WHITTON AND HEATHFIELD

Draft Supplementary Planning Document I February 2014

Contents

1. Introduction 2. Planning Policy and Wider Context 3. Spatial Context 4. Vision for Whitton and Heathfield 5. Objectives 6. Character Area Assessments 7. Features and Materials 8. Guidance for Development Sites 9. Shop Front Guidance 10. Forecourt Parking

Appendices

Relevant Policies and Guidance 1. Introduction

The purpose of this Village Planning Guidance Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) is primarily to establish a vision and planning policy aims for, and assist in defining, maintaining and enhancing the character of, Whitton and Heathfield Village, and to provide guidance in this regard. The SPD will ultimately form part of the Village Plan.

By identifying key features of the village, the SPD clarifies the most important aspects and features that contribute to local character to guide those seeking to make changes to their properties or to develop new properties in the area, as well as advising council officers and members making decisions on planning applications.

The London Borough of Richmond upon Thames has been divided into a series of smaller village areas.

Each village is distinctive in terms of the community, facilities and local character – as are many sub areas within the villages. The villages of the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames are attractive with many listed buildings and conservation areas, the local character of each being unique, recognisable and important to the community and to the aesthetic of the borough as a whole.

Whitton and Heathfield Village Planning Guidance SPD area

4 The core of this SPD is a series of character The community was initially involved through: area assessments for the component areas of Whitton and Heathfield. These character ■■ Drop in session at Whitton Youth Zone, areas have been identified through the Britannia Lane (Dec 7th 2013) similarity of key features that are deemed to ■■ Resident walkabout around Whitton (Dec define their local character. The assessments 8th 2013) establish dominant features and materials as ■■ Online questionnaire (running Dec 7th to well as an overall description of the street 20th 2013) pattern and housing types. ■■ Stakeholder and business workshop (Jan 9th 2014) The boundary for the SPD has been defined based on a number of criteria as follows: This formal stage of consultation provides a further opportunity to help shape the SPD. ■■ taking account of physical and administrative boundaries, including the The Village Planning Guidance is Rosecroft Gardens conservation area complementary to the wider Village Plans boundary to avoid this being separated that have been produced for each village area, from other areas of related character; and which include issues and actions for continual ■■ how local communities viewed their local improvement. The SPD fulfils the aim of areas when asked through the Council’s residents having greater control and influence 2010 ‘All-In-One’ survey. over planning and development decisions in their local area, being an adopted document This SPD has been produced by the Council under the London Borough of Richmond working closely with the community. This has upon Thames planning policy framework, and ensured that local residents, businesses and linking to the relevant Village Plan stakeholders have been genuinely involved in defining the important features – as well as the opportunities and threats – that define their local area.

Consultation events for the Whitton and Heathfield Village Plan

5 2. Planning Policy and Wider Context

2.1. Planning policy framework 2.2. Key planning policies DMP Policy DM DC 1 Design Quality CS Policy CP14 Housing - Housing Standards & Types New development must be of a high The London Borough of Richmond upon SPDs cannot create new policies but 14.D The density of residential proposals architectural and urban design quality Thames current statutory planning policy expand on policies set out in higher plans, should take into account the need to achieve based on sustainable design principles. framework is set out in adopted Plans which notably the Core Strategy (CS) and the the maximum intensity of use compatible Development must be inclusive, respect local make up the Local Plan – being the Core Development Management Plan (DMP). This with local context, while respecting the character including the nature of a particular Strategy, adopted in April 2009, and the SPD relates to a considerable number of quality, character and amenity of established road, and connect with, and contribute Development Management Plan, adopted higher policies, notably: neighbourhoods positively, to its surroundings based on a in November 2011. There is an online thorough understanding of the site and its proposals map and also a range of guidance CS Policy CP7: Maintaining and Improving the CS Policy CP12 River Crane Corridor context. provided by way of Supplementary Planning Local Environment The Council will improve the strategic Documents (SPDs) and Guidance for the corridor to provide an attractive open space 7.B All new development should recognise In assessing the design quality of a proposal area. This SPD will form part of the planning with improvements to the biodiversity. distinctive local character and contribute to the Council will have regard to the following: policy framework upon adoption. There is creating places of a high architectural and also a range of evidence base studies that the DMP Policy DM HO 3 Backland Development urban design quality that are well used and ■■ compatibility with local character Council has undertaken which help to guide There will be a presumption against valued. Proposals will have to illustrate that including relationship to existing policy making. loss of back gardens due to the need to they: townscape and frontages, scale, height, maintain local character, amenity space and massing, proportions and form The Council is preparing a Site Allocations biodiversity. (i) are based on an analysis and Plan (SA Plan), which will include site- ■■ sustainable development and adaptability, understanding of the Borough’s specific proposals for the whole borough, subject to aesthetic considerations DMP Policy DM TP 9 Forecourt Parking development patterns, features and other than Twickenham town centre (which ■ layout and access The parking of vehicles in existing front views, public transport accessibility and ■ is already covered by the Twickenham Area gardens will be discouraged especially where: maintaining appropriate levels of amenity; ■■ space between buildings and relationship Action Plan). The SA Plan will become part to the public realm ■■ this would result in the removal of (ii) connect positively with their of the Local Plan when adopted. The site- architectural features such as walls, gates surroundings to create safe and inclusive ■■ detailing and materials specific proposals in the SA Plan will look and paving, or of existing trees and other places through the use of good design ahead over the next 15 years setting out vegetation or; general principles for development and be principles including layout, form, scale, A full list of relevant policies is appended. ■ where such parking would detract from used to determine planning applications on materials, natural surveillance and Policies of note include: ■ the streetscape or setting of the property. these sites. The SA Plan sites in Whitton are orientation, and sustainable construction. included in Section 8 of this document, which CS Policy CP8: Town and Local Centres goes into more detail on design objectives. Retail and town centre uses will be DMP Policy DM DC 7 Shop fronts and shop supported providing that it is appropriate signs to the role in the hierarchy of the centres, The Council will resist the removal of shop and respects the character, environment and fronts of architectural or historic interest. historical interest of the area.

6 DMP Policy DM HD 1 Conservation Areas – 2.3. Planning policy aims Residential areas Other designation, protection and enhancement Buildings or parts of buildings, street This SPD reinforces the existing planning ■■ Maintain and improve the residential ■■ Seek to minimise any adverse effects from furniture, trees and other features which policy aims which have been established environment through ensuring changes the large crowds visiting Twickenham make a positive contribution to the character, for Whitton and Heathfield, which seek to and extensions to houses are compatible Stadium. appearance or significance of the area should achieve the following: with the character of the area. ■■ Improve areas which are less attractive be retained. ■■ Ensure new development is appropriate in such as service roads, blocks of domestic Whitton Centre terms of scale and materials and includes garages and inappropriate shop fronts. DMP Policy DM HD3 Buildings of Townscape sufficient car parking. Merit ■■ Improve the range of shops and services ■■ Ensure that grass verges, street trees and 2.4. Wider Context (Village Plans) Preservation and enhancement of Buildings in Whitton Centre and particularly other vegetation are retained and that of Townscape Merit and the Council will use encourage independent shops to improve front garden parking is limited. Village Plans have been developed for each its powers where possible to protect their choice develop the evening economy and of Richmond’s 14 villages. Each Village Plan significance, character and setting. avoid further provision of betting shops. Community Facilities describes a vision for the village area and ■■ Expand space for local businesses in the identifies what the Council will do and Policy DM TP 9 Forecourt Parking town centre. ■ Ensure a range of community facilities what local people can do to achieve the The parking of vehicles in existing front ■ ■■ Create a high quality public realm to which are accessible to all residents vision together. It sets out the key issues gardens will be discouraged, especially where make the Centre more attractive and to and priorities and provides background support the commercial function. Open spaces information on the village area. The Village ■■ this would result in the removal of ■■ Improve car and cycle parking to support Plans are maintained on the Council’s architectural features such as walls, gates Whitton centre. ■■ Protect and enhance open spaces within website and are updated regularly as works and paving, or of existing trees and other ■■ Improve Whitton Station and the area, including alongside the River are progressed. They cover a wide range of vegetation or, surroundings to create a high quality Crane both as an amenity for residents topics, including matters not within the remit ■■ where such parking would detract from interchange and related public spaces. and as a green corridor. of the SPD. the streetscape or setting of the property ■■ Seek improvements in public transport ■■ Provide public open space and children’s This Village Planning Guidance SPD forms links to Whitton Centre. play space in areas (particularly in part of the Village Plan by providing a formal Whitton) which are beyond walking planning policy document which can be distance of a local park. Local shopping used to guide new development that has responded to residents desire to have greater ■■ Protect local shopping parades at Nelson control and influence over planning and Road and Heathside. development decisions in their local area. The involvement of the local community in the production of the SPD has been essential in ensuring it is a genuine reflection of residents’ priorities.

