LOCAL LANDSCAPE CHARACTER ASSESSMENT

PRIVETT - SECTOR 1

Prepared by Michelle Robinson, Simon Pack and Mervyn Povey ( May 2011)

PURPOSE This document describes what makes our landscape distinctive and special to local people, and is produced as a reference work for use by all decision-makers when considering changes to this landscape.

INTRODUCTION and GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF PRIVETT (SECTOR 1)

 Privett is situated in the Downland area approximately 4 miles to the east of , 55 miles from London, 20 miles from and 23 miles from Portsmouth. Privett (sector 1) (the subject of this report) is bounded by the Froxfield and Privett parish boundary to the north, Fawley Lane to the west, Hemplands Lane and Basing Dean to the south, and Alexanders Lane to the east (see OS and Google Earth maps at Appendices 1 and 2).

 Topographically, Sector 1 area sits on the high plateau to the north of the and overlooks the lower Wealden Greensands of the Petersfield district to the east. The landscape is characterised by open rolling farmland interspersed with woodland, and with many uninterrupted views particularly to the south.

 From 1962 until March 2010, the land was situated within the AONB, but on 1st April 2010 this designation was revoked upon the establishment of the South Downs National Park in which our sector is included.

 On 1st April 2011, the South Downs National Park Authority became the sole local planning authority for the South Downs National Park, though the majority of day-to-day planning matters are delegated back to local authorities.

Distant spire of Privett Church

Looking south towards Privett Church over former parkland which is now farmed

IMAGES OF PRIVETT (SECTOR 1)

KEY CHARACTERISTICS OF PRIVETT SECTOR 1 AREA

 Elevated gently undulating domed plateau (180-210m) defined by a shallow continuous clay-with-flint capping which overlies the chalk

bedrock. This capping gives rise to poorer heavier soils than those found in the Greensands area to the immediate east.

 A predominantly arable farmland landscape but with some pasture and parkland; open and exposed in the higher plateau areas with occasional long uninterrupted views (one as far as the Spinnaker Tower); the area is more enclosed in the valleys and woodland cover areas.

th th  Varying field patterns including irregular blocks of fields (as evidence of 15 -17 Century enclosure), and the more regular field pattern associated with more recent times. Much of the original parkland to the north of now supports large fields of arable crops.

 Fields are defined by woodland edges and hedgerows, with oak as a key species and a high proportion of holly.

 Woodland, including small copses and game coverts, occurs throughout the area.

 Very low settlement density centred on three hamlets which collectively constitute the village of Privett (pop. [280]); outlying farmsteads and workers cottages throughout the rest of the area. Variety of traditional 19th Century farm outbuildings well converted for residential and commercial use, and most of which are beautifully maintained.

 Virtually all buildings in Privett are hidden from view on approach routes and from long distance vantage points; buildings (both domestic th and agricultural) generally retain their 19 Century design and construction characteristics, though there are some less sensitively developed modern structures.

 Historic parkland landscape at Basing Park (English Heritage registered) provides evidence of a history of hunting in the area; and the landscaped woodland garden of Coles is of horticultural interest and is open to the public on occasions.

 Narrow, generally little-used rural lanes cross the area (usually along valley lines); they are bordered in most places by wide, soft verges (many containing wildflower species) and well maintained hedgerows.

 Essentially a quiet farming landscape providing a tranquil environment which is hugely appreciated by the local rural community, and by a small number of visitors who are attracted by its charm and beauty. There are, however, some unwelcome intrusions (described later) which need to be managed and controlled if the remote and unique character of this area is to be maintained.

 Even though it shares generic characteristics with other areas of the Froxfield and Privett parish, the distinct patterns of land-use, settlement and field systems give Sector 1 (and bordering sector 2 area) a particular „sense of place‟.

GEOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS

 The area is dominated by „upper‟ chalk, laid down during the latter part of the Cretaceous period some 100 million years ago and overlain by shallow continuous clay capping. The chalk is a soft, white limestone of organic origin containing microscopic calcareous bodies. Embedded within the chalk up to 10m in depth are hard flints which are formed from silica. These flints have been exploited by man as tools and as a building material, which accounts for the overwhelming predominance of flint buildings, walls and churches in the Sector 1 and 2 areas. There are several disused flint pits scattered throughout the area.

 In the shallow valleys and slopes on the plateau there is evidence of downwash deposits; these are conglomerates of sand and gravel commonly too clayey to be worked other than for common infill or „hoggin‟.

 There is nothing else of special geological relevance for the purpose of this report, although interesting additional details of physical influences can be found in the East Hampshire District LCA Final Report of July 2006 if required. Brick and flint detail HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT

 See EHDC LCA Final Report for details of the likely early presence of human groups; the spread of woodland types; clearances; hunting; the development of agriculture and field systems; the associated creation of villages; and, in the post-medieval period (1485-present), the emergence of a modern market economy. It is this modern market economy that has had the greatest influence on the Sector 1 area as we know it today – the move away from communal farming in the 16th Century towards farms run by individuals; the enclosure of common woodland in the 17th Century; and the introduction of arable cultivation from the early 18th Century, resulting in the distinctive, organic landscape of small irregular fields enclosed by planted hedgerows (usually hawthorn).

 The 18th and 19th Century also saw the development of landscape parks of which Basing Park, with its naturalistic and beautifully maintained landscape, is a worthy example. Parkland landscape

th  The 20 Century post war period has seen the break up of some larger estates, together with concomitant introduction of smaller or tenanted farms and the consequent reduction in the viability of dairy/livestock farming. This, in turn, has led to planning approvals for new barns and the conversion of old farm buildings into domestic and commercial properties.

 A local group is planning to produce a booklet about Privett, its history and other features of local interest.

ARCHEOLOGY, BUILDINGS OF HISTORIC INTEREST AND ARCHITECTURE

 Despite suggestions of the presence of human groups from the Palaeolithic period through to the Bronze and Iron age, there are no known sites of archaeological interest in the Sector 1 area with the exception of a tumulus in the extreme north-west corner of the area (so far unable to establish its origin).

 The earliest record of a house and land at „Basings‟, owned by John Love, was in the Longhurst tithing of 1567. The Loves established a well-defined area of parkland with belts of trees skirting the perimeter. The pleasure Garden and Park, as they became known in Victorian and early-Edwardian periods, were further expanded in the mid nineteenth century by the Martineau family. Features included a walled one-acre kitchen garden, greenhouses, a large conservatory, ornamental flower gardens, and evergreen garden, as well as the planting of specimen trees and specimen shrubs including Rhododendrons. A ha-ha separated the gardens from the park. An ice-house ( no longer in existence) was built to the east of the house.

There was a 2-mile long carriageway (now abandoned) down to the main Petersfield Road (A272) with lodges built by this road by 1813. There was also a carriageway winding through parkland to the Gosport Road (A32). A lodge was also built by the Hempland Lane entrance.

William Nicholson, the gin merchant, purchased Basing Park in 1863 and extended the main house and some of the estate buildings. He also replaced existing 17th century buildings and erected new ones using a consistent architectural style which included gables, flint and brick dressings and decorative stones such as Nicholson‟s crest and initials. This distinct architectural form still dominates the area. A cricket pitch with pavilion was built to the east of the house, and an orchard planted together with a brick and thatch fruit room. There is also a monument to the east of the house.

Pitched hood porch Extract from 1869 – 1879 Ordnance Survey

In the 1940‟s the mansion was requisitioned by the War Office and during this period many copses were felled. When the estate was sold in 1944-45, the mansion and gardens only amounted to about 50 acres and many trees were sold for felling.

