Three Mills Conservation Area

Character Appraisal and Management Proposals

Approved by Cabinet 14th December 2006 Borough of Newham CONTENTS

Part 1 Conservation Area Character Appraisal 1.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 1 1.2 LOCATION AND SETTING...... 1 • Location ...... 1 • Boundaries ...... 2 • Topography and landscape setting ...... 2 • Geology ...... 2 1.3 THE HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE CONSERVATION AREA ...... 2 1.4 SUMMARY OF SPECIAL INTEREST ...... 5 1.5 THE CHARACTER AND APPEARANCE OF THE CONSERVATION AREA...... 6 • Current activities and uses ...... 6 • Character Areas ...... 6 • Townscape analysis ...... 7 • Focal points, views and vistas ...... 9 • Open spaces, landscape and trees ...... 9 • Public realm ...... 10 1.6 THE BUILDINGS OF THE CONSERVATION AREA ...... 10 • Building types ...... 10 • Architectural styles and detailing ...... 12 • Listed buildings ...... 12 • Locally listed buildings ...... 13 • Buildings of townscape merit ...... 13 1.7 NEGATIVE FEATURES AND ISSUES ...... 13

PART 2 CONSERVATION AREA MANAGEMENT PROPOSALS

2.1 MANAGEMENT PROPOSALS ...... 14 2.2 MONITORING AND REVIEW ...... 15

PART 3 APPENDICES

3.1 SOURCES OF FURTHER INFORMATION ...... 16 3.2 BIBLIOGRAPHY...... 16

MAPS Map 1 London in 1741 - 3 by John Rocque (extract) ...... ii Map 2 Townscape appraisal map (2006...... 17 London in 1741 - by John Rocque (extract)

Page ii Three Mills Conservation Aea PART 1 CONSERVATION AREA CHARACTER APPRAISAL

1.1 INTRODUCTION special qualities of the conservation area (in the form of the ‘Appraisal’); The Three Mills Conservation Area was designated by the in November • Provide guidelines to prevent harm and achieve 1971. Conservation areas are designated under enhancement (in the form of a ‘Management the provisions of Section 69 of the Planning (Listed Plan’). Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, and a This document therefore provides a firm basis on conservation area is defined as ‘an area of special which applications for development within the Three architectural or historic interest the character or Mills Conservation Area can be assessed. It should appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or be read in context by reference to the wider adopted enhance’. planning policy framework produced by Newham Section 71 of the same Act requires local planning Council. These documents include: authorities to formulate and publish proposals i) The Adopted London Borough of Newham for the preservation and enhancement of these Unitary Development Plan. Adopted 2001. conservation areas. Section 72 also specifies that, in Specifically Chapter 3 making a decision on an application for development in a conservation area, special attention shall be ii) Environmental Policy, Conservation of the Built paid to the desirability of preserving or enhancing Environment – policies EQ2943 inclusive; the character or appearance of that area. iii) The London Borough of Newham Local In response to these statutory requirements, Development Scheme, published in July 2005, this document defines and records the special following submission to the Secretary of State architectural and historic interest of the conservation in March 2005. The LDS confirms that the area and identifies opportunities for enhancement. It Adopted UDP will be saved in its entirety until is in conformity with English Heritage guidance as September 2007. After this date particular set out in ‘Guidance on conservation area appraisals’ policies or proposals may be saved. The LDS (August 2005) and ‘Guidance on the management sets out the Local Development Documents of conservation areas’ (August 2005). Additional which the Council intends to produce. government guidance regarding the management 1.2 LOCATION AND SETTING of historic buildings and conservation areas is set out within ‘Planning Policy Guidance 15: Planning Location and the Historic Environment’ (PPG15). The Three Mills Conservation Area is located to This document seeks to: the south of in the London Borough of Newham, close to the Borough boundary with Tower • Define the special interest of the conservation Hamlets. The area is sited to the south of Stratford area and identify the issues which threaten the and to the west of West Ham and Plaistow within the lower .

Three Mills Conservation Aea Page 1 It forms part the southern most section of the Lee Geology Valley Regional Park. It is also within the area subject The geology of the area is composed of London clay to the London Thames Gateway Development which outcrops on higher ground to the north in Bow Corporation (Planning Functions) Order 2005. As a with localised areas of ferruginous gravels. These consequence, certain planning functions, including have been exploited to provide the only indigenous many related to listed buildings, are transferred from building material in Newham. Overlying the London the borough to the L.T.G. Development Corporation. clay is alluvial drift, deposited in low lying areas, It is stands in close proximity to the area earmarked carved through the clay by the and its for the 2012 Olympics. These factors bring new tributaries, particularly the . The southern regeneration opportunities to this area and the part of the Borough is rich in alluvial drift and marine surrounding land. It is important these are used to deposits from the Quaternary Period, associated both preserve and enhance the conservation area with sea level change. These deposits include rich and its setting. organic deposits overlaid by marine clays alongside Boundaries the Thames. The deposits extend along the valleys of the Thames tributaries and, in particular, the Lea. The conservation area is bounded in the west by the River Lea and the -By-Bow bridge, to 1.3 HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE the south by the Channelsea River (the eastern THREE MILLS CONSERVATION AREA branch of the River Lea) and to the north by Abbey East and West Ham were known collectively as Road and the ‘Greenway’ embankment containing ‘Ham’ during the Norman period, literally referring the northern sewage outfall pipeline (leading from to the low-lying pasture extending from Hackney to Barking Creek). Road to Ham Creek on the Thames and divided by Topography and landscape setting Green Street. ‘Ham’ was part of the administrative Hundred of Becontree. The Domesday survey in The conservation area is set within the low lying 1086 recorded eight tidal watermills on the River Lea former marshland to the north of the River Thames, . The sites of five of these mills are recalled in the formerly known as Stratford and Abbey Marsh. The names of the Lea tributaries: Pudding Mill, City Mill, marsh was crossed by the braided channel of the Waterworks Mill, Abbey Mill and Three Mills. During River Lea, as it meandered south to join the Thames. the fourteenth century Edward III encouraged the The Three Mills were sited at the point where the expansion of manufacturing on the lower Lea. The multiple branches of the Lea rejoin the main channel. industries that subsequently developed included The setting of the conservation area is dominated soap making, printing, paper making, gun powder, by the river channels between which the area sits flour milling, distilling, linen and silk weaving, tanning and by the land-hungry industrial buildings of the and potteries. nineteenth and twentieth centuries that exploited the cheap marshy ground to the north of the Thames, in A Cistercian abbey was built at Stratford Langthorne close proximity to the . beside the Channelsea River in 1135 by William de Montfitchet, the most significant manorial lord of

