Kings Worthy and Village Design Statement Introduction

Village Design Statements

New buildings are all around us, and many of them are welcome additions to the local scene. Nevertheless, people have sometimes felt threatened by new development, and it is important that ordinary people have a way of influencing the key decisions. To meet this need, the Countryside Agency has introduced Village Design Statements (VDS) so that local communities can feed their ideas and suggestions into the formal planning process, in order to conserve and enhance the distinctiveness of their village. City Council has adopted the VDS as a Supplementary Planning Document. It forms part of the Winchester Local Development Framework and will help guide change and strengthen the character of the villages and their buildings. It will have particular relevance for:

࡯ Local authorities ࡯ Statutory bodies and providers of services and utilities ࡯ Local householders, landowners, businesses and farmers ࡯ Architects, designers, planners and engineers ࡯ Developers and builders

The document has been written by a group of residents, working closely with the Parish Council. It describes Kings Worthy and Abbots Worthy at the beginning of the 21st century, and sets out our hopes and aspirations for the future. It covers the settlements of both Kings Worthy and Abbots Worthy, describing the existing village characteristics and providing guidelines for future design. It comprises: ᕣ

࡯ Village and Community Context History, Economy, Community Facilities, Educational Facilities, Sports and Leisure Facilities ᕧ

࡯ Landscape Setting Topography and Vegetation, Water-courses and Drainage, Important Views, Open Spaces ¹

࡯ Settlement Pattern, Character and Buildings Kings Worthy Abbots Worthy ƻ

࡯ Traffic and Communication Links Principal Roads, Local Roads, Cul de sacs, Footpaths, Parking

Each section is accompanied by a series of planning guidelines which form the Supplementary Planning Document for Kings Worthy. The additional goals represent some of our aspirations but do not form part of the adopted planning policy. This Village Design Statement has been produced for and on behalf of Winchester City Council and will be used as part of the planning process. NB. not all places mentioned in the text are in Kings Worthy.

The design guidelines are all cross-referenced to relevant policy in the Winchester District Local Plan Review (2006).

2 Kings Worthy and Abbots Worthy Village Design Statement Village and Community Context

Location name is likely to derive from the Kings Worthy and Abbots Worthy lie two fact that it had miles to the north of Winchester, on the edge been granted to of the chalk lands of the Downs. the Monks of St The river Itchen flows along the south-eastern Peter’s Abbey in border of the parish. 900AD. Kings Worthy is bounded by the main London-Southampton railway to the west, Kings Worthy Lovedon Lane to the north-east and the A34 This historic core to the south (refer to map). Much of Kings of Kings Worthy is Worthy stands on the sides of a north-south centred near St dry valley at Springvale. To the south of the Mary’s church. village, the older part of the settlement lies The church dates on a south-east facing slope above the River from 12th century Itchen. whilst adjacent Abbots Worthy is a much smaller village, properties such as lying to the east of Kings Worthy. The village the Old Post is situated on a shallow south-east facing Office, (reputed to spur of chalk downland to the north of the be the oldest Post River Itchen. Office in the Kings Worthy and Abbots Worthy became country), date back to the 17th century. Kings Worthy locator part of the same parish in the 1830s. During the 18th century, the Cart and Horses map Inn was a coaching stop on the route to History and Development London. The village would have developed in this Early History area to benefit from the River Itchen and There are traces of settlement in Kings during the 18th and 19th centuries sawmills Worthy and Abbots Worthy from the Stone used the river for power. Until the mid-19th Age onwards, with flint and stone axes dating century the village changed little and from the Neolithic/Bronze Age found in a remained focussed on the church. At this number of locations in the parish. There is time the population of Kings Worthy stood also evidence of Iron and Bronze Age field at about 185 with the majority of the systems north of Abbots Worthy and an population working on local farms and in inhumtion burial to the east of Mill Lane, service, which kept the village self- believed to date from the Bronze Age. sufficient. There are sites of Romano-British Improved communications during the settlements close to Kings Worthy. The second half of the 19th century led to the Roman origins of the area are also reflected construction of more substantial houses in in the straight alignment of the A33 the village. However it wasn’t until the latter Basingstoke Road, which historically formed part of the 20th century that the form of the part of the Winchester-Silchester Road. village began to change substantially, with In Worthy Park there is an Anglo Saxon rapid expansion to the north and west. By cemetery dating from the 5th/6th century and 1950 the population of Kings Worthy had also some Anglo Saxon earthworks. From this almost tripled. Numbers of more modest period onwards both Kings Worthy and houses were built in the Springvale area after Abbots Worthy established as small the Great War and this was followed by agricultural communities close to the River large-scale development of council housing in Itchen. Mill Lane, Abbots Worthy, was first the 1950s and 1960s. Housing development referred to in the Anglo-Saxon Charter of in the Hookpit and Wesley Park areas AD961. followed in the 1970s and 80s and, since The name ‘Worthy’ is thought to derive then, there has been further building on from the Saxon word ‘Wordie’, referring to smaller scale infill sites within the parish part of an estate or well-defined area. At the boundaries. time of the Domesday Survey Kings Worthy The population of Kings Worthy and Abbots was a Tithing of Barton Stacey, held first by Worthy at the time of writing is just over King Edward and then King William, thus 4000, living in around 1700 households. Just giving it its regal name. Abbots Worthy is also over 20% of the residents are under 18, and mentioned in the Domesday Book, and its 23% are over 60.

