Stenness, Orkney; Copyright: Historic Scotland

Scottish Ministers announced today their decision to refuse planning permission for the proposed development of three wind turbines at Merranblo, Stromness, Orkney. The application was considered at a local public inquiry in January 2008. ICOMOS-UK appeared at the inquiry along with other organisations, such as Historic Scotland, Orkney Archaeological Trust, Orkney Skyline Concern and Scottish Natural Heritage.

The World Heritage Site (WHS) in Orkney was inscribed on the World Heritage List as “a major prehistoric cultural landscape that provides a graphic depiction of life in a remote archipelago in the far north of Scotland some 5,000 years ago. [...] The monuments of Orkney, dating back to 3000-2000 BC, are outstanding testimony to the cultural achievements of the Neolithic peoples of northern Europe” (UNESCO World Heritage Centre). At the Inquiry ICOMOS-UK expressed concern about the adverse impact of the turbines on the historic environment of the WHS and its setting, as we believed that the site of the proposed development was located within the area of visual impact of the WHS.

The World Heritage Convention in 1972 was set out to identify, protect and preserve for future generations cultural and natural heritage around the world considered to be of outstanding universal value to humanity. ICOMOS-UK believed that the erection of the proposed wind turbines would compromise this very sensitive Scottish landscape and therefore have a detrimental impact on the outstanding universal value for which the WHS was inscribed in 1999.

The report by the Scottish Ministers concluded that “given the international importance of the cultural heritage resources of the area [...] the objective of preserving these monuments within an appropriate setting is consistent with the fundamental objectives of national policy”.

The Bath Chronicle reported that Dyson abandoned his plan after the Government’s rejection of a funding proposal and after facing a planning inquiry last August, which was called due to opposition from the Environment Agency.

The school had originally been due to open this autumn. Read full article on the Bath school plans.

Stonehenge and its surroundings, photo: Tom Goskar

New proposals have been unveiled to revise the Stonehenge World Heritage Site Management Plan and to improve the environment around the monument and restore its landscape setting. New visitor facilities and interpretation centre are also integral to the proposals for the better presentation of this World Heritage Site. In December 2007, the UK government committed to make these changes in time for the London 2012 Olympics.

Everyone, professionals and members of the public, have been invited to take part in this consultation and presentation to visitors in time for the 2012 Olympics have been unveiled for public consultation. These proposals have been developed by English Heritage on behalf of other heritage and government organisations to take forward the Government’s commitment to make environmental improvements at Stonehenge.

The public will be consulted on two initiatives: Revision of the 2000 Stonehenge World Heritage Site Management Plan, which will provide the framework for decision-making on the second initiative for Environmental Improvements. The review is being overseen by the Stonehenge World Heritage Site Committee, made up of those who own or manage the Site or have statutory responsibilities in it.

On the Mangement Plan Review, the Future of Stonehenge Public Consultation website says:

The new Plan sets out the many new legislative, policy and political changes since 2000. It includes a new Statement of Significance for the World Heritage Site, and incorporates recent archaeological research. In the light of recent government decisions, it does not focus on the long-term roads or visitor facilities improvements to the Site, but instead sets out a framework for improvements that could be delivered in the immediate future. It will propose to evaluate developments, inside or outside the WHS, according to their impact on the site’s OUV and will now emphasise the setting of all key monuments, not just Stonehenge. There is also more emphasis on museums, education and interpretation.

New visitor facilities and proposed closure of the A344

The Government is expected to make a decision on the proposed A344 road closure and the location of new visitor facilities by the end of this year. New visitor facilities are necessarily to provide better interpretation of the Stonehenge World Heritage Site, along with a cafe, a larger shop and improved visitor amenities. The proposals also include options for parking and park and ride services.

How to take part

The Consultation booklet and feedback questionnaire is available by visiting:

Future of Stonehenge website

or calling 0845 026 4409

Related websites

The National Trust
English Heritage
Salisbury District Council

You can also visit various exhibitions in Amesbury, Salisbury and London which display all the options under consideration:

AMESBURY
Thursday 17 July 1 pm – 6 pm
Friday 18 July 1 pm – 6 pm
Saturday 19 July 10 am – 5 pm

Antrobus House
39 Salisbury Road
Amesbury
Wiltshire SP4 7HH

LONDON
Thursday 24 July – Saturday 26 July 10 am – 5 pm

Society of Antiquaries
Burlington House
Piccadilly
London W1J 0BE

SALISBURY
28 July – 17 October Monday – Friday
By arrangement during office hours – please phone 01722 343830 to make an appointment.

Wyndham House
65 The Close
Salisbury
Wiltshire SP1 2EN

The Government gave a commitment to introduce protection measures in its white paper Heritage Protection for the 21st Century.

Closing date: 22 August 2008

Read:
Protection of World Heritage Sites: Consultation paper

Heritage Protection for the 21st Century (PDF). A UK Government White Paper

Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention