Planning

The council, through the Planning (Listed Building and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 (www.england-legislation.hmso.gov.uk/acts/acts1990/Ukpga_19900009_en_1.htm), controls certain works in conservation areas. A conservation area is an area of special architectural or historic interest whose appearance or setting the council wishes to preserve or enhance. Conservation areas vary in size, ranging from whole town centres to much smaller groups of buildings. They will often be centred on listed buildings but other features of merit, such as open spaces, trees, historic street patterns or items of historic or archaeological interest, may also contribute to the special character of an area.

Even relatively minor works, such as painting, removal of doors and windows, and paving front gardens may affect the character of a conservation area and it is therefore advisable to contact the council for further advice. The fact that a building is in a conservation area does not necessarily mean that it must be preserved intact for all time. The main purpose of a conservation area is to ensure that care will be taken over decisions affecting its future, that any alterations respect the particular character and interest of the area and that the case for preservation is taken fully into account in considering the merits of any redevelopment proposals.

The urban fabric of Medway is rich in history and contains much that is worthy of conservation. Rochester was established in Roman times to guard the Medway crossing. Its castle and cathedral are predominantly Norman. Much of the core of Georgian and Victorian Rochester also survives, including the Corn Exchange, Hawkins Almshouses and Eastgate House. To preserve this wealth of built heritage, Medway contains a total of 25 conservation areas.

In order to safeguard the historic and architectural character of Medway, the council has made various Article 4 Directions. This requires planning permission to be sought for some works that would not normally be required.

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