A consultation is under way on a draft Setting Study for the Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site (WHS) which, if adopted, 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 proposal is to introduce a Supplementary Planning Document and if it is brought in, it will become a ‘material consideration’ and would be taken into account when deciding any planning application in the area.

People and stakeholders are able to provide their thoughts on the possible introduction of the Supplementary Planning Document via a consultation, which is now open and runs until 5pm on 17 June.

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 13 May 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 using the following link – Setting Study consultation link – 13 May at 5:30pm . Having Microsoft Teams will make the process to join the webinar easier.

Sarah Valdus, Wiltshire Council Director – Environment, said: “We encourage people to provide their thoughts on this proposed document, that, 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.”

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/.

The draft document was approved to go to consultation at the council’s cabinet meeting on 4 March. The full report can be found at Agenda, decisions and minutes – Democratic Services – Wiltshire Council (item 41).

If the document is formally approved, it should be considered for adoption in October 2025.