Responses to Market Towns Worksheet

Wickham Market Town Health Check

Environment Information provided by Cllr Mike Carter

1.0 Wickham in the local landscape 8.0 The Village and the Wider Countryside 8.1 Links between village and countryside 2.0 Distinctive features that define Wickham 8.2 Unique design elements in village and 2.1 Landmarks countryside 2.2 Biodiversity 8.3 Important views 8.4 Historic commercial links 3.0 Built features 8.5 The village / countryside boundary 3.1 Landmark buildings and conservation area 3.2 Development 9.0 Landscape character 3.3 Range of building use 10.0 Conservation areas 4.0 Routes into Wickham 4.1 Pedestrian routes 11.0 Areas of historic importance 4.2 Street fittings and fixtures 4.3 Signage clutter 12.0 Community involvement in countryside management 5.0 Environmental issues facing Wickham 13.0 Horticulture and market gardening industry 6.0 Brownfield land 14.0 Plans for future major change 7.0 Heritage initiatives 15.0 Environmental sustainability 15.1 Environmental sustainability 15.2 Energy conservation 15.3 Low carbon initiatives

1 1.0 Wickham in the local landscape The Village lies in the middle section of the Meon Valley. The River Meon runs through the modern Village although it is just to the east of the original 13th Century Square and surrounding buildings on their Burgage plots. The geology is of Tertiary clay with flints and some sand covering the Chalk.

2.0 Distinctive features that define Wickham The Village is compact, probably because all subsequent building has taken the original large Square as a focus. The major increase in Village size occurred in the 20th Century and the buildings have been distributed all round the Square so that central facilities are easily available to all residents.

2.1 Landmarks The Village is rural, an extraordinary fact given its close proximity to urban South Hampshire. Its natural landmarks are the flood plain of the River Meon and the gently sloping valley sides. The river runs north/south and there are unspoiled water meadows to both the north and south of the Village. On the higher ground to the northeast there is a wooded remnant of the ancient Forest of Bere known as West Walk. The Rookesbury estate and other landowners retain ownership of many acres of land surrounding the Village, which means that farm and woodland surround it. To the southwest some of this land has recently been developed as a golf course. There is high quality farmland to the south of the Village separating it from Fareham.

Most of the agricultural land is arable. Much is well maintained, particularly the Rookesbury home farm, farmed by the Blackman family. Southwick Estate arable land is also well maintained. Dairy farming in the area is much reduced. Recently there has been an increase in horse grazing. This is particularly true of Mayles Farm immediately to the south of the Village. Land adjacent to the Meon has, to some extent, reverted to an agriculturally unimproved state. Probably because of its agricultural nature, there is very little official protection of much of the local environment.

2.2 Biodiversity Much of the Wickham environment is riverine with adjacent mixed pasture and woodland. Although some fields are large, many are small and delimited by old hedges. This means that it has a rich biodiversity. Wickham Common and Botley Wood are both HCC Nature Reserves and SSSIs. The River Meon, West Walk, Wickham Meon Meadows and Meon Valley Meadows and Woodland are all SINCs (sites of importance for nature conservation).

2 Botley Wood has a particularly rich lepidopteran fauna. Wickham Common is a small but rare example of heathland in south Hampshire and with a rich fauna. The River Meon sampled by the NRA has been shown to be of high quality, rich in invertebrates, with low levels of chemical pollution and eutrophication. The river supports an extensive population of native brown trout. Kingfishers are often seen within the Village boundaries. This is in part due to the Millennium Meadow a relatively unmanaged recreational environment in the heart of the Village.

Many dwellings have good-sized gardens and many species of insects, amphibia, reptiles and small mammals are to be found in them as well as in the countryside that extends right up to the Village boundary. The diversity of habitats means that there is an extensive avifauna.

3.0 Built features The mass of the Village is compact and nucleated although there is much green space within it. In addition there have been short linear developments on one side of the A32 to the south and along the Southwick road to the east. There is also some continuous development along Titchfield Lane and Blind Lane. Most of these developments took place in the mid 20th Century so that although there has been some remodelling, most dwellings have large plots and substantial gardens.

