Conservation Area Management Plan 2024
Conservation Areas in Maidstone have special value for communities and for the whole of the borough. They form visible links with our past and offer beautiful surroundings, so it is important to ensure that the special characteristics of these areas are protected and that appropriate enhancements are encouraged.
Why are we consulting
The proposed Over-arching Conservation Area Management Plan provides a framework system to ensure that these characteristics are protected or enhanced. It does not introduce new policies or restrictions; it is designed to help ensure that changes help to protect the Conservation Area.
Originally drafted to help the Conservation Areas that do not currently have a Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan, this document will also help support the Conservation Areas that need updated management plans.
We would like feedback on the draft Conservation Area Management Plan before a final version is adopted. We want to hear from as many people and organisations as possible; including Maidstone residents, and individuals who work in or visit Maidstone.
Click here to read the draft plan
How you can get involved
Review & Comment: Read the draft plan and comment below.
Public Meetings: Attend our one of our public drop-in sessions.
- 23 April - Detling Village Hall - 15:30 to 18:30
- 24 April - Maidstone Town Hall - 15:30 to 18:30
- 1 May - Staplehurst Community Centre - 15:30 to 18:00
At these sessions officers will be available to discuss the draft plan and take your feedback.
Consultation closes: 21 May 2024
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 Staplehurst Conservation Area is due to be considered by the Planning, Infrastructure and Economic Development Policy Advisory Committee in June 2024.
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Comment
The concept of conservation areas was first brought into being by the Civic Amenities Act of 1967, but the relevant legislation now is the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act of 1990. This Act places a duty on local planning authorities to designate conservation areas where appropriate and defines a conservation area as “an area of architectural or historic interest the character and appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance”.Designation as a conservation area makes additional controls available to the local planning authority. Briefly these include the control of demolition of unlisted buildings, more restricted permitted development rights for single dwelling houses and protection of trees.
This document has been designed to offer an overarching management plan for Maidstone Borough Councils existing conservation area’s that currently do not management plans. This document is not considered to be a substitute for a full appraisal. Where conservation areas have an existing, up to date Management Plan, these will be taken precedent over this document.
Consultation closes: 21 May 2024.
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