The mansion was in a poor state when it was bought by the Langmead family in 1962. A smaller, though still substantial house was built in 1964 to replace the original mansion, and the gardens were redesigned. A smaller walled garden was reinstated after the 1987 gales flattened two of the original walls. The parkland to the south remains, but the parkland to the north is now farmed, creating a landscape of wide vistas and large fields with few hedges.

Basing Park from the South

 In 1903 the Alton to Fareham railway was opened. The line entered Privett railway tunnel south of Privett station and then proceeded in a cutting and onto an embankment before it crossed the A272. The line closed in the 1950‟s and the tunnel to the east of Sages Lane has been filled in. The 1903 railway provided additional access to the mansion, when a new drive, lined with ornamental trees was constructed from Privett Station.

Old Station House, Privett

COLES GARDENS

Coles Garden is a magnificent post-war garden that was created from twenty-five acres of managed woodland immediately to the east of Basing Park. It was laid out between 1946 and 1963 by the owner Otto Nicholson, initially with the expert guidance of head gardener George Ridsdale who had previously worked for the Polesden Lacy estate. It is thought that there were originally as many as 16 gardeners working at Coles, and the huge greenhouses and growing cages are still used for plant cultivation today. The present main house was created in 1953 by enlarging the existing cottages, and some outbuildings such as the clock tower are thought to date back to

the mid nineteenth century.

The current garden which has been in the ownership of the Sara Watkins‟ family since 1974, continues to provide a stunning display of flowering rhododendrons, azaleas and bluebells in spring. From the main house there is a spectacular vista of gently sloping lawns bordered by specimen trees and shrubs including two white wisteria „trees‟ and rare rhododendrons. The sweeping lawn leads the visitor to the tranquil Japanese pond which cleverly reflects the colour and structure of the surrounding landscaping. An Italian garden with ornamental lily pond and York stone paving was created close to the house as part of the original design.

The woodland walks allow the visitor to enjoy the vivid floral display set in amongst a framework of beautiful specimen plants. The floral fragrances can be intoxicating and the bold colourful rhododendron and azalea flowers represent nature at its best. The woodland canopy provides a habitat for a wide variety of wildlife, and the sound of birdsong fills the senses.

Tim and Sara Watkins have been responsible for maintaining and developing the gardens since inheriting the estate. An area of windbreak that was destroyed in the 1987 storms has been replanted and an arboretum and spring walk is being developed.

The garden opens in aid of charity for a few days each year.

EXISTING SETTLEMENTS

 An overwhelmingly agricultural area with only one small village (Privett) which, despite being on high ground, is hidden from view both on approach routes and from long distance vantage points. There is no longer a village shop, pub or school.

 Apart from the predominance of the Basing Park estate, all other settlement is thinly spread and comprises individual farmsteads (working or converted) and/or associated farm buildings.

Cottages in Sages Lane  The large majority of converted buildings have been sensitively constructed, and have retained local traditional architectural features including building materials. However some new buildings have not, suggesting that planning control may not have been as assiduous as the area deserves.

 Many houses are now owner-occupied by residents who work outside the parish. Some commute by car to nearby towns, and others commute daily to London on the train. Working from home is an increasingly popular and economically viable choice. The area is also popular to those who are enjoying an active retirement, but a car is realistically essential due to the poor public transport network.

 Whilst most of the area has been spared the need for large numbers of new homes, we should recognise that some affordable homes for local people who wish to live their lives on the land may be necessary. In such cases they should be constructed within the confines of a local village (ie brown- field rather than green-field sites). The facilities in Highcross (school, village hall, shop, church, bus route etc), suggest this would be the most suitable location within the parish.

Basing barns – rented converted dairy barns

Alexanders Barns – converted dairy buildings

LAND USE AND ACTIVITY

 Agricultural capability and soil in the area is categorised as Grade 3 (“good to moderate quality agricultural land” which is capable of growing a range of arable crops with relatively few restrictions).

