City wins praise for heritage status bid

YORK'S bid to gain world heritage status has been praised by the Government, but campaigners will have to wait until spring to discover if they have made a shortlist.
By The Newsroom
Published 11th Jan 2011, 22:42 BST
Updated 11th Jan 2011, 22:43 BST

The historic city is one of 38 bids to make it onto a Government "tentative" list of places and sites which can be put forward to the United Nations body UNESCO in 2012 as a contender for the treasured status.

City of York MP Hugh Bayley pressed the city's case in a debate in Westminster yesterday where he was backed up by several of the region's Tory MPs.

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Mr Bayley said: "Inappropriate development of buildings in York cannot, should not and will not take place whether or not the city gains world heritage status, because York has a duty to respond as if it had the status whether it wins it or not.

"Nevertheless, the increased international recognition and support that York could receive to preserve the heritage of the city as a result of designation would further benefit the visitor economy."

York's bid is partly based on the city's archaeology and officials hope the status would boost tourism and encourage better design in the city.

York Outer MP Julian Sturdy said: "It is a travesty that York is not already a world heritage site and its historical importance must be recognised."

Tourism Minister John Penrose praised the quality of the bid, but warned other submissions were also likely to be strong.

Related topics:YorkGovernmentMPs