3 Kings Worthy and Abbots Worthy Village Design Statement

Figure 1: Village Context

4 Kings Worthy and Abbots Worthy Village Design Statement

Abbots Worthy Road; a convenience store / It is likely that the form and position of post office at Springvale, and a Abbots Worthy has been influenced by the post office / newsagents in existence of ancient tracks crossing the River London Road. There are also Itchen and tracks following the valley. Abbots two hairdressers and a fireplace Worthy Mill dates from the medieval/post shop on Springvale Road. medieval period and there is evidence of a London Road also has a fulling mill just north of the existing Fulling specialist fishing / country wear Mill also dating from this period. Between shop and a repair garage. A these two mills there is evidence of the grocery shop and hardware remains of a medieval village. store have both closed in Following the Dissolution, Abbots Worthy recent years, which may was passed to both the Earl of Southampton indicate that there is little scope and Lord Russell before forming part of the for additional general grocery Bedford Estates. In 1801 it was sold to the premises. Baring family and in 1836 Abbotsworthy Abbots Worthy has no shops. House was constructed for Rev. Charles Winchester, with its wide Baring. The presence of this large property range of shops, is easily accessible by car, Kings Worthy Centre with extensive gardens is likely to have and there is also a regular bus service. There is a large supermarket two miles away at Winnall. Educational Facilities

Kings Worthy has a large primary school with just over 300 children, predominantly drawn from the village. It is near capacity, and any future large-scale development in the area would require extra facilities at the school if required by the Local Education Authority. There is Kings Worthy Church & Church Rooms also a community-run playgroup in one of restricted the development of the village to the village halls, and a the west of Mill Lane. Worthy Park House commercial nursery has also influenced the development of the school in Abbots village as several houses to the East of Mill Worthy, taking pre- Lane were once Worthy Park estate cottages. school children from The village has changed very little since the Winchester and 1840 Tithe map with the only later extensions beyond. being at the northern end of Park Lane and southern end of Mill Lane. The 1960s and Community Facilities Cart & Horses PH 1970s saw infilling within this structure. There is a doctors surgery near the Kings Employment Worthy Community Centre and there is a strong need for basic surgery facilities to be Kings Worthy and Abbots Worthy have a high maintained, perhaps shared between the three proportion of working families, the majority Winchester practices. The villages do not finding employment in Winchester, the Solent support a pharmacy, although the surgery conurbation, Basingstoke and London. The offers a prescriptions service. A village villages provide a limited number of job questionnaire revealed that a chemist’s shop opportunities, although many self-employed would be the single most popular new people work from a home base. There is a amenity. commercial / light industrial area on the operates a day southern edge of the village, in Headbourne centre and a residential home for elderly Worthy. people and a centre and residential home for During weekdays Kings Worthy and Abbots young people with learning disabilities. These Worthy have a quiet feel, due to a large facilities serve the whole of central proportion of its population working Hampshire, including Kings Worthy and elsewhere. Abbots Worthy. Warden-controlled sheltered housing is Shopping available at Harwood Place in Springvale, and social housing for the elderly can be found at Kings Worthy supports a small number of Churchill Close and Mountbatten Close in local shops: a convenience store in Springvale Kings Worthy. King Charles PH

5 Kings Worthy and Abbots Worthy Village Design Statement

Meeting space is pitches. The Worthies Sports and Social amply provided for, Clubhouse is situated at the edge of Eversley with three village Park. halls as well as The other main open space is the Village rooms for hire at the Green at Springvale, where there is a church and the children’s play area. Broadview and Hinton school. The Kings Park are additional green areas, although Worthy Community these are not large enough to accommodate Centre including the much in the way of formal leisure activities. Tubbs Hall (known At the time of writing, Winchester City locally as the Kings Council’s Open Space Strategy for 2005-6 Worthy Centre) was identifies a shortfall of recreational space in renovated in 2004 Kings Worthy and Abbots Worthy. The and now also houses shortage is especially acute in the northern the Parish Council part of the Kings Worthy and the Parish offices. St Mary’s Council is looking at ways to acquire Eversley Park Hall in Springvale also doubles as a chapel, additional recreation land in this area. though most services are held at the medieval church of St Mary’s. Millennium Mosaics The villages support many groups, including the W.I., an amateur dramatic society, a dance and drama school, and a local history group; all of them use one or other of the village halls. There are also Guide and Scout Groups, the latter with its own clubhouse. The Mobile Library visits the villages every two weeks and there are two Public Houses in Kings Worthy, the King Charles on the northernmost edge and the Cart and Horses on the London road to the south.

Peeks Field Sports and Leisure Facilities

The largest open space providing leisure Mosaic at Broad View facilities is at Eversley Park at the south-east edge of Kings Worthy. This facility is owned Kings Worthy celebrated the Millennium and maintained by Kings Worthy Parish with the design and construction of a series Council and is named after Lord Eversley, a of mosaics throughout the village. Some of cabinet minister who lived at Abbotsworthy these are in buildings with restricted access House. Facilities here include four football such as the school, the day centre, the pitches, an all weather basketball / five a side Kings Worthy Centre and Jubilee Hall. pitch, and a children’s play area. Several Kings Others however, can be found in the public Worthy football teams, mostly juniors, use the realm, at Broad View and St Mary’s Church.

Design Guidelines D1 Opportunities should be provided for art works in the public realm wherever possible (DP.9) Additional goals G1 Open space / play area provision should be increased, especially to the north-west Mosaic at St Mary’s of Kings Worthy. Kings Worthy Parish Council is planning to provide a range of Church recreational facilities when the Top Field site is made available (see Figure 1) G2 Retain local shops within existing retail areas such as Springvale village green G3 Conserve the existing mosaics in the public realm G4 Encourage opportunities for a pharmacy to open within Kings Worthy, possibly linked to Surgery