 The soil types represent the variability of the underlying solid and drift geology. Given the dominance of „upper‟ chalk, the resultant soils are calcareous Brown and Grey Rendzinas. There are also blocks of clayey paleo-argyliic brown earths as a result of the clay- with- flint drift geology.

 Some 75% of the Sector 1 area is given over to arable farming with crops rotating between wheat, barley, oilseed rape, beans and linseed.

 Some 10% is grazing pasture. The traditional sight of dairy cows grazing during the summer months may become rarer due to the decrease in economic viability of dairy farming. There remains however a strong demand for land for alternative livestock grazing. About half the pasture area is given over to equestrian grazing, the intensity of which would appear to be on the increase. Pony paddocks, the sub-division of fields, field shelters on small holdings and other horse-related developments need to be carefully controlled if the nature of this area (and associated agricultural activity) is not to be undermined.

 The remaining 15% of the Sector 1 landscape is parkland (Basing Park), landscaped woodland (Coles) and general and commercial woodland. Overall the landscape is beautifully maintained by the principal landowners in the area.

Cows grazing - Alexanders Lane Parkland landscape at Basing Park Oilseed rape in late Spring

WOODLAND, TREES AND HEDGES

 Trees are an integral part of the landscape being seen in all locations and in many forms.

 The principally deciduous woodlands are invariably well maintained and consist primarily of native trees of beech, oak, ash, field maple, hazel and mixed lime. They often contain game coverts, and in spring and early summer wild flowers (including bluebells, wild garlic and ragged robin) are present throughout.

 One woodland is ancient and semi-natural woodland (ANSW) and a further two have significant elements of the ANSW surviving. All three are sited just north of Coles garden and are included in the Ancient Woodland inventory and classified as Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC‟s) Landscape with pasture and arable farming

 Some of the woodlands have been inter-planted with conifers. Other areas of small woodland copses are sited across the area.

 The old railway cutting close to Privett Station, now filled in, and a nearby 10-acre field have been planted over recent years primarily with native trees.

 Well maintained hedgerows surround most of the large arable fields and pasture, and selected trees (mainly oak, ash, hazel and holly) are being allowed to grow to their full size within these hedges in many places.

 These hedgerows add beauty and character to the rural landscape and provide valuable habitats for wildlife. Their patterns stitch their characteristic patchwork quilt over the countryside; and, as can be seen from the similarity of layout in the 1869 map of the Sector 1 area at Appendix 3, they are intimately connected with our history and ancestors. Bluebells in Temple Copse

 Favourite with some residents are individual trees in the middle of fields of which there are many, especially in Basing Park where a significant number of specimens have been recently planted.

Basing Dean

ROADS, BYWAYS AND FOOTPATHS

 Narrow attractive rural lanes adopt natural bends within the landscape, and virtually all are bounded by wide soft grass verges and hedgerows with an abundance of wild flora and fauna. The verges act as linear nature reserves for wildlife, and provide corridors for plant and animal movement along their length. Their importance is increased by the recent phasing out of set-aside.

 The verges of many of the lanes are being eroded where motorists drive on them without due care to avoid oncoming traffic. This is particularly noticeable in winter when the verges are soft. The resulting roadside trenches and potholes detract from the scene and take more than the season to repair. This is a worry; especially with the general increase in the size of vehicles. Away from the lanes there are many sunken off-road tracks (some with public access) which service farmland areas.

 The remoteness of the area leads to roads quickly becoming impassable after snow has fallen. Local farmers play an important role in snow clearance.

 The north-eastern perimeter of the Sector 1 area is bordered by the A32. Whilst not a dominant visual feature, it is a local source of noise due to traffic frequently exceeding speed limits by substantial margins; especially noticeable in winter when trees are without foliage. The noise is also particularly intrusive on Wednesday evenings in summer when motor cycle groups meet and race on both the A32 and A272.

