Plan to protect Stonehenge from development agreed

The Stonehenge circle of stones in the early morning light.  There is lots of green grass and there are shadows across some of the stones.Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,

New guidance will be in place for developers when they propose plans which could impact Stonehenge

  • Published

A planning document which sets out how to protect the landscape around Avebury and Stonehenge has been approved.

The Setting Study will be used by councillors to ensure developers do not impact the World Heritage Site and will give guidance on things like building height, light pollution and landscaping.

Wiltshire Council's cabinet backed the plan, but the document's final sign-off will be voted on by all 98 councillors on 21 October.

Councillor Adrian Foster, cabinet member for strategic planning, said: "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," Mr Foster added.

The decision follows a six-week public consultation held earlier this year, which included a series of drop-in events.

The document integrates guidance from Unesco with advice from Historic England.

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