COPSE HILL Other Open Spaces COPSE HILL

COPSECONSERVATION AREA DESIGNHILL GUIDE COPSECONSERVATION AREA DESIGNHILL GUIDE Plans & Projects Section, Environmental Services © 2002 London Borough of Merton www.merton.gov.uk Contents COPSECONSERVATION AREA DESIGNHILL GUIDE Page 3 MAP OF CONSERVATION AREA 5 INTRODUCTION

Drax Ave

Grange Park Place

6 FRONT AND REAR GARDENS Nursery School

Drax Avenue

The Conservation Advice N Gatehouse

Tennis Courts

Front Boundaries Almer Road Thurstan Road Tennis Courts Car Parking & Garages Rokeby Place Trees Marguerite Villas Catherine Villas

COPSE HILL Other Open Spaces COPSE HILL

Prospect Place

The Firs

9 ROOFS Tennis Courts Possil Conservation Advice Copse Hill

Cottenham Drive

Roof Forms & Coverings Cottenham Place

The Wolfson Loft Conversions Rehabilitation Playing Field Centre Re-Roofing Chimneys Atkinson Morley s Hospital Flashings

Gutter & External Pipe work Lindisfarne Road

Heights Close Tennis Court 11 EXTERNAL WALLS Pavilion

St. George s Hospital Hillview Melville Avenue Conservation Advice Sports Ground

St. George s Hospital Sports Ground Raynes Park High School Brickwork Playing Field Cranford Close

Tennis Courts Pav

Cottenham

Pav Drive

St. George s Hospital

Melville 12 DOORS & WINDOWS Avenue Sports Ground Tennis Courts

St. George s Hospital

Sports Ground Hillview

Conservation Advice Cranford Close Renovation & Restoration Raynes Park High School Cottenham Park Road Replacement Windows & Doors Playing Field Cottenham Park Road Double Glazing

Burdett Avenue ‘Storm Porches’

St. Matthews Cottenham Park Road C of E New Door & Window Openings First School Shutters

Melbury Gardens

Tennis Courts 15 SIDE & REAR EXTENSIONS

Conservation Advice Oakwood Road

Laurel Road

Track ham Park Road Extensions en

Track Allotment Gardens Cottenham Park Conservatories Cambridge Close Planning Advice

16 NEW DEVELOPMENT 17 TELECOMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT

Richmond 18 SOLAR CELLS & PANELS Road 18 CONCLUSION Combe Lane Cambridge Road

West Wimbledon 20 FURTHER ADVICE Bowling Club 20 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Club House

Spencer Court

St Mathew s Richmo Hall Church nd R Map of Copse Hill Conservation Area

Acknowledgements Acknowledgements Photographs reproduced with kind permission of London Borough of Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey mapping with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office © Merton, Environmental Services, Plans & Projects Section © 2002. Crown Copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown Copyright and may lead to prosecution or Civil proceedings. www.merton.gov.uk London Borough of Merton LA 086509

2 3 Introduction

onservation areas are part has a cohesive character. important qualities that contribute designated by the Council Sensitive alterations and careful to the area's character and puts Cas areas of special archi- maintenance will help preserve the forward recommendations and tectural or historic interest, the character of the area and also retain provides guidance and advice on character or appearance of which the values of its properties. improvements that can be carried should be preserved or enhanced. Although this design guide covers out by residents which preserve and The Copse Hill conservation area the whole of the Copse Hill conser- enhance the character of these areas. was designated by Merton Council, vation area, because a major part of The Council can control certain following a Borough-wide review, the area comprises hospital grounds, adverse changes to the built in November 1990. playing fields and allotments it environment within the area by the The unique character and appear- focuses on the residential area way that it determines applications ance of the Copse Hill area derives located mainly to the north of for planning permission and listed from its special historic interest, the Copse Hill. The principles governing building and conservation area number buildings of architectural the advice contained in this guide consents (for demolitions). importance and interest, two of will nevertheless be applicable to any Although many of the recommenda- which are Listed, the significant and new development that may be tions included are advisory only, unusual ecology particularly within introduced into the conservation they nevertheless provide guidance the grounds of the Atkinson Morley area. as to good design practice, and, as Hospital and the diversity of The guide which aims to provide such, will be taken into considera- recreational, leisure and sporting advice to residents also highlights tion when planning applications are activities it supports. the main architectural features, and considered. The open nature of the area on the south side of Copse Hill along with the natural landscaping in front of buildings and the long distance views to the south and west are also significant contributing features to the area’s character which is contrasted by the cohesiveness and tight planning of the fine terraces of similar Victorian houses within Thurstan Road to the north of Copse Hill. These features taken together reinforce the unique overall COPSE HILL character and appearance of the area CHARACTER ASSESSMENT as a whole. Residents and owners have an A detailed description of the important role to play in preserving area and information on the the character of these conservation areas development and history areas. The permitted development are provided in a separate 'Conservation Area Character rights that householders enjoy allow Assessment' a copy of which many changes to be made to houses can be obtained from the without formal permission. These COUNCIL'S ENVIRONMENTAL alterations may be small in scale, but SERVICES DEPARTMENT. can be prominent and have a large TELEPHONE: 020 8545 3055. impact on the area that for the most ▲ 1 ATKINSON MORLEY HOSPITAL

