Tower of London will be saved from "seemingly minor alterations"
The nation's most important historical landmarks are to receive greater protection than ever before.
The government is taking action to protect all 17 English World Heritage Sites, which include the Tower of London, Hadrian's Wall, the Ironbridge Gorge, Maritime Greenwich and Durham Castle.
The government wants to put all English World Heritage Sites on the same national footing as its conservation areas, national parks and areas of outstanding beauty by including them in national planning protection rules.
Currently over half of our World Heritage sites are not in previously protected conservation areas. The changes which are being consulted on will prevent minor development occurring without specific planning permission.
Seemingly minor changes such as roof alterations, new buildings nearby or artificial stoning could when added together have a devastating impact on a World Heritage Site.
Dr Christopher Young, head of world heritage and international policy for English Heritage, said: "One of the significant threats faced by World Heritage Sites in England is the incremental damage to those that fall outside of the protection provided by conservation areas, national parks or areas of outstanding natural beauty.
"We welcome that this destructive anomaly that threatens these few vulnerable sites has now been addressed by the planning system. This new planning circular will offer the basic protection that should be expected for sites of such outstanding international importance."
Click here to download the Protection of World Heritage Sites consultation.
