Marden Conservation Area Appraisal 2023
Consultation has concluded
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 Marden, 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 Marden, and provides a framework system to ensure that this character is protected or enhanced. The Marden CAAMP follow the advice set out in Historic England’s guidance note: Conservation Area Appraisal, Designation and Management Historic England Advice Note 1 (Second Edition).
Marden Conservation Area consists of three different character areas, High Street, Church Green and Pattenden Lane. This High Street is the historic core of the village with a range of buildings of different building types including Wealden Hall Houses, Victorian terraces and detached buildings. The Church Green is centred around the Church of St Michael and All Angels which is an important local landmark and community facility. Pattenden lane comprise a mix of detached and terraced properties of traditional vernacular materials including brick built and weatherboarded properties dating from the between the 18th-20th century and sited on irregular plots. The variety of architectural styles, materials and built form contribute to the special character of the conservation area.
We would like your feedback on the draft Conservation Area Appraisal for Marden before a final version is adopted. We want to hear from as many people and organisations as possible; including Marden residents, and individuals who work in or visit Marden.
How you can get involved
Review & Comment: Read the draft plan and comment below.
Public Exhibition: Attend our public exhibition on 30 January at Marden Memorial Hall.
Officers will be available from 2:30pm to 7pm to discuss the draft plan and take your feedback.
Consultation closes: 3 March 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 Marden's Conservation Area is due to be considered by the Planning, Infrastructure and Economic Development Policy Advisory Committee in June 2024.
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Consultation has concluded
Marden is a small village located approximately 8 miles south of Maidstone. It lies on the floor plain of the River Beult and is located near the topographic boundary between the Lesser Teise and River Beult catchments. The village is located on a geological area known as the Low Weald. This is characterised by clay soils which do not naturally drain well. Marden thrived with the Kentish wool trade until the late eighteenth century. During the 19th century Marden had developed into an agricultural community, and was well known for the cultivation of hops and fruit.Marden Conservation Area was designated by Maidstone Borough Council in 1977. It consists of three different character areas, High Street, Church Green and Pattenden Lane.
We welcome your comments on this plan by 3 March 2024 .
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