EH Inspectors

[1man1desk]

I've only ever dealt with one DAC - but he was also part of the County curatorial body. Obvious advantages to that situation.

On the original question - EH inspectors' primary role does relate to Scheduled monuments, but they also have a wider advisory remit, especially where un-Scheduled remains deemed to be of National importance are at risk of development impact, or where the developer is a central government department and the scheme is outside the local authority Planning regime.

Surprisingly, and notwithstanding Historic Building's comments above, they do not administer the SMC process; that is done by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, who are required to seek the advice of EH (but are not required to follow it, although they usually do).

1man1desk

to let, fully furnished

[Curator Kid]

I sat in a meeting not so long ago, and was told that it was a corporate decision that "EH no longer considers it to be our responsibility to comment on every application that effects a Scheduled Monument". Wasn't told who's responsibility it now was though - EH seemed to presume we'd do it, as we couldn't possibly be as busy as them.

I think the individual inspectors actually do a good job of looking after Scheduled Sites and addressing the implications of development, monitoring for damage, etc (as Monitor Lizard said). Sadly, EH as an organisation seems to be more embarrassed than proud of its active role in the day-to-day monitoring, planning and development control work at the moment, and is more interested in marketing its properties to schools and tourists.