Strategy for the Historic Environment

December 2016

Contents

1. Purpose of the Strategy 1

2. Development of Hartlepool 1

3. The Historic Environment of Hartlepool 6

4. Challenges Facing the Historic Environment in Hartlepool 7

5. Opportunities for the Historic Environment in Hartlepool 10

6. Identifying Potential Development Sites 12 o Allocated Sites o Opportunities to enhance heritage assets through the planning process o Actions

7. Reviewing the historic environment 13 o Conservation Areas o Locally Listed Buildings o Heritage At Risk o Actions

8. Engaging with the Community 16 o Conservation Area Advisory Committee o Newsletter o Provision of advise to households o Neighbourhood Planning o Additional Planning Documents o Actions

9. Conclusion 18

Appendix 1 – Assessment of Allocated Sites 19

Appendix 2 – Action Plan 41

Appendix 3 – Conservation Area Appraisal – Programme of Work 42

Glossary 44

1. Purpose of the strategy This strategy adopts a positive approach to the conservation and enhancement of the historic environment for the enjoyment of residents, businesses and visitors to the Borough. This will be achieved by,  Examining the historic environment in Hartlepool including the challenges and opportunities it faces.  Outlining a plan to review the state of the historic environment.  Identifying potential development sites, their constraints and opportunities.  Considering how the public can be involved in the historic environment.

2. The Changing Landscape of the Borough

The borough is characterised by a varied landscape with a long coastline dominated by the rising ground of the limestone escarpment of the Durham Plateau to the north-east. To the east the borough is heavily urbanised with Hartlepool, West Hartlepool and Seaton Carew merging into each other with little to mark the breaks. The southern part of the borough is characterised by industrial developments of various types ranging from industrial estates to the chemical, petroleum and marine engineering complexes of the Tees Estuary. In contrast the western part of the borough retains a rural character with village communities and active farms. Despite the boundaries merging in places each area has a distinct identity and a sense of place is experienced when visiting individual localities.

The earliest human activity in the borough is evidenced by Mesolithic flint tools recovered from the coast at Crimdon Dene and from beneath the peat beds of the Submerged Forest which lie on the coastline between Seaton Carew and Hartlepool Headland. The peat beds are of international importance because of the information they contain about the end of the last glaciation and changes in the coastline and vegetation that resulted.

Farming in Hartlepool is thought to have commenced around 3,500 BC but little evidence remains other than isolated finds of the polished stone axes used partially as tools and partially as status items. The more intensive human use of the landscape began in the Bronze Age with the widespread clearance of woodland and the laying out of field boundaries for the first time. Evidence of settlement of this period and the field systems has been found at Catcote on the outskirts of the present town. Bronze Age exploitation of the Tees marshland and the coastline has been documented from archaeological finds from the peat beds and in the estuarine marshes.

The Iron Age, starting around 800 BC, marked an intensification of the use of the landscape with a fully mixed farming economy taking over and a higher population. Farms and small settlements would have been dotted across the whole of the area and new sites are being found regularly. There is however a pattern to the distribution of the known settlement sites with a clear preference for settlements to be sited beside water courses. This distribution

also seems to show a clustering which suggests that there were major centres in the Hart, Catcote, Claxton and Newton Bewley areas.

The importance of the area around Hart in Later Prehistory continued into the Saxon and Medieval periods and it became the administrative centre for a geographic area known as Hartness. This covered the area between Castle Eden in the north to the Tees in the south and originally included Billingham.

Hartness was probably an estate of the Northumbrian Royal Family and in the 640s AD an Anglo-Saxon Monastery was founded within it on Hartlepool Headland. This was one of the earliest monasteries in Northumbria and was led for a time by St Hilda, it was later paired with a monastery at Whitby when Hilda founded the monastery there. Archaeological excavations on the headland have revealed a lot of information about this monastery which is recognised as being of national and international importance due to its part in the development of Christianity in northern Europe.

In addition to the monastery on Hartlepool Headland there were major administrative and religious centres at Hart and Greatham both of which have remains of this period in their churches.

The Norman Conquest brought the greatest changes to the area since the Iron Age. Hartness was eventually given to the Brus family who held it along with lands to the south of the river in order to control the use of the Tees by hostile forces. The settlement pattern of the area was changed from one of small hamlets and individual farmsteads to one dominated by large planned villages.

The villages of Dalton Piercy, Elwick, Greatham, Newton Bewley and Stranton all date in their present form - two rows of farmsteads either side of a village green - to the first half of the 12th century AD when they were deliberately laid out by Norman overlords. Hart has developed in a slightly different way reflecting its major administrative role and the focus of attention on the church and manor house there.

Photographs showing the centres of Elwick and Dalton Piercy

The Norman origin of these settlements is still clearly visible in their shape, and in remaining medieval structures such as churches, and in the case of the Hart the site of the Manor House (a scheduled monument). In addition traces of medieval farming practice can still be found around the villages in the

characteristic undulations of ridge and furrow. The medieval industry of salt manufacture was carried out along the edge of the Tees marshes and the remains of this still survive at Seaton Common and Greatham Creek.

Once the villages and their fields had been established the Brus family founded the medieval town on the headland at Hartlepool sometime from 1150 – 1180 AD. The earliest town was laid out along Durham Street leading to an earlier church on the site of the present St Hilda’s Church. In its earliest days the town struggled to survive but was promoted by the Brus family who funded a new larger church at the end of the 12th Century (the present St Hilda’s Church) and followed this investment in the town by funding the construction of the Franciscan Friary in the mid 13th century.

The medieval town began to develop from about 1250 AD and had its greatest prosperity in the 14th century when it acted as a major staging and supply port for the English forces during the Scottish wars. As a result of its role during the Scottish wars and attacks by the Scots, Hartlepool was one of the few towns in the North of England to be given permission to build defensive walls and these were constructed throughout the 14th Century. The surviving, seaward stretch includes the Sandwell Gate, which probably dates to the late 14th century, and has a unique construction with the two breakwaters either side of the gate. The Sandwell Gate is a scheduled monument.

