TWO of Wiltshire’s most well-known landmarks could soon be protected from future developments after Wiltshire Council approved a new plan.

The plan, if adopted by full council later this month, would be used to ensure that developments in Wiltshire do not adversely impact internationally significant monuments such as Stonehenge and Avebury.

It follows a six-week public consultation which saw the council engage with stakeholders and the public.

The Supplementary Planning Document will ensure consistency in assessment and decision-making by providing guidance to support decision makers, developers, applicants and consultees. When formally adopted, it will become a ‘material consideration’ and will be taken into account when deciding any planning application in the area.

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In association with Chris Blandford Associates, the consultation document was developed with representatives from the council’s planning team and input from the Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site Partnership.

Councillor Adrian Foster, cabinet member for strategic planning, development management and housing, said: “We are committed to working positively with partners to enhance and protect our environment for future generations.

“Having Stonehenge and Avebury on our doorstep is wonderful for Wiltshire, but we have a vital collective responsibility to safeguard these historic sites.

“The Setting Study will ensure that any planning decision or strategy regarding the World Heritage Site is as informed as possible and will provide guidance and clarity to developers, designers, applicants, consultees and decision makers.

“My thanks go to all who took a keen interest and contributed to our public consultation. This feedback has proven to be valuable in finalising the document. We now look forward to presenting this to Full Council so that it can be formally adopted.”

The Setting Study integrates UNESCO Guidance on Heritage Impact Assessments and advice from Historic England with the National Planning Policy Framework and Local Plan requirements.