Description: By highlighting significant, sensitive and designated areas, the report can be used as a planning tool to manage change within the historic environment, and to urge that investment in historic assets contributes directly to the wider benefits of regeneration.

Issue: Queenborough and Rushenden are likely to see considerable housing growth and other changes in coming years as part of the regeneration of the Thames Gateway.  A master-plan is being formulated in accordance with the Development Framework for Queenborough and the Swale Borough Local Plan.

Strategy: The Queenborough study sets out the story of this small town’s development, highlighting the significant buildings, sites and areas.   The document is intended for all those – master-planners, policy-makers, regeneration agencies, local authority conservation officers, planners, developers and their architects − who stand to benefit from a deeper understanding of the area’s history and character.  It is also intended to be of use to the local community and to all who have an interest in the town and its future.  By highlighting significant, sensitive and designated areas, the report can be used as a planning tool to manage change within the historic environment, and to urge that investment in historic assets contributes directly to the wider benefits of regeneration. The concluding part looks at the impact of new areas of development on the most sensitive parts of the town; it is hoped that this conservation element may help in considering options for renewal.

Outcome: Rummey Design Associates refer to the Queenborough Historic Area Appraisal in their master-plan for the town, proposing for example that the grain of the historic landscape, which is powerfully influenced by such features as passages linking the High Street with the creek, should be reflected in the areas of proposed new development.  English Heritage continues to comment on aspects of the developing masterplan, particularly the scale of proposed new creekside development, and the importance of linking the residential suburb of Rushenden with Queenborough rather than further isolating it.from the historic environment, judged in broad, sub-regional terms.