Ironbridge Gorge protection plan is approved

With an aim of connecting the historic areas of Ironbridge with plans for the future, the new document identifies what makes the area special while proposing how it can be used in the future.

Councillor Gilly Reynolds, Telford & Wrekin Council member for education, employment and regeneration, said she fully supported the plan.

"It's clear how important this is in terms of local tourism. Ironbridge Gorge attracts people from right across the country," she said.

Les Sparks OBE, chairman of the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site Steering Group, said the updated management plan was key to securing the "prosperity, historic authenticity and beauty of the Gorge".

He said: "The issues for today are quite different from those 40 years ago."

The Ironbridge site was added to the list of universally important areas by Unesco back in 1986 for its unique role in the development of the Industrial Revolution.

The World Heritage Site is under pressure from its popularity with tourists as well as potential development following the closure of Ironbridge Power Station.

The plans aim to "ensure the effective protection of the site for future generations" while balancing the heritage of the area with the ambitions of residents, business and visitors. It also includes mention of the Ironbridge Power Station, which closed in November 2015 after producing electricity for more than 80 years.

Councillors also approved a scheme backing the preservation of the Severn Gorge Conservation Area.

The plan has to be regularly reviewed by the council and includes comments on how planning applications should be approached in the area, as well as regulations on new builds.

In its overall document, it suggests ways to help improve energy production in the area, while ensuring the character of the area is preserved.

It comes as the Ironbridge Gorge Museums Trust, which runs 10 museums throughout the area marks its 50th anniversary.

From Blists Hill to Enginuity and across all of its other properties, There will be a number of special events, talks and conferences to mark the 50 years since the trust was launched.

Bosses have also announced further details on their £15 million masterplan of upgrades and upcoming work set to take place at the trust over the next 10 years. The first phase of the new masterplan is the re-opening of the Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron, which has been given a refurbishment since it was closed more than six months ago.

The new museum will reveal how that happened in that part of Shropshire during the Industrial Revolution changed the world forever.