That the text of the Conservation Area Management Plan for Maidstone Holy Trinity Conservation Area, attached at Appendix A to the report of the Assistant Director of Development and Community Strategy, be approved for adoption and publication subject to any necessary  minor editorial amendments to be made by the Assistant Director of Development and Community Strategy.

The original draft of the Management Plan for Maidstone Holy Trinity Conservation Area was approved for consultation purposes by the Cabinet Member on 17^th December 2009 and was the subject of consultation in accordance with the aims of the Council’s adopted Statement of Community Involvement.  This included the following bodies and individuals:-

§  English Heritage

§  Kent County Council

§  Ward Members 

§  Other relevant organizations with an interest in the particular areas, e.g. Chamber of Commerce and Town Centre Manager

In addition, a copy was placed on the Borough Council’s website and a press release placed in the Kent Messenger. Copies were also deposited at Maidstone and Springfield Libraries and atThe Gateway, the latter accompanied by a display. Internal consultations were carried out with the development control section. A drop-in session was held in The Gateway on 25^th January.

Consultees were encouraged to respond using a questionnaire relating to key issues.

No responses have been received as a result of the consultation process. Consequently, no changes have been made to the Management Plan other than minor ones to update the text to take account of recent new development.

Summary of Key Proposals.  Major proposals incorporated in the Management Plan include:-

·  Significant extensions of the Conservation Area to the north and east

·  Smaller extensions to the west and east

·  The extension of the existing Article 4 (2) Direction to cover any additions to the Conservation Area

·  Enhancement proposals to encompass improvements to shopfronts, signage, intrusive wirescape, street furniture and highways signage

·  The encouragement of the redevelopment of vacant sites and surface car parks.

All of these elements will require separate procedural steps and will be subject to further consultation, with the aim of completing this programme within the next 24 months.

The alternative would be not to approve the Management Plan for adoption and publication.  However, following this course of action would mean that the Council was not complying with national guidance and best practice.