6 Kings Worthy and Abbots Worthy Village Design Statement Landscape Setting

Topography and Vegetation

Both villages lie on chalk and loam soil, with rolling open countryside to the north and the River Itchen to the south. In the main this countryside is given over to arable farming, mostly for cereal crops, although there is also some pasture grazed by cattle. This area is punctuated by stands and groups of mature trees, sometimes along drives and lanes, in patches of woodland, or along railway embankments. The main physical features of Kings Worthy are the valley of Springvale and the ridge above it, which affords views to the West and North. From this ridge the land slopes gently south and east towards the . Extensive views of the village and surrounding areas can be seen from the Road, Top Field, Broadview and Vegetation River Itchen at Eversley Park. Abbots Worthy There are fine specimens of many native Water-courses and Drainage broadleaf deciduous trees within the area and mature hedgerows line the fields and roads. Some of the oldest buildings in both Kings A comprehensive survey of rural hedgerows Worthy and Abbots Worthy are located in undertaken in 2000 and updated in 2005 close proximity to the River Itchen. This is indicated the presence of the following considered to be one of the best examples of species: a chalk river habitat in Europe and it is identified as a candidate Special Area for Indigenous Tree and Hedgerow Species Conservation (cSAC). Its clear alkaline water associated with the countryside around Kings is important for both recreation and Worthy and Abbots Worthy biodiversity with species such as kingfishers, otters and little egrets found in the area. Alder Buckthorn (Rhamnus frangula) Established paths provide access for informal Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) recreation along the valley, although there are Beech (Fagus sylvatica) no walks immediately adjacent to the Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) riverside. The valley floor also forms part of Bird cherry (Prunus padus) the Itchen Valley Site of Special Scientific Common oak (Quercus robur) Interest and is typified by a shallow floodplain Crab apple (Malus sylvestris) with braided chalk streams, unimproved Dog rose (Rosa canina) grassland, meadows, carr and reed beds. Dogwood (Cornus sanguinea) Despite its proximity to the River Itchen, Elder (Sambucus nigra) Abbots Worthy Mill Kings Worthy is separated from the Elm (Ulmus glabra) from Itchen Way watercourse by the A33, which forms an Field maple (Acer campestre) abrupt barrier. Abbots Worthy however, has Guelder rose (Viburnum opulus) distinct visual and physical links with the river, Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) with Mill Lane leading directly down to the Holly (Ilex aquifolium) river banks. Spindle (Euonymus europaeus) The permeable nature of the underlying Wild privet (Ligustrum vulgare) chalk in the area generally leads to a lack of White poplar (Populus alba) water on the surface, but can result in Wild cherry (Prunus avium) flooding after periods of exceptional rainfall Yew (Taxus baccata) when the water table reaches the surface. This happened in 2000/1 in Kings Worthy, To the southeast, Kings Worthy and Abbots when Springvale Road and some adjoining Worthy are bounded by the floodplain of the properties were flooded. Local people are River Itchen, as it flows in its braided winding concerned that any development on the west channels through the surrounding water side of Springvale Road would not only be at meadows. Here there are reed beds and risk of flooding, but might also increase run meadows rich in wild flowers and water- off and aggravate the problems for loving plants and water tolerant native trees neighbouring properties. are more common.

7 Kings Worthy and Abbots Worthy Village Design Statement

Indigenous Tree and Hedgerow Species Abbots Worthy associated with the River Itchen at Kings Yew, beech, lime and sycamore at Worthy and Abbots Worthy A33/B3047 junction at Kings Worthy Grove Alder (Alnus glutinosa) Trees within the grounds of Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) Abbotsworthy House (yew, holly, Beech (Fagus sylvaticus) sycamore, lime) Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) Beech avenue on Long Walk, St Crack willow (Salix fragilis) Swithuns Way, to south of Dog rose (Rosa canina) Abbotsworthy House Elder (Sambucus nigra) Trees associated with River Itchen on Goat willow (Salix caprea) both sides of A33 Basingstoke Road Guelder rose (Viburnum opulus) Woodland on northern boundary of Park Beech trees at The Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) Lane (yew, beech, sycamore, maple, Woodlands, Church Common oak (Quercus robur) hazel, ash) Lane Osier (Salix viminalis) Poplar (Populus sp) There is also a group of trees on the White willow (Salix alba) London Road at Peeks Field, which is not characteristic of the area. The coniferous The oldest part of Kings Worthy trees are not indigenous and detract from the developed on the slightly higher streetscene, blocking views to the church. ground around St Mary’s Church. This area is above the flood level Where village and country of the river, and here there are meet: Important Views more fine trees, including more ornamental varieties. Owners of Figure 2 illustrates important views around the Victorian villas in both Kings Kings Worthy and Abbots Worthy. Worthy and Abbots Worthy planted a variety of species that are now Kings Worthy well-established and of significant To/from the West stature, contributing greatly to the The topography and the preponderance of street scene. These include beech groups of mature trees mean that much of (Fagus sylvatica), yew (Taxus Kings Worthy is well integrated with the baccata) holm oak (Quercus ilex), landscape when viewed from the west, as Scots pines (Pinus sylvestris) much of the modern part of the Kings Worthy chestnut (Aesculus lies within the valley of Springvale. Here, hippocastanum), larch (Larix building development is also bounded by the europaea), lime (Tilia spp.) and wooded embankment of the main London to cedars (Cedrus spp.), often along Southampton railway line. However, glimpses the edges of the roads and drives. of the village can be gained from the Top Field and important views out to the Beech avenue St Figure 2 on page 11 illustrates the location countryside can be gained from parts of Swithuns Way, of important groups of trees and areas of Springvale Road and from Nations Hill. Abbots Worthy vegetation. These include: To/from the North Kings Worthy Again, the rolling topography around Kings The ‘avenue’ along the A33 Basingstoke Worthy restricts views, however panoramic Road views of the village can be obtained from the Trees at the A33/London Road junction, Stoke Charity Road, close to the railway line. adjacent to Victoria Cottages Important glimpses of the open countyside to Trees along frontage of Kings Worthy the north of the village can also be obtained Court, London Road from Lovedon Lane and the burial ground. To Lime trees within St Marys Church yard the north of Kings Worthy, the farmland Holm oak, pine and chestnuts within separating the village from South private gardens of Church Lane helps to segregate and define the distinct Beech trees at The Woodlands, off identities of the two villages. It is therefore Church Lane important to retain the open rural character of Trees by A33 Beech trees at Hinton Fields this area. Mixed trees (including pine) to north of Kings Worthy Primary School Beech trees at Hinton Fields Mixed avenue (including pine) on Hinton House Drive Holm oaks & sycamores at junction of Church Lane/London Road, Kings Worthy Ornamental trees within the grounds of properties on the London Road and Church Lane Group of pines on Springvale Road

