The Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) was adopted by Shropshire Council’s Cabinet on 19 July 2023, in order to provide guidance on the application of Local Plan policies and form a material consideration in the planning application process.

World Heritage Sites are internationally important heritage assets that are inscribed (or designated) by UNESCO due to their Outstanding Universal Value (OUV). OUV means:

‘Cultural and/or natural significance which is so exceptional as to transcend national boundaries and to be of common importance for present and future generations of all humanity. As such, the permanent protection of this heritage is of the highest importance to the international community as a whole.’ (National Planning Practice Guidance on the Historic Environment).

The Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site was inscribed by UNESCO in 1986. It stands as a testament to the area’s pioneering spirit during the Industrial Revolution. Its outstanding universal value is reflected in its historical sites, stunning landscape, and rich social history. The designation has not only contributed to the local visitor economy but also attracted investments for vital conservation projects within the WHS area.

The Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site covers 550ha, of which 131ha (around 23%) falls within Shropshire Council’s administrative area. The remainder is in Telford & Wrekin Council’s administrative area. As such, this SPD was jointly prepared and consulted upon by Shropshire Council and Telford & Wrekin Council. Like Shropshire Council, Telford & Wrekin Council have now adopted the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site SPD for use within their administrative area.

The Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site SPD forms part of a suite of documents, including the Local Plan and World Heritage Site Management Plan, that set out how the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site can be protected and positively managed.

There are a range of policies within the adopted Local Plan which are considered key in the decision making process for developments within the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site. TheIronbridge Gorge World Heritage Site SPDprovides positive guidance on the application of these policies within the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site. These policies include:

• Core Strategy Policy CS3: Market Towns and Other Key Centres;
• Core Strategy Policy CS6: Sustainable Design and Development;
• Core Strategy Policy CS16: Tourism, Culture and Leisure; and
• Core Strategy Policy CS17: Environmental Networks.
• SAMDev Plan Policy S4: Broseley;
• SAMDev Plan Policy MD12: Natural Environment; and
• SAMDev Plan Policy MD13: Historic Environment.

Similarly there are a range of draft policies within the draft Shropshire Local Plan which upon its adoption will be key in the decision making process for developments within the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site. The Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site SPD will following the adoption of the draft Shropshire Local Plan provide positive guidance on the application of these policies within the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site. These draft policies include:

• Draft Policy SP1: The Shropshire Test
• Draft Policy SP5: High Quality Design
• Draft Policy SP14: Strategic Corridors
• Draft Policy DP23: Conserving and Enhancing the Historic Environment
• Draft Policy S4: Broseley Place Plan Area
• Draft Policy S20: Strategic Settlement - Former Ironbridge Power Station

Both councils recognise that Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site is a living and working community, and as such the SPD includes property level guidance to assist residents and businesses in proposing developments while preserving the area’s unique character. Additionally, it addresses climate change pressures and encourages sustainable practices for the long-term resilience and energy efficiency of buildings within the WHS.