Information about World Heritage Sites

World Heritage Sites (WHS) are designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

A list of World Heritage Sites was established in 1978 which forms the cultural and natural heritage that the World Heritage Committee considers as having outstanding universal value. The Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site was inscribed as one of the first World Heritage Sites in the UK in 1986.

The world heritage site status itself does not provide any additional legal protection or planning rules but in recognition of the particular importance of the Gorge the Council has specific planning policies and a raft of guidance to encourage best conservation practice.

The majority of the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site is also designated as a conservation area, again with planning policies to preserve and enhance character and appearance.

View more information about planning policies in regard to Conservation Areas.

In addition, for all dwelling houses an Article 4 Direction is in place removing some permitted development rights and brings under planning control certain items that elsewhere would not need consent. Telford & Wrekin Council's Planning have published the World Heritage Site residents guide to help with planning matters.

View information about the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site guide for residents living within the World Heritage Site.

For household residents who live within the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site and are looking to carry out works to their property we host planning surgeries where you can discuss your ideas, get free expert advice and receive information on valuable resources.

Book your free 30-minute appointment at a time and venue that suits.

Upcoming planning surgeries
Date Venue
Wednesday 12 February 2025 The Gorge Parish Council Unit C14, Maws Craft Centre Jackfield, Telford,TF8 7LS
Wednesday 2 April 2025 Madeley Community Library, The Anstice, Park Ave, Madeley, Telford, TF7 5BB
Wednesday 11 June 2025 The Gorge Parish Council Unit C14, Maws Craft Centre Jackfield, Telford,TF8 7LS
Wednesday 13 August 2025 Madeley Community Library, The Anstice, Park Ave, Madeley, Telford, TF7 5BB
Wednesday 8 October 2025 The Gorge Parish Council Unit C14, Maws Craft Centre Jackfield, Telford,TF8 7LS
Wednesday 14 January 2026 Madeley Community Library, The Anstice, Park Ave, Madeley, Telford, TF7 5BB

Book a planning surgery

Telford & Wrekin Council is the managing authority of the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site and it has been UK Government policy that all UK world heritage sites should have management plans. The production of the Ironbridge Gorge Management Plan is overseen by the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site (IGWHS) Steering Group.

Download the Ironbridge Gorge Management Plan (.pdf Size: 6909Kb)

Telford & Wrekin Council and Shropshire Council are consulting on a joint supplementary planning document (SPD) to protect and conserve the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site (IGWHS). The consultation takes place between 9 January 2023 to 20 February 2023.

View the draft IGWHS supplementary planning document and details of the consultation.

Last updated : 30 January 2025

Useful information regarding the Ironbrige Gorge World Heritage Site

Please visit these websites to gain more information and history about the World Heritage site and organisations involved with the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site

  • The Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site Public Realm Guide 
    The World heritage Site Public Realm Guide was a joint partnership project between Telford & Wrekin Council, English Heritage and Shropshire Council. 

View information about the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site Public Realm Guide

  • Severn Gorge Countryside Trust
    Severn Gorge Countryside Trust is a registered charity that was set up in 1991. The Trust is responsible for managing over half the land in the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site including a diverse range of habitats, including wildflower meadows, woodlands and heathlands.

Visit the Severn Gorge Countryside Trust website to find out more about what they do and the diverse range of habitats they manage

  • The Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust
    In 1986 the Ironbridge Gorge was one of the first locations to be designated as a world heritage site within the UK. This designation recognised the area’s unique and unrivalled contribution to the birth of the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century; the impact of which is still felt across the world today.

Visit the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust website 

  • World Heritage UK
    An organisation set up in 2015 to undertake networking, advocacy and promotion for the UK’s 31 outstanding world heritage sites, and the tentative list sites progressing towards world heritage site status. 

Visit the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization website to search for World Heritage Sites in the UK

Last updated : 29 August 2024