Phil Harding, leader of Saltford Environmental Group, has sparked a local debate by suggesting that Bath consider giving up its UNESCO World Heritage status. He argues that the designation limits housing development in Bath, pushing the pressure onto neighbouring communities like Saltford.
Since Bath was designated a World Heritage Site in 1987, the city has been celebrated for its Roman baths, Medieval abbey, and stunning Royal Crescent. However, Bath and North East Somerset Council (B&NES) must adhere to strict UNESCO regulations that restrict developments potentially harmful to Bath’s unique heritage.
As a result, Saltford faces proposals for around 1,300 new homes on its green belt — with plans unveiled earlier this year for 500 houses west of the village and 800 to the south. Harding, a Saltford resident for over 30 years, worries the village’s infrastructure isn’t prepared for such growth and points out many new residents would work in Bath anyway. “I’m not against new housing, I’m against putting housing in the wrong place,” Harding said.
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He suggests that if Bath were to relinquish its World Heritage status, it could build more housing internally, reducing the burden on neighbouring communities. “Bath doesn’t need World Heritage Status,” he stated emphatically.
While some sites have been removed from UNESCO’s World Heritage list—such as Oman’s Arabian Oryx Sanctuary in 2007 due to poaching and habitat loss, and Liverpool’s Maritime Mercantile City in 2021 after irreversible developments—these decisions have always been made by UNESCO, not by the sites themselves. It remains unclear whether a city can voluntarily give up this status.
Attempts to clarify the process by Somerset Live received no comment from the World Heritage Organisation at the time of writing.
Despite these challenges, Bath has seen new housing developments within its boundaries, including projects at Bath Press near Oldfield Park and Mulberry Park in Combe Down.
Councillor Matt McCabe, Cabinet Member for Built Environment, Housing and Sustainable Development at B&NES, emphasized the delicate balance: “The UNESCO World Heritage Site dual inscription is highly respected and brings many benefits. It does mean we need to recognise the values of this unique site. We also recognise the significant housing pressure across our area and are actively seeking solutions.”
Recently, the region held a Housing Summit that brought together political leaders to address the severe local housing crisis. They signed a groundbreaking housing accord, committing to cross-party cooperation to expand affordable housing.
This accord responds to alarming statistics, including average house prices in some Bath areas reaching 18 times the average salary, and renters spending around 40% of their gross income on housing.
Council Leader Kevin Guy highlighted the accord’s significance: “Only by working together and putting politics aside can we truly start to address a broken housing system. This is a turning point demonstrating united commitment to provide the right homes in the right places.”
West of England Mayor Helen Godwin echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts across authorities and government to deliver housing alongside essential services.
Victor da Cunha, CEO of Curo and Chair of the local Housing Mission Delivery Board, called the accord historic: “Bath & North East Somerset has become the first council in the country to sign a cross-party housing accord. The shared vision to end the housing crisis and provide quality, affordable homes will unlock the region’s economic potential.”
As Bath grapples with balancing heritage conservation and housing needs, the debate on the city’s World Heritage status adds a new dimension to longstanding development challenges.