3.1 Landmark buildings and conservation area The whole of the centre of the Village is a conservation area based on the 13th Century Village Square. The housing round the Square is diverse, most of it pre 19th Century. The Square is Wickham's distinctive feature and consequently, Pevsner writing in 1967, described the Village as the finest in Hampshire and one of the best in the South of England. The buildings round the Square are a mix of private houses, individual shops some with flats or offices above, restaurants, and a small hotel. Wickham people take great pride in the Conservation Area and the buildings are well maintained.

3.2 Development There are no rundown or derelict buildings in the Village. The few remaining brownfield sites categorised as suitable for development are all gardens.

3.3 Range of building use Wickham is largely residential (1122 dwellings, Wickham Ward, 2001 Census) and retail with some smaller types of office development. The Winchester Local Plan Review (2006) will not allow any development outside the Village boundary.

3 There is a variety of shops, a number of restaurants, a hotel, a solicitor, a financial advisor, a motor repair facility, an optician, a dentist and a medical health centre. These outlets are in or centred round the Square.

4.0 Routes into Wickham The main routes into Wickham are rural or semi-rural roads. They are attractive and in reasonable condition. They are, however, subject to heavy traffic, much of which is passing through, although the shops and restaurants in the Square attract increasing traffic. Some roads are in increasing need of attention.

The Village is provided with several bus services so it is possible for residents to get to other towns and cities in the area. However, many of these services are infrequent.

4.1 Pedestrian routes The Square is the main car park in the Village. Car parking charges during the day are reasonable and there is free parking at night. This means that there is easy access to shops and restaurants. There are two longer term parking sites, the grounds of the Community Centre and the Old Station site These are a few minutes walk from the Square and are now reasonably well lit, although some additional lighting might be useful. Many People who work in the Village (mostly in the Square) park in side roads and on the whole these are easy to access day and night.

4.2 Street fittings and fixtures The Village is well supplied with street fixtures and fittings and on the whole they are well located and kept in reasonable condition. The Parish Council, with appropriate subcommittees, is active in monitoring Village infrastructure. In many cases the appropriate agency for carrying out the required additions or alterations are either the District or County Councils. There are sometimes problems in activating these agencies.

One major problem is the lack of a local bottle bank for recycling. It remains to be seen if the new regime of fortnightly collection of domestic rubbish will cause refuse problems. Most villagers take a pride in the Village and make an effort to control litter. Several people have responded to the "Adopt a Pavement” initiative.

4 4.3 Signage clutter Some villagers would prefer fewer signs and advertising placards in the Square, but these are mostly modest. There are sometimes problems with temporary signs around the Village which are not always removed after the advertised event.

5.0 Environmental issues facing Wickham Severe flooding by the River Meon is a rare event, but has seriously affected some householders in the recent past. Heavy rainfall does cause some problems. In both cases every effort is made by the local authorities to provide short- term alleviation of the immediate problem.

A major problem which will develop over the next 18 years is the pressure exerted on Wickham by the proposed Fareham SDA located less than a mile to the south of the Village. This will be in essence a new town and will have a very great impact on the Village and its infrastructure.

6.0 Brownfield land All remaining brownfield land consists of gardens within the Village envelope. This may or may not be developed. There are 6 potential greenfield sites spaced around the edge of the Village. At least one of these is presently being considered as an exception site if there is a perceived demand for affordable housing by Wickham people. Currently this is the only type of development allowed on such sites.

7.0 Heritage initiatives The Chesapeake Mill is an example of a local conservation initiative supported by HCC but funded by a local entrepreneur. The Conservation Area contains many listed buildings (see attached sheet). The Old Rectory, a Queen Anne building, has been faithfully restored by its current owner.

The main focus for development at present is affordable housing for local people. There are a number of greenfield sites suitable for such development, some of which might become available.

