Kemsing Conservation Area Article 4 Direction

Overview

As part of the re-appraisal of Kemsing Conservation Area that was adopted in 2023 we proposed an Article 4 direction to bring the development of front boundary treatments and front gardens within Kemsing Conservation Area under planning control because these have been identified in the 2023 Conservation Area Appraisal as being an important part of the character and appearance of the conservation area. This Article 4 direction means that consideration can be given to the impact of the loss or substantial alteration of the front boundary treatment and front garden as part of a planning application.

District Councillors resolved to make the Article 4 direction when the revised Conservation Area Appraisal was adopted at the meeting of the Council, 18 July 2023. The making of an Article 4 direction was also set out as a management recommendation in the 2023 public consultation draft Appraisal.

The 2023 documents specified two development classes to be brought under planning control:

• Schedule 2 Part 2 - Class F, Part 1: provision within the curtilage of a dwelling house of a hard surface; and
• Schedule 2 Part 2 - Class A, Part 2: erection, construction, maintenance, improvement or alteration of a gate, fence, wall or other means of enclosure.

In order to robustly fulfil the aim of the direction we need to include a third class:

• Schedule 2 Part 11, Class C Part 11: the demolition of the whole or any part of any boundary treatment

It is only this third development class that is now being consulted on; the intention of the direction to bring the development of front boundary treatments and front gardens remains the same.

Why your views matter

We would appreciate your views about the third development class that would be brought under planning control. 

For further information please view the 2023 Conservation Area Appraisal (link below).

After this consultation finishes, we will take into consideration all representations received.  The Article 4 direction will be made by our Legal Team, and a letter and Notice (which will include a Schedule of addresses and map) will be posted to the addresses affected. An advert will be placed in the Sevenoaks Chronicle.

The process of 'making' the direction includes a further period during which representations can be made and considered before the direction is confirmed. Once the direction has been confirmed, addresses where the Article 4 direction will apply will receive another notification.

If you would like a direct response from the Conservation Team about how your feedback has fed into this process please indicate this and leave your name and email when prompted in the online survey.