05 July 2009A number of important trees which contribute to the setting and character of Sevenoaks High Street Conservation Area will be further protected following a review of the conservation area boundary.
The trees on the southern Tonbridge Road approach to the town, along with a small amount of land near Sevenoaks School will now be included in the Sevenoaks High Street Conservation Area, after Sevenoaks District Council's Cabinet approved revised proposals at its meeting on 17 January 2008.
Additional changes will see a small area now in the new Blighs development omitted to reflect changes to the locality, and the area behind the east side of the northern end of the High Street redefined to omit some of the car parking, service and backland areas which are not contributing to the architectural or historic interest of Sevenoaks.
Sevenoaks District Council is currently reviewing all 40 conservation areas in the District, and has modified many boundaries over the past three years. Surveys show that 92% of people think it important to conserve historic features in towns and villages; but change is 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.
Sevenoaks High Street Conservation Area was first designated in 1971, and last reviewed in 1992. It now includes 20 hectares of land covering most of Sevenoaks town centre and part of the Sevenoaks School site
The Town Council, Sevenoaks Society, Sevenoaks School, the Chamber of Commerce, 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.
Conservation areas first came into being in 1967 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: "As a Council we know, from previous consultations, that the majority of the District's residents place a high value on the quality of the landscape, historic character and open spaces of the District. Conservation Areas help ensure we can protect the heritage of our most important towns and villages, so they can be enjoyed by generations to come."
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 Conservation section of the Council's website.
