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 ongoing situation at Mentmore Towers, as well as discussions on changes to relevant policies and creative curation and storage.

Mentmore Towers Update

A key item on the agenda is an update regarding Mentmore Towers, a Grade I listed building. Joanna Horton, Team Leader Heritage & Archaeology at Buckinghamshire Council, is scheduled to provide information on the situation. The report pack notes that a Repairs Notice was served on the owner on 5 August 2026, requiring extensive roof repairs. The report also highlights the public interest generated by the need for bat surveys and the building's connection to the Batman films, with press coverage extending internationally. The report mentions that SAVE Britain's Heritage, an organisation that campaigned to save the Towers in the 1970s, is keen to offer support.

Changes to Relevant Policies

Eliza Alqassar, Natural Historic & Built Environment Manager for Buckinghamshire Council, is scheduled to present information on changes to relevant policies. This discussion will 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 is a document prepared by the council that sets out its strategy for the future development of the area.

Emergency Recording Fund Update

Lucy Lawrence, Principal Archaeology Officer at Buckinghamshire Council, is expected to provide an update on the Emergency Recording Fund (ERF). The report pack details that the fund, which receives contributions from Buckinghamshire Council, Milton Keynes Council, and the Buckinghamshire Archaeology Society, was utilised in April 2026 following the discovery of a significant Roman object hoard in the Chilterns. The hoard, found during a metal detecting rally, 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 fund covered the cost of a professional excavation by Oxford Archaeology, which led to the discovery of further items and environmental sampling. The hoard was donated to Discover Bucks Museum and has undergone conservation.

Creative Curation and Storage

The forum is also scheduled to discuss Creative Curation and Storage. This topic will involve contributions from Roz Currie of Wycombe Museum and Brett Thorn, who is the Discover Bucks Museum and Buckinghamshire Keeper of Archaeology.

Other Discussions

The meeting's agenda also includes a review of the minutes and actions from the previous meeting. Additionally, there will be an overview of expected report submissions and an opportunity for questions on submitted reports. Following the main meeting, an optional walk to the new Chair Discovery Centre is planned.