Residents and businesses in the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site could soon be subject to tighter planning restrictions under new Government proposals, it was revealed today.

If the plans are given approval they would, for the first time, see the Gorge put on the same national footing for development control as conservation areas, national parks and areas of outstanding beauty.

Even minor developments such as a roof alteration or artificial stoning would not be allowed without specific planning permission if the changes come into being.

Gorge Parish Council chairman, the Reverend Keith Osmund-Smith, welcomed the proposals but Telford MP David Wright sounded a note of caution, saying the area was a living community and regulation had to be balanced.

Planning Minister Baroness Andrews said: “We are changing the planning rules to give all English World Heritage Sites the best protection from potentially damaging developments that could threaten the authenticity, accessibility and charm or character of our most important places.”

Mr Osmund-Smith said he believed residents would not be affected by the tighter controls and it would only hit commercial enterprises seeking to cash in on the Gorge at the expense of the environment.

He said: “For quite a considerable time, as a result of being a World Heritage Site, residents have been subject to much stricter planning controls than other parts of Telford and Wrekin.

“We have always been rigorous in ensuring that planning rules are adhered to.

“I think the greatest risk the Gorge faces is from commercial interests coming in from outside to make lots of money while spoiling the area.”

Mr Wright, co-chairman of the World Heritage sites all-party group at Westminster, said: “It’s good news that these sites are being recognised as some of the most important in the country and there is a need to protect the physical environment.

“There has got to be a balance, however. The Ironbridge Gorge is a living community and we need jobs and businesses setting up here.

“The planning rules should be flexible while recognising the unique nature of the heritage site.”

By Simon Hardy