World Heritage Site

The Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey, including St Margaret’s Church, was inscribed as a cultural World Heritage Site in 1987. 

The inclusion of this group of buildings on the world heritage list makes them one of 1092 sites worldwide considered to have ‘Outstanding Universal Value’ as part of the world’s cultural and natural heritage. The Statement of Outstanding Universal Value sets out the qualities and characteristics of the site that make it internationally important. The site has a management plan that is currently being updated.

Document

World Heritage Site boundary map PDF, 222.68 KB, 1 page

Document

World Heritage Site management plan PDF, 5.85 MB, 215 pages

Document

Conservation area audit PDF, 26.95 MB, 148 pages

If you intend to submit an application for development which may affect the Outstanding Universal Value of the Site, you will normally need to prepare a Heritage Impact Assessment to assess the impact on the site.  This should follow the 2022 guidance on impact assessments issued by UNESCO and the Advisory Bodies. This replaces previous ICOMOS guidance on HIA. We have also prepared a guidance note on HIA which is currently being updated to reflect the revised guidance.

Document

Guidance for applicants on Heritage Impact Assessment PDF, 237.74 KB, 8 pages

The World Heritage Centre may also need to be notified of proposals affecting the World Heritage Site. To ensure all the relevant stakeholders are involved, we recommend you seek pre-application advice.

Westminster World Heritage SiteSteering Group

The World Heritage Site Steering Group provides co-ordination between the landowners and stakeholders with an interest in the site - including the Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey, Historic England and the Greater London Authority. The terms of reference for the group are below.

Document

World Heritage Site terms of reference PDF, 22.8 KB, 2 pages

Further information

Further information and documents about Westminster World Heritage Site can be found at UNESCO.

For detailed information on the individual buildings within the site, their architecture and history, see Westminster Abbey and Palace of Westminster.

World Heritage UK provides useful advice and resources for policy and information on all UK World Heritage Sites.