Bath and North East Council Development Management and Welton Conservation Area Character Appraisal and Management Plan

April 2018 Contents

1 Introduction 3 7 Issues 26 Midsomer Norton and Welton Summary of issues Conservation Area Enhancement opportunities Context Development opportunities Summary of key characteristics and recommendations 8 Management proposals 28 Summary of management proposal Issues and recommendations recommendations Protecting the conservation area Conservation area designation landscape setting Community involvement Traffic, pedestrian movement and parking Control of new development 2 Landscape setting 5 Buildings River valley landform Possible enhancement opportunities Topography and Relationship of the conservation area with 9 Monitoring and review 31 its surroundings Appendices 32 3 Archaeology and historic development 7 1 National and local planning policy 2 Further Reading 4 Spatial analysis 9 3 Glossary Layout and street pattern 4 Contact details Open spaces, trees and landscape Focal points, focal buildings, All maps are reproduced from the Ordnance Survey views and vistas mapping with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office © Crown Copyright. Boundaries Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright Public realm and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Licence number 100023334 5 The buildings of the conservation area 14 Listed buildings Positive buildings/undesignated heritage assets Building types Building styles, materials and colours

6 Character areas 18 1 High St, Church Square and The Island 2 Millards Hill and West Road 3 Station Road 4 Road 5 Stone’s Cross/upper High Street 6 Town park, riverside open space and Greenway 7 Rackvernal Road and Excelsior Terrace 8 Middle High Street and South Road 9 Dymboro and The Vicarage 10 Church Lane and Redfield Road 11 Silver Street 1 Introduction

Midsomer Norton and Welton This document updates the 2004 period. It became an important Conservation Area appraisal and seeks to: coal-mining settlement in the C18 and C19, which is reflected in a The area was identified as being of • Define the special interest of the historic townscape in a river valley special architectural and historic Midsomer Norton and Welton landscape setting. interest and first designated as a conservation area and identify the conservation area in April 2004. It issues which threaten the special The historic area developed along was redesignated in April 2018 and qualities of the conservation area the valley of the , a covers 68.93 hectares as shown on (in the form of the character tributary of the which the Character Appraisal Map. The appraisal) it joins at Welton Hollow after conservation area contains thirty running the length of the town seven entries on the National • Provide guidelines to prevent centre. It is enclosed by higher Heritage List for . harm and achieve enhancement ground creating characteristic views (in the form of the management from the town to open fields and Under the Town and Country proposals) wooded skylines beyond. Planning legislation the Council has a duty to preserve and enhance the The previous conservation area Welton is in the valley of the Wellow character and appearance of a boundary was drawn around three Brook and developed primarily as a conservation area in exercising its areas, physically separated from coal mining community from the planning powers, and to periodically each other. They are now combined C18. A number of batches, re-appraise its boundaries. This within one boundary. evidence of the coal mining provides a consistent and sound heritage, now form important basis on which planning and other Following review, parts of the landscape features on the edges of applications are determined in the previous conservation area were Welton and Midsomer Norton. area. removed, including the late C20 Welton abuts open countryside to developments at the north and east with C19 and As part of this process local and Priory Close. Other parts have C20 development to the south and planning authorities are encouraged now been added, including the west. Midsomer Norton has playing to carry out character appraisals of Town Park and the significant C19 fields and the cricket ground on its its conservation areas. An appraisal terraced miner’s housing in the south west boundary, with the identifies features which contribute Radstock Road area. proposed town park abutting it to toward the special interest and the south east. Modern C20 character of the area and those that It was prepared with an awareness development encloses the detract from it. This enables local of emerging projects in the remaining boundaries. residents to participate in identifying conservation area which include features which are of particular those of the Town Park, the Town Historically the economy of the area value to them and to the special Hall and the wider Midsomer Norton was based on agriculture and character of their area, and provides Town Centre Regeneration Projects. mining, and many of the buildings a base upon which to develop The emerging Neighbourhood Plan within the area were once farm management proposals for has also been recognised. buildings or those associated with preservation and enhancement. the collieries. Other industry was Context established in the C19/C20, A conservation area character including brewing and brick and tile appraisal for the Midsomer Norton Miidsomer Norton and Welton are manufacture. and Welton Conservation Area was located in the southern part of Bath adopted in 2004 as Supplementary and North East Somerset Council, Modern Midsomer Norton and Planning Guidance (SPG). south of Bath and in close proximity Welton owe much of their growth to to neighbouring Radstock and the river location, railways and coal The conservation area is currently Westfield. Their historic cores are mining. Today many residents work included on Historic England’s ‘At bounded to the south and west by in Bath, and with Risk’ register, where its condition is mainly C20 housing development an increasing number working from assessed as ‘very bad’, its with open countryside to the north home. vulnerability as ‘medium’ and the and east. trend as ‘improving.’ This trend will require future review and Midsomer Norton is an ancient assessment. market town dating to the medieval

3 Summary of key characteristics and recommendations

This character appraisal concludes that the key positive characteristics of the Midsomer Norton and Welton Conservation Area are:

• historic settlements with high proportion of historic buildings and archaeological potential • ancient fair town of medieval origins • coal mining legacy dating from the early c17. • distinct topography based on the two river valleys which contribute towards the important views from within and to the area • historic street pattern with a variety of historic listed buildings and other non-designated heritage assets • range of historic buildings of varying status including the distinct rows of C19 terraced miner’s houses • consistent use of local white lias limestone with oolitic limestone dressings and clay pantiles and natural slate for roofs. Occasional use of red sandstone and brick dressings • stone boundary walls of various heights, typically of white lias limestone but also red sandstone • River Somer – which is well ‘treed’ on entering and leaving Summary of management Conservation area designation the town centre and channelled proposal recommendations along High Street. Wellow Brook Conservation areas are designated – a former source of power for In summary the management under the provisions of Section 69 mills proposals make the following of the Planning (Listed Buildings • important trees and groups of recommendations: and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, trees which make a significant which places a statutory duty on contribution to elements of the • ensure that new development local planning authorities to street scene and setting preserves or enhances the determine which parts of their area • grassed and wooded batches existing character and are areas of special architectural or and other significant green public appearance of the conservation historic interest. A conservation area open space area; is defined as: ‘…an area of special • protect the setting of the architectural or historic interest, the conservation area; character or appearance of which it • protect key views; is desirable to preserve or enhance’. • protect historic buildings; • address traffic and pedestrian The quality and interest of the area movement issues; as a whole, rather than individual • explore improvement buildings, is the main consideration opportunities. when designating such areas.

4 Designation also provides the basis Conservation area designation Community involvement for applying national and local introduces controls over: policies designed to preserve or Public support and involvement is enhance all aspects of character or • the way owners can alter or essential to the successful appearance that define the special develop their properties. These management of conservation areas. interest of a conservation area. include the requirement in This document was initially drafted legislation and national planning following meetings with Section 71 of the Act requires the policies to preserve and/or representatives from Midsomer local planning authority to publish enhance and for local planning Norton Town Council and local proposals for the preservation and authorities to pay special Ward Councillors in July and August enhancement of conservation areas attention to the desirability of 2016, which included discussion on and an appraisal provides the preserving or enhancing the the extent of the conservation area means for this. Section 72 requires character or appearance of the boundaries together with some of that, in considering applications for area in their local planning the main problems and issues development in a conservation area, policies; which face the local community. special attention shall be paid to the • demolition of most unlisted desirability of preserving or buildings; Following this meeting a first draft enhancing the character of that • works to trees was agreed with the Town Council area. • types of advertisements that can for public consultation. Full public be displayed with ‘deemed consultation took place in June and Conservation area appraisals are consent’; July 2017. In response to comments considered by Historic England to • types and size of development received amendments were made be vital to the conservation of these which can be carried out without to the documents and they were special areas. The content of this the need for planning permission formally adopted by the Council for statement is based on the (permitted development rights). planning guidance purposes on 6th suggested approach set out by April 2018. Historic England.

2 Landscape setting

Setting is defined in the National The developed area, including the Planning Policy Framework as “The conservation area, predominantly surroundings in which a heritage follows the more sheltered and asset is experienced. Its extent is shallow valley sides. The underlying not fixed and may change as the coal reserves of the Somerset asset and its surroundings evolve. Coalfield led to a proliferation of Elements of a setting may make a mines in the area which drove the positive or negative contribution to development of the towns, including the significance of the asset, may Midsomer Norton and Welton, from affect the ability to appreciate that the C17 to the mid C20. significance or may be neutral”. It is primarily the combination of the River valley landform strong landform with the mining industry legacy which has given the To the south and west the very distinctive pattern and form to conservation area is bounded by the town today. The coal mining mainly C20 housing development. industry and its associated railways Welton adjoins open countryside to is seen in the green landscape the north and north-east. The town today as distinctive wooded coal overall has a distinctive river valley batches, networks of paths and landscape setting, formed from the tree-lined disused railways. River Somer and Wellow Brook which are carved out of a much Considerable importance and larger scale landscape of ridge and weight must therefore be given to plateau. this sensitive setting of the

5 conservation area in the consideration of any development proposals that may cause harm.

Topography and geology

The main geological feature in this area south of the and south of Hallatrow consists of Supra-Pennant Measures, which include the upper coal measures and outcrops of sandstone. The local geology is very complex. Mercia mudstone from the Triassic period overlies the coal measures, and there are several limestone quarries locally, particularly in the nearby Mendip Hills.

This complex geology has formed a distinct local landscape character of plateau areas with deep river valleys cut into it.

The historic core of Midsomer Norton and Welton is focussed on the two river valleys. That of the Wellow Brook runs in an east-west direction, with the River Somer running from the south west to the north east before joining the brook.