Page 2 Three Mills Conservation Aea ‘Hame’. By the fifteenth century the Abbey owned all of Newham and had extended its estates into and along the Lea valley. The earliest mills were developed at Stratford Langthorne during the medieval period and formed part of the Cistercian abbey estates at Stratford. These mills supplied flour to the bakeries of Stratford- atte-Bow (modern Bow) until the Reformation. Milling remained an important industry in the tidal . The mills at Three Mills were built on a man-made island to exploit the ebb tide. In 1424, an Act was issued to improve the navigability of the river. The Act constituted a commission, drawn from local landowners, who were responsible for implementing improvement works funded by tolls. In 1571, a second Act was passed with the intention of increasing the supply of grain into the City, by improving navigation on the lower Lea. These works included the construction of ‘water cuts’ and tow paths. Throughout the seventeenth century, disputes are recorded between the mill operators and Commissioners of Sewers, who accused them of penning back the waters causing flooding and the of Orange. The site and former mill buildings were silting up of the river channels. The improvements to purchased in 1727 by a partnership of Huguenots the lower Lea continued into the twentieth century with experience in distilling. The partnership, which when the was cut between 1931- intended to use the complex as a distillery, included 35, as a flood relief channel. Peter Lefevre (a corn miller), John Bisson and John The Three Mills were part of the Abbey Estate at the Debonnaire. By 1735, the distillery business had time of the dissolution and were forfeit to the Crown boomed as the importation of brandy from France in 1538. They were granted to Sir Peter Mewtys, a was prohibited and gin had replaced beer and cider gentleman usher of the Privy Chamber. By the later as the staple drink of the urban working classes. sixteenth century, the Three Mills area comprised two The House Mill is named after its historic position water mills. These were in use as a corn and a gun between the houses (manager and miller) and is powder mill in 1588. By the end of the seventeenth dated 1776 on a stone plaque. It bears the initials of century, gin had become a popular drink, adopted Daniel Bisson (senior). The partnership by this time from the Netherlands under the patronage of William fashioned them-selves as ‘millers and malt distillers

Three Mills Conservation Aea Page 3 in a very large and extensive way’. The plaque on boarded smock windmill at its centre. Records the House Mill commemorates the rebuilding of the show that the mill was rebuilt in 1768 and again in mill in 1776 by Daniel and Sarah Bisson, which was 1863-4 in brick. Regrettably, the mill was destroyed subsequently reconstructed again following a fire in by fire during the war and the remains were finally 1802. subsequently took over the removed in 1967. business on a lease form Sarah Bisson before finally Abbey Mills pumping stations are a complex purchasing it The mill building was restored by the comprising Stations known as A, B, C, D, E, F. Station River Lea Tidal Mill Trust in 1989. Unfortunately A was locally known as the ‘cathedral of sewage’. It the machinery remains to be restored. The façade was developed from 1865-8, initially by the engineer of the miller’s house was demolished during the Sir to the designs of the architect 1950’s following postwar neglect, but rebuilt, with Charles Driver, for the Metropolitan Board of Works’ a modern rear elevation, by Julian Harrap architects Main Drainage Project. Station (A) was originally set as a visitor centre in 1992-3. within formally landscaped gardens. The station The Clock Mill dates from the mid-eighteenth century was designed to raise sewage to the level of the but was also destroyed by fire and rebuilt in 1817 by elevated Northern Outfall Sewer. The outfall sewer Philip Metcalfe. This is recorded on a lead plaque runs beneath the ‘Greenway’ between and mounted on the mill wall. The clock tower was built the Thames at . around 1753 as a timber framed structure which Station A is designed in an exotic hybrid architectural was later underbuilt in brick. By the early nineteenth style with elements drawn from the Byzantine, century, the Three Mills business was burdened with Italian Gothic and Russian Orthodox schools. The bad debts and heavily mortgaged. The property was octagonal lantern, which crowns the building, has finally conveyed to J and W Nicholson in 1872. The become a well-loved and admired landmark. Until complex of buildings to the east of the mills was World War II, this composition was further enhanced associated with Nicholson’s Distillery. The complex by twin giant octagonal chimneys, which lent the was erected from 1836 and includes former still group a Moorish flavour. These were demolished houses and bonded warehouses. during World War II to remove these ‘signposts’ for Abbey Mill was the earliest recorded mill in West enemy bombers and to reduce the resultant damage. Ham. It was sited within the precincts of Stratford The main engine house originally housed eight Abbey. It was bought by Maud, Queen of Henry beam engines, but these were replaced by electric I and donated to to provide an centrifugal pumps in 1933. This rendered the tall endowment for the Bow and Channelsea bridges twin flues redundant. The series of semi-detached on the River Lea. It was subsequently bought from workers’ cottages on Abbey Road, which shelter in Barking Abbey by Stratford Abbey. In 1538 the the lee of the ‘Greenway’, are contemporary with Abbey Mill comprised two water mills under one the main pumping station (1865) and designed in a roof. The Abbey Mill formerly stood on a small island similar Gothic derived style. in the Channelsea River. An engraving dated 1783 illustrates a complex of buildings with a weather

