PROPOSALS to make Charles Darwin's home a World Heritage Site (WHS) have received backing from residents.

More than 65 per cent of respondents to a council consultation, which included questionnaires and letters, say they support the idea.

Down House, Downe, where Darwin lived from 1842 to 1882, is the UK's entry for WHS to be decided by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

Bromley Council consulted residents and businesses in the summer asking what they thought about proposals to preserve the area.

The council wants to protect 950 hectares around Downe stopping over-development and protecting it for future generations.

If UNESCO grants the area WHS status, it is expected visitor numbers will increase.

Although happy with the proposals, Downe Residents' Association is concerned about the lack of services, including parking and public transport.

Chairman Derek Powell said: "Every road in the area leads to Downe and in Darwin's time we were the main shopping town, with 22 shops.

"Now we don't have any shops but hopefully WHS status will bring Downe back to life.

"The beauty is, it will also protect it from over-development."

Bromley Council says it is carrying out further consultation with residents to improve parking and has plans to launch bus services on Sundays and bank holidays.

It is hoped increased visitor number will encourage businesses to set up shop.

The Country Land and Business Association, which works on behalf of farming businesses, says WHS status would affect agri- business, including Petleys Farm, behind Downe High Street, and Holwood Farm, off Downe Road.

A spokesman said: "The plan suggests all development, such as new modern buildings for agriculture and animal welfare will be severely restricted, impacting on profit. This would be unacceptable."

The council says it is important to include the farmland where Darwin carried out studies and says fears farming will suffer are unfounded.

Bromley Council will finalise its proposals and submit it to the Government Department of Culture, Media and Sport.

UNESCO's World Heritage Committee will discuss the application in Paris in February and visit Downe next summer, with a decision reached in July 2007.