New Circular on the Protection of World Heritage Sites published
The newly released Circular clarifies and strengthens the protection for World Heritage Sites in England by giving advice on the level of protection and management needed for World Heritage Sites, and draws attention to recent legislative measures designed to enhance the protection of these sites.
The Circular sets out the role of regional and local authorities in ensuring the protection, promotion and enhancement of World Heritage Sites. It re-states that World Heritage Sites are a key material consideration which regional and local authorities must take into account when considering and deciding planning and related applications in or around World Heritage Sites. The main objective when considering such applications should be the protection and sustenance of each World Heritage Site through the conservation and preservation of its Outstanding Universal Value.
To achieve this, the Circular states that policies to protect and sustain World Heritage Sites, including any buffer zone and setting, should be incorporated in regional and local plans as well as maps showing the extent of the World Heritage Site and any buffer zone.
We welcome this planning circular as a major step forward to the fulfilment of the Government’s commitment to improve the protection of World Heritage Sites. We are particularly encouraged by the emphasis on the conservation and preservation of the Outstanding Universal Value of each site as a means of protecting and sustaining World Heritage Sites in England.”
Sue Davies, chair of the Culture Committee for the UK National Commission
The UK National Commission for UNESCO Culture Committee inputed into the drafting of the Circular through a consultation response in August 2008. Download the UK National Commission for UNESCO's response to the World Heritage Draft Planning Circular and Guidance Public Consultation here. (68 KB, 6 pgs)
Download the Circular on the Protection of World Heritage Sites. (120 KB, 8 pgs)
Written: 24/07/2009 , last modified: 24/07/2009
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