ENGLISH BICKNOR CONSERVATION AREA

CHARACTER APPRAISAL

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FOREST OF DEAN DISTRICT COUNCIL J. A. STEWART BA, MCD, MRTPI. DIRECTOR OF PLANNING AND LEISURE SERVICES. OCTOBER 1995

ENGLISH BICKNOR No.-2302/1044 ~ - 'CONSERVATION AREA 1.,.. ~·•,,:· II •·101 I ..,, ..,,..,, ..,, ..,, DESI NA,:ED 21st SEPTEMBER 1995. CJ lo. r...... ,.___ ~ 0 °" : .HU.,,

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- • - BOUNDARY ■ USTEO BUILDINGS ~ SCHEDULEDANCIENT ~ MONUMENTS SCA1.E1~500 ISH NOTE: ..,, The outalde edge of the boundary lne malb the e>rtentof the Conlefvetlon Arie.

Introduction The Forest of Dean Local Plan (Deposit Draft) vistas along streets and between buildings; Engltsh Blcknor Is a small and relatively July 1993 proposes that the historic core of and on the extent to which traffic Intrudes and Isolatedvillage located on an unclassified road English Blcknor should be designated as a limits the pedestrian use of spaces between (formerly B.4228) between Coleford and Conservation Area ( SEE MAP 1 ) buildings. Conservation Area designation Lydbrook. It Is set In a prominent position should be seen as the means of recognising the Importance of all these factors and within the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding WhatIs a conservationArea 7 ensuring that conservation policy addresses Natural Beauty (AONB), and is very visible from A Conservation Area Is defined by statute as the quality of townscape In its broadest sense the surrounding countryside. The built form is "an area of special architectural or historic as well as the protection of Individual made up of several components. The focus is interest the character or appearance of which buildings." provided by the fine village Church and the it is desirable to preserve or enhance". school, both set within a former motte and This appraisal of the character of the proposed Planning Policy Guidance Note 15 - Planning bailey castle (an Ancient Monument) and English Bicknor Conservation Area is the first and the Historic Environment states: associated with a number of other attractive step In the preparation of proposals for its large buildings. To this loose nucleus is preservation and enhancement . This appraisal attached a small area of modern housing. "It is the quality and Interest of areas, rather alms to provide a clear assessment and than that of lndlVldual buildings, which should Further south the village developed In a linear definition of the special Interest of English be the prime consideration In Identifying form with several farmsteads beside the road. Blcknor, and the action needed to protect It. It Conservation Areas. There has been There has also been a small amount of Infilling Is hoped that this document will generate increasing recognition in recent years that our discussion as success Is dependant upon and small groups of housing constructed In the c~ experience of a historic area depends on much operation and goodwill between all parties who Post War years. more than the quality of Individual buildings - have an Interest in the area. Successful The proposed Conservation Area Is based on on the historic layout of properties and conservation cannot be achieved solely by the historic core of the village around the thoroughfares; ...... on characteristic materials; planning controls; there must be a broader Church and the site of the former motte and on appropriate scaling and detailing of approach where those who have an influence bailey castle, including the small group of contemporary buildings; on the quality of ...... on the character of the area are Involved in the traditional properties in the vicinity. street furniture and hard and son surfaces; on process of preservation, maintenance and enhancement.

