Beamond End and Mop End

BEAMOND END

AND

MOP END

VILLAGE DESIGN STATEMENT

and a Vision for the Future

JUNE 2007

Beamond End Residents’ Association

And

Buckinghamshire Community Action

BEAMOND END

AND

MOP END

VILLAGE DESIGN STATEMENT

and a Vision for the Future

2 BEAMOND END AND MOP END

VILLAGE DESIGN STATEMENT

and a Vision for the Future

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION - PAGE 4

HISTORY - PAGE 6

LANDSCAPE - PAGE 10

THE POND - PAGE 14

FLORA AND FAUNA - PAGE 16

AGRICULTURE - PAGE 17

TRANSPORT - PAGE 19

PEOPLE AND PROPERTIES - PAGE 22

PLANNING GUIDELINES - PAGE 25

ACTION PLAN - PAGE 29

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS - PAGE 30

INTRODUCTION Beamond End & Mop End are two small hamlets linked by footpaths across farmland. Residents have had many years of peace and tranquility believing that few major changes would be likely to occur in green belt designated as part of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Some five years ago unexpected development resulted in an influx of heavy traffic which made residents realise that they could no longer be complacent. As a result the Beamond End (including Mop End) Residents Association was formed. The Association keeps a watching brief on planning applications and environmental issues, has set up a Neighbourhood Watch scheme and organises social events.

One member attended the Study Day at Little Missenden organised by Bucks Community Action, and the idea of producing a Village Design Statement was suggested at the Association's Annual General Meeting in July 2006 and was endorsed by all. Questionnaires were put out to residents of whom 95% are members of the Association. The overwhelming response highlighted the majority's concern with the ever increasing traffic flow. Much interest was shown in the history of the hamlets and the greatest appreciation was of the availability of the surrounding countryside by local footpaths and bridle paths . The local pond is an attractive feature in its own right.

The advantage of being a small community was fully exploited in the consultative process with opinions and comments received from current and past residents. Residents needed to be reassured that a Village Design Statement is essentially a DESIGN statement for use in protecting the overall rural quality and type of housing unique to the area and with aspects described in general terms. It was decided to include also a Landscape Design Statement in conjunction with a Village Design Statement on account of the rural situation of the hamlets within this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. In addition the unique landscape of Buckinghamshire has been recognized in County Council’s Landscape Character assessment. This classifies the specific landscape surrounding Beamond End and Mop End as part of Character Area 110 ‘The Chilterns’ and specifically Character Zone Z8 i.e. that of the escarpment.

Support has been given by the Little Missenden Parish Council, Buckinghamshire Community Action and the Chiltern District Council Community Relations Officer. Advice has been received from the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England and the Chiltern Woodland Project. A supportive letter has been received from the Forestry Commission along with maps detailing future plans for the surrounding woods they own in the area. 4

his map shows the boundary of the Village Design Statement as well as the woodland T

Printed with kind permission from Buckinghamshire County Council Definitive Map Team Leader Figure 1 and farms surrounding the hamlets, and the direct route from the A413 to the A404 5

HISTORY OF BEAMOND END/MOP END

Beamond Manor was a small sub-manor of Little Missenden, thought to be part of the Count of Mortain lands in 1182, which were granted to Bicester Abbey, an Augustine Order, in whose hands it remained until the Dissolution of the Monasteries by Henry VIII in 1535.

The approaches to Beamond End, named Sheepcote Dell Road, Penfold Lane, Hogg Lane and Mutton Wood, depict the early origins of the rearing of sheep and pigs.

In 1541 Beamond was granted to Sybil Hampden, the Royal nursemaid, whose charges were Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth I), and her brother Prince Edward and was conferred to her and her husband David Penn in 1553.

Figure 2 This house (named Chabot) is Grade II

listed and dates from the 16th Century – possibly earlier.

There is evidence that the properties Beamond End Farm and Beamond End Cottages (now Chabot's) were in existence at this time.

