Ashurst & Colbury

Village Design Statement

CODE AND INDEX OF MAP

Adopted June 2013

CONTENTS

CHAPTER ONE 1 Appendix 1 17 Approved by Ashurst & Colbury Parish Introduction to the Some of the views of residents Council on 20th November 2012 Village Design Statement Appendix 2 18 Adopted by the National CHAPTER TWO 4 List of consultation events Park Authority on A Brief History 27th June 2013 of the Parish Appendix 3 20 Listed buildings Parish Councillors: CHAPTER THREE 6 Sally Arnold [Chairman] Important Historic Appendix 4 21 David Bryant Buildings Relevant planning policies Max Coaker Peter Frost CHAPTER FOUR 7 Caroline Hubbard Community Facilities Ken Kershaw and the Local Economy Peter Sopowski [Vice Chairman] Ann Sturgess CHAPTER FIVE 9 Landscape Parish Clerk: Len Griggs CHAPTER SIX 11 The Built Environment District Councillors: Les Puttock CHAPTER SEVEN 14 Derek Tipp Highways, Transport and Infrastructure County Councillor: Keith Mans

Member of Parliament: Doctor Julian Lewis

CHAPTER ONE Introduction to the Village Design Statement

A Village Design Statement cannot The Ashurst and Colbury Village Design document and make suggestions. A pro- prevent change, but it can be used to Statement was initiated at a public forma for responses was also included in manage it. It provides guidelines about the meeting, with a steering group undertaking the December 2011 issue of the Parish design of any future development which to produce various sections of the Newsletter for written feed-back. will assist residents, the Parish Council, Statement using their knowledge and the planning authority and potential expertise of the village. The VDS has been developed in liaison developers. with the New Forest National Park Information was gathered from Authority and officer comments have been By identifying what makes Ashurst and advertisements and articles written in the incorporated in this version. Following Colbury special and distinctive it is monthly Parish Newsletter delivered free formal public consultation the Park suggested that changes to individual to every house in the village, a manned Authority adopted the VDS as a buildings, groups of buildings or the stall at the Village Fete, an Agenda item at Supplementary Planning Document in village as a whole, should be based on an Parish Council Meetings and a talk given June 2013. understanding of the past and present to the Parish Plan group (now the Ashurst character of the village. This would enable and Colbury Community Group).. It was new development to make a positive advertised on the Council notice boards contribution to the local distinctiveness of and letters were delivered to local business the parish. people and individual residents. The village fete generated over a hundred A Village Design Statement can be responses. adopted by the local planning authority as a Supplementary Planning Document, Further consultation has taken place making the design guidelines it contains a through the draft statement being placed on material consideration when determining the Ashurst and Colbury Parish Council planning applications in the parish. website and a public meeting to view the

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Ashurst and Colbury parish boundary

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Aerial photo of the parish

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CHAPTER TWO A Brief History of the Parish

Originally the three settlements of from wherever you are, even in the built up In 1535 John Mill, a merchant from Colbury, Foxhills and Ashurst made up the environment. Southampton, gained the lease of the Parish. Ashurst and Colbury became the Manor of Colbury. He was a direct parish name in the 1920’s – previously Ashurst ancestor of the current owner of the Barker known as Lyndhurst Road - and the parish The name Ashurst appears in 1314 in court Mill Estate [Amanda Barker Mill]. council was formed in 1985. It is bounded records, and this indicates the timber trade to the west by , to the north was already established here. Ashurst The parish of Colbury was created in 1894. by , and to the south by itself is an ancient name meaning ‘ash . wooded hill’. Foxhills Foxhills, which was originally one of the th There has been a considerable increase in At the beginning of the 19 century three villages, has a number of Edwardian the population of Ashurst and Colbury Ashurst was a community of working properties and bungalows. A proportion of over the last 100 years due mainly to its farms and a few houses with the large the land and properties are owned or proximity to the New Forest and good rail estate of Barker Mill at Colbury and managed by the Barker Mill Estate. It is and bus routes. The mid-2010 population Winchester College at Testwood. The also home to the Allotment Gardens for estimates gives a total of 2,092 residents. railway opened in 1847 and this was Ashurst and Colbury Parish. These Ashurst and Colbury is identified as one of followed shortly afterwards by “The New Allotment Gardens were established and the four defined villages within the New Forest Hotel.” completed by the Parish Council, with Forest National Park. appreciation to the Barker Mill Trust. Colbury The parish lies on a mixture of sands, clays Reference can be traced back to the 1230’s Some important dates and gravels on the edge of Bartley Water when monks at received a valley which flows into Eling Creek. gift of land described as “some tenements” 1836 the Poor Law Amendment Act of Today a large percentage of the village is at Colbury. The Abbey built up the Manor 1834 empowered parishes to be grouped woodland and mature trees are evident of Colbury and this was confirmed by into Unions and build workhouses for the Edward II. able-bodied poor. The building later

