Nunthorpe and Poole Appraisal and Management Plan

Home , Middlesbrough Council, Nunthorpe

NUNTHORPE AND POOLE CONSERVATION AREA

CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL AND MANAGEMENT PLAN

June 2008 N U N T H O R P E & P O O L E C O N S E R V A T I O N A R E A

CONTENTS Page

1 Introduction 3

2 Conservation Area Boundary 5

3 Location, Setting and Population 8

4 Historical Analysis 9 - Origins and Development - Archaeology

5 General Character 13

6 Character Area 1 14

7 Character Area 2 18

8 Character Area 3 21

9 Character Area 4 24

10 Character Area 5 27

11 Management Plan 30

12 Preservation Policies 31

13 Enhancement Opportunities 37

Appendices

Appendix A References

Appendix B Listed Building Descriptions

Appendix C Scheduled Ancient Monument Description

Appendix D Guidance on works to Historic Buildings and Buildings in Conservation Areas

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List of Maps

Map 1 Context Map Map 2 The Conservation Area boundary Map 3 Extract from Ordnance Survey Map 1853 Map 4 Extract from Ordnance Survey Map 1894 Map 5 Extract from Ordnance Survey Map 1915 Map 6 Extract from Ordnance Survey Map 1938 Map 7 Historic Development Map 8 Figure Ground Map 9 Use plan Map 10 Spaces and Views Map 11 Listed buildings and buildings that make a positive contribution Map 12 Negative and Neutral Factors Map 13 Character Areas

Prepared by Woodhall Planning & Conservation, Leeds.

June 2008

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1. INTRODUCTION

1.01 Section 69 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 requires local planning authorities to designate as conservation areas any “areas of special architectural or historic interest the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance”. Also from time to time authorities are required to review the extent of conservation areas within their districts. The Nunthorpe Conservation Area was originally designated by Middlesbrough Borough Council in July 1975. In December 1991 the Conservation Area boundary was extended to include the former Poole Hospital site (including Grey Towers House). It was at this point that the name of the designated area changed to the Nunthorpe & Poole Conservation Area.

1.02 Section 71 of the Act requires local planning authorities to formulate and publish proposals for the preservation and enhancement of conservation areas and to submit them for consideration to a public meeting. Following designation, the local authority in exercising its planning powers, must pay special attention to the desirability of preserving or enhancing the character or appearance of the conservation area (Section 72 of the Act).

1.03 This document sets out the results of a study of the Nunthorpe & Poole Conservation Area and is based on field work undertaken in November 2007. The first section of the report (Chapters 2.0 to 10.0) is an appraisal of the special architectural and historic interest of the Nunthorpe & Poole Conservation Area. Finally, Chapters 11.0 to 13.0 set out recommendations for a management plan, including policies that would assist in the process of preserving and enhancing the Nunthorpe & Poole Conservation Area.

1.04 The Draft Nunthorpe and Poole Conservation Area Appraisal & Management Plan was subject to a four-week period of community consultation. A consultation leaflet summarising the appraisal and management plan and giving details of the public meeting and exhibition was circulated to all the residents in the area. A press release both in the Gazette and on the website also gave details of the public meeting and exhibition.

1.05 Nunthorpe Parish Council was consulted at one of their regular meetings and members of the public were invited to attend. Further consultation was undertaken at a public

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meeting at St. Mary’s Church where residents were encouraged to provide feedback. As a response to this meeting, a further walk around the Conservation Area boundary was held on 24th April 2008, with all those who expressed an interest being informed.

1.06 The public consultation was held from 19th March until 16th April 2008 inclusive, and all responses were documented and taken into account when considering this final document. A number of responses expressed concern over the position of the boundary with regard to the Bridleway and a footpath. Confusion over the boundary was discussed on the organised walk, and this final document has considered the public responses when confirming the areas to be omitted.

1.07 To summarise, the Appraisal and Management Plan was supported in general with very few comments made on the management plan recommendations or key issues identified in the appraisal. There was widespread approval of the areas proposed to be included, with a majority of responses objecting to the areas to be omitted. The Conservation area now includes both the Bridleway to the north-east, and the footpath along part of the south boundary. Following this the Appraisal and Management Plan was adopted in June 2008.

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2. CONSERVATION AREA BOUNDARY

2.01 As part of the appraisal of the Conservation Area, a review of the boundaries of the designated area was undertaken to establish if any sections should be removed or added. Also, the areas around the Conservation Area were studied to ascertain whether any new areas should be included. Consideration was given to the inclusion of The Three Gables: a late twentieth century, two storey house with rendered walls and a pitched roof; which is located immediately to the south of the designated area, on the west side of Old Stokesley Road. Photo.1 St Mary’s Church on Church Lane However, in view of its location, a distance outside the envelope of the historic village, its age and the use of render it was not considered appropriate for inclusion within the Nunthorpe and Poole Conservation Area.

2.02 The following paragraphs describe the alignment of the Conservation Area boundary and include the amendments to the Conservation Area boundary which were ratified by the relevant Council Committee following public consultation. These amendments include the omission of two sections of agricultural land and an extension to include the whole of Fishpond Plantation, Grey Towers Farm and St Mary’s Church (see Map 2). Photo.2 View of the vicarage

The boundary 2.03 The boundary is identified with a red line on Map 2. The following description of the boundary starts at the northern edge of the Conservation Area, at the roundabout junction of the A172 and Dixons Bank and proceeds in a clockwise direction.

2.04 From the roundabout, the boundary travels south along the east side of the A172 following the line of a metal fence to the allotments. At this point, the boundary turns east to include a simple stone war memorial (erected in memory of local people who gave their lives during the First World War), Photo.3 View of the former school building the Vicarage and St Mary’s Church and its graveyard and carpark.

2.05 St Mary’s Church, its Lychgate and Vicarage are included on the list of buildings of special architectural or historic interest as Grade II (see Photos. 1 & 2). Also within this area is a former school building which is now used as a health club (see Photo. 3). This cluster of community buildings represents the expansion and social development of Nunthorpe during the early twentieth century (see Maps 5 & 6) and was therefore considered to be an important element worthy of inclusion within the designated area. Photo.4 View looking north across the roundabout on the A172

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2.06 The boundary then continues west along the northern edge of Church Lane up to the former school, at which point it turns south to follow the fence line around, and encompass the mature group of trees that are situated to the east of the A172.