The 1742 map of the Manor of Holmer Green shows properties around the pond, i.e. Winters (later to be extended to form Finchers), Chabot's, Pond Cottage and Stud Cottage.

The 1825 Bryant's map (Figure 4) presents Finchers in a park setting possibly including The Lodge. Mop End Farm and the Old Griffin are clearly marked.

The estate remained with the Penn family for three hundred years with Richard William Penn, Earl Howe of Penn House being Lord of the Manor in 1840. At the time of the enclosures the water of the pond was to continue to be available for public use.

In 1852 John Furnival, having been a tenant of Finchers became owner of the house and surrounding cottages and farm land some of which were sold during the next decade. Penn Wood House along with the Stables and cottages on the Western aspect of Beamond End Lane remained as the Furnival Estate, a thriving business for the rearing of horses for hackney carriages, until the nieces Agnes Reed and Nina Furnival inherited in 1910.

Figure 3 Furnival Cottage in 1910

In 1922 the Furnival estate was bought by Charlotte and Duncan Blair and inherited by Dorothy Langston in 1951. During this time further land and property was sold.

In 1936 Beamond Farm Cottages were found empty and derelict. The surrounding land and Beamond End Farm, known as Beam ond End Estates, were bought by Charles Chabot Snr in partnership with a Mr. Blake. Beamond End Farm remained a working dairy farm until the late 1950760s and land adjoining Finchers became Finchers Farm undertaking mixed farming.

The stables, barn and other outbuildings became part of Blairavon Farm until bought in 1952 by Ivor and Bridget Cook who lived in the white bungalow until the house opposite was built with adjoining farm buildings; Blairavon Farm continued as a dairy farm at the time when Beamond End Farm became a private house.

The building now housing the 'Studio', a dental laboratory, was originally the stables for the hackney stallions and the remaining stables and barns were sold in 1971 to the current owner who ran a riding school and livery stables.

Also in Sheepcote Dell Road, Merry Acres, now a private house, was built to accommodate the kennel man and the beagle pack of the Old Berkely Foothounds - thus keeping up with the hunting traditio n of the area.

A period of 'in-filling' occurred in the 1960s. The five 'new' properties built lie well back from the lane and are screened by trees. The overall impression is still that of a wooded hamlet of period properties surrounded by agricultural land.

Figure 4 The 1825 Bryant's Map shows Finchers Park , Shardeloes Park and the unchanged shape of the woods Printed by the kind permission of the Buckinghamshire Archaeological Society

8 The very name 'MOP END' describes its 18th Century origins. To go out 'on the Mop' in those days referred to going out drinking. The 1770s Jeffery's Map shows three properties at Mop End and the 1825 Bryant's Map actually names Mop End Farm and the Old Griffin Public House.

The 1815 Amersham enclosure award Item 7 describes a carriageway leading from the orchard of the Old Griffin public house. The enclosure awards of 1816 mention a cottage and barn belonging to Matthew Chitty Danby Griffith Esq and occupied by Joseph James near to the Old Griffin.

Mop End Lane borders the Shardeloes Estate where the artificial lake was created by Humphrey Repton in 1789 -1817. The Finance Act of 1910 refers to land owned by W.T.T. Drake lying adjacent to Mop End lane.

The book - "Amersham Bucks 1895 -1970 Some Reflections" states that Shardeloes Estate had extensive stables and race horses; Amersham races were quite an event when they were run in the park. Herbert Wil- liam Tyrwhitt Drake rode Cansey into 4th place in the Grand National in 1912 and into 3rd place in the same race the following season. Unfortunately the First World War caused his death in March 1915 whilst he was a trooper in the 19th Hussars. Quite a large number of stable boys were required to maintain the racing stables as well as hunt servants who attended the needs of the pack of fox hounds and hunters.

In June 1932 the Bucks County Council carried out work on Mop End Lane to make way for timber carts and hunters.

Mop End Farm continues to be a working farm in this extensive agricultural area - an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Old Griffin and some cottages became abandoned and derelict by the late 1950s but were restored to become Griffin Cottage and Little Shardeloes.