High Street rises gently up the north Relationship of the conservation of the surrounding countryside and side of the River Somer valley to the area with its surroundings treed skylines from the town centre ridge level at the mini-roundabout are now blocked by buildings. junction with Radstock Road, North The adjacent open and gently rolling Road and Station Road. Station countryside to the north and east There are significant areas of open Road then descends the valley side along Millards Hill forms an space adjoining the boundary, to Wellow Brook, and ascends on attractive and clearly defined rural including the cricket ground and the opposite valley side at Millards edge to this part of the conservation playing fields to the south, and the Hill in Welton. area. proposed Town Park to the east which is on the site of the former This undulating valley side Elsewhere it is surrounded primarily Norton Hill Colliery. topography is also evident by C20 suburban type housing elsewhere in the conservation area. development and public open The proposed Town Park includes Examples include Silver Street as it space. There are strong visual and pedestrian links with a network of slopes downhill towards High Street physical links with these open space linking to Radstock. junction, and Church Lane which surroundings for both pedestrians The conservation area also has rises gently up to the junction with and vehicles. Many of the strong links with the network of North Road. surrounding rear gardens back on cycle ways in the Norton Radstock to and overlook the conservation area. area. The two rivers naturally link the Some key views from and within the conservation area with its historic area are marred by this surroundings, but access to them modern development in Midsomer beyond the town centre is generally Norton. Previous views or glimpses restricted.

6 3 Archaeology and historic development

There are no Scheduled Ancient There is evidence of local Norman Square. Both were demolished in Monuments in the conservation occupation in the parish church with the C19. area. its C12 origins, and the surviving Norman archway in the grounds of Manor Farm in Welton was a There is no mention of Norton/ the vicarage. The village was medieval settlement area with an Welton in the Domesday Survey. probably nucleated in the C13 associated hollow way. An upland The name ‘Midsomer Norton’ is immediately around the church, industrial landscape is evident at mentioned in the Royal Charters for itself a building with Norman origins, Welton including the landmark spoil a weekly market and mid-summer where the few surviving early tip which formed part of the Welton fair of 1242-1248. The patron saint buildings are located. Colliery. Most surviving industrial of the parish church (of c12 Norman archaeology is related to the coal origins) is St John the Baptist, These include the C14 stone tithe mining heritage of the area. whose saint’s day is mid-summers barn, in use until recently as the day. The Fayre was therefore Roman Catholic church, and the At the site of the old Welton brewery chartered for mid-summers day and Priory which may have C16 or on Station Road (more recently this is the most likely explanation for earlier origins. There is documentary used as part of the Welton, Bibby the derivation of the town’s name, evidence of other early buildings in and Baron printing works but now although unsubstantiated. the vicinity of the parish church. closed), there is map evidence of a former mill with a leat, mill pond and Evidence of Roman occupation was There were two medieval manors sluices on Wellow Brook, worthy of found at The Dymboro on North cited from the C13 on, one rectorial further investigation. This part of the Road and the history of the belonging to the Canons of Merton brook is now culverted. Brick and has been traced Priory in Surrey, and the other tile works located on the north side to Roman origins. Information on annexed to the Duchy of Cornwall of the brook later became part of the settlement in the Saxon period which owned Midsomer Norton and the brewery site. is lacking. had its manor house in Church

Late nineteenth century map of Midsomer Norton and Welton

7 Historically the Duchy of Cornwall owned most of the mineral rights around Midsomer Norton and various small pits opened from the early C17 to exploit these. By the 1690’s mining was already profitable in Welton in the north east corner of the Parish and from the mid C18 the town rapidly developed.

The particular conditions of tenure in Midsomer Norton combined with the profitability of the coal pits enabled local individuals to acquire their own freehold estates. These estates encouraged the development of a mercantile class and both were centred on the town High Street. The street provided a pleasant and respectable residential base away from the mining activities at Welton, as well as a site for The 1860’s were a defining decade Almshouses were built c1895. shopkeepers and tradesmen who for the town with a boom in These were a charitable donation took a prominent part in the building. The Market Hall, (later the made to the town by William development of the town from the Town Hall), was constructed Beauchamp’s family who were the C17 – C19. together with the Greyhound Inn most powerful group of Somerset and bank buildings on Silver Street, colliery owners. Beauchamp lived at The wealthier individuals built all designed by the same architect Norton Hall, a large country house substantial houses or remodelled in the Italianate style. These c1869, set in substantial grounds. It existing properties in the town in the important heritage assets were built was demolished and developed for late C17 – mid C18. These included by Thomas Harris Smith, a housing in the early to mid C20. the imposing Island House which developer and entrepreneur whose Nearby is the early C20 Palladium closes the view looking west along family was involved in the profitable Cinema in High Street, now The Island, and The Hollies, a grand brewing industry in the town. They standing empty and ‘at risk’. There house now converted and extended continue to form a distinct group are current proposals to restore the for use as lcouncil offices. today and make an important building for use as a Wetherspoon Alongside these more substantial contribution to the significance of public house. houses were cottages, although this part of the conservation area. many are now gone. The imposing Smiths brewery Since the Second World War many building with its distinctive chimney properties in the High Street have In High Street and Silver Street at was built on the south side of High been demolished to make way for this time many of the larger early Street c1861, originally with a third large scale footprint retail units, C19 properties had their gardens floor, since removed. The Methodist some with associated car parking. enclosed by long stretches of high Church was also built during this The one way traffic system in the walls on the street frontage, decade, and the river improved, High Street was introduced in the constructed of coursed rubble including installation of the distinct 1960’s to ease traffic flow. stone. iron railings which survive today. After the final closure of the coal Expansion of the town in the C19 The opening of the Somerset and pits in the early 1970’s, Midsomer also created a need for other types Railway station in Midsomer Norton and Welton have remained of buildings, including schools and Norton in 1875 was a significant as a flourishing residential and churches. The parish church was factor in the developing character of commercial area whilst still retaining largely rebuilt in 1830. Further the town and that of Silver Street. much of their historic village development and redevelopment of The railway line was closed in the character with its coal mining existing property took place, Beeching cuts in the 1960’s. legacy. including the rebuilding of the Vicarage in 1844 on a new site at In High Street the distinctive Arts the top of Church Lane. and Crafts style Beauchamp

8 4 Spatial analysis

Layout and street pattern has a distinct ‘nucleus’ character green space which make a with a less formal pattern and contribution to local significance The principal spatial feature of the arrangement of buildings and roads including the setting of the Midsomer Norton and Welton than High Street. The widening conservation area. Linked to the Conservation Area is the linear north space in the road outside the Town park is the Norton Radstock east to south west alignment of Hall at The Island acts visually as a Greenway which follows the former High Street which terminates to the focal point or ‘square’ in the town. railway line as far as Silver Street. west at the junction with Silver Pedestrian movement is not always This is now an elevated local cycle Street and to the north at The Stone easy in this area, partly due to traffic way and footpath route with an Cross. and also because alternative and important belt of mature trees and safer pedestrian routes are not vegetation along its entire length. There is a fairly consistent medium clearly marked. density of buildings in High Street, The former Welton Hill Colliery spoil comprising a pattern of two storey Moving north from the town centre, tip on the northern edge of Welton terraced properties now mostly the mini-roundabout at the junction now provides a tranquil treed area shops, interspersed by individual of High Street, Station Road, adjoining the pedestrian friendly houses, many of C17 – C19 origins Radstock Road and North Road is local environment. It also acts as an which are generally higher than the particularly identified by the historic important green visual backdrop to two storey terraces. Stones Cross public house this part of the conservation area. adjoining, which is a local landmark. Elsewhere in the conservation area Combined with the buildings on the Between Welton and Midsomer the layout, street pattern and other corners of this visually and Norton adjoining the Wellow Brook densities are less ‘formal’ with more physically important junction it acts on Station Road there are grass varied character. Long and short as a key gateway feature, but is verges and impressive Hornbeam terraces of miner’s cottages and currently vacant and in need of a and Willow trees which significantly their gardens intermingle with new use and restoration. contribute to the appearance of this individual buildings and groups of part of the street scene. buildings. Welton displays a The steep hill of Station Road particularly attractive example of leaves the junction in a northerly In High Street next to The Hollies such distinct local character. direction past the imposing stone and fronting the Sainsbury’s built former brewery building before supermarket is the most distinct On Silver Street and Church Street passing over the Wellow Brook at urban space. Less recognised is the there is a much lower density of the bottom of the valley. It then tranquil churchyard which buildings and a more spacious becomes Millards Hill, rising steeply contributes to the important setting character. This building pattern is up the opposite side of the valley in of both the church and this part of also found at Welton in the Millards Welton. the conservation area. Hill and West Road area. The junction of Millards Hill with On the periphery of the By the C18 High Street and Silver West Road in Welton is conservation area is the large level Street were the only public distinguished by the tight bend in area of green public space between thoroughfares of any consequence, the road with historic buildings on Redfield Road and Somervale neither of which was a main road. its north side grouped close to the School. The green open space on Redfield Road and Church Lane back edge of the footpath, together Silver Street, opposite the former probably originated as fieldways creating a distinct sense of place. station at the Charlton Road and later served as road links from junction, positively contributes to the late C19. Today they act as Open spaces, trees and the open low density character and clearly defined road routes to and landscape setting of this part of the from the town centre. Midsomer conservation area. Norton has a ‘back Lane’ at the rear The most significant green public of the settlement which eventually open space is the proposed Town Private green spaces in the historic became North Road. Park adjacent to the site of the area also contribute to local former Norton Hill Colliery. Its character by providing green gaps The medieval core in the vicinity of elevated well-treed position ensures and visual ‘relief’ including the the parish church and The Island long distance sky-line views of this enclosed garden at the rear of the

9 Roman Catholic Church at the top end of High Street, and the school playing field at Midsomer Norton Primary School.

Wellow Brook and the River Somer both have green space adjoining lengths of them but are not generally accessible to the public. These green spaces and links make a positive visual and spatial contribution to local character. Outside the Town Hall, the Market Square at the junction of High Street with The Island forms an identifiable space enclosed by historic buildings. It is primarily used for car parking with tarmacadam surfacing throughout.

