Boxley Conservation Area Management Plan

What is a Conservation Area?

The Borough's 41 Conservation Areas have special value for local communities.

Conservation Areas are visible links with our past and offer attractive contrasts to modern environments, and so it is important to ensure that the special character of areas such as Boxley, are protected and sympathetic enhancements are encouraged. Local distinctiveness can provide a catalyst for regeneration and inspire well designed new development. The Council has a duty to review existing Conservation Area designations from time to time to ensure they are up to date and relevant.

The provisions for conservation area designation and management are set out in legislation. Conservation Area requirements are included in the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. Under section 71, local planning authorities should formulate and publish proposals for the preservation and enhancement of conservation areas and consult the public in the area in question, taking account of views expressed. Section 62 requires local planning authorities to review existing conservation areas, and to add more conservation areas. Section 72 states ‘special attention shall be paid to the desirability of preserving or enhancing the character or appearance of that area’.

Click here to read the draft plan.

Why we are consulting

The proposed Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan (known as CAAMP) recognises and summarises the significance and character of Boxley and provides a framework system to ensure that this character is protected or enhanced. The Boxley CAAMP follows the advice set out in Historic England’s guidance note: Conservation Area Appraisal, Designation and Management Historic England Advice Note 1 (Second Edition).

Boxley Conservation Area has a history of settlement that dates back to the Norman period, indicating the potential for archaeological remains that reflect this early history.

The age and quality of the architecture within the Conservation Area provide tangible connections to its historical layers, greatly enhancing its significance. The primary reason for designating this area is the high-quality historic buildings present.

We would like your feedback on the draft Conservation Area Appraisal for Boxley and the proposed extension to the conservation area (map) before a final version is adopted. We want to hear from as many people and organisations as possible; including Boxley residents, and individuals who work in or visit.

How you can get involved

Review & Survey: Read the draft plan and take part in our short survey.

Public Exhibition: 29 October at Detling Village Hall, Pilgrims Way, Detling, Maidstone ME14 3EY

Officers will be available from 3pm to 6pm to discuss the draft plan and take your feedback.

Consultation closes:14 December 2025

What next

All responses to this consultation will be analysed and your feedback will be used to shape the final plan.

The final Management Plan for the Boxley Conservation Area is due to be considered by the Planning and Healthier Stronger Communities Policy Advisory Committee in February 2026.