Issue - meetings

To receive a report from the Chief Executive.

Resolved:

1.    To note the detail in the draft Stonehenge and Avebury WHS Setting Study set out in Appendix 1.

2.    To approve the draft document (Appendix 1) for public consultation from 5th May 2025

3.    To delegate to the Corporate Director Place, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance, Development and Strategic Planning, the authority to undertake the final stages associated with the preparation of the draft document for public consultation, including any minor textual changes in the interests of clarity and accuracy.

Reason for Decision:

To seek Cabinet’s approval to go to public consultation of the draft WHS Setting SPD. 

Cllr Nick Botterill, Cabinet member for Finance, Development Management and Strategic Planning presented a report setting out the draft Stonehenge and Avebury WHS Setting Study and seeking approval to formally consult the public over a 6-week period from 5th May 2025. In addition, to delegate authority to officers, in consultation with the Cabinet Member to undertake the final stages associated with the preparation of the draft document for public consultation, including any minor textual changes in the interests of clarity and accuracy.  

Cllr Botterill reported that the draft Setting Study for the Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site which, once adopted, will be used to ensure that developments in Wiltshire do not adversely impact the internationally significant monuments within the WHS and their setting. He noted that once adopted the Setting Study would become a material consideration in the determination of planning applications and help to support Core Policy 59.

Cabinet Members welcomed the Setting Study and its role in the protection of historical sites. Members indicated that they would encourage their Town and Parish Councils to respond to the public consultation.

Cllr Jerry Kunkler, Chairman of the Environment Select Committee reported that he received a comprehensive briefing on the Site Setting Study on 11 February 2025 and considered the extent of the areas covered by the Study and what effect the planning document would have on development. He welcomed the Study and endorsed moves to better protect the county’s World Heritage sites.

Resolved:

1.    To note the detail in the draft Stonehenge and Avebury WHS Setting Study set out in Appendix 1.

2.    To approve the draft document (Appendix 1) for public consultation from 5th May 2025

3.    To delegate to the Corporate Director Place, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance, Development and Strategic Planning, the authority to undertake the final stages associated with the preparation of the draft document for public consultation, including any minor textual changes in the interests of clarity and accuracy.

Reason for Decision:

To seek Cabinet’s approval to go to public consultation of the draft WHS Setting SPD.