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ThelmpUcatlons of Designation lmpUcatlonstor ownersand Residents Conservation Area designation can also benefit The designation of a Conservation Area In normal circumstances, householders have property owners and occupiers. There may be Imposes specific duties on the Local Planning certain "Permitted Development" rights to carry added status to a property being located within Authority. The Authority must formulate and out minor works to their properties, such as a Conservation Area. Also the development publish proposals for the preservation and small extensions and the erection of garden controls aimed at maintaining and enhancing enhancement of the Conservation Area, and buildings. However, In many places such as the appearance of the conservation Area may submit them to public consultation. Within an AONB or a Conservation Area, these sustain or enhance the appearance of In addition, in exercising their planning powers, rights are reduced. In the case of properties within it. the Local Planning Authority must pay special householders within the proposed English attention to the desirability of preserving or Blcknor Conservation Area, "Permitted EnanshBlcknor conservation Area and enhancing the character or appearance of the Development" rights are already reduced CharacterAppraisal Conservation Areas. because it lies within the Wye Valley AONB, The decision to designate English Bicknor and therefore there will be few Implications for Conservation Area and adopt the English The1mpncat1ons for the LocalAuthorities residents. However, some works would require Bk:knor Character Appraisal was taken by The It Is essential that all departments of bOth the the consent of the Local Planning Authority Planning and Leisure Services Committee of District and County Council understand the alter Conservation Area designation and these The Forest of Dean District Council on the 21st significance of the Conservation Area, and act Include the demolition of buildings and works September 1995. The draft version of the In coordination, In order that public works, such to trees. In addition, any new development English Bk:knor Character Appraisal had been as street works, do not damage the historic Including extensions would be expected to be the subject of widespread public consultation fabric or appearance of the area. Other of good design, appropriate to the special and various amendments had been agreed as agencies, such as the water supplier or character of the area. As with all development a result. This version of the Character telecommunications companies must also be proposals it Is advisable to seek advice from Appraisal Incorporates a map of the boundary aware and show respect to the special the planning department at an early stage. of the designated Conservation Area. art:htectural and historic character of the area.

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Thesetting andTopography of the woodlands. The prominence of English village. There Is an Important grouping of ConservationArea (see Map 2) Blcknor In the landscape means that there are mature trees leading up to the school from the The older part of English Blcknor Is located on many views Into the settlement from south west, which are covered by a Tree a spur In an exposed hilltop position, with the surrounding roads, footpaths and isolated Preservation Order, and another group around Wye Valley to the north, and small valleys to properties. Views into the settlement tend to be the motte and bailey. Immediately to the east the east and west. It Is located within the Wye from a distance, but the built form of English of Blcknor House are a row of limes, an oak Valley lvea of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Blcknor, particularly the Church tower, Is very tree and a cedar. These trees, which are of is very visible from the surrounding visible from these distant vantage points amenly value are located (with the exception of countryside. Historically English Blcknor because of Its setting on a ridge which shows the cedar) Just outside the boundary of the developedil a linear form, north-south along a buldlngs against the skyline. The tree cover In Conservation Area, but are covered by a Tree hilltop, with a concentration of bulldlngs and around the vlllage Is also evident, and Preservation Order. Trees In and around the around the church and the remains 0f a motte softens the appearance of the village, Conservation Area also act as a wind break In and bailey castle. This historic core Is sited · especially In summer. this exposed location. predominantly on the hilltop with the land dr~pplng away on three sides. Co!oumwtthln the area The predominant colours are the subdued ~ natural colours of the landscape, the greens The hlltop position of English Blcknor ensures and browns of the stone, the deep that there are extensive views across the orange/brown of the clay roof tiles and dark' surrounding landscape. At almost every point grey of the slate roofs. The properties that have within the Conservation Area there are views Flg.1 English Bicknoris very ptCll'Mlentin 11Mlendscape been rendered and painted white or cream are out of the settlement across the undulating TreeCoyer In and aroundthe area particularly prominent. In the summer the tree plateau and Into the Wye Valley. The Tree cover In and around the Conservation cover ensures that the greens and browns surrounding landscape Is sparsely populated Area Is particularly significant, with many predominate. and Is characterised by open fields and mature trees softening the appearance of the

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UH •·o D ,,HU.,. Longdlltance ..,_ lnwwdltom EMllech ehowlng hlll0p pOllllon. Plonlllienoed ..... and.. bulbm. lmmedllleWM ID dad formerMob and Balleyc:allle KEY and c:hurch. f,- ... an ISU ""'°"""vlllial feltunl, hldq I ·61 Church In IUfflfflel'. <) Mllnvllwalnandoutdtie ... ~,t SCALE 1:2500 .

