listed buildings and conservation areas; perhaps by approaching the manufacturers. The degree of alteration to listed buildings remains a concern. The day was concluded by a visit to a working brewery being opened as a museum by the National Brewery Museum Trust; Mike'Knights, conservation officer for East Staffs District Council, is seconded Director of the Museum. ACO Carol Ryan Shropshire CC BUSINESSNEWS ACOSUBMISSIONTO THE ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEEOF THE HOUSEOF COMMONS In April, the ACO submitted its evidence to the Environment Committee, having received many helpful suggestions and comments from members around the country. Our contribution runs to eleven pages, 78 paragraphs, and is too long to set out here in full. Copies of the full text can be obtained from the regional contacts or the Chairman. The Committee asked for a description of each organisation giving evidence, and asked for comments particularly on (1) the way in which buildings and monuments are identified, (2) the system of grants and other financial assistance, (3) arrangements for public access, and (4) comments on the Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission, the National Heritage Memorial Fund, and the Royal Commission on the Historical Monuments of England. In reply, we said that we were generally happy with the listing resurvey, although we would prefer to see more good later buildings listed and a moveable end date. We welcomed the prospect of an enhanced rescheduling 1programme, and would like to see the listing of gardens made statutory. On (2), we thought grants should be extended to buildings at risk and be more generally available. We thought that the HBMCwas short-staffed and under funded. We thought, of course, that VAT should be removed from repairs and that there ought to be other tax incentives for good conservation. On (3), our comment was that, although access conditions were properly applied, there was no monitoring to see if they were effective. On (4) we expressed the hope that the HBMCcould have more staff and grant funds, which would help to assist more buildings and reduce delays. The NHMF might not then need to mount rescue operations for particular buildings if the HBMC, and indeed the National Trust, were working more closely together. We thought the RCHMought to be integrated with the HBMCas they share a common base, and as their activities are complementary, or they should at least continue to share the same premises. In addition to our response to the specific questions, we suggested the need :to monitor the performance of local planning authorities so that the HBMCor the DoE would know where help was most needed. We also suggested various amendments to improve the law, such as introducing listed building consent for the external alteration of unlisted buildings in conservation areas, extending SlOl all listed buildings~ with safeguards for occupiers of residential property. We also asked for Stop Notices for listed buildings, a repeal of the ecclesiastical exemption and of the application of Dangerous Structure Notices to listed buildings where demolition is an option. We understand that an amendment on this line may have been attached to the current Housing and Planning Bill. We asked that the Secretary of State be not given powers to delegate final responsibility for demolition of any listed buildings. Since submitting our evidence we have exchanged copies with others, and it is clear that most people are taking a similar line. A common theme is to ask the HBMCto do more, and to say, in Page 13
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjgyMjA=