Draft Supplementary Planning Document I February 2014
Contents
1. Introduction 2. Planning Policy and Wider Context 3. Spatial Context 4. Vision for Kew 5. Objectives 6. Character Area Assessments 7. Features and Materials 8. Guidance for Inland Revenue Site 9. Guidance for Biothane Site 10. Shop Front Guidance 11. Forecourt Parking
Appendices
1. Relevant Policies and Guidance 2. Sites Allocation Plan - sites in Kew 1. Introduction
The purpose of this Village Planning Guidance Supplementary Planning The London Borough of Richmond Document (SPD) is primarily to establish upon Thames has been divided into a vision and planning policy aims for, and a series of smaller village areas. assist in defining, maintaining and enhancing Each village is distinctive in terms of the character of, Kew Village, and to provide the community, facilities and local character – as are many sub areas guidance in this regard. The SPD will within the villages. ultimately form part of the Village Plan. The villages of the London Borough By identifying key features of the village, Richmond upon Thames are the SPD clarifies the most important attractive with many listed buildings aspects and features that contribute to and conservation areas, the local local character to guide those seeking to character of each being unique, make changes to their properties or to recognisable and important to the develop new properties in the area, as well community and to the aesthetic of as advising council officers and members the borough as a whole. making decisions on planning applications.
The core of this SPD is a series of character area assessments for the component areas of Kew. These character areas have been identified through the similarity of key features that are deemed to define their local character. The assessments establish dominant features and materials as well as an overall description of the street pattern and housing types.
Kew Village Planning Guidance SPD area
4 The boundary for the SPD has been defined The community was initially involved based on a number of criteria as follows: through:
■■ taking account of physical and ■■ Drop in session at St Luke’s Church, The administrative boundaries, including Avenue (Nov 30th 2013) conservation area boundaries to avoid ■■ Resident walkabout around Kew (Dec 1st these being split between village areas; 2013) and ■■ Online questionnaire (running Nov 30th ■ how local communities viewed their local ■ to Dec 14th 2013) areas when asked through the Council’s 2010 ‘All-In-One’ survey. ■■ Stakeholder and business workshop (Jan 10th 2014, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew) This SPD has been produced by the Council ■■ This formal stage of consultation provides working closely with the community. This has a further opportunity to help shape the ensured that local residents, businesses and SPD. stakeholders have been genuinely involved in defining the important features – as well as The Village Planning Guidance is the opportunities and threats – that define complementary to the wider Village Plans their local area. that have been produced for each village area, which include issues and actions for continual improvement. The SPD fulfils the aim of residents having greater control and influence over planning and development decisions in their local area, being an adopted document under the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames statutory planning policy framework, and linking to the relevant Village Plan.
Consultation events for the Kew Village Planning Guidance SPD
5 2. Planning Policy and Wider Context
2.1. Planning policy framework 2.2. Key planning policies DMP Policy DM DC 1 Design Quality CS Policy CP8: Town and Local Centres New development must be of a high Retail and town centre uses will be The London Borough of Richmond upon SPDs cannot create new policies but architectural and urban design quality supported providing that it is appropriate Thames current statutory planning policy expand on policies set out in higher plans, based on sustainable design principles. to the role in the hierarchy of the centres, framework is set out in adopted Plans notably the Core Strategy (CS) and the Development must be inclusive, respect and respects the character, environment and which make up the Local Plan – being Development Management Plan (DMP). local character including the nature of historical interest of the area. the Core Strategy, adopted in April 2009, This SPD relates to a considerable number a particular road, and connect with, and and the Development Management Plan, of higher policies, notably: contribute positively, to its surroundings CS Policy CP11 River Thames Corridor adopted in November 2011. There is an based on a thorough understanding of the The natural and built environment and online proposals map and also a range of CS Policy CP7: Maintaining and Improving the site and its context. the unique historic landscape of the River guidance provided by way of Supplementary Local Environment Thames corridor within the Borough will be Planning Documents (SPDs) and Guidance In assessing the design quality of a proposal 7.B All new development should recognise protected and enhanced. for the area. This SPD will form part of the the Council will have regard to the distinctive local character and contribute to planning policy framework upon adoption. following: creating places of a high architectural and DMP Policy DM OS 4 Historic Parks, Gardens There is also a range of evidence base urban design quality that are well used and and Landscapes studies that the Council has undertaken ■■ compatibility with local character valued. Proposals will have to illustrate that Parks and gardens as well as landscapes of which help to guide policy making. including relationship to existing they: special historic interest included in the townscape and Register compiled by English Heritage and The Council is preparing a Site Allocations (i) are based on an analysis and ■■ frontages, scale, height, massing, other historic parks, gardens and landscapes Plan (SA Plan), which will include site- understanding of the Borough’s proportions and form ... (including Royal Botanic Gardens)... will specific proposals for the whole borough, development patterns, features and ■■ sustainable development and adaptability, be protected and enhanced. other than Twickenham town centre (which views, public transport accessibility subject to aesthetic considerations is already covered by the Twickenham Area and maintaining appropriate levels of DMP Policy DM HD 1 Conservation Areas – Action Plan). The SA Plan will become part ■■ layout and access amenity; designation, protection and enhancement of the Local Plan when adopted. The site- ■■ space between buildings and relationship Buildings or parts of buildings, street (ii) connect positively with their specific proposals in the SA Plan will look to the public realm furniture, trees and other features which surroundings to create safe and inclusive ahead over the next 15 years and be used ■■ detailing and materials make a positive contribution to the places through the use of good design to set out general principle for development character, appearance or significance of the and determine planning applications on principles including layout, form, area should be retained. these sites. Some SA Plan sites in Kew are scale, materials, natural surveillance Whilst all adopted policies are applicable, included in Section 8 of this document, and orientation, and sustainable those of particular relevance are: (A full list which goes into more detail on design construction. of relevant policies is appended). objectives where appropriate. A full list of the SA sites are provided in Appendix 2.
6 DMP Policy DM HD 2 ■■ where such parking would detract ■■ Maintain and improve residential areas ■■ Provide small parks and children’s Conservation of Listed Buildings and Scheduled from the streetscape or setting of the through ensuring changes and extensions play space in areas which are beyond Ancient Monuments property to houses are compatible with local walking distance of existing facilities, if Preservation of Listed Buildings of special character. opportunities arise. architectural or historic interest and Policy DM OS 11 Thames Policy Area ■■ Ensure that new development is Ancient Monuments and seek to ensure The special character of the Thames Policy appropriate in terms of scale and 2.4. Wider Context (Village Plans) that they are kept in a good state of repair. Area (TPA), as identified on the Proposals materials and includes sufficient car Map, will be protected and enhanced parking. Village Plans have been developed for each DMP Policy DM HD 3 by... ensuring development establishes a ■■ Prevent an increase in car parking in of Richmond’s 14 villages. Each Village Plan Buildings of Townscape Merit relationship with the river and takes full front gardens where possible through describes a vision for the village area and Preservation and enhancement of Buildings advantage of its location planning control and publicising design identifies what the Council will do and of Townscape Merit and the Council will use guidance. what local people can do to achieve the its powers where possible to protect their 2.3. Planning Policy Aims vision together. It sets out the key issues ■■ Ensure that grass verges, street trees and significance, character and setting. and priorities and provides background other vegetation are retained This SPD reinforces the existing planning information on the village area. The Village DMP Policy DM HD 5 World Heritage Site policy aims which have been established for ■■ Reduce the impact of through traffic Plans are maintained on the Council’s The Council will work with others, to Kew which seek to achieve the following: and congestion. Protect and improve website and are updated regularly as works protect, promote, interpret, sustainably use, views to the opposite Riverbank, notably are progressed. They cover a wide range conserve and where appropriate enhance ■■ Maintain and protect the vitality and Strand on the Green which is one of the of topics, including matters not within the the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew World viability of Kew Gardens Station Parade most attractive urban views on the River, remit of the SPD. Heritage Site and its setting including the as a shopping and service centre and by making appropriate representations. buffer zone by conserving its Outstanding the shopping parades at Kew Green and ■■ Improve access to the riverside and This Village Planning Guidance SPD forms Universal Value, integrity, authenticity and Sandycombe Road. towpath where opportunities arise, and part of the Village Plan by providing a significance. ■■ Ensure local character and historic the attractiveness of the Kew Pier area formal planning policy document which buildings and features are retained which is one of the tourist gateways to can be used to guide new development DMP Policy DM TP 9 Forecourt Parking and enhanced, particularly in the the Borough. that has responded to residents desire to The parking of vehicles in existing front conservation areas at Kew Green, Kew ■■ Seek to improve health and youth have greater control and influence over gardens will be discouraged, especially Road and Lawn Crescent. Encourage facilities and to improve Kew Library planning and development decisions in their where the enhancement of the setting of Kew on a larger site (possibly with local area. The involvement of the local Palace. other community uses) if a suitable community in the production of the SPD has been essential in ensuring it is a genuine ■■ this would result in the removal of ■■ Work with the Royal Botanic Gardens opportunity becomes available. architectural features such as walls, gates to protect the setting of the World reflection of resident’s priorities. and paving, or of existing trees and other Heritage site and the views from it, and vegetation or, to restore Kew riverfront.
7 3. Spatial Context
This section covers transport, green spaces, Facilities in Kew Connectivity and accessibility Green Infrastructure shops and services which are an essential part of the village’s character. These are ■■ Kew Retail Park is a shopping centre ■■ A range of walking and cycling routes ■■ The Royal Botanic Gardens detailed below and, together with its providing a wide range of high street including National Cycle Route 4 (which ■■ Kew Green historic assets, are mapped on the following names. runs from London to Fishguard in ■■ North Sheen Recreation Ground pages. ■■ Kew Gardens Station Parade. Wales and is part of the National Cycle Network). ■■ Westerley Ware Recreation Ground ■■ Local shopping parades at Kew Green with new playground in 2012 and bee ■■ Bus, rail and tube services with a hub at and Sandycombe Road. hives in 2013 Kew Gardens Station. ■■ The area has a number of schools and ■■ North Sheen and Mortlake Cemeteries education establishments. ■■ Good quality bus infrastructure. ■■ A number of smaller green spaces ■■ St Luke’s House education centre ■■ Rail and underground connectivity at ■ Links to the River Thames provides a range of activities for all Kew Gardens Station. ■ ages and includes a hall for local events. ■■ The River Thames towpath Kew Village also contains Kew Studio, a registered educational charity, offering opportunities for artists. ■■ North Sheen Recreation Ground has benefited from a new pavilion with community room. ■■ There are currently two GPs, two dentists and three pharmacies.
8 Connectivity and Accessibility in Kew
9 Facilities in Kew
10 Green Infrastructure in Kew
11 Historic Assets in Kew
© Crown copyright and database rights 2012 LegenOrddnance Survey 100019441 SPD Boundary Conservation Area Building Of Townscape Merit Listed Buildings
4. Vision for Kew 5. Objectives
The vision for Kew is to maintain its character as a The Kew Village Planning Guidance SPD has been residential area. developed to meet the following objectives, which Kew is enclosed on two sides by a bend There are conservation areas at Kew correspond to those in the Council’s Design Quality SPD. in the River Thames. The river and related Green, Kew Road, Kew Gardens and Lawn towpaths and open spaces are the defining Crescent. features of the area. Key open areas include Identify local character – to identify Implementation of schemes – to the Royal Botanic Gardens - a World The Royal Botanic Gardens is protected local character and historic assets for provide advice for householders and Heritage Site - and Kew Green, which forms open land, as are Kew Green, North Sheen enhancement or protection. businesses that will help them achieve an important gateway to the Borough. Recreation ground and Mortlake Cemetery. repairs and modernisation which respects Promote high standards of design - to local character. While Kew Green is fronted by grand There is a thriving local shopping centre at promote through high quality illustrative Georgian and Victorian homes, to the Kew Gardens Station and local parades at material and simple guidance and advice to Design Review – to provide a framework north east of the Green are terraced Kew Green and Sandycombe Road. These local residents and businesses. for the Council to use in reviewing the cottages which create a more intimate local centres are protected by planning effectiveness of planning and other public urban character. Houses are more densely policy. Development Management – to realm decisions. arranged in Kew than many other parts of set design guidelines for householders, the Borough with shorter set backs and The vision is based on maintaining the developers and the Council (in relation Local Policy Context - to identify those fewer spaces between properties. Mortlake character of Kew as an attractive residential to public realm) to encourage high quality statutory policies (Core Strategy and Road is lined by tall mature trees. There area with enhancement of community development and if possible avoid the need Development Management Plan) which are has been major residential development facilities. The setting for the Royal Botanic to refuse development proposals. essential to addressing local issues. (See at the Kew Riverside for contemporary Gardens World Heritage site will be paragraph 2.3 above and Appendix 1) apartments and houses in an landscaped maintained and enhanced; Kew Garden setting. Station shopping parade will continue to thrive and provide a shopping and service centre for residents and visitors; Kew Green and Sandycombe Road will continue to provide local shops and services; and the towpath and open spaces and pedestrian links across the railway maintained and enhanced where the opportunity arises.
14 6. Character Area Assessments
The identification of the local character is one of the primary objectives of the SPD.
The character area assessments sub-divide the village into a smaller set of sub areas, some of which are further sub-divided.
Each has been identified by grouping properties with similar characteristics, features and materials which have been identified and captured.
Character Area Plan
15 Conservation Area 1: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew This provides a summary of the main characteristics of the conservation area. More detailed information can be viewed using the link provided below.
The Royal Botanic Gardens are a significant The main considerations for conservation Royal estate and illustrate significant at the Royal Botanic Gardens are to periods in the art of garden design from the conserve the outstanding universal values eighteenth to the twentieth century. The of this UNESCO World Heritage site and Royal Botanic Gardens Kew conservation to ensure the Gardens are preserved as area is bounded to the north-east by the a unique historical asset. The landscape backs of houses facing Kew Garden, to the vision can be defined as conserving east by Kew Road, the south by the Old and interpreting the layered history Deer Park and to the west and north-west of the Gardens in dialogue with a new by the Thames. contemporary layer representing the role of Kew Gardens in the twenty first century. The walls and views created by William Westfield (1840) are key features of the ■■ Evolved from private estates of garden, still forming the main avenues and/ Frederick, Prince of Wales, and that of or sightlines through the gardens. The George II and Queen Caroline riverside wall outside the Garden grounds ■■ Grade I on the register of parks and is of great value and forms one of the more Gardens of Special Historic Interest remarkable stretches of the 213 mile long ■ Features the landscape designs of Thames Path. The soft landscaping and ■ Charles Bridgeman, ‘Capability’ Brown, absence of motor vehicles and buildings, William Chambers and William Westfield adds to the quality of experience. ■■ Contains 44 listed buildings including The Gardens were inscribed on the list Kew Palace, the Temperate House, the of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO Palm House, Queen Charlotte’s Cottage and the Japanese Gateway on 3rd July 2003 in recognition of their Kew Gardens uninterrupted contribution to botanic ■■ Chambers 163ft tall pagoda of 1761 is and environmental science since 1759. a focal point of architectural distinction, The Royal Botanic Gardens now has its visible above many trees obscuring the own comprehensive Landscape Master remainder of the otherwise level site Plan which provides an overall vision for ■■ Enclosed by high quality walls and gates Kew Gardens with long term aims looking forward 30 years. A ‘buffer’ zone surrounds the Gardens in order to protect its setting. www.richmond.gov.uk/home/environment/ land_and_premises/conservation_area_ appraisals_and_management_plans.htm
The Palm House The Waterlily House
16 AREA 1
1. Conservation Area: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
17 Conservation Area 2: Kew Green This provides a summary of the main characteristics of the conservation area. More detailed information can be viewed using the link provided below.
Character Summary Main Characteristics
The boundaries of this area follow those of ■■ Attractive, wide views across Kew Green the conservation area. The character area and along the bend of the river. takes in Kew Green and the buildings that ■■ High quality groups of eighteenth-century surround it, the river bank to the north, and nineteenth-century buildings. and the residential streets to the east of ■■ Green spaces: Kew Green, the park on the Green as far as the railway line, and the east side of Kew Bridge and the the northern section of Kew Road. These riverside. form four sub-areas. This Character Area is exceptional in the consistent quality of its ■■ Tree-lined residential streets. architecture and open spaces. www.richmond.gov.uk/home/environment/ The Green is triangular and surrounded by land_and_premises/conservation_area_ eighteenth and nineteenth-century houses, appraisals_and_management_plans.htm together with a number of pubs, restaurants and shops. The Church of St Anne (1710-14) and the pond provide focal points for the two segments of this open space, which is bisected by the A205. The western side of the Green generally has a greater concentration of larger, grander houses than the east. The later nineteenth and twentieth-century residential streets to the east of the Green Kew Green are largely well-maintained and preserved.
______* The Kew green conservation area study was published in 1994. Elements of the study have been updated in this section.
The Coach and Horses Hotel, Kew Green Kew Bridge
18 AREA 2
2. Conservation Area: Kew Green
19 Conservation Area 2: (continued) Kew Green This provides a summary of the main characteristics of the conservation area. More detailed information can be viewed using the link provided below.
The Green Dominant Materials and Features: There is an excellent view over the wall Dominant Materials and Features: of Kew Palace which then gives way to a This is the heart of the conservation area ■■ Red and stock brick laid to flemish bond service entrance to the Gardens and a car ■■ Stock brick and is one of the focal points of Kew. It is render park. In summer the trees on Brentford ■■ Pitched roofs and timber sashes, an attractive open space surrounded by an Ait conceal much of the new development ■■ Parapet roofs ■■ ‘Heritage’-style bollards, railings and exceptional group of large eighteenth and opposite on the north bank but in winter ■■ Pitched roofs lighting nineteenth century houses, many of which the new, high-rise blocks on the north bank are listed. The A205 bisects the Green, ■■ Timber sash windows are much more apparent. though the impact of the traffic is partly ■■ Chimneys Residential Roads mitigated by planting, with mature trees ■■ Planting The Conservation Area Study describes adding greatly to the appearance of the area. the area around Kew Pier as having poor These roads comprise of good-quality nineteenth and early twentieth-century Important features include St Anne’s Church The Riverside quality surfacing, seating area, bollards, on Kew Green (west), the pond on Little stanchions and litterbins. The quality of the housing. The different developments all have a distinct character and style. Generally Green (east) and Queen Elizabeth Gate to The riverside path provides a green and street furniture along here is now new and the houses are well-preserved and the the Royal Botanic Gardens. peaceful aspect to the conservation area. smart. The Pier retains a slightly temporary appearance due to a mobile hut. The groups retain their historic character. The streets are mainly paved with traditional- The Kew Green Conservation Area Study There are broad views created by the bend surfacing along the riverside path is unmade size concrete paving slabs and are lined with listed several ‘problems and pressures’ in the river which are particularly dramatic but this is in keeping with its more rural trees. which have largely been resolved. looking towards Kew Bridge. The character feel. The chicken wire fencing in several There seems to be little in the way of of the path is quite different on one side of places along the east side that separates the The Conservation Area Study notes that unsympathetic change to front elevations, Kew Bridge from the other. The east side path from the allotments and the bowling much of the joinery on Gloucester Road boundaries and shop fronts now and is lined by small terraces of nineteenth- and tennis club is unattractive. There is now has been changed. It appears that many there are few examples where the front century cottages with open spaces - a a sign at the Pier informing walkers of local of these houses have subsequently been boundaries to properties could be playground, communal greens, an allotment points of interest and the majority of the restored as the window joinery is now improved. Signage to the river, although and a bowls and tennis club. There are also boundaries to the terraced cottages are in reasonably consistent, which could be as a not highly visible, is shown on tasteful views of the north bank along this stretch good condition. result of the Article 4 Direction. However, signposts. The Coach and Horses car park, and its remarkable group of historic houses. some of the fretted bargeboards have been development site and ‘hoarding around no.6’ Immediately to the west of the bridge are There are a few examples where the fronts replaced with plainer versions on this street. are also no longer an issue for the Green twentieth-century flats. It is then bordered of the houses have been altered or painted The concrete lampposts cited in the Study having now been developed and the car by Ferry Lane, the new Herbarium and the in an unsympathetic way, but the majority have not yet been replaced. Throughout this park moved to the rear. wall of the Royal Botanic Gardens. are well-preserved and maintained. The most obvious change is to the backs of area a number of unsympathetic changes are Bushwood Road where the roofs have large, apparent; roof lights, dormers, replacement box dormers which are out of character front doors, the removal of original front with the roof form. walls and paths and front garden parking all
20 detract from the character of these streets. is a break in this consistent line of Proposed Action development. Beyond the Original Maids of Dominant Materials and Features: Honour tea room the plots become larger To consider reviewing and potentially and the houses date from the second half widening the current Kew Green ■■ Gables of the nineteenth as well as the twentieth Conservation Area Article 4 Direction ■■ Bay windows century. Most of the houses are set back 1995 a short distance from the road behind ■■ Front gardens with boundary walls boundary walls and small front gardens. ■■ Tree-lined streets ■■ Pitched roofs The problems and pressures affecting this ■■ Chimneys sub area mentioned in the Conservation Area Study seem to still be relevant except ■■ Porches that 276-348 Kew Road are now in good ■■ Polychromatic brickwork condition. ■■ Decorative bargeboards ■■ Distinctive glazing patterns Dominant Materials and Features ■■ Timber shopfronts on Mortlake Road ■■ Tall brick wall of the Royal Botanic ■■ Views to the green Gardens groups of eighteenth and nineteenth-century houses Kew Road ■■ Detached, modern houses This area takes in the north part of the ■■ Stock brick road, as it leads up to Kew Green. On the ■■ Pitched roofs west side is the tall wall and Victoria Gate, ■■ Timber sash windows Avenue Gate and Lion Gates of the Royal ■■ Gables Botanic Gardens. On the east side a high boundary wall and mature vegetation ■■ Parapet roofs punctuated by a number of gateways ■■ Front gardens and houses dating from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, many of them listed. Many of the houses form short terraces or pairs. Gloucester Court, as the Conservation Area Study mentions,
21 Character Area 3: Cumberland Road / Gloucester Court
Character Summary Cumberland Road
Area 3 comprises Gloucester Court, a This area comprises a section of Cumberland Property boundaries are generally not section of Cumberland Road, Mortlake Road, Road (not in the conservation area) and The defined by walls/fencing except along Kent Road and Hanover Close. It is worth Queen’s Church of England Primary School, Mortlake Road which is defined by dwarf noting that the area is surrounded by Kew Kew. The building is single storey with a flat brick walls, hedgerows and hedgerow trees. Gardens Conservation Area and Kew Green roof and is set back from the road. Fencing is Conservation Area. Area 3 is generally concrete post and metal wire mesh. Dominant Materials and Features: twentieth century development. Dominant Materials and Features: ■■ Materials are varied but generally are Gloucester Court brick (of different types and colours) Gloucester Court ■■ Front elevation has large areas of glazing ■■ Apartments have flat roofs/shallow Built in the early 1930s Gloucester Court ■■ Wide, white fascia boards pitched roofs and housing have pitched is a contained courtyard development ■■ White horizontal panelled cladding roofs of predominantly apartments with some ■■ Boundaries are not generally defined housing. Buildings are 2-4 storey. The ■■ Hedgerows and hedgerow trees along the (except along Mortlake Road) but spaces entrance off Kew Road is framed by an iron boundaries are reasonably contained gate and two brick archways. The design of this group of buildings is consistent. Kent Road
Dominant Materials and Features: The area around Kent Road includes blocks of apartments and housing that ■■ White painted render range between 2-4 storeys. Blocks have The Queen’s Church of England Primary School ■■ Red/brown brick and red clay roof tiles been developed at different times and materials vary but all were developed in ■■ Windows, chimney stacks and brickwork the late twentieth century. They include are distinctive features 4 storey apartments at Kenmore Close, and Sandstone, a contemporary block of apartments to the rear and 2 storey, terraced housing on Hanover Close. Blocks are broadly grouped in a semi-courtyard layout. Surface level parking is provided.
Kent Road
22 AREA 3
3. Character Area: Cumberland Road / Gloucester Court
23 Conservation Area 4: Kew Gardens This provides a summary of the main characteristics of the conservation area. More detailed information can be viewed using the link provided below.
Kew Gardens conservation area lies within Dominant Materials and Features: suburban Kew around Kew Gardens Station. ■■ Red brick The development of this area of former ■■ Bay windows fields and market gardens began following ■ Low boundary walls the opening of the Station in 1869. The ■ conservation area adjoins Kew Green, Lawn ■■ Pitched roofs Crescent, Kew Road, and the Royal Botanic Gardens. It is centred on the nineteenth Station Approach/Station Parade century Grade II listed Kew Garden Station The shops and cafes of Station Approach and building which is the gateway to the area. Kew Station Parade form a distinctive and The station is surrounded by shops and local interconnected group of buildings with the amenities. There is an important approach station. There are a mix of scale and styles, of and view from the station along the tree- buildings with many fine traditional shop fronts lined avenue of Lichfield Road, and its large including the single storey shop units nearer unspoilt detached villas, towards the Victoria the station. Wide street pavements allow for Gate of the Royal Botanic Gardens. The area easy access to the station, along with a cul-de- is generally characterised by residential streets sac of well detailed late Victorian workshops of substantial two to two and half storey found at Station Avenue. detached and semi-detached villas set in substantial garden plots with continuous front Dominant Materials and Features: boundary walls or railings. ■■ Red brick Ennerdale Road ■■ 3 storey buildings ■■ Archway access to the station The conservation area was extended to ■■ Victorian building include Ennerdale Road in 2004. The north Lichfield Road end of the road links onto Sandycombe Road Kew Station which connects to the railway station. It is made up of Victorian and Edwardian houses Kew station is one of the few surviving standing at three storeys with several infill and nineteenth century stations on the North replacement developments of flats. The area London Line; it is of two storey brick is predominately residential with fine mature construction with prominent round headed landscapes, formed by a mixture of street trees window openings. and planting. www.richmond.gov.uk/home/environment/ land_and_premises/conservation_area_
appraisals_and_management_plans.htm Station Approach Station Approach
24 4. Conservation Area: Kew Gardens
25 Conservation Area 5: Lawn Crescent This provides a summary of the main characteristics of the conservation area. More detailed information can be viewed using the link provided below.
Lawn Crescent conservation area is Dominant Materials and Features: situated west of Sandycombe Road and ■■ Pitched roofs east of Ennerdale Road. It was designated ■■ Dormer windows in recognition of the quality of the estate of houses around the central open space. The ■■ Shared front entrances crescent was built as a single estate circa ■■ Three centred brick arches 1900, although a few buildings to the north ■■ Square bay windows and south appear to be as early as 1892. ■■ French windows at first floor accessing onto balconies Lawn Crescent is formed around an attractive central enclosed garden ■■ Rough cast rendered coved eaves surrounded by twenty pairs of two storey ■■ Boundary brick walls red brick semi-detached houses. The ■■ Decorative bargeboards properties are distinctive because of their ■■ Street trees shared detailing and the self-contained, and unusual elongated crescent layout with www.richmond.gov.uk/home/environment/ regular sized plots. land_and_premises/conservation_area_ appraisals_and_management_plans.htm The well maintained and tranquil central garden is laid to grass and defined by well- constructed recent perimeter railings. A feature of the crescent is the gaps between the buildings giving glimpses beyond and adding interest at street level. Lawn Crescent
Lawn Crescent Lawn Green
26 AREA 5
5. Conservation Area: Lawn Crescent
27 Conservation Area 6: Kew Road This provides a summary of the main characteristics of the conservation area. More detailed information can be viewed using the link provided below.
The Kew Road Conservation Area links Dominant Materials and Features: Richmond with the Royal Botanic Gardens. The conservation area includes all buildings ■■ Linear nature fronting Kew Road between Broomfield ■■ Victorian properties with a wealth of Road and Christ Church with the detail, including decorative bargeboards, exceptions of numbers 234-240 Kew Road. balustrading and segmental bays One of the reasons for the designation was ■■ Prominent chimneystacks to protect frontage properties opposite ■■ Decorative bargeboards the gardens. The area is predominantly residential, with fine, imposing, detached www.richmond.gov.uk/home/environment/ houses in mature gardens interspersed land_and_premises/conservation_area_ with modern low rise blocks of flats and appraisals_and_management_plans.htm town houses. Some houses are now used as private schools.
There are some good modern metal and wooden benches to the eastern side of the road.
The surviving houses are Victorian, interspersed by more modern residential flats. The overriding quality of the conservation area stems from the linear Kew Road relationship between the street frontages and the wall to the Royal Botanic Gardens. This is emphasised by the mature planting in the Royal Botanic Gardens, along the broad footpath and in private gardens.
Kew Road The Original Maids of Honour, Kew Road
28 6. Conservation Area: Kew Road
29 Character Area 7: Sandycombe Road and surrounds
Character Summary with continuous terraces of small houses. frontages to red brick with more detail and The houses on Windsor Road have bay embellishment. This area takes in two neighbouring sub- windows on the ground floor but the road areas that have a close architectural is slightly narrower resulting in smaller front In view of the pressure for redevelopment relationship with the adjoining parts of gardens and an absence of street trees along Sandycombe Road there is a need Kew Gardens Conservation Area. Windsor unlike Alexandra Road. to ensure that redevelopment proposals and Alexandra Roads are late nineteenth- are sensitive to local scale and character century residential streets of compact, Dominant Materials and Features: (including heritage assets), and provide, two-storey terraces that form their own amongst other things, sufficient parking and sub area. The other takes in the east side of ■■ Stock brick amenity space. Sandycombe Road, south of High Park Road, ■■ Timber sashes and front doors which is lined with houses and shops. These Dominant Materials and Features: Victoria Parade, Sandycombe Road ■■ Bay windows too are modest, two-storey nineteenth- century buildings. ■■ Dwarf brick walls ■■ Stock brick ■■ Front gardens ■■ Timber sashes and front doors Main Characteristics ■■ Slate roofs ■■ Dwarf brick walls ■■ Bay windows ■■ Two-storey, nineteenth-century terraces ■■ Front gardens with pitched roofs, timber sash windows ■■ Chimneys ■■ Slate roofs and front gardens. ■■ Bay windows East Side of Sandycombe Road ■■ The north end of Sandycombe Road has ■■ Chimneys red-brick parades with mansard roofs, The houses on the east side of Sandycombe ■■ Red brick decorative glazing with some historic Alexandra Road shopfronts. Road are of a similar date to Alexandra and ■■ Decorative glazing Windsor Roads but are on a relatively busy ■■ The streets are either tarmac or paved ■■ Historic shopfronts thoroughfare. Some of the ground floors with traditionally sized concrete paving have been converted into shops and many slabs and are lined with trees. Proposed Action of the front elevations have been painted. North of the car dealership (no. 267) the Alexandra Road and Windsor Road Explore the potential for including Alexandra scale of the buildings becomes slightly Road and Windsor Road within the Kew larger scale and purpose-built parades The Alexandra Road and Windsor Road Gardens Conservation Area. predominate providing a variety to the area essentially relate to the series of building heights and rooflines. The materials streets above within the Kew Gardens of the buildings also change from stock brick Conservation Area. They are cul-de-sacs Victoria Parade, Sandycombe Road
30 AREA 7
7. Character Area: Sandycombe Road and Surrounds
31 Character Area 8: Gainsborough Road / Temple Road and surrounds
Character Summary to side alleys differ. Front gardens vary in ■■ Porches size; some with larger gardens that have ■■ Gables with applied half-timbering and This area is composed of predominantly commonly been converted for parking and bargeboards 1930s and 1940s brick terraces though some with short frontages which are more ■■ Front gardens there is a development of semi-detached consistently defined by low, brick boundary ■■ Timber front gates pairs of earlier housing between Burdett and walls or hedgerows. Gordon Roads. There is also a more modern development of houses west of Temple Road. Dominant Materials and Features: West of Temple Road / North of Front gardens tend to be generous and the Gainsborough Road streets are lined with trees. ■■ Garden city characteristics A more recently developed area is located ■■ Terrace rows Dominant Materials and Features: in the north-western corner of Area 8 Dudley Road ■■ Young street trees comprising 2-3.5 storey dense rows of ■■ Yellow/brown brick and pale render ■■ Stock brick courtyard-style housing. Materials typically ■■ Pitched roofs consist of red/brown brick, roofs are pitched, ■■ Pitched roofs ■■ Chimneys windows have white materials. ■■ Machine-made tiles ■■ Front gardens converted for parking ■■ Chimneys Some properties have porches with ■■ Porches with pitched roofs, street by street ■■ uPVC windows colonnade features. Car parking arrangements differing style of porch ■■ Low boundary walls vary, including some adjacent but separate ■■ Low brick walls/hedgerows and defensible courtyards/ garages. Boundary treatments are space with parking on street Gainsborough Road, Temple Road and characteristic of the adjoining roads but are Surrounds typically higher. Sandycombe Road Temple Road The layout of housing along Gainsborough Dominant Materials and Features: The semi-detached houses in the sub-area on Road has some characteristics of the ‘Garden Sandycombe Road form a distinct group from City’ concept of planning. Streets, including ■■ Red/ brown brick the simple terraces. They have well-preserved Gainsborough Road, Temple Road, Burdett ■■ 2-3.5 Storeys (including sky lights) frontages with generous front gardens. Road, Gordon Road and Dudley Street, are ■■ Pitched roofs generally designed in rows and materials Dominant Materials/Features: ■■ Colonades and porch roofs commonly used include yellow/brown stock ■■ Staggered build lines along frontage brick and pale render, have pitched roofs with ■ Red brick; render ■■ Buildings grouped machine-made tiles and white uPVC windows. ■ From street to street the detailing of porches ■■ Timber sashes and the brickwork around the entrance ■■ Slate roofs Gainsbourough Road
32 AREA 8
8. Character Area: Gainsborough Road / Temple Road and Surrounds
33 Character Area 9: Chilton Road and surrounds
Character Summary Main Characteristics Dominant Materials and Features:
This character area is strongly defined by ■■ Ordered streets of terraces and semi- ■■ Stock brick (laid to flemish bond) with neat streets of two-storey, uniform terraces detached two-storey houses red brick dressings which were already being laid out and built ■■ The houses have gables, timber sashes, ■■ Gables with decorative bargeboards and by 1902. Most houses belong to the same pitched roofs and chimneys fishscale hung-tiles development and are terraces of houses ■■ Small front gardens with dwarf, brick walls which compositionally form pairs with ■■ Projecting bays adjoining front doors. The elevations of ■■ Quiet, tree-lined streets with either ■■ Chimneys tarmac pavements or traditional size the houses are restrained, but nevertheless ■■ Timber, sash windows with decorative concrete paving slabs attractive and largely well-preserved. Darell glazing School, built c.1906, and designed in the Darell Road Queen Anne tradition of London Board North Road, Dancer Road and Darell East of Darell Primary School Schools, stands within these terraces on Road Niton Road. To the east of the school are a few streets These roads are characterised by of simple, rendered, single-bay, semi- predominantly one type of housing which The character area has one sub-area of detached houses. rendered houses which have bay windows are largely very well preserved. The houses are terraces built from stock brick with on the ground floor. Along the south edge Dominant Materials and Features: of North Sheen Recreation Ground are a red brick dressings. Compositionally they are pairs with adjacent front doors. Each few short terraces, built slightly later than ■■ Sash windows the rest of the area. These have not been house has a projecting bay under a gable. included as a distinct sub-area since they They have small front gardens which, being ■■ Rendered elevations are not experienced as a whole and they too small for parking, survive as such, even ■■ Bay windows Darell Primary and Nursery School integrate well with the surrounding houses. if the boundary walls have been replaced. ■■ Pitched roofs with clay tiles Adjacent to North Sheen Recreation Ground are short terraces of two-storey Proposed Actions houses (with gables at either end). The elevations have brick ground floors and ■■ Explore the potential to designate pebbledash, rendered upper floors. Darell Primary School as a Building of Townscape Merit ■■ Explore the potential to designate this area as a Conservation Area supported by an Article 4 Direction Niton Road
34 AREA 9
9. Character Area: Chilton Road and Surrounds
35 Character Area 10: Mortlake Road / North Sheen Cemetery / Mortlake Crematorium
Character Summary North Sheen Cemetery red brick entrance lodges by the gates on Clifford Avenue and the South Circular. This character area comprises North Sheen North Sheen Cemetery is well tended Cemetery and Mortlake Cemetery which and laid out along a grid of concrete Dominant Materials and Features: together form a significant open space. They paths. The graves form ordered rows and ■■ Red brick boundary walls with stone form two separate sub areas divided by although not uniform headstones tend to dressings and iron railings the A205 which runs north-south between be simple. A range of specimen trees are them. planted throughout which prevent views ■■ Grand, iron gates from one end to the other, though the ■■ Planting North Sheen Cemetery was opened in general impression is of an open area. The ■■ Well-kept lawn c.1909 and is laid out on a grid of paths boundaries are more densely planted. In the ■■ Red brick lodges with formal planting and a Gothic chapel centre is the picturesque cemetery chapel Fulham (North Sheen) Cemetery near the centre. with a small bell turret. ■■ Red brick crematorium ■■ Mature trees Mortlake Cemetery was opened in 1926 Dominant Materials and Features: ■■ Stone monuments and graves and is also formally planted with grids of ■■ Red brick boundary walls with stone paths. Mortlake Crematorium lies in the dressings and iron railings Proposed Actions southern half of Mortlake Cemetery, and is Explore the potential for the unlisted ■■ Grand, iron gates surrounded by hedges. It is a listed building chapels, lodges, gates and railings to be dated from c.1939, designed by Douglas F. ■■ Planting designated as Buildings of Townscape Merit. Barton. Mortlake Cemetery also contains ■■ Gothic chapel the listed Hammersmith Memorial to World ■■ Mature trees War II Civilian Dead and an unlisted Gothic chapel. ■■ Stone monuments and graves Mortlake Cemetery, Mortlake Road
Both cemeteries have red brick boundary Mortlake Cemetery walls and railings with grand entrance This has a similar character to North Sheen gates. The north boundary of North Sheen Cemetery though in places the density of Cemetery has later railings. The surrounding graves seems greater. The same ordered ‘A’ roads are busy arterial routes and an paths and planting characterise the layout unpleasant environment for pedestrians. but here the paths form a radius south of the crematorium around two chapels. The crematorium is a large, red brick building surrounded by hedges. There are gabled,
Fulham (North Sheen) Cemetery
36 AREA 10
10. Character Area: North Sheen Cemetery / Mortlake Crematorium
37 Character Area 11: North of mid Mortlake Road
Character Summary to short terraces though most are semi- Dominant Materials and Features: detached pairs. Vernacular-inspired detailing The majority of the development in this area predominates with half-timbering and gables ■■ Blocks of flats is 2-storey inter-war housing with significant being common characteristics. The buildings ■■ Stock brick open spaces including the Pensford Tennis all have front and rear gardens. There are ■■ Red brick Club, Pensford Field and North Sheen landmarks whicht provide areas of open Recreation Ground. The area is composed of space including the North Sheen Bowling ■■ Mature street trees a number of small developments, each with a Club and the Barn Church of St Philip and ■■ Render subtly distinct character with a wide variety All Saints. ■■ Flat roofs of housing types from bungalows to flats ■■ Pitched roofs Dominant Materials and Features: There are three sub-areas. The majority of Pensford Avenue the area is made up of detached and semi- ■■ Render Pensford Avenue / Mortlake Road detached pairs of 1930s and ‘40s houses with ■■ Brick vernacular detailing. The south east corner The north-eastern half of Pensford Avenue, ■■ Gables of the character area is denser than the rest continuing round to the east on High Park and North Road has a number of bungalows. ■■ Clay tiles on both the roofs and elevations Road is lined by largely detached, red-brick The east side of the north half of Pensford ■■ Casement windows houses. Those on High Park Road date from the early twentieth century. Avenue, which takes the south side of ■■ Projecting bays Mortlake Road to the east is its own distinct ■■ Half timbering sub-area of detached red brick houses which Dominant Materials and Features: were developed in the 1920s. The north ■■ Decorative timber porches west corner is also its own sub-area of ■■ Dwarf boundary walls ■■ Detached, red brick houses Pensford Avenue blocks of flats and more modern houses. ■■ Gables High Park Road ■■ Decorative Around Chaucer Avenue, Atwood ■■ Timber porches Avenue and Taylor Avenue This is a small pocket of modern infill ■■ Decorative brick details development comprising a number of blocks These streets were all developed around of flats. On the north side of High Park ■■ Timber, sash windows the same time in the 1930s. They are made Road are a series of houses of mixed style ■■ Decorative glazing up from a number of developments with including one of a modernist design. ■ Front gardens distinctive characteristics. Broadly, they ■ can be described as low density, residential developments ranging from bungalows
Barn Church, Atwood Avenue
38 AREA 1111
11. Character Area: Atwood Avenue and Surrounds
39 Character Area 12: West Hall Road and surrounds
Character Summary semi-detached houses forming a triangle of Around Courtlands Avenue development. Both the style and age of the buildings This sub-area takes in Courtlands Avenue are very varied in this comparatively small Dominant Materials and Features: excluding the school, the east side of West area. The development is predominantly Hall Road and the north side of Mortlake residential but with a modern junior ■■ Brick; render Road in between the two. Almost all the buildings are 1930s semi-detached houses school at its east end. West Hall, an early ■■ Clay tiles eighteenth-century house and its lodge are or short terraces except for a block of flats ■■ Timber porches the historic nucleus of this character area. and their garages in the centre. ■■ Timber casement windows Both the Hall and the lodge are now listed ■■ Chimneys Dominant Materials and Features: West Hall Road buildings, their immediate surroundings ■■ Timber front doors. started to be redeveloped in c.1930. This ■■ Brick; render long, thin character area is divided into four ■ Clay tiles Surrounding West Hall and West ■ sub-areas. At the west end is a curving street Lodge ■■ Timber porches of 1930s semi-detached, houses; adjacent ■■ Timber casement windows is a 1960s residential development of flats The 1868 map for the area clearly shows ■■ Chimneys and houses together with the two listed West Hall and West Lodge, which both still buildings; then more 1930s houses; then survive and are now Grade II-listed. ‘Brick ■■ Gables Kew Riverside Primary School. Farm’ which is also shown on the 1894 map ■■ Bay windows and timber front doors of the area survives in the name of Brick Main Characteristics Farm Close. This site was redeveloped in the Kew Riverside Primary School 1960s into low rise flats and houses. ■■ A range of residential development from West Hall, West Hall Road At the east end of this area is Kew Riverside detached, two-storey houses to low rise Dominant Materials and Features: Primary School which is a modern building blocks of flats set back from the road and screened by ■■ Tree-lined streets ■■ Red brick foliage. ■■ Clay tiles Dominant Materials and Features: West Park Avenue ■■ Pitched roofs This street curves in a loop to meet ■■ Chimneys ■■ Timber and metal cladding the Mortlake Road at either end. The ■■ Timber sashes ■■ Timber windows frontage on Mortlake Road in between was ■■ uPVC windows developed at the same time in c.1930 with ■■ Planted boundaries with railings Brick Farm Close
40 AREA 12
12. Character Area: West Hall Road and Surrounds
41 Character Area 13: Burlington Avenue / Beechwood Avenue and surrounds
Character Summary plot-size and variety of palette of materials South Side of Mortlake Road and design defines the streets. The houses This area is composed almost exclusively display multiple variations of detail but the The houses on the south side of Mortlake of early twentieth-century, semi-detached decorative porches, glazing and gables stand Road are larger and more distinctly Queen houses. It was one of the first areas of out. All houses are two-storeys with pitched Anne in style with their elongated sashes, speculative development on the east side roofs. A reasonable number of the original rubbed red bricks, brick quoins and hipped of the railway line in Kew. The streets are doors, windows and roof coverings survive roofs. Many have been partially rendered. densely built-up on either side though the but many have already been changed to the pavements on both sides, which are laid detriment of the area. The multiple street Dominant Materials and Features: with concrete paving stones, are lined with trees make this area particularly leafy. ■■ Red brick trees. The houses are all two storey with ■■ Brick detailing including quoins and window pitched roofs, small front gardens and larger Main Characteristics surrounds Mortlake Road rear gardens. Their elevations are typical of ■■ Hipped roofs good-quality suburban development of this ■■ Regular rhythm of two-storey houses and ■■ Front walls brick rubble (wasters) period with numerous details that enliven plots creates a sense of order. ■■ Timber sashes infill the character of these streets. The joinery is ■■ Lively, well-preserved front elevations. ■■ Planted front gardens particularly notable. ■■ Planted front gardens with boundary walls.
