Our Village Contents Background and Introduction 3 New developments and changes to existing The Past 4 buildings have formed part of a continuous Economic Activity 5 Osmington Now 5 evolution of Osmington. VDS Boundary Plan 6 Development Guidelines 7 For more than 1000 years buildings have been Use of Building materials 8 added, altered and demolished to create the village The Environment 12 Conclusion 15 that we see today. Changes will continue in future Listed buildings in Osmington 15 Maintaining the VDS 16 years, but the Villagers want to respect the existing Acknowledgements 16 character of Osmington and follow the more The Last Word 16 sympathetic traditions that have helped shape the present village. This document identifies the special character of Osmington and explains the steps that can The guidelines provided in this document relate to all future development of any be taken to ensure that any new developments description in the area defined by the accompanying plan (page 6). will harmonise with the rest of the village. The Osmington Village Design Statement was adopted as Supplementary Planning In doing so it will continue to make our Guidance by Osmington Parish Council on 12th May 2003 and by West Dorset village the special place that we are so attached to. District Council on 24th June 2003.

OSMINGTON VILLAGE DESIGN STATEMENT 2003 1 Background Osmington House and Grove Farm. Osmington is situated on the South Coast of The area is well watered with the England in West Dorset, which forms part of INTRODUCTION River Jordon draining north and the World Heritage Jurassic Coastline and is The village of Osmington lies four designated as an Area of Outstanding westwards and the Upton Brook Natural Beauty. miles northeast of Weymouth, in an draining the eastern area, flowing Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty into the sea at Osmington Mills. and the World Heritage Coast. Each of these streams once OSMINGTON PAST GEOLOGY supported a mill. Within the parish boundaries there is The heart of the village is on a gentle a great variety of rock formations, north-facing slope with extensions running from chalk along the running down the steep-sided Ridgeway to the north, which swings coombe to the north and along the towards the coast at the eastern end, road towards Weymouth and through narrow bands of Forest Poxwell. This was a most suitable site for very early settlement - Marble, Greensand, and Portland DORCHESTER Limestone. Oxford and Kimmeridge sheltered from the north and Clays lie in the valley along which the prevailing south westerlies, it had a River Jordon runs westwards. The water supply, good flat fertile land combined with proximity to the sea, north-facing slope rises to a small ABBOTSBURY Purbeck Limestone plateau, and then suitable building materials and a OSMINGTON drops away towards the sea with major roadway. more Kimmeridge Clay due south WILDLIFE and Greensand and Wealden marls The rich diversity of the geology is CHESIL BEACH and shale towards the east. reflected in the plant communities that thrive in these differing habitats, WEYMOUTH TOPOGRAPHY AND P RE-HISTORY which creates the potential for more The varied geology gives rise to a biodiversity in the fauna. The herb landscape of equal variety and rich grassland of the Ridgeway opportunity. An ancient track-way supports a variety of plants, some runs along the Ridgeway to the north of them nationally rare, such as with a number of Bronze Age Bastard-Toadflax, and these support barrows. The clay vale slopes a wide range of uncommon butterfly upward at the eastern end leading species, like the Adonis Blue. The into strip lynchets (terracing), meadow at the foot of the Ridgeway ISLE OF probably the site of one of the is home to the nationally scarce PORTLAND village’s open fields. Another one lay Corky-fruited Water Dropwort. Roe to the south and east, between deer are now very common.

