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Chapter 2 Context Assessment

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Cnteo xt Assessment In order to ensure that a responsive masterplan is created, a comprehensive assessment of the context within which the site sits has been undertaken. The results of this assessment are set out in this section.

Topography The plan on the opposite page shows the well as on the northern side of the river) topography of the site and its context. has been at similar topographic levels to the site. It is also possible to see how It shows how the site is on the lower existing development has responded to slopes of the river valley. Most of the site the topography with roads following the being between 20 and 40 AOD. contours. The plan demonstrates how much of the It is important that any development of existing development in the area (in Pill, the site should respond to and reflect Easton-in-Gordano and Ham Green as these existing characteristics.

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Section AA

Section BB

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V iSUAL Assessment Teh site is in a location that is well contained by topography and vegetation and views of the site are therefore limited to localised near and middle distance views.

The following visual assessment looks at the eastern and western areas of the site separately. Western Area Views of the entire Site from the west are curtailed by intervening built form. Views from the south are limited to partial and open near distance views from the A369, with views of the western part of the Site obtained across an open agricultural landscape with a noticeable fall in topography towards the Markham Brook. (see photographs 1 -3)

Plan showing location of photographs

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Photograph 1

Photograph 2

Photograph 3

Photograph 4

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Eastern Area Views towards the eastern part of the site from the south are more limited with views obtained from the vicinity of St Katherine’s School along Pill Road.(see photograph 4) Views from the north are restricted to elevated glimpsed views from the A4, in particular the degraded viewing platform opposite the northern tip of the site and the Golf Course at Park. Properties and roads north of the A4 also obtain views towards the northern section of the eastern part of the site. (see photographs 5 and 6) Views from the east are restricted to transient glimpsed views whilst travelling along the A4 and potentially residential properties in Sneyd Park. (see photograph 7) Longer distance views are not available due to intervening topographical variation and vegetation/ built forms.

Plan showing location of photographs

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Photograph 5

Photograph 6

Photograph 7

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H iSTORIC Context Teh plan of the site in 1903 on the opposite page shows how the south eastern part of the site originally formed part of the parkland setting for Leigh Court. At this time Pill was a small settlement focussed on the railway station comprising a mixture of commercial and residential uses.

The settlement of Pill dates form the area to the north of Leigh Court, within 1500s and its existence is due to its the site forms part of an ‘Historic Park’ strategic location on the river . designation. It appears that this area, Historically, boatmen based in Pill would which is not in agricultural use was cleared pilot ships into harbour. Easton in at some point in history to create easily Gordano has a long history dating back to managed fields. at least 1085. Relevance to Proposals Both villages remained relatively small until the 1960s when suburban residential The history of the site and the immediate development led to their expansion and context is relevant to the proposals in the coalescence. following ways: The railway line from Bristol Temple • There is an opportunity to re-introduce Meads to Portishead was built in the the parkland setting of Leigh Court 1860s and passed right through Pill, many to provide a new large area of public houses were demolished to make way for open space connecting to Leigh Woods the line. • The expansion and coalescence of the Leigh Manor originally dates from before historic settlements of Pill and Easton- 1100 but was re-built as Leigh Court in in-Gordano in the 1960s and 70s has 1811. Humphry Repton prepared a ‘Red led to a weakening of the character and Book’ setting out plans for the landscape distinctiveness of each. The proposed of the estate in 1814. It was opened as development provides an opportunity a mental hospital in 1917 and was in to reinforce the distinctiveness various similar uses until 1985 when it between the two villages through was turned into a school and then office the creation of character areas that use. From the 1950s various parcels of reflect and respect the local context. the estate were sold and in 1988 the estate was split into several ownerships. The

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The site in 1903. Pill is a small contained mixed-use settlement focussed on the train station, yet to be extended to the south. Specimen trees and woodland groups are visible in the park to the north of Leigh Court, within the site.

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T rANSPORT and Movement Teh site is in a location that benefits from good existing transport connections by bus, cycle and potentially rail. A summary of these existing connections is set out over the following pages.

Bus Services and Reopening of the Proposals are in place to reopen the For the do-minimum option with only a within 5km of the site which would Portishead to Aston line for public use, station at Portishead 622,000 passengers enable residents to cycle to work in these Connectivity Portishead Train Line but North Council has recently are forecast annually. With the addition of locations. Existing bus services connect Portishead A train line between Royal Portbury been unsuccessful with a bid for £43.3m stations at Pill and Ashton Gate a demand National Cycle Network Route 41 runs with Bristol, via Pill. Two of the services Docks and Ashton runs along the to the Regional Growth Fund round 2 to of 860,000 passengers are predicted along the northern boundary of the site pass through Pill village and one remains northern boundary of the site. This line assist with the project, and is looking for annually, 144,000 from Pill and 96,000 along the south of the River Avon. This on the A369. is currently only used for freight trains alternative funds. Development at Chapel from Aston Gate. This also assumes route is a traffic free cycle route between serving the docks. Pill could help fund this objective. a passenger demand of around 250 Journey times from Pill are approximately Bristol and Pill. The cycle route connects passengers in the morning peak. 20 minutes both to central Bristol to the Historically the train line included A number of options for the line have to the cycleway over the M5 north east and Portishead to the west. intermediate stations at Pill and Ashton been put forward. The do-minimum Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge via local minor roads thus linking Gate and continued west to Portishead. option would be to reopen the line with Shirehampton and Pill. Signed on and off- During the day Monday to Saturday three The tracks between Pill and Portishead services stopping at Portishead and Bristol Route Connectivity road cycle routes are also provided from buses an hour operate in each direction have been removed however the land has Temple Meads only. A further option Pedestrian routes are provided from Pill to Portishead. past Pill. In the evening and on Sunday an not been reused. The previous station at allows for the reopening of the Pill and the existing residential areas in Pill to hourly bus service is provided. Regional Cycle Network Route 10 Pill is to the north of the village centre. Ashton Gate train stations. The new the village centre. A number of public continues south from Pill on local roads stations would have capacity for four car footpaths are provided across the western and through Portbury to Clevedon and trains to stop. Bus Frequencies site with connections to the existing beyond. North the route continues along An hourly service is proposed. To footways through the residential areas. the route of the NCNR 41 across the Service Route Monday-Friday Saturday Sunday enable a half hourly service additional Walking offers the greatest potential Avonmouth Bridge. No. Day Eve Day Eve Day Eve infrastructure is required as it is not to reduce car journeys under 2km and 357 Portishead - Bristol 60 - 60 - - - possible to fit two trains per hour on the cycling for journeys below 5km. Existing Right: Plan 358 Portishead – Bristol 60 - 60 - - - line as the majority is single line. The and proposed local facilities would be showing the via Pill journey time would be around 20 minutes within 2km of the site enabling residents strategic movement 359 Portishead – Bristol 60 60 60 60 60 60 from Portishead to Bristol. to walk to shops, education, and services. opportunities in via Pill Portishead and Avonmouth are also the context

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“D eVELOPMENT at Pill could help deliver the reopening of the Portishead to Bristol rail line”

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F aCILITIES and Services D eVELOPMENT of the site will provide new local facilities, employment and recreational opportunities. In addition the development will benefit from facilities available within the parish of Pill, Easton in Gordano and Ham Green.

