The council is however permitted to initiate cases within its field, which makes it a relatively independent municipal organ.
Two of the members are architects representing the Swedish Association of Architects (Sveriges arkitekter) and the National Property Board (Statens fastighetsverk); two are experts on nature conservation representing the Academy of Sciences (Vetenskapsakademien) and the Society for Nature Conservation (Naturskyddsföreningen); two are artists appointed by the Academy of Fine Arts (Konstakademien); and, finally, two are cultural historians appointed by the Academy of Letters, History and Antiquities (Vitterhetsakademien) and Samfundet S:t Erik (a society devoted to the history of Stockholm).
[3] The council chairman is Inga Varg,[4] while the office is headed by architecture historian Henrik Nerlund.
It is, nevertheless, not a decision-taking institution and historically its objections to controversial proposals, such as the much criticized Redevelopment of Norrmalm, have been ignored.
Additionally, a recent alternation of its members is adding new hope the council will be less conservative in the future.