2 OSMINGTON VILLAGE DESIGN STATEMENT 2003 Osmington Village in the early 1900’s

OSMINGTON VILLAGE DESIGN STATEMENT 2003 3 farmhouse. Osmington House most of the villagers also supported income to pay for an annual sermon The Past replaced another large Tudor house the Parliamentarian cause. In about and to aid 10 poor elderly seamen of HISTORY that was the residence of the Lord of 1745 the manor was purchased by Weymouth, hence its earlier name of the Manor in the 18th and early 19th Robert Serrell Wood of Broadmayne Charity Farm. The place name comes from the Old centuries and was demolished in and passed through inheritance for English personal name ‘Osmund’ The famous hill figure of the White about 1857. the next two hundred years. combined with ‘ington’ a farm. The Horse (the only one in the country earliest written record dates from an The Methodist Chapel was built in The oldest surviving domestic with a rider) was cut in 1808 to Anglo-Saxon charter of 940AD when 1847. In the mid-1970s the building is the Longhouse in Lower honour King George III who made King Athelstan granted the manor congregation had declined so much Church Lane. It dates from the 16th Weymouth a popular watering place of ‘OSMYNTONE’ to the Abbott that they combined with the church century and would have housed the by his patronage and who would ride of Milton. The monastic presence is congregation and the chapel was used farmer with his family and their along the Ridgeway to visit friends at recorded in a footpath known as the as a church hall. It is now a domestic animals. It was purchased in 1665 Poxwell. It measures 280' long and Monk’s Walk which runs from the dwelling. with money left by Sir Samuel Mico, 320' high and covers 0.6acre. west end of the churchyard The village school was opened in of Weymouth, in order to generate southwards, and in the continuous 1835, though children would have roll of vicars since 1302 and probably been taught in the church vestry monks or lay brothers before that. before then. It closed around 1964 when numbers had declined to In the Doomsday survey the about 20 and is now a private house. presence, among other things, of a mill at ‘Osmentone’ is noted. Close to the school building was the first village hall, a World War I army PUBLIC BUILDINGS hut, reconstructed on glebe land The church was the most important purchased for £10. The remainder building in the village. It dates from of the adjacent glebe was purchased 1170 (the chancel arch and the font), by Sir Fred Pontin in 1965 and with the north arcade being 14th presented to the village as a century and the tower 15th century. recreation field. The new village hall In 1846 the nave was largely rebuilt was opened in December 2001. and the south arcade added to match HISTORIC INTEREST the one on the north. The tower At the dissolution of the

houses four bells dating c1490 - monasteries the manor was granted 1593 to John Ashley, Master of the Royal To the north of the church are the Jewels. The manor changed hands ruins of a 17th century two storey several times. In the early 17th building. This is marked on the OS century the owner, Lord Petre, was a map as, ‘Manor House rems of’ but is Parliamentarian and the estate was more likely to have been a later sequestered. It is probable that St Osmund’s Church

4 OSMINGTON VILLAGE DESIGN STATEMENT 2003 The village was largely self-sufficient though the road network, as we know suitable vacant land. More recently and the various trades were represented it today was largely in place by 1800. small groups of new houses have been - blacksmiths, farriers, masons, The new turnpike (c1780), apart from built in mini-closes. carpenters, thatchers, butchers and so minor realignments, coincides with the The population has changed quite forth. A village pub was established A353, while the old turnpike to markedly. It is now mainly composed early on, along with a brew-house and Poxwell, now known as the Roman of commuters but with a growing a bake-house. Osmington Mills also Road, gradually fell into disuse. The number working from home, engaged in fishing and smuggling and nearest market town was Dorchester, weekenders visiting holiday homes and had their own public house. In the so the route over the Ridgeway retired people. Visually it is a very 1930s there were three village shops. continued to be very important for pretty, tidy village with colourful well- The presence of good quality farmers until the development of tended gardens surrounding thatched limestone within the parish led to its motor transport. There are many fine cottages or large houses, and with use both for houses and field walks starting from Osmington, which many fine trees. Apart from the main boundaries. The older cottages in the take in down-land, cliffs or woodland. A353 road, it is still relatively quiet and village are built with Portland OSMINGTON NOW safe as none of the lanes are through Self portrait of John Constable Limestone and were roofed with The latter part of the 20th C saw many roads. People have left their mark on wheat-reed thatch or, very occasionally, changes. We no longer have a shop, the parish over the years and will In 1816, John Constable, the artist, stone slates. Some 19th-20th century post office or petrol station. The continue to do so. We hope that the spent his three-month honeymoon at houses used Broadmayne brick and pattern of the village has radically impact of future actions will be the Vicarage, staying with his friend, latterly, with improved transport, less altered with widespread ‘infilling’ as positive and for the benefit of future Reverend John Fisher. His paintings sympathetic brick has been used as well new buildings were placed on any generations. and sketches of Weymouth Bay and as slates, tiles and reconstituted stone. Osmington were the result of that Tourism has steadily increased in visit. importance. Pontin’s holiday camp ECONOMIC ACTIVITY was at its peak during the 1950s-70s, As with most rural villages, agriculture and camping sites and caravans at was the main economic activity, Osmington Mills continue to make a supplemented with fishing. With the major contribution to the local variety of land in Osmington, there economy. Several people offer Bed & were good opportunities for arable Breakfast during the summer months crops as well as livestock, largely sheep and there are now a significant number until the nineteenth century. Then of holiday or second homes in the cattle overtook sheep in importance, village. and there were 8 farms with dairy herds COMMUNICATIONS in the 1950s. Enclosure of the open There is an extensive network of fields was early, certainly before the tracks, roads and footpaths about the eighteenth century. parish. Many of these are very old, Chapel Lane development

