The Buckinghamshire Historic Environment Forum is scheduled to convene on Tuesday 22 September 2026. The meeting's agenda includes updates on the Emergency Recording Fund and the status of Mentmore Towers, alongside discussions on changes to relevant policies. Members will also explore the topic of creative curation and storage.

Changes to Relevant Policies

Eliza Alqassar, Natural Historic & Built Environment Manager for Buckinghamshire Council, is scheduled to present information regarding changes to relevant policies. This discussion is expected to cover the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and the forthcoming Local Plan. The NPPF sets out the government's planning policies for England and how they are expected to be applied. The Local Plan, once adopted, will guide development and land use within Buckinghamshire.

Emergency Recording Fund Update

Lucy Lawrence, Principal Archaeology Officer at Buckinghamshire Council, is set to provide an update on the Emergency Recording Fund. This fund is designed to support the recording of archaeological discoveries that require immediate attention. The report pack indicates that the fund was last utilised in April 2026 following the discovery of a significant Roman object hoard in the Chilterns. This hoard, donated to Discover Bucks Museum, included items such as millefiore mounts, lion head studs, a denarius, a gaming piece and die, four votive/model axes, and the remains of a copper alloy ceremonial rattle. The excavation of the hoard was undertaken by Oxford Archaeology, with environmental sampling revealing evidence of fabric, suggesting the items were deposited in a bag or cloth.

Mentmore Towers Update

Joanna Horton, Team Leader Heritage & Archaeology at Buckinghamshire Council, is scheduled to provide an update on Mentmore Towers. This Grade I listed building has been a high-profile case for the Heritage team. A Repairs Notice was served on 5 August 2026 under section 48 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, requiring the owner to undertake extensive roof repair works. The report pack notes that the need for bat surveys and the building's connection to the Batman movies have attracted significant public interest and press coverage. SAVE Britain's Heritage, an organisation that campaigned to save the Towers in the 1970s, is reportedly keen to offer support.

Creative Curation and Storage

The forum is scheduled to discuss Creative Curation and Storage. This topic will be presented by Roz Currie from Wycombe Museum and Brett Thorn, who holds the roles of Discover Bucks Museum and Buckinghamshire Keeper of Archaeology. This discussion is likely to explore methods and strategies for the effective management, preservation, and presentation of historical and archaeological collections.

The meeting will also include a review of the minutes and actions from the last meeting, as detailed in the Public reports pack 22nd-Sep-2026 14.00 Buckinghamshire Historic Environment Forum. An optional walk to the new Chair Discovery Centre is also planned following the main meeting.