4 5 hooped railings with shrub planting enough to provide space for the behind and gateway arches, whilst parking of cars. properties fronting onto Copse Hill Where parking is proposed and it is have low painted timber picket associated with flats planning permis- fences. These along with the planting sion is required. Planning permission in the front garden areas make an is also required where the proposal attractive contribution to the street would entail the construction of a scene and the character of this part ‘footway crossover’ from a ‘classified’ of the conservation area. or ‘trunk’ road. The original front boundaries A ‘Footway Cross-over Application’ should be retained and restored. should be submitted for the The introduction of tall boundaries construction of all cross-overs from should be avoided as these can have the public highway, regardless of its a significant impact on the street status. Charges are levied and you scene and character of the conserva- are responsible for the cost of the tion area. Some alterations to front works, including the cost of any boundaries require planning permis- necessary relocation of underground sion particularly where these would services, street furniture or replace- involve increasing the height of the ment trees. Any application will be boundaries to over 1 metre. considered on its merits, however proposals involving the removal of Car Parking and Garages the front boundary will be resisted. Ideally existing cross-overs should be A landscaped setting contributes to used thus avoiding the need to the character of the houses, and ▲ 2 THURSTAN ROAD, COPSE HILL remove front boundaries. where, possible gardens should be maintained. Generally the front Where removal of boundaries is gardens to properties on the north anticipated consideration should be Front and Rear side of Copse Hill are not large given to installing gates, of a design

Garden Areas ▲ 3 FRONT BOUNDARIES

The small front gardens to the building until around 1863 when it Victorian cottages in Thurstan Road was demolished. and fronting Copse Hill in particular Rear gardens also contribute signif- are important in contributing to the icantly to the nature conservation character of this part of the conserva- /ecological value of the area. tion area, as together with the low The erosion of smaller gardens boundary fences and railings they through extensions to houses and create an important softening of the the provision of off-street parking for street scene. cars can have a significant impact on In contrast the landscaped grounds the immediate vicinity. of Cottenham House are extensive, comprising remnants of landscaping, CONSERVATION ADVICE attributed to Humphrey Repton, to the former grounds to Prospect Front Boundaries Place, a large Villa which occupied Generally the front boundaries to the area immediately to the east of the properties are relatively low; in the present Atkinson Morley Hospital Thurstan Road comprising distinctive