2.07 The boundary continues across the new roundabout at the junction with the Old Stokesley Road (see Photo. 4) and then follows the centre line of the A172 for approximately 800 metres. Shortly after the Nunthorpe Stell (see Photo. 5), the Photo.5 View north along the A172 boundary turns west and runs along a field boundary line until it crosses Old Stokesley Road. At this point the boundary runs north-west for a short distance following the western boundary of Three Gables. It then heads west for approximately 30 metres before heading south to the northern boundary of Lyn Ridge. This section is the most southern part of the designated area.

2.08 The boundary follows the northern edge of Lyn Ridge, then heads north for approximately 45 metres following the field boundary up to and including the metalled road. Previously it was difficult to identify the precise alignment of the Conservation Area in this area but the revised boundary is Photo.6 View looking east towards Lyn Ridge, more legible on site as it relates to the field boundary and is across the fields to the south-east of defined by the evergreen hedge and woodland belt to the east Starvation Clump of the field and the metalled road to the north (see Photo. 6 and Map 2). The boundary travels west towards a stand of trees known as Starvation Clump (see Photo. 7), along the southern edge of the track.

2.09 From Starvation Clump it continues north-west for approximately 500 metres along a field boundary until it meets the southern edge of a woodland known as Fishpond Plantation (see Photo. 8). The boundary of the designated area travels along the western edge of the plantation to encompass

the whole of the woodland in order to follow a more logical Photo.7 View of the metalled track to east of alignment around the perimeter of the plantation (see Photo. 9 Starvation Clump and Map 2). The boundary then skirts northwards along the woodland boundary up to the bridleway.

2.10 From the north-west corner of Fishpond Plantation, the boundary runs eastwards along the northern edge of the bridleway (see photo. 10), for approximately 400 metres, at which point it turns north to follow the western edge of the public footpath, to the south-west of Grey Towers Farm. The boundary then turns east along the field boundary to include the Grey Towers Farm complex.

Photo.8 View along the south-west boundary of the designated area

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2.11 Grey Towers Farm was built in the late nineteenth century and is contemporary with Grey Towers House. The farm house and a few of the outbuildings are extant and the complex is located at the northern end of an avenue of mature trees. The farm buildings are of traditional construction with brick walls and pitched slate roofs and in view of their historic association with Grey Towers House, the farm, the outbuildings and land to the west, together with the main access drive, have been included within the designated area (see Photo. 11).

2.12 To the north of the farm house, the boundary turns south Photo.9 View of the western edge of along the eastern boundary of Grey Towers Farm until it Fishpond Plantation meets the bridleway. It then continues east and north, along the edge of the bridleway (see Photo. 12) until it reaches the roundabout.

Photo.10 View west along the bridleway

Photo.11 Grey Towers Farm

Photo.12 View east along the access road of Grey Towers Farm

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3. LOCATION, SETTING & POPULATION

3.01 The Nunthorpe & Poole Conservation Area is located approximately 4 km to the south of Middlesbrough town centre and is situated to the west of the A172 (see Photo. 13). The Conservation Area covers an area of 89 hectares and includes large areas of undulating open ground surrounding the village envelope. Due to the parkland nature of much of the area, long distance views both into and out of the Conservation Area are possible. Photo.13 View of the Conservation Area from 3.02 To the west, east and south the immediate setting of the the A172 Nunthorpe & Poole Conservation Area is almost exclusively pastoral or arable agricultural land. Further to the east of the designated area lies the visually prominent upland terrain feature of Roseberry Topping (see Photo. 14) which is located within the North York Moors National Park.

3.03 Immediately to the north of the designated area are examples of late twentieth century suburban housing, which marks the extent of Middlesbrough suburban sprawl.

3.04 In 2006, the total ward population of Nunthorpe was 4975. however, the number of people who live within the Photo.14 View east out of the Conservation Conservation Area is substantially smaller as there are only Area towards Roseberry Topping approximately 120 dwellings.

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4. HISTORICAL ANALYSIS

Origins and development 4.01 Nunthorpe is a settlement of considerable antiquity and is referred to as Thorp in the Domesday book. Its present name was acquired in the twelfth century, when a small group of Cistercian nuns from Hutton Low Cross settled in the area. At the time of the Domesday survey, the manor was rated at three carucates and was ancient demesne of the crown but was granted by William I to Robert de Brus, Lord of Skelton. Photo.15 Nunthorpe Hall 4.02 In mid fourteenth century, the lord of the manor founded a chantry and chapel of St Mary, the site of which is now occupied by the private chapel, rebuilt in 1842, and attached to Nunthorpe Hall. This chapel eventually became a curacy within the ecclesiastical parish of Great Ayton and in 1924, Nunthorpe was established as a separate parish, with the building of the present parish church of St. Mary to the north of the village.

4.03 The Constable family acquired the manor in 1613 and built the first Nunthorpe Hall soon afterwards. Grave’s ‘The History of Cleveland’, (first published in 1808), states that ’...Nunthorp Hall, with the manor, and farm adjoining, was purchased by Mr. Thomas Photo.16 Hall Farm complex - note coat of Simpson, the present proprietor, and lord of the manor. The arms set in gable end mansion, or manor-house, is a strong stone edifice, with spacious apartments, which have been modernised and rendered commodious by some judicious repairs by the present owner.’ The original hall appears to have been largely rebuilt c. 1801 (see Photo. 15) but fragments of the earlier building remain in the ashlar retaining walls to the garden terraces and the stone coat of arms built set in the gable end of an outbuildings at Hall Farm (see Photo. 16).

4.04 The first edition Ordnance Survey map of 1853 (see Map 3) shows the form of the rebuilt Hall and Chapel. The village was situated to the north-west of the Hall, on either side of Photo.17 Early development on West Side the road (see Photo. 17). The buildings on the east side of the road included a number of outbuildings associated with Hall Farm. To the north of Hall Farm, there is a small building, rather isolated from the rest of the village (see Photo. 51). A number of wells are evident to the south of the village and Spring Well and a sand pit are identified to the north. Further to the north-west, near the present Grey Towers House, a complex called Mount Pleasant is shown.

1853 - 1894 4.05 By 1894, Nunthorpe had developed significantly: the short terrace of cottages between Hall Farm and the isolated cottages at the north end of East Side had been constructed; Photo.18 Grey Towers House the present courtyard buildings to the south of Hall Farm had

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been built; Nunthorpe Hall had been extended to the east and north-east and a walled garden laid out containing a number of glasshouses (see Map 5). The gardens to the south of the Hall were modified during this period to include a small pond and tree planting. On West side, opposite Hall Farm, a school, disused Gas works and post office are shown on the 1894 Ordnance Survey map.