Following the end of the Scottish Wars the town went into a slow decline as the surrounding villages continued to prosper. The 17th and 18th centuries witnessed many changes as a major farming revolution led to the enclosure of the medieval open fields and the creation of the patchwork system of fields. New livestock breeds and practices were developed and the wealth generated allowed people to re-build their timber houses. The villages on the limestone plateau to the north-west (Hart, Elwick, and Dalton Piercy) tended to re-build in stone whereas those to the south used the local clay to make bricks.

The 19th century ushered in further changes in farming practice and in the physical organisation of farmsteads as courtyard farms replaced the 17th & 18th century linear farm, however more extensive changes took place in the town as industrial development took off.

The transport of coal from the Durham coalfields led to the development of the railway network and in the case of Hartlepool the Victoria Dock replaced the medieval harbour with coal staithes and railways leading to it. Competition led to the creation of the town of West Hartlepool and the construction of a new system of docks.

Like many ports and harbours on the east coast of England there was high levels of trade with Europe and the Baltic. The harbour also accommodated extensive ship building facilities. West Hartlepool was established to service this trading and manufacturing economy. The street pattern around this area developed on a grid iron street pattern. Most of the high density development was residential but with commercial, retail entertainment and community uses being part of the urban mix.

The north side of the Tees Estuary began to see the development of a chemical industry as brine was pumped out of underlying deposits in the late 19th Century and a Zinc Works was established at Seaton Snook in the early 20th century.

In parallel with the industrialisation of the coastal zone the residential areas of the town developed. In particular the western side of the town centre grew as those residents who accumulated wealth in the growing industries looked to move out of the town centre building new homes in the countryside. The development created a number of small estates which had at their centre individually designed dwellings. Each estate had associated buildings such as lodge houses, stables, greenhouses and outbuildings. This part of town, now known as West Park, was constructed on Arcadian ideals contrasting with the terraced housing found closer to the industrial areas. Much of the layout and the feeling of spaciousness within the plots can still be detected within this area today.

At the centre of West Park is Ward Jackson Park. It opened in 1883 in memory of Ward Jackson who was the driving force behind the growth of West Hartlepool. It was developed using funds raised by townspeople which were originally to provide for Ward Jackson in his old age however his premature death led to the development of this public space in his memory. The park is a grade II Registered Park and Garden.

Photographs showing Ward Jackson Park

As the area to the west of the town centre was growing so too was that to the south. In the 19th century access to Seaton Carew was improved by the construction of railways and roads, this was then supplemented by a tram service from Hartlepool in the early 20th century. This improved access had two effects, one was to change Seaton to a seaside resort with visitors attracted by the easily accessible beaches and secondly to create a residential escape for families made wealthy by the industrial and commercial

success of Hartlepool, similar to the West Park. This expansion produced not only residential villas but also the construction of hotels to cater for visitors. The final phase in the development of the area was in the early 20th century was the conscious reinforcement of its role as a seaside resort by the construction of the Bus Station and the creation of the promenade aimed at improving the experience of visitors to Seaton. This area of Hartlepool continues to be dominated by the tourism industry today.

Photographs showing Marine Hotel and Bus Station at Seaton Carew

The wars of the 20th century (and earlier) led to the creation of some distinct defensive installations ranging from the Heugh Battery (a scheduled monument) which originated in the late 19th century and occupies much the same location as a Napoleonic gun battery to a complex of anti-invasion defences dating from the Second World War. The latter survive particularly well in the marshland to the north of the Tees and include nationally important remains.

Photograph showing Heugh Gun Battery and anti-invasion defences.

During both the 19th and 20th centuries’ areas of the marshes north of the River Tees were reclaimed through a combination of increasing ground level and construction of sea protection embankments. This allowed the more intensive development of chemical and petroleum plants and the eventual construction of the Nuclear Power Station (1968) which is now a key element of the skyline in this area.

The coast and sea have always been important to Hartlepool and there are many reminders of this association with the sea in the form of harbour and dock structures and installations and the vessels that plied their trade along the coast. Hartlepool Museum has displays of the smaller vessels but larger vessels such as the colliers which were present in large numbers from the 17th century onwards only survive as wrecks along the coast and offshore. One of

these, at Seaton Carew, is recognised as being nationally important and is a Protected Wreck site, however there are numerous others and these are recorded in the Maritime section of the Tees Archaeology HER (see below)

In the post war period Hartlepool changed dramatically due to a combination of economic decline arising from the shift in trading patters, the decline in shipbuilding, the retrenchment of the national railway system, economic changes and changing social activities. The effect was a high level of unused commercial, retail and community buildings. Other sources of change were the clearance of substandard housing. The combination of these factors and a national mood to “modernise” resulted in clearance programmes causing large scale loss of urban fabric in both Hartlepool and West Hartlepool. The impact of these changes can still be seen today particularly in areas such as the Headland where the tightly developed properties that were once found in the centre of the area have been replaced by open space and housing.

Photograph showing Croft Gardens, created after the clearance of houses in the late 1930s.

3. The Historic Environment of Hartlepool A Heritage Asset is a building, monument, site, place, area or landscape identified as having a degree of significance meriting consideration in planning decisions because of its heritage interest (NPPF Annex 2). Heritage assets are of two types, 1. those which have been recognised as being nationally important and have been designated as such; these are designated heritage assets, and 2. heritage assets that have not been designated, nevertheless some of which may be of national importance.

The designated assets in Hartlepool include Scheduled Monuments, Listed Buildings, a Protected Wreck Site, a Registered Park and Garden and Conservation Areas.

Heritage Assets that have not been designated include Locally Listed Buildings and Archaeological Sites and Monuments which are recorded on the Historic Environment Record (HER) for the area which is held by Tees Archaeology.

The Designated Heritage Assets in the Borough of Hartlepool comprise eight Scheduled Monuments, 212 Listed Buildings, one Protected Wreck Site, one Registered Park and Garden and eight Conservation Areas.

The eight Scheduled Monuments include areas of land such as Low Throston deserted medieval village, structures like the town wall and occupied sites such as Heugh Gun Battery. The Protected Wreck is located in Seaton Carew (see photograph) and was discovered in 1996 on the beach after the shifting levels in the foreshore sands exposed the outline of a wooden ship. It is thought to be the remains of an east coast collier brig.

The eight conservation areas are of varying character, including two located within the central commercial area of Hartlepool (Stranton and Church Street), two located within the rural villages on the outskirts of the town (Elwick and Greatham), two located on the coast (Headland and Seaton Carew), one centred around Ward Jackson Park, a registered park and garden (Park), and a further area located in the predominantly late 19th century residential area known as Grange.

The full range of Heritage Assets for the area can be seen on the Tees Archaeology HER which is available online and includes records of shipwrecks in the area and the results of the ‘Rapid Coastal Zone Assessment’ funded by English Heritage which identified additional sites along the English coastline.

Hartlepool Borough Council has also identified 187 Locally Listed Buildings, which are buildings, structures, parks and open spaces that are considered to be of special local architectural or historic interest. These are included in the HER but a separate list of these can also be found on the Hartlepool Borough Council website.

4. Challenges facing Hartlepool’s Historic Environment There are a number of issues that impact on the historic environment in Hartlepool. Measures are in place to deal with some of these but others remain unresolved. It is anticipated that this strategy will assist in addressing these problems in the future.

Coastal defence works Located on the coast Hartlepool is vulnerable to the threat of increasing sea levels. As a result measures have been put in place to strengthen the sea

defences of the town over a number of years. With conservation areas located on the coast (Seaton Carew and Headland) it is anticipated that these works will have an effect on the character of the areas and in particular their setting. These works and the impact they have must be balanced against the long term survival of these areas for future generations.

Photograph showing Coastal Defence Works in Seaton Carew.

Alterations to residential property At a more localised level relatively minor, but cumulatively damaging, alterations are harming the character and appearance of conservation areas (see photograph). Although a number of Article 4 Directions are in place withdrawing permitted development rights, areas remain vulnerable to the accumulation of such changes. For the most part these changes are focused on windows and doors of properties, and in particular a proliferation in the use of modern materials employed using non-traditional construction techniques. This is most prevalent in parts of the Headland, Grange and Seaton Carew Conservation Areas.

Other alterations within the Grange Conservation Area include the removal of boundary walls to accommodate parking within curtilages, and the installation of renewable energy equipment to the front elevations of houses, such as solar panels. These are relatively minor issues at the moment which are being monitored.

Guidance on alterations to residential properties has been supported by a scheme offering grant assistance to homeowners. However it is clear that this matter requires further attention. Prompt enforcement action where works have been carried out without

consent is required in order to ensure that residents can see all cases are being dealt with in the appropriate manner.

Development Pressures The Park Conservation Area is characterised by properties in large gardens. Historically the area was populated by wealthy industrialists of the late Victorian and Edwardian period who built their mansions in this part of the town. There has been pressure in recent years to develop in the gardens of these houses. This has involved both the demolition of buildings which contributed to the character of the area in order to provide a clear site and the retention of dwellings with housing developments built around them. Such developments are changing the townscape of this part of Hartlepool.

The work to provide up-to-date appraisals and management plans for conservation areas should ensure that the character of the area continues to be monitored in order to inform any future applications.

Rural Areas There are a number of small villages on the outskirts of Hartlepool. Each one has its own character. However, in recent years the character of these villages has changed. In particular there is a loss of diversity with villages loosing commercial premises and becoming more focused towards residential uses. This has been particularly noticeable in Hart Village and Greatham where shops have recently closed. The demise of these businesses reduces the sustainable offer that villages can provide for the communities living there.

Pictures showing retail premises in Greatham Village that have closed.

Heritage at Risk There are a number of heritage assets within the Borough that are considered to be ‘at risk’ these comprise buildings, scheduled monuments and conservation areas.

A particular challenge is finding appropriate solutions for those buildings considered to be at risk. It is noticeable that whilst schemes have come forward for properties which have been vacant for a prolonged period in the Headland, there has been less interest in structures within the town centre.

Buildings located within the town centre which have been vacant for a long period of time are often such because a suitable use cannot be found and, even if one if identified, they usually face a conservation deficit which makes

them unattractive to investors. The investment generated by the Innovation and Skills Quarter and the Regeneration Master Plan, both of which focus on the town centre, should assist in finding for those assets at risk.

5. Opportunities for the historic environment in Hartlepool

Funding Opportunities The local authority will always look for opportunities to work with communities to raise awareness and invest in the heritage of the area. Recent projects have included the Limestone Landscape Partnership which saw various projects undertaken throughout the borough including improving access to the countryside through footpath improvements and working with a residents group in Elwick to produce a Village Atlas. Future projects under similar schemes include being an active partner in the River Tees Rediscovered Partnership.

Conservation Grant Scheme A Conservation Grant Scheme was launched in 2006 and ran in consecutive years until 2012, and again in 2014 - 15 after a break of one year. Financial assistance is made available to residential properties located within conservation areas and listed buildings that were built pre-1919.

Grant is available for works to make properties structurally sound, works to make buildings watertight such as lead work and re-roofing, and to restore and repair traditional details such as doors and sash windows.

Pictures showing a house before and after works have taken place with grant assistance.

In the lifetime of the scheme 149 grants have been distributed with an average grant of approximately £3,500 provided equalling, 50% of the total cost of the grant eligible works.

The work carried out on the conservation grant scheme has, in the majority of cases, been completed by contractors from Hartlepool, providing investment of some £1.3million in the local economy. Forty-seven firms have worked on the schemes which have been completed. The scheme has supported the development of businesses based in Hartlepool with only 11 of the 51 firms

who carried out grant work located outside of Hartlepool. In those instances where firms from outside of the town have been brought in it is usually for particularly specialist works, such as cleaning paint from the brick façade of a building or installing panels of stained glass after joiners from Hartlepool carried out window repairs.

This scheme has a positive impact, not only in providing enhancements in conservation areas, but also investing in the local economy. Subject to available budget, the scheme will be continued in future years.

Innovation and Skills Quarter Church Street has struggled to find a role since the relocation of the main retail core to Middleton Grange Shopping Centre and is currently dominated by a large number of vacant premises and a night time economy. This has resulted in an area which few people visit during the day. The distinct townscape of the area has been defined in a Conservation Area Character Appraisal and Management Plan.

The Council, with the support of partners that include the Cleveland College of Art and Design and Hartlepool College of Further Education, is developing an Innovation and Skills Quarter focused around the Church Street Conservation Area. A strategy for the development of a creative industries cluster of businesses within the Church Street Area is currently being progressed. This will be informed by the Appraisal of the area and the Regeneration Master Plan. Individual buildings requiring a long term use will be identified through the Heritage at Risk Register in order to try and find solutions for those properties which are most vulnerable.

Seaton Carew Masterplan The regeneration of Seaton Carew has been identified as one of the key priorities within the Hartlepool Vision. The aim is to prioritise investment and regeneration to support the resort’s natural and historical assets, which provide attractions for residents and visitors. The Council has decided to utilise its own assets and land holdings in the area to release funds to help deliver a regeneration scheme. This will include the redevelopment of a site within the centre of Seaton Carew Conservation Area.

Central area of Seaton Carew Conservation Area included in the Masterplan

The site itself includes a vacant building which the boundary of the conservation area skirts around. The conservation area is currently on the English Heritage Register of heritage assets at risk. In earmarking a site to

include this it will enable the Authority to address an area which has had a negative impact on the wider conservation area whilst providing new facilities and attractions. It is hoped that this will provide a catalyst for wider enhancement works. These would go some way to mitigate against the factors which contribute to this conservation area being considered to be at risk.

6. Identifying potential development sites Allocated sites A number of sites have been identified as part of the local plan process. An assessment of these sites has been made to evaluate the impact on heritage assets on or in close proximity and is attached in Appendix 1. The sites assessed have been limited to residential allocation as existing employment and retail sites already exist.

Each entry considers the following,  Details of the significance of each asset.  How the development could impact on the significance.  What opportunities there are for enhancement on or around the site.  Where development will need to be limited in order to minimise the impact on the significance of each heritage asset.  Where development will cause such harm that it is considered that it cannot be mitigated or justified.

The strategy does not provide a comprehensive analysis of individual sites or buildings but broadly assesses the impact on the significance of the heritage asset based on the information that is available at this moment in time. Some sites will require development briefs to be produced; where this is the case these areas have been identified.

In considering the significance of the heritage assets affected by development on each site and the opportunities which may be provided on it, the local authority will look to maintain a sense of place. Information will be sought from the HER, character appraisals and other relevant sources to identify the contribution made by the historic environment to particular sites. This will ensure that new development will make a positive contribution to the local character and distinctiveness of an area and could include highlighting opportunities to better reveal a heritage asset or its setting, or the development of individual assets which are considered to be at risk in order to secure their long-term future. Development briefs will be actively encouraged and used for individual sites.

The information outlined above does not negate the requirement of applicants to make an appropriate assessment of a site. Applications that affect a heritage asset, or its setting, should be supported by a heritage statement comprising a description of the asset’s historic, architectural and archaeological significance with an appropriate level of detail relating to the likely impact of the proposal on that interest. A site analysis identifying the

qualities which contribute to the quality and sustainability of the proposed development should also be provided.

In addition to the new residential allocations shown in the document a number of sites have been removed from the plan, these include both residential and commercial sites. In some instances this will have a positive benefit to heritage assets, for example the removal of the North Burn Industrial area which is situated in close proximity to a scheduled monument.

Opportunities to enhance heritage assets through the planning process The local authority will look to obtain funding for heritage assets impacted upon by development. This will be achieved through Section 106 Agreements or Community Infrastructure Levy. Funding could be used for restoration, enhancement and or interpretation where it can be demonstrated that this would be for the wider public benefit.

Enhancement will not be restricted to monetary contributions. The Authority will, where possible, look for training opportunities on construction sites. This will offer the chance for workers within Hartlepool to gain experience in conservation work, thereby increasing the number of contractors with heritage skills within the area. In kind payment would also be considered; for example the release of land or buildings to better reveal the setting of a heritage asset.

Actions  As information is brought forward on individual sites the local authority will examine further the significance of any heritage assets judged to be affected and look for opportunities to repair/maintain and where appropriate enhance assets or conversely limit development if appropriate.  Development Briefs will be used, where appropriate, to guide development on sites.  Where there is funding available through development the local authority will look to use this as an opportunity to repair/maintain and, where appropriate, enhance heritage assets on or otherwise affected by the development site.  Where the opportunity arises the local authority will look to work with developers to examine all available options for contributions towards individual heritage assets secured through legal agreements, including non-monetary enhancements such as training opportunities and payment in kind.

7. Reviewing the historic environment Conservation Areas Conservation Area Appraisals are in place for the Headland, Park and Grange Conservation Areas, and visual assessments have been produced for Seaton Carew, Church Street, Elwick, Greatham and Stranton.

There is a need to ensure that appraisals are reviewed on a regular basis to better inform the planning process and enable an assessment of the state of the historic environment in order to gauge where heritage may be at risk.

The local authority is committed to systematically reviewing one conservation area a year, based on the oldest first. In addition, the boundary of the area would be examined to ensure it continues to be appropriate. Where it is clear there is development pressure or opportunities for positive change appraisals will be brought forward. A timetable outlining the proposed order of work can be found in Appendix 2.

Having completed an appraisal for an area the local authority will look to combine this with a management plan. This will allow the local authority to maximise the resources available to it and ensure that the suite of information for an area is up to date.

Any such reviews would include an examination of the Article 4 Directions in place in four1 of the eight conservation areas to ensure that these are still necessary and, where appropriate, look to make further directions where it can be shown that these are required and have the support of residents. It is acknowledged that in order for Article 4 Directions to be successful those building owners who are subject of such direction require guidance and support. The local authority will look to do this through leaflets and placing information on its website. Where financial support is available the continuation of the Conservation Grant Scheme will be used to assist residents who are restoring traditional features to their property. Where appropriate, enforcement action will be taken where unauthorised works have been carried out contrary to the Direction.

In reviewing the conservation areas, consideration will be given to the introduction of Special Areas of Advert Control within commercial centres where this can be shown to enhance their amenity.

There is a duty on the local authority to survey its area for new conservation areas. This will be carried out alongside the reviews of existing areas. It is anticipated that new areas will be brought to the attention of the Authority through the planning process, reviews of locally listed assets, conservation area appraisals and via local interest groups such as Parish Councils, residents associations or other amenity bodies.

Further information on the conservation areas, including copies of relevant documents, can be obtained from the Council’s website here.

