Tontine Street was the leading retail street in the town in the late 19th and early 20th Century before the current shopping centre was built.

People living in the street will not be allowed to alter their properties without permission from Shepway council now it has conservation status.

It was classified to stop the street's original features being lost.

The council said it has features like stuccoed facades, classical detail above shop fronts and original sash windows.

"Extending Folkestone's conservation area will help to ensure that future work on the buildings is carried out sympathetically and the area does not lose any more of its unique character," said council architect John Gabbe.

In 2005 and 2006 the council said it hoped to work with English Heritage to introduce a grant scheme to offer aid to property owners to encourage repairs and refurbishments.