There are two sub-areas that display Dominant Materials and Features: Surrounding Kew Gardens Station different characteristics from the remainder ■■ Clay tiles The area around the station and its listed of the area. Around the east side of Kew ■■ Red brick laid to flemish bond c.1912 footbridge forms an attractive open Gardens Station is a turning circle for cars space with a curving parade of single-storey ■ Half timbering surrounded by shops. The other sub-area is ■ shops. on the south side of Mortlake Road with a ■■ Decorative timber porches Kew Gardens Station, West Park Road group of handsome, large houses, all red brick ■■ Decorative glazing Dominant Materials and Features: and all slightly earlier than the majority of the ■■ Render ■■ Single-storey shops and huts housing in this area. ■■ Projecting bays ■■ Two storey parade with decorative gables ■ Oriel windows ■■ Timber sashes with decorative glazing The Avenues ■ ■■ Stained glass ■■ Timber fascias This covers the vast majority of the character ■■ Gables, often with bargeboards area, excluding the two sub-areas discussed ■■ Pitched roofs Proposed action below. The area has a remarkably consistent ■■ Chimneys and attractive character, defined by long Explore the potential for designating a ■■ Front gardens and boundary walls streets of closely-built houses and semi- Conservation Area supported by an Article 4 detached pairs. The regularity of height, Direction. Burlington Avenue
42 AREA 13
13. Character Avenue: Burlington Avenue / Beechwood Avenue and Surrounds
43 Character Area 14: Retail Park and National Archives
Character Summary National Archives
All development in this area is from the To the north lies the National Archives post World War II period. The southern area (previously the Public Records Office). The is a modern retail park with surface parking. National Archives is the official archive To the north is the National Archives. and publisher for the UK government, for England and Wales. The collection of over Kew Retail Park 11 million historical government and public records is one of the largest in the world To the south is a modern retail park built in with documents dating back over 1,000 the 1990s with large format stores including years. Marks & Spencer, Gap, Mothercare, TK Maxx, Next and Boots. There is a 567 space The building was opened in 1977 on a surface car park. former war hospital site and is surrounded by balancing lakes and gardens which are The building design is modern and publicly accessible. It is a striking modernist conforming. The area is well screened with design predominantly of glass and concrete planting on all sides, although less so to the rising some four to five storeys. east. The tree screen is an important feature in terms of providing ‘amenity screening’ Dominant Materials and Features: between the retail park and the adjoining residential properties. ■■ Modernist design ■■ Concrete
Dominant Materials and Features: ■■ Glazing National Archives ■■ Contemporary design ■■ Landscaped with water feature / balancing ponds ■■ Blue shop canopies ■■ Occasional brick fascias ■■ Glass
Kew Retail Park National Archive, Bessant Drive
44 AREA 14
14. Character Area: Kew Retail Park and National Archives
45 Character Area 15: North of Melliss Avenue / Strand Drive
Character Summary Kelsall Mews / Whitcome Mews Dominant features and materials:
A riverside area running along the southern This area is accessed from Townmead ■■ Protruding windows River Thames bank of predominantly Road / Melliss Avenue leading to a series ■■ uPVC twenty-first century residential development, of residential cul-de-sacs (although there is ■■ Pale brick being primarily apartments surrounded by walking access to the riverfront). open space together with some terraced ■■ Balconies protruding / inset housing. The area is distinct in terms of Terraced houses around Whitcome Mews ■■ Semi private garden / green space design, form, scale and orientation. It also and Kelsall Mews are of a mock Georgian ■■ Ground floor painted white / pastel contains the former Inland Revenue sorting style, with first floor balconies with canopies, extending vertically around cores office site which is anticipated to come dormer windows and slate tiling. Semi ■■ Rounded protruding end units forward for development (See Section 8). private gardens are well kept. Melliss Avenue
Strand Drive Dominant features and materials: The area includes the Kew Biothane Plant, which is identified as a potential The area is mainly comprised of land ■■ uPVC development site off Melliss Avenue (See redeveloped for apartments in the twenty- Section 9). ■■ Black painted wooden doors, black drain first century. The development takes pipes advantage of the riverside location with The southern portion of the area includes apartments in a range of modern styles ■■ White / pastel painted the Townmead Road Re-use & Recycling seeking to capture river views. Strand Drive ■■ Slate roofs Centre alongside playing pitches and itself is access only. Heights rise to 6 and 7 ■■ Dormer windows allotments. storeys in places. ■■ First floor covered balconies Greenlink Walk Former Inland Revenue sorting office Dominant features and materials: ■■ Semi private garden / green space The character area also includes the former ■■ Protruding windows The apartments in Melliss Avenue are Inland Revenue sorting office site on Bessant ■■ uPVC more contemporary and the style is Drive which is identified as a potential broadly similar to that of Strand Drive. development site (See Section 8). ■ Pale brick ■ Inset frontages allow for railed balconies in ■■ Flat roofs and upper floor balconies some instances. End apartments tend to be ■■ Semi private garden / green space rounded and protruding. Heights range from ■■ Ground floor painted white / pastel 4-storey housing to 5-7 storey apartments.
Strand Drive
46 AREA 15
15. Character Area: North of Melliss Avenue / Strand Drive
47 7. Features and Materials
Materials are a large part of what Brickwork Timber defines the character of an area. They The most common material found Timber is the other common material found The annotated photographs on the opposite vary depending on when and where throughout Kew, and indeed London, is throughout Kew. Doors and window frames page provide a guide to typical Victorian a building was constructed. Even for brick. Stock brick is the pale yellow-cream are most obviously constructed from timber features and materials. buildings of the same period, the brick that was produced locally in the south but so are eaves, lintels and bargeboards. The subtle differences in construction east and was used throughout London but timber would have usually been softwood There are a number of websites that provide materials can be what distinguishes red and darker coloured stock brick is but historic softwood is often of a much more detailed technical information as buildings in one part of the country common too and was particularly popular better quality than today’s softwood and follows: from another, contributing to local later in the nineteenth and early-twentieth should always be repaired where possible distinctiveness. century. The brick bond (that is the pattern by a joiner rather than replaced. Timber http://www.spab.org.uk/advice/technical-qas/ in which it is laid) is significant and adds to would have been painted: This was not just The Society for the Protection of Ancient In an area like Kew, where so many the subtle character of an area. Much historic an aesthetic decision, it also protected the Buildings provides technical advice on historic buildings survive, certain materials brickwork is laid in Flemish bond but it is timber from the elements. Stripping historic matters such as brickwork/ lime/ windows predominate. Using the correct materials important that any extensions or repairs timber and leaving it exposed is never a good http://www.buildinglimesforum.org.uk/about- is important for any repairs, alterations or carefully follow whatever bond the building is idea. lime extensions to existing buildings but also for constructed in. Advice about the use of Lime in buildings. any new development if it is to respect the Artificial Stone context and character of the area. Render Artificial stone was used in the nineteenth www.english-heritage.org.uk/your-property Sometimes brickwork is covered in a hard century for architectural details these; like Aimed at people who want to make changes Sourcing materials is very important, and it is render, known as stucco. This would often stucco, were intended to look like stone and to or maintain an older home.. Includes always advisable to ask for samples that you just be on certain parts of the exterior, for painted a stone colour. specific advice on matters such as altering can look at on site and compare with the instance the ground floor, and was originally windows/ doors, renewing a roof, and palette of existing materials. In the context intended to imitate the appearance of stone. Iron extending properties . of historic buildings it is useful to look at the Although external renders are usually very Iron is another common material found directory of specialist professionals on www. hardwearing they do need maintenance to in eighteenth and nineteenth-century www.lookingatbuildings.org.uk/index.html buildingconservation.com prevent wear and water ingress and where architecture. Wrought iron was usually for Created by the Pevsner Architectural Guides the render is suitable to take it, should always decorative castings like balustrades and this website provide an introduction to be painted. However, it is important to be railings and was always painted. Cast iron was architecture with information about building aware that some renders include pigments used for rainwater goods like downpipes and types, architectural styles and construction and are not intended to be painted. gutters. Steel came in late in the nineteenth- materials. century and is most commonly found in www.victoriansociety.org.uk/publications Crittall windows from the first of half of the Short guides on how to care for the twentieth century. Maintaining the paintwork Victorian home. of iron and steel is essential to their longevity.
48 Stock brick laid to Flemish Pierced (or fretted) bond balustrade (reconstituted Sash windows (timber) stone)
Projecting cornice Gable Eaves (timber) mouldings (reconstituted String course (render) stone)
Decorative bargeboards Projecting bay (timber)
Sash windows (timber)
Down pipe (traditionally cast iron)
High Level Queen Transom (timber) Balconies (cast iron)
French windows (timber)
Window sill with brackets Rendered or stuccoed Pointed (Lanet) arch
Raised basement Columned porch Paired columns (rendered) (reconstituted stone) (reconstituted stone)
49 7. Features and Materials (continued)
Villas Terraces Victorian Edwardian Edwardian Edwardian 1920s and 30s Doors Windows 8. Guidance for Inland Revenue Site
Introduction Spatial ■■ To the west the site boundary follows ■■ Should provide a suitable response Bessant Drive beyond which lies and acknowledgement to the terraces This site has been identified for inclusion This section will help to guide the design terraced housing with a tree screen. The on Defoe Avenue as well as the within the Council’s emerging Site and layout of any future development on tree screen is an important feature in important National Archives building and Allocation Plan (SA Plan) for: ‘mixed the site. terms of providing ‘amenity screening’ surrounding grounds. uses to include residential, including between the retail park and the adjoining ■■ Views from residential properties to the affordable units, employment, residential. east and south should be considered ■■ The site has been cleared and is community and/or health uses’. ■■ To the south of the site is Kew Retail and development should not have overgrown and surrounded by fencing. Park and flatted residential properties. a detrimental impact on the visual A full list of proposed SA Plan sites in Kew ■■ It appears to be in temporary use with amenity nor sunlight and daylight on the is set out in Appendix 2 part of the site laid out as a car park (in Development principles surrounding residential properties. a reasonable condition) but there is a ■■ There should be appropriate amenity History notice saying it is not in use as a car park Development and design principles for the space for the number of occupiers for the National Archives (directing to uses as set out in the SA Plan are based on within the development site, including This former Inland Revenue sorting office visitor parking opposite) and access is past officer and inspector reports relating children’s play space, and delivers areas was demolished in 2009 and had been restricted . to planning applications for the site, as well of green and landscaped open space. vacant for several years previously. A ■■ Access and egress to the site is from the as the need to deliver high quality design planning application in 2009 for 111 flats ■■ Provides an appropriate parking solution Bessant Drive roundabout. and reinforce the high quality character of with ancillary uses and care home was which minimises the impact on the ■■ A line of trees follows the site boundary the area. refused permission in 2009 and dismissed locality and also manages and mitigates along the southern and eastern edge at appeal in 2010. Refusal reasons included the impact of traffic on the local shielding the site from view. ■■ Delivers a high quality architecture and excessive bulk, height and density. network and junctions. ■■ The site is located within an area of aesthetic which is anticipated to be a response to the adjacent residential Context mixed-use, with a number of substantial buildings in the vicinity. plots (Kew Riverside) but also pay tribute to the historical character of Policy ■■ The National Archives facilities are Kew, drawing on high quality materials located immediately to the north of the and achieving excellent design. In planning terms, the previous use of the site. ■■ The bulk, massing, height and density site did not fall into any specified Use Class. ■■ The site is bound to the east by Kew should respond to the established Constraints relating to the site include the Riverside Park / Strand Drive with a rhythm of the immediate residential currently poor Public Transport Accessibility number of five storey flatted residential context (Kew Riverside), being a Level (PTAL) Level 1a and the site’s risk buildings situated along the River maximum of five storeys. to flooding in Flood Zone 2 ‘Medium Thames. Probability’.