The Historic Eyolutlonof the Area < see note1 > TheChurch and Motte and Baneycastle

The village of English Bicknor grew up around There have been several encroachments onto Nearby was the pound, recorded In 1725 which a Norman Castle on a spur In the centre of the the castle site including the old rectory to the is indicated on some Ordnance Survey maps. Parish. This Norman Castle may date from the north east and the school building which date To the south-west, there is Blcknor House, reign of King Stephen as there are references back to the 1830's. In the mid Nineteenth formerly known as the Great House, which to It In the early 13th century, but it Is believed Century, part of the ditch was filled in to dates from the late Eighteenth century. To the to have been destroyed soon afterwards. It is enlarge the rector's garden, and in 1880 part of west, where the Coleford Road turns south, one of many such earthwor_ks on the Welsh the castle motte was excavated during work to was a farmhouse built probably after 1608 and border. The parish church of Saint Mary Is make a garden for the schoolmaster. kl10MI as Cross House in 1792. A house to the much altered and stands in the castle's outer other bulldlngs south was rebuilt In 1756. Later buildings In baiey. There are remnants of unaltered Twelfth To the south-east of the church, in the late the village included an almshouse, erected In Century north and south arcades In the present Eighteenth Century there was a small cluster of 1858 In place of the Inn by the churchyard, now church building. The original Norman tower buildings whk:h Included an Inn and the parish called Lucy Court and converted to flats. was central, so the west tower Is a complete re­ or church house, which were recorded from building. 1548.

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Land uses and patterns of movement Later buiidng has occurred close to this road at There has been no Infilling between the older Most buildings in the area are in residential varying angles and distances from the road properties which means there Is an open use. The Church and churchyard, however, with no overall form or pattern. character to this area, where spaces between lake up a large amount of land at the centre of buldlngs are particularly noticeable. The most the village, along with the school. prominent of these open spaces is the site of The main vehicular movement through the the motte and bailey which Is a Scheduled village is along the former 84228 Ancient Monument. At present there Is a wide Coleford/Lydbrook road With only local traffic undeveloped area to the north of a cottage using the lanes leading onto this road. There Is known as The Glebe. Construction work has Iii.tie pedestrian movement. The primary school recently started on this site which has planning generates some vehicular and pedestrian consent for 5 detached properties. The houses movement during term time, at the start and are to be sited at varying angles and to be end of the school day. However, overall the constructed of a mixture of rendered finishes, village Is peaceful and tranquil with little clay, brick and local stone With grey concrete activity. roof ties and slate replicas. The Impact of this development remains to be seen, but the

The patternof bufldlng Fig. 2 Buildings•• sited al varyingangles to the ro■d. hoUses will be very vislble from afar a"nd In the

The settlement has evolved in a linear form Wais fonn ■unifying fellur■ street scene. The completion of this small along the former f:!4228 though focused The densityof buHdlngs group is likely to lessen the open character of aroun~ the site of the Church and the motte The historic core of English Bicknor has seen the approach to the Church from the south. and bailey castle. The road which goes very little development since the Nineteenth To the west of the lych gate to the church is a through the settlement swings round to the Century, with the exception of the 3 dwellings tighter group d buildings, with a small group, of south and then east of the old motte and bailey at Church Hill Close (located just outside the cottages located close to one another. castle and the church. Conservation Area). However,even here there are spaces (gardens) between the buildings which ensure that the open feel to the village is continued.

