Abthorpe Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan

Abthorpe
C O N S E R VAT I O N A R E A A P P R A I S A L
AND MANAGEMENT PLAN
Final Appraisal for committee September 2015
Abthorpe is a place of special character and historic interest. This
appraisal and management plan sets out the features that
contribute to its distinctiveness and identifies opportunities for its
preservation and enhancement.
1
Contents
3
5.4 Trees Hedges and Open Space 15
1.1 Summary of Special Interest
3
5.5 Street Pattern, Footpaths and
Means of Enclosure
15
1.2 Key Characteristics
3
5.6 Public Realm
17
1.3 Summary of Issues
3
1.4 Opportunities for Enhancement
3
6.1 Building Materials
18
1.5 The Conservation Area
4
6.2 Roofscape
18
6.3 Windows and Doors
19
1. Summary
2. Introduction
Context
and
Planning
6. Architectural Analysis
Policy 5
18
2.1 What is a Conservation Area?
5
7. Positive Buildings
21
2.2 What does Conservation Area
Status mean?
5
8. Conservation Area Boundary
22
2.3 What is the Purpose of this 5
Appraisal?
2.4 Planning Policy Context
8.1 The Conservation Boundary
6
9. Management Plans
22
23
7
9.1 Vulnerabilities and Threats
23
3.1 Location
7
9.2 Management Plan
24
3.2 Topography and Geology
8
3. Location and Topography
10. References and Sources of Further 27
information
9
10.1 References
4.1 Prehistoric and Roman
9
10.2 Further sources of Information 27
4.2 Saxon
9
10.3 Community Involvement and 28
4.3 Medieval
10
10.4 Copyright
28
4.4 17th,18th & 19th centuries
11
10.5 Accessibility
28
4.5 20th century
13
10.6 Contact Details
28
4.6 Archaeological Potential
13
4. History and Development
5. Spatial Analysis
14
5.1 Settlement Form
14
5.2 Grain and Massing
14
5.3 Key Views and Vistas
14
2
27
1.Summary
1.1 Summary of Special Interest

Abthorpe is a nucleated rural village, which sits
to the south west of the historic market town of
Towcester. The church forms the centre of the
village, raised on a mound, which creates a
focal point for the area. The origins of the
village are unknown, although evidence
suggests it dates to sometime in the late
800s/900s. The church has seen a number of
phases of rebuilding, the most recent at the
end of the 19th century.

The village green is an important defining
characteristic of the village, adding to the rural
nature of the settlement. The historic core is
based on 4 key roads Silver Street, Main
Street, The Green and Church Lane. Most of
the more modern development is separated
from the historic core by Wappenham Road, a
main through road.
1.4 Opportunities for Enhancement

The preservation and enhancement of the
special character of the conservation area will
owe much to its positive management. In
addition to the existing national statutory
legislation and local planning controls the
following opportunities for enhancement have
been identified:

Encourage the preservation of surviving
historic detail and materials.

Encourage
the
reinstatement
of
appropriate architectural details in
buildings considered to be of significance
to the character and appearance of the
conservation area. The use of Article 4
directions which remove the permitted
development rights of dwelling houses
will help to achieve this.

Promote the sympathetic management of
open space within the conservation area,
including verges. To work with the
highway authorities and other statutory
undertakers to avoid the insertion of
inappropriate kerbing, footpaths and
other urbanising features which would
have a harmful effect on the character of
the area.

Promote the retention of all vegetation
which contributes to the significance of
the conservation area and develop
opportunities for appropriate planting of
new trees in order to ensure the
continued existence of mature trees in
the future.

Establish a list of locally significant
buildings and policies for their protection.
The village has a distinctive architectural
character, with a number of listed or locally
significant buildings. There is a wide variety of
building materials seen in the historic core,
including limestone, ironstone and brick walls,
and slate, tile and thatch roofing. There are
also a number of different property styles and
dates, with some older vernacular properties,
and turn of the century brick terraces.
1.2 Key Characteristics
Key characteristics of the area are:

A nuclear form focussing on the church.

A wide range of materials and styles,
which come together to create the
cohesive whole.

The large central green which adds to
the feeling of openness.

A number of mature trees creating a
vegetated character.
1.3 Summary of Issues
There are a number of alterations which could
damage the character of the conservation
area. These are discussed in more detail
further on in the appraisal however in summary
they are:

Inappropriately designed
surrounding development.
infill
Traffic management, in particular cars
parked at the road edge.
Public realm - inappropriate street
furniture including lamp posts, benches
etc can be detrimental to the character of
the area.
Incremental changes for example the
insertion of modern windows, change in
use of materials, addition of satellite
dishes, etc can cause significant damage
in the long term to the historic properties
in the village.
and
3
1. Summary
1.4. The Conservation Area
The current review proposes to increase the
boundary of the conservation area. In some
locations this is simply to rationalise the
boundary in order to follow more distinct plot
lines, for example at the north of Yewtree
Farm. The rest of the conservation area has
been extended to include some of the historic
properties to the east, south and west of the
village. The reasons for these changes are
discussed in more detail further on in the
appraisal.
Abthorpe Conservation Area was designated in
July 1991, and reviewed again in June 2015.
The conservation area centres around the
central village green and Church of St John the
Baptist.
Figure 1: Aerial View of Abthorpe Conservation Area © Bluesky International .
4
2. Introduction and Planning Policy Context
2.1 What is a Conservation Area
2.3 What is the purpose of this appraisal?
Conservation areas were introduced under the
Civic Amenities Act of 1967. That Act required
Local Planning Authorities to identify areas, as
opposed to individual buildings, of special
architectural or historic interest and to designate
them as conservation areas.
This appraisal will provide the basis for making
informed, sustainable decisions about the
positive
management,
preservation
and
enhancement of the conservation area.
It provides a clear understanding of the special
interest of Abthorpe’s Conservation Area by:
Since 1967 over 9,800 conservation areas have
been designated in England, including 60 in the
South Northamptonshire District.



A conservation area is ‘an area of special
architectural or historic interest the character or
appearance of which it is desirable to preserve
or enhance.’ Section 69 of the Planning (Listed
Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.
The appraisal is not intended to be
comprehensive and omission of any particular
building, feature or space should not be taken to
imply that it is not of interest.
2.2 What does Conservation Area Status
mean?
Conservation area status seeks to preserve and
enhance the special character of the designated
area. Designation confers a general control over
development that could harm the area’s
character.
The details are complex but can be summarised
as:





describing how the settlement has
developed;
analysing its present day character; and
identifying opportunities for enhancement.
Most demolition requires permission and
will be resisted if the building makes a
positive contribution to the area.
Some minor works to houses are no
longer "permitted development" and will
require planning permission. Examples are
dormer windows, external cladding,
alterations to the roof, and most satellite
dishes on front elevations.
Advertisement controls are tighter.
Most work to trees has to be notified to the
Council, who then have six weeks in which
to impose restrictions in the form of a tree
preservation order.
Generally, higher standards of design
apply for new buildings/extensions and
alterations to existing ones.
5
2. Introduction and Planning Policy Context
2.4 Planning Policy Context
Policy BN5 of that Strategy relates to the
Historic Environment and states that:
This appraisal should be read in conjunction
with the wider national, regional and local
planning policy and guidance including the
National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)
under which a conservation area is deemed to
be a heritage asset.
“Designated and non-designated heritage
assets and their settings and landscapes will be
conserved and enhanced in recognition of their
individual and cumulative significance and
contribution to West Northamptonshire's local
distinctiveness and sense of place.”
The
Planning
(Listed
Buildings
and
Conservation Areas) Act 1990 provides the
legislative framework for the preservation and
enhancement of the nation’s heritage of
buildings and places of architectural and historic
interest.
In order to secure and enhance the significance
of the area’s heritage assets and their settings
and landscape, development in areas of
landscape sensitivity and/or known historic or
heritage significance will be required to:
The 1990 Act also places a duty on Local
Planning Authorities to consider “from time to
time” whether new areas should be designated
or whether boundaries should be revised. It is
now considered appropriate to review the
Abthorpe Conservation Area in order to define
its special architectural or historic interest.
This document is based
within
the
English
“Understanding Place:
Designation, Appraisal
published in 2011.
on advice contained
Heritage
guidance
Conservation Area
and Management”
The South Northamptonshire Local Plan was
adopted in 1997. It designates Abthorpe as a
Restricted Infill Village with policy H5 of the plan
restricting development within such villages to
the infilling of a small gap in an otherwise built
frontage; or a small group of dwellings; or the
conversion of an existing building.
Policies EV10 and EV11 of the document state:
“The Council will seek to preserve or enhance
the special character or appearance of
conservation areas,” and that “Planning
permission will not be granted for any
development
proposals
outside
of
a
conservation area which have an adverse effect
on the setting of the conservation area or any
views.”
The West Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy
2014 sets out the long-term vision and
objectives
for
the
whole
of
South
Northamptonshire to 2029, including strategic
policies for steering and shaping development.
6

Sustain and enhance the heritage
landscape features which contribute to the
character
of
the
area
including:
Conservation Areas.

Demonstrate
an
appreciation
and
understanding
of
the
impact
of
development on surrounding heritage
assets and their settings in order to
minimise harm on these assets.
3. Location and Topography
3.1 Location
The parish covers an area of approximately
1,964 acres (795ha), however the village itself
makes up only about 1% of this. The majority of
the fields are grass, accounting for about 54%
of the parish, which are used for grazing cows
and sheep and occasionally horses. 21% of the
land cover is arable, primarily producing wheat
and woodland covers about 20%.
Abthorpe is located about 5km (3 miles) to the
south west of Towcester, and 3.2km (2 miles)
north west of Silverstone. It lies in the valley of
the Tove and is located midway between
London (70 miles) and Birmingham (60 miles).
Figure 2: Location Map of Abthorpe© Crown Copyright and database right 2015. Ordnance Survey 100022487.
7
3. Location and Topography
3.2 Topography and Geology
obscuring much of the underlying geology and
leaving limited exposures on the slopes of the
valley.
The village is located in a gently undulating
landscape, on the southern slopes of the Tove
Valley. The village itself is situated close to the
river on a small deposit of glacial sands and
gravels, however the majority of the rest of the
parish has a capping of boulder clay.
The area is characterised by a number of small
tributary streams which drain the landscape to
the Tove. These streams are bordered by belts
of alluvium, particularly around the Towcester
area. The streams have contributed to the
undulating landscape with the erosion of broad,
gentle slopes.
In 2009 the River Nene Regional Park
Community Interest Company produced a
number
of
documents
analysing
the
Environmental
Character
of
much
of
Northamptonshire. Within this Abthorpe was
placed in the Tove and Ouse catchment
character area. This is a relatively large area
which borders Buckinghamshire in the south,
and is characterised by gently sloping land.
Land cover in the area is generally a
combination of arable and pastoral. As
mentioned above, Abthorpe has a mix of the
two, although with a higher proportion of
pastoral.
The landscape is generally sheltered due to the
undulating hills and the effect of vegetation
which prevents long distance views. Woodland
in the area as a whole is not widespread,
however there are concentrations of woodland,
and some of this is located in Abthorpe Parish.
The majority of the area is underlain by Great
Oolite Group limestone in the south and east
and iron rich Northampton Sand Formation and
mudstones in the north and west. The majority
of Abthorpe Parish is capped by boulder clay,
Figure 3: Environmental Character Area : Tove and Ouse © Northamptonshire County Council
8
4. History and Development
4.1 Prehistoric and Roman
south of France was excavated, and suggests
that there was some degree of international
trade taking place. The villa has now been
reburied in order to preserve it for future
generations.
There is very little evidence from prehistoric or
Roman occupation in and around Abthorpe.
Some unstratified prehistoric flints, dating
between early Mesolithic and late Neolithic
were found from ploughed fields in field walking
exercises. No other evidence of prehistoric
occupation has been found.
4.2 Saxon
Abthorpe does not appear in any documentary
records from the Saxon period, nor have any
Saxon remains been found. Field names
around Abthorpe appear to have Saxon origin
which could indicate that an early farming
settlement was located there prior to the
Norman conquest.
Evidence of Roman occupation within Abthorpe
itself is again very slim. The village sits in close
proximity to Towcester, Roman Lactodorum,
and therefore it is possible that Abthorpe did
see some activity. In 1954 during ploughing of a
field at Mile Oak villa, 1.4 miles to the north east
of the village, evidence of Roman occupation
was discovered. Archaeological excavations
were carried out in 1955 and 1956 and a large
building measuring 40 by 16 meters was
uncovered. It is believed that this was
constructed sometime between AD65-75. It
must have been a site of some importance, as
the excavations revealed hypocausts, mosaics
and complex internal decoration. A coin dating
to AD49-50 bearing the head of Claudius was
also found. Samian ware manufactured in the
In the 800s Alfred the Great, the Saxon King,
signed a treaty with the Danes, giving them the
right to settle in certain parts of England, to the
north east of Watling Street. Abthorpe is just
within this boundary. The name Abthorpe has
Danish origins, with the ending ‘Thorpe’
meaning ‘daughter’ settlement, and therefore
can be interpreted as the outlying settlement of
a man called ‘Abba’.
Figure 4: Eyre’s maps of Abthorpe 1779—Northamptonshire Records Office.
9
4. History and Development
origins. In the 19th century a surveyor’s report
suggested that the earliest parts of the building
were Norman, and in 1859 Sir Stephen Glynne
referred to the south door as being Norman.
There has been some suggestion that the
dedication of the Church to St John the Baptist,
as well as the shape and evolution of the
churchyard, indicates early origins, however
this does not prove the church being in
existence prior to the Norman occupation.
The village has archaeology which indicates
that it has reduced in size. Earthworks to the
north west of the village, including abandoned
closes and paddocks, ridge and furrow and
shallow ditches and scarps, indicate that there
were buildings in this area which have since
been lost. There are also two deserted
medieval settlements at Foscote and Charlock
which are in close proximity to Abthorpe. The
movement of the populations from these would
undoubtedly have had some impact on village
life in Abthorpe.
4.3 Medieval
Abthorpe does not appear in the Domesday
Book of 1086. As the village was dependent on
another settlement (probably Towcester) it is
likely that the land and population of Abthorpe
was included as part of the larger settlement.
Large areas of woodland in England were
appropriated for hunting by the Normans.
Whittlewood Forest, which lies partially within
Abthorpe parish, was one such forest. This
would have subjected the village to the harsh
forest laws and lifestyle would have changed
significantly. Following the occupation the
advowson of Towcester and income from
church lands was passed to the Abbey of St
Wandregisile at Fontanelle in Normandy.
Sometime later this was passed to the
Augustinian Priory of Bradenstoke in Wiltshire.
There is some suggestion that the church that
was rebuilt in the Victorian period had Danish
Some of the land surrounding Abthorpe was
used in the medieval period as a deer park. It
was reported on the 20th December 1537 by Sir
William Parr to Thomas Cromwell that 30
people, 20 on horses came to Lord Mountjoy’s
park in Abthorpe, killed most of the deer and
