Historic buildings

Historic buildings have unique stories to tell.

The form of their construction tells us much about the way people lived in the past. By studying how they were later adapted, we can learn much about the changing needs and tastes of the people that lived or worked in them.

They demonstrate the traditional crafts and skills that are now disappearing but which have stood the test of time.

These buildings have witnessed centuries of change in Kent and yet have remained focal points in the communities in which they lie.

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 role to play in conserving and protecting Kent's historic buildings to ensure that development is both sustainable and sympathetic. To carry out this role, we work closely with district councils, local heritage conservation groups, as well as English Heritage.

Planning and our heritage conservation policy

Kent County Council has a role within the planning process to help ensure that new development is sympathetic to neighbouring historic buildings and the wider historic character of the area.

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 helps the council to formulate planning policy for the county.

Historic Environment Regeneration schemes

Kent County Council 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.

Historic Environment Regeneration schemes 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 Historic Environment Regeneration schemes in Dover, Faversham, Gravesend, Herne Bay and the Thanet towns.

Building conservation

Kent County Council owns and maintains many historic buildings, including schools and libraries. These are working buildings and we ensure that they meet the needs of today, whilst conserving their special character. We also care for 8 historic windmills and ensure that they are conserved appropriately, making them accessible to the public.

Kent's rich cultural history has left us with a wealth of fascinating buildings and structures, from the remains of Roman forts to Cold War bunkers.

These buildings show how Kent's towns and villages have developed, and provide modern communities with a sense of the historical importance of where they live.

The importance of looking after historic buildings, their role as part of the environment where people live and work, and the opportunities they offer for education, tourism and leisure, have been increasingly recognised in recent years.

Through careful conservation and encouragement of sympathetic regeneration projects, we aim to preserve this heritage, while at the same time, providing room for new architectural developments which will be the heritage of future generations.