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The type and style of bulldlngs The majority of buildlngs within the The Church which Is of stone construction Is English Blcknor has a variety of type and style Conservation Area are modest single and roofed in an assortment of differing coverings, " buildings which range from a grand country double cell cottages of two storey construction but clay plain tiles are used here also. house to modest cottages. Blcknor House Is a 3 storey imposing property located close to the BuUdlngmaterials and construction The suryivat of buHdlnafeatures road with a large landscaped garden behind. The majority of properties In the Conservation The scale, form and proportion of the original It was built In the Eighteenth Century and Area are simple 2 storey cottages of pile cottages has been maintained retaining small extended later. It Is built of coursed and construction with lean-to extensions and outbuildings and lean-to extensions. Most of dressed rubble stone and painted white and outhouses. More substantial properties like the the original window openings have been has a slate roof. It has sash windows and Rectory and Blcknor House, a Grade II Listed maintained although there are cases where stone lintels with key stones. Another notable BUIiding, reflect a more formal approach to modern · replacement windows are 1 buildlng Is the Rectory which Is a 2 / 2 storey their architecture with the use of render, Inappropriate. It Is notable that many of the property, located to the east of the church, and parapets and sash windows. In the main local buildings have natural clay or slate tiles of constructed of local stone with a slate roof. stone Is used In wall construction of the earliest varying sizes and forms - small plain clay tiles This building was constructed l,:i the early properties, although brick Is used for some or larger (Brldgwater) tiles. Eighteenth century and has a range of detailed work. The stone used In construction associated stone outbuildings. Lucy Court Is Is mostly from seams of Forest sandstone, now converted to flats, but was previously except Lucy Court which Is built of local old almshouses, and is constructed In rough red red sandstone. Many buildings have been sandstone with grey/green dressed stone rendered and painted white or cream. Some 1 quoins. It Is 2 / 2 storey with windows for the buNdlngsare roofed with natural slate Including top floor being positioned at the top of the The Glebe and the Rectory though, unusually gables. The school to the west of the church In this part of the District, there has been --~------_..:-- dates from the 1830's, but has been re-roofed extensiveuse of clay double roman and plain with modern concrete tiles. roof tiles. Fig.-- 3 Terr.ces and~ detached dweHings retain lhe

ch■r■cterof lhe village beceuse they m■intainan

appropriatesc ■leand relate wen one to the other.

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Landmarks.focal points and special allowed In the past, every effort has been made Openepaces within and aroundthe area the walls in their original or modified The sle of the motte and bailey Is a very visible features to retain are a notable feature, area (though It Is not public open The church Is the focal point of the village, and foon. These stone walls 'open' repaired or enhanced The space between buNdlngs Is one its tower is visible from many miles around. and should be retained, space). notable factors about English The site of the motte and bailey castle Is a whenever possible. of the most the spaces are mostly Scheduled Ancient Monument and is still Blcknor House which is located close to Blcknor. Although the becauseit Is te land, they add visible to the Inquisitive. H~er , there is no main road is particularly Imposing gardens or other priva storeys and Is built In a grand to the character of the settlement lndlcatiOn of Its existence to the casual visitor constructed In 3 significantly . viewed from the roads and and no interpretation. It Is a special feature architectural style and can be the Conservation valleys. The small wihln English Blcknor, which has on the whole Tree cover In and around footpathsIn the surrounding has a seat, but Is been respected In the development of the Area as detailed earlier Is another contributor green opposite Lucy Court village. to the special character. disfigured by other unsuitable and unattractive the A prominent and Important feature in this In conclusion, It Is the overall character of street furniture. Conservation Area are the stone boundary Conservation Area as described earlier which walls to the older properties which form an gives English Blcknor Its special architectural almost unbroken line along either side of the and historic character. However, the features pavement and road edges (see Map 3). They Indicated above are particularly prominent maintain the vistas through the Conservation Within the proposed Conservation Area. Area. They are built In predominantly coursed Forest sandstone finished with 'cocks and hens'. They vary In height but are normally 1.2 m (4ft), occasionally opening out with the use of Iron railings. Where new development has been

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,~ Q w .... fir,;;JI I MAP 3 :'f.',// i TREES AND WALLS --i:r .• ·- - 0 o l • Q : ...... ' .·• .. .. ""1 ·70 C? t;;, .,\ .:,..,,, ..... ~· 0 ~

