An historic site is to be given a makeover.

Next month residents will be able to have their say about plans to improve the Queenborough Castle Mound.

Swale council has proposed tree-planting and landscaping to make the area more attractive and to bring to life the past of the site.

Although there is no visible sign of Queenborough Castle, historical rescords show it was an important place.

It was the only royal castle built in England during the later Middle Ages. It was a royal residence but was also built for defence and was unique in its design.

The scheme will use trees, planting and areas of long grass to show where the castle was in a way that is inventive and sensitive to the historic nature of the site, as well as improving the area for residents.

From Monday, January 25 until Friday, February 12 there will be a display of artists’ impressions and photos of the plans at Queenborough Library.

The display will then be at The Gateway in Rushenden from Monday, February 15 until Friday, March 5.

Residents will be able to view the plans and have their say about the ideas.
A spokesman for Swale council said the landscaping is estimated at between £22,000 and £32,000 and funding is from Kent County Council.

The council will seek extra funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and WREN, a not-for-profit business that helps benefit people who live close to landfill sites.

Cllr Cindy Davis said: “It is important to protect heritage sites and being able to do so while also improving public open space will be beneficial to local residents.

"This means that their opinions are important and it will be a great opportunity to see what could become of the site.”