8 Kings Worthy and Abbots Worthy Village Design Statement

and along the floor of the Itchen valley. Glimpses from Mill Lane, the Itchen Way and the A33 across the Itchen Valley towards Easton Down contribute to the rural setting of the village. Longer View from Top Field distance views eastwards can also To/from the East be obtained from St From the north-east Kings Worthy is Swithun’s Way, approached along the A33 through open adjacent to Worthy farmland, and the topography and trees Park Home Farm. generally restrict views. However, south of the disused Alton railway, there are filtered Landmarks and Views within Trees on A33 & views from the A33, through an informal the Settlements London Rd avenue of mature trees. Apart from being attractive landscape features in their own Within the Kings Worthy Conservation Area, right, these trees help integrate the village the Cart and Horses Inn, Kings Worthy Court, with its surroundings and it is important that the Reading Room and the church and its they be retained. On the south-eastern edge lych gate are all important focal features, of Kings Worthy, there are long panoramic especially when viewed from the London views out from Eversley Park to the wider Road. There are also important views of the countryside. church and Kings Worthy Court from Church Lane. To the north–west of Kings Worthy, the disused Winchester-Alton railway embankment forms an important gateway, subdividing the Springvale area in two. Springvale Road passes under the bridge and the well vegetated embankment provides enclosure to the surrounding area. The Kim Bishop footpath passes along the top of this embankment. Within Abbots Worthy, the Abbots Worthy Mill forms a local landmark to walkers on the Itchen Way, marking a gateway to the village. St Mary’s Church Nearby, Abbotsworthy House also forms an

Open farmland, A33 & Lovedon Lane

To/from the South Views to the south of Kings Worthy are partially restricted by the vegetation and water courses of the Itchen valley, however recent tree clearance has opened up attractive views towards Easton Down from the A33. The scenic aspect of the area between the Cart and Horses Public House and Lovedon Lane acts as a buffer to the new developments at the top of the rise. It also helps to integrate the village into the surrounding landscape, providing a rural approach to the Kings Worthy Conservation Area. Moreover, this attractive open area helps to segregate and define the distinct identities of Kings Worthy and Abbots Kings Worthy Court from London Rd Worthy. It is therefore important to retain the open rural character of this area. important landmark to walkers on the St Swithun’s Way. To the north of the village, Abbots Worthy the Old Rectory forms a gateway landmark Views to and from Abbots Worthy are on the A33. generally limited, due to the enclosure given Views within Abbots Worthy are marred by Springvale Road by the mature trees both within the village overhead telephone cables. railway embankment

9 Kings Worthy and Abbots Worthy Village Design Statement

Open Spaces

The main recreational open spaces within Kings Worthy are at Eversley Park, Hinton Park, Broadview, Willis Waye and Springvale Village Green. Smaller grassed areas within residential areas, such as Fryers Close, Mountbatten Place and Lynn Way also provide important spaces for children to play close to home. The recreation ground at Peeks Field is also a public facility but as it is in private ownership, its accessibility in the long term cannot be guaranteed. At the southern end of the village there is also a wooded area and adjacent field to the west of Hinton House Drive. For many years, this area has been well used for dog walking and other informal recreation; a well-used footpath crosses the land, but it has no official status. In addition to the recreational open spaces there are a number of open areas that are Church triangle important for their visual amenity. The triangular piece of land in front of the church, for example, provides it with an important setting whilst the open grassed areas at the junctions of London Road and the B3047 off the A33 Basingstoke Road provide attractive gateways to both Kings Worthy and Abbots Worthy. Castle Rise, off Lovedon Lane in Kings Worthy, provides an open area of grassed embankment. Hinton Drive

Design Guidelines D2 Important views out of and into the villages, as shown on Figure 2 should be protected (DP.4, HE.4) D3 The views towards the local landmarks shown on Figure 2 should be protected and where possible enhanced (DP.4, HE.4) D4 Opportunities should be taken to provide public open space within both villages, both for formal play and sport and for informal visual and recreational amenity (DP.5, RT.1, RT.2, RT.4, RT.5, RT.6) D5 The open, rural character of the following areas is important to the setting of the villages and should be conserved (see Figure 2): -The woodland and farmland between the Cart and Horses Public House and Lovedon Lane (CE.2, CE.3, CE.5) -The open farmland between Kings Worthy and South Wonston (CE.5) -The open farmland to the north-east of Lovedon Lane (CE.5) D6 New building should be restricted to sites within the village envelope, to preserve the open fields around the village and minimise the impact on traffic flows within the village.(H.3, T.1) D7 The continuity of the villages’ mature trees and hedgerow structure should be encouraged, especially the groups of mature trees and hedgerows shown in Figure 2, which contribute to the streetscene and integration of the villages with their countryside setting. (DP.3, DP.4, CE.5) D8 New planting should use locally sourced indigenous species or reflect Victorian specimen planting as appropriate. (DP.3, DP.4) D9 Any future development, particularly in the Springvale Road area should take account of the risk of flooding and should avoid exacerbating the problem. (DP.8) D10 The landscape character and biodiversity of the River Itchen should be conserved. (DP.4, CE.5, CE.7) Additional goals G5 Trees and vegetation should be actively managed to conserve the leafy, secluded character of both Abbots Worthy and Kings Worthy and to enhance biodiversity. G6 The conifers on Peeks Field should be removed to allow views through to the church from London Road. Alternative planting with deciduous trees should be considered. G7 A low level native hedgerow along the western boundary of St Mary’s church yard and Peek’s Field should be considered, to improve the visual relationship between the two open spaces.