Private gardens within the historic building, and along the river Focal points, focal buildings, conservation area also provide where it adjoins Redfield Road. The views and vistas visually important green spaces mature specimens on either side of which contribute to the setting of Church Lane frame the street scene Due to the historic character and buildings and also that of the in this part of the conservation area, development of the conservation conservation area. Many of the and the same value is provided by area there are no ‘planned’ focal historic miner’s terraces have long the substantial tree specimens on points. Some are fortuitous and narrow allotment style rear gardens Silver Street. result from the way the area has designed for growing vegetables. developed over the centuries. Some are visible from the public Outside the Town Hall is a group of realm due to the local topography. pollarded limes which play an Key focal points These provide visual ‘green’ breaks important role in the urban street • The Stone Cross mini-roundabout which contribute to the quality and scene. There is other significant tree junction is a recognisable focal tranquillity of the townscape. planting on High Street beside the point in the conservation area, river which successfully contributes marking the start of High Street Distinct low stone front garden to the historic street scene. and added to by the adjoining boundary walls adjoin the footpaths, Stone’s Cross public house, now some supplemented by hedging The surrounding hillsides are vacant and at risk. This key visual and trees. Good examples are the well-treed, and form an attractive point is partly a result of its front gardens of terraces on skyline feature and backdrop where visually prominent and elevated Radstock Road and Gladstone visible from the conservation area. position on the ridge line between Street. the two river valleys. The rural landscape at Millards Hill Gardens of some of the larger adjoining the northern edge of • The south west end of High houses also contain large mature Welton also makes a significant Street at its junction with Silver trees, with some projecting into the contribution to the setting and Street and The Island is a further street scene and visually character of this part of the focal point, where the roads contributing to local character and conservation area. The break on converge. At The Island, the built appearance. An example can be Millards Hill between the open frontages around this key ‘node’ seen on Church Lane where trees in countryside and built edge of assist by tightly enclosing the the grounds of The Vicarage Welton forms an important ‘point of space, adding to the sense of overhang the significant wall on arrival’ at the historic settlement. place. Church Lane. They are protected by a Tree Preservation Order. Some trees in the conservation area are protected by Tree Preservation Elsewhere, important mature tree Orders. Others in any event would groups are located in the parish require notification to the Council of churchyard, partially obscuring the intended works to them.

10 • The Masonic Hall, Redfield Road c 1904 (undesignated) • St Johns C of E School and the school house, Redfield Road (undesignated) • Midsomer Norton South Station (undesignated) • The Dymboro, North Road (c1904 undesignated)

Key views and vistas from within the conservation area The most important views are described below and identified on the Character Appraisal Map, but the omission of a view does not mean it has no significance.

Key viewpoint 1 – approach to the conservation area on Millards Hill • Church Square forms an • Former mid C19 Welton brewery important focal point, enclosed on Station Road (undesignated) Key viewpoint 2 – looking north up by historic buildings which • Church of St John the Baptist Millards Hill from the road junction include the east side of the parish (grade II*) with West Road church and the churchyard wall. • Redundant Roman Catholic Church – former medieval tithe Key viewpoint 3 – view of the group • The road junction of High Street, barn (grade II*) of historic buildings on the road Church Lane and Redfield Road • The Priory (grade II*) bend and junction on Millards Hill is a further focal point in the • The Hollies (grade II*) with West Road, looking north town. The backdrop of the parish • Former post office No 26 Church church of St John the Baptist Square (grade II) Key viewpoint 4 – looking south combines with other significant • Methodist Church, High Street along Station Road with the former townscape features to form a (late C 19 – undesignated) brewery buildings and elevated C19 visual focus. These include the • Beauchamp Almshouses, High stone terrace framing the view raised pavements outside the Street c1895 (undesignated) towards Stone’s Cross church on Church Lane, the River • Former late C19 High St brewery Somer flowing parallel to the road and its chimney – (undesignated) Key viewpoint 5 – looking south and the significant groups of tall • Former early C20 Palladium along the curving layout and sweep mature trees in this part of the cinema (undesignated) of the High Street from Stone’s streetscape. • Town Hall (grade II) Cross • Island House, The Island • In Welton, the group of historic (grade II) Key viewpoint 6 – looking north up buildings forming the tight bend • The Mill House, The Island High Street towards Stone’s Cross, in the road at the junction of (undesignated) with the view enclosed by the two Station Road, West Road and • The Island House (grade II) storey historic buildings Millards Hill, together with the • Group of listed and undesignated road configuration form a focal historic buildings at 10 – 16 High Key viewpoint 7 – sequential views point Street looking south down the High Street • 128 High Street (former rectory towards the Town Hall, with the river Focal buildings grade II listed) running alongside the road and Key focal buildings in the • No 130 High St (undesignated footpaths. These sequential views conservation area street scene, – narrow curved façade stone are also of importance when viewed both listed and undesignated outbuilding prominently on in reverse, looking north up the High heritage assets include: corner) Street. • No’s 1 and 3 High Street – late • Primary school, Radstock Road C19 Italianate public house and (undesignated) bank (undesignated) • Welton Church, West Road (grade II)

11 Key viewpoint 8 – sequential views Redfield Road, with the churchyard Key views and vistas from outside starting at the road junction of High boundary wall and raised footpath the conservation area Street and Silver Street with The complimented by the impressive Key viewpoint 18 – elevated view Island, past the landmark Town Hall large trees lining the lane and from the proposed Town Park and then passing through the enclosing the vista. looking west towards the town enclosed space of The Island to centre and roof tops Island House and its imposing wall Key viewpoint 13 – from the end of and entrance, terminating the final St Chad’s Avenue, with the River Key viewpoint 19 – views of the view. Somer footbridge and the attractive former Norton Hill Colliery batch, open view of the river and the rear now part of the proposed Town Key viewpoint 9 – looking north elevations of historic buildings on Park, and elevated line of the former along Church Square towards and The Island railway, from the terraced streets terminated by The Priory, enclosed running downhill on the opposite by historic walls and buildings Key viewpoint 14 – looking east side of the river valley, including along Redfield Road from Railway View Place and Lilac Key viewpoint 10 – looking south Somervale School towards the Terrace. Similar views are glimpsed down Church Square to focus on church between the buildings on Radstock No 128 High Street, the former Road, looking south to the hillside vicarage which is a distinct Key viewpoint 15 – looking south up and mature trees handsome red sandstone listed Silver Street with the former railway building, recently restored station and C19 semi-detached Boundaries stone and brick cottages on one Key viewpoint 11 – looking east side, complimented by the green Boundaries are generally restricted from the top end of the High Street open space on the other, and to stone walling and natural with the varied grouping of historic distant views of the distinctive planting, including hedging. The buildings framing the view, including mature trees lining the street and most visually dominant treatment is the grand Italianate C19 buildings skyline further south the use of white lias stone set in on the north side of the street which lime mortar for walls which vary in closely group with other traditional Key viewpoint 16 – as in 15 above height throughout the conservation historic buildings. The view in but in reverse, looking north down area and make a significant reverse, looking west up High Silver Street towards the town contribution to local character. A Street, has equal importance and centre small number are constructed with includes the focal point of the red sandstone. The practice of church tower glimpsed through the Key viewpoint(s) 17 – elevated removing front garden stone walls large tree group surrounding it panoramic views of the town centre to form parking spaces removes the from the Norton Radstock enclosure they provide and is Key viewpoint 12 – looking north up Greenway, glimpsed between the visually intrusive, harming the Church Lane from its junction with trees and from the linking footpaths appearance of the conservation area.

Historically many gardens of the larger properties had high stone boundary walls, including long stretches along High Street, Silver Street and Church Lane. Where surviving they are often complimented by large mature trees in the gardens, which add to the street scene character. These walls also help to frame views in the townscape.

Walls vary from rubble stone to coursed stonework. Some have the locally distinct ‘cock and hen’ placing of stones at their top whilst others are finished with stone copings. The stonework of walls is generally in a sound condition

