The council has today, Monday 15 July, published the finalised Birchington-on-Sea Conservation Area Appraisal. This is the culmination of a project to identify what should be preserved and enhanced in the Birchington Conservation Area, as well as proposals for its future management. Birchington Conservation Area was originally designated in 1976 for its special architectural and historic interest.
A six-week public consultation was held during March and April 2024, to ensure that the viewpoints and ideas of local residents and businesses were considered. Birchington Parish Council also held a public drop in session, for local people to find out more about the conservation area appraisal. It provided an opportunity to talk to the team that developed the document, and complete the survey.
The appraisal explores the special historic and architectural significance of the conservation area and suggests areas for improvement. The appraisal will be used together with other planning policy documents to guide decisions on future development.
Councillor Rick Everitt, Leader of Thanet District Council said: “The appraisal document records what is special about Birchington’s conservation area, and will be an important tool in ensuring that the council can make informed plans for its future, protecting the village’s historical significance, character and appearance.
“The conservation area is so important to the future development of Birchington, as well as to its history, and I would like to thank everyone who took part in the public consultation.”
Further recommendations have been suggested in support of the appraisal. These include the development of an ongoing action plan outlining reviews, further areas for support and the potential expansion of the conservation area.
The conservation area appraisal was requested by Birchington Parish Council. In response, Thanet District Council appointed Alan Baxter Ltd to conduct the appraisal in 2023, a leading design and conservation consultancy with recent experience of carrying out the review of Ramsgate’s conservation area.
The finalised Birchington Conservation Area Appraisal documents are available on the council’s website.
Photo credit: Alan Baxter Ltd
