Character and vitality of West Malling

< Malling Action Partnership, < MAP Environment group

West Malling within the local landscape
West Malling is on the north dip slope of the Greensand Ridge, a geographical feature stretching across South East England. The town is approximately 4km south of the North Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty just west of the Medway Gap.

Features defining town limits

 * The town stands on land rising southwards from the valley of the river Lillieburn, which the A20 follows.


 * To the east and south east of the town a narrow strip of green wedge countryside is dissected by West Malling bypass.


 * The Metropolitan Green Belt skirts the west of the town.



West Malling's natural environmental landmarks
Beyond the parish:
 * St. Leonard's Tower stream
 * Douces Manor grounds and Manor Park
 * Trees lining Lavenders Road
 * Park of the Hermitage, Thomas More Church, Lucks Hill
 * Macey's Meadow community orchard
 * Liilieburn valley and Leybourne Woods

Protection for environmental landmarks
All (except those beyond the parish) are within West Malling's Conservation Area. All trees within the conservation area have special protection maintained (?).

Shape and density of the town
Nucleated village about medieval market sqaure and crossroads. Densely packed at centre, more dispersed in more modern areas.

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Townscape or heritage initiatives
Conservation areas:
 * 1) West Malling High Street
 * 2) St. Leonard's Street
 * 3) Leybourne pump
 * 4) Leybourne laundry

Opportunities for improvements to natural environmental features

 * 'Green wedge' protection: campaigning to extent the Metropolitan Green Belt up to the line of West Malling bypass
 * Protection of open spaces might be strengthened, for example by creating footpaths across areas such as Macey's Meadow

Opportunities for improvements to West Malling's built environment

 * Clout Institute

Opportunties to address major enviornmental concerns

 * Further enforcement of 20mph speed restrictions in residential areas