Page 4 Three Mills Conservation Aea Within the complex, Station B was originally a to facilitate the cutting of the Prescott Channel. The diesel engine house constructed in 1891-6 to deal allotments were formerly more extensive in area, with with flows from the branch sewer and over 300 plots recorded. The most recent pumping diverted flows from the West Ham pumping station. station (F) now occupies former allotment ground. Station C was originally a gas engine house built 1.4 SUMMARY OF SPECIAL INTEREST during 1910-14. It formerly housed gas engined centrifugal pumps, which have since been replaced • The tidal river channels of the River Lea, by diesel engines. Station D was built in 1970-1 to including the Channelsea River, Abbey Creek divert flows from West Ham to Abbey Mills and to and ; pump storm water to Abbey Creek. • The House Mill, Clock Mill, former distillery During the 1990s, a replacement principal pumping complex, and Abbey Mills Pumping Stations; station (Station F) was constructed on the north • The cobbled roadway leading from the bridge bank of the Channelsea River to the south west. The over the River Lea to the former distillery complex space age design of this new pumping station is in (3 Mills Studios); stark contrast to the highly ornamented appearance of the nineteenth century complex. This new station • Former workers’ cottages (nos. 116-130 Abbey was constructed by between 1994- Lane); 7 to the futuristic design of Allies and Morrison. • Area of high biodiversity value including an The reflective aluminium cladding and cylindrical impressive specimen of an ancient Black Poplar flues provides a sophisticated counterpoint to the tree (Populus nigra subsp. betulifolia) on north historicism of its High Victorian neighbour. bank of Channelsea River; Within the Lea Valley Park is a memorial to distillery • Reed beds along Channelsea River and Abbey workers who suffocated in a nearby well in 1901. Creek, surrounding Channelsea Island; The current memorial sculpture ‘Helping Hands’ by Alec Peever replaced an earlier memorial medieval • The ‘Greenway’ (Northern Outfall Sewer style cross on the site. The memorial is a poignant Embankment) and the bridge over Channelsea reminder of the many workers who have died in the River; dangerous industries that have thrived in the area. • Narrow boats moored on Three Mills Wall River The allotments which border the eastern side of the • Other waterways in the area with their associated Prescott Channel are managed by the West Ham footpaths. Allotment Society. Whilst the allotment Society was registered as an Industrial and Provident Society in 1942, the allotments on this site have been cultivated since 1916, or earlier, with a brief period of closure

Three Mills Conservation Aea Page 5 1.5 THE CHARACTER AND APPEARANCE OF that has planning permission for the construction of THE CONSERVATION AREA a water discovery centre. Current activities and uses The Clock Mill is now occupied as offices and presents an important ‘active frontage’ with large The conservation area has a remote, detached quality numbers of windows serving offices at ground floor that distinguishes it from the surrounding bustle of level. This contrasts with isolation of the pathways metropolitan London. The area is dominated by along the water frontage of the Channelsea River the former distillery complex (now 3 Mills Studios) and Prescott Channel. and Abbey Mills Pumping Stations (still in use), both of which are inaccessible to the general public The narrow boats moored along the Three Mills Wall without prior arrangement. Activity within the 3 Mills River add considerable colour and activity alongside Studios is screened by high boundary walls along the tow path but the solitude of the recreation park the western boundary with the Mills and Bow Creek. to the north of Three Mills Green is broken only by The low staffing levels, resulting from the now largely occasional events and pedestrians. automated operation of the Abbey Mills Pumping Character areas Stations, presents an apparently deserted scene when viewed from the elevated ‘Greenway’. There are two areas of distinctive character, namely the Three Mills Island and the Abbey Mills Pumping The cobbled causeway leading from Three Mill Lane Stations complex. to the 3 Mills Studios has a lively quality. This results from relatively high ‘footfall’ associated with Studio i) Three Mills Island Character Area staff, visitors to the House Mill. It is pivotal within a This character area is a ‘tear-drop’ shaped island much wider waterside footpath network, connecting set within the branches of the River Lea. It was only surrounding residential and commercial areas to severed from the area to the east in 1931-5 by the Tescos and the underground station at Bromley- cutting of the Prescott Channel. This character area By-Bow . This is used by pedestrians, cyclists is defined by the former gin distillery complex which and others using the towpath links and waterside included the House and Clock Mills with purpose recreation area. built still houses, maltings and bonded warehousing The House Mill is open to the public as a unique to the east, now forming part of the 3 Mills Studios. heritage attraction . It is linked internally to the To the north of the complex is a large grassed recreated “Miller’s House” in which there is a café recreation ground with a memorial to workers killed with interpretative and meeting facilities. It serves as in 1901 at its northern end. an informal centre for the local community, hosting ii) Abbey Mills Pumping Stations Character Area meetings of the Island House Residents Association and the West Ham Allotments Society. This character area is defined by the Channelsea River in the south, Abbey Lane in the north, the Adjacent to the House Mill is Island House, a new Prescott Channel to the west and the ‘Greenway’ residential development. In front of this a grassy area to the east. The pumping station complex occupies the north-eastern half of the area, set within a partly