Retail/Leisure Employment Facility/Amenity Actual distance from Acceptable distance (as set Service from centre of site out in the book Shaping Leisure facilities in the immediate area • Green grocers, There are two main business parks within Neighbourhoods, 2003) include St. Katherine’s Sports Centre and the parish. Eden Park is situated to the • Guest House, Crockerne School swimming pool, which north of the site on the site of the former WESTERN NEIGHBOURHOOD is available for use to the public. Pill • Estate Agents, Ham Green Hospital. Local Centre 780m 800m community centre also offers a number • Hairdresser, The Old Brewery business park is located Primary School proposed 530m 700m of leisure and recreational groups and centrally within Pill to the north of the within site activities. • Veterinary services western part of the site. Health Centre 890m 900m There are a number of public houses • Restaurants and takeaways. Public House 500m 800m The facilities and services of Pill together within walking distance of the site There is also a large doctors surgery with the educational establishments offer Post Office 780m 800m including the Rudgleigh Inn situated on located on the main road through the a number of employment opportunities. Community Centre 780m 800m the A469 Martcombe Road. village. Further extensive facilities are Leisure Centre 950m 1,300m located approximately 5 kilometres to the Open Space Local Shops and services are located to EASTERN NEIGHBOURHOOD west of the centre of the site within the the north of the western part of the site There are a number of existing public town of Portishead. Local Centre Proposed within site 800m and to the east of the eastern part of the open spaces surrounding the site. These Primary School Proposed within site 700m site. These shops and facilities consist of include Watchhouse Hill Park, a 10 Education Health Centre 700m 900m the following, hectare park with wild meadow, large Crockerne Church of Primary Public House 900m 800m • Library open space for informal recreational School lies close to the northern activities, two sports pitches and a multi- Post Office 1,200m 800m • Co-operative supermarket, boundary of the western part of the site. use games area. St. Katherine’s School Community Centre 1,200m 900m St. Katherine’s Secondary School is • Post Office, also has sports areas for community hire. Leisure Centre 900m 1,200m situated adjacent to the eastern part of the Small doorstep parks providing both • Dentist, site. Both schools are easily accessible by informal and equipped play for children • Pharmacy, foot, cycle, vehicle or public bus. are located throughout the parish.

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Right: View to south east from Chapel Pill Farm

L anDSCAPE Character Te h SiTE is not subject to any sensitive landscape designations such as Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Area of Great Landscape Value or National Park.

National The landscape strategy for the Avon and the integration of settlement Rolling Valley Farmland seeks to into the landscape for instance by At the national scale, the Site straddles strengthen the positive landscape ensuring that new building is sensitive the border between JCA 106: Severn and features, such as the parkland and belts to the historic parkland pattern. Avon Vales to the west and JCA 118: of woodland, whilst enhancing areas that • Promote preparation of Village Bristol-Avon Valleys to the east. This break the continuity of the landscape, Design Statements for Pill and identifies a transition between the broad such as the visually intrusive edge of Easton in Gordano within the open river valley and dispersed settlement Pill and the impact of the A369. Key context of the landscape character associated with villages following the River Landscape Guidelines with relevance to assessment with particular regard Severn from the more settled undulating the Site include: landscape encompassing Bristol which to minimising the impact of the rises towards the Cotswolds in the east • Consider opportunities for grassland, urban edge of the settlements. woodland and wetland habitat and the Mendip Hills to the south. • There should be a presumption against creation, particularly in areas arable in areas of archaeological which are marginal for farming. District landscapes defined by earthworks At the district scale, the landscape was • Consider the restoration of the and areas of historic parkland. assessed within the historic pattern of parkland trees. Character Assessment which identifies the • Limit village infill and ribbon entirety of the Site within Character Area development, and where development J6: Avon Rolling Valley Farmland. This does take place encourage sensitive landscape encompasses the settlement use of materials and quality of design of Pill and extends between the 60 metre contour line to the south and the margins of the River Avon to the north.

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Seit Teh western part of the site, west of Ham Green has a different character than the eastern part of the site. Character of Western Area be associated with the urban settlement beyond, partly due to the views obtained The western part of the Site is formed of from the busy A369 and several PROW small to medium fields with hedgerows that cross this part of the Site. Plan showing location of photographs defining field boundaries and is always seen in the context of or is perceived to

