05 July 2009More of the District's many historic areas and buildings, will be protected 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 extended many areas over the past two years.
Six areas were the subject of the most recent review of which four, the Vine and Kippington in Sevenoaks, Chiddingstone and Chiddingstone Hoath conservation areas will extended after the Council's Cabinet approved revised proposals at it meeting last night (27 September 2007).
Sevenoaks Vine
The Vine Conservation Area is the roughly triangular area that encloses the historic Vine cricket ground and currently covers 9.7 hectares. Originally designated in 1971, it was again reviewed in 1989 and includes the recently listed War Memorial.
The new area now stretches north-west from the present boundary to include most of The Drive, the end of St Botolph's Road nearest to the Vine Cricket Ground and the group of Retreat almshouses near to the Methodist Church.
Chevening
Chevening is a small conservation area covering 2.0 hectares and contains 15 listed buildings. It was originally designated in 1978 in recognition of its special historic and architectural interest and the unaltered and timeless character of the village. The isolation and unspoilt nature of this small rural settlement provides much of its charm and character. St Botolph's Church and the small group of Estate cottages clustered around it form the core of the conservation area. Chevening House and a section of its Park are now added to the original area. The village nestles close to the wall of Chevening House and the surrounding countryside lies wholly within the Green Belt and Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Chiddingstone
Chiddingstone Conservation Area came into being in 1970 covering 24 hectares with 16 listed buildings focused on the High Street. It will now include the remaining grounds and buildings of Chiddingstone Castle. Hill Hoath Road and associated buildings are included together with historic houses located along the sides of the road and the majority of historic and vernacular buildings located at Hill Hoath. The historic coach road from Chiddingstone Castle to Penshurst is also included.
Chiddingstone Hoath
Chiddingstone Hoath Conservation Area covers 3.3 hectares and contains two listed buildings. It was designated in 1993 and includes part of the settlement around the Green and the farmstead at Brookers Farm.
Well Cottage, Hill Crest and Crest Cottage and the area of land to the east of Rendsley Cottage and Wheelwrights are now included.
Owners and occupiers of dwellings in the affected areas together with resident organisations, town or parish councils and English Heritage were consulted on the proposals.
Designation as a conservation area means that where development is proposed, special attention has to 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 the scale, proportion and fabric of the structure 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 development proposals which would affect the character or appearance of the area.
From previous consultations, the Council is aware that the majority of the District's residents place a high value on the quality of its landscape, historic character and open spaces.
Conservation areas first came into being 40 years ago this year to protect areas of special architectural or historic interest and preserve or enhance character and appearance. By protecting character and historic interest, conservation areas can improve the local economy, encourage tourism, attract grants and investment, maintain property values and prevent insensitive development.
Cllr Gary Williamson, Sevenoaks District Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for conservation, says: "We in Sevenoaks District 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 and these additions to our Conservation Areas will help ensure we can protect the heritage of our most important towns and villages."
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 conservation areas, contact the Council's Policy and Environment team on 01732 227000 or visit the Council's website, www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/conservation.
