Staplehurst Conservation Area Appraisal 2024

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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 Staplehurst, 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 Staplehurst, and provides a framework system to ensure that this character is protected or enhanced. The Staplehurst 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).

Staplehurst Conservation Area consists of two different character areas, the busy High Street, and the quiet space around the church. The 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 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 Staplehurst before a final version is adopted. We want to hear from as many people and organisations as possible; including Staplehurst residents, and individuals who work in or visit Staplehurst. 

How you can get involved

Review & Comment: Read the draft plan and comment below.

Public Exhibition: Attend our public exhibition on 22 February at Staplehurst Community Centre (North Hall).

Officers will be available from 2pm to 7pm to discuss the draft plan and take your feedback.

Consultation closes: 17 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 the Staplehurst Conservation Area is due to be considered by the Planning, Infrastructure and Economic Development Policy Advisory Committee in June 2024.

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 Staplehurst, 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 Staplehurst, and provides a framework system to ensure that this character is protected or enhanced. The Staplehurst 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).

Staplehurst Conservation Area consists of two different character areas, the busy High Street, and the quiet space around the church. The 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 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 Staplehurst before a final version is adopted. We want to hear from as many people and organisations as possible; including Staplehurst residents, and individuals who work in or visit Staplehurst. 

How you can get involved

Review & Comment: Read the draft plan and comment below.

Public Exhibition: Attend our public exhibition on 22 February at Staplehurst Community Centre (North Hall).

Officers will be available from 2pm to 7pm to discuss the draft plan and take your feedback.

Consultation closes: 17 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 the Staplehurst Conservation Area is due to be considered by the Planning, Infrastructure and Economic Development Policy Advisory Committee in June 2024.

  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    Comment on the Draft Conservation Area Appraisal for Staplehurst

    Staplehurst is a village located 9 miles (14 km) south of the town of Maidstone. The village lies on the route of a Roman road, which is now incorporated into the A229. The village is located on a geological area known as the Low Weald, with the geology formed of Weald Clay Formation – Limestone. The local environment was previously dominated by swamps, estuaries, and deltas. The area was originally cleared for the feeding of swine (on acorns from the Wealden Forest). It has subsequently proved to be valuable agricultural land, and this has been the basis of the economy ever since. 

    Staplehurst Conservation Area was designated by Maidstone Borough Council 26 November 1987. Despite development encroaching on the Conservation Area, the boundary remains unaltered.

    Click here to read the draft Conservation Area Appraisal & Management Plan for Staplehurst (opens in a new tab).

    We welcome your comments on this plan by 17 March 2024 . 

    Consultation has concluded
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