Issue - meetings

The report seeks endorsement of the Combined City of Bath and Great Spa Towns of Europe World Heritage Sites Management Plan (2024-2030).

Cllr Matt McCabe introduced the report, moved the officer recommendation and made the following points:

• The document has been prepared by the World Heritage Site (WHS) Advisory Board, supported by the Council and Cabinet, following a public consultation process.
• Cllr McCabe praised the expertise of the Advisory Board, chaired by Professor Marion Harney and supported by WHS Manager Adrian Neilson.
• Bath is of outstanding value as a UNESCO World Heritage Site with global significance.

• This is the first combined management plan and covers both the City of Bath and the Great Spa Towns of Europe inscriptions.
• Climate change is now a headline priority along with Development Management, Public Realm, Traffic, Transport and Mobility, Promotion, Interpretation, Inclusion and Presentation, Natural Setting and Nature Recovery.
• This is the first time that UNESCO/ICOMOS were consulted as key stakeholders which represents a closer working relationship.
• This is the most participative review to date, involving the Advisory Board and Management Plan Steering Group over one and a half years.
• This is the first Bath WHS plan to be fully online, allowing for real-time updates and adaptability.
• The document is written in plain English to be more inclusive and uses local photography rather than stock images.
• The document sets out a clear, collaborative vision for Bath’s future.

Cllr Paul Roper seconded the motion, thanked those people who have been involved in producing the document and noted that there had been nearly 400 responses to the consultation.  He acknowledged those people who, in the past, had recognised the value of Bath’s architecture and had worked hard to protect it.  The double inscription held by Bath is one of only 22 in the world. 

RESOLVED (unanimously)

To endorse the Combined City of Bath and Great Spa Towns of Europe World Heritage Sites Management Plan (2024-2030) following Cabinet endorsement on 14 November 2024 for an 8-week public engagement/consultation between December 2024 and January 2025.