10 Kings Worthy and Abbots Worthy Village Design Statement

Figure 2: Important Views, Landmarks & Vegetation

11 Kings Worthy and Abbots Worthy Village Design Statement Settlement Pattern, Character and Buildings

combination of architecture, history and setting make it the most distinctive area of the village and it was designated as a Conservation Area in 1995. The character of the area has been well-documented in Winchester City Council’s Conservation Area Technical Assessment. During the 20th century, the Tubbs Green area has evolved as another village centre, with a local shop and the refurbished Kings Worthy Centre. The long history of Kings Worthy is reflected in the variety of its buildings and townscape. The following section describes the distribution of the varied building types, layouts, materials and property boundaries that are characteristic of the village.

Building Types and Layouts Ribbon Development: Springvale Road and Lovedon Lane Historically, as Springvale developed between the two World Wars, ribbon development along the main roads of Lovedon Lane and Springvale Road consisted of small to medium sized bungalows on long plots of land. In this area there are also a few two- storey houses dating from early in the 20th century. Many of these dwellings have been extended, and a number of the original bungalows have been converted into two storey chalet bungalows, or have been replaced by small developments of two to four houses in the grounds of the original building. The style of the newer buildings is generally in keeping with the original bungalows, although there are a number of more modern, individual designs.

1950s Local Authority Housing: Railings, front Kings Worthy Willis Waye gardens and To the north of the conservation area, at eyebrow dormers Kings Worthy is varied in character, with a Willis Waye and Springvale, two areas of rural historic Conservation Area as well as 1950s local authority housing typified by extensive areas of suburban development. It mainly substantial, semi-detached two storey generally consists of low density housing, a houses, in medium to large plots with open few shops, open spaces, many footpaths and spaces in front of them. The houses are a hierarchy of road styles leading into grouped around a large open green. A few sections of housing. Many of these are cul- bungalows and short terraces are also de-sacs and the wide variety of styles included in these developments. generally reflects the original developer and date of construction. There are a large 1960s Local Authority Housing: The Green number of trees and hedges throughout the Around the Kings Worthy Centre is an area of village, creating a very ‘green’ semi- local authority housing built around the 1960s, rural/suburban appearance. consisting mainly of two storey houses in The nature of the development of the short terraces. In this area the road layout is village has left it with no obvious centre. The on a predominantly rectangular form, with historic core of Kings Worthy, focussed on open green verges and larger grassy areas. St Swithuns Way London Road and Church Road is located at More recently, the local authority extended metal railings the southernmost edge of the village. Its this area with newer designed semi-detached

12 Kings Worthy and Abbots Worthy Village Design Statement

dwellings and short terraces of smaller paved or gravelled houses with small gardens. roads and cast iron A few three-storey blocks of flats with traffic bollards. pitched roofs were also built at this time, originally as military quarters. These are the Kings Worthy only three storey buildings in the village, and Conservation Area, responses to a village questionnaire showed London Road/Church that the majority of residents considered Lane them to be out of context, given the Properties within the topography of the site and the predominance conservation area are of one and two storey dwellings nearby. generally residential, with a few Hookpit Farm Estate commercial premises During the 1970s a number of private housing such as the Cart and estates were constructed on the site of the Horses pub, Kings former Hookpit Farm, to the north-west of Worthy Post Office the village, adjacent to the main London to and the Rod Box Southampton railway line. These properties fishing tackle shop. All are mainly detached and semi-detached three properties tend to be and four bedroom family houses, together detached or semi- detatched and either one and a half or two storeys in height. Kings Victoria Cottages Worthy Court is an exception to this, rising to two and a half storeys.

Materials and Features The majority of properties within Kings Worthy are brick-built, using mass produced materials, reflecting the modernisation of the production and delivery process. Around Tubbs Green, properties dating from the 1960s tended to include large windows, weatherboarding or tile hanging,

Willis Waye with a few short terraces of smaller homes. The road layouts are generally linear, and some of these areas now suffer from an excess of on-street parking. However, there are a few good examples of houses serviced from rear garage courts, with only footpaths and landscaped open areas to the front. This makes for a more attractive environment with no loss of convenience for the residents.

1980s Estates – North and west of Eversley Park The 1980s saw further substantial private and typical brick and tile stocks, mainly in Tubbs Green housing development in the centre of the village, to yellow and green. Likewise the 1970s the south of the old Winchester–Alton railway properties at the Hookpit Farm estate are line. These consist mainly of three and four constructed of brick and are tile-hung. bedroom detached properties on small to Windows tend to be casements, of either medium sized plots, though a few short timber or upvc. terraces of smaller houses were included in More recent developments, dating from the the scheme. These estates generally follow a 1990s and early 21th century, have seen more more varied layout, with curved roads and architectural variations, including circular significant areas planted with trees and windows, half hipped or catslide roofs, brick shrubs, particularly on Wesley Park. detailing and detached, weatherboarded garages. Whilst the architecture has not Recent Infill always been specifically designed to reflect More recently, several small estates have been the site, they have attempted to provide built. These consist mainly of larger family interest and a degree of individuality. homes and gardens, arranged in small cul-de- sacs such as Lynn Way, Clover Bank, Hinton Kings Worthy Conservation Area, London Fields, The Woodlands and Ilex Close. In many Road/Church Lane cases, these developments have retained a Typical building materials include rubble flint number of mature trees, and the layouts with brick dressings, knapped flint and red include some distinctive features such as brick brick. There are also examples of properties