52 Inland Revenue Site
53 9. Guidance for Biothane Site
Introduction Context ■■ There is a development of 2 storey ■■ Views from buildings to the north and housing between Cedar House and south should be considered. This site has been identified for inclusion Policy Maple House to the west of the site (the ■■ Open green areas should be within the Council’s emerging Site gardens lie east toward the site, with the appropriately landscaped, respecting the Allocation Plan (SA Plan) for: ‘mixed Around half the development site is houses fronting to the west) otherwise site’s location. uses to include residential, including designated as Metropolitan Open Land the site is surrounded by developments of ■■ Sensitive consideration should be given affordable units, and open space’ which should be ‘protected and retained’ flats and apartments all of predominantly to the view into the site from the (Policy DM OS 2). 5 storeys in height. riverside path and from across the river. A full list of proposed SA Plan sites in Kew is set out in Appendix 2. The site lies within the Thames Policy Area Development principles ■■ The connectivity of the area should be (Policy DM OS 11). The policy includes enhanced, allowing permeability from the History “ensuring development protects the Development and design principles for the river and to adjoining areas. individuality and character… of the river” site uses as in proposal site description take ■■ Providing high quality open green The Thames Water owned Biothane Plant and “protecting and promoting the history account of the immediate context and from space that responds to the adjoining is anticipated to be surplus to requirements and heritage of the river”. the relevant policies, including the Thames areas and makes the most of the river in the future. There are a number of tanks, Policy Area (Policy DM OS 11) and the environment. structures and small buildings over the site. Spatial MOL policy. ■■ Provide sufficient parking for residents, When the former Kew Sewage Treatment in line with policy, and minimise the use works was redeveloped, this Biothane plant This section will help to guide the design ■■ Preserve and enhance the Metropolitan and visual impact of parking. remained. and layout of any future development on Open Land as part of the character of the site. the area. ■■ Deliver a high quality architecture and ■■ The site is situated with the River Thames aesthetic which is anticipated to be a to the east and residential properties to response to the adjacent plots but also the south, north and west. pay tribute to the historical character of ■■ It is fringed by public open space to the Kew, drawing on high quality materials east representing the public footpath that and achieving excellent design. runs along the Thames bank. ■■ The bulk, massing, height and density ■■ Views to the east over the Thames and should respond to the established the far bank are striking, although the rhythm of the local area and minimise edge of the site is well treed. visual impact on properties of Melliss ■■ The site is screened by planted trees. Avenue.
54 Biothane Site
55 10. Shop Front Guidance
Station Parade and Sandycombe Road Station Approach and Station Parade Station Approach Station Parade
The Council has an adopted supplementary These streets are within the Kew Gardens The shopfronts on the three storey parade Station Parade has a mixture of new and old planning document (SPD) for shopfronts Conservation Area and special attention on Station Approach have largely been shopfronts. Several of the units have more (March 2010). The SPD sets out the policy will be paid by the Council to preserving replaced and there is now an opportunity elaborate frontages at ground floor which context forwhen planning permission and and enhancing its historic character. The for more appropriate reinstatements that enhance the character of the area. These listed building consent is needed for new area around the station has a very cohesive relate to the architecture and reintroduce were not necessarily intended to display shopfronts and gives borough-wide guidance. character, the shopping parades were some consistency of design at ground floor goods and their ground floor elevations Planning permission is invariably needed for developed at the turn of the twentieth level. The pilasters and console brackets are reflect this. One of the units of Barclays is an replacement shopfronts and advertisement century and as a result the shopfronts would still there and should be used as a guide for example of this with its elaborate terracotta consent may be needed for new signage (see have largely been timber with a traditional the position and size of the fascia signage. ground floor. The classical stone front on the the SPD for more information on consents). composition (see the SPD on shopfronts). The fascia should be at the same level as the south side of Station Parade is also a very The group value of a parade is important console brackets and certainly not extend high-quality historic frontage. This document provides area-specific advice and consistency in the design of the below them. for the shops around Kew Gardens Station shopfronts should be considered when any Station Parade retains a number of pilasters and on Sandycombe Road. It does not changes are proposed. Aspects of design like The single storey shops further up Station with decorative glazed tiles. These were replace or substitute the existing SPD on the height of the stallrisers and position of Approach towards the station are the oldest clearly a feature of this parade when it was shopfronts but provides additional advice. the doors should ideally be consistent along in the area and in some cases have timber built and should be retained and restored. a parade. shopfronts which relate well to the area as a As above, the size of the console brackets This guidance is intended to help inform whole. should be a guide to the size of the fascias. owners which particular features of shopfronts are in keeping with historic shops and are therefore more likely to receive There are several good examples in this planning permission. Historic shopfronts area which can be looked to for appropriate enhance the character of an area and their features and materials: retention is encouraged by the Council, especially in conservation areas. Proposals for shopfronts should usually be in keeping with the historic character of the buildings.
56 Positive features: Positive features:
■■ Timber frame ■■ Pilasters and console brackets ■■ Timber shopfront ■■ Recessed doorway ■■ Timber fascia ■■ Panelled stallriser ■■ Stallriser ■■ Fascia signage limited to size of fascia/ ■■ Transoms and mullions ■■ Mullions and transoms framing the height of console brackets ■■ Canvas awning shopfront and the door ■■ Recessed doorway ■■ The number of the building is integral to ■■ Brass door furniture the design
57 10. Shop Front Guidance (continued)
Sandycombe Road Victoria Parade
Much of Sandycombe Road is lined with Victoria Parade, which is composed of houses but there are a few purpose- two adjacent blocks further south, is not built parades of shops which present within a conservation area. It had unusually opportunities for improvement. These, like elaborate shopfronts which are reflected in the parades around the Station would have the decorative glazing bars of the windows been constructed with timber shopfronts above. The doors had decorative fanlights with a traditional design. As with the parades with stained glass, and the clerestory lights around the station, the collective appearance (at the tops of the shopfront windows) of the shopfronts is important. are filled with a distinctive chinoiserie- inspired pattern of glazing bars with The parade at the north end, between stained glass. It is important these surviving Ennerdale Road and Elizabeth Cottages details are retained and, where possible falls within the Kew Gardens Conservation the neighbouring shops should follow the Area. The launderette at the south end of precedent they set. this terrace appears to be the last historic shopfront on this stretch and should be The pilasters between the shops would have referred to when any changes are proposed been coloured, glazed tiles. Several unpainted to the others of this group. ones still survive. The pilasters should be restored to their unpainted state.
Kew Shops
58 Fascia Console bracket Fascia Console bracket
Rectangular Fanlight
Clerestory
Transom
Transom Transom Stallriser Mullion Pilaster
Mullion Glazed tiles on the shaft of the pilaster Positive features: ■■ High, panelled stallriser ■■ Decorative fanlight with stained glass with ■■ Clerestory with patterned glazing bars and ■■ Fascia is also canted in line with console ■■ Solid panels on the doors are at the same the number of the shop included in the stained glass brackets. height as the stallriser design ■■ Pilasters with console brackets ■■ Mullions and transoms with decorative ■■ Timber fascia with mouldings which fits to detailing the size of the console brackets.
59 11. Forecourt Parking
Front Garden Parking Important features in Kew The Council has an existing Supplementary Conversion of front gardens for car parking Planning Document (SPD) covering ‘Front can adversely impact on the appearance Many front gardens and frontage features in ■■ Railings Garden and Other Off Street Parking of an area and detract from its overall Kew contribute significantly to the overall Eighteenth and nineteenth century iron Standards’ (adopted September 2006). This character if undertaken without careful character of the area and local street scene. railings (and gates) are a traditional feature document provides detailed advice on the consideration. The Council is keen that These include: found at some of Kew’s houses. Typically legal and design issues when creating a where front garden parking is necessary, it is these are embedded into a lower boundary parking area in your front garden and access done in the best possible way. ■■ Boundary walls wall, enclosing the front garden whilst to it from the highway. Boundary walls enclose front gardens and keeping visual obstruction to a minimum. In many cases alterations to front gardens fall define public and private space. Low walls Examples can be found on Defoe Avenue, The Kew Village Planning Guidance SPD within the terms of ‘permitted development’, create this space without reducing visibility. Priory Road and Bushwood Road, amongst draws upon the 2006 SPD, providing updated in which case planning approval is not Conforming traditional brick types and others. and specific information for Kew Village. required and therefore the Council has brickwork along a street is an important It is important that the 2006 SPD is read little or no control over the creation of characteristic. Many Kew streets retain their in conjunction with the guidance below. forecourt parking. This guidance can assist original brickwork which dates back to the It is also advised to refer to the Council’s those considering works under permitted nineteenth century. Supplementary Planning Document on development. Planning permission from the ‘Design Quality’ and ‘Public Space Design Council is required in some instances (see ■■ Fencing Guide’. the 2006 SPD for details). Picket fencing, both stained wood and painted white, can be found in some of In Kew, as in other areas of Richmond and Kew’s streets, such as Alexandra Road across London as a whole, increases in (replacing lost brick boundary walls). This population and car ownership have resulted is a classic decorative ‘village’ feature which in greater demand for car parking spaces. creates a boundary whilst minimising visual Where houses are not able to have garages obstruction. or where there is insufficient on and off street parking this can lead to increased demand for front garden parking.
60 Guidance on front garden parking material, to allow the satisfactory drainage and absorption of rainwater. Water Front garden parking can often have an should drain from the property onto the adverse impact on the environment and footway. A length of drain or soak-away should be avoided if possible. Should there may be required at the site boundary to be no alternative the following are key prevent this or a connection to a surface considerations: water sewer can be established with the agreement of the Water Authority. ■■ Retention of existing features ■■ Green features The general aim of any design for parking in front gardens should be to retain as much Loss of existing green space may be of the existing features as is practical – such inevitable however retaining and / or as existing walls, fences, railings or hedging. replacing some planting in as generous Where an opening has to be made in an manner as possible helps to maintain the existing wall, railing or fence, it should be areas character, screen vehicles and create made good at both ends to match existing a more pleasant natural environment by materials and details. absorbing local exhaust fumes. Boundary wall Railings
■■ Enclosure Retaining a form of enclosure of front gardens and forecourts is an essential part of retaining local character and maintaining the street scene. Partial loss of existing structures is inevitable to allow vehicle access but some structure should be retained. Inward opening gates help to complete a defensible line.
