News Have your say on Marden conservation area
Residents are being asked to take part in a consultation giving their views on the Conservation Area appraisal and management plans for Marden.
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.
Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) 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.
The Council is also required under the same Act to 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 Parish Council have considered the boundary of Marden Conservation Area and as part of the public consultation welcome views and comments.
Cllr Paul Cooper, Cabinet Member for Planning, Infrastructure and Economic Development at MBC said:
“Conservation areas help us to protect and enhance the special character of the borough, making sure there is high quality building and good development.“We are currently looking at the conservation area in Marden, reviewing and enhancing it. We welcome views from everyone, whether they live in those areas or not, as the the overall look and feel of the borough affects everyone who lives and visits. Why not come along to the information event on 30 January which is open to anyone who would like to find out more?”
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 those which would be harmful to the special character of an area.
The consultation is now open and closes 3 March 2024, please visit Let’s Talk Maidstone to have your say:
https://letstalkmaidstone.uk.engagementhq.com/marden-conservation-area-appraisal-2023
As part of the consultation a public exhibition will be open to everyone on Tuesday 30 January between 2.30pm to 7pm at Marden Village Hall.
Information will be available to anyone who wishes to find out more or talk to one of the MBC Conservation 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
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