4.06 One of the most significant changes during this period was the construction of Grey Towers House (c. 1867), on a site to the

north-west of Nunthorpe Hall, near the former site of Mount Photo.19 The pond within Fishpond Plantation Pleasant (see Photo. 18). In addition to the main house, the complex also included a stable block situated immediately to the north of the house with a large walled garden to the north-east and the entire complex was surrounded by extensive tree planting. Adjoining the main entrance to the estate to the north-east of the house was a small entrance lodge. Grey Towers Farm was located to the north, a distance away from the main complex and screened from view by a belt of trees. To the north-west of the house was a small lake with an island, within the area now known as Fishpond Plantation (see Photos. 19 & 20).

1894 - 1915 Photo.20 View towards Fishpond Plantation 4.07 By 1915, a small amount of development had occurred in the from the south village in the form of a short terrace of two storey buildings along West Side (see Photo. 22 and Map 5). During this period, Nunthorpe Hall was extended with the addition of a new wing in the north-east corner and the gardens were re- landscaped with the introduction of a lake to the south of the hall (see Photo. 23) and alterations to the walled garden. The entrance to the Hall was also re-positioned further to the south, with the introduction of the present gate piers facing onto the Old Stokesley Road (see Photo. 21).

4.08 Similar alterations to the landscape also occurred at the Grey Towers Estate, with the re-alignment of the entrance drive, Photo.21 Early twentieth century view south erection of a new entrance lodge and the introduction of a along the Old Stokesley Road terrace to the south and west of the house and opening up of views to the re-designed parkland beyond (see Map 5). To the south of the house, the present parkland was created by the merging of a number of fields and the stands of trees known as South Clump and Starvation Clump were planted. To the north-west, Fishpond Plantation was extended to form a continuous woodland belt up to the stable block and the fishpond was altered to create the more informal layout evident today. Allotment gardens were also introduced to the south-west of Grey Towers Farm.

4.09 The beginning of the twentieth century also marked the Photo.22 View of 12-18 West Side development of the Church Lane area to the north of the

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Conservation Area. A small school and school masters house were constructed c. 1903 (see Photos. 24, 25 & 26).

1915 - 1938 4.10 During this period, Grey Towers House was sold to Middlesbrough Corporation and was subsequently used as a Sanatorium. A number of small buildings were erected to the north of the stable block and walled garden at Grey Towers and the farm complex was extended to the north. To the east of the school, St Mary’s Church was built c. 1924, to a design

by Temple Moore (see Photo. 27). Photo.23 View of the pond within the grounds of Nunthorpe Hall 1938-1968 4.11 In the second half of the twentieth century further development occurred to south of Nunthorpe Hall along West Side with the construction of Agricola Cottages (see Photo. 28) and Nos. 5 - 10 West Side. In 1947, Middlesbrough Corporation purchased Nunthorpe Hall and village and the Hall was converted into the Council Home for the elderly and infirm in 1951. During this period, the ring road was also constructed to the east of Nunthorpe Hall and the south lake appears to have been infilled.

4.12 A substantial amount of development occurred at the Grey Photo.24 Early twentieth century view of the Towers complex associated with its conversion to Poole group of community buildings along Hospital. A number of ward buildings were constructed to Church Lane the south and east of the main house c. 1945, in addition to a number of buildings to the north of the stable block and a large office block to the north-east of the walled garden.

Post 1968 4.13 Poole Hospital closed in 1988 and has recently been redeveloped to accommodate a modern housing estate, with the conversion of Grey Towers House and the stable block into apartments, the demolition of the majority of the twentieth century hospital buildings and construction of new

houses to the north and east of the main house. Photo.25 View of the former School on Church Lane Archaeology 4.14 The village takes the traditional Norman structure of two rows of properties facing each other over a former village green. At the northern end of the village, the older properties have a direct street frontage, which probably fossilises the original building line.

4.15 As noted in sections 4.01 - 4.03, a manor house, now known as Nunthorpe Hall, was established in around 1623. This almost certainly succeeded an earlier medieval manorial centre with its own chapel, which is recorded in the fourteenth century. The hall was rebuilt in around 1800 and the chapel Photo.26 View of the Schoolmaster’s house rebuilt in 1824. (now Vicarage) on School Lane

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4.16 The village would have been surrounded by an open field system where the villagers would have practiced agriculture. Until relatively recently the ridge and furrow earthworks left by this ploughing could be seen in and around the village. Plough damage and new building work have however removed the majority of this on all but the east side of the settlement.

4.17 To the south and east of Nunthorpe Hall are a complex of earthwork remains which are protected as one of the Photo.27 View of St Mary’s Church three Scheduled Monuments within the District of Middlesbrough (see Map 11). The earthworks comprise a series of ditches and platforms (see Photo. 29) which are interpreted as a combination of the site of the earlier medieval manor house, the Cistercian Nunnery and 19th century garden features of the rebuilt Hall. A full description of the Scheduled Ancient Monument is located in Appendix C.

Photo.28 Agricola Cottages on West Side

Photo.29 View of the earthworks to the south of Nunthorpe Hall

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5. GENERAL CHARACTER

5.01 The character of the Conservation Area is predominantly that of a rural settlement set in a gently undulating landscape of arable and pastoral farmland with remnants of parkland landscaping (see Photos. 30 & 31). There are three principal groups of buildings and these are associated with Nunthorpe Hall (listed Grade II), Grey Towers House (listed Grade II*) and the former school house and St Mary’s Church (listed Grade II), respectively. Photo.30 View south along the approach road 5.02 The bypass forms a physical boundary between the Grey towards Nunthorpe Hall Towers complex and the war memorial, former school house and church and separates the residential development from these community facilities. The tree-lined northern approach road from the bypass winds gently uphill to the village between the parkland associated with Grey Towers and Nunthorpe Hall, providing long distance views south to the Hall on the brow of the hill, north-east to the church and west to Grey Towers House (see Photo. 32).

5.03 The parkland, woodlands and fields form a considerable part of the Conservation Area and contribute to its overall character as a small rural settlement. The topography of the Photo.31 View of agricultural land area with its gently rolling landscape permits long distance views both into and out of the Conservation Area.

5.04 As noted in Section 4, the area contains a range of buildings dating from the early eighteenth up to the twenty-first century. The buildings are predominantly two storey in height, with pitched roofs and are constructed of brick or stone with slate or clay tiled roofs (see Photo. 33).

5.05 Within the designated area, a number of distinct character area are evident, associated with the three principal groups of buildings noted above and their associated parkland. Five character areas have been identified and these are illustrated Photo.32 View of Grey Towers House on Map 13.

