C O N T E X T 1 7 1 : M A R C H 2 0 2 2 45 of another 1970s shopping centre will allow the creation of open space and connection between its high street and the river. Noting these pressures and proposals has made me consider how the historic environment sector has been responding. In England, the main obvious initiative has been high street heritage action zones that Will Holborow and Archie Williams describe (page 18). No doubt many IHBC members will be involved in their implementation. The IHBC has been engaging its advocacy role in objecting, with others, to proposed amendments to permitted development rights to allow changes of use of ground floors in shopping centres from commercial to residential.We promote our traditional town centres as models of sustainable living. For individual IHBC members, and at risk of getting on to one of my old hobby horses, it is important that we are aware of all the placemaking issues and engage with other professionals, including urban designers, town-centre managers and those involved in regeneration. The views expressed here may appear to be rather optimistic. There are many other high streets and shopping centres which will be facing many more difficulties than my neighbourhood in north London. It remains to be seen what changes will be proposed in the government’s levelling-up agenda, but the IHBC will be continuing to promote sustainable IHBC’s new Affiliate status The IHBC membership categories have been revised for the new membership year. The new Affiliate category is an upgraded status for those who ‘demonstrate an awareness of built and historic environment conservation practice’ following a baseline assessment of their awareness of conservation. The Affiliate category offers improved support through a more structured career path and a ‘stepping stone’ in conservation. Current Affiliates have been contacted about their membership choices and invited to apply for assessment to retain their Affiliate status. Those not interested in or not yet ready to seek such recognition, and who have not submitted an application by the end of March 2022, will automatically change to the new supporter category. Supporters are not required to observe the IHBC Code of Conduct, and there is no need for assessment. Supporters can still apply to be assessed for status, or upgrade directly to the accredited membership categories at any time. places, and pointing out that for high-street regeneration, one size certainly does not fit all. There are two other IHBC issues which I would like to mention. The first is something for those members who would like to dip their toes into the world of urban design. The IHBC’s Toolbox now contains an excellent guide, Design Sources for Historic Building Conservation, written by our policy secretary, Roy Lewis. The second is the change to the title of our Affiliate category to Supporter. Existing affiliates will have already received emails on the subject, but I recommend everyone to read the details of this change below. David McDonald, chair@ihbc.org.uk
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