6 7 which is in character with the area, When considering the landscaping The protection of wildlife habitats CONSERVATION ADVICE across the opening formed. Proposals of front and rear gardens a balance is of primary importance. There is Roof Forms and Coverings should seek to retain all existing between native and non native trees scope for habitat enhancement and Decorative barge boards and other trees. and plants is desirable. The use of diversification over the whole area. decorative features should be restored Where it is proposed to introduce trees and shrubs native to the Improvements for wildlife could and re-painted; where missing or hard surfaces or paving to front gar- London area would provide a link include the development or enhance- damaged consideration should be den areas materials should be select- with the woodlands and hedgerows ment of hedgerows, woodland given to replacing them. The reten- ed with care to ensure that they that were here in the past. planting, pond creation and less tion of the original roof forms and complement the building. frequent mowing of grassland. coverings is desirable and the use of The use of block paving or setts is Other Open Space Where possible enhanced but materials or treatments which replace more appropriate than a uniform A large part of the conservation controlled public access is considered or disfigure the traditional coverings concrete or bitumen surface. area is also designated a Metropolitan desirable, to give maximum local should be avoided. Bituminous, Gravel provides an attractive finish Open Land and is largely Council or benefit from the wildlife of the site. plastic or other waterproof coatings but there tend to be problems with Area Health Authority owned. This should not be applied to existing the material spreading and spilling area contains playing fields, pavilions, roofs. over into adjacent areas, especially if an adjacent school, scout hut and insufficient care is given to the design other community uses. Loft Conversions of the edgings and levels. The Council attaches a high priority Where it is proposed to provide ▲ 6 SOME APPROPRIATE DORMER It should always be possible to to the preservation and enhancement Roofs additional habitable rooms within WINDOW DESIGNS FOR REAR retain some soft landscaping with of Metropolitan Open Land. the loft space and this would result ROOF PITCHES shrubs and trees adjacent to the In considering any future develop- in the alteration of the roof form actual houses or front boundaries, ment proposals for the Atkinson The houses in Thurstan Road and ▲ the Council’s permission will be 4 PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY - even if parking is to be provided Morley Hospital and grounds, the Copse Hill are characterised by ATKINSON MORLEY HOSPITAL required. Large projections beyond within the boundary of the property, Council will seek to improve use, relatively steep pitched roof forms GROUNDS the roof slope should be avoided. to improve their setting. and appropriate access, by local with projecting party walls. Minor alterations such as the Reference should be made to the people. Improvements to be sought Cottenham House and former incorporation of sympathetically Council’s published guidelines on include the retention of existing stables on the South side of Copse designed dormer windows, comple- ‘Car Parking in Front Gardens’. appropriate community uses, Hill also have steeply pitched slate mentary to the design of the house, management, enhancement and roofs. This is contrasted by the much blend in far better with the area’s controlled access to wildlife and the shallower roof pitches to the main Trees character than major alterations to provision of open space with seating hospital building a feature of its Trees in conservation areas are roof forms. and play equipment. 'Italianate' styling. afforded statutory protection and the Any dormer should be located on ✗ The hospital grounds, playing fields Within the conservation area the Council must be notified of any the rear roof slope, set back from the and allotments are also of nature roofs were typically covered with proposals involving the felling or eaves and should not project above conservation interest because of the slate although all the houses in lopping of a tree. the ridge line; the use of high main- diverse natural habitats. Thurstan Road have been re-tiled in tenance materials, such as tongued concrete pantiles and have had their and grooved boarding should be projecting party wall removed. resisted. Suitable materials for dormer The houses in Thurstan Road construction include lead or slate appear also to have originally had hanging. ornate carved barge boards which ✓ have at some time been replaced with the present plainer ones. Re-Roofing If re-roofing works are to be carried Chimney-stacks make an important out, where original roof coverings ▲ contribution to the skyline of this 7 DORMER WINDOWS survive, existing sound tiles should if conservation area. A new dormer should be carefully matched possible be salvaged and re-used; this in scale and proportion to the existing Rainwater gutters and downpipes should help reduce the cost of the house. were originally cast-iron, and flashings work. in lead. ▲ 5 THE SPORTS PAVILION - LINDISFARNE ROAD

