IHBC responds to Review of the Mission and Pastoral Measure 2011

In November 2021, the IHBC submitted its response on Review of the Mission and Pastoral Measure 2011, noting its opposition to ‘the concept of a deemed consent for the residential conversion of unlisted church buildings, which are not in conservation areas, or indeed for any building’.

Responding to the consultation, the IHBC observed that churches being considered for disposal should always have a proper assessment of heritage significance, including the significance of internal spatial qualities and the contribution of setting.

The IHBC writes:

‘We do not support any proposals which could lead to the widening of the opportunities of residential conversion of redundant historic churches without very careful individual consideration. Not all buildings can be successfully converted. The most successful, sensitive and creative conversions can usually be achieved without substantial internal subdivision, and poor-quality, ill-conceived conversions - which try to put a standard domestic layout into a unique building - are more likely to be contentious….

‘We do not support the concept of a deemed consent for the residential conversion of unlisted church buildings which are not in conservation areas, or indeed for any building. Consideration needs to be given to each building on its own merits regardless of its protected heritage status or otherwise.’

See the IHBC response to the Review of the Mission and Pastoral Measure 2011.

For relevant consultations that the IHBC is aware of, and for past consultation responses, see IHBC consultations

The IHBC constantly monitors Government departments and other national and regional organisations for relevant proposed changes to legislation, policy and guidance. The Consultations Panel formulates responses to these documents on behalf of the IHBC. The IHBC may not comment on all these consultations, but we are glad to hear opinions on them from both members and non-members.

This article originally appeared on the IHBC NewsBlog. It was posted on 23 November 2021.

--Institute of Historic Building Conservation

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings

• Annual conservation management statements.
• Archaeology and construction.
• Conservation area.
• Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 and listed buildings.
• IHBC articles.
• Listed Building Consent Order.
• Local Listed Building Consent Orders.
• Mission and Pastoral Measure 2011.
• Planning authority duty to provide specialist conservation advice.

[edit] External resources

• IHBC, Consultations.
• IHBC, Review of the Mission and Pastoral Measure 2011.