The Principal Conservation Officer introduced the report which highlighted the work that had been completed and noted that the Conservation Areas Work Programme was agreed by the Committee in September 2019. This included the Boughton Monchelsea Conservation Areas boundaries, draft appraisal and management plan reports for Maidstone Centre, Maidstone Ashford Road, Maidstone Chillington House and Sutton Valence Conservation Areas.

The Principal Conversation Officer referenced the Business Rates Retention Scheme that had provided the necessary resources to complete the work undertaken. The funding would cease in March 2021, after which the work programme would be reviewed. The draft reports would be subject to a 10-week consultation process, to be adopted under delegated powers in December 2020.

The Committee felt that alternative methods of funding to enable the work undertaken to continue should be assessed. Specific reference was made to the importance of Conservation Areas in Planning matters and in aiding Parish Councils. It was requested that an item be added to the Committee Work Programme, in order that a report to examine alternative funding opportunities could be presented to the Committee.

RESOLVED: That the contents of the report be noted.