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became Ashurst Hospital and was designed 1999 Consultation commenced for a to house 200 people. New Forest National Park, 1847 The Southampton and Dorchester 2005 Welcome Pack for new residents Railway Company began operating and a commenced by the Parish Council station next to the Lyndhurst Road was 2005 Area formerly designated as a built. National Park, with the National Park

1868 Colbury School on the corner of Authority gaining full statutory powers the Pound Lane was built. following year. 1870 Through the generosity of Frederick 2006 The Parish Council won the best Ibbotson Colbury Church was planned, Village in District award and were runners- paid for and built. up in the Building Community Life section 1884 Mrs. Vaudrey Barker-Mill inherited of the Village of the Year Langley Manor Estates and Colbury organized by HALC. Manor. 2008 Launch of the Ashurst and Colbury 1907 David Lloyd George made a speech Parish Plan. at Lyndhurst Road Station. He addressed a 2012 Celebration of the Queens Diamond gathering of Liberal Party supporters as his Jubilee at Colbury Memorial Hall.

position of President of the Board of

Trade.

1914/18 Indian Troops camp at Ashurst.

1940 British Army from Dunkirk sent their wounded soldiers to Ashurst Hospital.

1967 Foxhills Junior School opened.

1969 The old School at Colbury closed after 101 years of service and reopened in the grounds of Foxhills Junior School.

1985 Ashurst and Colbury Parish Council formed.

1997 Lyndhurst Road Station changed to Ashurst New Forest.

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CHAPTER THREE Important Historic Buildings

Christ Church, Colbury since then it has been a place of worship Mrs. Barker-Mill and other local men for the Roman Catholic Community. St. killed in World War 1. Joseph’s run a very successful Poitiers Project which assists the needy not only in this Parish but in the nearby towns.

Hospital Chapel

The Bishop of Winchester, Samuel Wilberforce, consecrated the Church and The hall acts as a focal point within the Churchyard on March 8th 1870. The community and provides the venue for an Church rooms were built in the orchard of extensive range of community activities. It the old vicarage in 1970. is supported by fundraising efforts from The former workhouse chapel was erected the community and local parishes and has St. Josephs during the 1850’s as a simple red-brick recently invested in the enlargement of the building of nave and chancel which could kitchen facilities. hold up to 50 people. It was the gift of Mrs. Annie Sturges Bourne, who lived at Listed buildings Testwood House. It is now part of the There are five Grade II listed buildings Ashurst Hospital complex. within the parish, recognised to be of

national importance and therefore given Colbury Memorial Hall statutory protection. They are described in Originally a private home called ‘The Appendix 3. Heritage sites which are not Dene’, the Montfort Fathers took Built in 1930, the Colbury Memorial Hall is dedicated to the memory of the son of designated are detailed in the Historic possession of the building in 1942 and Environment Record for Hampshire.

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CHAPTER FOUR Community Facilities and the Local Economy

Groups and clubs In addition to providing a good education, Shops These range from badminton to bridge, and the school has breakfast clubs and after- There are a good variety of shops along from the Camera Club to amateur school activities. They have a secure Lyndhurst Road, including: dramatics. A total of 18 different clubs are outdoor playing area in lovely rural Post office, newsagents, veterinary based at the Colbury Memorial Hall and surroundings. During the year they hold surgery, two convenience stores, car more at the Church Rooms. They include many functions to raise funds for the repairs and car sales, car wash, Chinese Langley Manor Cricket Club, which caters schools. The School has an open plan take-a-way, Fish & Chip shop, Indian for all levels of cricket players, the Ashurst design, with a light airy spacious restaurant and take away, car audio shop, and Colbury Community Group, which environment to facilitate learning. two hairdressers and an upholstery sewing produced the Parish Plan, a Moviola club, service. enabling residents to see a variety of Within the complex is a nature reserve popular films, and a local group who offer with paths, a lake and an outdoor Most of these businesses are located in a village walks. classroom. parade on the A35 near the railway station. There is free parking available nearby and Schools seating amongst mature trees. The original education establishment for this parish was at Pound Lane, Colbury. The old school was closed in 1969 after 101 years of service. Foxhills Junior opened in 1967 and the Infants followed in 1969 There is now a thriving school complex in Foxhills; which has an Infant and Junior School, together with a Pre- School.