bound a servant of Ric Cecile’s who was
dwelling in Abthorpe. This documentation
suggests that Abthorpe was well used as a
deer park by the nobility at this time.
Figure 5: Bryant maps of Abthorpe 1827– Northamptonshire Records Office.
10
4. History and Development
4.4 17th, 18th and 19th Centuries
It is during the 17th and 18th centuries that
Abthorpe began to form the village which we
see today, with a number of the historic
properties being constructed at this time. This
was a period of local prosperity and this is
reflected in some of the houses around The
Green.
is the only remaining thatched property in the
village.
Up until the early 18th century Abthorpe Church
had served as a chapelry to Towcester. A
report had been completed in 1637 by
Archbishop Laud of all the churches in
England, and this illustrated the neglect of
Abthorpe church. By 1720 the villagers of
Abthorpe had decided to petition to become
their own parish. Thomas Nichol who was a
prosperous business man from London made a
will which left Abthorpe Church £200 on the
condition that within 3 years of his death, or 3
years of the death or resignation of Reverend
Charles Palmer of Towcester, Abthorpe
became its own parish. The death of the
Reverend Palmer did not come until 1734,
however at this time the village was prepared,
and in 1736 the Act of Parliament was passed
making Abthorpe an independent parish.
The 17th century also saw the construction of
the local school. The building was funded by
Jane Leeson in 1642, and bears the inscription
1642/FEARE GOD/HONOUR YE KING’ and an
ironstone panel over the window inscribed
‘JANE LEESON/HATH BUILDED/THIS HOUS
FOR/A FREE SCHOOLE/FOR EVER. This
building, since extended, now serves as the
village hall.
Other buildings which were constructed at a
similar time as the School House include
Leeson House and the Old Bakehouse, which
Figure 6: Plan of Abthorpe Parish 1841– Northamptonshire Records Office.
11
4. History and Development
At the end of the 18th century a parliamentary
report recorded the presence of various
workhouses. One of these was in operation at
Towcester (for up to 40 inmates) and one in
Abthorpe (for up to 30 inmates). This
demonstrates that Abthorpe might have had
quite a large population, although people would
also have come from further afield for the
workhouse. The location of the old workhouse
is unknown.
would have worked farming the land held by
the Grafton Estate. There were also a number
who worked making lace and manufacturing
shoes in the shoe factory building which still
exists today at the top of Silver Street to the
east. In the 19th century the village was noted
for its flounce lace, but it also made silk for
parasols. Silk making had been taking place
from at least 1720, where wills show men
leaving their silk stocking frames to their sons
or nephews.
The proximity of Abthorpe to the railway line
meant that it had easy access to building
materials from further afield. During the 19th
century a number of properties were
constructed in brick, and these contrast to the
older stone built vernacular cottages. It is at
this time that thatched roofs would have also
been replaced with more easily maintainable
slate and tile. This variety of materials in
Abthorpe helps to define the character of the
settlement.
In 1823 the surviving common fields in
Abthorpe were enclosed by an Act of
Parliament. This would have changed the
structure of farming in the area, and may well
have put some of the agricultural workers out
of employment.
The most significant change in Abthorpe in the
19th century was the Victorian rebuilding of the
church. It was felt that the church was too small
and outdated, with many of the congregation
having to stand in the aisle at services. In 1869
-71 the new church was designed by the
notable British architect Ewan Christian who
In the 19th century there were a number of
professions in the village. As an agricultural
settlement a high number of the residents
Figure 7: Tithe Map 1865– Northamptonshire Records Office.
12
4. History and Development
is famous for the restorations to Southwell
Minster and Carlisle Cathedral. The final cost
of the work was £2,700, and it was opened on
April 12th 1871. Two years later in 1873 a new
stained glass window was inserted into the
east wall.
In February 1984 the church spire was
damaged by high winds. Displaced stones fell
through the roof, and the residents of Abthorpe
had to attend Slapton Church until the church
at Abthorpe was made safe. Repairs cost a
significant amount, however only two years
after the repairs were finished, the spire was
once again damaged and had to be repaired
again. The south side of the roof was replaced
in 1992, and the north side in 1998. In total the
roof replacement cost £25,000, nearly 20 times
as much as the church had cost to build just
over 100 years earlier. In the year 2000, as a
millennium project, the clock was completely
rebuilt and converted to an automatic winding
mechanism, having been left unusable for a
number of years prior.
4.5 20th Century
Abthorpe was originally part of the Grafton
Estate, a collection of villages held within the
honour of the Duke of Grafton, however the
1920s saw the removal of the village from the
estate.
In World War II a searchlight battery was
installed in a nearby field. This site is known to
have had a generator and Nissen Huts,
however it was destroyed before the Defence
of Britain Survey. No visible remnants remain.
4.6 Archaeological Potential
Little archaeological evidence has been found
in the area within and around Abthorpe village.
This may possibly be due to the lack of
investigative work carried out in the area.
Further
opportunities to increase our
understanding of Abthorpe’s past should be
taken where sites for development and
research opportunities are recognised,
In 1959, the School House, which had been
commissioned in the 17th century by Jane
Leeson closed down. In the last century of its
life the school had opened up to girls, however
the attendance was not significant enough to
justify the school. Children instead had to travel
further afield to school, primarily to Silverstone.
Figure 8: Street Map showing archaeological features (encircled in red triangles) © Crown
Copyright and database right 2015. Ordnance Survey 100022487.
13
5. Spatial Analysis
5.1 Settlement Form
5.3 Key Views and Vistas
Abthorpe is a nucleated village, centred on the
village green and church. The manor is set
away from the core of the village, and is not
evident from within the centre. The village is
organic in form, having developed over time,
mostly between the 17th and 18th centuries.
Some
later
terraced
properties
were
constructed in the late 19th century along the
south of Main Street and the north of
Wappenham Road, however these are still of
historical and architectural significance and