■■ Permeability The base and finished surface should be laid at a slight gradient and be of a permeable
Picket Fencing Green features
61 Appendix 1: Relevant Policies and Guidance
LBRuT LDF Core Strategy (April (ii) connect positively with their are comfortable, attractive and safe for 20.B Promoting sustainable transport for 2009) surroundings to create safe and all users. The historic environment and tourists to and within the borough, inclusive places through the use river frontage will be protected. including the passenger services along Main policies that the SPD will of good design principles including the Thames; support: layout, form, scale, materials, natural CP14 Housing surveillance and orientation, and 20.C Directing new hotels to the Borough’s CP7: Maintaining and Improving the sustainable construction. Housing Standards & Types town centres or other areas highly Local Environment accessible by public transport; CP8: Town and Local Centres 14.D The density of residential proposals 7.A Existing buildings and areas in the should take into account the need to 20.D Requiring accommodation and facilities Borough of recognised high quality 8.A The Borough’s town and local centres achieve the maximum intensity of use to be accessible to all; and historic interest will be protected have an important role, providing shops, compatible with local context, while from inappropriate development and services, employment opportunities, respecting the quality, character and 20.E Enhancing the environment in enhanced sensitively, and opportunities housing and being a focus for amenity of established neighbourhoods areas leading to and around tourist will be taken to improve areas of community life. and environmental and ecological destinations. poorer environmental quality, including policies. The London Plan consolidated within the areas of relative disadvantage Retail and town centre uses will with Alterations since 2004 Density Other relevant policies: of Castlenau, Ham, Hampton be supported providing that it is Matrix and other policies will be taken Nurserylands, Heathfield and Mortlake. appropriate to the role in the hierarchy into account to assess the density of CP10: Open Land and Parks of the centres, and respects the proposals. 7.B All new development should recognise character, environment and historical The open environment will be protected and distinctive local character and interest of the area. It should be of an CP20 Visitors and Tourism enhanced. In particular: contribute to creating places of a high appropriate scale for the size of the architectural and urban design quality centre and not adversely impact on The Council will support the sustainable 10.A The Borough’s green belt, metropolitan that are well used and valued. Proposals the vitality and viability of any existing growth of the tourist industry, for the open land and other open land will have to illustrate that they: centre. Out of town retail development benefit of the local area by: of townscape importance, World is not usually considered appropriate in Heritage Site (Royal Botanic (i) are based on an analysis and this Borough in line with The London 20.A Encouraging the enhancement of Gardens,Kew) , land on the Register of understanding of the Borough’s Plan consolidated with Alterations since existing tourist attractions, such as Parks and Gardens of Special Historic development patterns, features and 2004. Kew Gardens, Hampton Court Palace, Interest, green chains and green views, public transport accessibility Ham House and the River, including corridors will be safeguarded and and maintaining appropriate levels of The Council will improve the local sport stadia particularly those of RFU improved for biodiversity, sport and amenity; environment to provide centres which and Harlequins; recreation and heritage, and for visual
62 reasons. care facilities (especially doctor’s identified Town Centre Boundaries of in the local and neighbourhood centres of 10.B A number of additional areas of open surgeries) has been identified in Kew, the five maintown centres. These are the borough (See Policy DM TC 3 ‘Retail land of townscape importance will Richmond, Whitton and Ham. Sites Richmond, the major centre, and the four Frontages’). These centres are often be identified, which will be brought for larger facilities may be identified in district centres – Twickenham, East Sheen, designated as Areas of Mixed Use and are forward through the Development the Site Allocations DPD. Teddington and Whitton. thus seen as appropriate for a mix of uses Allocations DPD. that meet primarily local needs. 17.C A pattern of land use and facilities will Proposals that contribute towards a CP11 River Thames Corridor be promoted to encourage walking, suitable mix of uses will be approved, Proposals for development will be cycling, and leisure and recreation and provided that they are appropriate to the acceptable in the smaller centres if they: 11.A The natural and built environment play facilities to provide for a healthy function, character and scale of the centre. and the unique historic landscape of lifestyle for all, including provisions Acceptable town centre uses could include (c) Respect and enhance the heritage, the River Thames corridor within for open and play space within new retail (if within or well related to designated character and local distinctiveness of the Borough will be protected and development as appropriate. frontages), business, leisure, tourism, the centre, whilst making the most enhanced, and the special character community uses, health and residential efficient use of land. of the different reaches identified in 17.D Existing health, social care, leisure and development compatible with other the Thames Strategy and the Thames recreation provision will be retained development in the town centre. (d) Include overall improvements and Landscape Strategy respected. where these continue to meet or can enhancements of the small centres; or be adapted to meet residents’ needs. Proposals will be acceptable within the modernise outmoded premises. CP17 Health and Well-being Land will be safeguarded for such uses Town Centre Boundaries if they: where available, and the potential of Development should improve and maintain 17.A Health and well-being in the Borough re-using or redeveloping existing sites (f) Maintain or enhance the amount of commercial provision in the smaller centres, is important and all new development will be maximised. active frontage, subject to Policy DM without significantly expanding it. should encourage and promote TC 3 ‘Retail Frontages’. healthier communities and places. LBRuT LDF Development Policy DM TC 3 Retail Frontages Management Plan (November 2011) (h) Respect and enhance the heritage, 17.B The provision of new or improved character and local distinctiveness of B Secondary Retail Frontages facilities for health and social care Main policies that the SPDs will the centre. and other facilities will be supported. support Non-retail proposals will be acceptable in Such facilities should be in sustainable Policy DM TC 2 Local and the secondary shopping frontages only if: locations and accessible to all and Policy DM TC 1 Larger Town Centres Neighbourhood Centres and Areas of priority will be given to those in Mixed Use (b) The proposed use retains a “shop-like” areas of relative deprivation which To maintain and improve the town centres, appearance with an active frontage are identified in Core Policy 13, an the Council will require appropriate The Council will protect and improve the and will not have a detrimental visual immediate need for primary health development to take place within the provision of day-to-day goods and services impact on the shop-front and respect
63 the heritage and character of the centre will be taken into account. areas of high density development and Green is referred to as an area which could town centres. be included on the English Heritage register Policy DM OS 3 Other Open Land of The explanatory text is relevant to the SPD 4.1.8 OOLTI should be predominantly open of historic parks and gardens and which Townscape Importance as set out below: or natural in character. The following merits protection and enhancement. criteria are taken into account in Other open areas that are of townscape 4.1.6 Other Open Land of Townscape defining OOLTI: Policy DM HD 1 Conservation importance will be protected and enhanced Importance (OOLTI) can include Areas – designation, protection and in open use. public and private sports grounds, ■■ Contribution to the local character enhancement school playing fields, cemeteries, and/or street scene, by virtue of its It will be recognised that there may be allotments, private gardens, areas of size, position and quality. The Council will continue to protect areas vegetation such as street verges and exceptional cases where appropriate ■■ Value to local people for its of special significance by designating mature trees. The designated areas development is acceptable. The following presence and openness. Conservation Areas and extensions to criteria must be taken into account when are shown on the Proposals Map but existing Conservation Areas using the assessing appropriate development: there will also be other areas which ■■ Immediate or longer views into criteria as set out in PPS 5 and as advised by could be considered as being of local and out of the site, including from English Heritage. 1. It must be linked to the functional use value to the area and townscape surrounding properties. of the Other Open Land of Townscape which merit protection. ■■ Value for biodiversity and nature The Council will prepare a Conservation Importance; or conservation. Area Appraisal and Management Plan for 4.1.7 In some parts of the borough, open each Conservation area, these will be used 2. It can only be a replacement or minor ■■ Note that the criteria are qualitative areas, including larger blocks of back as a basis when determining proposals extension of existing built facilities; and not all need to be met. gardens, which are not extensive within or where it would affect the setting 3. In addition to 1. or 2., it does not harm enough to be defined as green belt of, Conservation Areas together with other the character and openness of the open or metropolitan open land, act as Policy DM OS 4 Historic Parks, policy guidance. land. pockets of greenery of local rather Gardens and Landscapes than London-wide significance. Many Buildings or parts of buildings, street Improvement and enhancement of the of these are of townscape importance, Parks and gardens as well as landscapes of furniture, trees and other features which openness and character of other open land contributing to the local character and special historic interest included in the make a positive contribution to the and measures to open up views into and are valued by residents as open spaces Register compiled by English Heritage and character, appearance or significance of the out of designated other open land will be in the built up area. Policy DM HO 2 other historic parks, gardens and landscapes area should be retained. New development encouraged where appropriate. ‘Infill Development’ and Policy DM referred to in para 4.1.11 below, will be (or redevelopment) or other proposals HO 3 ‘Backland Development’ also protected and enhanced. Proposals which should conserve and enhance the character When considering developments on sites recognise the importance of gardens, have an adverse effect on the settings, views, and appearance of the area. outside designated other open land, any which will be considered as greenfield and vistas to and from historic parks and possible visual impacts on the character and sites. Green oases are particularly gardens, will not be permitted. Royal Botanic openness of the designated other open land important and will be protected in Gardens, Kew referred to. In addition Kew
64 Policy DM HD 2 the Council will expect retention and Merit; adverse impact to the World Heritage Conservation of Listed Buildings and repair, rather than replacement of the 2. alterations and extensions should be Site or its setting that would compromise Scheduled Ancient Monuments structure, features, and materials of based on an accurate understanding of its Outstanding Universal Value, integrity, The Council will require the preservation the building which contribute to its the significance of the asset including the authenticity and significance, and give of Listed Buildings of special architectural architectural and historic interest; and structure, and respect the architectural appropriate weight to the World Heritage or historic interest and Ancient Monuments will require the use of appropriate character, and detailing of the original Site Management Plan. and seek to ensure that they are kept in a traditional materials and techniques; building. The structure, features, good state of repair by the following means: 4. using its legal powers to take steps to and materials of the building which Explanatory Text secure the repair of Listed Buildings, contribute to its architectural and 1. consent would only be granted for the where appropriate; historic interest should be retained or 4.3.21 The Royal Botanic Gardens Kew demolition of Grade II Listed Buildings 5. protecting the setting of Ancient restored with appropriate traditional was inscribed on the UNESCO in exceptional circumstances and for Monuments and Listed Buildings where materials and techniques; World Heritage Site List in 2003, in Grade II* and Grade I Listed Buildings proposals could have an impact; 3. any proposals should protect and recognition of its outstanding and enhance the setting of Buildings of internationally significant universal in wholly exceptional circumstances 6. taking a practical approach towards the Townscape Merit; value. In accordance with Planning following a thorough assessment of their alteration of Listed Buildings to comply 4. taking a practical approach towards the Policy Statement 5: Planning for the significance; with the Disability Discrimination Act alteration of Buildings of Townscape Historic Environment (2010), the 2. retention of the original use for which 2005 and subsequent amendments, Merit to comply with the Disability outstanding international importance the listed building was built is preferred. provided that the building’s special Discrimination Act 2005 and subsequent of the World Heritage Site is a key Other uses will only be considered interest is not harmed, using English amendments, provided that the building’s material consideration to be taken where the change of use can be justified, Heritage advice as a basis. and where it can be proven that the special interest is not harmed, using into account by the Council when original use cannot be sustained; English Heritage advice as a basis. determining planning applications Policy DM HD 3 and listed building consents. The 3. alterations and extensions including Buildings of Townscape Merit site should be protected for the partial demolitions should be based Policy DM HD 5 World Heritage Site benefit of future generations and on an accurate understanding of the The Council will seek to ensure development proposals affecting the significance of the asset including the The Council will work with others, to and encourage the preservation and site or its buffer zone will require structure, and respect the architectural protect, promote, interpret, sustainably use, enhancement of Buildings of Townscape careful scrutiny for their likely effect character, historic fabric and detailing conserve and where appropriate enhance Merit and will use its powers where the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew World on the site or its setting. of the original building. With alterations, possible to protect their significance, the Council will normally insist on the Heritage Site and its setting including the character and setting, by the following buffer zone by conserving its Outstanding Policy DM HD 7 Views and Vistas retention of the original structure, means: features, material and plan form Universal Value, integrity, authenticity and or features that contribute to the significance. The Council will seek to protect the quality 1. consent will not normally be granted for Development proposals should not cause of views indicated on the Proposals Map. significance of the asset. With repairs, the demolition of Buildings of Townscape
