Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: What is HBC?

• Answer: HBC stands for the Historic Buildings Council and is a statutory advisor to the Department of the Environment in Northern Ireland

Question 2: What does it do?

• Answer: It advises government on many issues relating to listed buildings, conservation areas and planning development plans.

Question 3: How many members does it have?

• Answer: It consists of a Chairman and has up to 17 members.
• The current Chairman is Mr Frank Robinson.

Question 4: Who appoints its members?

• Answer: Membership is sought through public advertisement and appointments made by the Minister for the Environment.

Question 5: How long do they serve?

• Answer: Members can serve up to two terms.

Question 6: How often does it meet?

• Answer: The main Council meets monthly with ad hoc meetings and sub-groups throughout the year to deal with specific issues. It also takes the opportunity to visit local Councils.

Question 7: What powers does it have?

• Answer: It is a statutory advisory body and does not have an executive function. It is a statutory consultee for the designation of Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas and as such governement must give its advice due consideration.

Question 8: How does its advice feed into government?

• Answer: Mostly through the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, Built Heritage and Planning Service and in response to various government consultations. On occasions it also has direct access to the Minister of the Environment through meetings and correspondence.