§ Lord Kennetasked Her Majesty's Government:
What bearing the common agricultural policy has on land use in World Heritage Sites. [HL4441]
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§ Lord McIntosh of HaringeyOf the 11 World Heritage Sites in England, only Stonehenge, Avebury and Hadrian's Wall have significant land in agricultural use. Archaeological sites and historic features can be damaged by agricultural activities but, to discourage further cultivation, only land in arable rotation on 31 December 1991 is eligible for arable area payments under the CAP. Under the CAP's agrienvironment programme, MAFF operates the Environmentally Sensitive Areas and Countryside Stewardship Schemes which provide incentives to farmers to protect and enhance wildlife, landscape and historic features. The Wiltshire Downs, which cover the Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site, and Hadrian's Wall are target areas for Countryside Stewardship.
§ Lord Kennetasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the present state of planning law and land use law in World Heritage Sites is adequate for the Government to be able to fulfil their obligations under the World Heritage Convention; and. if not, how they can improve it; and [HL4440]
Whether the laws of agricultural tenancy differ in World Heritage Sites from elsewhere; and, if so, how. [HL4395]
§ Lord McIntosh of HaringeyWorld Heritage Site status does not affect land ownership or tenancy agreements. A prerequisite for World Heritage Site status is the existence of effective legal protection; the statutory protection in the UK provided through listing, scheduling and conservation areas meets the requirements of the World Heritage Convention. Furthermore, the Government's Planning Policy Guidance Note 15,Planning and the Historic Environment, makes clear that World Heritage Site status is a key material consideration when applications for planning permission and listed building consent are required.