Simon Jenkins (The Guardian) wrote on Friday 12th September 2008 a critical article on the current condition of World Heritage Status in the UK, challenging new British developments and questioning the role that UNESCO is playing in preserving these sites and their context. He claims,

“World heritage status, enjoyed by 885 sites on the planet, means absolutely nothing” and goes on with: “The decline of British urban design is a mystery. Projects that would not survive a minute in other European cities must be fought line by line through British planning committees, public inquiries and courts.”

Read the full article by Simon Jenkins

Read ICOMOS-UK’s response

We welcome your comments on this story below.