Historic Buildings Council
The Historic Buildings Council covers a wide range of expertise including architecture, architectural history, planning, industrial heritage and building conservation. It operates under statutory guidance and regular meetings are held. Membership is for an initial three-year term which may be extended.
Overview
The Historic Buildings Council (HBC) 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 This was subsequently repealed and an amended Planning (NI) Order was passed in 1991. The Council is currently constituted under Section 198 of the Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011.
The council is made up of 15 members including the Chair, who possess a wide range of expertise and experience in architecture, architectural history, planning, industrial heritage, building conservation and structural engineering throughout Northern Ireland. Membership is voluntary and unremunerated. The current term began on 1 July 2023 and will run for 3 years until 30 June 2026.
A term of appointment is for a three-year period but members may be eligible for re-appointment subject to satisfactory service.
The current HBC Chair and members are listed below:
Mr Joseph Birt (Chair)
Ms Margaret Edwards
Mr Sebastian Graham
Dr Rosaleen Hickey
Ms Sabine Kalke
Dr Kyle Leyden
Dr Dónal McAnallen
Mr Liam McKinley
Mr Graeme Moore
Mrs Carol Ramsey
For further information on members see link below:
Reports
- Historic Buildings Council for Northern Ireland: 2020-2023 report
- Historic Buildings Council for Northern Ireland 2016 - 2020 report
- Review of the Historic Buildings Council and the Historic Monuments Council
Statutory role
HBC’s functions can be summarised as follows:
- reviewing, and reporting to DfC on the general state of preservation of listed buildings
- advising DfC on matters relating to the preservation of buildings of special architectural or historic interest
- advising District Councils on the designation of areas of special architectural or historic interest (Conservation Areas)
Policies and development plans
The Council is also consulted on changes to Legislation, Planning Policy and development proposals (planning applications received from local planning authorities) where those proposals involve a potential major adverse impact.
Meetings
HBC currently meets every other month with an option to hold additional ad hoc meetings to consider specific policy issues and additions to the list when more timely advice is needed.
Minutes of these meetings are available upon request but may be subject to redaction where they relate to sensitive or ongoing issues.
From time to time the 2 Statutory Advisory Councils to DfC i.e. HBC and Historic Monuments Council (HMC) take part in joint meetings to consider areas of mutual interest. Minutes of meetings can be requested from their Secretariat.
Membership
Membership is sought through public advertisement and appointments are made in accordance with Code of Practice issued by the Commissioner for Public Appointments NI. The Minister for Communities is responsible for appointments to the Council. The positions are unremunerated but reasonable expenses are paid.
Subgroups
There are currently no subgroups in which members meet although this is currently under review.
On occasions a representative may be asked to sit on other subgroups outside the Department.
Contact
Contact information for the Historic Buildings Council - see Statutory Advisory Councils Secretariat
Historic Buildings Council (HBC) Publication Scheme and FOI
The Historic Buildings Council maintains a publication scheme which sets out information on: membership, function, spending, priorities, policies and procedure, the manner in which information is published, and whether or not a charge will be made for the information.