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12/04/2010
Consultation Puts Listed Buildings In Focus
The best method of identifying and formally 'listing' buildings of historic or architectural importance is being sought.
With just 8,500 listed buildings in Northern Ireland at present - representing less than 2% of Northern Ireland's total building stock - the way ahead for formal listings of properties is all the more important.
NI Environment Minister Edwin Poots has invited members of the public to have their say on protecting NI's historic buildings.
He said that the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA), which is responsible for the protection and conservation of the built heritage, has launched a 12-week public consultation on the criteria used to list buildings, aimed at improving public understanding of the listing process.
"NIEA protects Northern Ireland's listed historic buildings because they are of special architectural or historic interest.
"Decisions on which parts of our heritage fall into this category can often be controversial and it is important that clear guidance is available for all.
"These structures represent the best of our historic buildings. They are a legacy to be cherished in their own right and they add character and richness to our surroundings. It is important that this heritage remains intact and is used, not least as an essential draw for tourists," he added.
The exercise was initiated by former Environment Minister, Arlene Foster in February 2008 and NIEA has considered in detail the approach taken in the rest of the UK and in the Republic of Ireland, their own experience and comments received from the public.
Mr Poots continued: "Clear criteria will have an important role in helping the public and owners understand better why structures have been protected.
"This paper seeks views on the proposed changes and I would encourage the widest number of people and groups to submit a comment," he concluded.
The consultation period is open until 5 July 2010.
(BMcC/GK)
With just 8,500 listed buildings in Northern Ireland at present - representing less than 2% of Northern Ireland's total building stock - the way ahead for formal listings of properties is all the more important.
NI Environment Minister Edwin Poots has invited members of the public to have their say on protecting NI's historic buildings.
He said that the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA), which is responsible for the protection and conservation of the built heritage, has launched a 12-week public consultation on the criteria used to list buildings, aimed at improving public understanding of the listing process.
"NIEA protects Northern Ireland's listed historic buildings because they are of special architectural or historic interest.
"Decisions on which parts of our heritage fall into this category can often be controversial and it is important that clear guidance is available for all.
"These structures represent the best of our historic buildings. They are a legacy to be cherished in their own right and they add character and richness to our surroundings. It is important that this heritage remains intact and is used, not least as an essential draw for tourists," he added.
The exercise was initiated by former Environment Minister, Arlene Foster in February 2008 and NIEA has considered in detail the approach taken in the rest of the UK and in the Republic of Ireland, their own experience and comments received from the public.
Mr Poots continued: "Clear criteria will have an important role in helping the public and owners understand better why structures have been protected.
"This paper seeks views on the proposed changes and I would encourage the widest number of people and groups to submit a comment," he concluded.
The consultation period is open until 5 July 2010.
(BMcC/GK)
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20 May 2011
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There's a boost of well over £2m on the way for historic listed buildings in Northern Ireland - with a modest jobs' boost anticipated. Stormont Environment Minister Alex Attwood has announced he is lifting the temporary suspension on historic buildings grant-aid which had been in place since December 2010.
Attwood Focuses On Listed Buildings
There's a boost of well over £2m on the way for historic listed buildings in Northern Ireland - with a modest jobs' boost anticipated. Stormont Environment Minister Alex Attwood has announced he is lifting the temporary suspension on historic buildings grant-aid which had been in place since December 2010.
04 February 2003
Belfast council welcomes 'spot-listing' of historic buildings
Belfast City Council has welcomed plans to introduce ‘spot-listing’ of historic buildings and increased penalties for developers who demolish listed buildings. The Council’s Development (Arts) Sub-Committee met with NIO Environment Minister Angela Smith to lobby for the increased protection of the city’s historic buildings.
Belfast council welcomes 'spot-listing' of historic buildings
Belfast City Council has welcomed plans to introduce ‘spot-listing’ of historic buildings and increased penalties for developers who demolish listed buildings. The Council’s Development (Arts) Sub-Committee met with NIO Environment Minister Angela Smith to lobby for the increased protection of the city’s historic buildings.
23 January 2012
Funding Boost For Historic Buildings
Environment Minister Alex Attwood today raised the cap on grant-aid for listed buildings from £50,000 to £150,000. This will come as a significant boost for owners of listed buildings and it will open up the opportunity for many more listed buildings to get improvement works.
Funding Boost For Historic Buildings
Environment Minister Alex Attwood today raised the cap on grant-aid for listed buildings from £50,000 to £150,000. This will come as a significant boost for owners of listed buildings and it will open up the opportunity for many more listed buildings to get improvement works.
21 December 2010
Historic Buildings Grants 'Capped'
Grants to protect and restore NI's historic buildings are being capped. The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) has announced that it is to limit its Historic Buildings grant-aid to £50,000 per scheme/per year. Last December NIEA introduced a cap on applications, set at £250,000.
Historic Buildings Grants 'Capped'
Grants to protect and restore NI's historic buildings are being capped. The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) has announced that it is to limit its Historic Buildings grant-aid to £50,000 per scheme/per year. Last December NIEA introduced a cap on applications, set at £250,000.
14 May 2010
Poots Chairs Built Heritage Meeting
NI's many historic buildings were in focus this week. NI Environment Minister Edwin Poots has chaired a meeting of powerful decision makers on the future of Northern Ireland's built heritage.
Poots Chairs Built Heritage Meeting
NI's many historic buildings were in focus this week. NI Environment Minister Edwin Poots has chaired a meeting of powerful decision makers on the future of Northern Ireland's built heritage.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