Locally Listed Assets In January 2012 a list of locally significant buildings, structures and open spaces was produced, derived from nominations invited from the public, local groups and other interested parties, and supplemented by buildings highlighted during the work of officers. An independent steering group assessed the proposed nominations and selected the final list. It was agreed that the list would be updated biennially to ensure that it continues to reflect the heritage of the borough.

1Elwick, Grange, Headland and Seaton Carew

In 2014 the list was updated on a thematic basis as it was felt that this is the most efficient way to develop the list. Nominations for buildings, structures and spaces with military associations were invited. These nominations were assessed by the Planning Committee and added to the list. Where properties had been significantly changed or demolished the entries were removed from the list. A record will remain in the document however in order to monitor the changes to the list.

Locally List Assets added to the list in the last review in 2014.

Continuing to update the local list is one of the most effective ways to identify heritage assets, particularly sites of historic and archaeological interest, that are not readily identified through the planning process. The involvement of the public via the nomination process or commenting on assets nominated by others is a valuable way in which the community can engage with the historic environment in Hartlepool and creates a sense of ownership.

Further information on Locally Listed Buildings in Hartlepool, including a copy of the list can be obtained from the Council’s website here.

Heritage at Risk The local authority continues to proactively manage heritage assets throughout the borough and has identified those at risk and placed these on a register.

Whilst the local authority focuses work on grade II structures and locally listed buildings it also contributes to the national heritage at risk work carried out by Historic England. This includes providing information on grade I and II* buildings at risk within the borough and detailed information on the state of conservation areas. Historic England also records information on Scheduled Ancient Monuments and Ecclesiastical Buildings. All of this information is collated by the Authority to provide a detailed picture of the state of the historic environment in Hartlepool and placed in a document entitled, ‘Heritage at Risk in Hartlepool’.

The document is reviewed annually using information obtained through the planning process to seek to accurately define the state of the borough’s heritage assets. The data provided includes details of the significance of each asset, the reason it is considered to be at risk and background information on previous consents.

In 2013 the local authority took part in a pilot study run by English Heritage to record information on grade II listed buildings. The Authority will use the methodology developed as part of this work to carry out a full survey of buildings biennially.

The Authority will work positively with owners to find solutions that allow the removal from, or stabilisation of assets, on buildings from the list with a target of one building removed for positive reasons from the list each year. This work will include actively seeking uses for vacant buildings including, where appropriate, marketing buildings and directly finding potential occupiers. In addition we will work closely with owners to advise them of the processes of making buildings sound and viable for future occupiers.

Actions  The local authority will review one conservation area appraisal and one management plan a year.  The list of Locally Listed Assets in Hartlepool will be updated biennially and thematically with the next update in 2017.  Where opportunities arise through the planning process to identify other assets which could potentially be included on the Local List, these will be reviewed at the next available update.  The Historic Environment Record for Hartlepool will continue to be maintained and reviewed on a regular basis to ensure that the information provided continues to be accurate and relevant.  Training will be provided for Members of the Planning Committee and officers on a regular basis to ensure that any decisions made are properly informed by an understanding of the heritage issues involved.  The Heritage at Risk Register for Hartlepool will be reviewed annually.  A full review of locally listed buildings will be carried out biennially.  The Local Authority will work with owners to find solutions to remove/stabilise assets from the Heritage at Risk Register with one building removed from the list each year.

Further information on the Hartlepool List of Heritage at Risk, including a copy of the document can be obtained from the Council’s website here.

Historic Environment Record (HER)

Tees Archaeology hold the HER for Hartlepool. A programme of continuous update and enhancement of the record in recent years has seen isolated farms and First World War I sites added to it. Hartlepool Borough Council is committed to maintaining its support of Tees Archaeology and the HER.

8. Engaging with the community Conservation Area Advisory Committee In 2006 the local authority established a Conservation Area Advisory Committee (CAAC). Comprising local residents’ associations, parish councils and amenity groups, it acts as a sounding board highlighting topics relevant to local residents that should be addressed.

The Committee is chaired by the Council’s Heritage Champion, who is also a member of the Planning Committee. This is recognised as good practice and the Authority will aim to continue this in the future.

Strategic conservation policy will continue to be guided by this Committee.

Newsletter The local authority circulates an electronic newsletter to residents and other interested parties covering current issues relating to the historic environment. This provides up to date information on recent projects and volunteering opportunities within the borough.

Tees Archaeology also provide their own newsletter on archaeological developments not just in Hartlepool but throughout the Tees Valley. This offers residents and interested parties a wider view of heritage beyond the boundaries of Hartlepool.

Provision of advice to households The Authority provides advice and guidance to householders in the form of leaflets to building owners on the maintenance and improvement of their properties. Leaflets are available on replacement windows and doors and the local authority will look to expand this suite of information to include other topics guided by the CAAC. This will provide building owners with sources of guidance when carrying out work to their property advising on all-important attention to detail and assisting in reinforcing a sense of place and local distinctiveness.

Further information on the guidance provided by the local authority can be obtained from the Council’s website here.

Neighbourhood Planning There are three currently areas of Hartlepool where neighbourhood plans are being developed. These are the Rural Area, The Headland and Wynyard. The local authority is working with residents to provide guidance in developing these plans and where appropriate encourage the inclusion of policies to ensure the protection and enhancement of the historic environment within them. This approach will be replicated as and when other Neighbourhood Plans come forward.

Additional Planning Documents A Shop Front Design Guide has been produced to provide guidance on development in commercial areas, including those located within conservation areas. The local authority will investigate the option of providing a Heritage Supplementary Planning Document (SPD).

The local authority will look to provide information, guidance and support on the historic environment in other SPDs where appropriate. For example the

recently updated Planning Obligations SPD includes information on heritage assets.

Activities In addition to the consultative process the local authority is committed to working with local communities to help them engage with their heritage. This involves Council services such as Museums, Countryside, Conservation, Libraries and Tees Archaeology developing projects with local communities to provide them with the knowledge and skills to better understand and conserve their local area. Recent examples have included a project on Lynn Street by the Library service, projects at Hart and Elwick carried out jointly by the above services and a recording and enhancement project at North Cemetery working with and helping to develop a Friends group.