12 although some are repointed and/or Concrete kerbs are common are no agreed future proposals. The rendered in cement based mortars throughout, but occasionally stone visual impact of the car park is rather than traditional lime, which kerbs survive, although worn. reduced by soft landscaping has had a detrimental effect. The Remnants of traditional stone and Street lighting in High Street importance of using traditional other natural materials only survive comprises a mix of tall lamp repair methods for historic walls within private properties, such as columns with drop-pendant fittings should be recognised in any the brick pavers at the Beauchamp on brackets and traditional lamp development proposal affecting them. Almshouses in High Street, and the columns, all painted black. attractive mix of stone cobbles on Elsewhere in the conservation area The lower walls are sometimes the forecourt of The Hole in the Wall standard lamp columns and fittings backed by hedging. Timber on Church Square. are used. Other painted street interwoven fence panels are furniture, including bollards, common throughout the area, The pedestrian link between High continues the black colour theme. particularly at end of terrace side Street and the public car park on garden boundaries. These are of South Road has a very poor and Some parts of the conservation poor appearance and detract from uneven surface treatment, and is an area, including Radstock Road and local character. unattractive entrance for the visitor North Road, suffer from a to the town centre from this proliferation of overhead power There are some black painted cast direction. cables and poles which visually iron railings and gates, primarily intrude on and harm the appearance associated with the larger Similarly the existing footpath links of the street scene. properties, including school leading from The Island to St Chads buildings. The historic set of low Avenue and Redfield Road would Generally highway signage has black painted iron railings c1860 visually benefit from enhanced been kept to the minimum in the which adjoin the River Somer in surface treatment and other conservation area, but there is a High Street and Redfield Road have improvements. proliferation of poles and street significant value furniture generally at the traffic At the south end of High Street controlled junction of High Street Public realm there are sections which either have with Silver Street. Historically the a narrow footpath or none at all. junction included an elaborately One of the most distinct feature in This is a difficult environment for the designed cast iron Jubilee lamp the conservation area public realm pedestrian with fast moving traffic which was a focal feature in the is the stretch of the River Somer adding to the issue. Alternative early C20 street scene, together which flows along the south side of safer pedestrian routes from the with a fountain and war memorial. Redfield Road and the back of Redfield Road area to High Street Other street furniture, including bus properties on The Island. It is then and The Island do exist but are not shelters, signposts and notice hidden for a short length in a culvert promoted. boards are all generally well- before re-emerging in High Street The end of St Chad’s Avenue maintained. Subject to availability of where it flows in a cut with river terminates in a public footpath route resources the bus shelter at The planting. The river is a well- which leads over the river to The Island should be replaced with a maintained and attractive feature Island and Redfield Road. There is design more sympathetic to the which positively adds to local an opportunity for enhancement of historic setting. distinctiveness. There is a local this both visually and physically aspiration to reinstate a further important pedestrian route. Historic interpretation could improve stretch of the river up to the the visitor experience, together with almshouses on High Street. There are limited parking restrictions ‘way finding’ signage. Further in the town centre, and on street well-designed and suitably placed Most of the roads and footpaths in parking is available. The main public seating for visitors and shoppers the conservation area public realm car park is at South Road, outside could also be considered. are surfaced with tarmacadam. The but adjoining the conservation area condition of the tarmacadam boundary (free parking) with the footpaths at the top end of High other large public car park within Street is poor. An exception to the boundary, behind The Hollies tarmacadam is the natural stone and Sainsburys to the north side of paving next to the river in High High Street. The South Road car Street which enhances the park is built on the valley side of the appearance of this part of the River Somer and visually prominent. conservation area. Its redevelopment potential has been considered but to date there

13 5 The buildings of the conservation area

The most unifying element of the The height and scale of buildings Modern infill buildings have conservation area character results varies from that of the grander damaged the historic fabric of from the consistent use of the local stand- alone buildings interspersed Midsomer Norton in particular. The white Lias stone and lime mortar for with the two storey terraces of large footprint and bulky modern walling together with clay pantiles miner’s cottages or houses. The retail units in High Street, including and natural slate for roofs. Many larger buildings include the Church Lidl and Argos, together with their roofs were originally thatched. of St John the Baptist and other large open areas of associated car Visually, these natural materials churches, school buildings, the parking have resulted in large gaps, complement each other and Town Hall and large residential fragmenting the street scene. Other significantly contribute to the sense properties including The Hollies and modern redevelopment has of place. The Dymboro, an Arts and Crafts introduced bulky built forms, often style early C20 house on North with large expanses of flat roof The locally distinct topography Road. Larger properties on Silver which have seriously harmed local provides views of and over the roof Street and Church Street are set in character. tops with their attractive clay tile large grounds with walled gardens and slate claddings which add to and mature trees surrounding them. Some smaller scale modern local distinctiveness, character and Manor Farmhouse in Welton is of residential developments have been sense of place. Unfortunately some larger scale with historic rural more successful at harmonising of the natural roof materials have vernacular architecture. with local character, for example been replaced with concrete roof Mill Court at the rear of The Island. tiles or other artificial materials In the historic core of Midsomer Its design has clearly been which are less attractive and detract Norton the buildings are close-knit influenced by the conservation area from local character. on narrow plots, and built close up location. to the back edge of footpaths. They Throughout the conservation area are generally two to two-and-a-half Listed buildings architectural detailing and traditional stories, many of C18 origin. fenestration have been harmed by The terraced rows of C19 miner’s In the conservation area there are the common replacement of original cottages are particularly distinct in thirty three building entries on the painted timber sliding sash and Welton and at the west end of National heritage List for England. casement windows and painted Radstock Road, including the Some entries cover more than one timber front doors with Upvc types. steeply sloping roads leading north property. They are itemised below These are of very poor visual quality and south from Radstock Road. and shown on the Character and harm appearance. Simple lean-to open or enclosed Appraisal Map: rear porches are typically found on Similarly, most of the original cast these terraces, and some have Grade II* iron rainwater goods are now retained rows of privies and various • Welton Manor House, Millards Hill replaced with plastic. other outbuildings set at the rear. • The Hollies, High Street • RC Church of the Holy Ghost (now redundant) • St John the Baptist Parish Church • The Priory, Church Square • 37 Priory Close (Norman tympanum set in the south-west end wall) • Norman archway in garden wall to r/o No 83 North Road (The Vicarage)

Grade II • Old Farm, West Road, Welton • Welton Baptist Chapel, West Road • Barn south east of the Manor House • Old Welton Farmhouse

14 • The Dolphin Inn PH & No 23 West Road – late C18 • 35 & 36 West Road – mid C19 pair of cottages (key buildings) • 1 – 5 Millards Court – former chapel c1935, now residential. Key building. • 6 -8 Millards Court – Former Methodist Chapel, now residential • Former brewery on Station Road, Welton – mid to late C19 • Barn r/o former Crown Inn, Station Road – C18/C19 • 17 Station Road – C18 detached house with C19 addition • 23 Station Road – C18 • Former Crown Inn, Welton importantly they make a positive • The Stone Cross PH and hall • 26 & 27 High Street contribution to the special interest – C18 origins • Garden wall with grotto arches of the conservation area. Where a • Salvation Army Hall on corner of set in, to NE of 19 High Street building has been heavily altered Radstock Road/Station Road – • 11 – 13 High Street with inappropriate renovation works Late/early C19 • 128 High Street (former vicarage) and restoration would be • Primary school, Radstock Road • Entrance piers and flanking wall impractical they are excluded. – late C19 to east of parish church • 53 High Street, Sheldon House • 5 Church Square These positive buildings are – late C19 important corner • 26 Church Square ‘Undesignated Heritage Assets.’ building • Church Farmhouse, Church Such buildings are considered • 1 North Road – late C19 Square worthy of adding to any Local List important corner building • The Hole in the Wall, Church and a more detailed survey could (dental practice) Square help to further identify and preserve • The Dymboro – key building, • 18 Church Square their character. Some may be early C20 • The Vicarage, North Road eligible for listing. • 57 – 59 High Street – terrace of • The Town Hall, The Island three mid C19 houses • The White Hart PH, The Island The condition of both listed and • 61 & 62 High Street (Salvation • Island House (No 11) The Island positive buildings varies. Some are Army Charity shop and • East garden wall to No 11 considered to be at risk due to their Columbard) – mid C19 • The Island House, The Island state of repair or if empty and unused. • 63 – 70 High Street (Your Move, • The Mill House, The Island Wicks and Pierce, Solitaire brides • Monument and St Chads Well There are a large number of and Dominos) – mid C19 • 1 Silver Street undesignated heritage assets in the • 80 – 82 High Street – former poor • Silva House, Silver Street conservation area. They are house) itemised below with their • 98 High Street – early C20 Positive buildings/undesignated approximate date, and are identified heritage assets on the Character Appraisal Map:

The most significant buildings in the • White Rose Barn, Millards Hill conservation area are listed, but (now a house) – C18 other ‘positive’ buildings range from • 25 Millards Hill – c1919 churches to those surviving from the • The Old Forge, Millards Hill – C18 area’s coal mining and industrial • 31 Millards Hill – mid/late C19 legacy. (key building) • 32a Gladstone Street – C19 (key Buildings identified as ‘positive’ will building) vary, but commonly they will be • 11 Belle Vue – early C19 good examples of relatively • 1, 3 & 4 Belle Vue – C18/C19 unaltered historic buildings where (group value) their style, detailing and building • 10 Gladstone Street – early C19 materials provides the streetscape • 1 & 2 West Road – late C18/early with interest and variety. Most C19 (key buildings)

