About this page
How this part of the Local Plan Options Document works
These Development Management policy option pages contain the following sections:
Policy background
- Relevant national policy or regulations
- National or regional trends
- Local situation and needs/li>
- How we have dealt with this issue in the past
- The thinking behind the policy
Policy options for the new Local Plan
We may suggest a variety of approaches:
- Keeping existing policy as it is
- Making small changes
- Replacing the policy with something that is substantially different
- Identifying factors or events which may affect this policy in the future
Policy option analysis
- A list of the advantages and disadvantages that we have identified for each of the policy options we are presenting.
Read the Heritage and Design Topic Paper for in-depth focus about this topic, and the evidence which informs our policy. Visit our library of Local Plan Options supporting documents to learn more.
Explore the policy
Select a section below to read more.
9.347 The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) Section 16 – Conserving and Enhancing the Historic Environment sets out under paragraph 196 the following:
‘Plans should set out a positive strategy for the conservation and enjoyment of the historic environment, including heritage assets most at risk through neglect, decay or other threats. This strategy should take into account:
- the desirability of sustaining and enhancing the significance of heritage assets, and putting them to viable uses consistent with their conservation
- the wider social, cultural, economic and environmental benefits that conservation of the historic environment can bring
- the desirability of new development making a positive contribution to local character and distinctiveness
- opportunities to draw on the contribution made by the historic environment to the character of a place
9.348 Policy B4 seeks to prevent harm to the Outstanding Universal Value of the City of Bath World Heritage Site and its setting and is a material consideration when making planning decisions.
9.349 The detailed background and evidence relating to the following options is set out in the Heritage and design Topic Paper.
9.350 The policy remains fit for purpose. The current policy accords with national and local strategies, however, amendments will be incorporated to reference the second UNESCO World Heritage Site inscription as one of the 11 Great Spa Towns of Europe – fashionable spa towns laid out around natural springs which are used for health and wellbeing. Inscribed on the World Heritage List on the 24th July 2021.
9.351 The new inscription will need to be referenced and linked with policy PCS8: Bath Hot Springs.
9.352 In addition reference will be required to making use of the management plan(s) and the WHS Setting SPD when considering development within the site or its setting and when carrying out Heritage Impact Assessments (HIAs).
Option A
Retain policy B4 with amendments.
Advantages of Option A
Adopted policy presents no significant issues or concerns arising from the determination of planning applications. No evidence to suggest major changes are required.
Disadvantages of Option A
None identified.