LEISURE AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES

 The countryside within the parish forms a natural venue for informal quiet recreation.

 Cycling in the lanes by individuals, groups and families is a popular and most welcome activity throughout the year.

 Walking and jogging is popular though there are few designated walks.

 There are two local game shoots in the area.

 Riding is popular on designated bridle paths.

 Off-road motor vehicle rallies (4x4s and scramble bikes) take place on occasions throughout the year on the unmade north-south track between Coles Garden and Becksteddle Farm as well as along the farm track north of Alexander‟s Barns. This activity is damaging the ancient tracks, and is not really conducive to this area. Controls need to be put in place to prevent damaging over-use by clubs and private individuals. Cyclist in Basing Dean

 The Hampshire Microlight Flying Club (HMFC) has operated for a number of years from a small farm-owned field strip situated just to the north of the Sector 1 boundary. The activity has been the source of local complaint for some time. In 2008 HMFC applied for, and to the consternation of most local people, in 2009 was granted a Certificate of Lawful Use (CLU) allowing for increased usage beyond the ‟28 day rule‟ as understood by local people. Despite the CLU granting 31 flying days per year (to include 44 „movements‟), EHDC has proved unable to effectively monitor airfield usage and control the activity - which residents know to be well beyond that stipulated in the CLU.

The certificate allows for the recreational flying of microlights, single-engined light aircraft, gliders and paramotors to and from the airfield during daylight hours. It also allows for parking of associated vehicles on the land.

All of this aircraft activity has significantly increased noise levels and dangers in the skies above the parish - especially over the Sector 1 area which lies directly in the landing/take-off flight path. It is also a serious intrusion into what is otherwise an area of great privacy, peace and tranquillity. This, together with the prospect of major development of the site if planning applications were approved, and with another field airstrip already in use just outside the parish‟s north-eastern boundary, would, if not closely monitored under planning authority arrangements, represent an activity on a scale which is inconsistent with the ethos of the South Downs National Park.

CONSERVATION

 The small Privett Conservation Area was formally designated in November 2000 and its boundaries are at Appendix 4. Full details of the Conservation Area are contained in a special EHDC publication “Privett Conservation Area – Study and Character Appraisal” dated January 2008 which includes a description of topography and significant views and vistas within the area, listed and important buildings, an architectural overview (including building materials and features), and local activities past and present.

 Of some concern is the recent discovery that, under a 2008 Amendment to the Town and Country Planning Act, extensive alterations and extensions can take place even within conservation areas and national parks, under the title of „permitted development‟. This appears to mean that planning authorities (in our case EHDC, HCC and SDNPA) have lost much of their previous ability to protect local communities from inappropriate development; and that local communities have lost their right to be notified and consulted in advance of such development being carried out. Old farm pond – Severn Wells  The senses of sound, smell and characteristic colour are important adjuncts to conservation in this lovely area. The wide variety of birdsong (finches, tits, pigeon, blackbird, buzzard, woodpecker, lark and newly-returned red kite), church bells, horse hooves in the lanes, the call of dawn cockerels, and the sound of tractors in the fields all raise rural spirits. The absence of urban, commercial and industrial influences add a perennial freshness to the air; and the changing colours through the seasons provided by this landscape add a further sense of well- being.

 There is some evidence that the lane running from the A272 though the centre of Privett to the A32 is being use as a rat-run by morning and evening commuter traffic, thereby infringing the terms of the Conservation Area. This should be raised with the planning authorities and appropriate counter- action taken.  Litter discarded from passing traffic continues to be an issue. The local vigorous campaign („litterati‟) must be continued.

 There is evidence of some fly tipping in one or two areas (in lay-bys and on private land) suggesting that we should increase awareness including reporting and taking preventative action through existing CPRE networks .  A web of low voltage power cables criss-crosses parts of the area and spoils views in some places. The prospect of burying some of the more visually intrusive lines should be considered in due course, as should future new lines .  High voltage electricity pylons at the eastern end of the area are unsightly and out of keeping with the rural environment. Whilst it is unrealistic to have these replaced, any increase in their number, or the introduction of wind turbines, would create an enormous visual impact on the landscape, and detract from the enjoyment of the countryside especially if sited on high ground.

