News Have your say on Detling, Otham and Bearsted conservation areas
Residents are being asked to take part in consultations giving their views on the Conservation Area appraisal and management plans for Detling, Otham and Bearsted.
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.
The application or removal of all or part of a Conservation Area will have implications for various works from tree felling or pruning to building development and demolition (see below for more information).
MBC and the Parish Councils have considered the boundaries of Detling, Otham and Bearsted Conservation Areas and as part of the public consultation welcome views and comments.
Cllr Tony Harwood, Cabinet Member for Policy Planning and Management at MBC said:
“The Borough's 41 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 reviewing and enhancing the conservation areas in Detling, Otham and Bearsted, three historic villages that are very close to my heart and where I have family roots, Maidstone Borough Council would like to hear from anyone that lives, visits or has an interest in these settlements.
“Why not come along to one of the information events being held in each of the three villages, which are 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 intended to encourage sympathetic development and protect their special characteristics, and only discourage development which would be harmful to the special character of an area. 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 three consultations are now openand close 9 March 2025, please visit Let’s Talk Maidstone to have your say on the following areas:
As part of the consultation, public exhibitions will be open to everyoneon the following days:
- Bearsted Conservation Area on Monday 20 January between 4pm and 6pm at Bearsted & Thurnham Tennis Club, Church Landway, Bearsted, Maidstone ME14 4EE
- Otham Conservation Area on Wednesday 29 January between 4pm to 6pm at Otham Village Hall (meeting room), Otham Street, Otham ME15 8RN
- Detling Conservation Area on Wednesday 5 February between 4pm to 6pm at Detling Village Hall (meeting room), Pilgrims Way, Detling, Maidstone ME14 3EY
Information will be available at these events to anyone who wishes to find out more or talk to one of the MBC Conservation team.
To find out more about conservation please visit the MBC website here