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ProposedEnhancement Opposite Lucy Court there Is the village green The proposed Conservation Area of EngllSh 'Nhichcould be enhanced. This small area has Blcknor Is relatively unspoilt. There are few some inappropriate street furniture, namely a sies that detract from or disfigure the proposed black plastic litter/gravel bin and a green Conservation Area. Any proposed Telecom box. There are also many telegraph enhancement scheme would therefore be poles and wires which detract from the limited to minor works to Improve the appearance of the Conservation Area. ... appearance of the area. These are outlined At the Junction of the road southwards out of --- below. the village towards Eastbach Court is a traffic Island with 3 orange and white traffic bollards. Fig. 6 The appedllCe of this lrllfllc lsllrld Ills uncomfortablyInto the rural nalure of the ...tlege. 01s11aur1nateaturu and•ltn whichcould The traffic Island and bollards are an Intrusive feature, In a rural location and they detract enhancethe area The enhancement of these three areas should The area In front of the Lych Gate significantly from the appearance of the and be discussed with those parties Involved, and communal driveway to Lucy Court Conservation Area. Is rather a suitable scheme prepared If possible. unsightly with poor surfacing and fencing. The access leadlng to the Lych Gate Is part grass ( \ '. The former motte and bailey castle Is a and part scalplngs making an uneven surface Scheduled Ancient Monument. The tree cover with an unattractive appearance. Separating "' / In and around the monument Is a notable the Church accessand Lucy Court driveway Is ,n featun,, but It would be prudent to discuss with a concrete and wire fence. The Rose archway "" . ,: - ~ the owners of the site, the long term makes a 'gateway' to Lu~y Court. management of the tree cover so that the The improvement of this Important part of the lf archaeotoglcali'lterest of the site Is maintained. Conservation Area would enhance the It may also be worthwhile to consider some sort appearance of this part of the · -,.,.. village -~ c1low key and unobtrusive Interpretation of the considerably...... ~-- :._,l!O· ~--,,-ic Ancient Monument. Fig . .f Scope for • 1m_al sc.i. scheme to enhenc• the appe•-e of the village green. ..

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required

ervatlon Order 1164..•,

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Characteristic stone wals I be preserved/reatored/relnstated

NOTE: un where po■sR>le The oulllde edge rAthe bowufaiy line ..,. :,;:;::,:.:,:;;:::::::Important trees and groups malkl the extentrA the ContelvaUc>nArea . ········•·········· --..... ··•-- r'-""' SCALE 1:2600 C,ownCopr,'9hlR1H,_.

Concludlng Analysls maintain a link through the village giving a hard ment of the village green opposite Lucy Court In conclusion, this analysis shows that the edge between the road and the land at each and the 'suburban' traffic Island. In addition, proposed Conservation Area of English Bicknor side. consideration should be given to the reduction is an area of special architectural and historic in the amount of overhead cables In the character which should be preserved and - the muted colours of the buildings are an Conservation Area, where possible. enhanced. The main aspects of Its special Important feature and they reflect the natural character which are Identified from this report colours of the landscape with the greens and Development Proposals for which planning are:- browns of the stone, the deep orange/brown of permission is required should have regard to - that It Is a small tranquil settlement In an the clay roof tiles, and the dark slates on other the special character of the Conservation Area exposed hilltop location giving It an Isolated buildings. as defined in this document. In addition, there and rural character. are some very minor proposals which constitute Concluslon 'Permitted Development', and other matters - It has a historic core made up of Church, The preservation and enhancement of this that are not 'development' at all. It Is hoped school and remains of a former motte and Conservation Area should be a partnership that the Information contained in this document bailey castle between the many Individuals and agencies wtll provide help and guidance to property and involved. This document provides an land owners, so that such minor works do not - It Is a relatively unspoilt village with traditional assessment of the character of the area and harm the special character of this Conservation buildings constructed of predominantly local makes suggestions for preservation and Area. It may be possible for such minor works materials sited at varying angles to the road enhancement. However It Is only the first to enhance the character of the area such as with open spaces between. English Bicknor is stage. What happens next Is dependent upon the use of appropriate materials or the use of a village that has suffered the passage of time the goodwill and cooperation of all those with Windows of an appropriate scale, form and with grace. an interest In the area. design. In addition, the reinstatement or repair of the stone boundary walls, where necessary, - Road side walls constructed of Forest of Dean Enhancement proposals should focus around would also make a positive contribution to the sandstone are a strong visual feature and the Lych Gate and Lucy Court, the improve- character and appearance of the area.

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Copyright reserved. Text: Forest of Dean District Councll. Illustrations: Ann Sweet. October 1996 (Note 1) The ForHt of Dean Dl1trlct Councll awknowledge that much ot the Information In the 1ectlon dealing with the Hl1torlc Evolution of Englfah Blckor cornea from a draft ot the forthcoming volume on the Foreat of Dean In the Victoria County Hl1tory of Glouce1terahlre. The copyright of which 11 owned by Unlverally of London. The Information 11 reproduced with their permlHlon .