5.06 A detailed analysis of the individual character areas is included in the following sections.

Photo.33 View north along the Old Stokesley Road

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6. CHARACTER AREA 1

6.01 This character area forms the core of the designated area and is centred around Nunthorpe Hall and its chapel.

Grain 6.02 The earliest properties in the village were located to the north of the Hall, facing across the road, with a direct street frontage (see Photo. 34). Subsequent developments have retained this linear arrangement but the later properties are set back from the road, behind front gardens bounded by railings or hedges. As a result, the principal views within the area are along the street. In view of the status of the Hall, it is Photo.34 View of residential properties on West Side screened from the village by a high ashlar wall and is set in substantial landscaped grounds, with principal views to the south and east (see Map 8).

Use 6.03 The area has a variety of uses (see Map 9). Historically, at the north end of West Side there was a blacksmith’s shop (see Photo. 35) and stables. To the north of the Hall, Hall Farm complex which includes a number of historic outbuildings and storage sheds is a working farm and is therefore in agricultural use (see Photo. 36). Within the grounds of Nunthorpe Hall there is a small chapel, which is still classified as a place of worship but the primary use within this character area is Photo.35 View of former blacksmith’s shop, West Side residential which includes the use of the present use of

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Nunthorpe Hall, as a residential care home for the elderly.

The qualities of the buildings 6.04 Within the character area there are seven listed buildings and structures which are all listed Grade II (see Map 11). The majority of the listed buildings and structures are concentrated within the grounds of Nunthorpe Hall and include: the Hall (see Photo. 37); the L-shaped garden wall to the south and east of the Hall; the entrance gates and piers to the hall (see Photo. 15); and the chapel to north of the hall.

Photo.36 View of the courtyard buildings at 6.05 Nunthorpe Hall is a substantial two storey house which was Hall Farm complex largely rebuilt and extended c. 1800, with later extensions and alterations. It has sandstone ashlar walls with a shallow pitched, hipped slate roof and multi-pane sliding sash windows. The Chapel of St Mary c.1824, has dressed sandstone walls with a pitched slate roof and stone gable copings, in the Gothic revival style.

6.06 The remainder of the listed buildings, Nos. 4, 6, 8 and 10 West Side form a range of two storey cottages to the north- west of the Hall. Nos. 4, 8 and 10 are simple brick cottages with pitched clay pantile roofs, chimneys, sliding sash windows and paired entrance doors under a lean-to porch roof. No. 6 Photo.37 View of Nunthorpe Hall is a more imposing 3-bay stone cottage, with a pitched slate roof, chimneys and stone kneelers. It has a central door with an overlight but the windows have been replaced with modern casements. To the rear of these properties are a number of later extensions which are of no particular merit. The descriptions of all the listed buildings are included in Appendix B.

6.07 In addition to the listed buildings which clearly make a positive contribution to the character and appearance of the designated area there are also a number of unlisted buildings that make a positive contribution (see Map 11). These include the walled garden, the mid-nineteenth century stone lodge to Photo.38 View of the farmhouse at Hall Farm the north-west of the Hall and the historic core of the Hall complex Farm complex which comprises of a two-storey farmhouse (see Photo. 38), single storey courtyard buildings including stables, barn and coach house and twentieth century metal storage sheds. It is considered that a number of these buildings could be included on a local list.

6.08 To the north of Hall Farm is a row of late nineteenth century 2-storey cottages constructed of brick with pitched slate roofs (see Photo. 39). These buildings are of a simple form and reflect the traditional residential buildings within the area.

Photo.39 View of East Side terrace

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This terrace could also be considered for inclusion on a local list. At the north end of West Side, is a small group of brick buildings set around a courtyard formerly used as stables and blacksmiths workshop. The former stable has brick walls with recessed panels and decorative brickwork, stone copings and a pitched slate roof (see Photo. 40). On the south side of the courtyard is a narrow single storey brick building with a pitched, hipped slate roof, a band of decorative white brickwork and segmental arched window openings.

Building materials and the public realm Photo.40 View of the former stables 6.09 The predominant building materials in the character area are red brick for walls, clay pantiles as roof covering and timber sliding sash windows. However, the buildings with higher social status are constructed from stone with slate roof coverings.

6.10 Within this character area the majority of the historic footpaths have been lost and replaced with tarmac and concrete kerb edgings. An early twentieth century photograph (see Photo. 22) shows an un-surfaced road with narrow footways on either side. A small pocket of a scoria crossover remains adjacent to the workshop units on West Side (see Photo. 41). Despite the loss of most of the historic Photo.41 View of scoria paving footpaths the area has a number of historic walls which front onto the highway. Examples include the brick and stone boundary walls to Nunthorpe Hall and the short stretch of stone wall to the north of the former Stables. Also of importance are the hedges and railings defining ownership boundaries.

Open space and tree coverage 6.11 The majority of the open space within this character area lies within the curtilage of Nunthorpe Hall and includes the large lake and walled garden (see Photo. 42). Within this section of the garden there are limited trees immediately to the south of the Hall but the lake is tree-lined and there is a belt of trees Photo.42 View of the walled garden set behind the stone boundary wall, which screens the garden and Hall from view. Tree coverage elsewhere in the area is limited to the belt of trees in the front gardens of the houses at the southern end of the Old Stokesley Road (see Photo. 43).

Negative factors 6.12 Within the character area there are a limited number of negative factors. The collection of modern garages to the north of the workshops on West Side are considered to be visually obtrusive feature within the area (see Photo. 44).

Photo.43 View north along the Old Stokesley Road

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Their dilapidated appearance detracts from the character and appearance of the area.

6.13 There has also been a certain degree of attrition to the character of the area through the loss of timber window frames and doors. In addition, a number of properties have been altered with the addition of side and rear extensions Due to the scale and design of a number of the extensions they are considered to be inappropriate to their location within the Conservation Area.

Photo.44 View of the modern garages 6.14 Despite the continual agricultural use of the Hall Farm complex for over 100 years, there has been relatively little modern development. The most recent addition is the large portal framed barn to the north-east of the complex, which in view of its scale and materials is considered to be a negative factor within the area (see Photo. 45).

Neutral factors 6.15 The mid-twentieth century properties at the south end of West side are considered to be neutral factors. The scale of the buildings is appropriate for the area but the quality of the design and materials is such that they neither enhance or detract from the character and appearance of the area (see Photo.45 View of the modern agricultural Photos. 46 & 47). storage shed at the Hall Farm complex

Photo.46 View of properties at the southern end of West Side

Photo.47 View of the village from Grey Towers House

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7. CHARACTER AREA 2

7.01 This character area is the largest area as it includes all the parkland and farm land associated with Nunthorpe Hall and Grey Towers House. As this area only contains a single dwelling, the character of this area is related to its landscape rather than architectural qualities (see Photo. 48).

