News Give your views on Staplehurst Conservation Area
Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) Heritage Team is asking residents their views on the Staplehurst Conservation Area appraisal and management plan as part of a consultation.
The Council has a duty under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 to designate areas they believe are of special architectural or historic interest, where it is desirable to preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the area.
As part of the same Act the council must review the designated conservation areas ‘from time to time’ to see whether there is a case for extending or amending the boundary or, in exceptional circumstances, for de-designation. MBC and the Staplehurst Parish Council have considered the boundary of the Conservation Area and as part of the public consultation welcome views and comments.
The identification of Conservation Areas helps to manage and protect the special architectural and historic interest of a place and the features that make it unique. Every local authority in England has at least one conservation area and there are around 10,000 in England.
Cllr Paul Cooper, Cabinet Member for Planning, Infrastructure and Economic Development at MBC said:
“We welcome views from everyone, whether they live in Staplehurst or not, as the overall look and feel of the borough affects everyone who lives and visits. Conservation Areas help us to protect and enhance the special character of the borough, making sure there is high quality building and good development”.“There is an information event on 22 February 2024 at the Staplehurst Community Centre, from 2pm to 7pm, which is open to anyone who would like to find out more, please come along.”
When a Conservation Area is designated, the Council has a duty to consider it when deciding on planning proposals. It is important to note that designation is not intended to preclude all change or development, only that which would be harmful to the special character of an area.
The consultation is open now and closes 17 March 2024, please visit Let’s Talk Maidstone to have your say:
https://letstalkmaidstone.uk.engagementhq.com/staplehurst-conservation-area-appraisal-2024
As part of the consultation a public exhibition will be open to everyoneon 22 February 2024 between 2.00pm to 7pm at Staplehurst Community Centre.
Information will be available to anyone who wishes to find out more or talk to one of the MBC Heritage team.
To find out more please visit the MBC website here: https://maidstone.gov.uk/home/primary-services/planning-and-building/heritage-and-landscape/conservation-areas
Sign up to Maidstone Borough Council e-newsletters ‘Stay Connected’ to receive vital news and updates via email for the many services and events provided by the Council: https://maidstone.gov.uk/StayConnected.