15 • 107 & 108 (Bath Bakery and The • 128 – 129 High Street – late C18/ Some vestiges of buildings Chip Inn) – late C18 early C19 stone outbuildings to associated with the coal mines and • 109 High Street (Sweet Pea, Flory former vicarage other C19 industrial uses survive design and Jacarandas) – late • The Masonic Hall, Redfield Road today, but many are unoccupied, C18 house c1912 such as the former gas works • 113 & 114 High Street, including • St Johns C of E School and building adjoining the South Road stone building wing linked at rear school house, Redfield Road car park. One most at risk is the of 113 – probably late C18 origins c1840 highly significant former brewery • 115 High Street, The Riverside • Bank House, Italianate bank next building on Station Road, an bar – early C20 to Town Hall, Silver Street – mid imposing local landmark. • 125 High Street, All Instruments to late C19 Ltd – important corner building • Engine house and station, Silver The most distinctive building type in late C19 Street – late C19 the conservation area is the rows of • 27 – 33 High St, Vernon Villas • Pairs of late C19 cottages north stone two storey C19 miner’s c1896 of the station cottages, predominantly located in • M&Co, 35 High Street – former • Lynwood House, Lynwood Close Welton and at the west end of Co-op store – early C20 – late C19 Radstock Road, close to the • The Beauchamp Almshouses • 44 & 46 Silver Street – detached location of the collieries. The built c1895 late C19 houses forms of these visually distinct • 22 & 23 High Street – possibly groups of stone structures survive C18 outbuildings altered in C19/ Building types intact despite the majority now C20 having replacement plastic windows • Rustic House, North Way – late A high proportion of the protected and doors and concrete roof tiles. C19 detached house buildings in the conservation area The strong architectural form, rows • Mallards, 20 High Street (PH) date from the main period of village of chimney stacks and the rhythm • Outbuildings r/o Mallards – late to town status growth between the of window and door openings C18/early C19 C17 – C19, although closer internal visually dominate the many • Methodist Church, High St – late inspection may reveal that some unfortunate changes to architectural C19 have earlier origins. detail and help to sustain their • Palladium Cinema, High Street character. – early C20 A large number of undesignated • Former brewery buildings on High buildings found throughout the The conservation area is also Street – mid/late C19 conservation area are regarded as characterised by the high number of • War memorial (c1920) ‘positive’ buildings. The retention stone boundary walls. Their value • Cast iron railings adjoining the and preservation of these has previously been referred to, River Somer undesignated heritage assets is together with concern about walls • 2 Silver Street – late C18 bank important for the character of the being demolished and front gardens buildings settlement. converted to parking. • Former hall on Rackvernal Road (now converted to a hairdressers) The majority of buildings were Building styles, materials and – late C19 originally built for residential use colours • Former gas works building off although there are a number of Primrose Lane – late C19 former barns or outbuildings The style of the historic building • 14 High Street, Geoffrey Smith interspersed throughout the area stock is varied. Some are of – early C19 which historically relate to vernacular style, generally • 1,2 & 6 The Island, Barclays agriculture. Many of the former associated with previous agricultural bank, Eyetech and No 6, – mid/ residential properties in High Street uses or as outbuildings for the late C19 were converted to shops or other larger scale properties. These are • 9 The Island, Riverside House commercial uses, and as the town generally modestly sized stone – mid C19 prospered in the C19 civic buildings (one and a half or two • 18 – 20 The Island, A M Hobbs, buildings, churches, public halls, storeys high) with traditionally Pierre & Feet 1st 4U – mid/late schools, breweries and public proportioned spans and steeply C19 houses were built. The town cinema pitched roofs. • The Greyhound, 1 High street on High Street was previously a – Italianate public house late C19, barrel store for Smith’s Brewery The distinct style of the miner’s including the outbuildings which which was first converted to a terraced cottages has been are C18/C19 choral hall and then to a cinema, identified above. In addition, the • 3 High St, Italianate bank building originally in 1912 and then further growth of the town in the C18 – C19 – late C19 developed for this use in 1934. introduced buildings of varying

16 architecture from that period, natural slate to be easily sourced Roof ridges generally run parallel including local interpretation of and transported, imported from with the roads, except where they classical, Italianate, Victorian elsewhere. are occasionally interspersed with Gothic, and Arts and Crafts styles. buildings set at right angles to them, This delightful mix of style Stone has been used in the with gables facing on to the road. significantly contributes to local conservation area in a variety of character. forms including squared and Windows openings throughout the coursed rubble stone, un-coursed conservation area are generally Historically, stone was the rubble stone, and ashlar for the vertically proportioned and originally predominant construction material, grander properties, a natural contained vertical timber sliding both white lias and red sandstone. material which is also commonly sashes and timber side-hung There is some red brick found in used for window and door casements, some with small panes. later buildings, used for voussoirs dressings. Distinctive rock-faced Others, usually of later date, had and other architectural dressings, stonework was commonly used on larger sections of glazing. including string banding. Render the miner’s terraces. Unfortunately the vast majority have had limited use, and is a later been replaced by modern Upvc or introduction, mainly from the late These natural materials visually dark stained hardwood, conflicting C19/early C20. Roofs are clad in complement each other and with local historic character. plain clay tiles, clay pantiles and significantly contribute to the sense Throughout the conservation area clay double Roman tiles, together of place. many windows have distinct ashlar with natural slate for roofs. Some dressings, some now painted in roofs were originally thatched, but Roofs in the conservation area have white or cream colours. Some front none of these survive today. a variety of forms, but are generally entrance doors have similar pitched and gabled, some with dressings and most doors are Stone was sourced locally together traditional design dormer windows. painted timber types, although with brick and tiles, and the Later C19 hipped and shallower replacement with Upvc (plastic) introduction of the canal and railway pitched types clad in slate prevail in types does prevail in some parts. network in the C18/C19 enabled some parts, including Silver Street.

17 6 Character areas

Eleven character areas are identified where St Chad’s Avenue ends at the Some signage, shop fronts and on the Character Areas map river and the pedestrian link leads to fascias are unsympathetic to local accompanying the appraisal. The Island could benefit from an historic character improvement scheme. Character area 1: High Street, Lack of historic interpretation and Church Square, The Island No’s 1 and 2 Silver Street are late other local information C19 listed buildings located at the This forms the nucleus of the bottom of the hill close to the Character area 2: Welton – medieval village with its historic junction with High Street. On the Millards Hill and West Road street pattern. The historic buildings corner of Silver Street and South are distinctively linked and grouped Road is the brutal 1960’s concrete The area is identified as having high along High Street frontage and at building owned by British Telecom, archaeological potential. Church Square and The Island, where replacement development forming an intimate and enclosed would be encouraged. Its inclusion Welton is an individual character distinct local historic character. in the conservation area boundary area, primarily identified by its improves the control of design for building stock of mining legacy It includes key buildings and focal any future replacement building. terraces and buildings from its points such as the parish church agricultural past. These include and the Town Hall which are Negative features: Manor Farm and other historic farm significant local landmarks and High levels of traffic movement and buildings on the east side of the make an important contribution to speeds on High Street, hindering area, within and adjoining the open the sense of local identity and pedestrian and cyclist movement countryside setting. This character character. There are proposals to area is located on the river valley improve elements of the Town Hall Narrow footpaths on High Street or side, and the resulting topography building in the future. none at all, hindering pedestrian views contribute to its distinct local movement character. The upper section of this part of High Street leading to and including Derelict condition of former stables The Somer Valley cycle route along Church Square contains significant at No 128 High Street, which is an the former railway line links the area historic buildings. important focal point with its surroundings and forms a green edge to the south. Mansbrook House (No’s 15, 2, 3, & Unattractive appearance of the 4 High Street) prominently addresses British Telecom building on Silver The area contains important tree the visually important junction of Street and Mansbrook House on groups in the Station Road/Millards High Street and Silver Street. It is a High Street. Hill junction area and on the former 1960’s development of dated Welton Colliery batch at Belle Vue appearance which would benefit Currently empty shop units which acts as a tranquil backdrop to from replacement with a design the built area. reflecting local historic character. Proliferation of street furniture and signage at the junction area of High Negative features: The stone stables at No 128 High Street, The Island and Silver Street. Modern flats built excessively close Street (the former vicarage), is an to a historic terrace of four miner’s important focal point in the street Visually unrelieved tarmac surfacing cottages scene and is currently in a derelict of The Island and Church Square, condition. Its repair and conversion and the visual impact of car parking Character area 3: to a new use would be encouraged. on these important public spaces in Station Road the historic environment. The A section of the River Somer flows current lack of status which the From the Stone Cross road junction, to the rear of The Island adding to Town Hall and its setting at The Station Road slopes down to the local character. This part of the Island deserve as a civic and Wellow Brook. This topography, town centre includes the footpath cultural focus in the town should be combined with the enclosure link to Somervale School from St addressed, providing opportunity provided by the imposing landmark Chad’s Avenue, passing through for imaginative treatment and use. three storey former Welton Brewery attractive open space adjoining St Poor appearance of the important building and the stepped terraces of Chad’s Well. The important space area at the end of St Chad’s Avenue No’s 4 – 16, together with their front

18 boundary walls, forms a distinct The consistent form and layout of ‘privies’ survive at the rear of the visual character. the terraces creates a distinct local terraces. character, enhanced by the trees At the foot of the hill the road crosses lining the river valleys below. There The open area south of Hope Wellow Brook before passing under are views and glimpses across the Terrace adjoining the river is an the former railway bridge, now a river valley to the south towards the important element of the setting of cycle route. The open green spaces former Norton Hill Colliery site and this part of the conservation area. adjoining the road and mature trees old railway line on the skyline, now in this area positively contribute to the proposed Town Park and a Negative features: local character. cycle way. Extensive loss of original architectural features, including The modern development at Welton This very distinct mining heritage doors, windows and natural roof Vale is retained in the conservation character continues on adjoining materials. area to avoid creating a hole in the roads. It includes Radstock Road, designated area which would be the primary school, Burlington Some front garden walls removed contrary to ‘best practice’. Road, Rock Road, Lilac Terrace and and garden areas now used for Railway View Place. Virtually every vehicle parking. Negative features: property has had original windows The brewery building is a positive and doors replaced with Upvc Poles and overhead cables building and a local heritage asset types, and natural slate and clay tile intruding on the street scene. which is unoccupied. It is in the replaced by concrete varieties. boundary of the redevelopment Some front garden walls have been Some unattractive out-buildings and proposals currently being removed and the gardens used for add-ons, although traditionally there considered for the former Welton, parking. Despite these unfortunate could have been such structures Bibby and Baron paper bags and changes, the overall strong added from occupation. packaging works architectural form, chimney stacks which closed in 2014. and rhythm of the terraces and High timber panel fencing has been street layout continues to dominate used, detracting from local As part of the redevelopment it is the distinctive local environment. character. essential that this important building Some rows of original low-scale is restored and new use(s) found. Any redevelopment must fully respect the setting of this building and enhance the character and appearance of this part of the conservation area.

Poor pedestrian and cycle links to the town centre from the Station Road area.

Character area 4: Radstock Road

This area is distinguished by the visual dominance of terraced miner’s cottages running parallel to Radstock Road and at right angles to it on the valley sides.

The cottages are of white lias limestone construction, some coursed and others rock-faced, all with oolitic limestone dressings. The stone boundary walls have a mix of giant grey conglomerate stone cappings, some with ‘cock and hen’ design.

