Appraisal - Taunton Deane Borough Council

Transcription

Contents
List of Figures.................................................................................................................. 2
1. Introduction ................................................................................................................. 3
1.1
Background....................................................................................................... 3
1.2
Planning Policy Framework............................................................................... 3
1.3
Development Within a Conservation Area ........................................................ 3
1.4
Preparation and Survey Limitations .................................................................. 3
1.5
Community Involvement ................................................................................... 4
1.6 Acknowledgement…................................................................................................... 4
2. Summary of Special Interest ...................................................................................... 5
2.1
Special Historic Interest .................................................................................... 5
2.2
Special Architectural Interest ............................................................................ 5
3. Site and Situation ....................................................................................................... 6
3.1
Location and Setting ......................................................................................... 6
3.2
Economic and Social Profile ............................................................................. 6
4. Historic Morphology and Archaeology........................................................................ 7
4.1
Historic Morphology .......................................................................................... 7
4.2
Archaeology ...................................................................................................... 8
5. Spatial Analysis and Built Form.................................................................................. 9
5.1
Urban Structure................................................................................................. 9
5.2
Open Space ...................................................................................................... 9
5.3
Views .............................................................................................................. 10
5.4
Plan-Form, Height and Massing ..................................................................... 10
5.5
Building Density .............................................................................................. 11
5.6
Edges and Enclosure...................................................................................... 11
6. Architecture .............................................................................................................. 13
6.1 Architectural Style............................................................................................. 13
6.2 Listed Buildings and Important Unlisted Buildings ............................................ 14
6.3 Facades ............................................................................................................ 14
6.4 Roofs ................................................................................................................ 15
6.5 Windows ........................................................................................................... 16
7. Street Scene ............................................................................................................ 17
7.1 Walls, Railings and Gates................................................................................. 17
7.2 Trees, Hedges and Green Space ..................................................................... 17
7.3 Public Realm..................................................................................................... 18
8. Damage & Deterioration........................................................................................... 20
8.1 Principal Negative Features.............................................................................. 20
8.2 General Condition............................................................................................. 21
8.3 Buildings at Risk ............................................................................................... 21
Taunton Deane Borough Council
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8.4
Threats and Pressures ..................................................................................... 21
9. Recommendations ................................................................................................... 23
9.1 Boundary Changes ............................................................................................ 23
9.2 Management & Enhancement ......................................................................... 233
Appendices ................................................................................................................... 24
Appendix A – Bibliography, Further Information and Advice...................................... 24
Appendix B – Conservation Areas: General Guidance .............................................. 25
Appendix C – Listed Buildings ................................................................................. 277
Appendix D – Important Unlisted Buildings.............................................................. 277
Appendix E – Maps………….…………………………………………………………….. 27
List of Figures
Fig.1: Church and the Ashbrittle Yew.
Fig.2: Former school, now the Village Hall
Fig.3: The Ashbrittle Yew - planted on top of a possible Bronze Age burial mound.
Fig.4: The green, open to north but enclosed at south end.
Fig.5: Open area north of Court
Fig.6: Typical housing east side of green, looking east.
Fig.7: Modern bungalow with garaging set in large individual plot.
Fig.8: Closely spaced houses along principal road looking west.
Fig.9: Less dense settlement, south west of the green.
Fig.10: Rowcliffe Cottages, typical of vernacular cottages in the village.
Fig.11: Greywells House. c.1875.
Fig.12: Court Place Farm – late-19th-century ‘makeover’ of 15th-century hall house.
Fig.13: Removed render reveals construction materials at The Old House.
Fig.14: Slate hanging, the slate roof has been sealed with bituminous paint.
Fig.15: Thatched roof at Myrtle Cottage.
Fig.16: Mixture of PVCu and timber windows at Parson’s Cottage/Galilee.
Fig.17: Typical stone walls and hedges marking front boundaries
Fig.18: The Ashbrittle Yew.
Fig.19: Solar lamp housed in sculpture.
Fig.20: Spring south of the green.
Fig.21: Erosion caused by vehicles on western edge of the green.
Fig.22: Garages on south end of the green.
Fig.23: Pedestal tomb - in urgent need of remedial attention.
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1.