7 3. Spatial Context

This section covers its transport, green Facilities Green infrastructure Connectivity and accessibility spaces, shops and services which are an essential part of the village’s character. These ■■ Whitton High Street district shopping ■■ Murray Park, which has a new skate ■■ A range of cycling routes including are detailed below and , together with its centre. park, temporary FitPoint and playground cycleways down the A314 Hanworth historic assets, are mapped on the following ■■ Three smaller shopping parades, around equipment facilities. Road. pages. Hanworth Road, Nelson Road and ■■ Hounslow Heath Open Space and ■■ The London Loop long distance Powder Mill Lane. Heathfield Recreation Ground on recreational walking routes lies on the ■■ Mill Farm Business Park. Powdermill Lane. boundary of the Whitton and Heathfield Village area and runs along the River ■■ Whitton Library and Whitton Restroom. ■■ Crane Park is an important green space in the area and includes the Shot Tower, Crane. ■■ New youth centre along Britannia Lane which is grade II-listed and the only ■■ Bus services - a number of buses serve behind Whitton High Street. surviving building from the old Hounslow the area, including the 481 from Kingston ■■ Whitton Community Centre & Social Powder Mills. The Park has recently to West Middlesex Hospital. Club. benefited from £400k investment from ■■ Rail services - Whitton Rail station is on ■■ Whitton Sports and Fitness Centre the Mayor of London which saw both the Hounslow Loop with trains running (located at Twickenham Academy). sides of the River upgraded. direct to London Waterloo and Windsor ■■ Three GP surgeries and the new Whitton ■■ Whitton Park (previously known as Old and Eton Riverside. Trains to Reading, Corner Health and Social Care Centre. Latonians) is home to a growing hub of Ascot and Bracknell can also be accessed ■■ The area has a number of schools. sports clubs. from Whitton via Feltham. ■■ Murray Park Hall, located in Murray Park, provides space for community activities. Conservation and heritage Whitton and Heathfield Village contains one conservation area, Rosecroft Gardens (locally known as the Dene Estate). Kneller Hall is a Grade II Listed Building and there are also a number of Buildings of Townscape Merit which are clustered around the High Street and along Nelson Road / Kneller Road.

8 Facilities in Whitton and Heathfield

9 Green Infrastructure in Whitton and Heathfield

10 Connectivity and Accessibility in Whitton and Heathfield

11 Historic Assets in Whitton and Heathfield

© Crown copyright and database rights 2012 LegenOrddnance Survey 100019441 SPD Boundary Conservation Area Building Of Townscape Merit Listed Buildings

4. Vision for Whitton and 5. Objectives Heathfield

The vision for Whitton and Heathfield is to retain and The Whitton and Heathfield Village Planning Guidance SPD reinforce the established character of the area. has been developed to meet the following objectives, which Whitton has a unique 1930s High Street, Further development opportunities for correspond to those in the Council’s Design Quality SPD. whilst the Heathfield area has less of a focus. community uses exist at Murray Park where It is important to protect and reinforce there is the potential to improve the Hall. Identify local character – to identify local Implementation of schemes – to provide the distinctive character of these areas and character and historic assets for enhancement advice for householders and businesses ensure the provision of community facilities The consolidation and improvement of or protection. that will help them achieve repairs and and transport links. . This includes protecting Whitton Library will be considered alongside modernisation which respects local character. the unique architecture, within e both the Whitton Uplift strategy and options for Promote high standards of design - Whitton High Street and in the surrounding bringing it onto the High Street. through high quality illustrative material and Design Review – to provide a framework residential areas, and encouraging village simple guidance and advice to local residents for the Council to use in reviewing the events such as markets or regular cultural The vision is based on maintaining the and businesses. effectiveness of planning and other public events in the High Street or in other suitable character of the area: realm decisions. areas such as parks and open spaces. Development Management – to set design ■■ As an attractive residential area with guidelines for householders, developers and Local Policy Context – to identify those Further efforts should be made to continue accessible community facilities and the Council (in relation to public realm) to statutory policies (Core Strategy and the progress recently made in regenerating improved transport links to Whitton encourage high quality development and if Development Management Plan) which are the High Street through the Uplift Strategy, centre; possible avoid the need to refuse development essential to addressing local issues. (See including encouraging a greater variety of ■■ Whitton High Street being restored to its proposals. paragraph 2.3 above and the Appendix to this shops and considering how to promote the 1930’s character and continuing to provide document). evening economy. shopping and services with an improved evening offer; Development opportunities should also ■■ Hanworth Road and Powder Mill Lane be considered at Whitton Station, in shopping parades being improved and collaboration with Network Rail. As a key continuing to serve day to day needs; and transport interchange and a vital link to ■■ The parks and open spaces being well central London the station is in need of an maintained and used for a wide range of upgrade, not only to its rail infrastructure but events. to the station building itself. It is a gateway to Twickenham Stadium and will be an essential part of plans for the Rugby World Cup 2015.

14 6. Character Area Assessments

Overview

The Whitton and Heathfield Village Plan area brings together these two wards, which share a predominance of similar features, most recognisably being 1930s interwar semi detached terrace housing, along with terraced houses, bungalows and the High Street which is one of the finer examples of 1930s high streets in London and retains many original features. North east of the High Street finds a cluster of historic properties, notably the Grade II Kneller Hall and Kneller Road properties.

Character area assessments

The identification of the local character is one of the primary objectives of the SPD.

The character area assessments sub-divide the village into a smaller set of sub areas, some of which are further sub-divided.

Each has been identified by grouping properties with similar characteristics, features and materials which have been identified and captured.

15 Character Area 1: The High Street

Character Summary This area takes in Whitton High Street from From the northern end of the High Street the railway bridge to the south up to the The Admiral Nelson, Fourways House and the junction with Nelson Road to the north. ‘Iceland block’ frame the view and sense of Its character remains reasonably intact. The arrival from Nelson Road. High Street is almost exclusively made up of 1930s parades and has a strong architectural Buildings and shops on the High Street have character which is quite distinct from the rest been developed as long, uninterrupted blocks of Whitton. built to curtilage. Pavements are wide and local shops and business often use their The High Street is an example of a well- threshold as ‘spill-out’ space for seating and preserved 1930s high street in London. displaying goods. Service vehicle access is The area was originally planned for housing, located to the rear (off the High Street). however in 1930 new plans were submitted for a parade of 45 shops and businesses to Residential streets have been planned line Percy Road (now known as the High (Tranmere Road, Constance Road and Street). The buildings are generally low-rise Bridge Way) with tree lined streets creating – they don’t rise above three storeys – and attractive views from the High Street. At the are almost exclusively in red brick. They junction of these streets, buildings have angled display the architectural tastes of the time; corners which form an architectural feature. Neo-Georgian, vernacular and deco are all Linking routes to the High Street from identifiable strains. the surrounding residential areas provide important access (and local residents report Architectural landmarks demarcate the High that they often walk to the centre). Street at either end with the railway bridge to Whitton High Street the south and its contemporary, The Admiral Nelson public house to the north. These are important anchors at either end of the High Street. The station in particular generates important local footfall to the High Street, as does the car park off Library Way. From the south, the railway bridge is located at a higher point and the street gently curves creating a long vista looking north.

Whitton Station Whitton High Street

16 AREA 1

1. Character Area: The High Street

17 Character Area 1: (continued) The High Street

Proposed Actions

A public realm scheme on the High Street is There are some interesting surviving ■■ Explore the opportunity to use signage currently underway, having started in 2103 shopfronts (e.g. No.15, HSBC) a few of which to provide a sense of arrival into the High and the works are of notably good quality. still have their tesserae (mosaic) thresholds. Street. The improvements include: A shopfront improvement scheme is ■■ Consider applying best practice underway. The original, distinctive street signs urban design principles to potential ■■ Repaving of footways and forecourts to survive and should be retained and restored. redevelopment opportunities and shop shops in York stone, with improvement of front improvements (refer to Section 9 - crossing points; There are two potential areas where Shop Front Guidance provided later in this development could take place at the northern ■■ New street lighting scheme (32 columns) document). in 1930s style to relate to the age of the and southern ends of the High Street – ■■ Consider the potential for a public square/ buildings; Whitton Station and the area around the car park off Library Way. These are covered in space if opportunities arise. ■■ New street furniture (seating, litter bins, more detail in Section 8. cycle stands, guard rail replacement etc.); ■■ Additional tree planting. Dominant Materials and Features

Although unified by their materials, the forms ■■ Red brick laid to flemish bond of the buildings are distinctive and add to the ■■ Pitched and hipped roofs, clay-tile roofs character of the High Street. The vernacular- ■■ Vernacular detailing including: timber inspired parades with their gables and shutters; timber casements; gables, steeply- steeply-pitched, tiled roofs have a softening pitched clay tile roofs effect opposite the taller, Neo-Georgian elevations with their pilastered upper-floors. 1930s detailing includes Further north, is a more modernist three- storey parade with a sleek balcony on the ■■ Concrete dressings top floor. Some unsympathetic alterations ■■ Tall timber or metal windows have been undertaken, particularly in terms of ■■ Pilasters shopfronts, signage and window replacements, which detract from the streetscape and ■■ Pediments individual style of the parades.