Figure 5 Landlord and ‘customer’ of ‘The Old Griffin’, Mop End 9 LANDSCAPE

Beamond End and Mop End lie at 650 feet above sea level in the Chiltern Hills.

They are situated on the plateau above the River Misbourne Valley where the land rises steeply from the Southern aspect of Little Missenden. The strata is that of London clay overlying chalk with more gentle slopes and undulations than the chalk ridge of the Northern hills. The heavy clay results in land becoming waterlogged and slow to drain following rain. To the West the land slopes to the dry valley bordered by Penfold Lane and rises again to the historic building and grounds of Holmer Ridings.

Both hamlets/ends once adjoined Wycombe Heath, clearly marked on Bryant's Map of 1824. Footpath L.M. 11 defines the edge of the Heath before the enclosure awards of 1855. This area to the South is adjacent to the 436 acre site of Penn Wood owned by the Woodland Trust but separated by the A404.

Figure 6 Woodland to the west of Merry Acres

This relatively small compact settlement, originally a working estate of farming and horse breeding, retains the unique quality of by-gone days which is treasured by the local community.

The surrounding fields, bordered by hedgerows and connected by footpaths and bridleways, are ringed by ancient woodland all of which are very important to locals and visitors. It is the individuality and separateness, protected by the ring of woods that should be retained against any encroachment from the expansion of the neighbouring village of Holmer Green.

Trees are an important feature of the area and thoughtful management needs to be considered if they are to be maintained for future generations. The pond, which is the main focal point of Beamond End, has a beautiful background of a variety of mature trees.

The lanes, bridleways and some footpaths are bordered by hedgerows where a few individual trees, especially oaks, have been allowed to grow to maturity. Properties, also, are bordered by hedgerows which are preferred by the community although the ‘old wall’, as seen in figure 17, adds to the overall character. Over the last 70 years a number of trees have been planted in private gardens.

Figure 7 Typical tree landscape within the Hamlets

The immediate surrounding woods , namely Beamond Wood and the one adjoining Merry Acres are in private ownership. These are marked on early maps in exactly the same form as they are today and could be of special historical interest. We are hoping that the owners will re- fer to the Chiltern Woodlands project for advice. Shardeloes Park adjoining Mop End Lane is listed as a Park of Special Historic Interest. Penn Wood belongs to the Woodland Trust and the remaining woods are owned by the Forestry Commission. The Forestry Commission owns Breeches Wood and Todds Wood as well as woodland adjoining Mop End Lane with plans up to 2042 for their maintenance and regeneration. It is encouraging to know that these woods have a future and will be protected as part of their place in the landscape.

Figure 8 Forestry Commission Woodland and Management Plan. Printed with the kind permission of the Forestry Commission. This map is one of a series made available for consultation.

Figure 9 View of Little Missenden from Breeches Wood, Toby Lane.

One of the dominant factors important to us is that of trees and woods on the sky line in every direction which is unique to the more gentle hills of the Chilterns. Any building on high ground should bear this in mind and planned so that roofing is below the line of the trees.

Figure 10 View from Beamond End to Holmer Green

Favourite views are those of Little Missenden, Shardeloes Estate and Holmer Ridings and most of the farm land.

13 THE POND

Beamond End pond is a sizeable freshwater pond situated in the centre of the hamlet fronting the lane. Its presence was clearly marked on a map of the Manor at Beamond End 1740. It probably originated as a farm pond and is similar to the 'dew pond' six of which used to be in Holmer Green. In 1854 Little Missenden Enclosure Award set out the pond as a public pond and animals could be watered there.

Figure 11 Residents working party

The pond used to be regularly dredged until about 40 years ago and with the changing climate and several hot summers in the last ten years the pond has dried up on occasions leaving an area of soggy bog. In October 2006 several volunteer residents formed a work party and, with the approval of the landown- ers, pruned back a large tree to the left of the pond and a lovely willow tree to the right that was en- croaching on the view of the pond. Some more work parties are proposed for 2007 to cut back surrounding trees, to control and reduce the reed sweetgrass which has taken over one third of the pond surface and to build up and stabilise the bank by the roadside.