OSMINGTON VILLAGE DESIGN STATEMENT 2003 5 The Osmington village boundary

6 OSMINGTON VILLAGE DESIGN STATEMENT 2003 VILLAGE LAYOUT AND INTEGRATING with little regard for the neighbouring LISTED BUILDINGS AND Development NEW BUILDINGS buildings. CONSERVATION AREAS Building in the village has followed a Owners of listed building should be Guidelines VDS GUIDELINES variety of patterns. There are many aware that any change to the building Building has been going on in fairly compact groups of buildings, The way in which a new building or its setting are strictly controlled by Osmington since the time of the there are some terraces, and there are relates to the existing form of the West Dorset District Council’s Normans and parts of our village individual houses set within their own village is particularly important to Planning Department, who should be reflect the different period styles as garden or grounds. avoid an ill fitting or dominating contacted for information concerning they evolved. Architecture does not presence. Achieving a natural form the correct planning procedure and, if stand still, but to work successfully it Compact groups of houses centred creates a pleasant visual balance. necessary, Listed Building Consent. must be sympathetic to its locality and round their own access are a familiar Where a greater number of buildings should use materials and details that feature in the village. Most result from As the village falls within a are proposed, preference should be are drawn from the Dorset style. farmyard conversions, e.g. Netherton conservation area there are various Farm and West Farm, although a given to creating a focused group of restrictions in force. The demolition of BUILDING WITH CARE couple are new builds. These similar, but not identical, buildings. buildings and boundaries, the lopping The villagers believe that any building buildings, while not identical, tend to These may be in the form of an or felling of trees should always be in Osmington needs to be handled be sympathetic to each other in ‘organic’ group around a shared access checked with the Council’s Planning with great care to avoid destroying the appearance, and most share a common or courtyard, or as a terrace, depending Department before commencing any very thing that we all feel is most access or courtyard instead of having on the constraints of the site. If work. precious. The quality of the building’s adequate parking can be provided in separate drives. These groupings form ALTERING OR EXTENDING AN design and construction is a key factor the shared area individual drives micro-communities within the village, EXISTING BUILDING in its ability to maintain the spirit of should not be necessary. and enhance community feeling and This must be handled with great the village for future generations. security for those living there. Larger individual houses, if well sensitivity and should generally relate Looking at Osmington today it is clear Terraces, e.g. in both Upper and Lower designed, may be placed in their own to the form, style and materials of the that some unfortunate mistakes have Church Lane, can form attractive setting. Average sized and smaller existing building in order to create a been made over the years. groups of buildings. As with other individual houses should be very seamless impression. Care should be carefully designed to fit in with the Whether your planned development is groups of buildings in the village their taken in closely matching traditional surrounding buildings in a an extension, an outbuilding, a single individuality combined with sympathy materials. sympathetic manner. or group, these guidelines, coupled of design make for an overall effect Flat roof extensions should be with the harmony achieved by using which is pleasing to the eye. Where a new development of two or avoided where possible. Roof pitches similar materials as in original The larger houses in the village are more houses is proposed the planning should reflect the pitch of the main buildings in the village will help to often fairly different from their application should ideally be building. On some thatched avoid past mistakes and create a neighbours, but are attractive in their accompanied by a scale three- properties it is not uncommon to see sympathetic integration. own right and have space around dimensional structure or a computer slate or clay tiles used on extensions or them. Some of the smaller individual generated model showing surrounding out buildings. houses, especially those built in the buildings in order to assess the impact earlier 20th century, have been designed of the new building(s) in the village.