19 Character area 5: Stone’s Cross/ inserted. Signage, including shop over the historic town centre. Upper High Street fascias and other commercial signage are also generally of poor Leading from the park is the Norton This core area of High Street is the design quality. Radstock Greenway on the former historic linear route to the town Somerset and Dorset railway line. centre from the north. Negative features: This historic elevated and tree lined The large gap in the street scene route links to Silver Street and the The Stone’s Cross public house is and poor visual impact resulting old railway station in character area currently vacant and in poor state of from the Lidl, M & Co and Argos 11. It provides important panoramic repair. It is an undesignated heritage developments. Individually and/or views of the historic town centre in asset and together with other comprehensively they provide a its valley setting. heritage assets located at this development opportunity to repair junction acts as an important visual the town fabric with new The area is currently well served by landmark on the road junction at the development of high design quality. recreational cycle routes but north eastern entrance ‘gateway’ to pedestrian access from the east High Street and the town centre. The appearance of the Bathwick section of Radstock Road area is Bathwick Tyres on North Road is Tyres garage buildings and forecourt restricted. A new route to the river included in this area. It is visually on North Road. from Radstock Road and a unattractive, but its conservation footbridge crossing could improve area location should ensure the The semi-derelict and empty state access to the community facilities. quality of any redevelopment of the of the important former Stone’s site and future enhancement Cross public house. On adjoining land are the sports opportunity, should this arise. centre, the doctor’s surgery, the Loss of traditional shop fronts and Somer Centre and associated To the south, the commercial area introduction of disproportionately parking, located in the open green of High Street is visually enclosed large signage and fascias in setting of the River Somer. on its south west side by a tight-knit inappropriate modern materials on Enhanced landscaping, including frontage of (generally) two storey some High Street shops, including tree planting would improve the historic buildings constructed tight unauthorised examples. appearance of this area. against the back edge of the footpaths, creating an intimate scale Extensive loss of original Views looking north from this area and enclosed character. The stone architectural features, including encompass the historic miner’s terraces along the northern end of doors, windows and natural roof cottages on the hillside leading up High Street also positively materials. to Radstock Road. contribute to this local character. Currently empty shop units. Negative features: A large gap in the street scene on Lack of landscaping and dominance the north-west side of High Street Poor condition of footpaths of large footprint buildings and has resulted from the adjoining associated car parks. Argos, M & Co and Lidl late C20 Character area 6: Town Park, developments. These have wide riverside open space and Norton Character area 7: Rackvernal accesses and car parks, with Radstock Greenway Road and Excelsior Terrace buildings of large footprint and bulk set back from the historic building To the south east of the This area is characterised by the line. In combination they have conservation area is open space visually distinct and attractive seriously damaged the historic contained in the river valley Victorian white lias limestone character and appearance of this topography which has a distinctive terraces adjoining the open and well part of Midsomer Norton, and local character. The important valley treed landscape of the proposed redevelopment would be encouraged. setting and mining heritage in this Town Park on the valley side rising area contribute both visually and above it, formerly part of the Norton The footpaths in the upper part of historically to the significance of the Hill Colliery. High Street are mostly narrow, some conservation area as a whole. poorly maintained. It includes the former gas works The proposed Town Park is located building next to the boundary with Many shop units in historic on the former Norton Hill Colliery South Road car park which is a buildings on High Street have been batch, now a prominent green positive building that has stood altered. Original C19/early C20 space with mature trees and empty for a lengthy period. fabric has been removed and poor vegetation. There are important design replacements and additions views from this area looking west

20 The land on Gullock Tyning at the =The primary school playing field at Altered historic shop fronts, rear of properties on Rackvernal the rear of the supermarket is also including fascias and signage of Road is dominated by parked cars included in this character area. It poor design which detract from and has a poor visual appearance. provides an open visual break character. between the historic core and the Negative features: C20 properties on North Road. Empty shop units, currently Vacant former gasworks building Inclusion in the conservation area including No 114 High Street requires restoration and new use protects its setting and the design (formerly Norton Fried Chicken). quality of any future development Poor appearance of land on Gullock proposals, should they arise. Poor appearance of High Street Tyning which could be improved by ‘backs’ in views from South Road tree planting to help screen parked The conservation area boundary and the public car park. vehicles. encloses the South Road car park on the hillside. Any redevelopment Poor appearance of the South Character area 8: Middle High proposals for the car park will need Road/High Street junction area Street and South Road to respect and improve the setting where the townscape has been and topography of this part of the harmed by the late C20 corner site From the South Road junction to the conservation area. Existing tree and developments and visual and Silver Street junction at the shrub planting in the car park physical dominance of the roads. landmark Town Hall, High Street is provides screening of parked strongly characterised by the River vehicles and visual enhancement. Poor appearance of the side and Somer and its handsome cast iron rear of the former brewery building, railings flowing alongside the street The rear elevations of properties prominently viewed from the and footpaths, and the row of Lime facing High Street are highly visible important pedestrian link between trees. from South Road and the public car South Road car park and High Street park. This is an unattractive The tight knit historic character has environment dominated by the road, Extensive loss of original been damaged in part by poor metal fencing, yards, parking and architectural features, including quality late C20 development, signage. Subject to owner doors, windows and natural roof including the corner buildings at the agreement there could be an materials. junction of South Road with High opportunity to enhance appearance, Street (from Lloyds Pharmacy to and to encourage introduction of Derelict condition of former HSBC) , and Norton Discounts (No uses such as small craft units, Palladium Cinema 111 High Street). Redevelopment of start-up businesses and lock-up these sites with sympathetic new shop units. Several of the existing Character area 9: The Dymboro design would be encouraged. The buildings are worthy of retention and and The Vicarage junction area is also visually could be adapted for such uses. dominated by the roads and vehicle The Dymboro on North Road is an spaces/turning area by the river. The important public footpath imposing early 1900’s Arts and Greater pedestrian priority and leading from the car park to High Crafts style stand-alone domestic environmental improvements could Street cuts through this area and building. Modern detached housing assist in enhancing this part of the has poor visual quality. development in a cul-de-sac form conservation area. Environmental improvements to this has taken place in a large proportion important route for visitors to the of the grounds of the house. Many Two storey historic buildings survive town centre should be explored. large mature trees in the existing in this part of High Street, and former garden of The Dymboro interspersed by important detached Negative features: survive, many set amongst the taller structures, such as The Hollies High levels of traffic movement modern housing. The trees and the former brewery buildings. accompanied by its poor visual dominate and positively contribute The late C20 Sainsburys impact and lack of pedestrian and to the significance of this part of the supermarket and associated green cyclist priority. conservation area. space on High Street frontage, are located in the former garden area of Poor design of modern retail units On the east side of Church Lane is The Hollies and act as an active with uncharacteristically large the listed vicarage and its expansive focal point in the town centre. The footprints, deep spans and flat grounds and outbuildings, accessed supermarket building has an roofs, constructed in unsympathetic from North Road. The large mature outdated appearance, and materials. trees within the grounds compliment redevelopment with an enhanced those at The Dymboro to the west, design which meets planning policy adding to local character. would be encouraged. 21 Negative features: Similar benefits result from the large Looking south up the hill, the Silver C20 housing development at The green open space and mature trees Street view is enclosed by visually Dymboro which would not normally between Somervale School and important large mature trees be included in a conservation area, Redfield Road, contributing to the contributing to the street scene in but is included because it contains more open character of this part of the immediate setting of the important mature trees contributing the conservation area. conservation area. to local character. Negative features: Negative features: Poles and overhead cables on Extensive late C20 development of None identified. North Road which visually intrude mediocre design, including the on the street scene. petrol filling station, large footprint retail units and Church Court Character area 10: Church lane and Redfield Road Character area 11: Silver Street The distinctive raised footpath on the east side of Church Lane was This character area is centred on constructed c1850 to improve the the surviving buildings of the former vicar’s walk from the vicarage to the Midsomer Norton South Railway church, and is a distinctive local Station on Silver Street and the late feature. This is enhanced by the C19 pairs of houses to the south of high stone walls and overhanging it which create a distinctive local large mature trees at Priory Close character. The railway buildings which play an important role in have been sensitively restored as street scene views on Church Lane. part of the ongoing Somerset and Dorset Heritage Railway Project. There are C20 residential properties on Waterfall Way and Church Court, The station buildings and pairs of and a modern petrol station and late Victorian stone and brick large retail units accessed from vernacular design houses adjoining Church Lane. This area of modern to the south together form a development is included because recognisable group of historic excluding it would form a ‘hole’ in buildings with a distinct character. the conservation area which is Antrim House, No 46 Silver Street contrary to best practice. It also and No 44 to the rear are both late provides an opportunity to achieve C19 properties which group with the higher quality design in any future houses on Silver Street of similar development proposal which could date. benefit the character of the conservation area. On the opposite side of Silver Street is an area of green open space with Historic buildings include the large trees on each side of the distinctive early C19 St John’s C of junction with Charlton Road. This E School and the Masonic Hall c open space enhances the setting of 1912 on Redfield Road. The River the former railway buildings which Somer, iron railings and mature were originally surrounded by open trees run adjacent to the footpath countryside. on the opposite side of Redfield Road, creating a special local The route of the former railway, now character. The school playing field Norton Radstock Greenway, links and church graveyard to the north this part of the conservation area form an important open ‘green’ with the Town Park area on the site break between the historic core and of the former colliery. The railway the surrounding C20 housing and colliery both have important development which enhances the historic connections with the town’s conservation area setting. industrial heritage.

