Heritage Link is extremely disappointed that the Heritage Protection Bill was again excluded from the Queen’s Speech and as such will not be considered in the 2009/10 legislative programme. Although some reforms are being taken forward without the Bill, its delay means that key provisions will be lost leaving gaps in protection.  These include:

·         a single unified designation system

·         the statutory duty for Local Planning Authorities to maintain or have access to Historic Environment Records

·         interim protection for heritage assets under consideration for listing

·         Heritage Protection Agreements

·         the welcome reversal of the ‘Shimizu judgment’ and other proposals to strengthen Conservation Area protection

·         the revision of Class Consents to avoid ongoing damage to archaeological remains from agricultural activity

UK ratification of the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict and accompanying protocols; the UK being the only major economy not to do so. 

Mike Heyworth, Chair of Heritage Link’s Spatial Planning Advocacy Group said:

‘The omission of the Heritage Protection Bill from the Queen’s Speech today is very disappointing but not unexpected. The draft Bill contains reforms that would add clarity and efficiency to the way the historic environment is managed and protected. It has already undergone pre-legislative scrutiny, gained strong cross-party support and could proceed swiftly to Royal Assent; a boon in such a short parliamentary session.’

‘Given the Planning Minister’s recent focus on PPS15 it is remarkable that the Government should miss a key opportunity to underpin planning reforms with a more coherent and effective heritage protection system. We can only hope that a new Government will recognise the real value of our nation’s cultural heritage’.

Meanwhile Heritage Link will continue to press for reform to primary legislation through all available means. Where reforms are put forward through secondary legislation and guidance Heritage Link will use the unparalleled expertise within its membership to respond to consultations and secure the best outcome for the sector.