About the Merworth Castle Conservation Area
The Merworth Castle Conservation Area covers about 137 hectares and was designated by Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council in 1975. Inside the boundary are 8 listed buildings (3 Grade I, 5 Grade II). The most significant is Mereworth Castle (main Block), Grade I. Part of the area lies in flood zone 3, so an extension may need a flood risk assessment.
What changes inside the conservation area
Conservation areas are “Article 2(3) land”. You keep most permitted development rights, but these are removed or tightened.
- Rear extensionElsewhere: 3 m · 6 m with PANo 6 m / 8 m prior approval
- Two-storey extensionElsewhere: 3 mNeeds planning permission
- Side extensionElsewhere: Half the widthNeeds planning permission
- Loft conversionElsewhere: 50 m³Needs planning permission
- Garden roomElsewhere: 2.5 m high by boundariesNot beside the house
- PorchElsewhere: 3 m²Same limits
- Solar panelsElsewhere: 0.2 m projectionSame limits
- Air source heat pumpElsewhere: 1 unitNot facing the road
- Fences, walls and gatesElsewhere: 2 m · 1 m by a roadSame limits
- External claddingElsewhere: Matching materialsNeeds planning permission
- Tree workElsewhere: No notice6 weeks’ notice to the council
- Demolition (over 115 m³)Elsewhere: AllowedNeeds planning permission
Limits for a semi-detached house under the GPDO 2015. An Article 4 direction can remove more.
Listed buildings in the conservation area
Any work affecting these needs listed building consent, inside or out. Each links to its entry on the National Heritage List.
- Mereworth Castle (main Block)Grade I
- Pavilion to the north east of Mereworth CastleGrade I
- Pavilion to the North West and Stables of Mereworth CastleGrade I
- Kitchen Garden Wall and the Bothy to the North of Mereworth CastleGrade II
- Lodge on East Side of Drive to Mereworth CastleGrade II
- Lodge on West Side of Drive to Mereworth CastleGrade II
- The Bull HouseGrade II
- Triumphal Arch in Mereworth ParkGrade II
Nearby conservation areas
Boundary and listed buildings from Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council and Historic England via planning.data.gov.uk (OGL). Guidance only — not an official council check.