World Heritage Sites to get greater protection
28 May 2008
England's World Heritage Sites are to receive the greatest protections they have ever benefited from, communities minister Baroness Andrews has announced.
The government wants to place all 17 English sites - which include Hadrian's Wall, Durham Castle and the Tower of London - on the same national footing as other protected regions by including them in national planning protection guidelines.
Such locations include National Parks, areas of outstanding beauty and conservation areas.
Baroness Andrews commented: "We are changing the planning rules to give all English World Heritage Sites the best protection from potentially damaging developments that could threaten the authenticity, accessibility and charm or character of our most important places."
She added that the government wishes to ensure that historical landmarks and buildings are protected for both current and future generations.
The Lake District, which offers a range of cycling and walking opportunities, is currently in the process of applying for World Heritage Site status, which - if successful - would make it the 28th site of its kind in the UK.
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