maintain the character of the conservation area.
More modern development has focussed on the
south of Wappenham Road, with some minor
modern development to the west. Overall the
core of the village remains unaffected by
significant modern development.
There are a number of key views present within
Abthorpe. These views vary, with the enclosed
views present on Main Street, the more open
view incorporating the Village Green and the
Church, and the open views out to the
countryside for example past Stone Cottage.
Figure 10: View out to open fields from next to Stone
Cottage.
Long distance views within the core of the
village itself are prevented by the enclosed
nature of the settlement. The built mass does
not allow in most instances for views between
houses to the countryside. One main exception
is the view between the Old School House and
Stable Cottage. From the edge of the
conservation area, however, views out to the
countryside relate the settlement to its
agricultural past. Much of this land is still in
agricultural use.
Figure 9: The Green.
5.2 Grain and Massing
The village has a fine grain, with properties
tending to be massed together, often in
terraces. The open village green in the centre
however helps in making this part of the village
feel more open. On Main Street, School Lane
and Silver Street the feeling is of a much more
enclosed area, with narrow streets, properties
placed at the road edge and a high density of
buildings.
Within the core of the village, the buildings
create short channelled vistas. These are
characteristic of the area and emphasise the
contrast between the immediate surrounding
open countryside and the tightly grained village.
There are a variety of property types in
Abthorpe, with some smaller scale vernacular
properties, and some slightly larger more
stylistic properties. Most are located parallel to
the road, however there is also the odd
example of a property with gable end fronting
the street.
Figure 11: A short vista of the terraces on Main Street.
14
5. Spatial Analysis
5.4 Trees, Hedges and Open Spaces
Within the core of the village, The Green
contributes to the rural character of the
settlement. Whilst relatively small in size it does
add to the vegetated feel since it is the only
area of open space within the core of the village
itself.
Abthorpe is surrounded by a number of fields,
which place it within its agricultural past. Views
of these fields are limited due to the enclosed
nature of properties within the core of the
village, although looking up the drive of the
Stocking Frame on Wappenham Road it is
possible to see out to the rolling countryside
which surrounds the village. Other glimpses of
the countryside are present and these are
important as the rolling hills contrast to the built
up core of the village.
Figure 13: Trees at the entrance to Leeson House.
Hedges are common within the conservation
area, and whilst of no particular historical
significance, help in defining the rural and
vegetated nature of the conservation area.
Along Main Street hedges are particularly
common. They have also been used on other
parts of the village, such as on School Lane, to
distract from modern buildings.
There are a number of mature trees within the
conservation area which are an important
defining characteristic of the village. The trees
within the church yard are particularly important,
although it is unlikely that they are of a
significant date, due to the rebuilding of the
church at the end of the 19th century.
5.5 Street Pattern, Footpaths and Means of
Enclosure
The entrance to Leeson House is particularly
well wooded, which blocks off significant views
to the building from the core of the village.
Roads within Abthorpe have grown quite
organically, spreading out from the central core
of the village. The roads tend to be short in
length and therefore remain relatively straight,
meeting each other in an unsystematic way.
Figure 12: Mature trees in the church yard.
These groups of trees within Leeson House
grounds are subject to a group tree preservation
order and so are protected against unnecessary
felling or pruning.
Figure 14: View of terraced properties on The Green.
15
5. Spatial Analysis
Whilst the majority of roads in the conservation
area tend to be very narrow, The Green
dissipates this narrow character by widening
the central part of the village. In some places
the roads are only wide enough for one car,
and the roads which dissect The Green are
primarily intended for access to properties
rather than through traffic.
Within the proposed conservation area there is
one public footpath, which runs up Silver Street
and out to the open countryside. Due to the
location it does not play a significant role in the
character of the conservation area.
Figure 16: Grass verges are seen in the conservation
area.
Boundary walls are an important feature in
Abthorpe, particularly those which surround the
church. They are generally constructed in
limestone and ironstone rubble. These are an
important feature in Abthorpe Conservation
Area, as they add to the sense of enclosure
and help to subdivide the central areas.
Figure 15: Silver Street leads to the public footpath.
There are some roads within the conservation
area which do not have pavements, reducing
the urbanising effects that they can have. The
pavements which do exist are generally
constructed from tarmac, some with concrete
edging, others with a more sympathetic granite
kerbing.
Figure 17: An example of a traditional boundary wall
in Abthorpe.
Grass verges are an important part of the
conservation area and its character as they
reinforce the rural nature of the village. They
can be seen throughout the village and should
be retained. Parking on these verges should
also be discouraged where possible.
As mentioned above, there are also a number
of hedges within the conservation area which
are used as boundary treatments. These
contribute to the sense of enclosure and
vegetated character. In some places, the use of
trees and hedges shelters some properties
from view. A particular example of this is
Leeson House which sits back from the road
and is slightly hidden from the public highway
due to the surrounding vegetation.
16
5. Spatial Analysis
5.6 Public Realm
Much of the public realm in Abthorpe is
relatively unobtrusive. On The Green there are
benches which do not detract from the
historical character of the area due to their
simple nature. Road signs in the village are in
most instances simple signs attached to walls,
which are preferable to modern freestanding
signs. There are both free standing streetlights
within the conservation area as well as those
attached to telegraph poles. These do not
particularly fit the character of the conservation
area.
There are however some features in the village
which detract from the conservation area. One
of the most harmful features is the presence of