OSMINGTON VILLAGE DESIGN STATEMENT 2003 7 Use of building be rubbed back between the stones to VDS GUIDELINES VDS GUIDELINES at least 10-15mm from the face. To complement the traditional Wherever possible, the use of materials The use of brick in the traditional buildings of the village, the pitch of timber frames will be encouraged style, as described above, would be newly built roofs should be within a in new buildings, however STONE & BRICKWORK encouraged where appropriate in any range of 30-40 degrees. Thatched roofs replacement of traditional Natural stone is the most frequently new building. The best brick to use is a require a steeper pitch of around 50 windows in older properties used material in Osmington. The mellow, multi-toned type or better still degrees. Thatch is a characteristic of should generally be ‘like for like’. construction pattern varies from original Broadmayne salvaged bricks. Osmington and it is important that a 12 and 16-pane, double-hung random rubble on more humble It is also important to ensure that the Master Thatcher always carries out the sash windows are common in the buildings and walls, squared and colour of the mortar is not an ugly, work. They will be able to identify the village along with smaller 9, 4 and coursed rubble, and also regular lifeless grey. The mortar should not be correct type of reed and thatching style 2 paned casement windows. Great coursed squared stone which is mostly harder than the bricks themselves. required to match those of the locality. attention should be given to the found on larger properties in the glazing bars, both in thickness Good mixes contain well-graded If roof lights are to be used the low village. and design detail. aggregates, i.e. both small and large profile ‘conservation’ type should Originally the stone would have been particles of sand. always be fitted but not on thatch or When casement windows are quarried locally but today most of the ROOFS & CHIMNEYS the front elevations of properties. used, the non-opening light stone used in building is obtained should be fitted with a fixed Traditionally, the two most often used New chimneys built in stone or brick from the Purbecks. casement to match the opening materials for roofing in the village are should always be in keeping with the light. Top opening, horizontal On most of the original village stone thatch and slate. There are some character and style of the village. buildings brickwork is confined to the buildings with traditional clay hinged lights should be avoided INDOWS & DOORS chimneys, window and door arches. terracotta, plain tiles or pantiles and W where possible. Generally Some outbuildings have also been stone tiles have been used on a few Traditionally, timber, and in some windows are painted white constructed from brick. buildings. In addition to this, clay cases, stone was used for window throughout the village, or if made terracotta ridge tiles have been used to frames and their form reflected the of oak are left natural. Dark VDS GUIDELINES contrast with grey slate. Modern period or style of the time. The stained wood or UPVC Wherever possible the use of Purbeck concrete interlocking tiles and proportion and number of panes is replacement windows will be stone is encouraged in the construction imitation slate have also been used important to ensure visual balance. discouraged but, if used, of new buildings. It is important to more recently but should be avoided in attention should be paid to ensure that the mortar used in the favour of the natural traditional A wide variety of doors are used to traditional proportions, styles and building of stonework should closely materials. varying effect throughout the village. features. Velux style roof match the colour of the original lime windows should be discouraged mortar that would have been used on Most chimneys are constructed of in favour of conservation style older buildings. Cement is now stone or brick either flat topped or roof lights. Flat-topped dormer commonly used and a mixture of 1:1:6 with unglazed clay pots. Some of the windows are not sympathetic to white Portland cement: lime: gritty brickwork is coursed in a decorative the traditional form and style of sand mortar will create a pleasing way, providing greater visual interest. the village and will be discouraged. colour and texture. The joints should