Photograph 8

Photograph 9

Photograph 10

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Photograph 11

Photograph 12

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Photograph 14

Photograph 15

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Character of Eastern Area The topography associated with the entire Site rises from the River Avon The eastern part of the Site is perceived to in the north at approximately 8 metres be more rural and remote due to the lack Above Ordinance Datum (AOD) in the of footpaths in this area in addition to the eastern area of the Site accommodating natural visual and physical containment an elevated farm yard in the centre of this resulting from the topographical variation portion of the site towards the wooded and the strong tree belt along the disused horizon of Paradise Bottom and Oak railway line. Wood. The western area of the Site rises gently from the southern edge of Pill reaching an elevation of approximately 45 metres AOD at its highest point. Plan showing location of photographs

Photograph 16

Photograph 17

Photograph 18

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Photograph 19

Photograph 20 Photograph 21

Photograph 22

Photograph 23

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Lcalo Character It is important that the character of the development responds appropriately to the distinctive character of Bristol and its suburbs and provides a distinct and innovative design response that creates a strong character and sense of place.

In order to achieve the above objective, Analysis of these elements and how they five character areas have been selected have contributed to creating a strong sense for study. They have been chosen for of character for the Bristol as a whole will evidence of distinct character features provide important contextual references which are informed by the following to inform the proposals. The character elements: areas are listed below and identified on the page opposite: • Urban form 1. Sneyd Park • Built / plot form 2. Shirehampton • Car parking 3. Pill • Open Spaces 4. Easton-in-Gordano • Details and materials 5. Stoke Bishop 6. Sea Mills

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2 6

5

3 1 4

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Sneyd Park Se n yd PaRK is located to the north west of Bristol city centre and is a prosperous suburb comprising mostly large detached properties within green leafy streets.

Urban Form Open Spaces • Long gently winding roads • Informal open space and pitches are located on Durdham Downs • Residential properties are set back with large front gardens. Details and Materials • Properties mainly detached • There is a mix of building materials set in large plots including render, brick and stone. Built/Plot Form • The predominant roofing materials are clay tiles and concrete tiles • Predominantly two storeys with on more modern buildings. occasional three storey buildings in prominent positions. • Windows are varied; timber casements, sliding sash and bay windows are • Mostly large detached and semi- typical of period properties. detached with some terraces • There are a large number of • Most properties have front trees in front gardens creating gardens of at least 4m a leafy environment • Low brick walls with hedges above are common boundary treatments Key Design Influences Car Parking • The following characteristics of this area could be used to influence • Parking is predominantly on- the design of the masterplan; plot with garages and driveways • On plot or on street parking to the side of properties • Detached and semi-detached • There is some on-street parking houses with large front gardens

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Shirehampton S hIREHAMPTON is located to the far western edge of Bristol close to the M5 and the river Avon. The area is largely typical of 1920s suburban development with mostly low density semi-detached houses.

Urban Form Car Parking Details and Materials • Linear form with smaller streets • Parking is mainly on plot or on street. • Buildings are finished in a radiating from the main road. mixture of brick and render • Some properties have garages to • Properties along the main street the side or the rear of the property • The predominant roofing form a continuous frontage with materials are clay tiles. facilities such as local shop or Open Spaces • Windows are varied with timber pub located at key junctions. • Open space is located at key focal casements or sliding sash being • Properties away from the main points within the village such as predominant, with some bay windows road have a regular building line junctions off the main road particularly on terraced properties. and are set back from the road. • Open space is generally well Key Design Influences Built/Plot Form overlooked with properties fronting the space on most sides • The following characteristics of • Predominantly two storey this area will be used to influence • School facilities and church yards also with some 2.5 storey the design of the masterplan; provide open space for the community. • A variety of house types, with terraces • Regular building line along the main road and detached and • Front gardens with low boundary walls semi-detached properties elsewhere • Parking on plot or on street • Away from the main street properties have front gardens between 2 -4m with • Mix of house types low brick boundary walls and hedges • Open space and facilities located at key junction off the main routes when possible

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Pill P iLL is a village located to the west of Bristol and to the south of the River Avon. Historically is was a port for ships arriving in Bristol and the village is centred around a small harbour.