Figure 12 The Pond - from a painting by Donald Ball, 1993

Beamond End pond is scenically very beautiful and we need to preserve its visual quality for the benefit not only for the owners but the residents, passers-by and the inherent wildlife and their habitats.

15 FLORA AND FAUNA

Beamond End is surrounded by woodland and open fields, some under agricultural use with cows and sheep grazing. This provides a haven for wild life. Residents help to provide a habitat for birds and animals in their gardens.

Many different species of birdlife frequent gardens and the surrounding fields and woodland. The Red Kite which was introduced in the Stokenchurch area has now reached this area and is seen in increasing numbers .

The neighbourhood provides a friendly habitat for numerous animals including the protected badger, bat and glis glis.

The ancient hedgerows have an abundance of blackberries, crab-apples and sloes. The woods are car- peted in the Spring by bluebells - the English variety - and many wildflowers grow in the hedgerows and fields including buttercups, ragged robin, willow herb, cow parsley, lady smock, dandelion etc. Native trees are beech, ash, oak, silver birch, maple, holly, horsechestnut, hazelnut and hawthorn. Residents have more ornamental trees in their gardens.

Residents are encouraged to replace and reinforce boundary hedges and trees with indigenous varieties.

Figure 13 Finchers Farm

Figure 14 Blairavon Farm

16 AGRICULTURE

This is a rural community and the general health of the agricultural industry has a major effect on the village environment. We have five working farms all with associated accommodation. The farms vary but are predominantly arable with some sheep and cattle in open fields; the livestock are reared for onward sale to the meat market.

Figure 15 Mop End Farm

With the change in modern farming methods one farm concentrates on agricultural contracting which has created a development of large modern barns for storage of grain and maintenance of machinery de- tracting from the largely open aspect of the surrounding countryside.

Figure 16 Farmland view from Mop End Farm

17 The general nature of the arable farming and limited livestock enhances the rural nature of the area. We wholeheartedly support the farmers and encourage them to pursue with the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE) in the taking up of available grants for maintaining and improving the countryside.

Figure 17 Beamond End Lane - 'a tight squeeze for large vehicles'.

The hamlets benefit from the regular cutting of the hedgerows along the highway and footpaths by the farming community.

TRANSPORT

The majority of properties are 2 car households. The community agrees that the road, rail and airport network is accessible. For a rural area there is a local bus service connecting High Wycombe, Holmer Green, Amersham and Chesham. Taxis are occasionally used where the destination parking is a problem.

The main through road,the A404 , serves as a good link to the motorway network . The volume of traffic using this road is rapidly increasing. Residents complain of the amount of traffic noise, both by day and by night, and it is important that the 'buffer zone' of fields lying between the A404 and the hamlets is retained to mini- mize the sound. The community welcomed the 50mph restriction.

Several minor roads - e.g. Sheepcote Dell Road provide access routes to the surrounding villages.

When entering from Sheepcote Dell Road, Beamond End Lane is deceptively wide but narrows rapidly to a single track lane and deteriorates considerably towards Little Missenden. In places it is twisting with poor visibility, steep banks and no verges. It has become a fast (and increasingly popular) short-cut between the A413 and the A404 via Little Missenden. The excessively large derestriction signs at either end of the narrow- est 1.25 mile section, in conjunction with satellite navigation systems, advertise this supposedly fast more direct route. Recently there has been a road traffic accident necessitating use of the air ambulance service. Re- covery vehicles had to approach the scene by driving in reverse for some distance to ensure a reasonable exit. Properties immediately bordering the lane prohibit any widening scheme.

