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Quainton Neighbourhood Development Plan Local Green Space Report 2015 - 2033 Contents: Page 2 Contents Pages 3-4 Introduction, Methodology and Publicity Pages 5 - 10 List of Local Green Spaces and Justification Page 10 Site of Specific Scientific Interest Pages 11 - 15 Local Green Spaces Land Scoring Table Pages 16 Grading System Pages 17 - 18 Explanation of Column Headings Page 19 – 20 Appendix C – Table of Local Green Spaces Justification Scores from consultation comments Page 21 Appendix A – Map of Policy NE1 Natural Environment Designated Local Green Spaces 1 to 6 Page 22 Appendix B – Map of Policy NE1 Natural Environment Secondary Local Green Spaces 12 and above Pages 23 Appendix D – Map of Valued Areas to Community Pages 24 - 25 Appendix G – Citation Finemere Wood Page 26 - 27 Appendix H – Citation Grendon and Doddershall Woods Page 28 Appendix I – Map of Open Spaces and Trees Page 29 Appendix J – Map of Land Parcels Page 30 Appendix E – Map of Historical Constraints Quainton Neighbourhood Development Plan Page 31 Appendix F – Map of Environmental Constraints 2014 Quainton Neighbourhood Development Plan 2 1. Introduction 1.1 This audit of the green spaces in Quainton has reviewed and updated the list of such spaces in the AVDC Green Space Audit 2009 and 2011. It has been based upon the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) criteria which direct that 'Local Green Space' should only be designated where the green space is: • in reasonably close proximity to the community it serves • demonstrably special to a local community and holds a particular local significance, for example. because of its beauty • historic significance • recreational value (including as a playing field), tranquillity or richness of its wildlife • local in character • is not an extensive tract of land. 2. Methodology 2.1 Within Quainton Neighbourhood Development Plan, designation has been limited to: • those generally small areas within the built environment of the village which are vital to the open, rural feel of the village • those areas used for sport and recreation • those areas on the immediate periphery with public access regularly used for local leisure and dog-walking, many having historical, landscape or wildlife importance. These include the Station Road Pastures, the Church meadows south of the Holy Cross and St Mary’s Church and that to the North East of the village at Denham. 2.2 Based upon these criteria, a simple scoring system has then been used to provide a basic comparator index as to the relative value of the individual open spaces to the community. This scores 0 representing None; 1= Least; 2= Best/Most for most criteria and, in the case of a proximity measure to the community served, sites within 400m (5 mins) are scored 2; within 600m (7.5 mins) =1 and remote units are scored 0. Furthermore an additional column was added reflecting comments made during the consultation period, recording positive and negative comments. A Local Green Spaces Land Scoring Table was then completed. 3. Publicity 3.1 All potential sites were displayed for comments at the 2011 Forum. A copy of the map showing the proposed Local Green Spaces and areas considered of particular value to the community were displayed during the consultation period in July to August 2015. All comments were noted and compiled into the Table of Consultation Comments. Full details of this consultation period are given in the Consultation Report. 3.2 Landowners were contacted in July 2015 to advise them that their land was to be put forward as Local Green Spaces in the Draft Neighbourhood Development Plan. 4 LIST OF LOCAL GREEN SPACES AND JUSTIFICATION LGS 1 The Green One of Quainton’s exceptional places located to the north, central to the main residential area. The layout of the Green originally had a top and bottom road running west to east. This evolved through residential and commercial development with the two roads joining creating the four principal road junctions. The Jefferies map dated 1760s shows the layout which remains today. Taken from the Conservation Area Review 2015: • it establishes the Village Centre • it provides a focal point for village activities • it is crossed by pathways (visible on 19th Century maps of Quainton) which improves the permeability of the village • it creates a physical and visual connection between Quainton and the surrounding landscape reinforcing the rural character of the village • the open character of The Green and the expansive views gained from it provide contrast with the more enclosed and intimate character of other areas in the village, in particular a section of Church Street. The trees, verges and open space within and bordering The Green provide soft organic contrast to the hard edges of the buildings, pavements and carriageways. The area provides an attractive foreground to views of individual and groups of buildings. The panoramic views however are only interrupted by striking architecture such as the Windmill to the north with Mill Hill rising majestically behind. The views sweep south towards Waddesdon Manor and onto the Chilterns and Brill. In this foreground the south of the village unfolds starting with the Grade II listed Lower Farmhouse. 