More of the District’s many historic buildings, picturesque gardens and grounds will be conserved and enhanced for future generations following the latest round of conservation area boundary reviews.
Sevenoaks District Council is currently reviewing all 40 conservation areas in the District, and has already extended a number of them, in Chipstead, Leigh, Otford, Penshurst and Ide Hill, in March 2006.
The latest review sees a range of other boundaries extended in Bessels Green, Brasted, Cowden, Eynsford, Farningham, Fordcombe, Halstead, Heaverham, Hoath Corner, Hodsoll Street, Horton Kirby, Kemsing, Markbeech, Seal, Shoreham, Sundridge, Swanley Village and Westerham.
The extension of these conservation areas will mean features such as Osprey House in Westerham and the small 19th Century houses of Russell Terrace in Horton Kirby, amongst others, are protected further by planning laws.
Other areas covered in the extension of these boundaries include the recreation ground and water meadows which provide the setting to Shoreham village, and a range of open land, riverside areas and graveyards in Horton Kirby.
Surveys show that 92% of people think it important to conserve historic features in towns and villages, but change can be inevitable, whether it is alteration to existing buildings or new development. Designation of a conservation area helps to manage change effectively by understanding the significance of historic buildings, streets and places.
Conservation areas are local areas of special architectural or historic interest where the intention is to preserve or enhance character and appearance. By reinforcing character and historic interest, conservation areas can improve the local economy, encourage tourism, attract grants and investment, maintain property values and prevent insensitive development.
Designation as a conservation area doesn’t necessarily mean no change, but instead where development is proposed special attention will be paid to the design of new buildings and extensions to existing buildings. A high standard of design will always be expected, with a particular regard to scale, proportion, roofs, materials, colours, doors, and windows, etc, to ensure that any new development maintains the existing character of the area.
Permission must also be obtained before buildings are demolished, trees are protected and additional publicity is given to proposals for development which would affect the character or appearance of the area.
Cllr Gary Williamson, Sevenoaks District Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for conservation, says: “As residents of Sevenoaks District we are fortunate to live in an area of such rich history and natural beauty and we know how highly this is valued by our residents. As a Council we are committed to retaining this character which makes the District such a special place to live.”
Sevenoaks District has 40 conservation areas, over 2,100 listed buildings, 17 nationally designated parks and gardens of special historic interest, 23 ancient monuments and the largest area in any Kent District designated as of outstanding natural beauty.
Plans showing the new boundaries are available to view during normal office hours at Sevenoaks District Council's planning reception. The planning reception is also open until 7pm every Tuesday.
For more information about the new conservation areas, contact the Council’s Policy and Environment team on 01732 227000 or visit the Council’s website, www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/conservation.
Notes for Editors
92% refers to a national survey carried out by English Heritage
For further information please contact: Steve Mandaluff on 01732 227162 or e-mail steven.mandaluff@sevenoaks.gov.uk
