World Heritage Sites

STOP PRESS: An updated version of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) was published on 12 December 2024. This content is being reviewed in accordance with the latest version.

Importance of World Heritage Sites

World Heritage Properties are inscribed by the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO onto its World Heritage List for their Outstanding Universal Value, pursuant to article 11(2) of the World Heritage Convention 1972, to which the UK government is a State Party. Signature of the Convention is a commitment by that government to identify, protect and conserve their World Heritage Sites (WHSs) for future generations.

Outstanding Universal Value 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’.

World Heritage Properties are referred to in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and the Planning Practice Guidance (PPG) as ‘WHS’s.

See Practice Note: World Heritage Sites.

Statements of Outstanding Universal Value

A Statement of Outstanding Universal Value is agreed and adopted by the World Heritage Committee for each World Heritage Property on its inscription.

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