5 The Green continues to provide a gathering place for activities and although the value to the village is immeasurable, local businesses, charities, and groups all benefit from various events enjoying the charms of this rural idyll surrounded by building history. The ancient footpath and Market Cross further the feeling of historic importance and the Conservation Area review 2015 goes on to say "Although there are examples of other village greens within the District, they are not a strong characteristic of local morphology". Also evident are the important groups of trees as shown on the “Open Spaces and Trees Map” in the Conservation Area Review 2015. LGS 2 The Wildlife Garden This oasis for wildlife is situated at the Denham Junction with 2 access points gained from Church Street and The Holy Cross and St Mary’s Church. Sitting in a natural hollow north of the Grade 1 listed church, this garden is approximately 40m x 60m and surrounded by established hedging punctuated by mature trees. The ground itself is managed by volunteers from the community with many days throughout the year put aside for clearing and maintenance. The beautiful stream running through this wildlife garden from Quainton Hills is simply idyllic and enhances this tranquil setting. Natural wood and stone steps that lead from the churchyard provide a place of quiet reflection for church goers and visitors as well as allowing free passage through the garden and out onto the road. This important natural space is now included in the Conservation Area Review 2015. The benefits to nature are easy to see and details of locally seen rare birds both breeding or for migration stops have been spotted. This is also an area of notable species and bats as recognized by AVDC. Furthermore, local people have seen crested newts in the wildlife pond. An asset which not only benefits wildlife and the community but enhances the rural experience whilst protecting the north side of the 14th century church and old school house. Adults and children alike are free to explore, learn and enjoy this natural haven all year round following a lovely stroll through the church. Also evident are the important groups of trees as shown on the “Open Spaces and Trees Map” in the Conservation Area Review 2015. Appendix I. 6 LGS 3 The Meadows incorporating Upper and Lower Church Fields and The Pyghtles These linked paddocks and meadows have some of the most visually impacting views from any position when walking the historic stepping stones from the ancient footpath or driving along New Road or The Strand. Originally 3 fields, this area was farmed as Banner Hill Farm until the retirement of the local farmer, when some land was split to form paddocks for a private development. Starting from The Strand, this footpath, thought to link outlying farms to the 14th century church gently rises through 4 pastures to the south and 3 to the north until reaching the church. This path is enclosed with a mixture of hedging and post and rail which provides a pleasing archway at the church field gate. Due to the church’s elevated position, its dominance on the skyline when entering the village from the east is unmissable. The uninterrupted views sweep up towards this grade 1 listed building across the church fields. This visual representation plays an important role, not only as a recognized landmark but also as a prominent point of reference which increases the legibility of the village. From The Strand, again prominent views toward the church make a strong contrast to the enclosed nature of the street scene when leaving the village, especially over The Pyghtles. From the Church, spectacular panoramic views to Chearsley Ridge, Waddesdon’s St Michael's and All Angels Church and Manor through to the west, dominate this wide and vast scenery. Closer to the pastures, the openness of undeveloped uncluttered land parcels enhance the rural feel with purposeful hedgerows. The footpath entrances allow glimpses between hedging until the views unfold. The Conservation Area Review 2015. ”This contrast of expansive and enclosed views is a striking and distinctive element of the village's character". Within the Conservation Area, dominant buildings of note such as The Almshouses, The Old Police House, Tuesday Cottage (formerly Pyghtles Cottage), Banner Hill Farmhouse and Bakers Cottage all benefit from the setting of these distinctive open spaces and provide a visual link to the past. Also evident are the important groups of trees as shown on the “Open Spaces and Trees Map” in the Conservation Area Review 2015.

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