Figure 18 De-restricted zone - Bea- mond End Lane at Little Missenden

19 The majority of residents are very concerned at the increasing number of heavy vehicles using the lane. The community feels that suitability of access should be considered and discussed with the Highways Department before planning applications involving the use of large vehicles in a single track lane closely bordered by residential properties some of which are Grade ll listed. An earlier approved planning application for heavy vehicles resulted in the destruction of the bank of the pond causing flooding, damage to grass verges and tele- phone cables and an increased number of pot-holes. As a result the lane had to be resurfaced and the bank of the pond and grass verges restored and protected with granite setts.

The only two local bridlepaths, Toby Lane and Mop End Lane are under threat due to the appeal by the Trail Riders Fellowship for Byeways Open to All Traffic (BOAT) status following the decision by Buckinghamshire County Council to reject the initial application. Lengthy and detailed research on

these ancient hollow ways was undertaken by Dianne

Jardine and other members of the community to question the

legality of the claim, with support from the ‘Green Lane

Environmental Action Group’. The detailed report rests with the Parish Council and the Beamond End Residents Asso- ciation. The appeal is still outstanding at the time of writing (June 2007). Figure 19 Bridlepath - Toby Lane

Originally the lane, beyond the farms, was used predominantly by horse riders, cyclists, groups of walkers and the occasional private domestic car. It is no longer considered safe for such purposes in the narrower sections; with banks and no verges there is insufficient room for vehicles to pass pedestrians. The 3Omph speed limit on the residential southern end of the lane has had little effect on the speed of vehicles using the route as a short cut.

The entrance from the A404 to Mop End Lane is wide to allow services to the electricity sub-station, and is attractively screened by woodland.

The Southern end of the lane is little more than an access road for Mop End Farm and what used to be the Old Griffin Public House, now a private residence, plus five other properties. The surrounding farm land and woods are a central part of this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Past the farm the lane leads into the bridle way. Alarmingly this single track lane is derestricted and, to protect the public and the wild life, it should have a speed limit of 20mph imposed throughout its length. The re-establishment of a 'quiet lane' should be considered for both Mop End Lane and Beamond End Lane. 20 Beamond End and Mop End have 5 groups of stables in the immediate vicinity and the loss of safe horse riding (or pedal cycling) would be disastrous. If the appeal succeeds it is felt that Traffic Regulation Orders should be imposed before accidents happen and damage occurs.

It should be emphasised here that there is very strong opposition from a wider section of the public to bridlepaths being upgraded to BOAT status.

The footpaths (L.M. 10,11 & 12) at Beamond End and Mop End are enjoyed by residents, dog walkers and visiting groups. The community donated two metal gates to replace stiles in support of the "Simply Walk" scheme. There is now, with the help of local farmers, a gated circular walk from Holmer Green to Mop End used weekly by the Holmer Green group. The dedication of the Path Maintenance Volunteers organised by Stuart Gulliman of the Chiltern Society is greatly appreciated by the community.

Horseriding, cycling, running and walking are popular forms of healthy recreation by locals and visitors alike. All efforts should be made to encourage these activities further by maintaining access to the tranquillity and beauty of the countryside.

Figure 20 New gate replacing stile - Beamond End to Mop

One of the best assets locally is Penn Wood. Residents' generosity helped support the campaign by the Woodland Trust to purchase the woods. A bridleway was made through the woods to link up with Toby Lane. Unfortunately direct access has been denied by the increasing density of traffic on the A404. Even at 5Omph it is unsafe for pedestrians or horseriders to cross. The only 'safe' access is by car to the Penn Street Church car park. Plans for a safe crossing would be welcome.

