THE idea of a ‘buffer zone’ around Blenheim Palace will be discussed by West Oxfordshire councillors tomorrow.

The economic and social overview and scrutiny committee will decide whether the world heritage site, in Woodstock, requires the zone - an area surrounding the site with complementary legal restrictions on development.

Officers have advised the committee to agree there is ‘adequate protection’ of the palace provided by other means and that a formal buffer zone is not required.

Officers say that the West Oxfordshire Local Plan contains policies which adequately WHS sites.