8 OSMINGTON VILLAGE DESIGN STATEMENT 2003 Whether solid or partially glazed, timber doors are used. The classic 18th and 19 th century panelled styles are most sympathetic to older or traditionally styled modern buildings. In some cases ledged, braced and batten doors are a good alternative, typical of older farm cottages. If doors are glazed it should be confined to the upper section. Fake bull’s eye panes, integrated fanlights or complete UPVC door and frame units will be discouraged. GUTTERS AND DOWN PIPES The majority of buildings now use PVC but there are still many cast iron examples that can be found around the village especially on Listed Buildings.

VDS GUIDELINES Although PVC is now the norm for gutters and down pipes, cast iron and aluminium should be encouraged whenever possible to achieve greater character and longer term durability. Also the number and siting of down pipes should be carefully considered to avoid a cluttered appearance. Listed Buildings should always use cast iron work when under renovation.

Architectural details in Osmington village

OSMINGTON VILLAGE DESIGN STATEMENT 2003 9 PORCHES AND CANOPIES Roof pitches should work in keeping VDS GUIDELINES halogen type, which tend to create The design of a porch or canopy with the pitch of the main building. For paths and driveways cast concrete light pollution. varies depending on the status of On some thatched buildings it is not should be discouraged in favour of Gas and electricity meter boxes uncommon to see slate or clay tiles the building, from the grander styles more sympathetic materials such as The tendency to fit ugly plastic meter th used on extensions. found on some of the larger 18 and brick, gravel, cobble sets or pebble. boxes to the front of houses should th 19 century houses to the small RENDERING & COLOUR Walls, fences and boundaries should be strongly discouraged. Where bracketed slate, thatch or decorative Many village buildings use render relate to the overall style of the possible, these should be fitted to wooden lattice of enclosed porches. covering. village. the side of the building. VDS GUIDELINES Some rendered buildings are painted MODERN FACILITIES AND FEATURES Advertising Signs The key to a successful porch is its and generally this is confined to an The fitting of new technology No neon, fibre optic or flashing proportion in relation to the off white lime wash or pale cream features is not generally in keeping signs should be used. Typography building to which it is attached. Too tone suited to a rural Dorset setting. with the character of the village but it and colour should be low key and big or grand can make a simple VDS GUIDELINES is appreciated that they are features sympathetic to a rural setting. If cottage look ill at ease. The use of of modern life. Care should be taken The most pleasing render result is illumination is necessary, externally slate, thatch or lead should be to minimise their impact. shaded low energy bulbs should be encouraged on the canopy with the obtained by using a combination of weak cement, lime and sand plaster VDS Guidelines used. In some cases, advertisement main structure and supports being consent will also be necessary. made of timber. mix, finishing the final surface with a Solar Panels wooden float to obtain a softer feel. Energy conservation is an important Telecommunication masts EXTENSIONS AND OUTBUILDINGS Hard flat rendering, pebble dashed consideration and the use of solar The siting of mobile telephone There are many different types of or splatter finishes should be panels is becoming more popular. masts is of great concern to villagers extensions and outbuildings ranging avoided. However it is very important to select and if they are necessary they should from those directly relating to the There are traditional colours that panels that do not destroy the be located well outside the village style and materials used on the main relate to the area and these should be appearance of a building so the envelope and should take into building to the more unsympathetic used in preference to historically siting of panels should be account the visual impact they have flat roof extensions along with incorrect tones. inconspicuous. on the surrounding countryside. UPVC mock Victorian style conservatories. GATES , PATHS, AND BOUNDARIES Satellite dishes Garden gates tend to be made from The visual impact should be carefully FARM BUILDINGS VDS GUIDELINES wood or wrought iron whilst paths considered. It is far better if they are There are many old farm buildings Extensions must be handled with vary from natural stone, brick, cobble not visible on the fronts of still in use beside more recent pre- great sensitivity. The form and to cast slab or insitu concrete. buildings. fabricated additions, which do not fit materials used should generally relate Exterior house lights so comfortably into the landscape. to the style of the existing building. Walls, fences and boundaries range Flat roof extensions should be from stone, iron rails, brick, wooden These should be of a relatively low avoided where possible as well as picket and natural planted hedges. level, tungsten or low energy type, as unsympathetic ‘off the shelf’ UPVC opposed to the more startling conservatories.