Introduction
1.1 Background
A Conservation Area is an area designated by a local authority as one of special
architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is
desirable to preserve or enhance. The object of designation is not to prohibit
change but to manage it in ways that maintain or strengthen the area’s special
qualities. Once designated, the Local Authority in encouraged to undertake
periodic appraisals to evaluate and record the special interest of the area and
provide a framework for development control and the creation of initiatives to
improve the area.
Ashbrittle Conservation Area was designated by Taunton Deane Borough Council
in 1993. The area was last reviewed in 2005 and public consultation was carried
out but the Appraisal and proposed boundary revision were not adopted. This
Appraisal updates and incorporates elements, including the proposed boundary
changes, of the 2005 review.
1.2 Planning Policy Framework
Conservation Areas are designated by Local Authorities in fulfilment of Section 69
of the Planning (Listed Building and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. Planning Policy
Guidance Note 15 (PPG15) Planning and the Historic Environment (1994)
highlights the need for Local Planning Authorities to define and record the special
interest, character and appearance of all Conservation Areas in their districts. A
clear definition of those elements which contribute to the special architectural or
historic interest of a place will also inform the local policy framework (see Taunton
Deane Local Development Framework), which in accordance with The Planning
and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, planning applications must be considered
against. Further guidance regarding the legal implications of designation is given in
Appendix B.
1.3 Development within a Conservation Area
Conservation Areas give broader protection than listing individual buildings and all
the elements within the area are recognised as contributing in some degree to its
character. Anyone considering undertaking works to a property, or developing land
that lies within a Conservation Area is advised to contact a Conservation Officer
and the responsible Development Management Officer at Taunton Deane Borough
Council for assistance. This Appraisal will assist in the formulation of appropriate
design strategies for new development, which should be fully articulated within a
Design and Access Statement accompanying any planning application. CABE has
produced useful guidance (see Appendix A). It is an offence to carry out
unauthorised works.
1.4 Preparation and Survey Limitations
This document is a revision of the Appraisal carried out in 2005 and was
researched and written during March 2009, and revised following consultation in
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October 2009. It was adopted by Taunton Deane Borough Council on 11 February
2010.
When reading or using this Appraisal, it is important to note that it can never be
fully comprehensive. For instance, some aspects of the survey information are
limited to those areas which can be reasonably recorded from the public highway
and other accessible land. Failure to mention any particular building, feature or
space should not be taken to imply that it is of no significance and irrelevant in the
consideration of a planning application.
1.5 Community Involvement
Consultation was carried out in 2005, which included an open meeting at the
village hall. The draft appraisal has been available on the Taunton Deane Borough
Council website since this date. Given the extent of the consultation previously
carried out and the minor revisions proposed it was decided to publicise the 2009
Appraisal through liaison with the Parish Council. Information was posted to each
individual address and a notice published in the Parish News. A copy of the draft
appraisal was lodged with the Parish Council and a further copy with a comments
sheet made available in the church. A notice was also placed on the parish notice
board.
1.6 Acknowledgement
The author of this report is indebted to Charles Doble for his invaluable comments
and assistance.
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2. Summary of Special Interest
2.1 Special Historic Interest
The origins of the remote hilltop village of Ashbrittle go back further than recorded
history. The relatively flat and elevated area of land occupied by the present
churchyard with its chalybeate spring of water would have made this site attractive
to early settlement. The Church, spring and ancient yew, suggest that this was an
ancient sacred site, perhaps dating back 3,000 years.
After the Norman Conquest the parish was in the hands of the Count of Mortain. It
subsequently passed to the Seynclairs (St Clair) and the Sydenhams. In 1568 the
parish, together with the Lordship of the Manor and Advowson (the right to appoint
the Rector), was acquired by John Doble of Combe Sydenham, whose family,
together with the that of the Quickes and Nutcombes of Clayhanger, have been
associated with the village ever since. Primarily, Ashbrittle has always been an
agricultural community. Since the early 20th-century the importance of farming in
the area has declined but the character of this isolated rural village survives,
altered but essentially intact.
2.2 Special Architectural Interest
Much of the special architectural interest is derived from the grouping of buildings
and their relationship within this rural setting, rather than from the quality of
individual dwellings. The majority of the buildings in Ashbrittle have the
appearance of dating to the 19th-century, although many have earlier origins
which, externally at least, are masked by later alterations. While the number of
listed buildings is small, many buildings in the village retain features of historic
interest.
Fig.1: Church and the Ashbrittle Yew.