overhead wires. These interrupt views within
the village and can detract from the aesthetics
and historical character of the conservation
area. Proposals to underground wires would be
supported.
Traffic management in a small historical village
can be difficult. Abthorpe has not suffered from
an overuse of road signage as other villages
have. There are however a large number of
cars parked at the road edge, which can be
detrimental to the area.
The village pump and telephone box located on
the Green represent parts of Abthorpe's history
and help in defining the focal point of the Green
and the Church. Together they add to the
historical character of the village.
Figure 18: Important Spatial Features in Abthorpe © Crown Copyright and database right 2015. Ordnance
Survey 100022487
17
6. Architectural Analysis
6.1 Building Materials
can be seen throughout the village, in both
terraces and larger detached properties such
as the Stocking Frame, once a village pub.
Some of these still use more traditional stone
in their detailing, such as window surrounds.
There are also some buildings of a similar date
which use stone as their primary material and
use brick for the smaller details.
There are a wide variety of building materials
evident in the conservation area. The earliest
buildings are constructed in both ironstone and
limestone. In some buildings a combination of
the stones has been used to form details such
as banding or quoins. The stone reflects the
surrounding
landscape
and
underlying
geology. The ironstone varies from coursed
and squared to coursed rubble in the lower
status buildings. Stone was probably from a
local source, however there are no known
quarries in the immediate vicinity today.
Figure 21: Example of a brick building.
There has been some modern development in
Abthorpe. Most of this has been away from the
historic core of the village and is consequently
not included within the conservation area, for
example to the south of Wappenham Road.
Within the conservation area buff coloured
brick has been used on some modern
development. This does not follow the
character of the area, however in most cases
the properties are set back reducing the
impact on the streetscape.
Figure 19: Example of a limestone building.
6.2 Roofscape
The roof materials are again varied in
Abthorpe. Much of the village would have
originally been thatched, and there are still
remnants of this on properties, with steep roof
pitches and coped gable ends a common
sight. The only remaining thatched property is
the Old Bakery on The Green. This now has a
decorative ridge line, but is otherwise relatively
traditional.
Figure 20: Example of an ironstone building.
Abthorpe saw a significant level of
development in the late 19th century and early
20th century. Most of these buildings were
constructed in different materials to the more
traditional vernacular style properties. Brick
came into regular use, as did slate due to the
increased transport network, altering the
character of the village. Red brick buildings
18
6. Architectural Analysis
back behind small front gardens or large areas
of grass kerbing.
There are a number of properties which have
steep pitches in Abthorpe. As mentioned this is
indicative on some buildings originally having
been thatched. Later properties tend to have
more shallow roofs, although there are some
exceptions.
6.3 Windows and Doors
Figure 22: The Old Bakehouse is the only remaining thatched building in the village.
Plain red clay tiles are a relatively common
roofing material in the village. They appear on
some of the older properties, and are a
traditional material which fits in with the
character of the area. In some places modern
concrete tile has been used, and this is not
sympathetic to the historical character of the
conservation area.
Figure 24: Steeply pitched roofs could indicate that
a building was originally thatched.
Slate is the primary roofing material present in
the conservation area. Many properties were
converted to slate due to its longer lifespan,
and the increased availability due to better
transport networks. The church also has a
slate roof.
There are a number of different windows found
in Abthorpe Conservation Area. Traditional
windows are constructed in timber, and vary
from casement windows in the vernacular
cottages to sash windows in the larger more
stylistic properties. All windows vary in the
number of panes and lights.
Figure 23: An example of a slate roof.
In most cases properties have their ridge lines
parallel to the road, however there are a
number of anomalies to this. The placement of
properties also differs from building to building,
with some at the road edge and others set
Figure 25: An example of a traditional window in
Abthorpe.
19
6. Architectural Analysis
There are also some examples of stone
mullions and fixed windows in the conservation
area. These are important features to the
character of the area, as they represent earlier
grander properties, for example the Old
Reading Room.
Figure 27: An example of an inappropriate modern
replacement window.
The older traditional properties in the
conservation area tend to have wooden plank
doors. Modern intervention has led to the
insertion of glass lights into the top of the
doors, however on the whole this does not
affect the character of the building significantly.
Later properties have timber panel doors,
which fit the character of the conservation
area.
Figure 26: An example of a stone mullioned
window.
Some properties have original or early glass.
These are a particularly fine example of early
glass in the conservation area, as modern
glass does not have the same texture, and can
often alter the character of a window
significantly.
As with windows, there are some inappropriate
modern door replacements which can be seen
throughout the area. Such doors and windows
might have their place in modern buildings and
environments, however in historical buildings
their scale, proportions and material are not
suitable and damage the historical integrity of
both the building and the area as a whole. In
addition to this, the piecemeal replacement of
windows and doors on the same terrace or
street detracts from the visual unity which
would have once been common.
Older vernacular properties in the conservation
area tend to have timber lintels, although there
are also some older properties with stone
lintels. In the more recent buildings stone and
brick lintels are used. There are also hood
moulds present on some of the higher status
buildings.
A number of properties have removed
traditional timber windows and inserted
modern windows. These include the use of
PVCu, storm proofed windows, and modern
style timber painted frames with brown stain.
These detract from the historical character of
the conservation area.
Figure 28: A traditional door.
20
7. Positive Buildings
7.1 Positive Buildings

