Conservation areas - Chipstead

Chipstead Conservation Area was first designated in 1971 and then reviewed and redesignated in 2006. Designation is focussed on the large group of listed buildings that line the southern end of Chevening Road, Chipstead Square and the High Street and for the variety and charm of the houses on either side of these roads that wind up the hill through the village. Although the settlement has now spread out beyond the spine of the original road that crossed the river Darent and the track that led to Chipstead Place, the village remains unspoilt and attractive.

The Conservation Area falls largely within the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty which is designated for its high quality landscape. Part of the conservation area is within the urban confines of Chipstead and the remainder within the metropolitan Green Belt.

The conservation area covers 21 hectares and contains 36 listed buildings and structures, which include some boundary walls. Other than the boundary walls to listed buildings, which are deemed to be listed, the Chipstead village conservation area also has a number of walls which are listed in their own right. Most of the listed buildings are privately owned residential properties, although some have been converted from their original agricultural or commercial uses. Any development adjacent to these open areas must be carefully considered as that could have a significant impact upon the character and openness of
the conservation area.

The area contains other older buildings which, although not so historically important as those that are listed, nevertheless contribute to the visual continuity of the High Street, Homedean and Chevening Roads. The eastern side of Chevening Road is bounded by a village green which opens out over Chipstead Lake, and there are walks along footpaths to the north side of the River Darent. These open areas show that Chipstead is essentially a country village, bounded by a protected landscape, and that these boundaries must be protected to maintain the village’s sense of place. Any development adjacent to these open areas must be carefully considered as it could have a significant impact upon the character and openness of the conservation area.

Download the area appraisal and map