Page 6 Three Mills Conservation Aea walled and railed/fenced enclosure from which the The group gently increases in scale from the three public are excluded. The area includes an important storey House Mill to the four storeys of the Clock tidal reed bed (Phragmites communis) and wetland Mill and finally the tall brick elevation of the former along the north bank of the Channelsea River. main warehouse of the former Nicholson’s Distillery beyond. The organic character of this building is Townscape analysis confirmed by the late twentieth century, sheet-clad The conservation area is essentially composed segmental roof, which contrasts with the rich texture of two industrial complexes of markedly different of the Welsh slate roofing of the Clock Mill in the architectural form and character, set within areas foreground. of open space. The Three Mills group presents an Views looking east from the bridge and ismuth at Bow informal picturesque composition when viewed on Creek are closed by the blind, tall prison-like, brick the western approach to the area from Bow and boundary walling and rear elevation of the 3 Mills from the numerous trains that pass over the Lee. Studios. This gives the narrow footpath, Long Wall The Bow Creek, in the foreground, and vernacular Path, sandwiched between the wall and Bow Creek/ character of the House and Clock Mills presents Channelsea River, a slightly threatening quality, a scene surviving from bygone rural Essex. The which is exacerbated by the lack of supervision from three storey plum brickwork and weather boarded the blind rear elevation of the film studios. A stone elevations, and steeply pitched clay tiled roofing flood marker set at the northern end of the footpath of the House Mill is in stark contrast to the bland provides a reminder of the origins of the area, as Tescos store, on the opposite side of Bow Creek. part of Stratford Marsh. The entrance to the 3 Mills The richly textured granite cobbled causeway (that Studios is defined by modern tall boarded timber continues along the spine lane through the Studio gates and stout brick piers. These gates exclude the complex) serves to reinforce the forceful historic public. Inside the film studio complex, the nineteenth character of this part of the conservation area. The century origins of the site as a distillery are clearly House and Clock Mill and former Customs House, evident in the traditional scale and detailing of the with its fine brick detailing and Regency segmental nineteenth century brick stillhouses and warehouses. bays, together compose an exceptionally fine group. These flank a spine road faced in a continuation of The mid-eighteenth century octagonal bell tower of the cobbled causeway found along the western the Clock Mill stands sentinel-like, flanked by the approach. This retains iron tram rails (probably for twin conical roofs and cowls of oast kilns attached to coal trucks used to sully the distillery boilers) and the west end of the mill. These are picturesquely set distinctive cast bollards, intended to protect the on the east bank of Bow Creek. The gleaming white corners of buildings from accidental damage. painted joinery of the multi paned sash windows Views to the south from the bridge over Bow Creek contrasts with the soot-soiled, historic brickwork. are dominated by the gas holders of the Bromley Gas Works which have a sculptural quality, softened

Three Mills Conservation Aea Page 7 Mills Pumping Stations. This group is dominated by the principal pumping station A, which has a Greek cross plan form and tall brick elevations incorporating polychrome detailing and crowned by a lantern at the crossing. The whole is set beneath a substantial slate mansard roof. The exuberance of the architecture (both internally and externally) recalls the pride taken by the Victorians in their massive engineering undertaking to resolve London’s sewage problem. The principal block is attended by a number of subordinate pump houses of later date. These are set within an attractive park like compound with formal tree planting that can be best appreciated from the elevated ‘Greenway’ by poplars in the foreground. Views to the north immediately to the north east. The mature London along the River Lea are dominated by the complex plane trees are particularly noteworthy and create modelling and mellow, silvered cedar boarding a dignified setting for this important group of of the large late twentieth century ‘Island House’. listed buildings. The extravagance of the Victorian This development is sensitive to the setting of the buildings is matched by the most recent addition neighbouring distinguished listed mill complex to the group, designed by Allies and Morrison in and reflects the character of traditional waterfront the mid 1990s. The massive space age Pumping warehousing, without resort to slavish replication. Station F resembles a tinfoil-clad aircraft hanger. It To the north east of the House Mill is a late twentieth is set immediately to the south west of the original century pedestrian bridge, cobbled square and (now cramped) complex, on a bench above the gateway to the grassed recreation ground, all Channelsea River. The extensive use of reflective designed by Peter Fink (Artz Architecture and Clash aluminium has created a prominent feature and Associates). This new gateway with distinctive worthy addition to the group from the closing years abstract railings frames long views to the Abbey of the twentieth century. Views to the northern and Mills Pumping Stations, across the open recreation eastern boundary of the conservation area are closed ground. The tow path, Short Wall Path, leading by the substantial embankment of the Northern north along the east bank of the Three Mills Wall Outfall Sewer, which crosses the Channelsea River River is lined by false acacia trees, which lend the within an iron bridge with a distinctive cast iron path a feeling of seclusion. Long boats moored on fretwork balustrade. the river give a local splash of colour and vitality. From the ‘Greenway’ are rewarding views of the At the northern end of the park, a late twentieth surrounding low-lying area, from Bow to Stratford century memorial to Distillery workers killed in 1901 in the north and south to the Bromley Gas works. serves as a poignant reminder of the rich industrial The adjacent listed workers’ cottages on Abbey heritage of the area. The formality of the memorial Lane present a fine roofscape, immediately to the contrasts with the informality of the adjoining north. Their distinctive chimneys have caddy caps recreation ground. This is enclosed by modern in Bathstone carried on red brick corbelling. The railings and immature London Plane trees. At the principal entrance to the Abbey Mills Pumping north east corner of the recreation ground, a grassy Stations is sited on Abbey Road. The frontage knoll affords commanding views, in particular to is enclosed by a tall brick boundary wall of red the Abbey Mills Pumping Stations in the east, over engineering brick with panel detailing, executed the Prescott Channel and to the south over the mill in blue brick. A similar high quality boundary wall complex, to the landmark tower of defines the north side of Abbey Road, facing the in the distance. The informality of the allotments listed cottages. The main gateway is imposing adjoining the east bank of the Prescott Channel, and attended by a listed gatehouse and twin iron contrasts with the palatial scale and rich detailing of gates with an ornate cresting. Attractive views are the High Victorian Pumping Station A. obtained into the complex through the gates. The West Ham Allotment Society retains some The closure of Abbey Lane as a thoroughfare (to 34 plots to the east of the Prescott Channel. The protect the vulnerable underside of the impressive homespun patchwork of these intensively cultivated sewerage pipes exposed beneath the bridge) has areas, together with their ancillary sheds and been crudely implemented by the installation of a other structures reinforces the scale and formality concrete stockade, painted in red, white and black. of the adjacent pumping station complex. The These highway works significantly detract from the allotments are frequented by a rich assortment of character and appearance of the conservation area wildlife including Woodpeckers, Kingfishers, small and the setting of the nationally important pumping mammals and amphibians. station. The informality of the Three Mills complex The footpath along the north bank of Abbey Creek contrasts with the formal splendour of the Abbey and the Channelsea River has a rich semi-natural

