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The irreplaceable historic buildings in Kent are under
constant threat. The immense pressure of development in Kent means
that it is essential to be vigilant to ensure our past is not
thrown away in the rush to the future.
Kent County Council has a particular role to play in conserving
and protecting Kent's historic remains to ensure that development
is both sustainable and sympathetic.
To carry out this role, we work closely with local and district
councils and neighbouring local authorities as well as
English
Heritage (link opens in a new window) and local heritage
conservation groups.
Planning and our heritage conservation policy
Kent County Council's planning policy guides the sympathetic
development of new buildings and community facilities in line with
heritage conservation regulations.
These regulations include planning policy guidance notes
outlined by national government and the statutory protection of
listed buildings.
Kent County Council's heritage conservation group acts as an
advisory body to the council in guiding the formation of planning
policy for the county.
Historic environment regeneration schemes (HERS)
Kent County Council also plays an active role in conserving
Kent's built environment by means other than the planning
process.
Kent has a wealth of historic towns but there can be problems in
maintaining old buildings in a good state of repair.
HERS aim to stimulate repairs to buildings within selected
conservation areas through a programme of grant aid, locally
matching funding from English Heritage.
Kent County Council and the district councils currently
contribute to HERS in Dover, Faversham, Gravesend, Herne Bay and
the Thanet towns. |