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3. Site and Situation
3.1 Location and Setting
Ashbrittle is located some 12km west of Wellington, making it the most
westerly settlement in Taunton Deane Borough. Situated at 185m above
sea level, the village commands extensive views over the surrounding
uplands, particularly to the south and east, with tracts of open rolling
landscape made up of fields, hedgerows, scrub and woodland spreading
over the hilltops.
3.2 Economic and Social Profile
Until relatively recently the economy of the village would have been dependent
on agriculture, with the majority of the population either directly engaged in
farming or in allied trades. In 1831 the parish had a population of 579. This had
more than halved by 1901, although the village still boasted: the Church; school;
post office; public house; Sunday school; smithy; a general stores; butchers; and
bakery.
One hundred years later the total population has remained at just over 200, but
all but the Church have vanished, along with the rural trades which operated out
of the cottages. Farming has continued, but the majority of the village population
are no longer directly involved in agriculture. Court Place Farm, home to the
Ashbrittle Stud and (outside of the Conservation Area), Green & Carter Ltd, who
export water powered pumps throughout the world, are the two centres of
economic activity in Ashbrittle.
Fig.2: Former school, now the Village Hall.
Although village life has changed greatly, by virtue of its remoteness, Ashbrittle
has remained very much a community with its own independent identity. Social
activities are concentrated on the Church and Village Hall, and a number of
events are organised by Ashbrittle Arts Group. The fair, reported in 1868 as
taking place on 25th February, presumably on the ‘green’, is no longer held.
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4. Historic Morphology and Archaeology
4.1 Historic Morphology
Medieval Development
Despite the presence of the ancient Yew in the churchyard, the name Ashbrittle is
most likely derived from the Old English word Aisse meaning ‘ash tree’. The brittle
element comes from the personal name Bretel, who held the land at the time of the
Norman Conquest from the Count of Mortain. It subsequently passed to the
Seynclairs and the Sydenhams. Physical evidence of these early phases of
settlement remains to be discovered. The two earliest extant buildings in the
village: the Church of St John the Baptist; and Court Place, were both in existence
in the 15th-century. The church certainly has earlier origins, at least as far back as
the 11th-century. Early Sydenham family records show that Court Place was used
as an administrative centre during the visits of their agent John Doble.
While there is little discernible evidence to suggest a regular planned settlement, it
is likely that by the end of the Medieval period the current pattern of a loosely
nucleated village centred on the church to the west and on Court Place to the east,
had been formed.
Post Medieval and Modern Development
During the 19th-century century village life and administration moved from being
controlled and influenced by remote forces to that of a local and village based
landowner.
Church reform led to resident clergy and in 1827 a fine an elegant rectory was built
on Glebe land to the west (and outside) of the Conservation Area. In the mid to
late-19th-century, much of the village was under the ownership of the Rector,
Reverend Charles Penrose Quicke, whose influence shaped the settlement as it is
today. Quicke pulled down many unsightly ‘slum tenements’ that encroached upon
the Churchyard, refaced many of the buildings and built the Village School (now
the village hall). He also closed the three public houses in the village, together with
a further “off licence” at the Old Parsonage, and imposed covenants on many
village dwellings preventing their use as public houses.
Court Place and its farm were acquired from the Nutcombe family in the late-19thcentury by John Rowcliffe, a successful lawyer from Stogumber who acted for
many of the County families. Rowcliffe built for his workforce the row of cottages
east of the ‘green’ that bear his name.
Other development appears to have arisen in a more piecemeal fashion and some
of the cottages which ostensibly date from the 19th-century will have been rebuilt
on earlier plots and may retain fabric from their predecessors. Some land, such as
west of Ivy Cottage and west of the Village Hall, has remained vacant and in terms
of numbers of dwellings, as well as population, it is likely that the village has
shrunk in comparison with its mid-19th-century heyday.
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The origins of the ‘green’ and whether this has traditionally been an open space is
unclear. The 1840 Tithe Map shows a large building on the southern part known as
the ‘Six Bells Inn’. By the late-19th-century this had disappeared, presumably as a
result of pressure from the Reverend Quicke. It is possible that the northern part of
the ‘green’ was also at one time occupied by a building. Subsequent development
has, however, largely respected this open area.
In terms of new building, the later 20th-century has had little effect on the
settlement pattern. A small number of individual larger scale dwellings have been
constructed on new plots, not always sensitively sited, towards the fringes of the
village.
