ANCIENT and historically important sites such as Stonehenge and Avebury could be protected from the impact of future developments under a new proposal.

Wiltshire Council has launched a consultation on a draft setting study for the Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site.

If adopted, it will be used to ensure that developments in Wiltshire do not adversely impact the internationally significant monuments and the area they are located in.

The council is proposing to introduce a supplementary planning document, which, if brought in, would become a material consideration which would be key when planning applications are decided in the area.

People are able to let Wiltshire Council know their thoughts on the plans through an online consultation which can be found by clicking here.

The consultation closes on June 17.

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Sarah Valdus, Wiltshire Council director for environment, said: “We encourage people to provide their thoughts on this proposed document, which, if adopted, will help safeguard the World Heritage Site and ensure any planning decisions and developments are in its best interests.

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

“There are plenty of details on our website, and our webinar will be an opportunity for people to ask any questions they may have.”

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

A webinar will be held at 5.30pm on May 13 for people to find out more information about the proposed supplementary planning document and what it entails should it be brought in.

People can join the webinar by clicking here.

Having Microsoft Teams will make the process to join the webinar easier.

The draft document was approved to go to consultation at the council’s cabinet meeting on 4 March. The full report can be found by clicking here.

If the document is formally approved, it should be considered for adoption in October.

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.

For more details on the consultation, people can visit https://consult.wiltshire.gov.uk/kse/.