The adopted plan will now be taken into consideration when Wiltshire Council comes to decide future planning applications in the area Pictures: English Heritage/Avebury National Trust FB

New planning framework adopted to safeguard Stonehenge and Avebury for future generations

Tait ap EllisOctober 23, 20250 Comment0

TWO popular landmarks in Wiltshire will now receive extra protection from any future developments in the area following the approval of a new plan.

A setting study for the Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site (WHS) was this week formally adopted by Wiltshire Council.

It will now be used to ensure any future developments in he county do not adversely impact the internationally significant monuments and the area they are located in.

This includes guidance on landscaping, building height and light pollution.

The approval by full council on Tuesday (October 21) follows a six week public consultation held earlier in the year which saw stakeholders get involved.

UNESCO World Heritage Centre, Historic England, Natural England and National Highways all had their say on the plans.

This planning document will now ensure consistency in assessment and decision-making by providing guidance to support decision makers, developers, applicants and consultees.

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It will now become a material consideration and will be taken into account when deciding any planning application in the area.

Councillor Adrian Foster, cabinet member for strategic planning, development management and housing at Wiltshire Council, said the authority is committed to work with partners to enhance and protect the 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,” he said.

“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 and I’m pleased it has now been 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.