18 WT2

WT3

WT1

19 Character Area 2: Hazel Close, Redway Drive and surrounds

Character Summary To the east of the High Street and south of ■■ Properties have well defined boundaries, Warren Road is a residential area with a with front gardens and low boundary walls distinctive layout of interconnecting, curving fronting the pavement streets. Hazel Close is almost an oval shape ■■ Consistent building lines at the centre of Area 2 with concentric ■■ There are street trees throughout the streets surrounding it. The urban design of area this area appears to have been undertaken ■■ There are rear access roads off a number comprehensively and is of a style typical of streets for this era. The pattern of development is laid out in a manner that originated with the Dominant Materials and Features Garden City movement ( Whitton grew as a London suburb , following the development of ■■ Applied half timbering, red brick and clay Whitton railway station). Streets are ‘organic’ tiles. Some instances of pebbledash. A rather than symmetric. white/light coloured render is sometimes used on the upper storey The houses and bungalows at the centre are ■■ Double bay windows with red tiles or largely detached with a few individual designs black and white half timbering that have an Arts and Crafts flavour. Moving out from Hazel Close, the buildings become ■■ Gables, pitched roofs often hipped, more uniform in design and more densely chimneys planned as semi-detached pairs and terraces. ■■ Front gardens, low boundary brick walls ■■ White window frames, oriel windows Collectively the housing and urban planning ■■ Simple flat roofed canopies to front doors Crane Way of this area constitutes one of the better (cantilever) preserved examples of 1930s development in Whitton, even though changes have happened.

■■ Buildings are either single storey bungalows or two storey houses ■■ Usually semi-detached, pairs and rows of housing which have been symmetrically designed There is a diverse collection of building styles. Styles often alternate in pairs

The Ridge Hazel Close

20 AREA 2

2. Character Area: Hazel Close and surrounds

21 Character Area 3: East of Hall Farm Drive

Character Summary This area is relatively close in character to ■■ Hall Farm Drive: short, two-storey Area 2 with its vernacular-inspired housing terraces with central, pedimented gables but is less cohesive as the designs are more with applied half-timbering. Pitched and varied. The area is composed of a series of hipped roofs with chimneys. Brick plinth streets which run north-south off Kneller and pebbledash (different shades or Road. The diversity of semi-detached building render have more recently been used). styles defines this area’s character. However, Double bay projection. Roundels and slot whilst diversity exists in terms of design, windows. Brick front garden boundary a consistent palette of complementary walls (to match plinth). materials and tones were originally applied. ■■ Godfrey Avenue to Kendrey Gardens: To the south of the area are a few later, semi-detached, two-storey pairs with c.1970s semi-detached pairs or short pitched and hipped roofs and bay/bow terraces. This 1970s housing has less detailing, windows. A variety of different elevational however they have adopted some 1930s detailing (tends to be paired). Front design principles such as the hung tiles on the gardens with planting and low brick front elevations. boundary walls.

The rest of the roads are characterised by Dominant Materials and Features interwar housing. On Hall Farm Drive takes the form of short terraces, whilst elsewhere ■■ Red brick, pebbledash/rendering, clay tiles semi-detached pairs predominate. There ■■ Half-timbering to porches, chimneys are some instances of properties on streets ■■ Distinctive brickwork, especially on from Godfrey Avenue to Kendrey Gardens Kendrey Gardens e.g. quoins and arches Hall Farm Drive having undergone a degree of adaptation but over recessed doorways changes are in the main to front boundary walls and the conversion of front gardens ■■ Unusual fenestration, including roundels to car parking. On Hall Farm Drive this is and slot windows, oriel windows more prevalent. Front boundaries are less ■■ Views northwards to the grounds of well defined. In particular the front walls have Kneller Hall been removed to maximise hard standing thus reducing the areas of soft landscaping.

Kendrey Gardens Whitton Chase Gardens

22 AREA 3

3. Character Area: East of Hall Farm Drive

23 Conservation Area 4: Rosecroft Gardens (known locally as the Dene Estate) This provides a summary of the main characteristics of the conservation area. More detailed information can be viewed using the link provided below.

The conservation area is located to the Dominant Materials and Features south of Chertsey Road, north of the railway ■■ Triangular shaped layout line and bounded to the east by the Duke of Northumberland’s river. It covers all the ■■ Suburban location houses within the estate, known locally as ■■ Houses are set back behind small, well the Dene Estate. The conservation area is a planted boundary walls and there are distinctive example of a 1930s model housing important gaps between buildings, often estate, of semi-detached and detached allowing access to side garages bungalows set in gardens to front and rear. ■■ Bungalows are painted render over brick The layout of the estate is on a triangular plan plinths with brick surrounds to doorways and it is accessed only from the Chertsey and linking band course. Road. Rows of bungalows in garden plots ■■ Deep roofscapes to front and rear are set back from their boundaries behind small front gardens, either ■■ Curved bay windows planted or with hard surfacing. The original ■■ Attractive tiles and chimneys treatment of boundary walls was low, stone built with piers. The Rosecroft Gardens Conservation Area no.46 Summary and Character Appraisal, There are important gaps between buildings, Management Plan and Article 4(2) Guidance often allowing access to rear garages. (adopted 18th September 2009) should be The bungalows were originally mainly of referred to. painted render over brick plinths, with brick surrounds to doorways and a linking band www.richmond.gov.uk/home/environment/ course. The wider setting of open green land_and_premises/conservation_area_ Rosecroft Gardens space, the wide grass verges and trees along appraisals_and_management_plans.htm Chertsey Road, Crane Valley and Kneller Gardens, contribute to the suburban character of the estate. All the houses have street frontages and are placed symmetrically, set back from the street boundaries.

Rosebine Avenue Rosecroft Gardens

24 AREA 4

4. Conservation Area: Rosecroft Gardens

25 Character Area 5: Nelson Road / Warren Road

Character Summary Area 5 includes sections of Nelson Road originally part of Louis Kyezor’s property (B358) and Warren Road (B361) and is portfolio. characterised by its function as a key route through Whitton. From the east and from the Warren Road west there is a sense of arrival (albeit subtle Warren Road comprises mainly of 1930s two and signage is limited). This route connects to storey semi-detached or rows of housing the northern end of Whitton High Street. that are set back from the main road. It is predominantly characterised by an art deco The area contains a diverse mix of buildings, style of housing which is assumed to have styles of architecture and palette of materials been built at the same time as both sides of from different eras. the street have a uniformity of architectural style. Alterations to houses have, however, The area is predominantly residential but impacted on this sense of unity and created there are pockets of other uses along the a lack of consistency along the street. There route, including a parade of local shops and are a number of front gardens that have been two primary schools. converted to car parking which has created a lack of consistency along the streetscape. On the whole, buildings are set back from the Large areas of hard standing have over time property’s front boundary. Many of the houses has diminished the quality of boundaries on have an area of hardstanding for car parking at this frontage. the front. The treatment of front boundaries is varied and the types of materials are mixed There is a small area of open space at the (where not removed to provide access for junction of Warren Road and Nelson Road. car parking). However, where still in place, This is a welcome piece of green space along Nelson Road North Side boundaries are generally formed by low walls. a main road which positively contributes to a Street planting is limited. sense of place and arrival in Whitton from the east. There are pockets of housing along this route that are noted locally for their history and which have created an interesting and diverse mix of property styles. For example, a row of 5 bungalows on Warren Road (opposite Redway Drive) which are reported to have been built by James Wills for his 5 daughters in the 1920s and blocks of housing that were Warren Road art deco inspired design Nelson Road School

26 AREA 5

5. Character Area: Nelson Road / Warren Road

27 Character Area 5: (continued) Nelson Road / Warren Road

Dominant Materials and Features ■■ 1930s art deco style rows with oriel Some properties have converted front gardens windows, brick band course, pebble dash to car parking but many maintain an element and red/brown brick of planting. Planting is taller in places. ■■ Low red/brown brick boundary walls with planting set within front gardens Dominant Materials and Features ■■ Machine-made roof tiles; chimneys ■■ Materials are eclectic and include different ■■ Tree lined street coloured brick, pale render, red clay and ■■ Front gardens converted to car parking brown machine-made roof tiles. There is variety in the roof types and elevation Nelson Road treatment. Nelson Road is predominantly residential. ■■ The front boundary and curtilage of Architectural styles are varied and reflect Nelson Primary School has black iron development during many different parts of fencing and hedgerows. the nineteenth and twentieth centuries , but are generally complementary and create an ■■ Properties tend to be set back from interesting environment. Front boundary the road with front gardens, low brick treatments vary and lack consistency boundary walls and planting defining the particularly where properties have converted boundaries. front gardens to provide parking areas. Scale is consistent at around 2 storeys.

The area includes other uses such as Nelson Nelson Road Street View Primary School and small pockets of local shops and services. Parking for the shops is limited and vehicles tend to park on street or on pavements where they are wide. An area of green open space where Nelson Road and Warren Road meet provides a welcome break in the streetscape.