13 Kings Worthy and Abbots Worthy Village Design Statement

with exposed timber frames with brick and plaster infill, weatherboarding and colourwashed brickwork. Clay tile roofs are common, (as seen on St Mary’s Church, the Cart and Horses Inn, Old Post Office, Reading Rooms) as well as long straw thatch (such as Briar Cottage, Tudor Cottage and Old Thatch). Slate is also used on Victorian properties or as a replacement roofing on older buildings. Some properties, such as Eversley Cottage, have half-hipped roofs. Hinton Fields Features such as hipped dormers, eyebrow dormers, tall chimneystacks with hand 6 & 7 Mill Lane timber frame with brick infill painted clay chimney pots and intricate brick chimneystacks are important distinctive Abbots Worthy features on the rooflines of properties within the area. Decorative bargeboards are also Abbots Worthy has a distinctive historic typical of Victorian properties. character and as such the majority of this Older properties small village is designated as a conservation have leaded windows area. The village has no commercial whilst there are also properties and consists of approximately 40 examples of light cast dwellings, some dating back to the 17th iron casement century. windows. Ornamental Building Types 1 features, such as Properties predominantly consist of 1 ⁄2 and diaper brickwork of two storey detached cottages, the exceptions blue headers and being several pairs of semi-detached mock timber frame dwellings and bungalows. The majority of detailing can also be properties have front gardens which seen on Victorian contribute to the rural character of the properties streetscene.

Kings Worthy Court Property Boundaries Building Materials wall, Church Lane Property boundaries vary throughout Kings A significant number of properties are timber- Worthy, generally reflecting the period in framed or part timber-framed, with either which the area was developed. More recent plaster, flint or brick infilling. Brick and developments such as Hinton Fields have coursed flint are also commonly used sought to reflect the local area by incorporating mature planting, cottage garden plants, beech hedging, and iron railings. Earlier developments such as The Green reflect the open plan character favoured in the 1960s with wide expanses of open grass providing a setting to properties, but with no distinct public/private boundary. Some of the earliest developments, along Lovedon Lane, Springvale Road and at Willis Waye generally have well-established hedgerows or a combination of low walls and hedges, which integrate the buildings with the surrounding landscape and offer a degree of privacy.

Mill House – red Kings Worthy Conservation Area, London 2 Park Lane – colourwashed flint brick and render Road/Church Lane This area benefits from some well-defined materials. There are some examples of traditional boundaries, with brick and flint knapped (Old School House) and walls being especially common. On the colourwashed flint. Brick is often northern side of London Road, a flint wall colourwashed in white or occasionally with brick lacing courses and half round brick rendered (Mill House). coping stretches from the Cart and Horses Inn to the junction of Church Lane. On the Roofs western side of Church Lane a red brick wall, Roofs are often thatched with long-straw or mainly of Flemish Garden Wall bond, forms combed wheat reed, or constructed of clay the boundary to Kings Worthy Court tiles and are often hipped or half-hipped. Other boundaries consist of evergreen non- Toothed eaves provide ornamentation. Slate coniferous hedges, and iron railings. is found on a limited number of properties.

14 Kings Worthy and Abbots Worthy Village Design Statement

Architectural Features Clay tiles – corner of Timber and cast iron casement windows are Park Lane typical. Some of these are leaded and others have two lights. Thatched roofs with eyebrow dormers are characteristic of the village and there are also examples of hipped dormers.

Property Boundaries Boundary walls form an important element in the streetscene. These tend to consist of flint with brick lacing courses and brick capping. The boundary of Abbotsworthy House is the

knapped flint capped with brick headers or coping stones. Many cottage garden boundaries also consist of either native hedges such as beech and yew, or evergreen ornamental shrubs. Metal railings are also a typical boundary in the area, with black metal estate fencing found along St Swithuns Way to the south of Abbotsworthy House and Worthy Park Home Farm. These are approximately 1m high, with 3 horizontal lengths and with uprights approximately 1m apart. 5 Mill Lane

Old School House – knapped flint most prominent boundary wall, stretching between Mill Lane and the A33 and rising to 3.5m in height. This is constructed of coursed flint with brick lacing courses, topped with clay tiles. The 2m high brick and flint boundary wall of Kings Worthy Grove on the A33, is also a prominent feature. Elsewhere, garden walls tend to be approximately 1m in Abbotsworthy House height, with a brick base and coursed wall

Design Guidelines D11 Where appropriate, conserve and promote the use of traditional building materials, including thatch, clay tiles, natural slate, flint, local brick and colour-washed brick and natural flint, especially in and around the Kings Worthy and Abbots Worthy conservation areas. All building materials should be of a high quality and long lasting. (DP.3, HE.5) D12 Conserve and promote the use of half-hipped roofs, eyebrow and hipped dormers and traditional wooden and cast iron casement windows, especially in the Kings Worthy and Abbots Worthy conservation areas. (DP.3, HE.5) D13 Conserve existing traditional boundaries such as brick and flint walls, yew and non-coniferous hedging, iron railings and metal estate fencing, especially in and around the Kings Worthy and Abbots Worthy conservation Areas and, where appropriate, promote their use elsewhere. (DP.3, HE.5, HE.8) D14 Dwellings in new developments should be arranged to create attractive, sociable spaces and a sense of place. (DP.3, DP.5) D15 The division between public and private space should be clearly defined, but walls and fences should not be used more than necessary. Boundary hedgerows and planting should be used to soften the visual impact of new development and carparking. Coniferous hedging should be avoided and where appropriate native species should be used. (DP.3) D16 Where appropriate to the context, high quality, contemporary innovative architecture is welcomed throughout the villages (DP.3) D17 Extensions and infill properties should be designed to complement the existing property and its neighbours both in terms of its architecture and materials. (DP.3, HE.5) Goals G8 Avoid the use of overhead cables and seek to relocate existing cables underground.