Grain 7.02 As noted above, the area includes only one residential dwelling and a number of small utilities buildings and therefore it is primarily open space and has no urban grain (see Maps 8 & 13). Along the northern approach route into the village, the Photo.48 View of the open ground to the north of Nunthorpe Hall parkland is defined by metal estate railings whereas the agricultural land is predominantly defined by timber post and rail or wire fences. Due to its open nature long distance views across, into and out of this area are possible.

Use 7.03 This area contains only a single dwelling and a number of small utilities buildings. The predominant use within this area is therefore as arable or pastoral land primarily for grazing sheep and cattle (see Photos. 49 and 50).

Photo.49 Open ground to the south-west of Agricola Cottages

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The qualities of the buildings 7.04 The principal building within this character area is No. 1 East Side which is a Grade II listed building. This single storey brick cottage with a pitched clay pantile roof and dormer windows was originally built as a pair c.1800 but was subsequently altered to form a single dwelling with late twentieth century extensions (see Photo. 51). The remaining structures in the area are small functional utility buildings, which house water pumping facilities. They are constructed in brick with a flat

roof and are of limited architectural significance. Photo.50 View north-west towards Grey Towers House Building materials and the public realm 7.05 As noted above No. 1 East Side is constructed of red brick but appears to retain remnants of an earlier stone structure at low level, and has a clay pantile roof, with stone ridge and gable copings. The small utilities buildings are also constructed of red brick but have flat roofs.

7.06 The public realm in this character area relates principally to the highway and the network of footpaths. The footpaths adjoining the highway are surfaced in tarmac with concrete kerb edgings and are therefore of no historic interest. However, sections of metal estate railings separate the Photo.51 No 1. Eastside parkland from the highway, and these with their associated metal posts adjoining the stiles are of interest (see Photo. 52).

Open space and tree coverage 7.07 This character area is dominated by open space and tree coverage. Within the parkland to the south and east of Nunthorpe Hall, there are informal groups and individual mature trees set within the open fields, which are typical of an early nineteenth century landscape. Mature trees line the approach road from the north and south. The Grey Towers estate is of a more open nature but has specifically planted clumps of trees known as plantations. Within the area there are four named plantations; Starvation Clump (see Photo. 53), Photo.52 Metal posts adjoining styles South Clump, West Clump and Fishpond Plantation (see Map 10). These stands of trees form important landmark features within the area.

7.08 To the north-west corner of this section lies a large pond, set within a woodland, known as Fishpond Plantation (see Photo. 54). In the centre of the lake there is an island and this area is an important wildlife habitat.

Photo.53 View west towards Starvation Clump

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Negative factors 7.09 There are few negative factors in this area but many of the metal and timber fences are in poor condition and in need of repair and maintenance. In addition, there appears to be a problem with fly-tipping in the vicinity of Fishpond Plantation and problems with vandalism and bonfires in this area.

Neutral factors 7.10 As a result of their simple form and materials of construction

it is considered that the utilities structures within the area Photo.54 Fishpond Plantation and its pond are a neutral factor (see Photo. 55).

Photo.55 View of a utility building

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8. CHARACTER AREA 3

8.01 This character area is centred around the core of the nineteenth century Grey Towers Estate and includes the main house, stable block, walled garden, access drive and lodge.

Grain 8.02 Grey Towers was built c. 1865-67 for William Randolph Innes Hopkins (a local ironmaster and Mayor of Middlesbrough) and was set in 77 acres of land to the north-west of Nunthorpe village, with the addition of a Stable block in 1873. In 1895 it was sold to Sir Arthur Dorman (another significant Photo.56 Grey Towers House ironmaster) who remained there until his death on 11th February, 1931. Sir Arthur Dorman was responsible for extensive landscaping of the grounds, realignment of the entrance drive and construction of the present entrance lodge.

8.03 The character of this area has been altered with the recent construction of a number of houses within the walled garden.

Use 8.04 The use of the buildings within the area is exclusively for residential purposes (see Map 9). Grey Towers House (see Photo. 56) and its former stable block have been converted Photo.57 Elaborate entrance to Grey Towers House

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into apartments, a number of residential units have been constructed within the walled garden and the lodge is a single family house.

The qualities of the buildings 8.05 Within the character area there are three listed buildings (see Appendix B for listed building descriptions). Grey Towers House is a large country house, in the High Victorian Gothic style and is listed Grade II* (see Photo. 57). It is two storey plus attic, constructed of ironstone rubble with sandstone

dressings and pitched slate roof. It has a large open porch Photo.58 View of the Lodge with segmental pointed openings and a decorative parapet. The building has decorative metalwork, grotesques, canted bays and a variety of styles of window openings.

8.06 The Lodge is a simple single storey 3-bay stone building with a later extension and is listed Grade II. It has a stone gable with finials to the central bay, a basket-arcaded porch to the north bay and 2-light chamfered mullioned windows. The roof is hipped with plain clay roof tiles (see Photo. 58) .

8.07 To the south of the lodge are a pair of stone gate piers which are listed grade II (see Photo 59). Photo.59 Gate piers to the south of the Lodge 8.08 The Stable Block is a single storey brick building, with stone dressings, laid out around an open courtyard (which originally had a glass roof). Entrance to the courtyard is through a wide segmental archway in the central brick gable, with a clock tower above (see Photo. 60). The roof is slate covered and hipped at the northern end, with stone capped gables to the south range. On the south range are two wallhead dormer windows and a number of the windows have shallow segmental arched heads. It is unclear whether the stables are considered to be a curtilage structure to Grey Towers House but if not they should be considered for inclusion on a local list. Photo.60 Grey Towers Stable block 8.09 The sense of enclosure of the original walled garden has been retained but the walls have been largely rebuilt in conjunction with the erection of the new houses and a number of door and window openings introduced (Photo. 61).

Building materials and the public realm 8.10 As noted above, Grey Towers is constructed of ironstone rubble, with sandstone dressings and a slate roof. The lodge and gate piers are built of sandstone but the Stable block and walled garden are built of red brick with sandstone dressings and copings. The main house has timber sliding sash windows but the windows to the remainder of the properties have been Photo.61 View of re-built walled garden

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replaced with modern casements.

8.11 Within this character area all the historic floorscape materials appear to have been lost and as a result of the recent phase of development, tarmac footpaths and roads with concrete kerbs predominate (see Photo. 62). However, around the house, gravel paths have recently been laid out and the forecourt has been resurfaced with tarmac and concrete paving.