Nelson Road bungalow xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

28 29 Character Area 6: Kneller Road / Hounslow Road and surrounds

Character Summary This is the historic core of Whitton and The White Hart Public House and 8 Nelson includes a variety of building styles and Road in particular have claims to having pre- residential environments. The area contains a nineteenth century cores. number of distinct sub areas which each have a slightly different character from other parts The former chemist’s shop/photographer’s of Whitton. Whilst predominantly residential, studio is notably attractive. To the south of this area also contains other land uses such as the crossroads is a late-nineteenth/early- shops, local businesses, public houses and open twentieth century terrace of stock and red spaces. The east side of the area is dominated brick houses on Seaton Road, though the by the Grade II listed Kneller Hall, which is rest of the residential development around home to the Royal Military School of Music, it is 1930s/40s housing in the form of semi- and what remains of its park. Immediately to detached pairs and short terraces. As a result the west of Kneller Hall, Kneller Road and of incremental development and infilling Whitton Dene meet. These are medieval the area around Kneller Hall and the cross- routes and an historic core of buildings marks roads with Nelson Road/Whitton Dene in their crossroads. To the west, the area has particular has suffered from piecemeal and less been fairly densely developed with houses. sympathetic development and redevelopment. Murray Park and the green surrounding the This has gradually resulted in a less cohesive nineteenth-century church of St Philip and St and attractive historic core. Buildings of James provide important open green spaces. Townscape Merit in this area include the Duke of Cambridge public house, the Triangle Café Much of the area has been in-filled with inter and The White Hart public house, and post-war development but Victorian and Edwardian villas and terraces are to be Kneller Hall (Grade II listed) Kneller Hall found throughout this area. Kneller Hall can The neo-Jacobean appearance of Kneller Hall be seen from numerous points,with its scale almost entirely dates from 1848. It has an and stature providing glimpse views from the impressive front elevation and its ogee cupolas surrounding areas and framing vistas. can be glimpsed from the surrounding roads. The brick wall surrounding it borders on the To the east Chase Bridge primary school has east side of Kneller Road and the trees beyond been built and there has been some residential are visible. A pocket of surviving parkland development in the remaining open space. A survives around Kneller Hall. small clutch of historic buildings remain on the junction of Kneller Road and Whitton Dene,

Murray Park Kneller Road opposite Vicarge Road

30 AREA 6

6. Character Area: Kneller Road / Hounslow Road and surrounds

31 Character Area 6: (continued) Kneller Road / Hounslow Road and surrounds

Dominant Materials and Features with brackets. White windows ■■ Views and setting of Kneller Hall ■■ Planted front gardens with dwarf boundary walls ■■ Mature trees and wide, green verges, plum trees ■■ Narrow streets with on-street car parking and plum trees ■■ Stock and red brick, painted brick, render, slate roofs ■■ Garages to rear of plots or off a rear access road East of Murray Park Cedar Avenue / Church of St Philip and To the north of the crossroads, to the east St James of Murray Park are a few streets of 1930s semi-detached houses and short terraces, all The green around the Church of St Philip with the typical vernacular-inspired detailing. and St James forms an attractive centre to This small area centres on a number of cul- this sub area. It is surrounded by a number of de-sacs. To the west is a small triangle of open Edwardian developments which characterise green space (which is outside the study area) the thorough-fares of this sub area. The but nevertheless enhances the setting of the terrace on the east side of Hounslow Road houses on Whitton Dene. Whitton Manor to the south of the green appears to be a Road and Old Manor Drive are narrow with much-altered Victorian terrace. To the north on-street car parking and attractive plum are Cedar and Colonial Avenues which have trees. Many of the houses retain their original both Edwardian houses (semi-detached pairs features. Whilst windows and porches have and short terraces) as well as 1930s houses. been changed the streets generally retain a Directly to the east of the green is a modern cohesive character as the other core external three-storey block of flats. elements have not been altered. St Philip and St James Church ■■ Early twentieth-century houses in-filled by Dominant Materials and Features inter-war developments. ■■ Red brick (lower ground and up to render), ■■ The small, Gothic church forms a render (limited to upper floors from picturesque focus for this small area. It window sill), clay tiles (on both the roof and is built from ragstone with Bath Stone hung on the elevations) dressings and has a slender, distinctive bell- turret at its west end. ■■ Applied half-timbering ■■ The triangular green, on which the church ■■ Pitched roofs and chimneys is situated, is surrounded on two sides by ■■ Bay and bow windows and oriel windows semi-detached houses. On the third side is

West side of Prospect Crescent Cedar Avenue

32 the modern block of flats. South of Murray Park ■■ Cedar Avenue comprises an eclectic This is a fairly mixed sub area that is more mix of building styles but has a relatively dominated by later, inter-war developments consistent colour tone in the materials than the rest of this area, though Edwardian used e.g. two-tone brick work with developments are scattered throughout, complementary roof materials and white especially along Hounslow and Kneller Roads. windows and detailing. The houses are largely two-storey and either semi-detached pairs or short terraces. The Dominant Materials and Features development around Prospect Crescent is generally much more simply detailed than ■■ The Church of St Philip and St James elsewhere in Whitton. Murray Park to the (classified as a Building of Townscape Merit) north is what remains of Whitton Dene Estate and it’s setting, including green open space and attractive, mature trees survive. in which the building is situated centrally and defined hedgerow boundaries Hounslow Road has several distinctive ■■ Red clay tiles, brick, render, pebble dash buildings. The Hounslow Baptist Church is set ■■ Projecting bays back from the street and framed by flanking, ■■ Pitched roofs and chimneys single-storey buildings and at the south end are a group of the three low-rise, brick ■■ Timber casements and sashes blocks of flats which are accessed through a ■■ Porches with fretwork detailing brick arch. A set of four single buildings on ■■ Half-timbered gables the Hounslow Road frontage (which frame ■■ Front gardens with low front boundary the Whitton Baptist Church) are brick with walls arched entrances which frame the shop ■■ Garages and off street parking but with frontages. The art deco style pediment details planted front gardens complement the lines of Whitton Baptist Church.

Dominant Materials and Features ■■ Red clay tiles, brick, render ■■ Projecting bays ■■ Pitched roofs and chimneys ■■ Front gardens with low boundary walls ■■ Murray Park and its large, mature trees

33 Character Area 7: West of the High Street

Character Summary Park Avenue, Rydal Gardens and Runnymede Road This area comprises a large area of predominantly 1930s suburban housing of Inspired more heavily by the Arts and Crafts varying types and styles. The housing is mostly style. Whilst streets are still typically 1930s two storey semi-detached, but there is also in plan form, housing along these roads have a wider mix to be found including pockets of additional, more intricate and complicated detached houses, short rows of terraces and detailing, which include one or more of the bungalows. The plan form of development following: multiple pitches/steep pitch/mansard has grown more organically than other, more style roofs, corner windows, distinctive formally planned, areas of Whitton. The area porches and brickwork on bay window north of Nelson Road was historically part features. of the 3rd Duke of Argyll’s estate and park, which has since been developed for housing. Argyle Avenue and surrounds Some elements still exist, including a length of The area contains an eclectic mix of 1930s moat and cedar trees (near Wills Crescent). style housing and types including bungalows Development is then expanded south of and 2 storey semi-detached and short terrace Nelson Road. rows. Streets are tree lined with pockets of mature trees and lines of plum trees which Constance Road and surrounds are characteristic of Whitton. Many properties There is consistency to the style of housing on have converted front gardens to car parking the roads surrounding Constance Road. The introducing a more varied mix of new houses typify a 1930s style : semi-detached, boundary materials and is slowly diminishing red clay tiles on a hipped roof with chimney; the quality of the streetscape in some areas. red/brown brick ground floor/band and Alterations and adaptations are common in Rydal Gardens pebbledash; double bay frontage with peaked this area; some more appropriate than others. mock-tudor gable and red tile detailing on In some cases changes, such as new windows the bay; an oriel window above the front and paint colours, have altered the consistency porch which has a brick detailed archway with of the materials palette. 1930s properties keystone. Many of the houses in this area have tended to be designed as pairs or rows. In this maintained original features or have more area, alterations have resulted in a number of sympathetically undertaken upgrades which mis-matching sets. are reflected in the quality of streetscape.