15 Kings Worthy and Abbots Worthy Village Design Statement Traffic and Communication Links

Introduction village of Kings Worthy, suffers from a relatively large number of junctions and its Kings Worthy is well served with access sinuous course results in poor sight lines, roads and footpaths, making easy access to especially at the junction with Church Lane. the village from any Traffic speeds are a problem on Springvale direction by road or Road and Lovedon Lane, and measures to on foot. Abbots reduce the 40 mph speed limit to 30 mph Worthy is less would be welcomed. accessible to Traffic volumes are generally moderate, but pedestrians, having significantly increase during the rush hours. few pavements and The exception to this is the A34, which is two relatively busy very busy at all times. Lighting levels along roads, the A33 and the main roads are very low, with lights B3047 running mainly at junctions. Facilities for pedestrians adjacent/through the are generally poor, with heavy traffic and village respectively. narrow footpaths creating an unfriendly The rural character of environment. both settlements is reinforced by the Local Roads absence of traffic lights and Branching off the main roads in Kings Worthy roundabouts. are a number of smaller local roads with Kings Worthy was housing along both sides. These form the formerly served by major access routes and comprise Church London Road the Newbury to Winchester railway, but the Lane, Nations Hill, Forbes Road, Fraser Road, line is now buried beneath the modern A34 Pound Road and Ramsey Road. All of these and the old station forms part of a small are relatively narrow roads, just sufficient for industrial area. The Southampton-Waterloo two-way traffic and have grass verges along railway serves as a boundary to parts of the much of their length, except for Church Lane, village, but trains pass through without which is much narrower with buildings stopping. adjacent to the road. The roads in and around Kings Worthy and They carry moderate levels of traffic during Abbots Worthy can be divided into three peak periods, but this reduces at other times. categories: principal roads, local roads and Lighting is limited to a few locations, mainly cul-de-sacs. at junctions and is at a slightly higher level in the more built up areas. Principal Roads Cul-de-sacs and Minor Lanes Principal roads largely form the boundaries of Kings Worthy. The A34 is a major trunk route The remainder of Kings Worthy’s and Abbots with no direct access to Kings Worthy and, Worthy’s roads are predominantly small cul- like the main railway line, only serves the de-sacs of around fifteen houses, or lead into village as a boundary feature. The other main housing areas and to other smaller roads. roads, the A33 and B3047, provide access to These are mainly curved roads serving the Alresford Drove both Kings Worthy and Abbots Worthy. All of houses, with many trees, grass verges and these are single hedges. Traffic levels are relatively low, being carriageway, two lane only used to access residential properties. In roads, except the general the level of lighting in these most southerly part residential roads is low, with the highest of the A33, which is a levels in some of the newer estates. dual carriageway. In Abbots Worthy, Mill Lane is a ‘dead-end’ Whilst some lengths leading from the B3047 to the River Itchen. of these roads are This is very different in character to the cul- fronted by houses, de-sacs of Kings Worthy and has a strong elsewhere they run rural character, with no footpaths, lighting, adjacent to open kerbs or formal turning head. Park Lane is farmland. similar in character, although as this is a London Road, through-route, it sees more traffic and has which bisects the old difficult junctions at each end.

16 Kings Worthy and Abbots Worthy Village Design Statement

Footpaths Parking problems

Kings Worthy is very well served by a network of footpaths providing links to all parts of the villages. These include several footpaths on the Hampshire County Council definitive map, such the paths linking Hinton House to Legion Lane, and Campion Way to Frampton Way. Abbots Worthy is also very well served with footpaths, predominantly linking it to the Itchen Valley. A number of rural footpaths stretch out through the countryside, linking Kings Worthy to Winchester (via the St Swithun’s Way/Nun’s Walk) and Worthy Down and Abbots Worthy to Easton (via the Itchen Way). The St Swithun’s Way is a long distance trail linking Winchester Parking with Farnham and the Itchen Way links Southampton with . In places there is not enough off-road parking South Wonston can be reached from Kings provision within Kings Worthy. This is Worthy using the old Newbury railway track, especially noticeable in the local authority which is being upgraded and dedicated as a housing areas and in the newer cul de sacs. bridleway. There is currently no link between To minimise visual intrusion, new this route and Kim Bishop’s Walk, which follows developments should try and accommodate the third railway to pass through the village, a adequate off-street parking for residents and section of the old Alton railway line now owned visitors. In existing residential areas such as by the Parish Council. Such a link has been Ramsay Road, North Road, Willis Waye and proposed over many years and it is hoped that Campion Way, replacing linear parking with this might be achieved with the development of adequately lit, angled bays could alleviate the the Top Field site. problem. Burntwood

Design Guidelines D18 Street lighting should be positioned to provide illumination at road junctions. Consultation with local residents should be undertaken prior to introducing new or additional street lighting. (T.3) D19 New housing developments should be linked to the footpath network. (T.1, T.3, T.8) D20 Where appropriate, opportunities should be taken to create additional footpaths linking Kings Worthy with adjacent settlements and countryside (RT.9, T.1, T.3, T.8, S.9) D21 Where appropriate, opportunities should be taken to incorporate additional cycle routes within the village (RT.9, T.1, T.3, T.8) D22 Where appropriate, parking should be provided off-street. Solutions such as secure, rear serviced garage courts or landscaped parking areas should be developed to keep parking unobtrusive. (T.4) Additional goals G9 In existing problem areas, additional parking spaces could be provided by replacing traditional linear kerbside parking with angled bays. G10 Measures to reduce the speed limit of the London Road between Taylors Corner and the Cart and Horses Public House to 30 mph should be promoted. The use of traffic calming and the provision of a pedestrian refuge should be considered. G11 Measures to reduce the speed limit of Springvale Road, Lovedon Lane and B3047 in Abbots Worthy to 30 mph should be promoted. G12 Improve safety of junctions at both ends of Park Lane, Abbots Worthy. G13 The use of double-decker buses along Church Lane, which is narrow in places, creates congestion. Whilst the road cannot be widened, opportunities should be taken to use smaller bus sizes on this route. The use of this road by heavy goods vehicles is also of concern. G14 Public and sustainable transportation is encouraged, including: -The use of a walking bus for the school and support for ‘Safer Routes to School’ -An improved evening bus service -Improved safer routes for cyclists G16 The recreational walking network should be extended by linking existing footpaths to create circular walks. This could be achieved by extending the Kim Bishop Walk into Top Field and Hookpit Farm Lane and by making Woodhams Farm Lane a public right of way or permissive footpath. G17 Footpath maps should be located at strategic locations and footpaths should be signed with their destinations. Footpath information leaflets should be widely distributed.

