, Scottish Natural
Heritage and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency are consulted on
proposals. Issues such as landscape, ecology and navigation may be material
considerations taken into account by Scottish ministers when making a
determination.
Q. S3W-18490
Pauline McNeill: To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to
support the National Trust for Scotland in meeting its heritage obligations
in the face of lower visitor numbers. (SP 04/12/08)
A. Answered by Linda Fabiani (11/12/08): We will continue
to support the National Trust for Scotland through Historic Scotland's
Historic Environment Grants Programme by providing funding to undertake
quinquennial surveys of the Trust's main properties and to run a
maintenance programme. In 2008-09, this funding will amount to £385,000.
The Trust are also entitled to apply for funding through the Historic Environment
Grants Programme Building Repair Grants Scheme.
Q. S3W-18750?
Aileen Campbell: To ask the Scottish Executive what the plans are for
future World Heritage Sites in Scotland. (SP 11/12/08)
A. Answered by Linda Fabiani (11/12/08): The UK nominations
for new World Heritage Sites until 2011 have already been announced. These
are as follows:
2009 - Pont-cysyllte Aqueduct, North Wales
2010 - Darwin at Downe, Bromley - will be resubmitted for consideration
2011 - the Monkwearmouth and Jarrow Monastic Sites, Sunderland.
The UK is restricted to making one nomination a year, and in 2008 the
Antonine Wall was successfully nominated. Historic Scotland on behalf of
the Scottish Government has contributed to the consultation document on
World Heritage in the UK issued by the Department for Culture Media and
Sport, and will continue to work with government departments across the UK
as the policy develops. The Scottish Government is committed to fulfilling
its obligations under the World Heritage Convention.
Q. S3W-18313
Elaine Murray: To ask the Scottish Executive whether examples of good
practice from other European countries regarding coastal protection will be
considered when the Scottish Marine Bill is being drafted. (01/12/08)
A. Answered by Richard Lochhead (09/12/08): The new
EC Marine Strategy Framework Directive and international examples from
Canada, New Zealand and Australia were considered in the development of
proposals for a Scottish Marine Bill. Sustainable Seas for All - a consultation
on Scotland's First Marine Bill invited views on the management and
protection of coastal resources. The responses are currently being
analysed. If there are specific examples of good practice the member would
like me to be aware of, please write with the details.
Q. S3W-18309
Elaine Murray: To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Marine
Bill will include provisions for the protection of coastal fringes. (SP
1/12/08)
A. Answered by Richard Lochhead (SP 5/12/0808):
Sustainable Seas for All - a consultation on Scotland's first marine bill
invited comment on proposals for a Scottish Marine Bill. Proposals include
a new statutory marine planning system. It is proposed that Marine Scotland
will develop a National Marine Plan for Scotland which will set out
policies and priorities to promote sustainable economic growth and for the
sustainable use, development and protection of Scotland's marine and
coastal resources. The plan will be integrated into the National Planning
Framework for Scotland.
It is also proposed that marine plans will be developed at a local level by
Scottish Marine Boards comprising representatives from the main stakeholder
interests within Scottish Marine Regions. Scottish Marine Boards and Marine
Scotland will also be responsible for integrated coastal zone management
(ICZM), a process intended to facilitate an integrated approach to the
management and protection of resources at the land/sea interface. Responses
to Sustainable Seas for All - a consultation on Scotland's first marine
bill are currently being considered.
Q. S3W-18492
? Aileen Campbell: To ask the Scottish Executive whether it plans to bring
forward a Bill to amend heritage legislation in Scotland. (SP 4/12/08)
A. Answered by Linda Fabiani (SP 04/1208): Yes. I
can now confirm that we intend to consult next year on a draft Bill
containing focused legislative amendments.
Q. S3W-18268?
Rob Gibson: To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made in
relation to securing additional marine responsibilities out to 200 nautical
miles, as supported by the Parliament in its debate on Scotland's Marine
Environment on 20 March 2008.
A. Answered by Richard Lochhead (27/11/08): I am
pleased to announce that Scotland will be granted executive devolution of
marine planning and nature conservation out to 200 nautical miles. This
follows the First Minister successfully pressing for the resurrection of
the Joint Ministerial Committee as a formal mechanism for taking forward
issues involving the UK Government and devolved administrations. Agreement
has been reached on a framework for marine planning and nature
conservation.
