Council

The Historic Buildings Council was established in 1974 under the provisions of the Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1972. This was subsequently repealed and an amended Planning (NI) Order was passed in 1991. Other legislation affecting Council's role includes the Planning (General Development) Order 1992 and Planning Amendment Bill 2004.

Council is made up of 18 members who cover a wide range of expertise and experience in architecture, architectural history, planning, industrial heritage, building conservation and structural engineering throughout Northern Ireland. The role of the Council is to advise the Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland on the listing and delisting of buildings, listed building consent, buildings preservation notices (spot listing), urgent works to preserve buildings, Conservation Areas and matters of the industrial and defence heritage.

Council also offers advice to other government departments such as DARD, DRD and DCAL. In practice much of the Council's advice is channelled through the Department's Northern Ireland Environment Agency and Planning Service.

Current issues Council is considering include:

• The rate of VAT for repairs to listed buildings
• Enforcement
• Sustainable Development and the historic built environment
• Review of Public Administration
• Effectiveness of conservation areas