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Restaurants and licensed premises Other local businesses RECOMMENDATIONS

A number of businesses are run from Local services and businesses should people’s homes, but only a minority be maintained and enhanced wherever employ more than one person. Farming is possible, providing a focus for the still a significant land use and local community and contributing to the employer. working character of the village. New Forest Hotel Ashurst Campsite Any new commercial development should be designed to avoid spoiling The campsite is built on the timber yard the rural feel of the village and should which operated here until the end of World take into consideration any War II. The site is set just outside the neighbouring residential properties. parish in the middle of a woodland glade. It is within walking distance of the railway Appropriate screening should be Happy Cheese station and has direct access to the Forest, included on site and impacts on road with its footpaths and cycle paths. The junctions and existing traffic calming village shops, pubs and restaurants are should be minimised. only a few minutes away. Developer’s open space contributions Recreation Ground should be put towards enhancing the

existing recreation ground and its Forest Inn The recreation ground is an important area features. of green open space, with play equipment for children and a perimeter path suitable for joggers and dog walkers. It received lottery funding for improvements in 2011 and is used for the annual village fete.

Herb Pot

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CHAPTER FIVE Landscape

Nature reserves and natural habitats sharply with the potentially similar but been taken up by local residents. The site heavily grazed acid grasslands of the New adds further green space for the village. Forest. Trees The parish adjoins the Inclosures and Mature trees and hedges are important unenclosed lands of the Forest to the south features within the confines of the village, and east. From here there is direct access providing views of trees wherever you are to the internationally important habitats in the parish. The presence of landmark and landscapes of the National Park. trees and woodland in and adjacent to the village gives it an immediate semi-rural Farmland appeal. These include a number of large Fletchwood Copse has a range of The farmland within the boundaries of remnant field oaks which form natural deciduous and conifer trees on a private Ashurst and Colbury Parish is valued by boundaries. estate owned by Winchester College. residents and provides an important area of open space. This is evident from The majority of residents’ responses Adjacent to the copse is Fletchwood questionnaire responses. commented on the particular appeal of Meadows, a Site of Special Scientific trees and there was a concern about Interest [SSSI]. Further information can There is a desire to prevent the residents removing trees from around their be found on the Hampshire and Isle of development of these green field areas. An properties without permission or Wight Wildlife website under 48 Nature example is Kneller’s Lane, a thin strip of consultation. Reserves. The SSSI comprises a series of countryside which acts like a natural unimproved, predominantly dry, loamy- boundary between Ashurst and West sandy meadows on the Bartley Water, with Totton. This is where the Ashurst and over 200 species of flowering plants Colbury Parish Council Allotment Gardens recorded. The site is the best example have been sited. Provision has been found known of a herb-rich meadow on acid soils for over 40 plots which have very quickly in the New Forest area and contrasts

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Hedgerows Records of all trees and hedges should The replanting of hedges and repair of be kept by the Parish Council and boundaries is important to the character of regularly checked. Ashurst & Colbury as is the planting of native field boundaries. Existing hedgerows should be maintained properly in order to become richer in wildlife. As an example they help to encourage the wide variety of bird species which are apparent all year round.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Natural areas and open countryside surrounding the built up areas should be conserved in order to maintain the diversity of wildlife and the landscape setting of the village.

Existing mature trees and hedgerows should be retained wherever possible, and safeguarded from development. Where appropriate, important trees should be protected through Tree Preservation Orders.

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CHAPTER SIX The Built Environment

Settlement pattern and character A group of roads with older properties are The village has a variety of mature Kneller’s Lane, Pound Lane, Woodlands detached houses on the main A35 road and Road and Peterscroft Avenue, Ash Road, in the Woodlands Road and Wharton’s Holly Beech and Fir Road and the variety of detached and semi detached properties Lane areas. These properties are built in a variety of styles and use a range of date from Edwardian times. Some are building materials for roofs and fascias. architecturally designed and distinctive. 1, 2 and 3 Colbury Cottages, 1860-69 They are usually set well back from the road and enclosed by walls, fences or The Heron estate was built in the 1980’s hedgerows. and this is located between St. Josephs and the Recreation Ground. This is a small There is a large estate built in the 1950’s development of detached houses. and 60’s known as the Bratcher Bungalow estate which is situated between the A35 In addition there are a number of unlisted historic buildings which make a positive and the Southampton to railway contribution to the character of the village line. The estate is characterised by wide Ashurst Hospital and Chapel, 1874 and are of particular interest locally. roads with grass verges and low stone During the public consultation it was walling, known as garden walling, to the In the recent years development has seen suggested these should not be altered, front of properties. It is well maintained the replacement of small dwellings by extended or demolished. and people take pride in their environment. large properties of varying shapes and