Actions  Continue to support the Conservation Area Advisory Committee holding meetings on a quarterly basis.  Continue to distribute newsletters covering current issues in the historic environment on a quarterly basis.  Work with volunteers to survey heritage assets biennially as part of the Authority’s Heritage at Risk programme.  Provide up to date information on the Council’s website for residents and other interested parties on relevant topics.  Continue to work with Neighbourhood Plan Groups where invited to provide advice regarding heritage assets in their plan areas.  Continue to provide guidance on the historic environment within Supplementary Planning Documents.  Continue to develop opportunities for local involvement in the heritage of the area.

9. Conclusion This strategy provides a detailed plan for the continued conservation and enhancement of the historic environment in Hartlepool. The Action Plan to implement the strategy is summarised in Appendix 3. It is proposed that this is reviewed on an annual basis to ensure that it remains current and reflects the resources available to the local authority.

Appendix 1 – Assessment of Allocated Sites

The information on each allocated site comprises the following,

Name of the allocated site

Plan for illustrative purposes only showing, o Boundary of site o Heritage Assets

Heritage Asset  Details of any heritage assets on, or in close proximity to the site

Significance  Details of the significance of each asset.

Any potential  How the development could impact on the significance. detrimental impact /  Where development will cause such harm that it is considered that opportunities for it cannot be mitigated or justified. enhancement Any mitigation /  What opportunities there are for enhancement on or around the benefits site.  Where development will need to be limited in order to minimise the impact on the significance of each heritage asset.

Any other information  Other relevant information such as active community groups.

South of John Howe Gardens (27)

Heritage Asset West View Cemetery including Lodge House (Locally Listed)

Significance Cemetery dating from early 1930s with Lodge House, Place of Remembrance and surrounding brick wall. Main entrance from West View Road. The significance of the cemetery is evidential and historical. The arrangement of the buildings, boundary and open spaces have remained unchanged since its establishment.

There are no known archaeological sites in the area therefore it is considered that the surrounding area is of low potential.

Any potential Cemetery is located to the east side of the site. The boundary wall detrimental impact / defining the extent of the site means the impact on the cemetery opportunities for should be less than significant. enhancement

Any mitigation / The retention of the boundary wall and how this will be incorporated benefits into the site should be a consideration in any proposals on this land.

Any other information None.

Carr Hopps (53)

Heritage Asset North Cemetery, Hart Lane (Locally Listed)

Significance North Cemetery is a closed cemetery with the boundary formed by Hart Lane, Raby Road, Chester Road and Jesmond Road. Gravestones have been removed to form an extensive area of public open space. The significance of the space is historical and communal. It was the burial place of prominent individuals who have played key roles in shaping the town as it is today. In addition it is now a valued area of open space within this area.

There are no known archaeological sites in this area of former terraced housing therefore it is considered to be of low archaeological potential.

Any potential To the north of the site is North Cemetery. It is unlikely that development detrimental impact / of this site would have an impact on the significance of the heritage asset opportunities for as they are separated by Hart Lane which forms a significant barrier enhancement between the two.

Any mitigation / None. benefits Any other information There is an active Friends Group in North Cemetery. There may be potential for a developer to work with this community group given the close proximity of the site.

Briarfields, Elwick Road (63)

Heritage Asset  Park Conservation Area  Briarfields (Locally Listed Building)  Deserted medieval settlement of Tunstall (HER 0778)

Significance Park Conservation Area is characterised by large, late nineteenth century houses, set in extensive landscaped grounds surrounded by walls and railings. Given the individual design of properties there is a great variety of architectural styles.

The significance of the area is three fold. There is historical significance in the development of this area of Hartlepool by prominent industrialists moving away from the centre of town where there industries were based to the green area on the edge. This in turn led to the construction of a number of substantial houses and associated buildings within this area. Those which survive contribute to the architectural significance of the area. At the centre of the conservation area is Ward Jackson Park, named after a local industrialist. The park was opened in 1883 having been paid for using funds provided by local people. The Registered park is significant not only historically but also communally.

Briarfields House was built in 1895. It was occupied by the Cameron family who ran the Lion Brewery which was a major business within the town. The site is a complex of buildings including the main house, a lodge house, and a series of outbuildings which were possibly stables and a gardener’s residence. The significance of the site lies in the architectural

interest of the buildings both individually and as a group. In particular they are one of the few remaining examples of this type of group of structures within the conservation area. There is also historic interest within the site as it was occupied by a prominent family in Hartlepool.

Significance cont. Deserted medieval settlement of Tunstall This is located to the immediate south-west of the site. Interpretation of aerial photographs suggests the site is probably beyond the limits of the medieval settlement as there is ridge and furrow on the adjacent Shu-Lin site.

Any potential The Park Conservation Area is on the Heritage at Risk Register as detrimental impact / a Conservation Area at Risk. Development within the gardens of opportunities for houses and the loss of larger properties has significantly altered the enhancement character of the conservation area.

Development which does not follow the pattern of the hierarchy of buildings on the site or greatly reduces the open space would significantly harm the heritage assets.

Any mitigation / A development brief is in place for this site. This should guide benefits development in order to mitigate any harm to the heritage assets.

The site has some archaeological potential and a field evaluation would be expected in support of any planning application.

Any other information There is an active residents group within the area (Park Residents Association) and Ward Jackson Park, a Registered Park and Garden also has a Friends group. There may be opportunities to work with the community to increase understanding of the conservation area and provide enhancements.

Potters Farm, Elwick (43)

Heritage Asset  Elwick Conservation Area  Within the core of medieval settlement (HER 903) Significance Buildings found in Elwick Conservation Area reflect the settlement’s early agricultural origins. Many building appear to date from the 18th century however there are also properties from the early and late 19th century including terraced dwellings and individual houses. The conservation area extends westwards to include Elwick Hall and the Parish Church which are set in a landscape of mature trees. The significance of the conservation area lies in the historic interest of the village and architectural interest of buildings in the area.

Any potential Development on this site would impact on the setting of Elwick detrimental impact / Conservation Area. It is considered this site could enable the village opportunities for to be developed in a sustainable manner and enable it to continue to enhancement provide a variety of housing options for those living in the area.

Any mitigation / Any new development should respect the character of the benefits conservation area. Consider should be given to the design, and scale of any new development and the materials used. These choices should be informed by the existing properties in the village and in particular those in the historic core. Any mitigation / The site has archaeological potential for medieval settlement remains benefits cont. and a field evaluation would be expected in support of any planning application.