Footpath L.M. 11 runs from Holmer Green to Mop End via Blairavon Farm where it crosses Sheepcote Dell Road to continue by the bus stop to Beamond End Lane. From here it becomes a short single unmade track and unadopted road caused by access to what is now called The Bodyshop which has existed in other forms for at least 70 years. However this section is still marked on maps as a public footpath and is signposted as the Heritage Trail Walkers route. It is maintained by the Highway Department but only as a footpath and any vehicular damage is the responsibility of the property owners who have right of access. By the last cottage it narrows again to a footpath only. This footpath is very popular with groups of walkers from Holmer Green and elsewhere being situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is important that the overall character of the rural aspect is maintained with the retention of hedgerows and trees. Any commercial expansion or development would be totally unsuitable especially due to the lack of space to accommodate further vehicular use. 21

PEOPLE AND PROPERTIES

Figure 21 The rear of the property 'Chabot' showing original timber frame

At the heart of any town, village or hamlet are its people. The hamlets of Beamond End & Mop End are no exception. The age profile indicates a higher than average age compared to the nation as a whole with few children and a high proportion of retired.

Figure 22 The front elevation of 'Chabot' as it is

There are 30 houses and farms in Beamond End and a further 6 in Mop End. The origins of 2 dwellings date back to the 16th Century, 3 dwellings to the 18th Century, 10 to the 19th with the remainder erected through the 20th Century - the youngest being approximately 35 years old. Properties in MopEnd include the Griffin which was the local tavern until the 1930s where the locals would go"on the mop".There are five working farms with detached living accommodation - that at Oaklands Farm being subject to tempo- rary planning permission. There are two business premises within Beamond End namely "The Studio", a dental laboratory employing approximately 20 people, and "The Old Paintworks"(now a vehicle body repair shop) employing 3 people.

Figure 23 Finchers Lodge - illustration of Regency period - formerly the Lodge House to Finchers, a larger Regency house situated in parkland in Beamond End.

The design of a house is defined either by the period in which it was built or after substantial alterations have been undertaken on an earlier house. Some houses built in the 20th Century may have design features worthy of notice and will become period houses in the future. Houses become important historically when enough time has passed for them to be seen in the context of the period in which they were built. Therefore a study of the history of a village will explain the gradual variation in housing design according to economic and social influences and the availability of materials and skilled labour.

The overall design of the hamlets is that of individual properties (there are no two alike) of moderate size in generous plots of land connected by trees and hedges in rural lanes with grass verges.

Figure 24 Stud Cottage - Grade II Listed - dates from 1740

Each property depicts the period in which it was built the earliest being timber construction followed by the vernacular architecture of brick and flint.

Figure 25 Pond Cottage - as restored from 2000

Electricity is provided through overhead cables and residents take the precaution to have torches and candles at the ready when storms are forecast. There is no mains gas supply and heating is mainly from oil fired boilers. Beamond End has mains water and drainage but Mop End has no mains drainage and waste is disposed of through septic tanks. Rainwater in both hamlets flows into soak-aways or into wells.

Residents rely on outside facilities for shopping etc., ranging from Amersham, Hazlemere shopping parade, Beaconsfield, High Wycombe and Holmer Green where the loss of a thriving Post Office is sorely missed.

The local opportunities for walking, riding and cycling are much appreciated and should be protected and enhanced for the future. The problem of walkers versus motorists is of increasing concern. Opportuni- ties for golf, tennis and swimming are reasonably accessible.

This an ideal walking area with bus stop nearby and public houses for refreshments. The lanes are popular in winter when footpaths are too muddy. Unfortunately walkers and cars do not mix in narrow confines and a decision must be made as to who is given priority for the future; especially remembering the needs of children and the disabled.

24 PLANNING GUIDELINES

LANDSCAPE

Any future development should aim to conserve and enhance the rural character by retaining open spaces within the built up area. It is expected that in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty the views, woodland and fields lying between Beamond End and Mop End and Little Missenden will remain unspoilt. Beamond End and Mop End should remain separate entities in their own right. Any expansion of Holmer Green by ribbon development along Sheepcote Dell Road or encroachment on the green corridor separating Beamond End from Holmer Green should be re- sisted. In Beamond End the central focal point of the pond and the surrounding land and trees should remain unspoilt

BUILDINGS

In Beamond End, brick and flint cottages of individual design are the properties most prevalent owing to their close proximity to the lane although others lie behind giving an irregular orientation and a less regimented street pattern. The few properties built in the 1950s and 1960s due to the sale of farmland lie well back from the road and are screened by trees. Most houses nestle within gardens surrounded by mature trees helping them to blend into the countryside. In Mop End also the houses are independently designed but tend to be larger although of similar

HEIGHT-1.5 to 2 Storeys i.e. not more than 7.5 metres to the ridge.