Urban Form • There are a variety of house types Details and Materials with three storey located along • Linear main street with smaller the main road and predominantly • There is a mix of building streets radiating off two storey everywhere else. materials, brick is the predominant material with some render. • Facilities and retail uses located • Properties have small front within a pedestrianised precinct gardens between 2 - 4m • Clay tiles are the predominant roofing next to the main movement material with some instances of slate route through the village Car Parking • Windows are varied with timber • Lower density development towards • Parking is located on plot or on street casements, sliding sash and bay the edge of the village with higher windows typical of the period • There is a small car park on density close to the historic centre properties, while UPVC is common Heywood road by the shops in more modern houses. Built/Plot Form Open Spaces Key Design Influences • Building on the main street and • Informal spaces can be found at in the historic core generally • Continuous frontage along main junctions of roads or other focal directly abut the highway and have street with properties directly points creating a focal space either a largely continuous frontage abutting the pavement grassed or with hard landscaping. • Lower densities towards the edge of the settlement

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E naSTON-i -Gordano E naSTON-i -Gordano is a small village that is located to the south west of Pill, the boundary with Pill has been blurred as a result of development in the 1950s and 1960s but the village retains a distinct character.

Urban Form Open Spaces • Linear main street with smaller • There are informal open spaces streets radiating off at junctions and formal pitches located just off the main street. • Irregular building line Built/Plot Form Details and Materials • There is a mix of building materials, • Buildings generally have an render is the predominant material irregular building line with some brick and stone. • There is a wide pavement that • Tiles are the predominant roofing can accommodate outdoor material with some instances of slate seating in some areas • Windows are varied with timber • There are a variety of house types, casements, sliding sash and bay predominantly two storey. windows typical of the period • Properties have large front gardens properties, while UPVC is common and are set well back from the road in more modern houses. Car Parking Key Design Influences • Parking is located on plot or on street • Large front gardens • Irregular building line

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S tOKE Bishop S tOKE BiSHOP is located to the west of Bristol close to Sneyd Park, it is a typical 1920s suburb.

Urban Form Details and Materials • Linear streets radiating • There is a mix of building from a main route materials, render is the predominant material with some brick. Built/Plot Form • Tiles are the predominant roofing • House types are mostly semi- material with some instances of slate detached set in large plots • Windows are varied with timber • Properties have medium front casements, sliding sash and bay gardens between 2 - 4m windows typical of the period properties, while UPVC is common Car Parking in more modern houses. • Parking is located on plot or on street Key Design Influences Open Spaces • Semi-detached properties • Large parks are located away from the • Front gardens main street with housing fronting on. • On-plot parking

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Sa e MiLLS Sa e MiLLS is located to the west of Bristol along the River Avon, at this point the city begins to open out and become less dense. The area is an early example of an Ebenezer Howard Garden Suburb. The area was designated a conservation area in 1981.

Urban Form Car Parking • Windows are simple casements with some instances of bay windows • Formal structure of streets, • Parking is predominantly on-plot with a clear hierarchy with garages and driveways to • Formal tree planting along verges the side and front of properties gives a green and open feel • Residential properties are set back with large front gardens and green • There is also on-street parking • Buildings are of a uniform verges on either side of the road architectural style Open Spaces • Properties mainly semi- Key Design Influences detached set in large plots • Informal open space is located along the River Trym in a linear park • The following characteristics of • Streets orientated to maximise views this area will be used to influence • Formal playing fields are located the design of the masterplan; Built/Plot Form along the River Avon and within the residential areas • On plot or on street parking • Predominantly two storeys with occasional three storey buildings • Allotments are located in the • Detached and semi-detached in prominent positions. middle of large blocks houses with large front gardens • Mostly semi-detached Details and Materials • Low boundary walls with some terraces. • Provision of allotments • The predominant building material • Most properties have front is render with some brick, • Street Hierarchy gardens of between 2 – 4m • The predominantly roofing • Half brick and render • Low brick walls with hedges above materials are clay pantiles. are common boundary treatments • Bay Windows

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Site Analysis

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