10 OSMINGTON VILLAGE DESIGN STATEMENT 2003 VDS GUIDELINES The farming community has an important role in the village. It should however be noted that when new farm buildings are needed, care and understanding should be given to the effect they have on the environment visually, as well as the materials used and the impact they have on the surrounding countryside. COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS The opportunity of encouraging local employment through small-scale commercial enterprise should be encouraged. Existing commercial land should be used for this purpose. Any change of use of commercial buildings and/or land to residential should be vigorously resisted. VDS GUIDELINES Commercial buildings should, where possible, be built on existing brown field sites such as disused farm buildings. The design of such buildings should be sympathetic to other buildings in its setting and be in harmony with the village. As far as is practicable, the same design guidelines and materials should be followed as with residential properties. Measures such as landscaping should be undertaken where necessary to help soften the appearance and impact of any commercial buildings.

OSMINGTON VILLAGE DESIGN STATEMENT 2003 11 aid is available in some cases upon penalty. Part of Osmington’s shrubs and hedgerows should always The application to West Dorset District rural charm lies in its abundance be considered when planning develop- Environment Council. of untended yet attractive ment such as a new building, exten- VDS GUIDELINES hedgerows and verges. An ill sion or access. The planting of considered notion of ‘tidying up’ additional mature trees and shrubs on TREES AND HEDGEROWS Before the lopping or felling of shrubs and trees can quickly any development, especially native Osmington has an abundance of any trees is started, contact with eradicate many generations of specimens, will be encouraged. trees and hedgerows. The majority the Tree Officer at West Dorset growth, depriving the wider The Environmental Regeneration are protected either with Tree District Council should always community of this visual Section at WDDC (01305 251010 ext. Preservation Orders, or due to the be made to avoid any damage to enjoyment. 2545) are pleased to advise on any of fact that they are within the protected trees and the the above points. Conservation Area or within the possibility of a substantial The preservation of existing trees, curtilage of a listed building. West Dorset District Council is responsible for enforcing this protection. Written consent must be obtained 6 weeks before any tree works are carried out (including pruning, lopping or felling). It Trees are an important feature of Osmington should be remembered that carrying out work without this consent carries a penalty of up to £20,000 or, in some cases, an unlimited fine on summary conviction. To clarify, the broad definition of a tree is a specimen with a trunk measuring 75mm in diameter measured at a point 1.5 metres above ground level. Trees form a fundamental part of the Osmington landscape and while maintenance is essential to retain a healthy stock, the loss of large specimens through old age and disease without corresponding replanting will result in a significant loss of visual amenity. New plantings are therefore to be strongly encouraged and for this reason, grant Trees are an important feature of Osmington.