Figure 27 Flint Cottage - set Figure 26 Late 19th Century brick and flint back in the street scene. cottage with sash windows.

25 ROOF Pitched roof of at least 40 degrees with gable ends. Clay ridge tiles, flat plain red clay roofing tiles are preferable but slates are acceptable in relation to later C19th cottages. Tiles should be slightly textured.

CHIMNEYS A traditional aspect of countryside homes. A central heating flu is more acceptable housed in a chimney avoiding exposure of piping.

WALLS

Mellow red/orange handmade clay bricks with no machine made bricks. These bricks are available locally in the Chilterns. Flints should be a mixture of natural and knapped with dressed faces exposed selecting only smaller flints and set in lime mortar avoiding excessive use of raised pointing. Wide weather boarding stained black is suitable for garages and outbuildings.

Figure 28 Penn Wood House - mid 19th Century, originally 2/3 cottages

WINDOWS

Elevations should have a greater proportion of solid wall to window. Traditional windows had small panes. Windows should be square or slightly taller than wide and slightly recessed with thin glazing bars and wooden frames with paint finish. Large windows and patio doors need to be confined to the rear of the house and divided by glazing bars. Roof lights can be unsightly but if essential should be limited in number and positioned at the rear elevation.

FRONT DOORS

Wood-panelled or ledge and braced with little or no glazing and avoiding Neo-Georgian style.

PORCHES Must be in proportion to the house, with roof pitch and materials matching the house and the design mirroring the main building.

GARAGES and DRIVEWAYS Preferably to the side and rear of the house with discreet parking areas. The front garden should not be turned into a parking space. Integral garages should be avoided. Shingle is preferable to hard standing areas. A garage with the appearance of a small barn or cart shed is an attractive alternative.

GATES Simple wooden gates are more in keeping with the rural scene. Large elaborate wrought iron gates are not suitable. NEW PROPERTIES Should respect the scale, design and materials of surrounding houses and the attached land taking into consideration their style colour and texture within the local context. Any new property should not be disproportionate to the area of the site and should be positioned sufficiently back from the lane to allow for the retention of trees hedges and grass verges.

Figure 29 Another typical brick and Figure 30 Victoria Regina Letter Box flint dwelling with casement windows retained by special request. Residents and leaded lights. fought to have this kept when threatened with being replaced by a modern version.

ALTERATIONS / EXTENSIONS Work to existing buildings should respect the character scale and proportion of the existing building. Original features should be matched as closely as possible with repair and conservation in preference to new restoration using traditional window frames or sashes. New or extended roofs should be in materials that aim to match the existing and should respect the scale and style of adjacent buildings with special care being taken over those parts visible from the frontage. External walls should relate to the materials of the existing building with new and old brickwork being carefully blended to avoid obvious mismatching.

COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES The two commercial properties have been in existence in various forms for at least 70 if not 100 years. Their impact on this residential area needs to be monitored in relation to pollution noise and traffic. Any alteration of their structure should comply where possible with the building guidelines stated.

GARDENS Gardens are an essential feature of the hamlets They vary in size from small to over two acres. Mature trees are in abundance as are fruit trees and vegetable patches. They provide a haven for protected species and other wildlife as well as safe recreational areas for children and pets.