4.2 Archaeology
The whole of the Conservation Area is designated by Somerset County Council as
an Area of High Archaeological Potential. Archaeological investigation has to date
been centred on the Church. The most notable feature in the churchyard, the
Ashbrittle Yew, sits atop a mound that must be earlier, or at least contemporary,
with the tree itself, which is thought to be up to 3,000 years old. The area is likely
to have been attractive to human habitation due to the springs which rise
here. The Church is reputedly built directly over a spring that rises under the altar,
which again suggests a sacred site of early origin. A geophysical survey carried
out at the Church in 2004, failed to provide conclusive evidence for the earliest
phases of the church site.
An archaeological feature which remains visible, however, is the octagonal shaft of
a medieval cross, sited outside the Church porch. Locally known as the ‘Lantern
Post’, it is of Ham Hill stone, about 1.5m high with a modern cross-head.
Fig.3: The Ashbrittle Yew - planted atop of a possible Bronze Age burial mound.
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5. Spatial Analysis and Built Form
5.1 Urban Structure
The triangular green forms the centre of the settlement and is bounded to the north
by the principal road, which runs through the village on an east-west axis. Whilst
there is a fairly regular line of cottages north of the road, the bulk of the village is to
the south. Here the other two sides of the green are delimited by a narrow lane
which loops downhill at the Village Hall and round and back, up past Rowcliffe
Cottages. To the south-east of these cottages is the complex of farm buildings at
Court Place. West of the green, beyond the Village Hall, the Church stands in
isolation, while there is a cluster of dwellings north of The Old Parsonage,
bordered by Rectory Road, which marks the western extent of the settlement.
5.2 Open Space
The green at the centre of the village is also the principal open space and is
visually and spatially important in defining the settlement’s form. Although
used by villagers, it is unusual in being in individual and private ownership.
The southern part is enclosed by low stone walls forming small garden plots
which appear long established. Irrespective of its past use, the green is now
the key open space in the village. To the south of the green, stone walls bound
a small car park, for the use of nearby residents.
Fig.4: The green, open to north but enclosed at south end.
The open space north of Court Place, comprising a grassy central island and
verges, is also an important feature. This marks the eastern edge of the
village and is defined by traditional barns (now dwellings). Low natural stone
walls, backed by hedgerows and to the north, a copse of mature trees (Fig.5)
are particular features.
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Fig.5: Open area north of Court Place.
The churchyard provides an attractive, well treed space but was reduced in
size with the building of The Old Vicarage in 1966. It is more open to the
south and the surprisingly few grave markers, the closely grazed grass and
views of the countryside beyond add to this feeling.
5.3 Views
There are excellent views to the south across the surrounding upland
landscape from the churchyard, the southern edge of the village green, and
from the gate on the corner where Rectory Road turns to the west. There are
also important views into the village at both ends, as well as out across open
countryside to the east (Map 2, Appendix E).
5.4 Plan-Form, Height and Massing
Traditional two-storey terrace cottages with gabled roofs and side chimney stacks
are the predominant house-plan within the village. While there is some variation,
including larger detached houses and more humble dwellings which have been
‘over extended’ or amalgamated to form one, none are over two-storeys in height.
There are also three modern bungalows within the village.
Fig.6: Typical housing east side of green, looking east.
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Fig.7: Modern bungalow with garaging set in large individual plot.
5.5 Building Density
The area immediately to the north of the green typically has terraced cottages
facing the road and set forward in quite small plots. Rowcliffe Cottages, which once
served Court Place Farm, are tightly grouped with the former agricultural buildings.
A further group is north east of The Old Parsonage, which may have originally
have been service buildings to the house. The area south and west of the green
has a low building density and it is likely that this has long been the case. Given
that some cottages appear to have recently been merged together, building density
was greater in the past.
Excluding the buildings converted to dwellings at Court Place Farm and north of
The Old Parsonage, 20th-century domestic buildings tend to be larger, set back
further from the road and centred within their own large individual plots.
Fig.8: Closely spaced houses along principal road looking west.
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Fig.9: Less dense settlement, south west of the green.
5.6 Edges and Enclosure
Low stone walls enclosing small garden plots are a feature of the village, especially
south of the green. The walls are often backed by taller hedges, which also occur
on their own. There are no pavements or kerbstones within the village. The grass
edges of the north part of the green are not enclosed or demarcated except by
widely spaced trees around the perimeter. Generally, those buildings converted to
dwellings, or still in other uses, are less likely to be enclosed.