5 Conclusion t t s y o h c t t f SWOT analysis a s i a g n e e n i r

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Does the town make the most of its natural environmental The town does make a lot of its natural environmental features? If there are opportunities for improvements to features. Villagers appreciate the natural scale of the Village areas, what/where are they? environment with a good balance between building and open space. Every attempt is made to prevent over development in the face of land shortage and the need for housing. √ This is Wickham's strength and it is now threatened by factors and agencies outside its control. We need more information about these. Does the town have vitality and character, and does it keep its The Village does have vitality and a strong sense of distinctive buildings and streets in good repair and in use? If community. Its distinctive buildings and streets are in good not, what could be improved? repair and are much used √ This is a fact and it is Wickham's strength Are there any major environmental concerns are being The major environmental concerns relate to the proposed SE addressed and planned for? Are there any gaps? Plan. The proposed Fareham SDA for 10,000 dwellings and 121,000sqm of employment space is less than one mile from the centre of the Village. This development is, to a certain degree isolated from the urban area to the south by the M27 motorway. This means that there will be considerable population and traffic pressures on Wickham and its environment.

The proposal is a fact. It is a threat and is a weakness for √ √ Wickham compared with its present state. We need more information and must attempt to reduce the impact of the development as much as is feasible.

6 8.0 The Village and the Wider Countryside

8.1 Links between village and countryside The River Meon runs through the Village. Close to it and parallel with it is a disused rail track that is now a public bridleway, cycle track and footpath. This track extends about three miles to the south and many miles to the north. It gives access to many other tracks, roads and public footpaths leading out into more distant countryside and in particular into West Walk. The River runs through the Millenium Meadow in the centre of the Village and this very much brings countryside right into the Village

That Wickham has survived as an integral part of the local countryside is remarkable and it is a tragedy that this is almost certainly going to change.

8.2 Unique design elements in village and countryside There are many important listed buildings and artefacts in Wickham and the surrounding countryside. These include timberframe buildings from the 15th century and important larger buildings from the 17th,18th and 19th centuries. Of particular interest are Chesapeake Mill and Rookesbury House both of which are 19th Century. Almost all the important buildings are built of local red or brown brick either on their own or in combination with grey or blue brick and flint. The buildings include many fine examples of Hampshire domestic architecture.

8.3 Important views Important views are shown on the attached map (taken from the Village Design Statement). View No. 4 to the south is about to be radically altered by the Fareham SDA which will fill the foreground with modern buildings.

8.4 Historic commercial links Chesapeake Mill is important since it contains many timbers from USS Chesapeake captured by HMS Shannon in 1813. The Mill is still in its original form and much of the machinery can be seen and operated on request. The Square is still the commercial heart of the Village and hosts the annual fair granted by Royal Charter in the 13th Century. This is now one of the major British horse fairs. There are still strong links between the Village and the surrounding countryside with agricultural and horticultural merchants such as Warwicks and Wheatleys.

7 8.5 The village / countryside boundary The wooded and intimate character of the surrounding countryside penetrates into the heart of the Village with its large gardens, millenium meadow and tree lined footpaths.

9.0 Landscape character The unique nature of the local countryside derives from its origins in the Royal Hunting Forest, the Forest of Bere. This was not as much used as other Royal Forests and early on small areas were sold, cleared and developed as a patchwork of small hedgerow bound fields interspersed with woodland and common. Some of the hedgerows have been removed in the interests of modern agriculture, but many remain. The diversity of plant species in many of these hedges suggests that they are ancient.

10.0 Conservation areas The proposed South Downs National Park southern boundary includes a few Wickham properties. This Park will include the East Hampshire Area of outstanding Natural Beauty.

The countryside to the south between Wickham and Fareham has been designated as of Special Landscape quality. Much of this will disappear under the proposed Fareham SDA.

A list of designated area follows

SSSIs: Titchfield Haven National Nature Reserve Old Winchester Hill National Nature Reserve Queen Elisabeth Country Park Manor Farm Country Park Langstone Harbour Oxenbourne Down Tapnage Woodlands The Moors, Bishops Waltham Botley Wood Wickham Common

8 11.0 Areas of historic importance The whole Village and the immediately surrounding countryside have a high concentration of listed buildings (see attached list). The whole of the centre of the Village is a Conservation Area.

Wickham has been an important domestic centre for at least 2000 years. Because of this it is an area of archaeological importance and a number of archaeological digs have taken place in the recent past. Any building excavation has to be inspected by local government archaeologists

12.0 Community involvement in countryside management Members of the Wickham Society have carried out clearing activities in the River. It has been proposed that members should help clear some of the regrowth on Wickham Common. Individual Villagers have made contact with the Forestry Commission in an attempt to influence their management of West Walk.