65 It will also seek opportunities to create Policy DM HO 2 Infill Development Policy DM HO 3 Backland appearance or wildlife must be retained attractive new views and vistas and, where Development or re-provided. appropriate, improve any that have been All infill development must reflect the obscured. character of the surrounding area and There will be a presumption against Policy DM TP 8 Off Street Parking - protect the amenity of neighbours. loss of back gardens due to the need to Retention and New Provision Policy DM HO 1 Existing Housing In considering applications for infill maintain local character, amenity space and (including conversions, reversions, and development the following factors will be biodiversity. In exceptional cases where it is Developments, redevelopments, conversions non self-contained accommodation) taken into account: considered that a limited scale of backland and extensions will have to demonstrate that development may be acceptable it should the new scheme provides an appropriate Existing housing should be retained. 1. Plot width - plots must be sufficient width not have a significantly adverse impact upon level of off street parking to avoid an Redevelopment of existing housing should to allow a dwelling(s) to be sited with the following: unacceptable impact on on-street parking normally only take place where: adequate separation between dwellings; conditions and local traffic conditions. 2. Spacing between dwelling - new dwellings 1. Garden land – rear garden land which 1. it has first been demonstrated that the must have similar spacing between contributes either individually or as part A set of maximum car parking standards and existing housing is incapable of improvement buildings to any established spacing in the of a larger swathe of green space to minimum cycle parking standards are set or conversion to a satisfactory standard to street; amenity of residents or provides wildlife out in Appendix Four - Parking Standards provide an equivalent scheme; and if this is habitats must be retained; ‘Appendix Four - Parking Standards ‘for 3. Height - dwelling height should reflect the the case: all types of development, these take into height of existing buildings; 2. Impact on neighbours – privacy of existing homes and gardens must be account bus, rail and tube accessibility as 4. Materials - where materials on existing 2. the proposal improves the long-term maintained and unacceptable light spillage well as local highway and traffic conditions dwellings are similar, new dwellings should sustainability of buildings on the site; and avoided; including demand for on-street parking. reflect those materials; These standards will be expected to be met, 3. Vehicular access or car parking – these 3. the proposal does not have an adverse 5. Architectural details - new dwellings unless it can be shown that in proposing must not have an adverse impact on impact on local character; and should incorporate or reflect traditional levels of parking applicants can demonstrate neighbours in terms of visual impact, architectural features; that there would be no adverse impact on noise or light. Access roads between 4. the proposal provides a reasonable 6. Trees, shrubs and wildlife habitats the area in terms of street scene or on- standard of accommodation, including dwellings and unnecessarily long access street parking. - features important to character, roads will not normally be acceptable; accessible design, as set out in Policy DM appearance or wildlife must be retained 4. Mass and scale of development on HO 4 ‘Housing Mix and Standards’ and or re-provided; Policy DM TP 9 Forecourt Parking other policies. backland sites must be more intimate in 7. Impact on neighbours - including loss of scale and lower than frontage properties; The parking of vehicles in existing front privacy to homes or gardens. 5. Trees, shrubs and wildlife habitats gardens will be discouraged, especially where – features important to character, ■■ this would result in the removal of
66 architectural features such as walls, gates a particular road, and connect with, and of the shop front, surrounding streetscene Other relevant policies and paving, or of existing trees and other contribute positively, to its surroundings and the building of which it forms part. vegetation; or, based on a thorough understanding of the Policy DM OS 2 Metropolitan Open site and its context. Blinds, canopies or shutters where ■■ where such parking would detract from Land acceptable in principle must be appropriate the streetscape or setting of the property; In assessing the design quality of a proposal to the character of the shop-front and its or, The borough’s Metropolitan Open Land will the Council will have regard to the setting; external security grilles will not be protected and retained in predominately ■■ where the use of the access would create following: normally be permitted; in sensitive areas, open use. Appropriate uses include public a road or pedestrian safety problem; or rigid and gloss finish blinds will generally be and private open spaces and playing fields, ■■ where the width of the proposed ■■ compatibility with local character unacceptable; open recreation and sport, biodiversity entrance will be greater than the width of including relationship to existing including rivers and bodies of water and a normal driveway. townscape and Signage and illumination to shop fronts must open community uses including allotments demonstrate a high quality of design, which ■■ frontages, scale, height, massing, and cemeteries. complements the character and materials of For any proposal the area of impermeable proportions and form the shop front and surrounding streetscene, paving should be minimised and soft It will be recognised that there may be ■■ sustainable development and adaptability, and does not compromise public safety. landscaping maximised. exceptional cases where appropriate subject to aesthetic considerations Large illuminated fascias will not normally development such as small scale structures be permitted, even if these are in the “house The Council will seek to restrict permitted ■■ layout and access is acceptable, but only if it: style” of a particular store. development rights for forecourt parking ■■ space between buildings and relationship through Article 4 directions, where 1. Does not harm the character and to the public realm New shop fronts must be designed to important townscape or surface water openness of the metropolitan open land; ■■ detailing and materials allow equal access for all users, and can flooding issues exist. The Council will have and incorporate flood protection measures regard to the impact of forecourt parking in 2. Is linked to the functional use of the where appropriate. Proposals should take considering proposals to extend or convert Policy DM DC 7 Shop fronts and shop Metropolitan Open Land or supports account of the Councils SPD on Shop existing residential property. signs outdoor open space uses; or fronts and Shop Signs. The Council will resist the removal of shop 3. Is for essential utility infrastructure Policy DM DC 1 Design Quality fronts of architectural or historic interest. The Council will welcome proposals from and facilities, for which it needs to groups of shops to add character to the be demonstrated that no alternative New development must be of a high street scene by the use of harmonious high locations are available and that they architectural and urban design quality based The Council will expect proposals for new quality design, colours and materials for do not have any adverse impacts on on sustainable design principles. shop fronts or alterations to existing shop fronts to demonstrate a high quality of their shop fronts. the character and openness of the metropolitan open land. Development must be inclusive, respect design, which complements the original local character including the nature of design, proportions, materials and detailing
67 Improvement and enhancement of the river as a frontage, opening up views and Policy DM TP 6 Walking and the Relevant SPDs/SPGs openness and character of the Metropolitan access to it and taking account of the Pedestrian Environment Open Land and measures to reduce changed perspective with tides; ■■ Design Quality SPD Adopted Feb 2006 visual impacts will be encouraged where 4. encouraging development which includes To protect, maintain and improve the ■■ Front Gardens and other Off-street appropriate. a mixture of uses, including uses which pedestrian environment, the Council will Parking Standards SPD Sept 2006 enable the public to enjoy the riverside, ensure that:- ■■ Residential Development Standards March When considering developments on sites especially at ground level in buildings 2010 outside Metropolitan Open Land, any fronting the river; 1. New development and schemes protect, possible visual impacts on the character and maintain and, where appropriate, improve 5. protecting and promoting the history and ■■ Shopfronts SPD March 2010 openness of the Metropolitan Open Land the existing pedestrian infrastructure, heritage of the river, including landscape ■■ Small and Medium Housing Sites SPD Feb will be taken into account. including the Rights of Way network. features, historic buildings, important 2006 2. New development does not adversely structures and archaeological resources ■■ Design Guidelines Leaflets 3 and 4: House Policy DM OS 11 Thames Policy Area impact on the pedestrian environment associated with the river and ensuring Extensions and External Alterations. new development incorporates existing and provides appropriate pedestrian The special character of the Thames Policy Adopted Sept 2002. Reformatted with features; access (see Policy DM TP 3 ‘Enhancing Area (TPA), as identified on the Proposals Transport Links’). minor updates July 2005. Based on UDP Map, will be protected and enhanced by: 6. protecting and improving existing access policies points to the River Thames, its foreshore 3. New development and schemes improve the safety and security of the pedestrian ■■ Design Guidelines leaflet 11: Shopfront 1. ensuring development protects the and Thames Path, including paths, cycle environment where appropriate. Security. First published 1997 and individuality and character, including the routes, facilities for launching boats, slipways, stairs etc. and encouraging Reformatted with minor updates July 2005. views and vistas, of the river and the Based on UDP policies identified individual reaches; opening up existing access points to the Policy DM TP 7 Cycling public, both for pedestrians and boats; 2. discouraging land infill and development To maintain and improve conditions for 7. requiring public access as part of new Also of relevance is the Council’s ‘Public which encroaches into the river and cyclists, the Council will ensure that new developments alongside and to the River Space Design Guide’ (Jan 2006). The overall its foreshore other than in exceptional development or schemes do not adversely Thames, including for pedestrians, boats aim is to provide guidance to help deliver circumstances, which may include where impact on the cycling network or cyclists and cyclists, where appropriate; the goal of improved streetscene and public necessary for the construction of river and provide appropriate cycle access and spaces. dependent structures such as bridges, 8. increasing access to and awareness of sufficient, secure cycle parking facilities, see tunnels, jetties, piers, slipways etc.; the river including from the town centres. Policy DM TP 3 ‘Enhancing Transport Links’ Thames Landscape Strategy (2012 refresh). 3. ensuring development establishes a and Policy DM TP 8 ‘Off Street Parking - This can be viewed at www.thames- relationship with the river and takes full Retention and New Provision’. landscape-strategy.org.uk advantage of its location, addressing the
68 Appendix 2: Site Allocations Plan - sites in Kew
KW 1 Former Inland Revenue, Bessant Drive, Kew Proposal: Mixed uses to include residential, including affordable units, employment, community and/or health uses
KW 2 Kew Gardens car park, Kew Proposal: Relocate car park, restoration of existing parking area
KW 3 Kew Biothane Plant, Mellis Avenue, Kew Proposal: Residential, including affordable units, open space
E KW 4 Sandycombe Centre, Sandycombe Road, Kew Proposed designation as Key Employment Site
E KW 5 Blake Mews, 1-17 Station Avenue, Kew Proposed designation as Key Employment Site
E KW 6 Marlborough Trading Estate, Mortlake Road, Kew Proposed designation as Key Employment Site
69