Conservation area consultations

Published Monday 13 November, 2023
Last updated on Thursday 22 February, 2024

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

Swale Borough Council has reviewed the existing conservation areas of Milton Regis and Cellar Hill and Greenstreet as part of their commitment to deliver the adopted Heritage Strategy 2020, Action Plan 1.

The Milton Regis Conservation Area is one of Kent’s ancient settlements and includes one of the highest concentrations of listed buildings in the borough.

The town’s prosperity, in the medieval period, was due to Milton Creek which offered easy access to London, the east coast and the continent for trade. Making Milton one of the biggest ports in Kent.

Cellar Hill and Greenstreet Conservation Areas run parallel to the old Roman Watling Street. During the 18th and 19th centuries it provided rest and refreshment for people travelling from Dover to London.

Consultations are now open on the draft character appraisal and management plans of both conservation areas and 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 has a rich history; Milton Regis is an ancient town that used to serve as a bustling port for the country.

“While Cellar Hill and Greenstreet owe their design and outline thanks to Roman influence and the historic Watling Street.

“These historic areas are not only an important part of Swales identity, but also help to create a sense of place that we all identify with.

“We need to protect these areas for future generations to enjoy and to keep them safe from poor quality alterations and developments.

“These conservation areas are not meant to halt progress or prevent change, but instead, gives us the tools to manage it and protect what is special about these areas safe.

“These draft appraisals and plans are important because they will guide the sustainable and sensitive regeneration and development of these areas.

“Please let us know your thoughts, as the community’s constructive feedback is very important to us.”

The consultation begins on 10 November 2023 and will end on Friday 22 December 2023.

Click these links to read the draft plans and have your say:

• Milton Regis Conservation Area Consultation https://swale.gov.uk/chgs
• Cellar Hill and Greenstreet Conservation Area Consultation https://swale.gov.uk/mcca

Hard copies of the draft Milton Regis character appraisal and management plan will be available at the Sittingbourne Library from Monday 13 November onwards.

Hard copies of the draft Cellar Hill & Greenstreet character appraisal and management plan will be available to view at the Teynham Library from Monday 13 November onwards.