Page 8 Three Mills Conservation Aea wetland habitat of high biodiversity value. The Open spaces, landscape and trees reed beds, rich flora and bird life presents a stark The twin complexes of buildings (Three Mills and contrast to the bleak urban industrial character Abbey Mills Pumping Stations) are set within areas of the surrounding area. The mud banks are a of undeveloped land (including watercourses) that nationally important habitat of the German Hairy give the groups a particular setting. The Three Mills Snail (Perforatella rubiginosa), a Red Data Book group has an island setting with a large expanse protected species. The footpath has a remote rural of open land to the immediate north of the group. quality rarely encountered in the inner city. Alongside The group itself is tightly grouped in a linear form to Abbey Creek, a massive piece of redundant turbine, the north and south of the ‘causeway’ leading east aptly nicknamed ‘The Snail’, serves as public from Three Mill Lane across Bow Creek. The Abbey art and forms an interesting counterpoint to the Mills Pumping Station complex is formally arranged adjacent reed beds. Immediately to the south is a around the principal pumping station to create a more single specimen of a massive Black Poplar. This is a open grain with opportunities for formal tree planting nationally rare tree with distinctive deeply furrowed and landscaped spaces between the buildings. The bark. It enhances the rural quality of Abbey Creek. area of undeveloped land to the south west of the Long views are obtained from the Bridge at the north group provides a wider landscaped setting for the end of the Creek southwards, along the watercourse. group. Channelsea Island, set between Abbey Creek and the Channelsea River, is surrounded by reed beds There are particularly important trees, which may and overgrown with birch trees. The island provides form part of the original nineteenth century planting further interest to the riverside footpath. scheme, within the Abbey Mills Pumping Station compound. Native regenerating trees, including Focal points, views and vistas Black Poplar, are an important part of the distinctive Buildings provide focal points within the conservation character of the Abbey Creek area. Occasional area. In particular, the clock tower and drying kilns specimen trees planted along the isthmus of land of the Clock Mill and the lantern and iron finial of between the Lea Navigation and Bow Creek serve station A of the Abbey Pumping Station, provide to soften this key view into the area from the west. the principal focal points. Long views from the north Elsewhere, within the Three Mills character area, east (‘Greenway’ and grassy knoll at the north east boundary tree planting around the recreation ground corner of the recreation ground) are dominated and along the eastern boundary of the film studios by the Bromley Gas Works to the south and the will create significant avenues of trees in due course. distinctive tower of Canary Wharf in the distance. These latter trees are subject to a Tree Preservation Order. An Order also applies to those that line the Views are principally obtained from the bridges southern bank of the Channelsea. Though outside which cross the various watercourses and from of the conservation area boundary they are crucial the higher ground associated with the ‘Greenway’ to its setting, maintaining the semi-rural character of embankment. From these points, vistas are obtained the area and providing visual enclosure when viewed along the various watercourses.

Three Mills Conservation Aea Page 9 across Bow Creek from the north. The location of (i) Tidal Mills the TPO’s are shown on the appraisal map. Together with the Pumping Stations, mills are the Public realm most significant building type in the area. The House Mill is the earliest surviving mill (1776 - albeit The majority of the public realm in the area is reconstructed in 1802) with three storey brick faced composed of informal footpaths and recreation elevations, painted multi-paned sash windows and space. Much of this is appropriately maintained as planked pitching doors. The deep plan form and semi-natural areas with low levels of intervention. steeply pitched, clay tiled roof is distinctive with Significant work along the northern bank of the unusual twin tiers of dormer windows. Channelsea was undertaken in the late 1980’s to improve the area for casual recreation and wildlife. The mill retains its machinery internally, awaiting This included land reclamation, laying of footpaths, restoration. The mill is said to be the largest tide mill planting and informal recreation facilities. The ever built in and is the largest surviving tidal footpath on top of the Northern Outfall Sewer, now mill in Europe. It has three undershot water wheels re-named “The Greenway”, won an RICS award. and one low breast shot wheel and was powered by Vandalism and poor maintenance have detracted impounding the high tide to create a large mill pond from these gains.The formal approach into the extending to 57 acres. Three Mills area from Three Mills Lane and Sugar The Clock Mill, unlike the House Mill, is now only a House Lane is marked by the use of high quality shell, composed of two elements. The clock tower granite cobble surfacing and setts. This contrasts survives from a former mid-eighteenth century mill on with the entrance from Abbey Lane that has modern the site. The main body of the mill was constructed surfacing in artificial materials and inappropriate in 1817, faced in brick and replaced the previous highway works to obstruct the road beneath the timber framed mill. This four storey brick mill has a line of the Greenway bridge. The appearance of Welsh slate roof. The mill has four storey elevations this area is further degraded by the fiytipping of of closely set, multi-paned sash windows and a domestic and commercial rubbish on the adjoining weather boarded lucum (sack hoist) on the southern land to the north. elevation. The square plan, twin drying kilns, set on 1.6 THE BUILDINGS OF THE CONSERVATION the west elevation have distinctive conical roofs and AREA cowls in the manner of an oast house. These are an unusual feature integrated into a water mill. These Building types were probably incorporated into the replacement There are four principal building types in the area; mill in 1817. Tidal Mills, Pumping Stations, industrial buildings and houses.

Page 10 Three Mills Conservation Aea (ii) Pumping Stations white/ cream coloured, brickwork with restricted use of painted stone detailing. These form an unusual and impressive group at Abbey Mills. The earliest and most impressive, in The main warehouse bears witness to successive terms of scale and detailing, is Station A, which rebuilding and alteration, recorded in datestones forms the centre of the group. The cruciform plan inscribed 1836, 1872 and 1950. To the south of and richly detailed polychrome brickwork elevations the nineteenth and early twentieth century distillery and mansard roof are remarkable. The central buildings are a pair of large mid-twentieth century glazed cupola with gilded iron work finial is a local warehouses with utilitarian elevations devoid of landmark. detailing with flat roofs. The series of doors, which address the central service road, are sheltered by a A group of later ancillary pumping stations cluster continuous pentice canopy. around Station A (Stations B-E). These are subordinate in scale and detailing. They are unified by the use of (iv) Houses London stock bricks, slate roofing and painted timber Within the area are a small number of nineteenth sash windows set in deep reveals. The replacement century houses that were historically ancillary to the pumping station, known as Station F, was erected industrial complexes, which they adjoin. The Mill between 1994 and 1997, to the innovative design of House, attached to the east end of the House Mill, is Allies and Morrison. The extensive use of aluminium a late twentieth century reconstruction of the original framing and cladding distinguishes this station from mid-eighteenth century front façade of an affluent the rest of the complex. It has a form reminiscent of miller’s house by Julian Harrap. The original house an aircraft hangar. was structurally damaged by wartime bombing and (iii) Industrial Buildings demolished in the 1950’s. The new visitors centre was awarded a Civic Trust Award in 1996. The The former distillery complex associated with tall three storey elevation has a typical Georgian Nicholson’s gin distillery is now in use as The 3 Mills character, the elevation having a plain parapet and Studios. Many of the former warehouses, stillhouses multi-paned sashes of diminishing size, set within and offices survive, albeit subject to modification and reveals, beneath gauged brick arches. To the east reconstruction. The group is composed of buildings is a second, former two storey house, dating from of variable scale that predominantly date from the around 1820. It is known as the Customs House late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. These but was more probably used for Excise duty in the buildings are unified by the consistent use of similar, twentieth century. It is now offices, but was listed in 1872 as a house. It has a more modest scale and