Any other information There is an active Parish Council in Elwick and a number of groups who have carried out projects in the past to raise awareness around the heritage and ecology in the village.

North Farm, Elwick (44)

Heritage Asset  Elwick Conservation Area  Elwick House, North Farm, 16 The Green, Holmlea (Locally listed buildings)  Wilton Cottage (No. 15) (Grade II)  Within the core of medieval settlement (HER 903)

Significance Elwick Conservation Area; buildings found in the area reflect the settlement’s early agricultural origins. Many buildings appear to date from the 18th century however there are also properties from the early and late 19th century including terraced dwellings and individual houses. The conservation area extends westwards to include Elwick Hall and the Parish Church which are set in a landscape of mature trees. The significance of the conservation area lies in the historic interest of the village and architectural interest of buildings in the area.

Elwick House is a locally listed building. The property is a late 19th century residential villa constructed in three bays with a symmetrical front elevation. The significance lies in the architectural interested of the asset and historic interest as the house was used for a time as a children’s convalescent holiday home.

16 The Green, a locally listed building, is a cottage which has retained a number of original features including timber sash windows and a pantiled roof. It is the architectural interest of the

property as a typical building found in a village such as Elwick which contributes towards its significance.

Significance cont. North Farm including the outbuildings to the rear are locally listed. The structures including a mid 19th century farm house constructed in brick with a slate roof and a number of barns dating from the 18th and 19th century. The significance of the site is two fold; there is historic interest as the farm provides an example of a farming complex typical of the area but there is also architectural interest, particularly in the main farm house and the older farm buildings on the site.

Wilton Cottage is a grade II listed building dating from the 1700s with a mid 19th century extension. Constructed in random rubble and rendered the significance of the property lies in its architectural interest.

Any potential Development on this site would impact on the setting of Elwick detrimental impact / Conservation Area which runs along the south of the site. It is opportunities for considered this site could enable the village to be developed in a enhancement sustainable manner and enable it to continue to provide a variety of housing options for those living in the area.

Development would impact on the setting of Elwick House with the rear garden boundary of the dwelling lying to the south of the site.

Although in close proximity it is considered that development would not impact on Wilton Cottage (No. 15) The Green, Homelea or North Farm as there are currently gardens to the rear of these properties which will provide a buffer to the development.

Development around Elwick House should consider how it will impact on the setting of this locally listed building. In particular a green buffer zone should be considered in order to provide the building with some feeling of isolation replicating its original setting as an isolated dwelling in the rural area.

The site has archaeological potential for medieval settlement remains and a field evaluation would be expected in support of any planning application.

Any other information There is an active Parish Council in Elwick and a number of groups who have carried out projects in the past to raise awareness around the heritage and ecology in the village.

Glebe Farm East (4)

Heritage Asset Medieval settlement of Hart (HER 0666)

Significance There is potential for medieval settlement remains, particularly along the frontage of the lane.

Any potential This would be assessed should a field evaluation be provided. detrimental impact / opportunities for enhancement

Any mitigation / The site has archaeological potential for Anglo-Saxon and medieval benefits settlement remains. A field evaluation would be expected in support of any planning application.

Any other information None

Nine Acres (3)

Heritage Asset Medieval settlement of Hart (HER 0666)

Significance There is potential for medieval settlement remains, particularly along the frontage of the lane.

Any potential This would be assessed should a field evaluation be provided. detrimental impact / opportunities for enhancement

Any mitigation / The site has archaeological potential for Anglo-Saxon and medieval benefits settlement remains. A field evaluation would be expected in support of any planning application.

Any other information None

Coronation Drive (85)

Heritage Asset Prehistoric peat deposits (HER 1603)

Significance Former railway sidings. Potential impact on prehistoric peat deposits but these are c. 2 – 3m below present ground surface and there is unlikely to be a significant impact.

Any potential detrimental impact / opportunities for None enhancement

Any mitigation / None benefits

Any other information None

Wynyard Park North (112)

Heritage Asset Iron Age archaeological features (HER 6777)

Significance The site has been subject of field evaluation and Iron Age archaeological features were noted, but not in concentration.

Any potential None detrimental impact / opportunities for enhancement

Any mitigation / A scheme of archaeological recording would be required to mitigate benefits any loss.

Any other information None

Wynyard Park (114)

Heritage Asset Medieval archaeological features (HER504), (HER5478), (HER8010), (HER8009), (HER6674), (HER8007), (HER8005), (HER8004), (HER8008), (HER5479), (HER8011), (HER8006), (HER8001), (HER8013), (HER8000), Iron Age archaeological features (HER7998), 19th Century Barn and Farmstead (HER6781), (HER8239), (HER6782)

Significance The site has been subject of field evaluation and Medieval, Iron Age and 19th Century archaeological features were noted, the wider site is considered significant due to the proliferation of features registered across a small area as shown on the aerial image.

Any potential Development of the site would have a significant detrimental impact detrimental impact / on the archaeological site around the settlement at Low Newton opportunities for Hanzard and could result in a loss of these regionally important enhancement remains. Any mitigation / To protect the remains, an archaeological exclusion zone will be benefits required to protect the archaeological features, the extent of this archaeological exclusion zone should be agreed with Hartlepool Borough Council and Tees Archaeology. This should be retained as managed public open space within the wider site. The archaeological exclusion zone should be fenced off prior to the commencement of development across the wider development site to ensure protection of the archaeological site. In addition appropriate recording and assessment of significance of the archaeology across the site will be required especially where there is any proposal for destruction (NPPF para 141).

Any other information A planning application has been received for the northern part of the site, H/2015/0332.

Allocated sites where there is no impact on known heritage assets

Quarry Farm (49) Quarry Farm (49) – no listed buildings, locally listed buildings or conservation areas in close proximity. No known archaeological sites and therefore low potential in surrounding area.

Allocated sites where an application is awaiting determination

High Tunstall Farm (46) This large Greenfield site has archaeological potential due to prehistoric activity in the area (e.g. HER 2865) and a field evaluation would be expected in support of any planning application.

East of Naisberry Farm (48) This large Greenfield site has archaeological potential due to prehistoric activity in the area (e.g. HER 2865) and a field evaluation would be expected in support of any planning application.