12 OSMINGTON VILLAGE DESIGN STATEMENT 2003 OPEN SPACES AND VIEWS entering the village. Great care should particularly during peak hours and Many older houses in the village do The village benefits greatly from be taken with the maintenance of the holiday season. The most not have garages so on-street parking being embraced by fields. This them and their boundaries in order frequently used crossing place is at is common, especially on Church ‘envelope’ of nature is highly valued to retain the pleasant setting. While the junction of Shortlake Lane where Lane. This causes obstruction, and is and needs protecting to keep future farm diversification may result the Village Hall is situated; many hazardous for village children and is Osmington a ‘village’ in the true in new or altered farm buildings, care children catch a school bus here and also unsightly. However, the absence sense. should be taken to treat these numerous groups of students from of yellow lines and associated the 3D Adventure Centre have to Approached from the West, the sympathetically. The contraction of parking signs was felt to be a positive cross the road at this point to reach White Horse is a dominant feature the farming industry has already aspect in keeping with the rural the footpaths to the White Horse of the open farmland hillside to the substantially reduced employment character of Osmington. opportunities in the village. and surrounding areas. A safe North. Approached from the East, VDS GUIDELINES Proposals offering employment pedestrian crossing is greatly needed. there are charming rural views on Parking both sides of the A353 road. The sea opportunities should be encouraged To the South, both Shortlake Lane nestles between the hills at and applications for change of use and the Osmington Mills road at the Maximum possible off-street parking Osmington Mills to the South. This of existing business premises and Eastern boundary of the Village have space should be provided for new view is also provided for walkers and any associated land should be many of the characteristics of a developments and conversions due riders using the Roman Road vigorously resisted. narrow country lane, with some to the lack of public transport and bridleway above the village. Trees Any new development affecting open sharp bends. These are mostly tree consequent need for higher than form an important landscape feature areas should respect the setting of and hedgerow lined with few hard average car ownership in Osmington. all around the village. the village and its significant edges. The roads and lanes in the village are already congested with parked The views from the village are buildings and natural features. Church Lane and Chapel Lane are the vehicles because of the limited off- mostly from the higher ground Developments within the village main roads into the village. These are street parking provided by existing although the White Horse is clearly should be sensitively landscaped lined with houses and walls of stone dwellings and parking is not visible from Lower Church Lane. using indigenous species appropriate or brick. There is little kerbing and practicable or safe on the main A353. From the churchyard looking to the location. only one short pavement at the On-street parking should be eastward, Osmington House ROADS AND LANES south end of Chapel Lane. The road is narrow at Lower Church Lane and discouraged. provides a focal point with the open The A353 is the main coastal route is only able to take single lane traffic. Roadsides hillside behind. Views from the to Weymouth from the east and hillsides around the village envelope divides Osmington into two parts. It Despite these narrow lanes, it is There should be no further provide yet another aspect and is a single carriageway road subject to generally felt that traffic speed is too urbanisation of roads and verges enable one to see groups of a 30mph speed limit. The level and fast, though traffic calming measures through the use of inappropriate buildings in a different dimensional noise of traffic make it an ever- like speed bumps would be materials such as paving slabs, context. present feature. Only part of the unwelcome. The road to Osmington concrete kerbs and tarmac. Grass VDS GUIDELINES road within the village boundary has Mills from the A353 is subject to the verges should be preserved as much as possible. Owners of the fields surrounding a kerbed pavement. There is no national speed limit, which is Osmington should be aware that pedestrian crossing, making the excessive given the popularity of this these are part of the experience of experience of safely crossing difficult, route with both walkers and riders.