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6. Architecture
6.1 Architectural Style
In terms of architectural style, the 19th-century made the biggest impact on
Ashbrittle. Externally, most of the houses and cottages in the village appear to
date from this period, although they many may have earlier origins.
The majority of the houses in Ashbrittle are very much in the vernacular
tradition and are typically plain fronted, rendered rubble stone cottages with
gabled, or occasionally hipped, roofs. Architectural pretension is largely absent,
although the later timber work on the porches at The Old House and Greenways
represent rare decorative flourishes.
Fig.10: Rowcliffe Cottages, late 19th-century farm workers’ housing typical of the village.
The three highest status, and earliest, buildings in the village, Court Place, The Old
Parsonage and the Church were all subjected to extensive 19th-century alterations
and remodelling.
There are two buildings which undoubtedly belong almost wholly to the 19thcentury: the former School (now Village Hall) (Fig.2); and Greywells House (Fig.
11). Both are by J Frank Cotterell, who also renovated the Church, and are in the
prevailing gothic style of the period. The School, constructed in 1875 has suffered
from later alterations, notably the removal of a chimney stack and an unsightly
extension of 1937. Externally, Greywells House is intact and presents an
unselfconsciously decorative and slightly incongruous sight within its rural setting;
exhibiting an exceptional and accomplished myriad use of materials not matched
elsewhere in the Borough.
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Fig.11: Greywells House, built c.1875.
In terms of housing, the mid-late-20th-century additions have a neutral impact on
the character and appearance of the Conservation Area. Most, however, occupy
key spaces and for this reason it is proposed to include them in the Conservation
Area. The conversion works to the farm buildings at Court Place Farm have the
main, been sensitively carried out.
Fig.12: Court Place Farm – late-19th-century ‘makeover’ of a 15th-century hall house.
6.2 Listed Buildings and Important Unlisted Buildings
Ashbrittle has four listed buildings and three unlisted buildings of potential historic
or architectural interest identified by this Appraisal. These are set out in
Appendices C and D and identified on Map 2, Appendix E.
6.3 Facades
The principal building material in the village is the red/grey sandstone rubble
sourced from nearby quarries on the Devon/Somerset border. For dwellings
the stone is usually rendered and coloured white/cream. Ham Hill stone is
used sparingly for dressings on some later or high status buildings and left
exposed. There may also be some limited use of cob, although this is not
immediately apparent beneath the render. The remoteness of the village and
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difficulty of transportation has meant that brick is used sparingly, mainly for
openings and chimney stacks. Slate hanging is a notable feature of the
village on exposed elevations and can be seen used to good effect at The
Old Parsonage and Church Cottage, while early photographs show that the
practice was once wide spread.
Fig.13: Removed render reveals construction materials at The Old House.
Fig.14: Slate hanging, the slate roof has been sealed with bituminous paint.
6.4 Roofs
Slate, originally from nearby Tracebridge quarry, is the ubiquitous roofing
material, but examples of double roman ‘Bridgwater Pattern’ clay or profiled
concrete roof tiles are also common. Myrtle Cottage is the only thatched
property in the village, although the pitch of some of the cottage roofs
suggests that there could formerly have been more.
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Fig.15: Thatched roof at Myrtle Cottage.
6.5 Windows
The introduction of PVCu replacement windows to unlisted historic buildings has
been widespread. Good example of side-hung, multiple-light, traditional painted
timber casement windows do, however, survive within the Conservation Area.
Fig.16: Mixture of PVCu and timber windows at Parson’s Cottage/Galilee.
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7. Street Scene
7.1 Walls, Railings and Gates
Low stone walls, often backed by hedges, are a distinctive feature of Ashbrittle.
The walls are typically around 1m high but in some cases, such as along the east
boundary of Greywells House and on Rectory Road, the walls reach double the
usual height. North of Court Place and between the Old Rectory and the Church
there are examples of drystone walls laid in a herring-bone pattern.
Fig.17: Typical stone walls and hedges marking front boundaries
Iron railings are not characteristic within the Conservation Area. The railings at
Greywells House are in-keeping with the building, while those at Manley House are
less successful. Ashbrittle is, however, largely free of the modern non-traditional
boundary enclosures which have blighted other historic villages, although there is
‘paddock style’ post and rail fencing in the fields outside the Conservation Area.
