Memorandum by John Thompson and Partners
(JTP) (HIS 19)
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 I am submitting evidence on behalf of
John Thompson and Partners (JTP) who are architects, community
planners and urban designers. We are working in Britain and in
Europe in regeneration projects at a strategic level of Area Development
Frameworks, and in the delivery of the masterplans for former
government owned property, particularly at the former Ministry
of Defence site at Royal Clarence yard in Gosport. We have a particular
interest in involving the local community in regeneration.
1.2 I am an architect with twenty year's
experience, post graduate diploma in building conservation, a
member of the working party leading to the Power of Place, trustee
of a historic building trust and member of a conservation advisory
group.
2. Factual information and case studies
of project work can be presented to the committee, if requested,
to illustrate points made.
3. We support the case for equalising VAT
on new build and refurbishment projects.
4. We support the strengthening of the existing
planning system of planning and listed building consent approvals.
We believe that more training and resources need to be given to
the local authorities to administer the process more efficiently,
particularly in promoting high quality conservation officers.
5. Investment in the understanding of the
sites facilitates informed regeneration: Investment by applicants
via conservation plans; Investment by local authorities by giving
open access to records, sponsorship of research, and linking with
county and national record depositories.
6. Investment by local authorities into
thorough and consulted development briefs with heritage as an
important baseline will facilitate development, minimise conflict,
and safeguard the future of the heritage.
7. Interpretation of sites and places needs
to be encouraged as part of regeneration. Links can be made in
regeneration projects between initiatives of local and national
levels. These links can have a positive influence and increase
a sense of continuing ownership that leads to sustainable development.
8. Historic buildings and places can play
an important part in the education of the communities, developers
and professionals, both during the time of change and regeneration
and in the long term by encouraging young people to care for their
environment.
9. The value of the historic environment
in urban regeneration is a living part of the memory of the people
who have inherited it. That is all of us!
Nicola de Quincey
BArch(Hons) Liverpool Grad DiplCons(AA) RIBA
Senior Associate
John Thompson and Partners
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