8 9 If this is not possible a material Sand and cement upstands around similar to the original roof covering chimney stacks should be avoided. should be selected. In particular, the External use of concrete tiles, synthetic ‘slates’ Gutters and External Pipe Work of composite material or plastic to Traditional cast-iron gutters and replace traditional materials is to be Walls external pipework, and their supports, avoided. Some materials, such as require careful maintenance; if allow- heavy concrete tiles, can affect the ed to rust they can, because of their roof structure, due to their increased The houses in the Copse Hill area, weight, become unsafe. Cast-iron is weight. apart from Cottenham House are more in keeping and generally more In Thurstan Road consideration relatively similar in size, bulk and durable than plastic and should be should be given to reinstating the plan form. The elevations are predo- considered when gutters and down- original slates in conjunction with minantly of a yellow stock brick with pipes are replaced; other materials reinstatement of the projecting party gauged red brick window arches and that are available include powder- walls which would overcome poten- red brick banding. The houses have coated aluminium, which looks very tial problems at the abutments single storey cant or square bays to similar to cast-iron, is lighter and can between different materials. the front. be cheaper. ▲ 9 THURSTAN ROAD - COPSE HILL If plastics are used they should be Chimneys in black. Consideration could be Chimney stacks should also be given to using cast-iron or aluminium CONSERVATION ADVICE retained, even if the flues are not on front and conspicuous side eleva- The retention or replacement of used. Pots on disused chimneys can tions and plastics on rear or secon- these features combined with regular be capped; however care must be dary elevations. maintenance of the properties will taken to allow ventilation while However the combination of cast- ✓ ✗ help preserve the character of the minimising the penetration of water. iron and aluminium should be avoid- area and as a result enhance the value ed as this can cause problems with of the properties. Flashings electrolytic erosion. The installation Where architectural features have of additional pipe work on the front Flashings should be in lead, and been removed or altered they should elevation should be avoided. ✓ ✗ be restored whenever the opport- should be installed by an experienced contractor. unity arises.

Brickwork ✓ ✗ The brickwork of the houses is attractive and should not be painted, rendered or pebble-dashed. As well as being out of character with the area and increasing the amount of maintenance required, the application of paint layers or other covering can reduce the value of the houses and also make them more difficult to sell. The application of stone or recon- stituted stone cladding to buildings within conservation areas will require planning permission, and unless there are good reasons for doing so such proposals will be resisted. ▲ 8 CATHERINE VILLAS, COPSE HILL ▲ 10 EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL BRICKWORK

10 11 Once applied these various treat- so badly deteriorated that repointing

▲ 11 DOORS AND WINDOWS ments can be difficult to remove; the is essential. application of render and stone If repointing does become necessary involves damaging the face of the this should be carried out by an brickwork to provide a key to enable experienced contractor. New pointing the treatment ‘to stick’, and once should match as far as possible the done the original face of the brick- original, both in method employed work can never be restored. and mortar mix. Problems with water penetration Weather-struck pointing as usually often associated with brickwork can employed by the majority of builders usually be remedied by good mainte- is not really appropriate to the older nance practices. Attention should be houses that are typical of the Merton paid to the brickwork joints/pointing Park area so ‘flush’, ‘bucket-handle’ and also roof guttering. or, where appropriate, ‘tuck’ pointing However the careless or unnecessary should be used. repointing of brickwork can not only Mortar mixes incompatible with spoil the appearance of the original the bricks can result in damage to brickwork, but also cause problems the brickwork face as a result of in the future. The old pointing will water failing to permeate down the have weathered to blend in with the face of the wall evenly. bricks and should only be removed if

Doors & Windows Some of the original front doors and windows have already been replaced. Where the originals have been removed, consideration should The majority of houses still retain out and replaced with new matching be given to reinstating good quality their original sash windows, and pieces joined to the existing in a doors and windows of the original ✗ ✗ panelled and glazed front doors. traditional way. style. Many of the doors have decorative Modern replacement doors and canopies over them. Replacement Windows and windows of different styles, patterns Original windows either had each Doors or materials do not blend well with sash divided by a single vertical Where windows or doors have the existing architectural style and glazing bar or had their upper sashes deteriorated to a point that replace- should be avoided. divided into small panes with narrow ment is essential then consideration Joinery should be painted rather glazing bars with plain glazed lower should be given to having new units than stripped or stained. ✓ ✗ sashes. made to the original design. Generally it is not possible to obtain ▲ CONSERVATION ADVICE a suitable standard pattern from 12 REPLACEMENT WINDOWS Renovation and Restoration commercial stockists; however, The original doors and windows, occasionally a standard window can ORIGINAL WINDOWS where surviving, are generally well be found which can be reasonably Should not be replaced by ones made and seldom deteriorate if well easily modified to fit in with the of a totally different nature. ✗ maintained. Renovation is preferable existing house design. ✓ Appropriate and inappropriate to replacement. Sills or bottom rails, The Council can assist with advice window replacements are which may have perished due to on suitable suppliers. illustrated on the right. exposure to the weather, can be cut