This will involve a coherent system of marine planning involving all parts
of the UK. Scotland will participate in the development of a UK Marine
Policy statement, which will provide a framework for the sustainable
development of the UK Marine area. The Marine Policy Statement will guide
marine planning and there will be a mechanism for Scottish ministers to
decline to adopt a Marine Policy Statement. Additional marine planning and
nature conservation powers including the powers to designate Marine
Protected Zones will be executively devolved to Scottish ministers beyond
12nm to 200nm bringing these responsibilities into line with existing
fisheries responsibilities. Scottish marine plans after agreement by the UK
Government will be binding on UK bodies and departments exercising reserved
functions. This provides the basis for a coherent system of marine
management for the seas around Scotland joining up with the UK Government
to provide an integrated framework to achieve a good outcome for Scotland's
seas.
Q. S3W-18162
Liam McArthur: To ask the Scottish Executive when it will consult on
implementing the recommendations of the Sullivan report, A Low Carbon
Building Standards Strategy for Scotland.
A. Answered by Stewart Stevenson 01/12/08): The
Sullivan Report work programme being taken forward by the Scottish
Government's Building Standards Division covers the 56 recommendations, some
of which require public consultation and others which do not require formal
consultation.
A consultation on proposals for improving the energy performance of
existing non-domestic buildings was launched on 2 September and is about to
conclude. In 2009, there will be further consultations on proposals for the
revision of energy standards and compliance with the standards.
Q. S3W-17957
Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Scottish Executive when updated powers relating
to derelict buildings as introduced by the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 will
come into force.(SP 19/11/08)
A. Answered by Stewart Maxwell (27/11/08): The
Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 does not introduce new powers relating
specifically to derelict buildings. New powers to deal with sub-standard
housing, including work notices, maintenance orders and the designation of
Housing Renewal Areas are due to come into force from early 2009. In the
meantime local authorities have powers under the Building (Scotland) Act
2003 to deal with defective and dangerous buildings and under the Housing
(Scotland) Act 1987 to deal with houses in serious disrepair.
Q. S3W-17958
Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Scottish Executive what additional powers to
deal with derelict buildings will be granted to local authorities under the
Housing (Scotland) Act 2006. (SP 19/11/08)
A. Answered by Stewart Maxwell (02/11/08): The
Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 does not introduce new powers relating
specifically to derelict buildings. The act will allow local authorities to
issue a work notice, which gives them revised, more flexible powers to deal
with a house which is below the tolerable standard, in serious disrepair,
or in need of repair and likely to deteriorate rapidly into serious
disrepair or cause damage to other premises if nothing is done to repair
it. Local authorities will also have a new power to issue a demolition
notice for a house which is in serious disrepair and ought to be
demolished, provided that this is within a housing renewal area. This is in
addition to existing powers to require the demolition of any housing which
is dangerous or below the tolerable standards and ought to be demolished.
There will be a new power to issue maintenance orders to secure the
maintenance of a property for a period of up to five years. This should
give local authorities more scope to prevent a house falling into disrepair
in the first place.
Q. S3W-18005
Keith Brown: To ask the Scottish Executive whether it believes that the
Sheriffmuir battlefield in Stirlingshire (a) is associated with historical
events or figures of national significance, (b) has significant physical
remains or archaeological potential, (c) has a clear landscape context that
allows the events of the battle to be understood or interpreted and (d) is
capable of definition on a map. (SP20/11/08)
A. Answered by Linda Fabiani (2/12/08): Ministers
have yet to finalise the criteria for inclusion of a battlefield on any
Inventory and to develop guidance for assessing a battlefield against the
criteria. At that stage, it will be possible to consider how well
individual sites meet the criteria in a systematic, comparable and
transparent way. It would therefore be premature at present to offer a view
on any individual site, however well-established its contribution is to the
history of our nation.
There
have been many PQ's over the past week regarding the Forestry Commission
consultation on forestry provision on Scottish Climate Change Bill. Please
refer to the following links if interested
http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/INFD-7KUMVM
(consultation)
http://www.forestry.gov.uk/newsrele.nsf/WebPRByCountryLang/B259BBE02A6082778025751900321699
(press release)
http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/businessBulletin/bb-08/bb-12-05e.htm
(PQ's 5/12/08)
http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/businessBulletin/bb-08/bb-12-08e.htm
(PQ's 8/12/08)
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Other parliamentary activity
Bills
Climate
Change Bill published (SG 05/12/08)
The Scottish Government has published its Climate Change Bill which if
passed will mean Scotland has the most ambitious climate change legislation
anywhere in the world. Speaking following the publication, Stewart
Stevenson said: "The measures set out in the Bill show that Scotland
is at the forefront of global efforts to tackle climate change.
http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/bills/17-ClimateChange/index.htm
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2008/12/05094352
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Events
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Training
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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 Anne Wilkinson awilkinson@befs.org.uk or call
the BEFS Office on 0131 220 6241. We hope that you find the Bulletin
useful, however if you wish to be removed from the circulation list, please
get in touch.
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