11 March 2010More of Sevenoaks’ historic areas and buildings will be protected following a review of two conservation areas in the town.
The Vine and Vine Court Conservation Area’s were both reviewed and extended after Sevenoaks District Council’s Cabinet approved revised appraisals earlier this month.
The conservation area covers 18.95 hectares immediately to the north of the High Street. It includes the historic Cricket Ground and adjoining buildings. It also includes two quiet and leafy residential roads to the west and an area along Seal Hollow Road to the east.
The northern end has a significant number of important trees that are protected with preservation orders.
Vine Court Conservation Area covers about 6 and a half hectares to the north of the Vine cricket ground. It includes a substantial area between Dartford Road and Vine Court Road, all of the area between Vine Court Road and Hollybush Lane as well as Walthamstow Hall School and the adjacent houses and buildings at the southern tip of Bayham Road and Hartsland Road.
The northern end has a significant number of important trees that are protected with preservation orders.
New documents will replace the previous Vine and Vine Court Conservation Area Appraisals adopted in July 2000 and March 2001. Owners and occupiers of dwellings in the affected areas together with residents organisations, the Sevenoaks Town Council and English Heritage were consulted on the review.
Designation as a conservation area means that where development is proposed, special attention is 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 materials 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.
Cllr Gary Williamson, Sevenoaks District Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for conservation, says: "We know from previous consultations that the majority of the District’s residents place a high value on the quality of its landscape, historic character and open spaces. Sevenoaks District is an area of rich history and natural beauty, and as a Council we are committed to retaining this character which makes the District such a special place to live."
The new appraisals and boundaries are available to view during normal office hours at Sevenoaks District Council's planning reception.
The appraisals and boundaries can also be viewed online by visiting www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/conservation.
Sevenoaks District Council’s Cabinet approved the revised appraisals at its meeting on 7 May.
For more information about conservation areas, contact the Council's planning team on 01732 227000 or visit the conservation section of the Council's website.
Notes for editors
Sevenoaks is the only District in Kent to have all 40 of its conservation areas covered by appraisals.
In addition to it’s conservation areas Sevenoaks District also has 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.
Conservation areas first came into being over 40 years ago 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.
