New requirement for England’s LAs on World Heritage Sites

A new government Circular (02/09) requires local planning authorities to refer applications affecting World Heritage Sites to the Secretary of State.  This should now occur where a local authority is minded to grant planning permission but English Heritage has objected on grounds that the proposed development could have an adverse impact on the outstanding universal value, integrity, authenticity and significance of a World Heritage Site or its setting, including any buffer zone or its equivalent. For Circular 02/09: The Town and Country Planning (Consultation) (England) Direction 2009 see http://www.info4local.gov.uk/documents/publications/1189768