1.       CROSS-CUTTING ISSUES AND IMPLICATIONS

2.      INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

2.    

2.1   The Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 requires local authorities to review their conservation areas from time to time to consider whether they should be amended, are still worthy of being designated and the possibility of revising their boundaries and to identify changes and pressures which may affect the original reasons for their designation. 

2.2   In order that informed decisions can be made on planning applications it is important to identify the special character of conservation areas which are proposed for preservation and enhancement. The Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan allows for an informed decision to be made by recognising the character of the Conservation Area and providing a framework of actions. 

2.3   The first part of the document, the appraisal, identifies the key elements  which combine to produce the special historic and architectural interest of the Conservation Area and considers how they interact and impact upon one another and explains how the area has developed into their current form. It seeks to identify pressures and developments which threaten the special character of the Conservation Area, and sites and features which detract from the character and appearance of the Conservation Area. The clear understanding of the Area’s qualities provided in the appraisal offers information to guide future policies and improvements as well as providing a framework against which decisions on individual planning proposals may be assessed.  The is further elaborated upon, in the second part of the document: the management plan.

2.4   Marden Conservation Area consists of three different character areas, High Street, Church Green and Pattenden Lane.  The High Street is the historic core of the village with a range of buildings of different building types including Wealden Hall Houses, Victorian terraces and detached buildings.  The Church Green is centred around the Church of St Michael and All Angels which is an important local landmark and community facility. Pattenden lane comprise a mix of detached and terraced properties of traditional vernacular materials including brick built and weatherboarded properties dating from the between the 18^th-20^th century and sited on irregular plots. The variety of architectural styles, materials and built form contribute to the special character of the conservation area.

2.5   The Appraisal states that the conservation area boundary is still relevant in the most part as it draws a clear line around the appropriate area which is compact and contained. Parish councillors have requested consideration is given to extend the boundary of the conservation area to include a group of Victorian terraces opposite Jewel Grove.  Careful consideration has been given to this request, but due to the position of the Victorian buildings, the separation distance between the boundary of the conservation area and the buildings, and the modern development in-between it is considered they are not suitable for inclusion in the Conservation Area. However, they will be afforded protection on the local list.  This would help ensure they are afforded protection and will ensure they are a material consideration in the planning process.

2.6   Resulting from the findings of the appraisal, the management plan contains proposals to preserve or enhance Marden Conservation Area.  The document includes the policy background to the management plan, principles for development control, and, where appropriate, suggested boundary alterations.  It also contains information on review and good practice procedures.

2.7   The Marden Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan (CAAMP) has been written in accordance with guidelines set down by Historic England and the National Planning Policy Framework (2023).  This has been drafted for Cabinet Member approval to enable a consultation process to be carried out in accordance with the Planning Act 1990 requirements under section 71(2).  This will include the following bodies and individuals:

a)   Historic England

b)   Kent County Council Heritage Unit

c)    Ward Members

d)   Marden Parish Council

e)   Any other relevant organizations with an interest in Marden

2.8 In addition, copies will be placed on the Borough Council’s website and in the local library. A formal notice will be published in the London Gazette and a local newspaper (KM), as per the Planning Act 1990 requirements under section 70(8) and there will also be a press release.  This should ensure that the combined appraisal and management plan documents are brought to the attention of the local public.

3.   AVAILABLE OPTIONS

3.1 Option 1 - The Committee could choose to recommend that the report recommendations be approved by the Cabinet Member for Planning, Infrastructure and Economic Development.

3.2 Option 2 - The Committee could choose not to recommend that the report recommendations be approved by the Cabinet Member for Planning, Infrastructure and Economic Development. If not approved there is a risk that Maidstone Borough Council are failing to comply with the requirements of the Planning (Listed Building and Conservation Area) Act 1990

4.        PREFERRED OPTION AND REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATIONS

4.1 The preferred option is 3.1

4.2 By approving the public consultation for the Marden Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan, this provides a clear steer on enabling the council to take appropriate action and engagement to protect our heritage.

5.       RISK

5.1 There is not anticipated to be any discernible risk associated with the report and its recommendations. Any risk has been assessed with regard to the Council’s risk management principles.

6.       CONSULTATION

6.1  The combined document will be the subject of repeat consultation in accordance with the Planning Act 1990 and Historic England Guidance. This will include the following bodies and individuals:

·         Historic England

·         Kent County Council Heritage Unit

·         Ward Members

·         Marden Parish Council

7.       NEXT STEPS: COMMUNICATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DECISION

7.1 The report and guidance, if approved, will be available on the MBC website. If approved by the Cabinet Member the guidance will be available  to assist in the consideration of planning applications.

8.        REPORT APPENDICES

The following documents are to be published with this report and form part of the report:

9.        BACKGROUND PAPERS

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