Could Madeley or Broseley become part of Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site?

A Shropshire world heritage site could be expanded into more communities north and south of the River Severn, a committee is set to hear.

A council consultation found that only around half of respondents were aware of the current Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site boundary but there are calls to extend it.

Councillors will be told this week that the 10-year-old Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site management plan ius set to be replaced in 2027.

"Whilst most respondents considered the existing boundary to be appropriate, support was expressed for considering extensions into areas including Broseley, Benthall, Buildwas and parts of Madeley and Dawley," a Telford & Wrekin Council report stated.

"Broseley Town Council has formally indicated support for the consideration of extending the designation into Broseley."

Officials say the next plan should include a review of the World Heritage Site boundary, buffer zone and wider setting.

Some 640 responses from residents, businesses and visitors were received.

"Heritage assets, local identity and conservation of the historic environment were consistently identified as the most important positive factors influencing people's experience of the gorge," read a report to a council committee.

The gorge's unique role as the "birthplace of the Industrial Revolution" was also prominent in the responses.

Businesses "highlighted the prestige associated with operating within a World Heritage Site and the benefits derived from tourism”.

But the area has its challenges too, with road capacity, traffic, parking and road safety concerns.

"Despite overwhelmingly positive feedback, respondents also identified a number of challenges that affect their experience of the World Heritage Site," said a briefing note to the environment scrutiny committee.

There were "consistently ranked as the most negative factors affecting use of the site”.

Flooding, transport, pressure arising from tourism, planning and development restrictions, housing availability, digital connectivity, business viability and environmental concerns were also on the list of issues.

The Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site is designated by UNESCO as a site of Outstanding Universal Value and is required to maintain an approved management plan setting out the long-term strategy for its protection, conservation and enhancement.

The new plan will establish objectives and actions for the period 2027-2037 and will be developed in accordance with UNESCO and Historic England guidance.

As well as a review of the World Heritage Site boundary the plan will look at eight issues that will form the basis of the new management plan objectives: highways capacity and transport; planning control and development; conservation of heritage assets; tourism management and events; flooding, water management and land stability; ecology and biodiversity; traditional skills and culture, digital connectivity.

Climate change adaptation and education will be a "cross-cutting consideration".

There will be a formal public consultation and technical review by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) in early 2027. It is set to be formally adopted by both Telford & Wrekin Council and Shropshire Council later in 2027, followed by submission to the Government and UNESCO.