Agenda item

Peter Metcalfe has completed his term of office as chairperson and delivers here his end of term report containing key observations from his time in post.

The World Heritage Manager introduced this report to the Panel. He explained that the Bath World Heritage Site (WHS) is managed through a well-established steering group with an independent chairperson. He said that the Council acts as the ‘chief steward’ of the WHS but operates in partnership with other steering group members. He stated that Peter Metcalfe had completed his term of office as chairperson and wished to deliver his end of term report containing key observations from his time in post.

Peter Metcalfe addressed the Panel. He stated that this current WHS Management Plan for 2016-2022 had received unanimous endorsement at the September 2016 Full Council meeting.

He said that the updating of the 2016-2022 Plan had been founded upon UNESCO’s 5 C’s drivers: 

·  Credibility

·  Conservation

·  Capacity Building

·  Communication

·  Communities

He added that two public participation events were also held - a review workshop in 2015 and an eight-week public consultation on the final draft plan in May to July 2016.

He explained that three of the UNESC0 ‘C’s’ Credibility, Conservation and Capacity Building, show that the WHS is in good hands with few examples of derelict or abandoned buildings, well supported by a track record of caring for heritage with management systems in place locally and nationally.

He said that the fourth UNESCO ‘C’ Communication does capture transportation. He explained that the 2008 UNESCO Mission Report, paragraph 5.2, expressed concern at the omission of what it called an ‘Integrated Traffic Control Plan’. The Council adopted the ‘Getting Around Bath Strategy’ in 2014 and it is now factored into the 2016-2022 plan.

The fifth UNESCO ‘C’ Communities – He said that he knew from past experience that the city and hinterland wards that overlook the WHS are richly endowed with people, individuals, voluntary groups or historical societies who take a keen interest in the attributes of the Bath WHS.

He stated that within the life of the current plan that careful attention would be required on the following areas:

·  The poor physical condition and use of the public realm in many parts of the WHS.

·  An absence of positive ownership of the WHS by businesses, institutions and others in the WHS

·  Ward Councillors to identify attributes/groups in their ward contributing to the WHS.

·  Through research & education raise public awareness and pride in the WHS.

·  Review UNESCO’s Sustainable Use criteria and their relevance within the WHS

He said that he had enjoyed the role immensely and thanked the Panel for the vote of confidence in the World Heritage Site Steering Group, the WHS Manager and all who had contributed to the completion of the third WHS Management Plan.

The Chairman on behalf of the Panel thanked him and the World Heritage Manager for the work they have done.

The World Heritage Manager said that sustainability was key to this work area and that the Destination Management Plan would specifically seek to address this.

Councillor Christopher Pearce asked if the implementation of a cable car within the City would affect its status.

The World Heritage Manager replied that only two sites had ever lost their overall status and that they would assess any such plans if they come forward.

The Panel RESOLVED to note the report.