8.12 Sections of metal estate railings remain insitu along the

southern boundary of the entrance driveway and contribute Photo.62 Modern surface materials to the overall parkland quality of the area (see Photo. 63).

Open space and tree coverage 8.13 The majority of the open space in this area, relates to the terraces to the south of Grey Towers House. The edge of the lower terrace is defined by the remnants of walls of the demolished twentieth century hospital buildings and is very overgrown with high weeds and grasses (see Photo. 64).

8.14 To the east of the House along the historic entrance driveway groups of mature trees and planting provide enclosure to the space and screen the modern car parking area from view. Closer to the A172 around the Lodge and entrance gates are Photo.63 View of the estate railings small groups of trees which create a tree lined avenue to the house.

Negative factors 8.15 The remains of the walls associated with the twentieth century hospital buildings are in a poor state of repair, with many copings stones missing or vandalised (see Photo. 65).

8.16 The overgrown scrubland to the south of the house is prominent in views from the south.

Neutral factors 8.17 The new buildings which have been constructed on the site of Photo.64 View of the overgrown scrubland the walled garden area, neither enhance nor detract from the character and appearance of the designated area and are therefore considered to be neutral factors.

Photo.65 View of the remnants of the twentieth century hospital buildings

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9. CHARACTER AREA 4

9.01 This character area is unusual as it relates to the modern housing development located to north of Grey Towers House. In this instance the quality of the character area is defined, not by the dwellings themselves, but rather by the spaces and views between them. The character is further enhanced by a subtle integration of the many large and mature trees (see Photo. 66).

Grain 9.02 Again this character area is unusual in that the urban grain is the result, not of historic influences, but of a modern housing Photo.66 Retained trees within the new housing estate layout. However, the layout is untypical of a developer led scheme as it includes a linear and curved grain (see Map 8) that sets it apart from the more mundane contemporary designs (see Photo. 67). This well thought out scheme represents the new and varied approach to modern housing with low development density providing a sense of space Although this modern grain does not conform to the traditional form of a rural village it is still considered to make a significant contribution to the rural location. The one anomaly is the S-shaped plan of the National Health Service (NHS) building, which although shallow in plan form, does not conform to the prevalent grain of the area. Photo.67 View of the detached housing

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Use 9.03 The predominant use, within this character area, is residential and consists of large detached dwellings. The one exception, already mentioned above, is the NHS building (see Map 9).

The qualities of the buildings 9.04 There are no listed buildings and there are also no other buildings that are considered to make a positive contribution to the character and appearance of this designated area (see Map 11). The modern houses are an eclectic mix of

architectural styles and, perhaps, the only consistency of Photo.68 View of the landscaped area within character is in the use of a standard palette of materials. There the new housing estate is, in design terms, some reference to the detached villa, typical of the nineteenth century. However, this has only encouraged a pastiche that results in buildings with universal features including bay windows, roof dormers and porches.

Building materials and the public realm 9.05 As mentioned above, a standard palette of materials has been used for all the buildings and includes a traditional red brick for the walls and either slate or tiles for the roofs. However, some variety is also provided by the use of vertical tile or slate hanging to emphasise certain design elements. The windows are, unfortunately for a conservation area, modern PVCu Photo.69 The avenue of trees leading to Grey casements. Towers Farm

Open space and tree coverage 9.06 At its centre, the character area has one distinctive element of open space that is defined by a significant group of trees running in an east/west direction (see Photo. 68). However, there are is also a tree lined pedestrian/cycle route that runs across the area in a north/south direction (see Photo. 69). Again of significant note, especially when considering views and vistas, is the belt of trees on the northern edge of the character area and contained within the rear gardens of some of the houses (see Photo 70). Photo.70 View of the significant belt of trees Negative factors within the rear gardens of houses along 9.07 The NHS building is considered to have no architectural value the northern edge of the new estate and its plan form is foreign to the prevailing grain of the area (see Photo. 71). The large car park, positioned at the front of the building, is also considered to be visually obtrusive and to detract from the character of the area (see Photo. 72).

9.08 The use of signage should always be carefully considered. The sign associated with the NHS building, sited along side the A172 road, is felt to be inappropriate within the designated area (see Photo. 73).

Photo.71 The NHS office building

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Neutral factors 9.09 Despite their limited architectural pretensions and because of their overall massing and use of materials it is felt that the modern housing neither enhances nor detracts from the character of the conservation area. It is, therefore, defined as a neutral element within the character area (see Map 12).

Photo.72 View of the car park to the front of the NHS building

Photo.73 Poor quality signage

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10. CHARACTER AREA 5

10.01 This character area is defined by areas around Grey Towers Farm and Church Lane.

Grain 10.02 The area includes two main and distinct clusters of buildings (see Map 8). On the east side is the War Memorial, the Church of St Mary’s, its associated vicarage (formerly the schoolmaster’s house), a former school and a Scout Hut. To the west is Grey Towers Farm House (see Photos. 74 & 75) and the site of the former farm buildings. A major influence on the character of the sub-area is its bisection by the A172 Photo.74 View towards the front elevation of road. There are a limited number of buildings within this sub- Grey Towers Farm

area and consequently the open spaces are a distinctive element.

Use 10.03 The area is characterised by a number of different uses that include residential, religious, leisure, commemorative and allotment gardens (see Map 9).

The qualities of the buildings 10.04 Within the character area there are three listed buildings which are all listed Grade II (see Appendix B for list Photo.75 View towards the rear elevation of Grey Towers Farm

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descriptions). All the listed buildings are associated with the Church and located on the eastern side of the area: Church, vicarage and lychgate.

10.05 St Mary’s Church is an early twentieth century sandstone church, designed in the Early English style by Temple Moore and Leslie T Moore (see Photo. 76). It has a cruciform planform with a squat tower at the crossing. At the west end is a recent single storey extension.

10.06 The Lychgate, adjoining the church was built in 1947, to a Photo.76 View of St Mary’s Church design by Leslie Moore as a war memorial (see Photo. 77) .

10.07 The vicarage was built in 1903 as the schoolmaster’s house. It is a 2-storey sandstone building with a pitched plain tile roof and stone gable copings. It has a distinctive chimney and chamfered mullioned windows with leaded lights.

10.08 In addition to the listed buildings, the war memorial, the former school (now health club) and Grey Towers Farm make a positive contribution to the character and appearance of the Conservation Area (see Map 11). These buildings could be considered for inclusion on a local list. Photo.77 View of the Lychgate Building materials and the public realm 10.09 Grey Towers Farm and the electrical substation, in the western half of the area are constructed of brick with a pitched slate roof. The Church, lychgate, vicarage and former school are constructed of a similar palette of materials and have sandstone walls with clay tile roof.

