|PIC1|Christian sites are among the nation's most important landmarks set to gain from new Government plans to increase protection for all 17 World Heritage Sites in England.

For the first time, sites such as Durham and Canterbury Cathedrals, Westminster Abbey, and St Augustine's Abbey will be included in national planning protection rules, placing them on the same footing as England's conservation areas, national parks and areas of outstanding beauty.

The plans were announced by Communities Minister Baroness Andrews on Tuesday.

"Britain has a unique heritage with many famous buildings and landmarks stretching from Stonehenge to the Royal Botanic Gardens," she said.

"We want to ensure that our historic buildings and landmarks and our cultural treasures are preserved for current and future generations.

"We are changing the planning rules to give all English World Heritage Sites the best protection from potentially damaging developments that could threaten the authenticity, accessibility and charm or character of our most important places."

World Heritage status is granted to landmarks deemed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) to be of outstanding universal value.

More than half of the UK's World Heritage Sites do not currently fall within protected conversation areas. The new protection will prevent minor but potentially devastating development, such as roof alternations or the construction of new buildings close by, from taking place without planning permission.

Dr Christopher Young, Head of World Heritage and International Policy for the conversation body English Heritage, said that the Government plans offered the "basic protection that should be expected for sites of such outstanding international importance".

"One of the significant threats faced by World Heritage Sites in England is the incremental damage to those that fall outside of the protection provided by conservation areas, national parks or areas of outstanding natural beauty," he said.

"We welcome that this destructive anomaly that threatens these few vulnerable sites has now been addressed by the planning system."

English Heritage has published guidance advising on how to give proper consideration and protection to World Heritage Sites.