The site lies within the designated Lenham Conservation Area, but is visually enclosed from public vantage points being surrounded by existing residential development on three sides. Following an assessment of the historic context it was concluded at an early stage of the design process that the site was visually well enclosed and also that the undeveloped status of the site did not contribute strongly to a sense of openness that is important to the historic character of the area.

From a purely commercial perspective it was desirable to propose a low number of high value 5 bedroom dwellings. However, this would not have been consistent with the planning policy requirement to provide a mix of dwelling sizes that reflects the pattern and character of the area. Consideration was also given to the Maidstone guidance on the mix of housing.