7.2 Trees, Hedges and Green Space
Small trees, shrubs and hedgerows in gardens, positively reinforce the
village's rural street scene, but there are trees in the village landscape that
are particularly important. The mature tree cover in the churchyard makes a
dramatic backdrop to the centre of the village and includes one of the most
famous trees in England, the ancient Ashbrittle Yew (Fig.18). An impressive
copper beech, standing north of the Village Hall, in the front garden of
Greywells House is important in the street scene, as is the copse east of
Ashmore Ridge.
The village is surrounded by countryside, but the two key areas of green
space within the settlement are ‘the green’, which has been subjected to
some recent intrusion by garages on the south east side (Fig.22), and the
churchyard.
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Fig.18: The Ashbrittle Yew.
7.3 Public Realm
Groundscape
The roads within Ashbrittle are all tarmac with no pavements running alongside. As
would be expected, with the exception of the area around the Church, the
footpaths within the village are not surfaced. The road junction north of Court Place
has three islands of grass creating an informal traffic roundabout.
Wirescape
Transmission poles and overhead power and telephone lines are present
throughout the village. The effect of these is quite intrusive.
Lighting
There is no street lighting in the village but solar lamps, housed in two 2m
high Ham Hill stone sculptures, were installed near the Village Hall for the
Millennium celebrations (Fig.19).
Street Furniture
With the exception of the street signage and the log seats on the green,
street furniture is confined to the churchyard and Village Hall. The
churchyard has three high quality items which make a positive contribution to
the Conservation Area: a plaque marking the Ashbrittle Yew supported by a
cast bronze stand of interwoven broadleaf stems; and two carved modern
oak benches depicting the Yew and the church yard cross. The Village Hall
has the more prosaic K6 telephone kiosk, post box, and two notice boards.
Other Features
To the south of the common there is a spring piped into a square stone bowl
(Fig.20). This formed the village’s sole supply of water until the coming of the
‘mains’ supply in the 1950s.
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Fig.19: Solar lamp housed in sculpture.
Fig.20: Spring south of the green.
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8. Damage & Deterioration
8.1 Principal Negative Features
Features which are considered to have a negative impact upon the character and
appearance of the Conservation Area include:
•
PVCu replacement windows throughout the village;
•
erosion of the edges of the north and west sides of the green caused
by cars parking (Fig.21);
•
blocks of garages and small sheds prominently located on the south
east part of the green (Fig.22);
•
lack of landscaping in front of the double garage at Hawthorns in a
prominent position at western entrance to village (Fig.7);
•
roof mounted solar panel on Manley House;
•
prominently mounted satellite television dishes;
•
the long, low, timber clad building south east of the Village Hall;
•
transmission poles and overhead wires.
Fig.21: Erosion caused by vehicles on western edge of the green.
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Fig.22: Garages on south end of the green.
8.2 General Condition
Buildings within the Conservation Area are generally in good condition and well
maintained. Many houses show signs of having undergone recent ‘improvement’
not all of which has added to the character or appearance of the Conservation
Area. Some buildings would benefit from general maintenance, for example the
Village Hall which has vegetation growing from the chimney.
8.3 Buildings at Risk
The pedestal tomb in the churchyard, south of the Church porch, is in poor
condition and in urgent need of repair. This monument to the Morse family is the
only noteworthy example in the churchyard and probably dates to the early 19thcentury. It is not listed but is of historic interest and should be repaired.
Fig.23: Pedestal tomb - in urgent need of remedial attention.
While not ‘at risk’, the agricultural buildings to the north of The Old House are good
examples of their type and should not be allowed to deteriorate further.
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8.4 Threats and Pressures
Its small size and loosely nucleated settlement pattern make Ashbrittle especially
sensitive to any additional development. The greatest immediate threat, however,
is caused by the incremental erosion of its character by the over-restoration and
over-extension of the cottages and damaging and inappropriate additions to
historic buildings, notably PVCu windows.
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9. Recommendations
9.1 Boundary Changes
Following adoption on 11 February 2010, the boundary of the Conservation Area has
been amended order to encompass all the areas of land within the village that
contribute to Ashbrittle’s special character. Some of the areas incorporate recent
buildings which, while of limited or no historic interest in their own right, occupy these
key sites. Following this assessment all the dwellings within the village are included in
the Conservation Area, which will help safeguard the special interest of Ashbrittle as a
whole.