Three Mills Conservation Aea Page 11 Regency character, derived from the two storey segmental bay on the front elevation and multi- paned sash windows. On Abbey Lane is the gatehouse to the Pumping Station complex (1868). It is a modest single storey lodge with polychrome brick detailing. Also in Abbey Lane are four pairs of semi-detached houses (nos 116-130 even) originally built to house workers from the adjacent pumping station. They are contemporary with Station A (late 1860s) and share some of the polychrome brickwork details. Their high quality construction reflects the attention to detail associated with pumping Station A. It is proposed that an extension is made to the current conservation area boundary to include these water Gothic, Byzantine and Russian architecture that workers cottages. are combined to create a rich effect. The principal nineteenth century stations are faced in yellow Architectural styles, materials and detailing brick with polychrome and freestone detailing. This The mills and adjacent houses all have a ‘Georgian’ exuberance contrasts with the sombre functional character, derived from the use of brick elevations architecture of the former Nicholson’s distillery with gauged brick arches and multi-paned sash complex that is elevated in a simple, classically windows, set in reveals. The bottom stages of the derived style and faced in yellow stock brickwork. clock tower, attached to the west end of the Clock Ashlar detailing is restricted to principal door Mill, has ‘Gothick’ sash windows and doors with surrounds, imposts and cornices. interlacing glazing bars. These date from the mid- The aluminium cladding and striking design of eighteenth century. Both slate roofing and plain clay Abbey Mills Pumping Station F is in complete tiles are used as roofing materials. The House Mill has contrast to the facing brickwork of the traditional handmade brick elevations of multi-coloured brick buildings which characterise the area. It provides reflecting the variable quality of bricks produced by the only example of exceptional architecture from kilns at this period. The House Mill and adjoining the later twentieth century within the conservation “houses” are faced in bricks of a consistent buff- area. The twin giant cylindrical flues are particularly yellow colour. This illustrates the more consistent noteworthy. quality of this later eighteenth and early nineteenth century brickwork. Listed buildings The Abbey Mills Pumping Stations are lavishly A listed building is one that is included on the detailed in an exotic eclectic High Victorian hybrid Government’s Statutory List of Buildings of Special style. They borrow architectural details from Italian Architectural or Historic Interest. These buildings are protected by law and consent is required from the London Borough of Newham before any works of alteration, extension or demolition can be carried out. The House Mill is a grade I listed building of national importance. It is a rare and distinguished example of a highly graded listed industrial building in London, with ancient origins. Listed Buildings within the area include: • Abbey Mills Pumping Station – grade II* • Ancillary Pump House to South-East of Pump House – grade II • Stores Building to West of Pumping Station – grade II • Bases of pair of Former Chimney Stacks at Abbey Mills Pumping Station – grade II • Offices (Former Superintendents House) at Abbey Mills – grade II • Gate Lodge at Abbey Mills • Gates and Gatepiers at entrance to Abbey Mills Pumping Station

Page 12 Three Mills Conservation Aea • Tide Mill known as House Mill, Three Mills – Weak gateways grade I Entrances or ‘gateways’ into the area are very • Clock Mill, Three Mills – Grade II* important since they serve to reinforce the area’s distinctive identity and emphasise the transition • Offices, former Custom House, east of House from one area to another. The gateways into Mill opposite Clock Mill, Three Mills – grade II the conservation area from the east are marred • Paved roadway extending from west side of by poorly maintained roads (Abbey Lane) with House Mill to wall and gate on East side of inappropriately implemented closure of Abbey Clock Mill – grade II Lane to the west of the Greenway bridge. The use Locally listed buildings of brightly painted sections of concrete to close the highway to vehicles and the retention of a redundant These are buildings of local interest that have been height restriction barrier serves to create a feeling identified by the London Borough of Newham as of neglect. This is exacerbated by the use of the being of special architectural or historic interest verges and adjacent land for fly tipping. but falling just ‘beneath the line’ for inclusion within the statutory list (or simply inexplicably omitted). A Redundant street furniture and poor quality single locally listed “building” (the bridge carrying finishes on Abbey Road seriously detract from the the Northern Outfall Sewer) is identified on the appearance and environmental quality of the area. Townscape Appraisal Map. The interesting series of distinctive fretwork sign Buildings of townscape merit posts, interpretation boards and public art along the ‘Greenway’ have been subject to vandalism A small number of traditional buildings with and general wear. This detracts from the local surviving historic character have been identified environment and creates a feeling of abandonment on the Townscape Appraisal Map as being and a threatening environment for pedestrians. The ‘Buildings of Townscape Merit’ (annotated as public realm along the footpaths also suffers from “positive buildings”). Buildings identified as having an abundance of litter and graffiti that detracts from ‘townscape merit’ are good examples of relatively the character and appearance of the area. The tidal unaltered Georgian or Victorian buildings whose waterways are spoiled by rubbish, particularly at style, detailing and building materials provide low tide. These areas have a semi-natural quality the townscape with its special historic character that is easily marred. and appearance. Most importantly, they make a positive contribution to the special interest of the Boundary Review conservation area. Where a building has been heavily Whilst the existing boundary of the conservation altered, and restoration would be impractical, they area was found to be a good reflection of the area are excluded. All Buildings of Townscape Merit are with surviving special interest, a small area of Abbey identified on the Townscape Appraisal Map. Lane with listed workers’ cottages is inextricably 1.7 NEGATIVE FEATURES AND ISSUES linked to the Abbey Mills Pumping complex and should form part of the designated area. The area The negative issues/features of the area listed below should also include the tall yellow stock brick wall detract from the special character and appearance opposite these dwellings and the bridge to the of the conservation area: sewer as these enclose and define their setting and are historically appropriate to the whole.