12 13 Double Glazing ‘Storm Porches’ If the existing windows are draughty The addition of porches to the and consideration is being given to fronts of the houses will often Side & Rear the installation of double-glazing, require planning permission. care should be taken when selecting A successful porch can be achieved a suitable replacement, to ensure that Extensions with sensitive design, using traditional the character of the houses is preserved. materials and usually incorporating a Some manufacturers do provide pitched roof.

▲ 14 HOUSING EXTENSIONS double-glazed sashes and casements The closing in of recessed door- ✗ which can be used as an alternative. ways, to create a ‘storm porch’ if Replacement windows should be HOUSE EXTENSIONS - terraces (rear only). essential, should be in the form of a Again, the example on the left is the better timber, which should be painted. glazed screen which should be of the two. In most instances white PVC windows designed with care. Glazing bars and are inappropriate and unfinished frame should be of timber and the aluminium is not acceptable. screen should be set back slightly The Council can assist with advice from the building frontage. on suitable suppliers. If proposing to Care must be taken to avoid dam- install double glazing, care must be age to the surrounding brickwork. ✓ taken to provide opening windows to Removal of existing door canopies or ensure that adequate ventilation is porches should also be avoided. maintained. Where windows are required to New Door and Window Openings Smaller rear-extensions under a assessed in terms of whether they provide an alternative escape route, certain size may be erected in accor- preserve or enhance the character or New door and window openings to consideration will need to be given dance with ‘permitted development’ appearance of the Conservation Area. flank and rear walls, especially where providing opening windows of rights. Flat-roofed extensions should be not visible from the street, will not adequate size. Larger extensions, or extensions avoided; pitched roofs, integrating normally require the Council’s proposed close to the highway will with existing roofs are more suitable The better, or preferred, solution is permission. Where proposed new require formal planning approval. visually and also less likely to give to fit secondary glazing to the insides window openings should be consid- long term maintenance problems. of the existing windows. This avoids ered in terms of the design of the altering the appearance of the eleva- overall elevation. They should, where CONSERVATION ADVICE All new extensions should respect tions whilst achieving the required possible, be carefully detailed to copy Extensions the original design of the house in improved standards. Any divisions terms of window style, proportions, the original details, and the sizes Side and rear extensions which are can follow the glazing bars of the building materials and details, should be of a scale appropriate to permitted development should be existing windows. although good modern design can the whole house. sympathetically designed. Extensions be appropriate if sympathetic to New window openings involving should be subordinate to the main design and styling of the existing material alterations to the principal house with a pitched roof. building. ▲ elevations may require planning Larger extensions that require plan- 13 WINDOW OPENINGS 1 permission. ning permission will be stringently

1 Finely gauged brick arch 2 Size and proportion to match Shutters

▲ 15 HOUSING EXTENSIONS existing windows External, non-functional, shutters, 3 Timber sash window especially modern louvre panels, ✓ HOUSE EXTENSIONS - semi detached. 2 should be avoided as they would not The example on the left is sympathetic to have been fitted to the buildings the original building whereas the one on the originally and would, therefore, be right clashes. 3 inappropriate to the Copse Hill Conservation Area. There is limited scope for side- extensions to the majority of houses ✗ within this Conservation Area.