Runneymede Road Constance Road

34 AREA 7

7. Character Area: West of the High Street

35 Character Area 7: (continued) West of the High Street

Collingwood Close and surrounds ■■ Generally, houses tend to be semi- detached with a double bay frontage, The area contains a mix of housing types and peaked gable with a hipped roof and styles and was evidently developed following chimney. Architectural detailing varies the completion of adjacent housing north from street to street and there is not of Nelson Road and east of Hospital Bridge necessarily a consistent style, but there is Road and in response to the constraints a consistent series of details and elements of the railway line. Collingwood Close is a that together give a sense of cohesiveness. horseshoe shaped street and housing is less Details include: porches or lean-to’s, oriel detailed than other parts of Whitton but does windows, detailed brick work on doors or retain low brick boundary walls (in keeping bays, red tiles on bays, detailing on front with the housing) and planted front gardens. gables, multiple pitches on roofs More recent development has also occurred where infill sites have been found. ■■ There are examples of houses which reflect the Arts and Crafts and mock- Dominant Materials and Features tudor styles ■■ Typical elements include; red or brown brick at ground floor and pebbledash; white windows; red clay roof tiles; black rain water goods. ■■ Darker coloured clay or machine-made tiles are common and tend to be used on the simpler detailed properties, but not exclusively ■■ White/light coloured render would appear Evelyn Close to be a common form of renovation works and may not have been original but is sometimes favoured over pebbledash. ■■ Most of the houses are set back from the street frontage with a front garden or driveway and typically low, brick boundary wall. There are few examples of houses with garages and many have converted front gardens to hard standing for parking

Derwent Road Park Avenue

36 37 Character Area 8: Egdar Road / Conway Road / Stephenson Road

Character Summary medium and high rise buildings have recently ■■ White uPVC windows This area contains a variety of development undergone improvements and externally have styles from different eras from the 1930s been re-rendered in bright colours. ■■ Houses have front projections or canopies, to the present day and has therefore timber panelling, black rain water goods, been divided into various sub areas. The Low rise, 2-3 storey houses have rear gardens short, front defensible space, rear gardens development of this part of Whitton and with a short, defensible front space and car and separate car parking usually in a court Heathfield came slightly later than other parking on street. yard style areas in the village. As a result it is a little more piecemeal and less consistent in terms Dominant Materials and Features Hanworth Road area of house types compared to other areas that ■■ Terraced houses have buff coloured brick, were planned and comprehensively developed Hanworth Road is a main road and is brown windows, front stoop with timber in a transitional zone between Whitton at the same time. Of note is the dividing Edgar Road lean-tos and hipped roofs infrastructure of the railway line and A314 and Heathfield. Travelling in a southerly Hanworth Road. In particular the Stephenson ■■ Maisonettes are 5 storey with pale blue, direction from the Nelson Road junction, Road area is a large cul-de-sac enclosed by the cream and terracotta coloured render, traditional 1930s terraces are identifiable railway lines, whilst the Edgar Road estate is white uPVC windows but development styles increasingly change and there are instances of plot infill and/ isolated, being on the west side of Hanworth ■■ High rise buildings are 15 storeys with blue or redevelopments. Architectural styles Road. The recreation area to the west of coloured render and white uPVC windows. Hanworth Road is an important local amenity. and materials are eclectic and vary from 1930s style semi-detached houses, rows of Stephenson Road There are a number of different sub-areas terraces , detached houses and bungalows. which can be broadly described as follows : Housing off Stephenson Road was built in the Conway Road and Meadow Close to the late twentieth century, resembling a Radburn rear of Hanworth Road appear as later infill, style estate and comprises 2-3 storey rows of of predominantly later terraces and some Edgar Road Estate housing. There are ample areas of green space, bungalows. For the most part these benefit Stephenson Road The Edgar Road estate was built around the both private and public, and some surface from inter war features such as tiled roofs 1960s and includes low, medium and high rise parking. One pedestrian access over the and tiled/rendered facades and front and rear development. The plan form of development railway exists in addition to the Stephenson gardens. The north end of the Conway Road is typical of the approach at the time to Road, the former taking residents toward the cul-de-sac has some more recent 3 storey flat providing high density housing by building Hanworth Road retail parade. blocks and garages. vertically. Buildings/living spaces are separate from open space and car parking. The area Dominant Materials and Features includes the single storey Edgar Road Youth and Community Centre and playground. ■■ Brick (red, red/brown and pale buff) with Materials and the design of the external red/brown machine-made cement roof environment are basic and functional. The tiles,

Hanworth Road

38 AREA 8

8. Character Area: Egdar Road / Conway Road / Stephenson Road

39 Character Area 9: Percy Road / Ryecroft Avenue and surrounds

Character Summary Percy Road, Ryecroft Avenue and Ashley Drive and surrounds surrounds This area is almost entirely composed of To the west of Ryecroft Avenue are a few inter-war housing with vernacular-inspired Sub-zone 1 represents most of the character streets around Ashley Drive and Cranbrook detailing, presenting many classic and well area and is almost all semi-detached houses Drive which have both the building type preserved examples of the architecture of with the occasional detached example. The described under sub-zone 1 as well as a more the period . Most buildings are semi-detached, front elevations of the majority of the houses modernist / art deco design of semi-detached two-storey houses with garages. There is little have brick ground floors, with rendered houses. These have been altered so that this evidence of any variation to the standard first floors. They are two bays wide with a original character is less apparent in some design through much of the east of the area projecting bay under a gable. The projecting cases but there are good examples which (east of Ryecroft Avenue). Each house has bays have hung tiles between the first and retain curving Crittall windows and flat- a front and rear garden and the streets are ground floor windows and the gables have roofed porches. These modern and traditional planted with trees. decorative half-timbering. The doors are housing types are interspersed alongside one Strathearn Avenue recessed under semi-elliptical brick arches another. Along the Chertsey Road (A316) the semi- and have a projecting window at first floor detached houses are post-war and much above. Exceptions to this are the Bishop Perrin more simply detailed with pitched-roofs and Primary School on Hospital Bridge Road elevations faced in brick and either render or Exceptions to this design include the post-war which is a single-storey brick building with a timber cladding. houses along the Chertsey Road, the Winning slate, pitched roof with gablets at the apex. Post Public House also on the Chertsey Road The southern end of Percy Road includes a and the small brick Methodist Church on Dominant Materials and Features number of important community buildings Percy Road. ■■ As sub-zone 1 but including curving crittall including the Twickenham Academy(a re- windows built secondary school which re-opened in Dominant Materials and Features 2013), the Whitton Community Association ■■ Flat-roofed porches ■■ Pitched and hipped roofs with chimneys Pauline Crescent and the Whitton Corner Health and Social ■■ Pastel colours Care Centre. The church of St Augustine of ■■ Clay tiles, render, brick, timber windows Canterbury is also located at the southern with leaded lights end of the character area. ■■ Gables with applied half-timbering ■■ Front gardens with dwarf walls West of Ryecroft Avenue housing tends ■■ Brick garages to include some art deco features such as ■■ Street planting rounded windows.

There are two sub-zones within this character area:

Stratearn Avenue

40 AREA 9

9. Character Area: Percy Road / Ryecroft Avenue and Surrounds

41 Character Area 10: Warburton Road and surrounds

Character Summary This area lies to the west of Hospital Bridge The central bays are often finished in red Road and is characterised by short terraces brick (which have decorative elements) with a and semi-detached pairs of largely inter- gable above. Many of the houses in the middle war, two-storey houses. However, the main of the terraces have communal passages Warburton Estate comprises 1930s London through to the rear gardens. County Council style terraced cottages - with vernacular details such as clay roofs and Where Springfield Road turns the corner into originally casement windows. Cobett Road the houses look over Heathfield Recreation Ground which borders the The south side of Longford Road and development to the east. the north side of Powder Mill Lane were completed after the Second World War The Heathfield Children’s Centre and though stylistically there is little distinction Heathfield Junior School are also included in between the two phases. this area.

The buildings are simply designed and detailed, set back from the road behind front gardens, Dominant Materials and Features which are in some cases now given over exclusively to car parking and resulting in ■■ Pitched, hipped roofs with chimneys the loss of the boundary walls. A feature of ■■ Clay pantiles, render, brick the estate is a series of triangular greens (Warburton Road) planted with trees to ■■ Casement windows create a garden city feel to the estate. Front ■■ Brick detailing boundary treatments were originally chestnut ■■ Small green spaces, street trees Hospital Bridge Road picket fencing. ■■ Front gardens with fences or low boundary walls The terraces are largely rendered at first floor and sometimes at ground floor.. In the instances where they are rendered on both floors, they tend to have a brick string course between the two.

Warburton Road Cobbett Road

42 AREA 10

10. Character Area: Warbrton Road and surrounds

43 Character Area 11: South of Harvey Road / Hanworth Road Retail Parade

Character Summary ■■ Bay windows but there are further opportunities to enhance this. The public realm and streetscape appears This area extends east of Hanworth Road and ■■ Low boundary walls mixed, with the roadside pavements in better south of the railway line towards Power Mill condition than the area directly in front of the Lane, covering a mix of 1930s semi detached Heathside, Harvey Road and Lea Close units. The most southern buildings appear to properties and bungalows alongside a range of Heathside and Harvey Road comprise a mix of be of a different construction period and have infill development and the retail parades along 1930s semis and bungalows along with modern a less consistent presentation. The public house the Hanworth Road and Powder Mill Lane. infill. Modern development along Harvey Road is set further back and has a large outdoor area and Daniel Close takes cues from the inter of recent construction. The building retains Three areas have been identified; Redfern war surroundings including pitched roofs and interwar features including bay windows and a Avenue / Gerard Avenue, with largely intact white paint / render, unlike the Bristol Close steeply pitched roof. interwar stock; the residential area between development which is less sympathetic in design. Harvey Road and Powder Mill Lane, including Hanworth Road Retail Parade Dominant Materials and Features Lea Close and Heathside with a range of Heathside has a range of styles from well typologies and infill development; and the retail preserved interwar bungalows and semi- ■■ Pitched roofs parades on Hanworth Road and Powder Mill detached properties to a three storey 1970s ■■ Tiles Lane. block of flats. The pavement retains some ■■ Render original paving slabs and strips of tarmac, ■■ Bay windows Redfern Avenue / Gerard Avenue appearing rather patchwork. Atherley Way ■■ Varying shop fascias and Dunleary Close are 1970s terraces with Along Redfern Avenue the properties are typical ■■ Security shutters 1930s semi detached dwellings with bungalows red brick, the latter with characterful red tiling ■■ Resin bond surfacing interspersed. The preservation of original between first and second floors. detailing varies on each building. White render, ■■ Alleys between buildings red tiling and bay windows are evident although Arden Close and Lea Close are modern 2.5 storey developments that have taken some Powder Mill Lane Parade some buildings, particularly along the east of Power Mill Lane parade Redfern Avenue, have more predominant grey features from the inter war stock including render and rounded art deco finishing suggesting dormer windows (Arden Close). The Power Mill Lane parade is a terrace of later construction. As in other areas, some front inter war and more modern stock with retail at gardens and boundary walls have been lost to Hanworth Road retail parade ground and flats above. There is less conformity in the shop front fascia than on Hanworth Road make way for car parking. The Hanworth Road retail parade has been retail parade, which detracts from its appearance. largely adapted from 1930s semi detached There is also greater use of extended canopies Dominant Materials and Features residential buildings, with flats retained above. (of varying types) and pavement retailing, The retail frontages are in a state of varying ■■ Pitched roofs although the forecourt is resin bond rather than quality and repair, some incorporating security ■■ Tiles paved as on the north side of the road. shutters. There is broad conformity to the ■■ White / grey render primary shop fascia in terms of position and size Redfern Avenue

