Glastonbury Town Council has paused plans to pursue UNESCO World Heritage status following a strong public backlash.

Councillors had spent the past year exploring whether the town could meet UNESCO's "outstanding universal value" criteria — a designation which can help protect historic places from overdevelopment.

However, more than 3,800 residents signed a petition opposing the proposal, raising concerns that the status could increase tourism and alter the town's character.

The decision to pause the process was made during a full council meeting on Tuesday.

Concerns about tourism and identity

Opponents of the proposal said World Heritage status could dramatically change the nature of the town.

Resident Amanda Gazidis, who organised the petition, previously said the designation could "change the whole face" of Glastonbury.

She warned the move might turn the town from a "very organic, spiritual and diverse place" into somewhere that felt more commercialised.

Council reflects on engagement

Town clerk Conor Ogilvie-Davidson said councillors felt the council could have handled community engagement better during the early stages of the proposal.

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Speaking to BBC Radio Somerset after the vote, he said the council needed to ensure the community was fully involved in major decisions.

"We need to bring our community with us with any decisions such as this," he said.

He added that, in hindsight, the way the proposal was introduced and communicated may not have been the best approach.

Other protections now being explored

Although the bid has been paused, councillors say the idea has not been ruled out entirely.

Instead, the council will now explore other ways to protect Glastonbury's landscape and character from development.

Options being considered include seeking Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) or National Park status.

Officials say the question of World Heritage status could be revisited in the future.

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