BIO-DIVERSITY

 Privett (sector 1) contains a wide range of natural habitats: it is a treasure chest of wildlife and wild flowers. Ground flora in woodland and on verges is species-rich, with dogs mercury, yellow archangel, ivy, herb Robert, lords-and- ladies, primrose, foxgloves and a variety of ferns being particularly common.

 Similarly the woodlands, farmland, ponds, hedges and sunken lanes encourage a rich variety of birds, mammals, reptiles and insects.

 Buzzards soaring overhead are a frequent and beautiful sight. red kite have also been seen more often recently. The sound of tawny owls can frequently be heard at night.

KEY SENSITIVITIES

The positive attributes which if lost or changed, would change the character of the landscape.

KEY SENSITIVITIES  Panoramic[The views positive throughout attributes the areathat, -if somelost or extensive; changed, thewould open diminish unspoilt the nature character of the of landscape this landscape] including the abundance of well maintained hedgerows and absence of any development on skylines/ridgelines.

 Areas of woodland and well maintained hedgerows which contribute to the deeply rural character.

 The bio-diversity interests of the area, especially in woodlands, hedgerows and the verges of country lanes.

 The sense of remoteness that results from the overall low incidence of human activity and absence of development.

 The maintenance of historic parkland at Basing Park, landscaped woodland gardens of Coles, and individual specimen trees in the fields.

 The need to balance public access and recreational use of the area with its tranquil character and commercial farming needs. Increasing light aircraft activity over the area and use of off-road motor vehicles (both as described above) are

a special concern.

 The architecture and 19th Century style of buildings throughout the area, and the use of building materials reflecting

local geology especially within the declared conservation area. LANDSCAPE STRATEGY

To conserve the quiet nature of this distinctive rural landscape, and the contrast between the openness of the arable fields and the intimacy created by woodland copses and narrow lanes in the valleys.

LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT CONSIDERATIONS

 Conserve the low density of settlement across the landscape and consequent strong sense of remoteness.

 Conserve the rural character of the three parts of the Privett Village; ensure that any built development reflects the local vernacular, resisting suburban style garden boundaries, kerbs and lighting.

 Ensure that new buildings are sensitively integrated into the landscape through careful sighting and screening.

 Protect the woodlands (including woodland hedgerows) to ensure continuity of cover and a diverse species and age structure. Conserve and manage the hedgerow network.

 Maintain the rural character of the country lanes; seek to reduce unnecessary traffic pressures and road „improvements‟ which would alter the character of these lanes; and manage lane verges for botanical interest.

 Maintain the network of bridleways and public footpaths, and consider increasing these in areas which will not directly impinge on farming operations or conservation.

 Control recreational activity through local authorities in accordance with existing laws and bye-laws so as to respect the special character of the area and its peacefulness.

 Through planning authorities, exercise effective control over HMFC activities so as to minimise their impact on the tranquillity and peacefulness of the area. Seek opportunities to reduce the aural impact of the A32 and A272.

 Monitor the incidence of fly-tipping; identify specific causes; and seek to eliminate.

 Consider the preparations needed for an increase in visitors now that the parish sits within the new South Downs National Park, with a view to maximising local benefits and minimising unnecessary adverse effects.

 Given the crucial importance of farming to the area, consider how we can help the farming community to continue their commercial interests whilst managing the countryside so as to keep it looking rich and traditional.

 Investigate through planning authorities, the conflict arising from the 2008 Amendment to the Town and Country Act whereby the new clauses dealing with „permitted development‟ appear to be in conflict with the ethos and purposes of conservation areas and national parks.

APPENDIX 1