17 Kings Worthy and Abbots Worthy Village Design Statement

Appendix One: Consultation Process The process began in 2000 with an invitation sent to all Winchester Extra newspaper. We analysed over 200 responses households in the village to attend a workshop. This was held in in depth and incorporated them in the recommendations of the St. Mary’s Hall in April 2000 and included displays, leaflets and VDS. activities. There was an opportunity to view the Countryside Changes within the Parish Council and key people leaving the Commission’s VDS video and talk to Winchester City Council’s village meant that some of the initial impetus was lost and the Director of Development Services. As a result, a small group of preparation of a final draft document was undertaken by a small enthusiastic individuals formed a working party and with the working party of parish councillors with expert consultancy from support and encouragement of the Parish Council set about the the Development Services Department of Winchester City task. Each member of the group undertook responsibility for an Council. The use of photographs and maps has been included to individual aspect of the document. They publicised their progress graphically support the text. in the local newsletter, arranged public “drop in” sessions and The formal consultation draft was displayed over a 2 day circulated a questionnaire emphasising the need for parishioners period at the Parish Office in Spring 2006 to which all villagers to give their views on the village as it is today and the important were invited through an advertisement placed in the local paper features they wished to be preserved. by WCC. Parishioners were invited to send in their comments During 2001 we ran a photographic competition, and and concerns to WCC. The points raised have, where possible circulated a detailed questionnaire to the whole village with the and relevant, been incorporated into the final document.

Appendix Two: Sustainability Appraisal When preparing local development documents, local planning decisions can be made that accord with the objectives of authorities must fulfil the minimum requirements of sustainability sustainable development. appraisal as set out in Planning Policy Statement 12 – A sustainability appraisal for the Kings Worthy Village Design Development Plans in the Planning System. Sustainability Statement has been undertaken in line with that undertaken for appraisal is a systematic process, incorporating the requirements the Winchester Local Plan Review 2003 (Appendix 3). This of the Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive 31. The assessed each of the design guidelines to ensure that they were main purpose of sustainability appraisal is to appraise the social, sustainable, according to the following 13 social, economic and environmental and economic effects of plan strategies and environmental criterion set out below. policies, from the outset of the preparation process, so that

Criterion Description Test/Indicator

Resources Resource consumption (energy, materials, land etc) is reduced, Land Use resources are used efficiently, waste is minimised and Resource Use reuse/recycling encouraged Protection of resources Pollution Pollution (of air, noise, water etc) is limited to levels which Pollution natural systems can cope without damage Transport Biodiversity The diversity of nature is valued and protected and Protection of Diversity accessible to all Access wildlife/nature sites Local Needs Whenever possible, all local needs are satisfied by local service, Provision production and supply Use

Basic Needs Everyone has access to good food, water, shelter and fuel at Housing Provision affordable costs Equality Satisfying Work Opportunities are available for all to undertake satisfying work in Economy a diverse economy, recognising the value of informal unpaid Employment work and paying fairly Health Safe, clean, pleasant surroundings support the work of the health Treatment services that emphasise prevention of illness as well as care Prevention Access Access to facilities, services, jobs, goods and people is achieved Access at minimal environmental cost and is not determined by car ownership or income Safety People live without fear of violence from crime or persecution Crime because of beliefs, race, gender, income, disability or sexuality Fear of Crime Road Safety Knowledge Everyone has access to skills, knowledge and information Self Development necessary to enable them to play a full part in society Sustainability Awareness

Empowerment All sections of the community are empowered to participate in Involvement decision-making at all levels and in all areas of society Equity Leisure Diverse cultural, leisure and recreation opportunities are readily Provision available to all, and can be generated by people themselves Access Distinctiveness Places, spaces, settlements, buildings, landscapes and objects Protection of Built Environment are designed to value and protect local diversity, uniqueness, Urban Design identity and distinctiveness Uniqueness Local Identity

18 ------D22 - - - - - - - - - - - - ------ D21 - - - - - - - - - - - ------ D20 - - - - - - - - D19 - - - - - - - - - - - ------ - - - - D18 - ------ D17 ? ? ------ - ? ------ D16 ? ? ------ - - - - - - - - - - ? ------ D15 ? ------ - - - ? D14 - - - - - - - - - ? ? - ? - - - - - D13 ------ - - - ? - - ------D12 - - ? - - - - - - D11 ------? ------ - - - D10 - ------ ? - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - D9 ? - - - - - - - Design Guidelines ? - D8 - - - ------? - - - - ? - - - - ? ? - ------? D7 - - - - - - ? ? - ? - - ? - - ? - - - D6 ? ? - - ? - - - ? - - - - D5 ? ? ? - - - - ? - ? - - ? ? ? - - - - - ? - - - - D4 - - - - - - - ------ D3 ------ ------ D2 ------ ------ D1 - - ? - - - - - - - - - - - - Neutral ? Uncertain - Access Pollution Transport Road Safety Self Development Urban Design Land Use Resource Use Protection of resources Protection of Diversity Access to wildlife/nature sites Local Needs Provision Local Needs Use Housing Provision Basic Needs Equality Economy Health Treatment Prevention of illness Sustainability Awareness Equity Local Identity Crime Fear of Crime Involvement Leisure Provision Protection of Built Environment Employment Leisure Access Criterion Indicator Positive effect Local Needs Safety Knowledge Biodiversity Health Access Distinctiveness Resources Pollution Basic Needs Satisfying Work Empowerment Leisure Scores Each design guidelinehas been appraised against the tests/indicators and ‘scored’ one of following:

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