The revision is depicted on Map 1 Appendix E. The principal inclusions are:
•
the western end of the village to include the historic and later buildings north
of The Old Parsonage;
•
Greenway Farmhouse;
•
traditional agricultural buildings at end of the track between Greywells and
the Old House.
•
the open space north of Court Place;
•
area south of the Green;
•
the parcel of land now occupied by The Old Vicarage, which was formerly
part of the churchyard.
9.2 Management & Enhancement
Through positive proactive management and focused and appropriate
enhancement works, the character and appearance of the Conservation Area may
be both preserved and enhanced for the future. Analysis contained within this
appraisal should assist in both the formulation and evaluation of development
proposals thus helping to ensure that objectives are partially achieved through
everyday planning. More broadly the following potential enhancements may be
identified. Implementation will depend entirely upon opportunity, priorities and
funding, and may involve either the public or private sectors.
•
The ‘undergrounding’ of overhead wires.
•
Scheme for the re-introduction of traditional timber windows.
•
Appropriate control of erosion and incursion on the green.
•
Article 4 Direction (see Appendix B) to prevent the introduction of further
PVCu windows and doors.
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Appendices
Appendix A – Bibliography, Further Information and Advice
Sources Consulted
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•
•
•
•
•
•
Ashbrittle Arts (2001): Ashbrittle: at the Millennium.
Ashbrittle Parish website: http://www.ashbrittle-parish.com/.
Department of the Environment (1984): List of Buildings of Special Architectural
or Historic Interest (35th list).
Doble, C (1999): The Ashbrittle Yew. Taunton Deane Borough Council.
Pevsner, N. (1958): The Buildings of England: South and West Somerset.
Somerset Historic Environment Record. (www.somerset.gov.uk/heritage).
Somerset Vernacular Architecture Group (unpublished report: Court Place).
Thorn, C & F (eds) (1980): Domesday Book: Somerset. Phillimore.
Legislation, Guidance and Policy:
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•
•
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Town and Country Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.
The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment)
(England) Order 2008.
Taunton Deane Borough Council Local Plan 2004. (www.tauntondeane.gov.uk).
Planning Policy Guidance Note 15: Planning and the Historic Environment. 1994.
(www.communities.gov.uk).
DETR Circular 01/2001. 2001. (www.communities.gov.uk).
Guidance on the Management of Conservation Areas. English Heritage 2005.
(www.english-heritage.org.uk)
Guidance on Conservation Area Appraisals. English Heritage 2005.
Design
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Planning Policy Statement 1: Delivering Sustainable Development. ODPM 2005.
(www.communities.gov.uk).
Planning Policy Statement 3: Housing. DCLG 2006. (www.communities.gov.uk).
Design and Access Statements: How to write, read and use them. CABE 2006.
(www.cabe.org.uk).
By Design. Urban Design in the Planning System. Towards Better Practice.
CABE/DETR 2000. (see www.cabe.org.uk).
Further Enquires
Enquiries regarding this Appraisal and for advice should be addressed to:
Conservation Officer
The Deane House
Belvedere Road
Taunton TA1 1HE
Tel: 01823 356356
[email protected]
Page 24 of 31
February 2010
Appendix B – Conservation Areas: General Guidance
What is a Conservation Area?
A Conservation Area is defined as: 'an area of special architectural or historic interest,
the character and appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance'. Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. Taunton Deane has 41
Conservation Areas which have been designated to cover the most historically and
architecturally important and interesting parts of the Borough's towns and villages.
Various factors contribute to the special character of a Conservation Area. These
include: the quality of buildings, the historic layout of roads, paths and boundaries,
boundary treatments and patterns of enclosure, characteristic building and paving
materials, uses and associations, the quality of the public realm and contribution made
by trees and green spaces. A strong 'sense of place' is often associated with
Conservation Areas. It is the function of Conservation Area Appraisals to assess and
evaluate 'character' as a means of assisting the planning process.
Owning and Developing Land and Property within a Conservation
Area
PPG15 Planning and the Historic Environment, provides a principal point of general
guidance on the Conservation Areas. In order to assist in the preservation and
enhancement of Conservation Areas various additional planning controls exist within
them:
The substantial demolition of unlisted buildings and structures requires Conservation
Area Consent. Proposals will not normally be looked upon favourably where affected
buildings or structures are deemed to make a positive contribution to the character and
appearance of the area. An approved scheme for redevelopment will normally be
required before consent to demolish will be granted. Exceptions to the rule include:
•
•
•
•
Small buildings of less than 115 cubic metres.