Tunstall Farm (66) This site was subject to archaeological field evaluation. Remains of a Romano- British settlement were noted (HER 8362). A scheme of archaeological recording would be required to mitigate any loss.

Claxton (100) This large Greenfield site has been subject to archaeological field evaluation. There is a significant archaeological site to the east of Brierton Quarry. This has not yet been tested by trial trenching but appears to be a complex Romano-British settlement. It is strongly recommended that this area is excluded from development. A second Romano-British enclosure at Claxton Farm would require a scheme of archaeological recording would be required to mitigate any loss.

Appendix 2 Conservation Area Appraisals – Programme of Work

Conservation Area Last Review Proposed Year of Review

Church Street 2009 2016

Headland 2007 2017

Park 2008 2018

Grange 2009 2019

Seaton Carew 2009 2020

Elwick 2010 2021

Greatham 2010 2022

Stranton 2010 2023

Appendix 3 Action Plan

Objective Action Identifying potential development sites,  As information is brought forward on individual sites the local authority will examine their constraints and opportunities. further the significance of any heritage assets judged to be affected and look for opportunities to repair/maintain and where appropriate enhance assets or conversely limit development if appropriate.  Development Briefs will be used, where appropriate, to guide development on sites.  Where there is funding available through development the local authority will look to use this as an opportunity to repair/maintain and where appropriate enhance heritage assets on or otherwise affected by the development site.  Where the opportunity arises the local authority will look to work with developers to examine all available options for contributions towards individual heritage assets secured through legal agreements, including non-monetary enhancements such as training opportunities and payment in kind.

Outlining a plan to review the state of the  The local authority will review one conservation area appraisal and one management historic environment. plan a year,.  The list of Locally Listed Assets in Hartlepool will be updated biennially and thematically with the next update in 2016.  Where opportunities arise through the planning process to identify other assets which could potentially be included on the Local List, these will be reviewed at the next available update.  The Historic Environment Record for Hartlepool will be maintained and reviewed on a regular basis to ensure that the information provided continues to be accurate and relevant.  Training will be provided for Members of the Planning Committee and officers on a regular basis to ensure that any decisions made are properly informed by an understanding of the heritage issues involved.  The Heritage at Risk Register for Hartlepool will be reviewed annually.  A full review of locally listed buildings will be carried out biennially.  The Local Authority will work with owners to find solutions to remove/stabilise assets from the Heritage at Risk Register with one building removed from the list each year.

Objective Action Considering how the public can be  Continue to support the Conservation Area Advisory Committee holding meetings on a involved in the historic environment. quarterly basis.  Continue to distribute newsletters covering current issues in the historic environment on a quarterly basis.  Work with volunteers to survey heritage assets biennially as part of the Authority’s Heritage at Risk programme.  Provide up to date information on the Council’s website for residents and other interested parties on relevant topics.  Continue to work with Neighbourhood Plan Groups where invited to provide advice regarding heritage assets in their plan areas.  Continue to provide guidance on the historic environment within Supplementary Planning Documents.  Continue to develop opportunities for local involvement in the heritage of the area.

Glossary

An Allocated Site is a site identified for a particular use i.e. housing, industry etc.

Article 4 Directions are made by the local authority and restrict the scope of permitted development rights either in relation to a particular area or site, or a particular type of development.

The Community Infrastructure Levy is a planning charge that can be used as a tool; for local authorities to help deliver infrastructure to support development of this area.

A Conservation Area is an area, ‘of special architectural or historic interest, the character of appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance.’

The Conservation Area Advisory Committee in Hartlepool includes residents groups and amenity societies. The committee considers strategic conservation issues across all eight conservation areas in Hartlepool offering advice and comments on issues such as new policies and conservation area appraisals.

A Conservation Area Appraisal is an assessment of an area’s interest and the action needed to protect it.

A Conservation Area Management Plan sets out the way in which change will be managed to ensure conservation areas retain the qualities which led to their designation.

A conservation deficit is when the cost of repairing the building exceeds the value of the finished property. The shortfall in value represents the conservation deficit.

Ecclesiastical Buildings are Anglican, free churches and Roman Catholic churches but can also include vacant buildings which were used as churches and have never had any other use.

Heritage asset is defined as, ‘A building, monument, site, place, area or landscape identified as having a degree of significance meriting consideration in planning decisions, because of its heritage interest. Heritage asset includes designated heritage assets and assets identified by the local planning authority (including local listing).’

English Heritage supports a network of Heritage Champions across the country. Champions are mainly elected members in local authorities. Champions across the country are using the historic environment as an asset to help achieve their local authority’s strategic goals and bring a better quality of life to their community.

Historic environment is defined by the National Planning Policy Framework as, ‘All aspects of the environment resulting from the interaction between people and places through time, including all surviving physical remains of past human activity whether visible, buried or submerged, and landscaped and planted or managed flora.’

Heritage at Risk records listed buildings, places of worship, scheduled monuments, industrial sites, conservation areas, parks and gardens, protected wrecks and battlefields identified as at risk and in need of rescue.

A Heritage at Risk Register is a document which collates all heritage assets considered to be at risk in the Borough.

Heritage skills those skills employed by craftspeople to maintain and enhance built heritage such as bricklayers, carpenters, lime-plasters, stonemasons etc.

Historic Environment Record is information services that seek to provide access to comprehensive and dynamic resources relating to the historic environment of a defined geographic area for public benefit.

A Listed building is a building which is for the time being included in a list compiled or approved by the Secretary of State.

Neighbourhood Plans are plans prepared by a Parish Council or Neighbourhood Forum for a particular neighbourhood area.

Registered Park and Garden is a site included on the Register of Historic parks and gardens in England.

Scheduled Ancient Monument means any monument which is for the time being included in the schedule compiled and maintained by the Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport.

Section 106 Agreement is a mechanism which makes development proposals acceptable in planning terms. They are focused on site specific mitigation of the impact of the development.

Special Areas of Advert Control are areas which are defined due to their scenic, historical, architectural or cultural features being considered so significant that a stricter degree of advertisement control is justified in order to conserve visual amenity within a defined area.

Supplementary Planning Documents are part of the Local Plan and are developed to further define and implement the policies and strategies contained within the Development Plan Documents when needed.