22 Local character

23 Character areas

24 Character appraisal

25 7 Issues

Summary of issues • Shop signs often obscuring or • South Road car park conflicting with the quality of the pedestrian link: Based on the negative features historic buildings Preparation of an enhancement identified in the character areas the • Historic shopfronts harmed by scheme for the pedestrian link following are considered to be the modern interventions between South Road car park current key issues for the Midsomer and High Street. Subject to Norton and Welton Conservation Buildings: funding, this important link could Area. • Continued protection of the be improved, including provision historic townscape of directional signage and more Traffic, pedestrian movement • Continued requirement for use of attractive surface and boundary and parking: traditional materials, details and treatments. • Busy and fast moving traffic on craft skills main roads, particularly at peak • Continuing erosion of local detail, • Improving the rear of High periods including modern replacement Street properties: • Extensive undistinguished areas windows, doors and roof From the route described above of car parking associated with coverings and loss of or damage and from South Road there are large retail units in High Street to historic walls views of the backs of buildings • Condition of some sections of • The retention and control of facing on to High Street together footpath undesignated heritage assets with their parking and service • Difficult pedestrian movement • Restoration and reuse of yards. These views are and access in some areas, buildings at risk dominated by car parking, steel including parts of High Street fencing, signs, refuse bins and • Poor pedestrian and cycle links Enhancement opportunities: open storage. to the town centre from the Station Road area. Subject to availability of funding the The backs and private spaces of • Potential pedestrian link over the following suggested improvements these High Street properties River Somer from Radstock Road to the public realm should be could be improved to enhance to the proposed Town Park, via a explored in liaison with the relevant appearance and to encourage new footbridge BANES Council services, the Town uses such as small craft units, • Proliferation of street furniture Council, relevant property owners start-up businesses and lock-up and signage at High Street, The and others. shop units. Several of the existing Island, Silver Street junction area. buildings worthy of retention • Lack of visitor signage, historic • Potential Midsomer Norton could be considered for such interpretation of the area and town centre traffic uses and adaption. other local directional information management scheme: • Front gardens converted for Consideration of traffic • Upper High Street: vehicle parking management proposals that Address the poor condition of could enhance the appearance of footpaths by seeking funding for The control of new development: the area, reduce traffic levels and resurfacing and generally • Pressure for new development, speeds in the core area, and improving their quality for including its impact on the enhance pedestrian and cyclist pedestrians. This would also surrounding conservation area movement improve the appearance of this setting and important views part of the conservation area. • Design quality of new build, The area is currently well served by including modern retail units of recreational cycle routes but Encourage well designed large scale footprint and bulk pedestrian access from the east screening of the large car park which lack positive character section of Radstock Road area is areas. Longer term consider • Large gaps in High Street restricted. A new route to the river redevelopment potential of these frontage caused by large scale from Radstock Road and a large footprint buildings and car modern developments set back footbridge crossing could improve parks to repair the damaged from the street frontage, some access to the community facilities. street scene. with parking and wide access roads • Need for design guidance, including adverts and signage

26 • Middle High Street improvement: Improving the existing pedestrian • Investigate the opportunity for Subject to an agreed traffic and cyclist links to and from this new infill development on High management scheme, area with Redfield Road and St Street frontage where it has been opportunities could be explored Chads Road could be included. excessively widened to provide for potential further enhancement This may involve public realm vehicle access and parking, in High Street in the area of The improvement for the area at the including Lidl, Argos, M&Co and Hollies, Sainsburys and the river. end of St Chads Road which is a Sainsburys. Such development This could include consideration focal point in the town including could assist in repairing the visual of a pedestrian or part-pedestrian the listed St Chads Well, with the harm such development has scheme, and improved cycle river and views of the backs of caused to local character route(s). historic buildings facing towards resulting from these gaps in the The Island. street scene. • Link from Sainsburys to Church Square/High Street: • Shopfronts and signage In the short term planting The opportunity for a pedestrian improvement scheme: schemes could assist in repairing link between Sainsburys car park Consider a pilot scheme the damaged townscape. to Church Square via the Garden focussed on two or three Alternatively these sites may of Friendship at the tithe barn adjoining retail units to carry out provide opportunity for (used until recently as the shopfront and signage redevelopment, either individually Catholic church) should be improvements, working with the or comprehensively, which could explored. This would provide retailers. significantly improve the pedestrians with an alternative character, appearance and vitality and safe route, avoiding the busy • Planting schemes: of this part of the conservation traffic in High Street. Consider introducing planting to area. The preparation of partly screen and soften the development briefs to promote • The Island, High Street and appearance of the unsightly car these sites and indicate their Church Square area park areas associated with the development potential should be improvements: large stores on High Street and to considered. Resurfacing these areas with screen the brutal architecture of material(s) more sympathetic to the British Telecom exchange on • Support redevelopment the historic setting could be the corner of South Road. proposals of high quality design considered, retaining car parking to replace unattractive large but visually improving pedestrian • Removing overhead power footprint modern buildings in priority. Street furniture and cables: High Street. Identify conservation signage should be rationalised as Should the opportunity arise, area improvements which could part of this consideration. support the undergrounding of be derived from the potential power cables to improve the development of the South Road Use of the space at the Island street scene, particularly on car park. outside the Town Hall for a Radstock Road and North Road. weekly market could be included • Support any scheme to replace for consideration as part of such Development opportunities or visually improve the unsightly a scheme. Longer term, the British Telecom telephone proposed use of the ground floor • As part of the proposed exchange on Silver Street with of the Town Hall as a market hall redevelopment of the former new development of sympathetic is reflected in the Town Hall printing works site on Station design quality. If this is not transformation planning Road: forthcoming, a planting scheme permission, granted in July 2015. could assist in screening the The use and design of the – restore and re-use the historic building and improving the street external space could be further brewery building; scene. reviewed as part of this potential – aim to incorporate restoration project. and re-use of The Stone’s Cross • Longer term redevelopment of PH; Church Court and the adjoining – seek improved pedestrian links retail units and petrol filling from Station Road to the town station with high quality design centre. would be encouraged

27 8 Management proposals

Issues and recommendations Recommendation: given to improving pedestrian and The setting of the conservation area cyclist movement and safety, The character appraisal has should be protected through the including traffic management identified the special positive strict enforcement of policies measures in the town centre. qualities of the Midsomer Norton contained within the Development and Welton Conservation Area Plan. Applications for change which Pedestrian and cyclist movement which make it unique. The following would have a detrimental effect on Pedestrian and cyclist movement management proposals build upon the land within or on the edges of and access in some parts of the the negative features which have the conservation area and harm its conservation area is restricted also been identified, to provide a significance should not be series of issues and permitted. Recommendation: recommendations for improvement Working with the highway authority and/or change. Key views within and from the and subject to availability of landscape setting outside the funding, consider potential The structure and scope of this conservation area pedestrian and cyclist document is based on the There are important views within the improvements as identified in the suggested framework guidance conservation area looking out to the character appraisal. To include published by Historic England in north and east across the improving existing routes and links Conservation Area Designation, surrounding countryside. There are and introducing new, particularly in Appraisal and Management: Historic also important views of the the vicinity of The Island and the England Advice Note 1 (February conservation area from the historic core area of the town 2016). Both the conservation area surrounding landscape. These centre. Suggested schemes are character appraisal and the important views need to be included in paragraph 8.6 management plan proposals should protected by the sensitive control of be subject to monitoring and review proposed development which must Conversion of front gardens on a regular basis. seek to preserve the special to parking character and setting of the This is particularly prevalent in areas Protecting the conservation area conservation area. with terraced housing and harms landscape setting the appearance and character of Recommendation: the conservation area street scene. Setting of the conservation area Key views within and around the The open landscape to the north conservation area should be Recommendation: and east of the conservation area is protected, including those from the Investigate introduction of an Article notable for its attractive gently open adjoining landscape to the IV Direction to control such rolling countryside of fields and north and east. Proposals for new development. woodland development which would impinge on these views and harm the Historic interpretation and It is already protected by relevant significance of the conservation visitor signage planning policies, and the land area should not be permitted. Visitor directional signage, within the conservation area interpretation of the historic boundary itself has similar policy Traffic, pedestrian and cyclist environment and other local protection. Constraints are also movement and parking information is lacking in the imposed on the historic environment conservation area. by guidance contained in the NPPF Busy and fast moving traffic in and advice published by Historic the peak periods Recommendation: England. High Street and other main roads in Subject to availability of funding the conservation area serve both sensitive ‘way-marking’ would However, there may be potential local residents and other road users assist, together with high quality threats from new development to access the area and beyond. interpretation of the local within or on the edges of the Some traffic moves at high speeds. environment, including the historic conservation area, or from changes environment of the conservation to buildings or sites which lie within Recommendation: area it. For example, due to the Working with the highway authority redevelopment of an existing and subject to availability of building or site. funding, consideration should be