Open space and tree coverage 10.10 The area contains two significant belts of trees, to the east of Grey Towers Farm (see Photo. 78) and to the south-east of the war memorial. In addition, there are a number of mature trees in the grounds of the Church, adjoining the vicarage and along Church Lane. Despite the extensive tree coverage, due Photo.78 View looking north-east along access to the topography of the land, the Church is a prominent drive to Grey Towers Farm feature in the area (see Photo. 79), with significant long distance views particularly to the south.

10.11 The allotment gardens, the small memorial garden associated with the war memorial (see Photo. 80), the church yard and the fields associated with Grey Towers Farm provide the most significant open space in the area. Views of the sub- area have a significant impact on the character of the Conservation Area.

Negative factors 10.12 The scout hut to the west of the Church is a single storey, Photo.79 Long distance view towards the St white rendered building with a flat roof. In view of its Mary’s Church from the north-west

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inappropriate design and materials it is considered to have a negative impact on the appearance of the area (see Photo. 83).

10.13 The signage and later porch on the principal elevation of the former school are visually obtrusive (see Photo. 82)

Neutral factors 10.14 The electricity sub-station to the north-east of Grey Towers Farm is a small single storey building with a pitched hipped

roof (see Photo. 83). It has a pebble dash rendered wall with Photo.80 View of the war memorial brick dressings and felt roof. In view of its overall appearance it is considered that this building is neutral factor within the designated area (see Map 12).

Photo.81 View of the scout hut

Photo.82 View of the former school

Photo.83 View of the electricity sub-station

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11.0 MANAGEMENT PLAN

11.01 As indicated in the Introduction (see 1.03 above), this second section sets out a possible management plan for the Nunthorpe & Poole Conservation Area. These proposals should be read in conjunction with the appraisal of the designated area, set out in Chapters 5.0 to 10.0. The proposed policies and recommendations are intended to preserve the character and appearance of the Conservation Area, assist in managing change without compromising the historic environment and make proposals for its enhancement. In order to implement these policies they would need to be incorporated in either the Local Plan or the Local Development Framework.

11.02 Conservation area designation reduces permitted development rights and in addition to the general ‘saved’ Local Plan policies, the following additional ‘saved’ policies covering conservation areas apply:

E41 Development in or Adjoining Conservation Areas E42 Designation and Review of Conservation Areas E43 Demolition within Conservation Areas E44 Advertisement in Conservation Areas and on Listed Buildings E45 Article 4 Directions (Restriction of Permitted Development Rights) 11.03 In addition, under the emerging Local Development Framework, the Core Strategy (Preferred option August 2006), Policy CS5 Design will apply to any development proposals in the Conservation Area.

11.04 The management plan is divided into two sections. The first (Chapter 12.00) sets out policies for the preservation of the special interest of the area, while the second (Chapter 13.00) relates to general proposals for enhancement.

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12.0 PRESERVATION POLICES

12.01 The Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 and other planning legislation contain various powers that assist local planning authorities with their responsibility to preserve the character and appearance of conservation areas.

Demolition of buildings 12.02 Section 74 of the Act provides for control over the demolition of buildings in conservation areas (subject to various exceptions). Paragraph 4.27 of PPG 15 - Planning and the Historic Environment indicates that, “The general presumption should be in favour of retaining buildings which make a positive contribution to the character or appearance of a conservation area.” It goes on to indicate that proposals to demolish such buildings should be assessed against the same broad criteria as proposals to demolish listed buildings (paragraphs 3.16 – 3.19 of PPG15).

12.03 Map 11 identifies buildings that make a positive contribution within the designated area. These are generally large detached houses and short terraces constructed in the nineteenth century, which establish the character of the conservation area. There should be a presumption against the demolition of any of these buildings.

Policy: The Council will only grant conservation consent for the demolition of a building that makes a positive contribution to the townscape of the Conservation Area (as identified on Map 11) if it has been fully justified against the criteria laid out in PPG 15 paragraphs 3.16 – 3.19.

12.04 In addition, the proposed Conservation Area includes 15 listed buildings and structures (see Map 11), the demolition and alteration of which is controlled by the provisions of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.

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Local List 12.05 The appraisal identified that there are a number of buildings in the Conservation Area which are of particular distinction or are landmarks in the area, and should be considered for inclusion on a local list of buildings of significance.

12.06 It is recommended that the Council carry out a survey of the buildings that make a positive contribution to the Conservation Area to identify those of sufficient merit for inclusion on a local list of buildings of significance.

12.07 Middlesbrough Council is currently preparing a ‘draft’ list of buildings of local significance and the following policy would be possible:

Policy: External alterations to locally listed buildings will only be permitted where the proposals reflect the architectural and historic character of the original building.

Trees 12.08 Section 211 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, as amended, requires that anyone proposing to cut down, top or lop a tree in a conservation area must give six weeks notice to the local planning authority. The purpose of this requirement is to give the authority an opportunity to make a tree preservation order.

12.09 Trees make an important contribution to the character and appearance of the Conservation Area and to its setting. The existing tree preservation orders (see Map10) primarily relate to the Grey Towers complex and therefore it is recommended that the Council undertake a comprehensive tree survey of the whole of the Conservation Area, plus its setting, to determine whether additional tree preservation orders are required.

Policy: The Council will generally resist proposals to cut down, top or lop a tree in the Conservation Area.

Open Spaces and Gardens 12.10 The open space within the Conservation Area is formed by private gardens, pastoral and arable land.

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12.11 The character of the area is partly established by the pattern of past development. Proposals for re- development should maintain the ratio of built-form (footprint and volume) to plot size that is typical of the individual character areas and retain the overall open character of the designated area.

Policy: The Council will resist proposals that would result in the over-development of plots and loss of gardens or open space to the detriment of the character of the Conservation Area.

Minor Alterations 12.12 Any work that materially affects the external appearance of a building requires planning permission, subject to “permitted development” rights. Under normal planning control certain works are classified as “permitted development” and do not require planning permission. This includes small alterations and extensions to dwelling houses, the erection of buildings, enclosures or pools required for a purpose incidental to the enjoyment of a dwelling house (such as a swimming pool), the provision of hard surfaces, and the erection of and alterations to boundaries.

12.13 Within conservation areas some developments (that in other areas would be “permitted development”) are not classified as “permitted development”. This includes various types of cladding; the insertion of dormer windows; and the erection of satellite dishes on walls, roofs and chimneys fronting a highway. Also, within conservation areas the size of extensions that may be erected without specific planning permission is more restricted.