The estate follows the contours of the land sizes. At times these do not enhance the Foxhills, which borders the railway line, and bungalows have been built at high area and are of disproportionate size to the includes an assortment of houses, points. There is a sense of space and rural setting. bungalows and older detached properties, openness with many front gardens being some built with the distinctive light laid to lawn with borders and mature New development should blend into the coloured Beaulieu brick shrubs. rural character. Existing mature trees and

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hedgerows are valued features in the properties with high hedging or timber Extensions and conservatories village and should only be removed in panelling fences exceptional circumstances, and not for purely cosmetic reasons.

Materials for buildings

Many house owners have chosen to add to their properties by building a conservatory. These may be allowed under “permitted development” but is always best to check The majority of older properties are brick with the National Park Authority Planning built with slate roofing. They have lawned Department. A significant proportion of areas to the front of the properties and a the bungalows on the estate built by number have two storey extensions which Bratcher have an extension, a conservatory are matched to the original building or both. Although the frontage with lawn materials. or gravel is quite uniform it is noticeable that the original roof space has often been Most new built houses and bungalows are Affordable housing used to provide additional living brick built with slate or tiled roofs. A large Affordable housing for local residents is an accommodation as evident with dormer or proportion of the bungalows between the area of concern and the Parish Council is velux windows to the front or rear of the A35 and the railway line have been investigating its provision through property. Many of the roof extensions are rendered and are neutral in colour. Walls exception sites. Appropriate development sympathetic to the design but others are to the front are of brick or light coloured could be flats or small properties for local not. stone. There are a number of older elderly residents to downsize.

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Solar panels and windows RECOMMENDATIONS of trees and longer views across the Planning permission is not required for village. solar panels unless they protrude more New development should follow the than 20 centimetres from the roof. established building line with front The scale, form and mass of any new gardens enclosed by appropriate development should be in keeping with boundary treatments or abutting up to surrounding buildings and be the back of the pavement. sympathetic to the character, appearance and rural outlook of the The repair and reuse of older buildings village. should be encouraged first, rather than re-development, in order to retain the Any new development should be character of the village. designed to take into account the current infrastructure of drains, ditches Development should not impinge on and streams and make the most of the linear form and character of existing natural drainage. Ashurst & Colbury. Boundary treatments should reflect the The character of buildings of local rural setting of the village. The use of historic interest should be retained native species hedgerows, low open wherever possible in any new timber fencing, natural stone walls or development. other traditional boundary types should be encouraged. Buildings should be constructed of materials which match or complement those currently in use in the nearby area.

Important gaps between buildings should be retained to ensure glimpses

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CHAPTER SEVEN Highways, Transport and Infrastructure

Traffic and parking Parking on the verges is not encouraged Unnecessary signage and street furniture Ashurst and Colbury is served by the A35 and residents have stated that they wish to should be avoided to reduce “road clutter”. and A326, which are both major road maintain their grassed verges. For example within the length of the routes, but the village still has a rural feel village there are 137 signs. with many trees and hedgerows. Road markings Traffic has increased since the introduction Clear road markings were essential outside of the right hand turn at Colbury, which at the schools in Foxhills. Hampshire County peak times takes additional traffic from the Council also saw the necessity to put M27 into the New Forest. However recent dragon’s teeth on the north side of Foxhills 30mph restrictions have made access onto to stop the damage to the rural scene. the A35 easier for residents. Periodic use of a speed indicator device has revealed that drivers are still travelling over the speed limit.

The majority of properties are built with off-road parking, although some areas Traffic signage around the ‘shop precinct’ are in need of There is a significant amount of highway additional parking. The side roads on the Public transport signage particularly on the A35 with estates are also often congested with The village is fortunate in having its own tourist information signs and speed limit parked cars, especially those roads with railway service. From here commuting to signs. Businesses are not permitted signs nursing homes. London is available and there is easy for advertising, nor are they encouraged to access to the facilities of Southampton or use the highway for advertising their the open spaces of the New Forest. wares.

