Document to protect Ironbridge Gorge UNESCO World Heritage Site goes to public consultation

The site is spread over 550 hectares, with approximately three quarters sitting within the administrative boundary of Telford & Wrekin Council, and roughly one quarter within the Shropshire Council administrative boundary. The site is internationally recognised as the birthplace of the industrial revolution and is home to a thriving community of residents and businesses.

Working in partnership, the two Councils today have launched a six-week public consultation period, where members of the public including residents of the Ironbridge Gorge as well as local businesses and organisations will be encouraged to share their views. The consultation will end on 20 February 2023.

The document has been created to provide guidance and information to support the implementation of policies within the adopted and future Local Plan’s for both Council areas. The document also outlines how the site will be protected and managed and includes preventative measures to avoid deterioration of its heritage value.

Sustainability and conservation are key features within the document, and it also provides guidance to support improvements to the energy efficiency of buildings, whilst recognising the need for the protection of the historic character of the WHS.

The draft Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site (IGWHS) Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) can be viewed online here and comments submitted via a response form available online or on request.

In addition, a number of informal manned public consultation drop-in sessions will be hosted across the World Heritage Site on the following dates:

Thursday 19 January – 5pm to 8pm – Jackfield Village Hall

Thursday 26 January – 5pm to 8pm – The Furnace Kitchen, Coalbrookdale

Thursday 2 February – 5pm to 8pm – Coalport Village Hall

Wednesday 8 February – 5pm to 8pm – The Anstice, Madeley

Monday 13 February – 5pm to 8pm – Buildwas Village Hall

Thursday 16 February – 5pm to 8pm – The Tontine Hotel, Ironbridge

Councillor Richard Overton (Lab), Telford & Wrekin Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing, Enforcement and Transport said:

"We are incredibly proud of the fact that Ironbridge is one of the seven designated conservation areas in the borough and is an area of outstanding universal significance that is recognised internationally.

“This document will ensure that the UNESCO World Heritage site is safeguarded and that the history, conservation, and sustainability of the area are top priority for anyone intending to submit a planning application”

“The Council, residents and businesses are custodians of the World Heritage site, and we urge anyone with a direct interest in the area, such as local residents and businesses, to view the document, put your views forward so that together we can ensure that the site is protected for future generations in years to come.”

Councillor Richard Marshall, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for highways and regulatory services said:

“Starting today, until 20 February, we want local people to share views, thoughts and feedback on the document so collectively, we can protect the historic site.

We want to reach as many people as possible during the six-week window and respondents can feedback digitally or come along to one of our drop-in sessions.

We encourage local people and businesses to tell friends, family and neighbours to help spread the word!”

The draft Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site (IGWHS) Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) can be viewed online here