12.14 The traditional materials used for the external walls of the buildings establish the appearance of the Conservation Area. These are primarily brick and stone. It is important to retain the consistency and unity of buildings that were designed as either a pair, terrace or group by resisting proposals to render, paint or otherwise alter parts of the designed group.

Policy: The Council will resist all proposals to clad buildings with materials that are not appropriate to the appearance of the Conservation Area or which will adversely affect the appearance of individual or groups of buildings in the Conservation Area.

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12.15 The introduction of inappropriate dormers of either a large-scale or non-traditional design, particularly on terraced properties should be resisted.

Policy: The Council will generally resist all proposals that involve the construction of inappropriate large or non- traditional dormer windows.

12.16 The widespread erection of satellite dishes and radio equipment on buildings would have a detrimental impact on the appearance of the Conservation Area.

Policy: The Council will generally resist all proposals that involve the erection of satellite dishes and radio equipment in prominent locations, such as roadside frontages or adjoining open land, within the Conservation Area.

12.17 Extensions can be detrimental to the appearance of buildings either because of their location, size or design. Extensions (including porches and canopies) on the front or principal elevations of buildings should be avoided as these elevations have usually been carefully designed. Extensions at the side or rear are generally to be preferred, except where these elevations have also been carefully designed or are open to public view, such as in character area 1. Extensions should be subordinate to the building to which they are attached, should use similar or complimentary materials, and should reflect or compliment its style and appearance.

Policy: The Council will resist proposed extensions that are over-large, in a prominent location, or are otherwise detrimental to the character of the building to which they are attached or to the character or appearance of the wider Conservation Area.

Article 4 Directions 12.18 Local planning authorities may remove (or apply for approval to remove) “permitted development” rights by way of an Article 4 Direction. This means that certain developments that previously did not require a planning application to be submitted, would be bought under the control of the Council and now require planning permission.

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12.19 The effect of the alterations and extensions that are possible under “permitted development” rights, such as the erection of extensions, the creation of hard-standings, and the removal of boundary walls, have already damaged the character and appearance of the Conservation Area. The accumulative effect of further alterations of this nature will seriously erode the special interest of the area, which is the reason for its designation.

12.20 It is therefore recommended that the Council consider an Article 4 Direction removing the following “permitted development” rights set out in Part 1 of Schedule 2 of the Town and Country Planning General Development Order 1995, as amended, from all houses within the Conservation Area:

· Class A - The enlargement, improvement or other alteration of a dwelling house,

· Class D - The erection or construction of a porch,

· Class E - The provision of a building or enclosure, swimming or other pool required for a purpose incidental to the enjoyment of a dwelling house,

· Class F - The provision within the curtilage of a dwelling house of a hard surface, and

· Class G - The provision within the curtilage of a dwelling house of a container for the storage of oil for domestic heating.

12.21 If such an Article 4 Direction were to be made the following policies would be possible.

Policy: The Council will resist all proposals for extensions and alterations to dwelling houses and the erection of buildings and structures within the curtilage of dwelling houses that would be detrimental to the character of the building or to the character or appearance of the wider Conservation Area.

Policy: The Council will resist all proposals for the formation of a hard surface within the front gardens of dwelling

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houses that would be detrimental to the character or appearance of the wider Conservation Area.

Policy: The Council will resist the replacement of timber doors and windows which would affect the appearance of the building, where the proposal would be detrimental to the character and appearance of the building or to the wider Conservation Area.

Policy: The Council will generally resist proposals to paint any buildings which were not originally designed to be painted, where the proposal would be detrimental to the character or appearance of the building or to the character or appearance of the wider Conservation Area.

12.22 It is also recommended that the Council consider an Article 4 Direction removing the following “permitted development” rights set out in Part 2 of Schedule 2 of the Town and Country Planning General Development Order 1995, as amended, from all residential properties within the Conservation Area:

· Class A – The erection, construction, maintenance, improvement or alteration of a gate, fence, wall or other means of enclosure.

· Class B - The formation, laying out and construction of a means of access to a highway.

12.23 If such an Article 4 Direction were to be made the following policies would be possible.

Policy: The Council will resist all proposals for alterations to (including demolition of) boundary walls, gate piers, fences and gates that would be detrimental to the character or appearance of the Conservation Area.

Policy: The Council will resist all proposals for the creation of new accesses to the highway that would be detrimental to the character or appearance of the Conservation Area.

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13.0 ENHANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES

13.01 In addition to their responsibility for the preservation of conservation areas, local planning authorities are also required to propose policies and actions that will lead to enhancement. This can be achieved through both the development control process and by proposing specific actions. Appendix D contains some guidance on works to historic buildings and buildings in conservation areas.

Development Opportunities 13.02 Within the Conservation Area all proposals for development are opportunities to enhance the character and appearance of the designated area. It is therefore important for full details (including detailed plans, sections, elevations and landscape proposals) to be available as part of a planning application.

Policy: The Council will not consider an application for planning permission for development within the Conservation Area unless it includes full details of the proposal.

Policy: The Council will expect any proposal for a development within the Conservation Area to be supported by a Design Statement which should include a full analysis of the surrounding area. Proposals should respond to the surrounding development in terms of scale, height, massing, alignment and materials. All proposals should enhance the character and appearance of the Conservation Area.

Trees 13.03 Trees are a particular feature of the Conservation Area but they mature and die. In addition, in areas such as Fishpond Plantation, as noted in section 7.09, there are problems with vandalism. Therefore every effort should be made to provide for new and replacement tree planting within new developments and to encourage owners to establish appropriate tree management and maintenance programmes.

Policy: The Council will encourage the planting of new and replacement trees where appropriate as part of all developments within the Conservation Area.

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Boundary walls and hedges 13.04 Similarly, boundary walls and hedges are also features of the Conservation Area. Therefore every opportunity should be made to provide or restore walls and/or hedges to property boundaries. It is recommended that the Council produce a design guide for boundary walls and fences in the Conservation Area.

Policy: The Council will encourage the provision and/or reinstatement of boundary walls, railings and/or hedges.

Reinstatement of features 13.05 Many of the buildings within the Conservation Area have lost their original doors, windows and other features. As a result their character has been eroded, together with that of the wider area. As proposals come forward for alterations and extensions to these buildings there may be an opportunity to encourage the reinstatement of such features.

Policy: The Council will encourage the reinstatement of doors, windows and other features to reflect their original pattern and materials.

13.06 In order to encourage the reinstatement or repair of original features, it is recommended that the Council consider sources of financial support for works to reinstate or repair original features.

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