OSMINGTON VILLAGE DESIGN STATEMENT 2003 13 Additional traffic households have chosen to install Notice boards It is the view of the villagers that their own security lights and for the Public notice boards should be additional traffic through the village most part, these are not overly erected to discourage fly posting, will have a damaging effect on its obtrusive. providing they do not clutter the character. Every effort should be Osmington has a riot of unsightly street scene and are in keeping with made to prevent this. overhead cables. The numerous the rural style. telegraph poles add to the clutter and FOOTPATHS are frequently used for fly posting. Footpaths radiate from the heart of the Village and are used regularly by The old red telephone box and the villagers and visitors. Walkers and thatched stone built bus shelter riders particularly favour the Roman create a charming local landmark, Road. This is a traditional bridleway only spoiled by the modern litterbin. to Poxwell and forms part of the VDS GUIDELINES popular circular route to the White Street furniture Horse returning to the Village at Every effort should be made to Lower Church Lane. retain the existing rural character of VDS GUIDELINES local roads and any changes to Footpaths should be maintained materials or street furniture should and preserved for the benefit of all. be consistent with that character. Cables STREET FURNITURE Wherever and whenever possible, There is no uniform style in street cables should be moved furniture. Some has a rural underground. appearance and is made of appropriate material such as the bus In new developments, cables and shelter. Many road signs are services should be installed obtrusive and unnecessary, as are underground. some road markings (e.g. at the Light pollution Church Lane / West Farm Lane Where security lighting is installed on junction). houses and outbuildings it should On a clear night in Osmington, you be sensitively designed and the can look up and see the stars. We are illumination directed downwards to free from street light pollution so avoid startling road users or causing common in our towns. The villagers light pollution. take great pleasure in this natural spectacle and wish to protect it. Some The Roman Road used by walkers and riders alike.

14 OSMINGTON VILLAGE DESIGN STATEMENT 2003 Conclusion Listed buildings in Osmington Grade What has become clear during the process White Horse Farmhouse II of publishing this design statement is that the Wessex Cottage II Jasmine Cottage II residents of Osmington care passionately about The Longhouse and II* their village and its unique setting in an Area of attached Forge Treetops Cottage and II Outstanding Natural Beauty. Wintersweet Cottage Their consensus has been reflected in this The Phoenix II The Post Office and II publication and it is hoped that Osmington will Shrubbery Cottage remain a truly Dorset village to be enjoyed Stone Lane Cottage II The Beehive II and loved by very many generations to come. Buttress Cottage II Parish Church of II* St Osmund Remains of Manor House II The Old Vicarage II White House II Osmington House II East Farmhouse II

OSMINGTON VILLAGE DESIGN STATEMENT 2003 15 SOURCES The Future The following publications were used The Last Word during the preparation of this design MAINTAINING THE VILLAGE DESIGN statement: Osmington STATEMENT Osmington is my newest of friends How Buildings Learn. This document reflects the Stuart Brand 1997 Phoenix Seven months we have lived here so far representative views expressed by the residents of Osmington based on the The Elements of Style. The people have been so willing to lend Village Workshop held on 12th Stephen Calloway A hand, A wave, A smile, even a car! October 2002 and the Public 1991 Mitchell House Consultation Day held on 29 March 2003 at the Village Hall together with a How Old is Your House? To say what it makes it special to me range of other communication media Pamela Cunnington Is not really difficult at all 1999 Marston House including the VDS website and Our friends, our beach, being close to the sea newsletter. It will require regular House and Cottage Conversion. revision to ensure that it continues to Hugh Lander 1997 Acanthus Books My house and oh! The red post box-so small. reflect that opinion and therefore Hannah Killer aged 9 Osmington Parish Council should Home Restoration Manual. ensure that revisions are carried out at Albert Jackson & David Day intervals of no more than five years. 1992 Harper Collins ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Your House from the Outside View. We are grateful to the following who John Prizeman 1982 Quiller Press have provided financial support USEFUL CONTACTS enabling the consultation and production of this document: West Dorset District Council Planning Department West Dorset District Council Conservation Officer Community Development Tree Preservation Officer West Dorset District Council Planning Telephone: 01305 251010 Department Fax: 01305 251481 John Coombes of Osmington Mills Web site: Holidays Ltd www.westdorset-dc.gov.uk 3D Educational Holidays, Osmington The Osmington VDS was printed by Craigs Farm Dairy, Osmington Print Team on recyclable paper The Sunray, Osmington www.printteam.co.uk Copyright - Osmington VDS 2003 Joseph Butcher aged 11

16 OSMINGTON VILLAGE DESIGN STATEMENT 2003