In the aftermath of the Comprehensive Spending Review in October, the Government withdrew funding from The Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE).
The decision forced CABE to admit at the end of last week that in effect by April next year it would, at least in its current form, be no more.
Before joining edie.net I used to work for CABE and you can read my views on the decision by clicking here.
A spokesman for CABE said: “We were bitterly disappointed by this decision; but are now working with Government and others to try to find a way to ensure the kind of expert, impartial design advice for which CABE has been known remains available to councils, communities and developers across the country.
“CABE remains the government’s statutory advisor on architecture, urban design and public space.
“During the next month, for example, CABE will publish a new report on the design of supermarket-led development.
“This draws on 30 major supermarket schemes which we have reviewed and offers practical advice to help local planning teams balance the commercial imperatives of a major retailer with the need to create well-designed places.”
Luke Walsh