The buildings coloured on the map below make
a positive contribution to the character of the
conservation area. This contribution may be in
one or more of the following ways:

Landmark buildings

Buildings which provide evidence of the
area’s history and development

Buildings of architectural merit

Buildings
with
local
historical
associations

Buildings
which
exemplify
local
vernacular styles
Groups of buildings which together make
a positive contribution to the streetscape
There should be a presumption in favour of
their retention in all but exceptional
circumstances.
Figure 29: Significant and listed buildings in the conservation area. Significant buildings are show in orange, listed in red. ©
Crown Copyright and database right 2015. Ordnance Survey 100022487
21
8. The Conservation Area Boundary
8.1 Boundary Justification
still retain their architectural character. The
Stocking Frame in particular is a historic part
of the village, previously serving as a public
house.
The conservation area was designated in July
1991. At this time a number of significant
buildings were excluded from the boundary.
East of the village the conservation area has
been extended to include a number of
buildings east of School Lane. This road
similarly retains much of its architectural
significance. Equally, Stone Barn, which has
now been converted, links the settlement to its
agricultural history. Two modern buildings
have also been included as part of this
extension. Whilst these are not considered to
be particularly sympathetic to the area, they
are set back from the road and disguised by a
high level of vegetation. The presence of
these two buildings is not enough to diminish
the historic and architectural significance of
the other buildings.
The current review proposes to increase the
boundary of the conservation area in a
number of places in order to include buildings
which contribute to the overall character of the
conservation area.
The most substantial change is on the west of
the village. The boundary has extended to
include a number of significant buildings.
These buildings are in keeping with other
enclosed parts of the village. There are also
some buildings of architectural significance, as
well as the New Inn which is a historic pub.
Views from the north of Main Street associate
the village with its surrounding agricultural
past.
In the north of the village the conservation
boundary has been rationalised to follow more
distinct boundaries. This is to make the
application of policies relating to conservation
areas easier to apply.
To the south of the village, the boundary has
been extended slightly to include the Stocking
Frame and The White Cottage. Whilst much of
Wappenham Road has suffered from
inappropriate development, these buildings
Figure 30: The existing and proposed conservation area, with the existing highlighted in pink © Crown
Copyright and database right 2015. Ordnance Survey 100022487.
22
9. Management Plan
9.1 Threats and Vulnerabilities
Abthorpe is at risk from a number of threats
and vulnerabilities. These could damage the
character of the conservation area and so it is
necessary to identify the possible threats and
produce a management plan to control these
issues.
Modern public realm is an increasing threat to
all historic areas as requirements for street
lights, bus shelters and in particular traffic
management signs means that places become
littered with street furniture, reducing the visual
quality of the area.
One possible threat for Abthorpe is
development pressure. The village is located in
close proximity to Towcester, as well as being
relatively close to Northampton and the M1.
The surrounding farmland is protected to a
degree by being part of the open countryside,
however there is still a risk of inappropriate
development. It is necessary to ensure that any
new development does not affect the setting of
the conservation area, and that the designs are
suitable for the specific area. Abthorpe was
designated as a Restricted Infill Village in the
1997 Local Plan, and therefore development is
to an extent limited. Infill development however
must be judged carefully to ensure that the
designs are suitable for the character area in
which they are located.
One of the most significant threats to the
historical and architectural character of
Abthorpe is slow incremental change which
can lead to the loss of character and
significance of a building and wider area.
These changes can include changing windows,
adding satellite dishes, painting, etc and can
cause the area to be slowly degraded.
Figure 32: Replacement of traditional features can
have a detrimental affect on the overall character of
an area.
Figure 31: Telegraph wires interrupt street scenes.
23
9. Management Plan
Sensitive
new
development
conservation area
in
the
Action 2:
Consider the imposition of further Article 4
Directions on buildings of significance to
ensure the protection and reinstatement of
positive architectural features
To be successful, any future development
within the conservation area needs to be
mindful of the local character of the village,
whilst at the same time being distinctly of the
21st century and addressing contemporary
issues such as sustainability.
Action 3:
Establish a list of locally significant
buildings and policies for their preservation
as part of the forthcoming Local Plan.
Successful new development in historic areas
should:
Boundary walls