44 AREA 11

11. Character Area: Harvey Road / Hanworth Road Retail Parade

45 Character Area 12: West of Hanworth Road

Character Summary Mill Farm Crescent This area is particularly diverse, bounded by the Millfield Road leading into Mill Farm Crescent Hounslow border, Crane Park, the Hanworth presents largely interwar terraces of varying Road and Godfrey Way. Curtis Road and Mill degrees of preservation. Mill Farm Crescent Farm Crescent are predominantly interwar (north) is characterised by ground floor brick residential properties whilst Farm Road and and first floor white render, albeit without Corfe Close are more recent, Farm Road total conformity. The west side tends toward being a social housing development. Millfield red slate roofs and on the east side grey. Many Road contains Mill Farm Business Park at the boundary walls have been lost or altered. Mill western end. Farm Crescent (south) is a wider street with projecting end of terrace units. Development Curtis Road on Hanworth Road is more modern and lacks render. The north of Curtis Road displays predominantly 1930s terraces alongside some Dominant Materials and Features modern terraced infill. Towards the south 1930s bungalows are prevalent with typical character ■■ Pitched roofs of white render, red slate roofs and low ■■ Tiles boundary walls. The east-west route contains ■■ Upper floor render two garages, one red brick, one grey render. ■■ Bay windows There is considerable variation in boundary wall types. Farm Road Dominant Materials and Features Farm Road is a 4 storey flatted housing estate bordering Crane Park. It is in good condition ■■ Pitched roofs Farm Road of 1990s build and set out in a linear / U shape ■■ Tiles around grassed open space with areas of ■■ White / grey render surface parking. ■■ Bay windows ■■ Low boundary walls Corfe Close ■■ Standard brick Farm Road leads to the cul-de-sac of Corfe ■■ uPVC windows Close, a recent infill development of 3 and 4 storey flats and maisonettes. Corfe Close / Carisbrooke Close has a children’s play area. The flats and maisonettes along Corfe Close follow the curve of the road. Curtis Road Mill Farm Crescent Curtis Road

46 AREA 12

12. Character Area: West of Hanworth Road

47 Character Area 13: Waverley Avenue / Lyndhurst Avenue and surrounds

Character Summary

This area covers a fairly large grid of parallel The area borders Crane Park to the south and perpendicular residential streets. The which follows the course of the River Crane buildings are inter-war / post war and semi- and is valuable asset for the whole of the detached pairs of either bungalows or two- village in amenity and ecological terms. This storey houses, seemingly interspersed at area is wooded with the notable Shot Tower, random. Many have retained original features which is grade II-listed and the only surviving creating a strong sense of character whilst building from the old Hounslow Powder Mills. being differentiated by individual detailing. Particularly noticeable are half timbering, Heathfield Recreation Ground lies to the projecting bays and gable details. north of Powder Mill Lane.

The plots are generous, resulting in many Dominant Materials and Features of the buildings having been extended to ■■ Brick, render, clay tiles, applied half- the side. All have front and back gardens, timbering though many of the frontages are now used exclusively for parking. The pavements are ■■ Pitched, hipped roofs with chimney stacks laid with concrete paviours and tarmac, and ■■ Gables, projecting bays, oriel windows planted with trees, many of which are mature. ■■ Timber windows, with high-level The retention and appearance of boundary emphasized (queen) transoms walls varies. ■■ Front gardens with dwarf boundary walls, There are no distinct areas where the urban garages ■■ Street planting grain changes but there is an open, green Waverley Avenue triangle at the north-east end of Ellerman Avenue.

Elleman Avenue Lyndhurst Avenue

48 AREA 13

13. Character Avenue: Waverley Avenue / Lyndhurst Avenue and surrounds

49 7. Features and Materials

Materials are a large part of what Crafts styles were often blended with 20th brickwork panels. Importantly, the same Timber was commonly used for doors, defines the character of an area. They century Modernism, design and construction brick was also used to construct a low front windows frames, eaves, lintels and bargeboards. vary depending on when and where techniques. Rosecroft Gardens conservation boundary wall in keeping with the house and Applied half-timbering (painted black) is also a building was constructed. Even for area is an example of where that modern to clearly define the property’s boundaries. a common feature of the Mock Tudor style, buildings of the same period, the subtle design influenced the building style with The brick bond (that is the pattern in which particularly along streets such as Bridge Way. differences in construction materials rounded and streamlined feature windows. it is laid) is significant and adds to the subtle Painting timber was not just an aesthetic can be what distinguishes buildings in Deco inspired design is also apparent on the character of an area. Much historic brickwork decision; it also protected the timber from the one part of the country from another, High Street but with few examples in the is laid in Flemish bond (and this is the case elements. Stripping historic timber and leaving contributing to local distinctiveness. residential areas. on Whitton High Street) but it is important it exposed is never a good idea. Many of the that any extensions or repairs carefully follow houses in the area have undergone repairs Whitton rapidly expanded from the 1930s in Whilst there is a wide array of 1930s whatever bond the building is constructed in. and maintenance of such features. Windows response to an acute housing shortage. This residential styles across Whitton, certain are generally white framed in Whitton. uPVC was the age when millions of people moved materials and features predominate. Using the Pebbledash was particularly fashionable at the windows frames have been used as common into a modern dream home with space,light correct materials is important for any repairs, beginning of the twentieth century. Many of replacements. When repairing or replacing and gardens inspired by the Garden City alterations or extensions to existing buildings the houses in Whitton were originally built timber features such as windows, maintaining movement. Whitton became a large, suburban but also for any new development if it is to using pebbledash which was applied on the the original style should be considered residential town with a local High Street respect the context and character of the area. upper floor elevation (above the brick line). including choosing frames of an appropriate and railway station and was predominantly Sourcing materials is very important, and it is Many good examples of well-maintained brick thickness. developed during one period. Thus the always advisable to ask for samples that you and pebbledash housing remain. However, character of the area is typical of this era can look at on site and compare with the throughout the twentieth century painting Stone is not a common feature of residential which saw the rise of the 1930s semi-detached palette of existing buildings. As Whitton was pebbledash or applying a smoother render properties in Whitton and Heathfield. It does house. developed during one period of large scale has become fashionable, is now prevalent and however appear on the High Street as detailing development the materials used are consistent an acceptable characteristic of 1930s built on the Neo-Georgian style blocks. The use The architecture and style of the 1930s house across the area. housing. Painted render tends to be white (or of iron as decorative features is also not a is instantly recognisable. The archetypal house different shades of white). This method has common element of residential properties in is 2 storeys, semi-detached, 3 bedroom with Materials been most successful when adjoining semi- Whitton and Heathfield. a typically rectangular layout. Houses have detached houses (terrace rows or even entire front and rear gardens and occasionally have Brick is a common material found throughout streets) undergo the same treatment and driveways with garages. What we now call Whitton. Red brick became popular later in use the same colour paint. When choosing ‘kerb appeal’ and first impressions were the nineteenth and early-twentieth century. to paint pebbledash or render it is important important in 1930s housing design. In Whitton, brick is used as a feature on the to consider neighbouring properties/ the front elevation. Most often, it is found on adjoining semi-detached property. It is always The 1930s style is an ‘old meets new’ design the ground floor section of an elevation – advisable to ask for samples that you can look approach; a melting pot of traditional rural as a plinth or up to the top of the window. at on site and compare with the palette of vernacular with a touch of the contemporary. Brick is also used decoratively, for example, render colours on your street. The traditional mock-Tudor and Arts and around arched doorways or herringbone

50 Pediment Cornice Chimney Stack Gable Clay tiles

Stone dressings Capital Brick parapet Top hung window Bargeboard (timber) Pitched roof

Slit light Fascia Pilaster Herringbone brick aprons Shutter (timber)

Red brick laid to flemish Casement, Crittal style Stallriser bond windows

51 7. Features and Materials (continued)