14 15 Conservatories If you are considering extending All new development proposals will your property you should consult be assessed against policies within Conservatories or verandahs should Merton Council’s published guide- Merton's Unitary Development Plan be lightweight, constructed of painted Telecommunications lines on residential extensions. and will need to preserve and enhance timber with plain, untinted glazing. These are available from the Merton this character and appearance of the They should be of a design and scale Civic Centre, Morden, and local Conservation Area, allow for the appropriate to the style of house. Equipment libraries. Alternatively you should retention of trees, preserve the open contact the address below. character of the area particularly long Planning Advice distance views. The installation of satellite dishes Television aerials, satellite dishes As stated above, extensions that are Special consideration should be and other telecommunications and other telecommunications equip- beyond a certain size will require Development Control given to the need to retain buildings apparatus on the elevations of the ment should, whenever possible, be planning permission and will be Section of the Council’s which positively contribute to the houses can have a harmful visual sited on the rear of property and assessed on their particular merits, Environmental Services character and appearance of the area effect on both your own and your mounted below eaves level. In some taking into consideration their effect and the need to locate and design neighbours’ houses, and the gradual situations, planning permission will upon the amenities of adjoining Department on new development to provide an invasion of these types of equipment be required for the installation of a residents, whether or not they 020 8545 3117 or 3238 appropriate setting for these build- can have a seriously detrimental satellite dish. complement the existing building ings and provide for public visibility. effect on the character and appear- The Council will seek to encour- and their impact upon the appearance The scale and massing of new ance of the Conservation Area. age, wherever possible the use of of the area. All extensions require buildings should relate to existing The installation of burglar alarm cable services or joint stations to Building Regulations Approval. buildings and the predominant scale boxes can also affect the appearance prevent the proliferation of satellite and rhythm of development on the of your property, such equipment dishes. south side of Copse Hill. should, subject to security considera- Other considerations include the tions, be located on the side or rear relationship of new buildings to the elevations of your house. surrounding landscape and in partic- New Development ular the retention of the soft landscape zone that extends between existing building frontages and the road boundary, and the lawn and B F Although it is unlikely to be an woodland behind the hospital. Not here option for many home owners, the A separate development brief is C E Council would resist any proposal to being prepared for the hospital D demolish existing housing accommo- grounds in response to plans to close A ✓ dation and redevelop the resultant the hospital in the future. site, in order to maintain the Planning applications for new uniformity of the area. Public street buildings will be carefully scrutinised With respect to potential develop- to ensure that new development ment within the grounds of the blends in with the surrounding area, Atkinson Morley Hospital and in terms of scale, massing and mate- Cottenham House and former stables, rials used, and respects the privacy ▲ 17 TELECOMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT ✗ although there has already been and rights to daylight of neighbour- significant development over recent ing residents. years there are a number of buildings, All new development must preserve including the main original hospital and enhance the character of the building of quality which positively Conservation Area. contribute to the character and ▲ All new development will be 16 NEW DEVELOPMENT appearance of the Conservation Area expected to meet Merton Council’s by virtue of their overall proportions, published guidelines for development materials and detailing. and commitment to ensuring that The Council will, therefore wish to the needs of people with disabilities seek the retention of these buildings. are met.

16 17 Solar Cells If you require a translation of this document, & Panels please contact:

The installation of solar panels will Where proposals are being formu- require planning permission where lated for the installation of solar they would materially alter the panels they should were appropriate appearance of the building to which be located away from principal roof they are to be affixed. In assessing pitches and if possible designed in proposals the Council will seek to such a way that they can be set into strike a balance between the impact the roof coverings to minimise any on the character of the area and the projection beyond the existing roof desire to promote sustainability. slopes.

Conclusions

A greater appreciation of the distinctive visual qualities of the Copse Hill Conservation Area by all owners and residents would result in the gradual improvement in the houses that have been insensitively treated in the past and the maintenance of those that have largely survived in their original form.

020 8545 3055 (9am - 5pm)

For information on this Conservation Design Guide, for people who are visually impaired, please telephone 020 8545 3055. Information can be provided in large print. For enquiries from members of the public with hearing impairments, a minicom facility is available on 020 8545 3245.

18 19 FURTHER ADVICE

If you have any plans to alter property, or you would like some further information regarding the contents of this brochure, then please do not hesitate to contact the Environmental Services Department of the Council at the following address.

Environmental Services Department, Merton Council, Merton Civic Centre, London Road, Morden, Surrey SM4 5DX. www.merton.gov.uk

Development Control South 'Hotline' 020 8545 3117

Development Control North 'Hotline' 020 8545 3238

Design and Conservation 020 8545 3055

Most alterations require Building Regulation Approval, further information can be obtained by ringing 020 8545 3969

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Residents Association of West Wimbledon Richard Milward - Historic Wimbledon Plans & Projects Environmental Services