Heritage Link is extremely disappointed that the Heritage Protection Bill is not included in the Queen’s Speech today.

Some reforms to the heritage protection system can be taken forward without requiring primary legislation, but the key provisions in the Bill such as

• the 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
• the Heritage Protection Agreements
• the very 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

must not be lost.

Anthea Case, Chairman of Heritage Link, said ‘The sector has made a huge investment over the past 8 years in the work leading up to the Bill. We should be positive and build on this collaborative effort to achieve an even better Bill in 2009.

‘We look to DCMS, CLG and English Heritage to support Local Authority historic environment services and to take every opportunity to strengthen the capacity of Local Authorities to protect the historic environment.’

Heritage Link will press through all available means for the Heritage Protection Bill to be introduced as soon as parliamentary time allows. The legislation has already been drafted and with all party support could swiftly proceed to Royal Assent.

In parallel, Heritage Link members will work to help develop Planning Policy Statement 15 as well as the ‘vision for the historic environment’ noted by the Secretary of State in his speech on 30 October 2008. These will underpin the Bill itself.

Where reforms are put forward through secondary legislation and guidance, or other parliamentary means, Heritage Link, as a key partner in advancing best practice, will use the outstanding expertise that lies in its membership to secure the best possible outcome.

Embracing difference funded by English Heritage, has been a unique and groundbreaking achievement: hugely creative yet very practical. It has fulfilled one of Heritage Link’s key objectives to increase the capacity of member organisations. This programme has challenged us all to extend our commitment to diversity and shown the many innovative and different ways in which it can be done.

The website is designed to help heritage organisations and community groups connect to each other and to provide support for heritage projects which involve, inspire and excite people. Vist the new site at www.heritagelink.org.uk/diversity