Worcester is a city of significant heritage importance and as such Worcester City Council play a vital role in ensuring that all new proposed development is of a sufficient appropriate quality. The City Council deal with over 900 applications each year of which over 90% are approved either through delegated officer powers or Planning Committee. The City also boasts 18 conservation areas and 707 listed buildings as well as areas surrounding the city wall and cathedral being of significant archaeological merit; all of which contributes to Worcesters' status as a heritage city.