Sutton Valence Conservation Area Extension

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Consultation has concluded

Maidstone Borough Council wants your views on a proposed extension to Sutton Valence Conservation Area. Your feedback will help us understand your views on the proposal and whether there is anything else to consider in terms of relevant local history.

The Borough's Conservation Areas have special value for the community; they are visible links with our past and offer attractive contrasts to modern environments, and so it is important to ensure the special character of these areas are protected and sympathetic enhancements encouraged. This 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 proposed extension will add approximately two hectares to the conservation area. It is the area which it is believed was contained by the outer curtain wall of the castle with the addition of the two roads – Tumblers Hill and Baker Lane which have clearly been dug out and may have been quarries that provided the stone for the castle. There have been sufficient archaeological finds to suggest that this is an accurate assessment of the extent of the castle.

The area of the extension is mostly in private hands but under several discrete ownerships. While the heritage assets remain hidden there is a serious risk of accidental damage, disturbance, or loss of those assets. Bringing the whole castle site within the conservation area will allow a certain degree of development control but more importantly will allow the emergence of a coordinated approach and policy towards management of the area until it can be the subject of an intensive archaeological investigation.

The full report can be viewed here.

How can you get involved?

Tell us what you think about the proposed extension to Sutton Valence Conservation Area.

Survey takes about 3 to 5 minutes to complete.

Consultation closes: 24 September 2023.

What happens next

Your responses will be considered by Councillors at the Planning, Infrastructure & Economic Development Meeting on 8 November 2023.

Maidstone Borough Council wants your views on a proposed extension to Sutton Valence Conservation Area. Your feedback will help us understand your views on the proposal and whether there is anything else to consider in terms of relevant local history.

The Borough's Conservation Areas have special value for the community; they are visible links with our past and offer attractive contrasts to modern environments, and so it is important to ensure the special character of these areas are protected and sympathetic enhancements encouraged. This 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 proposed extension will add approximately two hectares to the conservation area. It is the area which it is believed was contained by the outer curtain wall of the castle with the addition of the two roads – Tumblers Hill and Baker Lane which have clearly been dug out and may have been quarries that provided the stone for the castle. There have been sufficient archaeological finds to suggest that this is an accurate assessment of the extent of the castle.

The area of the extension is mostly in private hands but under several discrete ownerships. While the heritage assets remain hidden there is a serious risk of accidental damage, disturbance, or loss of those assets. Bringing the whole castle site within the conservation area will allow a certain degree of development control but more importantly will allow the emergence of a coordinated approach and policy towards management of the area until it can be the subject of an intensive archaeological investigation.

The full report can be viewed here.

How can you get involved?

Tell us what you think about the proposed extension to Sutton Valence Conservation Area.

Survey takes about 3 to 5 minutes to complete.

Consultation closes: 24 September 2023.

What happens next

Your responses will be considered by Councillors at the Planning, Infrastructure & Economic Development Meeting on 8 November 2023.

  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    Sutton Valence Conservation Area Extension

    The current Conservation Area is outlined in black on the map below. Following a review it is proposed that the Sutton Valence Conservation Area is extended to include the area within the red line.

    Take the survey to tell us if you agree or disagree with the proposed extension and feedback any additional comments on the Sutton Valence Conservation Area.

    The information provided by you in this survey will be used for research purposes. It will not be used in a manner that would allow identification of individual responses. Click here to read our Privacy Notice.

    Consultation has concluded
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