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There is also a regular bus service into There are only two public footpaths: Street lighting Southampton or , which number 726 (225 metres) and number 501 There is a desire to maintain current street currently runs every hour. (30 metres). This suggests that Ashurst lighting or replace with lighting of a more has less than any other parish in appropriate design. Hampshire. No.726 runs from Foxhills, across the railway line to Bartley Water In areas which are more rural the street and into Netley Marsh, no. 501 runs north lights should remain as they are to avoid east of Foxhills under the A326 into Totton more light pollution. Residents felt that and Eling. here fewer street lights would be appropriate and there was concern expressed about extremely bright security lights.

Pavements, footpaths and cycleways Roads and pavements are constructed of modern tarmac with concrete kerbing. The area around the village is well tended and easily accessed by roads and footways.

There is good access and connectivity between the shops and countryside and public footpaths.

A major cycle route was constructed in Drains and gullies 2007 from Ashurst to Lyndhurst. There There is an effective system for reporting are other shared routes in the village used blocked gullies, and these will usually be by both cyclists and pedestrians.. cleared within seven days unless there is a problem with gully itself, in which case the

work may take longer.

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Ditches form a natural part of local The current levels of street lighting drainage system. They contribute to the should be maintained, and in the more character of the village and should be rural areas of the village reduced where maintained to prevent flooding. The possible. ditches run beside the A35 and along Whartons Lane, where the residents maintain them and in some instances use planting to enhance their appearance.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Road-side verges of grass or other natural vegetation should be maintained wherever possible, in preference to concrete kerbing, asphalt or other hard surfaces.

Signage, street furniture and road markings should be kept to a minimum.

Greater effort should be made to place overhead cables underground, particularly in residential areas.

Infrastructure, like telecommunications masts, should not impact on the views within the Parish.

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Appendix 1 SOME OF THE VIEWS OF Do not take down RESIDENTS Preserve all IMPROVEMENT PLAN ? the small walls or the fields and Speed bumps have large gravelled rural area in Whartons P or paved areas Keep car parks free along Lane C

Limit parking on roads Whartons Lane T

in residential area. U

R

E Please keep the trees Stop the and green areas in Garden Keep it rural the village Grabbing. and plant areas with wild flowers

Open the Chapel for visitors. Need to know more

about historic buildings in the village and how Improve Limit number of to keep them. signage two storey garages that look like additional dwellings

Protect the open Regeneration spaces, and protect Maintain approach rather than the Recreation to Village development ground

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Appendix 2 new material was added and the second The draft was typed and given to each LIST OF CONSULTATION EVENTS draft was put together. Councillor for their views. FOR THE VILLAGE DESIGN July 2011 and update February 2012 STATEMENT Meeting with Council G.I.S. Department in regard to maps. Draft sent to Paula Freeland, Specialist At the Parish Council village fete. An February 2011. Services Manager, and Nick Evans, Senior individual stall was made available, Policy Officer, at the New Forest National explaining the purpose of a Village Design Advertised in the local Parish Council Park Authority. February 7th 2012 Statement and its use within the Parish and newsletter. This newsletter is delivered the National Park. September 2010. free by volunteers to every house in Second meeting with New Forest National Cards were given to visitors to write their Ashurst and Colbury so every resident had Park Authority. After entering their views and requests for volunteers. the opportunity to take part. There was the analysis of the first draft, further material Views to be coordinated by Councillor offer of transport if residents had difficulty was suggested, including the National Park Hubbard. in getting to a meeting. planning policies. February 14th 2012. Two articles November 2010 and April Councillor Hubbard gave feedback from 2011. The full document was released on the the Village Design Stand at the fete to Parish Council Website in draft form, Parish Councillors. November 2010. Councillor Hubbard gave a talk on the again requesting information or correction Village Design Statement to the local to what has already been put forward. By an agenda item at Parish Council Community Group and requested views. February 8th 2012. Public meetings. The Agenda is June 2010. advertised in notice boards around the Received two emails with constructive village so that residents could come and Councillor Hubbard wrote individual views on the Village Design Statement. give their views in Public Participation. letters to all businesses in the Parish. February 13th 2012 Total of 17 meetings [7 in 2010] [10 in Councillor Hubbard also spoke informally 2011]. with residents after Council meetings. Special meeting solely for the Village December 2010 through to January 2011. Design Statement held one hour before Village Design Statement committee met Council meeting. 5 people attended out of with New Forest National Park for advice a population of over 2000. No comments on the first draft. Following comments from Councillors, only congratulations.

