Architects' Fortunes Are Written In The Legislation, Not In The Stars

摘要

A year ago, this column's predictions for legislation in 2008 foresaw the outcome of the new planning bill, the housing and regeneration bill and other legislative changes. This month, with help from Anna Scott-Marshall, RIBA head of public affairs, we review the impact of the recent legislative changes and predict what we anticipate for 2009.rnThrough the proactive lobbyi ng of the RIBA and others, the government has agreed to amend the existing Planning & Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 so that local authorities must actively promote good design alongside sustain-ability. The government has also amended the new planning bill so that all major infrastructure projects such as airports or new rail projects will be required to outline their design criteria from the outset. This is a huge win for the profession as this should give a stronger legal framework and statutory backing to architects.