28 Control of new development Quality of new build – built form and to reference detailing design guidance and use of local materials to Pressure for new development It should be ensured that new enhance the conservation area; There is pressure for new development includes opportunities development, and particularly new to improve the character and Historic stone walls on boundaries housing sites within and around the appearance of the conservation and elsewhere should be retained exiting settlements in B&NES, area as part of development schemes including the Norton Radstock area. and repaired using traditional This demand for new housing land General design guidance is included methods and materials. Boundaries needs to be balanced against the in the Development Plan and in the without stone walling, old or new, equal requirement to preserve or National Planning Policy can be made more secure by the enhance the conservation area and Framework.. The recommendations use of well-designed timber fencing its setting. below provide further ‘good and/or defensive planting which will practice’ guidance for new contribute to the special qualities of There are already policies in the development in or on the edges of the conservation area, rather than Development Plan to protect all the conservation area: by the construction of high or low conservation areas and other interwoven panel fencing. heritage assets in the area. Recommendations: Constant vigilance is needed to New development in or on the Applications to demolish existing ensure that new development does edges of the conservation area buildings will be carefully not occur, whether major or minor, should respect existing scale, plot considered and only replacement that would adversely affect the boundaries and patterns, plot ratios buildings of the highest quality special interest of the conservation and historic forms of development; allowed, which preserve or enhance area and its setting. the character and appearance of Several large footprint modern Where backland sites are being the conservation area. buildings with associated parking developed the existing character and servicing have been should be maintained and the Buildings constructed in High Street which density and scale of new have harmed the character of the development should reflect that of The control of undesignated conservation area. the surrounding historic heritage assets environment; As part of the appraisal process and Recommendation: in accordance with Historic England Only development of the highest New development should preserve guidance, positive historic buildings quality should be accepted in the or enhance the historic grain of have been identified as shown on conservation area. Open spaces, development established by plot the Character Appraisal Map. These including private gardens, should be boundaries and existing historic are also defined as ‘Undesignated protected from inappropriate new buildings; Heritage Assets.’ Generally these development. Development should are individual historic buildings or also be resisted on open areas with New development should not structures which retain all or a high important views, short or long impinge on important views within proportion of their original character, distance, that contribute to the the conservation area or views of it including architectural detailing and special character of the area. from outside, and should be materials, and which add interest carefully sited to minimise visual and vitality to the appearance of the The opportunity to redevelop poorly impact; conservation area. Most of them designed modern developments in date to the mid/late C19. Where the conservation area with more Existing open green space should buildings have been excessively sympathetically designed schemes be protected from unsympathetic altered and restoration to original should be explored. Subject to development where this would have appearance is not easily achievable availability of resources, preparation an adverse impact on the spacious they are excluded. Some of these of development briefs should be character of the existing site and buildings are considered to be at considered, to assess development area; risk. potential and encourage their redevelopment. Innovative modern design may be As with listed buildings there is a appropriate in certain cases subject general presumption in favour of to its reflecting local built character their retention. Any application to and form and being of the highest demolish such a building will possible design quality. Any new therefore need to be accompanied development is encouraged to by a reasoned justification as to why engage with the traditional existing the building cannot be retained and

29 how any replacement structure grant scheme to encourage and Westfield. To include public realm would positively improve the assist owners in funding alternative improvement of the cul de sac conservation area. The owner must designs and materials should a end of St Chads Road adjoining also have made positive efforts to direction be applied. the river, where there are market the existing building, or to attractive views of the backs of find a suitable new use, before any Possible enhancement historic buildings that front on to application can be determined. opportunities The Island.

Recommendations: Subject to availability of funding, a • Investigate opportunities for Proposals for change to number of opportunities to enhance improving pedestrian and cycle undesignated heritage assets the character, appearance and links to the town centre from the should not harm their architectural overall environment of the Station Road area of the town. or historic interest; conservation area have been identified in detail in the character • Explore opportunities for a new Applications to demolish appraisal. They are not prioritised, footbridge over the River Somer undesignated heritage assets will and some would involve private In the vicinity of the St Chad’s generally be refused; land and require landowner surgery to provide a pedestrian All such buildings should be agreement. They should recognise and cyclist link from the Radstock included on any future Local List. and respond to other projects and Road area to the proposed Town Further more detailed work could plans in the area, existing and Park and Sports Centre, and an help to identify their significance proposed, including any emerging alternative route to the town and preserve their character. Midsomer Norton Town Centre centre Regeneration Projects and the Seek restoration and new uses for Neighbourhood Plan. • Working with owners improve the vacant undesignated heritage appearance and use of land and assets. The suggested improvements are as buildings at the rear of High follows. They involve working with Street properties backing on to Unsympathetic changes to the Town Council, Bath and North South Road and the public car historic buildings East Somerset’ s highway authority, park Unsympathetic changes to some other Council services and relevant details such as windows, doors and statutory undertakers, together with • Address the poor condition of roof tiling have eroded the character others including private owners: footpaths in upper High Street and appearance of many historic buildings in the conservation area. • Investigate opportunities for a • Introduce more visually Midsomer Norton town centre sympathetic surface treatment(s) Traditional and appropriately traffic management scheme. This in the historic core area including detailed windows and doors and could encompass proposals to The Island, High Street and natural roofing materials, including enhance the local pedestrian and Church Square. The public space clay pantiles and natural slate cyclist environment, including outside the Town Hall is currently should be reinstated to enhance the potential for a pedestrianised or tarmac and used for parking. It character of the buildings and area. part-pedestrianised High Street in could accommodate a weekly the vicinity of Sainsburys. market as part of an Use of traditional building materials enhancement scheme. The such as timber, lime mortars and • Improve the pedestrian link planning permission to refurbish renders as opposed to UPVC and between South Road car park and extend the Town Hall cement based materials is important and High Street includes restoring the market hall in preserving and maintaining use on the ground floor. This traditionally constructed buildings • Investigate opportunities for a would provide a further pedestrian link between opportunity to link with any Recommendation: Sainsbury’s car park and Church enhancement scheme proposals Subject to availability of resources, Square via the Gardens of for the external public space consider introducing an Article IV Friendship fronting the listed building in this Direction to control unsympathetic part of the historic core, and changes to windows, doors and • Improve the existing pedestrian exploring its potential use(s) and roof materials on residential and cyclist links to and from the contribution to town centre properties in the conservation area. town centre historic core area vitality. Investigate with funding from the Redfield Road and St organisations the opportunities for a Chads Road area, and links to

30 • Promote a shopfront and signage • Should the opportunity arise, Recommendation: improvement pilot scheme, support the undergrounding of Prepare a prioritised conservation focussed on two or three power supplies by the statutory area improvement work programme adjoining High Street shop units, undertaker to improve the street to form part of and integrate with in liaison with the owners. scene, particularly on Radstock any wider regeneration plans which Road and North Road. would aim to seek funding • Working with the owners opportunities, consider short, introduce planting schemes to • Consider opportunities for medium and long term timescales part-screen and soften the landscape improvements to the for implementation, and identify appearance of the car park areas area in the vicinity of the sports potential links with other schemes in associated with large stores on centre and doctors surgery, the conservation area. High Street and to screen the together with improving the unattractive concrete BT appearance of the strip of land exchange on Silver Street. between Gullock Tyning and the rear boundaries of properties fronting Rackvernal Road. This could include tree planting to help screen the row of parked vehicles.

9 Monitoring and review

The structure and scope of this As recommended by Historic document is based on the England, subject to resources this suggested framework guidance document should be regularly published by Historic England in reviewed from the date of its formal Conservation Area Designation, adoption by the Council. It will need Appraisal and Management: Historic to be assessed in the light of the England Advice Note 1 (February current Development Plan, 2016). Both the conservation area government guidance and guidance character appraisal and the from Historic England. management plan should be subject to monitoring and review on a regular basis.

31 Appendices

1 National and local planning 2 Further reading 3 Glossary policy Pevsner, N (1958) The Buildings of Listed buildings: Buildings on the The National Planning Policy England: and Bristol National Heritage List for England Framework (NPPF) sets out the compiled by the Secretary of State Pevsner, N (2011) The Buildings of Government’s policies for for Culture, Media and Sport under England: Somerset North and Bristol sustainable development, which the Planning (Listed Buildings and includes the conservation of the Boyd, L (2013) Radstock and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 Midsomer Norton Through Time historic environment. When Heritage asset: A designated or developments are proposed, the Radstock and Midsomer Norton undesignated building, monument, Framework requires the significance Historical Streetscape Survey (2001) archaeological site, place, area or of heritage assets including Field Boundaries Project, BANES landscape identified as possessing archaeology, listed buildings and (2006) local or national significance and conservation areasto be defined and Streetscape Manual, Bath & North heritage and cultural value meriting it stresses that ‘as heritage assets East Somerset Council, (2005) special consideration in planning are irreplaceable, any harm or loss decisions and the planning process. should require clear and convincing Policy and General Guidance Conservation Area: Defined by justification.’ The Bath & North East Somerset legislation as ‘areas of special Development Plan architectural or historic interest, the The NPPF is further explained in the character of which it is desirable to accompanying National Planning The National Planning Policy preserve or enhance’. Some Practice Guidance. Framework – Chapter 12 ‘Conserving and Enhancing the permitted development rights are removed for owners of buildings in a The statutory development plan for Historic Environment’, DCLG2012 conservation area and special Bath and North East Somerset The National Planning Practice planning controls may apply. comprises the Core Strategy (July Guidance, DCLG 2014 2014), Placemaking Plan (July 2017), Bath & North East Somerset, Living 4 Contact details saved Local Plan policy GDS1 sites in a Conservation Area, 2003 K2, NR2, V3 and V8 (2007), Joint Bath & North East Somerset Bath & North East Somerset Council Waste Core Strategy (March 2011) Streetscape Manual, 2005 Development Management and made Neighbourhood Plans. Archaeology in Bath and North East Lewis House Manvers Street Further information on the current Somerset: Supplementary Planning Bath BA1 1JG Development Plan for Bath & North Guidance 2004 Telephone (01225) 394041 East Somerset can be viewed on the Rural Landscapes of Bath and North Council’s website by following the East Somerset: A Landscape Further contact details can be link to the Planning Policy Character Assessment, found on B&NES Council’s website: homepage or by contacting the Supplementary Planning Guidance www.bathnes.gov.uk Planning Policy Team on 01225 2003 477548. The 1984 revision to the Statutory List of Buildings of Special This document can be Architectural or Historic Interest made available in a Bath & North East Somerset Local Plan 2007 as revised range of community English Heritage, The Setting of languages, large print, Heritage Assets (March 2015) Braille, on tape, electronic Historic England, Conservation Areas Designation, Appraisals and and accessible formats Management (February 2016) from Planning Services Historic England, Understanding on 01225 394041 Historic Buildings (May 2016) Historic England, Local Heritage Listing (May 2016)

32 Prepared by Bath & North East Somerset Council Development Management