Faversham conservation areas review

People can now have their say on two of Faversham’s conservation areas.

Swale Borough Council has reviewed the existing conservation areas of Faversham Town Conservation Area and Preston Next-Faversham as part of their commitment to deliver the adopted Heritage Strategy 2020, Action Plan 1.

The Faversham Town Conservation Area is the largest conservation area in Faversham and contains the majority of the 349 listed, historically important, buildings in the area.

Preston Next-Faversham is a small settlement south of the main Faversham conservation area and stretches along Canterbury Road. It formed part of the old Roman Watling Street and has significant historic value.

Consultations are now open on the draft character appraisal & management plans of both Faversham and Preston Next-Faversham which will be used to inform planning decisions, planning policy making and proposals that enhance or regenerate the conservation areas.

Cllr Mike Baldock, Chair of the Planning Committee, said:

“Swale is fortunate to have such a rich and varied mix of built and natural heritage.

“Historic buildings and places make the quality of people’s lives better and forms an important part of our local identity.

“As a council and a community we have a responsibility to protect our historic assets for future generations to enjoy and to keep them safe from poor quality alterations and developments.

“Conservation areas are not meant to stop progress or prevent change. Instead, they allow us to positively manage it and protect what is special about the area from being harmed or lost altogether.