Walls, fences and railings less than one metre high abutting to highway
(including footpaths and bridleways) or less than two metres elsewhere.
Agricultural and forestry buildings erected since 1914.
Certain buildings used for industry.
Where demolition is being considered early consultation with local Planning and
Conservation Officers should be sought. It is a criminal offence to carry out
unauthorised works.
Within a Conservation Area permitted development rights are subject to some
restriction. Planning Permission will be required for:
•
•
•
Insertion of a dormer window or other alteration to the roof.
Positioning of a satellite dish or antennae in certain locations.
Application of stone, artificial stone, plastic or timber cladding.
Page 25 of 31
February 2010
•
•
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The installation, alteration or replacement of a chimney, flue or soil and vent pipe,
in certain locations.
Certain development on land between a wall forming a side elevation of the
dwellinghouse and the boundary of its curtilage.
Rear extensions of more than one storey and side extensions.
Further restrictions may be applied by the Local Authority or Secretary of State through
use of ‘Article 4’ designations where a good case can be made (e.g. covering aspects
such as change of windows).
High standards of design are expected for new development within Conservation
Areas. Sensitive proposals which pay special regard to prevailing patterns of height,
massing, articulation, use of materials and enclosure will be encouraged and have been
given renewed emphasis in new statutory guidance notes PPS1 and PPS3. Early
consultation should be sought with local Development Control and Conservation
Officers.
Various types of advertisement including those which are illuminated will require
Advertisement Consent. Advertisements must be sympathetic to the character and
appearance of the area.
All trees and shrubs with trunks 75mm or more in diameter at 1.2 metres above ground
level are protected from felling, lopping and pruning. Six weeks' written notice must be
provided to the Borough Council's Tree Officer in each instance during which time a
Tree Preservation Order may be served.
Implications for the Local Authority
The 1990 Act makes it a duty for Local Authorities to:
•
•
•
In exercising their planning powers, pay special attention to the desirability of
preserving or enhancing the character or appearance of a Conservation Area.
Formulate and publish proposals for the preservation and enhancement of the
Conservation Area.
Review designations from time to time.
The Government’s Best Value initiative (Indicator BV219b) also requires the production
of Appraisals and Management Strategies, and places an onus upon Local Authorities
to consult the public during their production.
Page 26 of 31
February 2010
Appendix C – Listed Buildings
Below is a table of the principal listed Buildings within the Conservation Area. For
further information on these buildings see the Statutory List of Buildings of Special
Architectural or Historic Interest, the TDBC website or Somerset Historic Environment
Record.
Please note: The table does not include ancillary structures or those within the curtilage
of named buildings. These are also covered by the listing. Names of properties given
below are those recorded at the time of listing and thus under which they are officially
listed. It is possible that some names may have changed. This does not affect the listing
itself.
Address
Grade
Church of St John the Baptist
Court Place Farmhouse
Barn 10m North of Court Place
Farmhouse
The Old Parsonage
Date listed
Somerset HER
Reference No.
II*
II
II
25 January 1956
22 March 2000
26 March 1984
40001
16775
40002
II
25 January 1956
40003
Appendix D – Important Unlisted Buildings
Below is a table of notable unlisted buildings within the Conservation Area (it does not
include all those which may be considered to make a ‘positive’ contribution to character
and appearance). These are buildings or structures which, whilst perhaps not of special
interest in the national context, are nevertheless of local interest by nature of their date,
design, materials, historical association, etc. This is not a statutory designation and
confers no protection, but does highlight the importance of a building for general
planning purposes. It is quite possible that some of these buildings may be of listable
quality though they have previously been overlooked.
Address
Notes
Greywells House
Greenways
Late-19th-century gothic revival house of good quality.
Possibly dating to the 18th-century or earlier, at one time known
as the New Inn.
Thatched dwelling possibly 18th-century or earlier.
Myrtle Cottage
Appendix E – Maps
Map 1 – Conservation Area Boundaries.
Map 2 – Character Appraisal.
Page 27 of 31
February 2010
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February 2010

Appraisal - Taunton Deane Borough Council

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