Relate well to the geography and history
of the place and the lie of the land
Sit happily in the pattern of existing
development and routes through and
around it
Respect important views
Respect the scale of neighbouring
buildings
Use materials and building methods
which are as high in quality as those used
in existing buildings
Boundary walls are a significant element of the
character of Abthorpe. Any new boundaries
should be constructed of suitable stone and be
of appropriate height, coursing and coping to fit
well with existing walls. Any new or existing
development that is set back from the highway
should create strong boundary treatments to
maintain and enhance the sense of enclosure
and built form seen in parts of the conservation
area.
Action 4:
Boundary walls which make a positive
contribution to the character of the
conservation area will be retained. New
boundary treatments should fit with the
character of existing boundary walls.
(Source: CABE & English Heritage
publication 2001, ‘Building in Context:
New development in historic areas’)
Action 1:
New development must respond sensitively
and creatively to the historic environment.
Protect
forms
surviving
historic
Action 5:
Any new or existing development that is set
back from the street should be encouraged
to create strong boundary treatments to
maintain a sense of enclosure.
architectural
Abthorpe has a high quality of buildings within
the conservation area, but due to the limited
number of buildings with statutory protection,
there has been some incremental loss of
traditional architectural detailing.
Paving, surfacing and street furniture.
Opportunities should be taken to enhance
areas of paving and surfacing whenever
possible. Careful design and sensitive use of
materials will be expected in any future
resurfacing works that take place in Abthorpe.
The inappropriate replacement of windows and
doors, roofing materials and mortars affects not
only the individual buildings, but also the area
as a whole.
Street furniture and signage affect the
appearance of the conservation area.
Unnecessary clutter will have an adverse
effect on the character and should be resisted.
Owners of buildings in the conservation area
could be encouraged to use appropriate
materials and methods, and to reverse any
previous inappropriate replacements.
24
9. Management Plan
Action 6:
Encourage
statutory
undertakers
to
rationalise and remove unnecessary clutter
within the conservation area and replace
with appropriate solutions.
archaeological interest. Professional advice
should
be
sought,
and
appropriate
assessment undertaken.
Action 9:
Development which involves below-ground
excavation must have regard to the
potential remains of archaeological interest.
To work with the highway’s authorities to
improve surfacing and avoid the insertion of
inappropriate kerbing and footpaths which
would have a harmful urbanising affect.
Tree management
Conservation
area
designation
affords
protection to trees from unauthorised felling or
lopping. The full canopies of large mature trees
have a significant impact on the character of
the conservation area. These should be
protected where possible in order to maintain
the character of the conservation area .
Traffic
The flow of traffic and street parking affects the
appearance of a conservation area. Abthorpe
has limited off-road parking so street parking is
common
place,
detracting
from
the
conservation area.
Action 10:
Large mature trees should be retained
wherever possible in order to preserve the
character of the conservation area.
Opportunities
should
be
taken
as
appropriate to plant young trees in order to
ensure the continued existence of mature
trees in the future.
Action 7:
Encourage schemes and works that would
aim to assist in reducing the impact of
traffic and parking within the conservation
area, where appropriate.
Renewable energy sources
Open Spaces
Whilst the Council is supportive of the
sustainable energy agenda it also recognises
that many sources of renewable energy and
micro generation have the potential to harm the
character and appearance of a conservation
area. Care therefore needs to be taken to
balance the needs of climate change with the
preservation of the historic environment.
The open space in Abthorpe, The Green, is a
defining
characteristic
of
the
whole
conservation area. Development on these open
spaces should be avoided. Efforts should be
made to retain the open spaces to enhance the
character and appearance of the conservation
area .
Action 8:
Encourage the sympathetic location of solar
panels, wind turbines etc to inconspicuous
roof slopes and building elevations where
they will not have a detrimental impact on
the character and appearance of the
conservation area.
Action 11:
Promote the sympathetic management of
areas of open space within the conservation
area and prevent inappropriate development
on these areas.
Satellite antennas
Protect archaeological remains
Satellite and radio antennas are non traditional
features which have the potential to disfigure
the appearance of traditional buildings. Care
must be taken to ensure that they are located
where they will not have an impact on the
significance of the heritage assets and the
character and appearance of the conservation
Whilst limited archaeology has been found in
Abthorpe, buried evidence of past occupation
may survive in and around the village.
Development proposals should take into
account the potential for remains of
25
9. Management Plan
area.
Action 12:
Require the location of satellite antennas in
inconspicuous sites to prevent harm to the
historic character and visual appearance of
the area. Planning permission is required to
install a satellite dish or other microwave
antennas if they are to be sited on a
chimney stack, wall or roof slope that faces
onto or is visible from a highway.
Telegraph poles,
overhead cables
lamp
standards
and
The visual impact of overhead wires, telegraph
poles and lamp standards has the potential to
dominate and disfigure the character and
appearance of the conservation area. Action is
needed to ensure that this situation does not
occur.
Action 13:
Encourage
the
replacement
of
inappropriate
street
lighting
and
undergrounding of cables to reduce the
visual impact caused by overhead lines and
their supporting structures within the
conservation area.
Development affecting the setting of a
conservation area
It is important that development around the
conservation area does not harm its setting.
Any development in or around Abthorpe which
affects the setting of the conservation area
should have regards to views in and out of the
conservation area, the setting of positive
buildings and the character of the landscape.
Appropriate design and materials should be
used in development adjacent to the
conservation area.
Action 14:
The impact of development on the
character
and
appearance
of
the
conservation area should be considered.
This applies equally to development
outside the conservation area if it is likely
to affect the setting of the conservation
area.
26
10. References and Sources of Further
Information
10.1 References
Baker G (1822) The History and Antiquities of
the County of Northamptonshire Volume III
London JB Nicols and Son
For further information on historic buildings
and local history Northamptonshire libraries
and Northamptonshire Records Office have a
local history collection which includes books
on historic buildings.
Bridges J. (1791) The Histories and
Antiquities of Northamptonshire
Volume 1,
There are a wide range of national societies
devoted to the study and conservation of
historic buildings. Many of these national
bodies have regional groups in this area.
Society for the Protection of
Ancient Buildings (SPAB)
www.spab.org.uk
A good source of practical information about
looking after buildings of all periods.
CABE (2001), ‘Building in Context:
New development in historic areas’
Department of Communities and Local
Government (2012) National Planning Policy
Framework.
Ancient Monuments Society
www.ams.org.uk
Devoted to the study and conservation of
ancient monuments, historic building and fine
old craftsmanship, with a particular interest in
church buildings.
Dickens L.W. (1971) Mercury and Herald
Newspaper ‘Abthorpe and Slapton: Profile of a
Village’
English Heritage (2011)
Understanding Place: Conservation
Area Designation, Appraisal and
Management.
Georgian Group
www.georgiangroup.org.uk
Interested in the study and conservation of
18th- and early 19th century buildings.
Pevsner N (1973) The Buildings of
Northamptonshire. London: Yale University
Press
Victorian Society
www.victoriansociety.org.uk
Interested in the appreciation and conservation
of 19th and early 20th century buildings of all
types.
Royal Commission on Historical
Monuments England (1982)
An Inventory of the Historical Monuments in
the County of Northampton: Volume IV
Archaeological
sites
in
South
West
Northamptonshire
The following websites are a useful source of
local history information:
• http://ads.ahds.ac.uk/ - national
archaeological data service.
• http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ historic public records online.
Tomalin R/ (2004) The Parish Church of St
John the Baptist
Tolson J and Fenwick K (Ed.) (November
2009) Abtalk ‘Mile Oak Roman Villa’
10.2 Internet Sources:





www.british-history.ac.uk
www.rnrpenvironmentalcharacter.org.uk/
http://www.netherheyford.org.uk/website/
History/history.html
http://www.abthorpe.net/
http://www.whittlewoodparishes.org.uk/
abthorpe.htm
27
10. References and Sources of Further
Information
10.3 Community involvement and
Adoption
10.5 Accessibility
If you require this document in a different
format please contact the Heritage Team for
assistance.
A draft version of this appraisal will go through
a public consultation process. A six week
period of public consultation will include:
10.6 Contact Details



A presentation of the appraisal and
discussion forum at a public meeting;
Identified stakeholders and interested
parties will be directly notified;
The appraisal and response form will be
made available through the Council’s
website.
The views of residents of the village are
important and all comments should be directed
to:
Katherine Harrison
Planning Policy and Heritage Team
South Northamptonshire Council
The Forum
Moat Lane
Towcester
NN12 6AD
The consultation responses will be evaluated
and the appraisal may be amended in light of
comments received. Once adopted the
appraisal will be a material consideration when
applications are considered by the council.
[email protected]
The appraisal is not intended to be
comprehensive and the omission of any
particular building, feature or space should not
be taken to imply that it is not of interest.
10.4 Copyright
All Ordnance Survey maps are reproduced
under licence. Ordnance Survey maps may
not be copied or reproduced without the
permission of Ordnance Survey. The text and
photographs in this report may not be
reproduced for profit and must be
appropriately referenced if reproduced.
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