Three Mills Conservation Aea Page 13 PART 2 CONSERVATION AREA MANAGEMENT PROPOSALS

2.1 MANAGEMENT PROPOSALS 2.1.3 BUILDINGS OF LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL OR HISTORIC INTEREST AND BUILDINGS OF 2.1.1 LEGISLATIVE BACKGROUND TOWNSCAPE MERIT The designation and appraisal of any conservation Within the area are many individual and groups of area is not an end in itself. The purpose of this buildings and structures, which, whilst not nationally document is to present proposals to achieve the listed, are of considerable local interest. One, the preservation and enhancement of the conservation northern Outfall Sewer Bridge is already on the area’s special character, informed by the appraisal, council’s local list. Others will be considered for and to consult the local community about these inclusion on that list. The Council will seek to retain proposals. The special qualities of the area have these buildings and ensure that new development been identified as part of the appraisal process in does not harm the character, appearance or the first section of this document and both will be setting of the building. The townscape appraisal subject to monitoring and reviews on a regular basis. map identifies such positive buildings. There is a This guidance draws upon the themes identified presumption that all such buildings will be retained. in Section 7 of the Conservation Area Appraisal Policies EQ30, EQ31 and EQ36 of the Development ‘Negative features and issues’. The document Plan provide the criteria against which all such satisfies the statutory requirement of section 71(1) proposals for alterations will be assessed. of the Planning (Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas) Act 1990 namely: Any application for the demolition of such buildings will need to be accompanied by a reasoned “It shall be the duty of the local planning authority justification (similar to that required for a listed from time to time to formulate and publish proposals building) stating why the building should be for the preservation and enhancement of any parts demolished. The Council will expect the applicant of their area which are conservation areas.” to demonstrate that: The document reflects Government guidance • The building is beyond economic repair; set out in Planning Policy Guidance 15 ‘Planning and the Historic Environment’, English Heritage • The building has been offered on the open guidance titled ‘Guidance on the management of market at a realistic price; conservation areas’ (August 2005), Best Practice • If vacant, that alternative uses have been guidelines, policies within the Adopted London sought; Borough of Newham Unitary Development Plan (2001) [Development Plan] and any subsequent • That the replacement building will be of sufficient Development Plan policies. It is essential that quality to gain planning permission. the development control process ensures the Furthermore, the Council will expect all applications preservation of special character and that for extensions and alterations to Buildings of opportunities are taken to identify and implement Townscape Merit to be particularly carefully enhancements. considered and only well detailed schemes, 2.1.2 STATUTORY CONTROLS using the appropriate traditional materials, will be approved. Designation as a conservation area brings a number of specific statutory provisions aimed at assisting The Council will require all planning applications for the ‘preservation and enhancement’ of the area. works that have a significant impact on the qualities These controls include requiring Conservation Area of the area (by virtue of their visual qualities or Consent for the demolition of any unlisted building, activities generated) be accompanied by a design fewer permitted development rights for alterations statement. and extensions, restrictions on advertisements and Action: the council will ensure that all locally listed requiring notice for proposed tree works. and buildings of townscape merit are protected from ACTION: The Council will seek to ensure that new inappropriate forms of development or unjustified development within the conservation area preserves demolition. Furthermore, there must be satisfactory or enhances the character or appearance of the area proposals for the redevelopment of any site before in accordance with policy EQ30 of the Development consent will be granted for demolition in accordance Plan and other guidance. Similarly it will seek to with development plan and other guidance. ensure that initiatives aimed at the regeneration of 2.1.4 trees the wider area respect, enhance and promote the conservation and heritage qualities of the area and Within conservation areas, anyone intending its setting. lopping or felling a tree greater than 100 mm. in diameter at 1.5 metres above the ground must give the Council six weeks written notice before starting the work. This provides the Council with an opportunity of assessing the tree to see if it

