22 PPG, in the light of recent developments. As forecast, changes to the extent of the Ecclesiastical Exemption have now been introduced, with effect from 1 October 1994, by the Ecclesiastical Exemption (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Order 1994 (SI 1771). The effects of that Order are in principle exactly as anticipated in my previous article (see Context42). The PPG now sets out the criteria which would justify any extension to the exemption and (more significantly) the future scope of the exemption in those cases to which it applies. It also provides criteria by which to consider applications for consent in those cases where it is now required, and considers the position relating to buildings no longer in ecclesiastical use. WALES A separate draft of PPG15 was issued for Wales, reflecting not least the lack of any equivalent to English Heritage - Cadw is, at least in theory, part of the Welsh Office. The Welsh will, however, have to wait a little longer for their PPG; the final version of PPG15 (Wales) is believed to be still some months away, and the existing WO Circular 61/81 thus remains in force. That Circular is now becoming somewhat dated, as it is broadly similar to the English Circular 23177, repealed in 1987. Nor is it easy to find, since it is not reproduced (even in the special Welsh section) in the Encyclopedia. In particular, the directions contained within Circular 61/81 (notably as to which categories of applications should be referred to the Secretary of State) are thus significantly different to those in DoE Circular 8/87. The Welsh Office issued in September 1994 a proposal that they should be brought closer to the position proposed for England in the draft PPG15; Welsh authorities would, however, still have less freedom than their English counterparts to determine applications as they wish. This may be sensible, given the relative dearth of conservation expertise in the Principality, but that should be rectified as soon as possible; the theoretical power of call-in by the Secretary of State (very rarely exercised in practice) is no substitute for good staff in the local authorities. Indeed, this should be a slightly more realistic prospect once the new (generally larger) unitary authorities are in place. FURTHER CHANGES Finally, a word of warning: do not throw away your old Circular. England is probably the only nation in the world which could introduce decimal coinage and still retain the halfpenny; it has now done it again, and introduced a new PPG whilst retaining in force the directions in Circular 8/87 (relating to the requirement to consult English Heritage and the national amenity societies and the need for conservation area consent). The intention is that these directions will be revised and issued in a new Circular, to be released along with changes to the Listed Buildings Regulations and the General Development Order. The latter will be amended so as to allow local planning authorities to make Article 4 directions in conservation areas without the need for the approval of the Secretary of State - a proposal heralded a while ago in a consultation paper, and to which the Government is now committed (see paras 4.21-4.24 of the PPG). This will probably be implemented along with a consolidation of the GDO into two new Orders - one to set out the limits of permitted development, and one to provide for the details of the planning application process. This is the model that has been tried out in Scotland, where the legislation is often better drafted than elsewhere. It is rumoured that this package of changes will be issued sometime towards the end of this year; we shall see ... 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However, the preparation of measured surveys can nowadays be a complex matter, involving choice of method, careful specification and choice of contractor. With over 20 year's experience in the Public Sector including workingfor English Heritage, using my services will ensure that you obtain the best advice and the best products tailored to your requirements. For information, contact ROSS WA DALLAS BSc FRICS Chartered La,nd Surveyor and Architectural Photogrammetry Consultant 23 East Mount Rd The Mount York YO2 2BD Telephone/Fax 01904 652408 CONTEXT 44
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