THE home of Charles Darwin is a step closer to becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Down House in Luxted Road, Downe, was nominated by the government last year and a decision by UNESCO was this weekend deferred to allow for further in depth study and analysis.

Bromley Council leader Councillor Stephen Carr said: “It is as an outstanding site for the heritage of science, and for the world’s understanding of biodiversity.

“Bromley residents will know how special the borough is and it is remarkable that we can walk in the historic woods and country around the village of Downe, just as Darwin did more than 100 years ago.”