Page 14 Three Mills Conservation Aea makes a positive contribution to the character Much of the public realm in the area is dedicated or appearance of the conservation area, in which to informal recreation space. The semi-natural case a Tree Preservation Order may be served. The areas, along the banks of the watercourses are appraisal identifies a number of significant trees particularly attractive and rare in inner London. The which should be retained and those already subject management of these areas is essential to ensure to a Tree Preservation Order. that they remain attractive to visitors and wildlife. The Lea Valley Rivers Trust currently fundraises and ACTION: The Council will consider the use of Tree works with local volunteers to manage these areas. Preservation Orders in appropriate circumstances where a tree has significant amenity value. This will ACTION: The Council will seek to provide professional include trees both within and outside the area, where and financial support, subject to resources, to these contribute to the setting of the area or views assist with habitat management to ensure that the identified in the appraisal. The Council will consider biodiversity of the area is maintained and where additional tree planting as part of wider public realm possible, enhanced. The Council will work with other improvements and enhancement schemes, subject stakeholders to ensure that these vulnerable areas to resources. are maintained to maximise the perceived safety of the area, in accordance with the Council’s Crime 2.1.5 settinG AND VIEWS and Disorder agenda. The setting of the conservation area is very important and development that impacts in a detrimental way upon the immediate setting and longer views, into 2.2 MONITORING AND REVIEW and from the conservation area, will be resisted. In The following actions are to be taken to ensure contrast, high quality development that preserves or that this appraisal and management proposals are enhances the setting of the area will be encouraged accepted and acted upon by the local community: by the Council. The important views are identified on the Townscape Analysis Map in the character 2.2.1 PUBLIC CONSULTATION appraisal. The Council will seek to ensure that all ACTION: The appraisal and management plan were development serves to respect these important subject to a six week period of public consultation. views and longer views of landmarks within the area This included an advertisement in the local paper; as seen from further away. placing the document on the Council’s website and ACTION: The Council will seek to ensure that all in local libraries; consultation with local amenity development respects the important views within, and residents’ groups; providing a public exhibition into and from the conservation area, as identified locally and subsequently making appropriate in the appraisal. The Council will aim to ensure that amendments. these remain protected from inappropriate forms of 2.2.2 BOUNDARY REVIEW development and that due regard is paid to these views in the formulation of public realm works or The appraisal identified that whilst the existing enhancement schemes in accordance with the boundary was generally a good reflection of the area Development Plan and other guidance. of special character, a small area on Abbey Lane warranted inclusion within the conservation area 2.1.6 THE PUBLIC REALM AND ENHANCEMENT and steps should be taken to revise the designation The appraisal has identified elements of remaining accordingly. historic floorscape in the conservation area such ACTION: The Council will extend the current as granite cobbles, but the area has generally boundary of the designated area to include a small been resurfaced using modern artificial materials. part of Abbey Lane as recommended in the appraisal Lighting is provided by late twentieth century, document and thereafter continue to review the utilitarian columns. Gateways into the area are boundary of the conservation area in accordance currently weakened by non-contextual finishes with Best Practice and guidance on management of and poor maintenance. A critical audit of the public the historic environment. realm should be undertaken to identify historic remains worthy of retention, redundant features, 2.2.3 DOCUMENT REVIEW other features of quality and opportunities for This document should be reviewed every five years enhancement, subject to resources. in the light of the Local Development Framework ACTION: The Council will seek to ensure that any and emerging government policy. A review should surviving historic streetscape features are retained, include the following: and that any future highway works will bring a • A survey of the conservation area and positive improvement to the character or appearance boundaries; of the conservation area. All works should accord with the spirit of English Heritage’s ‘Streets For All’ • An updated ‘Heritage Count’ comprising a campaign. comprehensive photographic building record;

Three Mills Conservation Aea Page 15 • An assessment of whether the management • The production of a short report detailing the proposals detailed in this document have findings of the survey and proposed actions and been acted upon, including proposed amendments; enhancements; • Public consultation on the review findings, • A ‘Buildings At Risk’ survey to identify any any proposed changes and input into the final buildings whose condition poses a threat to review. their integrity;

PART 3 Appendices

3.1 Sources of Further information London Borough of Newham, Regeneration and Development, Town Hall Annexe 330-354 Barking Road, London E6 2RT. Telephone: 020 8430 2000 For further information relating to listed buildings and conservation areas. The Victorian Society 1 Priory Gardens Bedford Park, London W4 1TT Telephone: 020 8994 1019 www.victorian-society.org.uk For the ‘Care for Victorian Houses’ leaflet. 3.2 Bibliography Cherry, Bridget et al (2005) ‘The Buildings of England London 5: East’. Yale University Press. London Lewis, Jim (1999) ‘London’s Lea Valley: Britain’s Best Kept Secret’ Phillimore. Chichester, West Sussex. Pewsey, Stephen (2001) ‘Newham: past and present’ Sutton Publishing. Stroud, Gloucestershire. Pewsey, Stephen (1993) ‘Stratford: A pictorial history’. Phillimore. Chichester, West Sussex. London Borough of Newham (1986) ‘West Ham 1886-1986’. London Borough of Newham. London London Borough of Newham Library Service (1972) ‘Newham – Background to the Borough.’ London Borough of Newham. London The Lower Lea Project – A cross curricular resource for teachers. Paper pages 33-43. London Borough of Newham.

Page 16 Three Mills Conservation Aea Map 2 Townscape Appraisal

A TE LANE 121 TO 119 LAN

LEGGATT ROAD E

PH 11

7

84 82

113 Works 25

DELIUS GROVE 78 86 31 to 66 to 31

18 10 ANE

Central House 12 ABBEY L 130

116 6 1 1 DELIUS GROVE 39

BISSON RO

Three Mills 3 9

AD 15

24

1

CLAYPOLE RO 20

13 OAD 6

111

100 Works AD 18 GAY R

STREIMER Conservation Area 2 Depot

Garage 11 Lodge

15

16

2 19 18

41 ROAD

109 8

Conservation Area 44 29 31

14 D 12

45

ROA 11

16 ABBEY 10 and

Proposed addition to 9

107 49 RIVERSIDE ROAD 114

Conservation Area LEGGAT 23 32

Works Depot 56 TROA

55 59

10a Listed Building Factory D 37 Abbey Mills

24 Pumping

13 Station El

Sub S 70

ta PositiveSUGAR HOUSE LANE Building 18

128 OAD Works 65 Warehouse 11

Tanks 130 Warehouse Negative structure RIVERSIDE R 75

Warehouse SUGAR HOUSE LANE

Buildings of Local Interest Factory 142 1 2

Significant trees 154 Works Channelsea Business Centre

Significant tree groups 164 HUNT'S LANE 24

tory 3 AllotmentsFac Gtec H 1 to ouse

Reed bed P

R R 26

E E S V C I O

R T

Distillery T Key views L

L C

A H 30

W A Significant boundary walls N S N

L E

L L I

M EK Focal buildings

E RE

E C Significant open space R H

Works T

Water A B B E Y

Works

Tredegar Wharf R I VER

L E A

HANC

OCK R

OAD 5

Tide or House Mill

D CROWS ROA Clock Mill 28 ANE OTIS STREET

THREE MILL L

EEK Warehouse R

C Tanks

W

Superstore BO E R 4 I V R A S E E L N 1 A N C H

PERIAL STREET Gas Holder IM

Gas Holder Gas Holder Depot © Crown copyright. All rights reserved. LB Newham LA086517 2002

Three Mills Conservation Aea Page 17 Published by Director of Physical Regeneration & Development

December 2007