Features

The 1930s houses of Whitton display a Some key considerations when thinking about ■■ Building additions shouldn’t look out of ■■ Pitched and hipped roofs are common roof wide variety of distinctive features. It is adding an extension to or adapting your place and should seek to be in keeping types for residential properties. Flat roofs these features that define the character of home are: with the existing house. The design, build are not typically found in Whitton, with the each semi-detached (pair), terrace row or and use of materials in Whitton are still exception of garages. even an entire street. The materials and ■■ Semi-detached houses were typically common practice in today’s construction features of each distinctive house work designed as a pair – the features and industry and need not look out of Guidance on front gardens / forecourts is together; collectively they create an attractive materials usually mirror the adjoining character. For example, there are a number provided in Section 10. and consistent street scene. There are property. The same principle applies of good examples of porch extensions/ examples in Whitton where this consistency to terrace rows. The houses tend to be replacements which fit comfortably, have The annotated photographs on the adjacent of character is retained and where the symmetrical and so roof shapes, chimneys, adopted suitable building lines and have page and overleaf provide a guide to typical alterations, adaptations and upgrading of bay projections, windows, doors and chosen suitable materials that tie in with 1930s features and materials. properties which have been made have been porches tend to match. The points below the house and neighbouring properties. undertaken with care and consideration. should assist in considering how to manage Additions that do not tie in tend to detract this matter. from the property and street. The photographs in this section illustrate ■■ Consider what elements of the house ■■ Avoid removing distinctive, decorative the variety of features and detailing found in are visible from the street. Side or upper features and replacing them with plain Whitton. storey extensions normally work best features, for example, replacing oriel when they are set back from the front windows with plain, flat windows or Extensions and Alterations elevation (a subtle, sometimes minimal, step rendering/ over-painting of decorative brick back from the front building line can be panels or tiles. It is inevitable that homes need maintenance enough).. ■■ Painting half-timbering black helps to retain and homeowners desire to adapt their ■■ Consider the size of an extension and this distinctive feature. properties to suit their changing needs. whether it is too large (or too small) in ■ Retaining, maintaining and repairing original This guidance is aimed at informing and ■ proportion to the house and its features. features would always be encouraged. encouraging those seeking to make changes Overbearing or oversized extensions However, if this is not practical, try to to consider types of materials, features and that are out of keeping with the scale and choose replacement materials that maintain design proposals that would be appropriate, proportions of surrounding properties the character of your property. For in keeping with the character of Whitton would not generally be considered example, try to avoid uPVC windows as and acceptable should a planning application appropriate. these are often unsympathetic in design, be required. Advice from a council officer but if using them look for narrower should be sought to assist with this process and equally sized white frames with top as permission may be required. openings.

52 Oriel window (with brackets) Chimney stack

Red clay roof tiles Pitched and hipped roof Applied half-timbering

Projecting bay

Pebble dash render

Red brick laid to stretcher Side lights Tile hung (hanging tiles) bond (red clay)

Low brick wall defining the front property curtilage

53 7. Features and Materials (continued)

Windows / replacement window material and style

Where possible all original features of inter ■■ Thin profile double glazed glass is 1. The frames and openings do not reflect war properties including windows of metal available that can be fitted into existing their historic configuration or opening as or wood should be retained and maintained. timber frames. This can be a way of sash windows. It is acknowledged that in some cases it is upgrading the sound and insulation 2. Original sash windows replaced with necessary or deemed desirable to replace performance of windows without the inappropriately configured uPVC original windows with plastic or uPVC need for total replacement. frames with excessively chunky opening glazing / double glazing. In these cases the casements rather than sashes. following advice is provided: 3. Original windows replaced with ■■ If choosing uPVC, owners should look to inappropriate frames that include a fixed replicate the size, look and proportions triangular pane at the top that detracts of original openings. from the gothic arched form of the window – losing all of the architectural ■ If the original windows have sash ■ detailing and style of the original. openings, then avoid top-hung casements as these often do not replicate the look 4. Whilst the sashes would benefit from or proportion of the original windows. raised glazing bars, considerable effort has been gone to replicate the original sash ■■ Glazing bars should be kept as narrow as windows, including the addition of ‘horns’ possible to replicate original details. Very on the underside of each top sash. thick frames not only look chunky, but reduce light into the room. Outer frame 5. Replacement of original sash windows thickness should not be excessive. with top hung uPVC frames and internal glazing bars diminishes the character of ■■ Where possible use raised rather than ‘flat’ inserted glazing bars. the windows and the building. By having the opening window at the bottom it also ■■ Leaded light windows add much turns upside down the traditional visual character to a building and the street. hierarchy of the windows. Stained glass should be retained and incorporated where possible. Secondary glazing can be an effective alternative to window replacement.

54 Photograph 1: Photograph 2: Photograph 3:

Photograph 4: Photograph 5:

55 55 7. Features and Materials (continued)

Whitton’s1930s and inter-war period housing 1930’s Housing Features

Single storey bungalows with deep projections, brick plinth and matching Arts and Crafts style, multiple pitched roofs, tile detail on a pitched gable, Tree lined streets and planted gardens Original features have been maintained including painted joinery boundary walls bow window. This pair of adjoining properties have white painted render

Flat or pitched canopies (on brackets). The example is a flat canopy over a A pair of matching semi-detached houses Red brick and applied half-timbering with oriel window and side lights Arts and Crafts inspired design door with side lights

Detached housing (with alternating designs) Warm coloured pebbledash, white windows frames with clean lines Red brick and pebbledash with red hung tiles on bay projections (this Glazing with Deco sunbeam motif property is also a good example of a well integrated extension) Examples of housing developed in the Adaptation and Extensions As a general rule don’t...... late 20th century in Whitton

Brick arched doorway Modern housing which has adopted some of the characteristics of earlier A good example of a rear extension which is in keeping with the style of the Don’t extend your house with development that is dominating or out of housing styles original dwelling scale. Try and retain roof lines and shape (e.g. by keeping a pitch roof)

Patterned brick panels and applied half-timbering (usually painted black) Contemporary design interpretation of projections and elevation detail A garage extension, replacement windows and restoration work have been Don’t remove boundary walls at the front of your house. If replacing or (Rodney Road) sympathetically undertaken maintaining boundaries try to match the brick with your house.

Oriel windows Use of red brick, render and symmetrical elements (Shelburne Drive) The adaptation to this property has used matching bricks and maintained Chose replacement windows, soffits, barge boards, gutterings, roof tiles and doors the brick plinth with render above. The front boundary wall is in keeping. that complement your house style. Think about mortar when re-pointing brick work. 8. Guidance for Development Sites

History Policy Whitton High Street developed in the 1930s The Core Strategy establishes Whitton as a WT 1 Whitton Library, Nelson Road, Whitton Spatial Consideration and Development and many of the original buildings remain with district centre which has an important role Proposal: If library relocated, residential, Principles including affordable units. the character reasonably intact. There are in meeting local needs. The strategy is to North of the High Street (Telephone maintain the retailing and employment base limited development opportunities but some Exchange, Iceland ‘block’, Whitton functions. WT 2 Iceland Store, 26-30 High Street, are identified in the emerging Local Plan Site Library) Allocations Plan (noted below). Whitton Spatial Policy CS8 states that “Whitton Town Proposal: A comprehensive The design and development of the northern Whitton is in the west of the Borough having centre should maintain and reinforce its redevelopment for mixed town centre section of the High Street should be a medium size food store within the High role and maintain the level of service uses, uses to include residential including considered comprehensively in order to Street as well as small-scale convenience, encourage other use of a scale appropriate affordable residential, retail, services contribute positively to the function of this non-food shopping and a number of to a district centre. Increase the amount of and possibly a new library, parking and area. The surrounding context and land uses local independents which serve the local parking when considering a retail scheme.” servicing. will need to be considered. Whilst the sites community. There are community and Development Management Plan Policy DM identified may be developed independently, educational facilities here, but relatively few TC1 – Larger Town Centres – “To maintain WT 3 Kneller Hall Telephone Exchange, best practice urban design principles need to offices compared to other centres. The station and improve the town centres, the Council Ashdale Road, Whitton be applied in order to ensure the proposed is in the main street and is a key gateway. will require appropriate development to take Proposal: Residential, including affordable developments address the functional and place within the identified Whitton Town residential units design needs of this part of the High Street. Centre boundary.” WT 4 Whitton Station, High Street, Whitton These are considered in turn on the following The four sites identified within the emerging Interchange improvements pages. Site Allocations Plan document are located within the Whitton Town Centre Boundary.

These sites are identified for a mixed range of uses as follows:

58 Whitton Library The existing Whitton Library is a single storey development on a narrow, linear plot off Library Way. The building is situated immediately adjacent to 2 storey residential properties and single storey garages and is adjacent to the rear servicing areas of retail units on the High Street. It is also located adjacent to the only car park in the town centre. To the rear of the building are public toilets. Pedestrian access to the High Street is via an alley next to the Lidl store.

The building is not of significant merit. The side elevation in particular is poor and unwelcoming. The front entrance and WT2 elevation on Nelson Road does however add some interest with a circular shape and brick fin wall. The public realm is WT3 basic.

