SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)·Page 37·6.7
World Heritage Sites - Development Restrictions
Development that would adversely affect a UNESCO World Heritage Site or its setting must not be permitted unless there are overriding exceptional circumstances. Planning authorities must carefully consider Outstanding Universal Value, critical views, access, and visitor experience.
Inclusion of a WHS on a list published by UNESCO highlights the outstanding international importance of the site as a material consideration in the determination of planning and listed building consent applications, and appeals. Planning authorities must carefully consider applications affecting the Outstanding Universal Value of such sites, particularly taking into account the safeguarding of critical views to and from the site, the access and public approaches to the site and the understanding and enjoyment of the site by visitors.
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