Civic Voice calls for Civic Societies to respond to Government survey

Civic Voice calls for Civic Societies and community groups to respond to Government survey on demolition, redevelopment, and retrofit of buildings

Demolition and retrofit survey launched today to inform National Planning Policy

Civic Voice is calling on civic societies and community groups across the country to participate in a crucial survey launched today (10th September) from the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) on the future of national planning policy, specifically regarding the demolition, redevelopment, and retrofit of buildings.

Ian Harvey, Executive Director of Civic Voice, said: "This is a crucial opportunity for civic societies, specifically named in the survey as key organisations, to share their perspectives. From our discussions with the Government on this survey, we know they want to hear from communities, so we hope groups will respond and help MHCLG determine whether the Government should update national planning policy and guidance, particularly in relation to the demolition, redevelopment, or retrofit of buildings."

To participate, click the link via: https://horizons.confirmit.eu/wix/p563510324781.aspx

Why Civic Societies and communities should respond:

  • Your feedback can help ensure that future planning policies protect important historic buildings and support the sustainable retrofit of heritage assets rather than unnecessary demolition.
  • Civic societies represent the voice of local communities, and by responding to the survey, you can influence how demolition and redevelopment are managed to prevent inappropriate developments that threaten the local character.
  • Your input is key to shaping policies that support Net Zero goals, promoting energy-efficient retrofits that help reduce carbon emissions while preserving the identity of local areas. As the UK moves towards its 2050 Net Zero target, ensuring that national planning policies support both environmental sustainability and heritage conservation is more important than ever.
  • By participating, you will ensure that community voices are central to any changes in planning policy.


Complete the survey

The survey takes just 10-15 minutes to complete and will cover perceptions of local and national planning policy, factors that influence planning decisions, and potential updates to national planning guidance.
Deadline: The survey must be completed by 31st October 2024.

To participate, click the link via: https://horizons.confirmit.eu/wix/p563510324781.aspx

Ian Harvey concluded by emphasising, "In Civic Voice’s engagement with members on the NPPF, key themes such as heritage protection, sustainable development, and achieving Net Zero have stood out. The survey reinforces our belief that local communities, through civic societies, must play a vital role in shaping national planning policy, particularly in balancing development needs with the preservation of local heritage and the historic environment. We encourage communities across England to actively participate."

NOTES FOR EDITORS


Participation in this research is completely voluntary and confidential. You have the right to withdraw at any time. We will not be able to identify any individuals from the answers given and all data will be used in an anonymised format.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:


This is your chance to ensure that planning policy reflects the needs of local communities and balances the demands of development with the preservation of heritage, sustainable growth, and our the aim for Net Zero.

If you encounter any difficulties or have questions, you can contact Verian (who are conducting the survey on behalf of MHCLG) via email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

For information on Civic Voice: you can contact .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).