§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will place in the Library of the House maps showing the extent of the world heritage site, the area of outstanding natural beauty, and the area of special archaeological significance at Avebury; and in each case whether they will explain what additional restrictions on development within the area are implied by the designation.
The Earl of CaithnessI have placed in the Library copies of maps showing the area of the world heritage572WA site designated under the UNESCO World Heritage Convention, the area of outstanding natural beauty designated by the Countryside Commission; and the "area of special archaeological significance" indicated in Wiltshire County Council's current landscape local plan.
The Government's policy on development affecting areas of outstanding natural beauty is set out in the Statement made on 29th July 1982 in another place by my right honourable friend (cols. 707–10), which inter alia states that:
Confirmation of an AONB designation order confers formal recognition by the Government that the natural beauty of the landscape in the area identified is of national importance; and that we expect this to be reflected by local authorities in their preparation of structure and local plans and exercise of development control.The areas of special archaeological significance shown on the Wiltshire landscape local plan will be taken into consideration by both the local authority and by Ministers when considering any planning applications.
There are no specific additional restrictions associated with the world heritage site, as we conclude that its natural and cultural heritage is adequately protected by the statutory provisions relating to development control and the additional safeguards in respect of the built and natural heritage.
I would additionally point out that the archaeological remains at Avebury are Scheduled Ancient Monuments under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979.