Residents are being asked to give their views on a conservation appraisal for their village.

Marden already has a designated Conservation Area, but Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) is currently undertaking a review process to see if there is a case for extending or amending the boundary, and to draw up a management plan.

Contrary to popular belief, Conservation Areas are not intended to preserve green space, but rather to protect the special architectural and historic interest of an area.

The borough’s cabinet member for planning, Cllr Paul Cooper (Con), said: “Conservation areas help us to enhance the character of the borough, making sure there is high-quality building and good development.

“We welcome views from everyone, whether they live in Marden or not, as the overall look and feel of the borough affects everyone who lives and visits.”

There will be a public exhibition on the current proposals at Marden Memorial Hall in Goudhurst Road on Tuesday, January 30, between 2.30pm and 7pm.

Marden Parish Council had asked for the existing boundary of the area to be extended to include a group of Victorian terraces opposite Jewel Grove.

But the borough council is not proposing to adopt that change, saying: “Due to the position of the Victorian buildings and the separation distance between the boundary of the conservation area and the buildings, and also because of the modern development in-between, it is considered they are not suitable for inclusion in the Conservation Area.”

A number of buildings within the existing area are classified as “essential” to maintaining its character. They include the old parish stocks, West End Cottages, The Limes and, of course, St Michael and All Angels Church.

The 19th century Congregational Church in West End is described only as having a “positive” impact – a less important classification.

There is an opportunity to review the draft proposals here.

Residents can then give their views via the Let’s Talk Maidstone website.

The deadline for responses is March 3.

When a Conservation Area is designated, the council has a duty to consider it when deciding on planning proposals.

It does not prohibit future development entirely but should bar those plans where development would be harmful to the special character of an area.

Maidstone has a total of 41 designated Conservation Areas.