The Cabinet considered the Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan for the Hartslands, Sevenoaks Area. The report by the Head of Development Services explained that there was a duty on local authorities to designate as conservation areas any ‘areas of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance’. Clear and concise appraisals of the character of conservation areas provided a sound basis for their designation and management, informed local development documents and provided a framework for the control of development. The CAMP had been prepared in collaboration with District Councillors, Sevenoaks Town Council and local amenity groups (the Hartslands Group, the Hollybush Residents Association and the Sevenoaks Society). There had also been considerable consultation which had included writing to every household and business in the area and a local exhibition. As a result of consultation amendments had been incorporated in the CAMP in relation to the proposed boundary and Character Appraisal Map. The response to consultation had shown strong support from local residents for the area to become a designated Conservation Area.   If agreed, the CAMP would help the local community, developers, local authorities and development professions engage in the conservation and enhancement of the local historic environment and secure the preservation of the character of the conservation area as an important heritage asset.

The Environment Select Committee had considered the CAMP at its meeting on 12 April 2011 and recommended the designation of Hartslands as a Conservation Area and that additional guidance should also be provided to residents in relation to the type of replacement doors, windows and roof materials suitable within Conservation Areas.

The Leader of the Council welcomed the many local residents and local Ward Members who had attended the Cabinet for this item which he felt was a testament to the vital role that they had played in the development of the CAMP. Councillors Walshe and Mrs Purves spoke strongly in support of the designation of the CAMP and emphasised the special character of the Hartsland area and the participation of local people and organisations.

The Cabinet expressed its thanks to the Director of Community and Planning Services and her staff for the excellent work that had been carried out in preparing the CAMP and thanked the consultant, Tony Fulford, for his work on this project.   

Resolved: That the designation of the Hartsland Conservation Area be approved and the Hartsland Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan (attached at Appendix A to the report) be adopted as informal planning guidance and a material consideration in the determination of development proposals.