News

Protect London’s historic heart from skyscrapers’ uncontrolled spread

28/01/2021

The City of London’s Planning and Transportation Committee has given the green light to the 55 Gracechurch Street skyscraper, on the edge of the City’s high-rise cluster and adjacent to many listed and historic buildings.

Victorian Society succeeds in having historic bank Grade II-listed

26/01/2021

The Victorian Society have succeeded in having the Former Union Bank of Manchester in Nelson, Lancashire Grade II-listed.

Victorian Society slams damaging changes to Preston’s landmark Grade I-listed Harris Museum

07/01/2021

The Victorian Society is calling for Preston City Council to refuse plans to alter one of the finest examples of Greek Revival architecture in the country.

The Victorian Society back local campaign to stop towering 20-storey development in Brixton

05/01/2021

High-rise development by Texan billionaire raises major concerns over the damage to Brixton’s historic environment.

High Court quashes planning permission for skyscraper after Victorian Society advice ignored

11/12/2020

Planning permission for a 51-storey development in central Birmingham has been quashed due to the council’s failure to disclose our objection to the planning committee.

Victorian Society asks Secretary of State to call in Exeter’s Harlequins development

10/12/2020

The Victorian Society has requested a call in over plans to build an incongruously large development in Exeter that would overshadow the surrounding low-rise historic townscape.

Listing success for Victorian Society’s Birmingham Group

03/12/2020

The Birmingham Group of the Victorian Society has successfully had Birmingham's former Wellington Hotel Grade II-listed.

Victorian Society applies for listings to protect Worcester’s historic cityscape

19/11/2020

The Victorian Society is the latest national body calling for Worcester City Council to reject Lowesmoor redevelopment plans. These would demolish historic buildings in a conservation area including a former music hall long associated with the male impersonating star, Vesta Tilley. The Society is in the process of submitting listing applications to help ensure their survival.

Herefordshire Council must reject demolition of historic rectory to reach 2030 environmental targets  

11/11/2020

The Victorian Society strongly objects to the Diocese of Hereford’s plans to demolish a historic rectory in Hereford. Not only would this see Hereford’s architectural heritage diminished but reuse of existing buildings, rather than demolition, is vital to meeting the environmental commitments of both the council and the Church of England.

Victorian Society comments ‘should not be brushed aside’ says judge in Birmingham skyscraper challenge

05/11/2020

Proposed high-rise development raises major concerns over the impact on Birmingham’s historic buildings.

Victorian society expresses concerns over proposed planning changes

30/10/2020

Victorian Society Director Joe O'Donnell responds to proposed changes to the planning system.

Listing success for Victorian Society’s Leicester Group

22/10/2020

The Leicester Group of the Victorian Society have succeeded in having the Former Hydraulic Power Station in Leicester Grade II-listed.

Victorian Society's Top 10 Most Endangered Buildings list 2020

30/09/2020

Our Top 10 Endangered Buildings list highlights at-risk heritage all over the country in the hope of finding new solutions. Please support our fight to protect our precious historic buildings - we're currently offering £10 off our annual membership for the first year if you pay by direct debit. Click here to read more!

Joe O'Donnell appointed new Director of the Victorian Society

The Victorian Society is very pleased to announce Joe O’Donnell as its new Director.

Win for the Victorian Society as Liverpool zip wire blocked after our legal challenge

03/09/2020

The Mayor of Liverpool has blocked plans to build an intrusive zip wire attraction in the heart of Liverpool’s historic civic buildings.

Victorian Society legal challenge to Liverpool Council's zip wire decision

19/08/2020

An application was filed on Friday to request leave for a judicial review into Liverpool City Council's decision to allow a zip wire in the heart of Liverpool's World Heritage Site.

Victorian Society slams Liverpool Council’s approval of zip wire

20/07/2020

The Victorian Society deplores the recent decision of Liverpool City Council to grant planning permission for a zip wire between St John’s Beacon and the Central Library building.

Victorian Society celebrates as plans are approved to finally restore Smithfield Market

24/06/2020

Plans to transform the historic market into the Museum of London have been officially approved.

Victorian Society urges councils and owners to protect historic buildings from arson

28/05/2020

Following yet another major blaze at a listed building, pressure mounts on councils to do more to protect our precious historic buildings. The Victorian Society warns councils that we face losing many more important buildings to arson unless urgent action is taken to secure them properly.

Victorian Society condemns Birmingham police station's needless destruction

27/05/2020

A characterful Victorian police station in Birmingham imminently faces the wrecking ball. The historic structure, built by prominent architects, is deemed ‘inconvenient’ - standing in the way of a road-widening scheme.