Conservation Area - Charing

Asset Name: CA-1

Designated Date: 11/07/1996

Description: Charing is a large CA which falls into three parts - the main High Street lines with listed buildings; the Market Place, Village Green and former Archbishop's Palace; and area between the A20 and the railway. In the main these three areas reflect the organic growth of the village. The Village is located on the lower slops of the escarpment of the North Downs. The High Street is therefore sloping. The street is a fine group of medieval buildings constructed in Kentish vernacular, many are timber framed and have later fronts. The Archbishop's Palace is of particular historic and archaeological importance. There is a marked contrast between the bustle and bustle of the High Street and the peace and calm of the Market Place, churchyard and Village Green. Several buildings are listed Grades 1 and 2*. The A20 is a significant break in the continuity of the CA. It has a severe adverse impact on the character of the CA. The area south between the A20 and the railway has a number of older Listed Buildings but the general character is of Victorian/Edwardian larger houses perhaps reflecting the village's extension following the arrival of the railway.

View the Charing Conservation Area Assessment Officer Report [pdf] 202KB.