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Residents comments:- Change the word Councillor Hubbard reported at the Public brick to stone for the walls abutting the Parish Council meeting and asked roads – keep the green verges – buses to Councillors if they preferred Landscape or use the A35 and the small roads this would Portrait for the final format. Councillors make life easier for disabled people – voted in favour of landscape. mention 106 policy – no cycling signs in the recreation round. 16th June 2012 Mr. & Mrs. Oliver - -Mr. & Mrs. Cooper – Meeting of the Village Design Statement Mr. Williams. February 21st 2012 Final format and proof reading.

Emails from residents with their views. Three Councillors have met on regular Seven email from resident with bases to develop the Village Design constructive criticism. 17th March 2012 Statement up to its present state.

Meeting held with committee to collate all views after special meeting and emails The 1964 New Forest Act defined the from article in the newsletter. 3rd May perambulation of the Forest, a term used to 2012 describe the official area boundary and land enclosed within. Meeting with Paula Freeland and Nick Evans to update on progress of the Village The picture shows the New Forest of Design Statement. 13th May 2012 perambulation [green], compared to today’s National Park [red] Meeting with committee to finalize the Village Design Statement before Full statutory powers for a National Park presenting to the National Park. 15th May commenced from 1st April 2006 2012

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Appendix 3 LISTED BUILDINGS

1. Flint House, Deerleap Lane 4. Lychgate west of Colbury Christ Church A Grade II listed building constructed in about 1870 by B. Ferrey and first listed in A Grade II listed Lychgate, built in about 1958. It is a two story building of flint 1870, probably by B. Ferrey. The with stone dressings and a plain tile roof. structure is timber framed with ashlar stone plinth walls and a plain tile roof. 2. Nos. 1, 2 and 3 Colbury Cottages, There are carved bargeboards with Deerleap Lane inscriptions.

A range of three Grade II listed terraced 5. School and School House, Pound estate cottages built in the 1860s. They are Lane constructed of polychrome red and black brick with bands of shaped tiles on the first A Grade II listed school and school house floor. They have a clay plain tile gabled still used as a primary school. Built in roof. about 1870 by B. Ferrey, with early 20th century extensions. The walls are of flint 3. Colbury Christ Church, Deerleap with stone dressings. The roof is steep and Lane tiled. The former house is attached as a cross-wing to the school hall and has a The Grade II listed parish church, built in gabled central window above a doorway 1870 by B. Ferrey. Constructed of flint with a pointed arch. with stone dressings. The roof is plain tile with a timber frame bell turret. The interior of the church is Victorian.

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Appendix 4 b) development respects the natural and Policy DP6 Design Principles RELEVANT PLANNING POLICIES built environment, landscape character and All new development will be required to biodiversity. achieve the highest standards for the The New Forest National Park Core c) materials are appropriate to the site and design, external appearance and location of Strategy and Development Management its setting new development within the National Policies Development Plan Document d) amenity is not adversely affected in Park, with particular regard to: (December 2010) includes the following terms of additional impacts, visual a) enhancing the built heritage of the New policies relevant to this VDS: intrusion, overlooking of shading. Forest. e) no adverse impacts associated with b) designing out crime through the use of Policy CP2 The Natural Environment. traffic or pollution [including noise and Secured by Design principles and Proposals should protect, maintain and light pollution. standards. enhance nationally, regionally and locally f) car parking c) ensuring new development is accessible important sites and features of the natural g) open space where appropriate environment, including habitats and h) the Code for Sustainable Homes d) ensuring new residential development species of biodiversity importance, takes account of the lifetime homes geological features and the water Policy CP7 The Built Environment principles where appropriate. environment. Proposals should protect, maintain and e) ensuring all new development enhance nationally, regionally and locally incorporates sound sustainable design and Policy DP1 General Development important sites and features of the built construction principles and good Principles. environment, including local vernacular environmental practices. All new development and uses of land buildings, archaeological sites and within the National Park must uphold and designed landscapes. The document goes onto state that promote the principles of sustainable development whether of a traditional or development. New development proposals Policy CP8 Local Distinctiveness modern design should be sympathetic and must demonstrate high quality design and Built development and changes of use in keeping with its surroundings. New construction which enhances local which would individually or cumulatively Buildings should have a low (or no) carbon character and distinctiveness, ensuring: erode the Park’s local character or result in footprint and all new development should a) development is appropriate and a gradual suburbanising effect within the make a positive contribution to the sympathetic in terms of scale, appearance, National Park will not be supported. National Park particularly through its form, siting and layout. design, scale and layout.

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