13.0 Horticulture and market gardening industry The horticulture and market gardening industry is much less extensive than it was even quite recently, nevertheless local produce is available from McCarthys and various farm shops in the immediate vicinity of the Village. However the proportion supplied is probably small.

14.0 Plans for future major change There are two changes that will affect the Village. The implementation of the South Downs National Park immediately to the north is likely to increase tourism. The development of the Fareham SDA will put huge pressures on the infrastructure of the Village. The latter development will have an enormous impact on the local landscape as it is a feature of urban edge that it loses any well-developed agriculture and becomes ripe for further urban development.

9 Conclusion t t s y o h c t t f a s i a g n e e n i r

SWOT analysis F n 15.0 The Environment and Quality of Life n u

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Do the town and its surrounding countryside have The Village and surrounding countryside do have strong links. established, strong links, and are these being maintained? If The remaining market gardeners do use the Agricultural the links are weaker than they used to be, why is this? Suppliers in the Village. Wickham is the shopping centre of preference for many people who live in the surrounding √ √ countryside. Many Villagers make use of the surrounding countryside for relaxation, walking, cycling and horse riding

These are facts and are the strengths of Wickham .

Looking at the quality of the surrounding countryside, its It appears to be impossible to protect the countryside to the sensitive areas and its potential, are any areas in need of south of the Village in the face of central government support/strengthening? pressure. It is important that Parish, District and County Councils do what they can to protect Wickham from the worst √ of the effects of the large-scale development.

The development to the south of the Village is going to affect it hugely in a number of ways. This could be considered to be a future weakness.

What are the changes that are happening in the surrounding The changes in the rest of the countryside are associated with countryside and how well these are being managed? How a reduction in farming and forestry activity and an increase in can the market town help with these changes to management country use for leisure, e.g., tourism, golf, facilities for horse practices? riding, walking, cycling, etc. √ √

These changes reflect changes in the economy of Britain and the lifestyles of the inhabitants. The battle will be to maintain some countryside round the Village. This will be helped by the designation of the National Park.

What potential is there to increase the extent of community The problem with voluntary community involvement is to involvement in the management and conservation of the persuade people to become actively involved in maintaining countryside? the countryside. The potential can only be activated if people are persuaded that it is important. This may not be easy as √ most people who live in Wickham work in urban areas or are retired. They may find it difficult to give time to do something about maintaining the environment that they undoubtedly 10 enjoy.

This is a weakness for Wickham 15.1 Environmental sustainability The District Council provides two weekly collection of currently recyclable household waste. It also collects small quantities of garden material every two weeks. There are no facilities for recycling glass, or larger items of household waste or quantities of garden waste. There are however, such facilities at Bishops Waltham and Segensworth and some facilities at Broadcut, Fareham. Many local people compost their biodegradable household and garden waste.

15.2 Energy conservation I have not been able to find any evidence of active initiatives . Winchester District Council has recently produced a draft "Live for the Future, Tackling Climate Change" which emphasises its commitment to low carbon initiatives and the use of renewable energy.

A few local individuals have installed solar panels for water heating and a number of people have insulated and double- glazed their houses.

15.3 Low carbon initiatives There are currently 8 new houses being built in Wickham. They are being built to meet current building regulations, but I believe they are not using sustainable building materials.

: Conclusion

11 t t s y h o c t t a f s i a g e n e n i r

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SWOT analysis h t e e k r a r r T

W d O e e N To what extent do people fully consider promoting and Wickham people are probably better than many supporting environmentally sustainable initiatives? Are there others in promoting or supporting environmentally any gaps or opportunities to extend these actions? sustainable initiatives, which are provided by local government agencies. There are opportunities for improving recycling by providing local facilities such as bottle banks. The cost of energy saving sustainable systems probably deters many people.

What improvements could be made in amenities such as Wickham is quite well provided with environmental open spaces, sites, routes and facilities for informal recreation amenities, but further sports facilities would be an that enhance the quality of life for local people be made? Are there any potential open spaces or sites that could be advantage. developed?