ROAD FRONTAGE

Existing roadside hedges and grass verges should be retained and maintained. Traditional boundary walls should be conserved, the replacement of hedges and other natural boundaries by new brick walls and solid wooden fences should be avoided. On planting new hedges consideration should be given to local residential and field hedges which may consist of indigenous species such as hawthorn blackthorn, beech, holly and yew. THE LANES Both Beamond End Lane and Mop End Lane including the unadopted track adjoining footpath LM11 are narrow single track lanes unsuitable for widening. Where a new gateway is required in an existing hedge, the design and position of the opening should be carefully considered to provide safe sightlines and to minimise damage to the hedge line. The prospect of any new residential or commercial outlet should consider the unsuitability of the lanes to carry the burden of any extensive increase in vehicular use. Careful research should look into the pur- pose of any commercial/agricultural use to discover what type and size of vehicles are likely to have right of access and whether the lanes can accommodate this development. In the event of any large frontage or section of new lane being required the installation of hedges and grass verges should be made in keeping with the rural aspect of the hamlet. Hard edges on the perimeter of the hamlet must be avoided with new buildings blending into the countryside.

CONCLUSION In the past mistakes have been made mostly due to lack of local consultation but also to lack of knowledge and understanding of domestic vernacular architecture and the importance of conservation. The history and essential character of a village and its landscape needs to be protected for the pleasure and enjoyment of future generations, whether resident or visiting. It is hoped that this village design statement will help present and future residents to preserve the rural character of these hamlets as well as providing the District and Parish Councils with a wider understanding of local opinion and knowledge, thereby influencing the planning process and avoiding contentious planning applications and appeals.

ACTION PLAN

1. Increased traffic use and high speeds make Beamond End Lane hazardous for pedestrians, cyclists, dog walkers and horse riders. Reclassification to 20mph speed limit with removal of excessively large derestriction and 30mph signs should be the first step. In particular we should monitor the effects of repairs (carried out March 2007) to the road surface of Beamond End Lane at Little Missenden with regard to any increase in usage and speeds.

2. Provision of a safe crossing over the A404 from Toby Lane to Penn Wood via footpath LM11 with appropriate signposting.

3. Maintenance of the open aspect of the Pond as a focal point of the village using the planned and regular help of volunteers with the approval of the owners.

4. Complete the history of Beamond End and Mop End.

5. Consider what action is possible with regard to Toby Lane and Mop End Lane in the event that the Secretary of State supports the claim of the Trail Riders Fellowship for BOAT status.

6. Consider how to make alternative use of the redundant allotment gardens adjacent to Merry Acres and The Studio in Sheepcote Dell Road: suggestions are a new orchard or wild flower meadow for the benefit of the local community with maintenance by volunteers.

7. Continue to support the Neighbourhood Watch Scheme.

8. Continue to work with the farmers to maintain the views and open nature of these rural hamlets and to support the Chiltern Society and local farmers in keeping the local footpath network open.

9. Work with the Local Planning Authority on any proposed future residential development to be contained within the village envelope concentrating on individual plots. Houses should be worthy of their place in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty being of traditional design, using local materials and in sympathy with neighbouring properties.

10. Reclassification of Mop End Lane from derestricted to 20mph.

11. Consider how to influence the information in Satellite Navigation Systems indicating the navigable nature of the lanes.

12. Ensure that there is consultation with the Highways Authority over any planning issues where it envisages there will be potential for increased use of vehicles with particular emphasis on size, length and weight.

29 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

With thanks for their advice and support to:

Buckinghamshire Community Action (BCA)

Campaign for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE)

The Chiltern Conservation Board

Chiltern District Council, Community Project Officer

The Chiltern Society

The Chilterns Woodland Project

The Forestry Commission

Green Lanes Environmental Action Group (GLEAM)

Little Missenden Parish Council

Residents - past and present

The Steering Committee - Chair: Mr. Graham Feltham - for all their hard work.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Chilterns Conference - Chiltern Building Design Guide

Miles Green - The History of Penn Wood

Inkpen (Berks) - Village Design Statement

Amanda Laws - Understanding Small Period Houses

Lilleshall (Shropshire) - Landscape Design

John.K. Morris - History in Chiltern Woods

Paul Riches - Once Upon a Heath

Michael Wray - Beamond End Pond Study

Produced by Beamond End Residents Association (June 2007)