Source Article: http://www.planningresource.co.uk/news/ByDiscipline/Policy/950289/Civic-societies-attack-historic-environment-statement/
Author: Planning Resource Magazine
Civic societies are bluntly refusing to support a draft planning policy statement on the historic environment.
The Civic Society Initiative (CSI), which is backed by 1,000 local groups and 250,000 members, said "there is a high level of disquiet" about the draft PPS15 and "a widespread conviction" that government assurance on protecting the historic environment will not be borne out.
In scathing criticisms of the draft PPS, the CSI said the statement takes an "unduly narrow perspective" of the benefit to the public from the historic environment and removes recognition of its value for its own sake.
It predicted confusion and uncertainty among planning authorities struggling with an "unduly theoretical and academic" approach to valuing heritage assets.
"We cannot support the introduction of the PPS as it stands", the CSI said. "It sweeps away existing policy protection and replaces it with a complex approach that demands resources and skills that are not available and depends on a legislative base which does not exist."
Earlier this week the RTPI and the Institute of Historic Buildings condemned the draft PPS.
The Historic Towns Forums also described the statement as "not fit for purpose".
In scathing criticisms of the draft PPS, the CSI said the statement takes an "unduly narrow perspective" of the benefit to the public from the historic environment and removes recognition of its value for its own sake.
It predicted confusion and uncertainty among planning authorities struggling with an "unduly theoretical and academic" approach to valuing heritage assets.
"We cannot support the introduction of the PPS as it stands", the CSI said. "It sweeps away existing policy protection and replaces it with a complex approach that demands resources and skills that are not available and depends on a legislative base which does not exist."
Earlier this week the RTPI and the Institute of Historic Buildings condemned the draft PPS.
The Historic Towns Forums also described the statement as "not fit for purpose".
To view the original article click
