Robert Jenrick, the Minister for Housing, Community and Local Government, has commissioned a review of heritage planning policy and the role of the planning inspectorate in making those decisions. While this has yet to be officially announced by the Ministry, Jenrick indicated a review was coming on his official Twitter account.

The decision comes following a controversial “called in” planning decision that MHCLG made regarding the listed Whitechapel Bell Foundry, but which Jenrick himself did not approve. While very little is known, Jenrick appears to be dissatisfied with the process that resulted in a junior minister approving the scheme.

Jenrick has been a more interventionist Secretary of State than his forbears, and has used “called in” decisions on a number of occasions, many of which we’ve reported on in Listed Heritage Magazine. While it is too early to know what the possible ramification might be from any review, the Club certainly welcome this. The Club will be immediately writing to Jenrick, and ensuring that private owners are listened to as the review progresses.