Development Principles: ■■ The building should address and enhance the Nelson Road frontage. The development should improve the aspect and streetscape on Library Way. WT1 ■■ Appropriate boundary treatments should be included and where possible the public realm enhanced. ■■ Respect the residential amenity of neighbouring properties. ■■ Consider adjacent uses and mitigation, including the service area and car park. ■■ Development should be in context with the surrounding residential properties. ■■ The site should not be overdeveloped in terms of scale and massing. WT1: Kneller Hall Telephone Exchange WT2: Whitton ‘block’ library ■■ Access is to be maintained along Library Way. WT3: Iceland ■■ The design and appearance should be of quality and positively contribute to and enhance the quality of the streetscape.

59 8. Guidance for Development Sites (continued)

Iceland ‘block’ Development Principles: ■■ Shopfronts and signage should be consistent ■■ Development should be a minimum of 2 with the shopfront guidance (provided in storeys and could be up to 4 storeys (but no The development block is located at the ■■ The building should address the High Street this document) and local planning policy greater than the highest point/ridge line of northern end of the High Street and is a and the ground floor should be active. (including the Shopfronts SPD 2010). the telephone exchange) and subject to an row of retail units which includes the Iceland ■■ The development should respond to its appropriate design. store. Should this area be redeveloped the context, being adjacent to the Admiral Kneller Hall Telephone Exchange ■■ Enhance the view and boundary from the design response needs to be comprehensively Nelson public house and prominently car park off Library Way. developed to achieve the planning policy located within the 1930s stylised street. The site is located on Ashdale Road and is objectives set out. ■■ The design and appearance should be high ■■ The development should contribute to currently occupied by a telephone exchange. quality and respect and complement the the sense of arrival (gateway) to the town The surrounding area is predominantly The existing site is different in style from the character of the surrounding area. centre from the north. residential. To the rear of the site is a car park rest of the High Street having been developed off Library Way. There is no access between ■■ The development should be built up to the in the latter part of the twentieth century the site and car park. Ashdale Close is at a Whitton Station with a flat roof and an alternative approach front curtilage (meet the pavement). slightly lower level than Tranmere Road. Improvements are proposed for Whitton to the façade design. The building is 2 storeys ■■ Development should be no greater than 3 The scale, height and mass of the telephone Station. The station is an important gateway although the front elevation only has openings storeys (or equivalent height of adjacent exchange is larger than surrounding residential and anchor at the southern end of the High at ground level. The block is located on a buildings). buildings. The telephone exchange is 2 Street and generates important footfall gently curve in the street which means that ■■ Building lines should be consistent with the commercial storeys on Ashdale Road (which is for shops and businesses. The station is it is visible from the northern gateway (from surroundings, in particular, the shop fronts greater than the adjacent 2 storey residential also regularly used by visitors travelling to Nelson Road). Whilst this building’s style is of and eaves/ridge lines. houses). The telephone exchange is higher at Twickenham Stadium. its time, the height, eaves line and articulation the rear extending up to 3-4 storeys. (combined) are out of keeping with the ■■ The design and appearance should be of surrounding buildings. quality and positively contribute to, and Development Principles: enhance,the quality of the streetscape. Development Principles: ■■ The station should positively contribute to The vision for Whitton town centre is to Buildings immediately adjacent to the site ■■ Respect the residential amenity of the sense of arrival in Whitton. The entrance maintain and enhance the 1930s character. have a typically 1930s and art deco vernacular. neighbouring properties. should be attractive, safe and welcoming. Alternative design proposals could be They are 3 storeys (no greater). Building ■■ Development should address Ashdale considered but should complement and ■■ Public realm improvements should be high lines are consistent. Ground floors are active Road and should be no greater than (or enhance, not detract from, the vision. quality and be in keeping with the public with shops front openings (even where shops approximately equivalent to) the existing realm improvements undertaken along the ■■ Servicing should be to the rear (off have internally adapted the space to take up building height on this frontage. High Street. Library Way). Consider adjacent uses and multiple ‘plots’). Upper storey elevations have ■■ The development should maintain the amenity (including residential) and whether ■■ Design and appearance should support the openings and detailing. Gables, eaves and roofs existing building line on Ashdale Road (which have some articulation. mitigation is required. vision for Whitton and complement the is set back from curtilage) or should not 1930s character. ■■ Pedestrian access via the alley between reduce the distance to the neighbouring ■■ The station should be accessible for all users the High Street and Library Way should be residential elevations. maintained. and demonstrate best practice in terms of access and inclusivity.

60 Whitton Station Iceland

Whitton Library BT Exchange

61 9. Shop Front Guidance

Introduction

The Council has an adopted Supplementary Proposals for shopfronts should usually be Whitton High Street was developed The Council has recently invested in a Planning Document (SPD) for Shopfronts in keeping with the historic character of the comprehensively over a single period. As a shopfront improvement scheme which has (March 2010). The SPD sets out the policy buildings and this guidance encourages the result, it is not only the individual shopfronts restored some shopfronts in a style in keeping context, when planning permission and retention, reinstatement and enhancement that are important but also how they work with the original 1930s character. Shopfronts, listed building consent is needed for new of original 1930s shopfronts. On shopfronts collectively. including their signage and canopies play a shopfronts and gives Borough-wide guidance. where replacements or adaptations are significant role in creating an attractive place Planning permission is invariably needed for proposed (particularly to shopfronts that Plots divisions, and therefore shopfront widths, that people chose to visit and live. Maintaining replacement shopfronts and advertisement have already changed from the original 1930s are generally consistent. Where shops occupy and enhancing shop frontages will deliver consent may be needed for new signage. This style) this guidance requires new proposals multiple plots i.e. internally the shop has been longer term benefits and contribute to the Village Planning Guidance SPD should be to support the vision for Whitton and the made larger, externally shopfronts retain quality and status of the High Street. read in conjunction with the 2010 SPD which 1930s character of the High Street as well the division between units i.e. the pilasters includes general rules such as “do retain and as promoting good quality shop fronts in the which separated units are still there. This is an reuse existing high quality shopfronts” and round. important feature as it creates rhythm along “don’t propose internally illuminated box the street and stops long, large expanses of signage, large fascias or projecting signs”. Whitton High Street blank walls or windows which would not be (see the 2010 SPD for more information on characteristic of Whitton. signage, canopies and consents). Whitton High Street has a strongly unified character. It was developed in the 1930s and This document provides area-specific advice built as a shopping street and focus for the for the shops around Whitton and Whitton newly expanding community. The parades High Street. It does not replace or substitute display the different architectural styles the existing SPD on shopfronts but provides that were popular at the time including additional advice relevant to the character of Neo-Georgian, English vernacular and even Whitton and Heathfield Village area. Modernism.

This Village Planning Guidance is intended It is a distinct area, anchored at either end to help inform owners what features of by the 1930s railway bridge to the south shopfronts are in keeping with the 1930s and the Admiral Nelson pub to the north. character of Whitton and Heathfield and Unsurprisingly, numerous small changes the High Street. Good quality and attractive have occurred to the buildings including the shopfronts enhance the character of an area replacement of shopfronts and windows and their retention is encouraged by the but their overall character survives and is Council. collectively worthy of preservation.

62 Top left: Foodsmiths shopfront, Hounslow Road

Top right: Centre News and Cards (shopfront improvement scheme)

Bottom left: Your Bakery Whitton

Bottom middle: Original tiled threshold (William Hill)

Bottom right: Kneller Furnishings (shopfront improvement scheme)

63 9. Shop Front Guidance (continued)

Character of 1930s shopfronts Shop front signage:

The framing and essential components of ■■ Clerestory windows with decorative Shop front signage can have a significant shopfronts were the same as they had been in glazing (the more elaborate, decoration of impact on the appearance of the individual the Victorian and Edwardian periods but were the Victorian and Edwardian periods was units as well as retail parades and high streets far more simple. no longer fashionable,instead designs were as a whole. The borough wide 2010 SPD more linear and sleek). covers useful guidance on signage referencing The frames become much more slender and ■■ The sunray motif was a fashionable one in size, materials and illumination. Typical would often have been timber, chrome or glazing. features of 1930s signage are noted here with steel. They would usually have had the overall examples pictured on the following pages: structure of a stallriser and clerestory and Although the clean lines of art deco and recessed door that many modern shopfronts International Modernism are now the styles ■■ Inspired by Art Deco designs. lack. synonymous with the 1930s, more traditional ■■ Bold and clear letters / typeface often all strains persisted. Typical 1930s shopfront features: capital. ■■ Recessed doorways / entrances. Art deco shopfronts, of which one very good ■■ Typefaces include Bank Gothic, Lane – example survives on Whitton High Street Narrow, Rider Tall, Ostrich Sans Rounded. ■■ Tiled detailing in the threshold and marble (No.15 opposite Iceland), have a strong and mosaic used for lobby floors, black and ■■ Tend towards black and white or pastiche character typified by the use of: white geometric tiles also favoured. colours. ■■ Stallrisers (with examples of dark granite). ■■ Fascia signage limited to size of fascia/ ■■ Black with a shiny metal detailing. height of console. ■■ Pilasters (important for subdividing units). ■■ Stallriser in black granite. ■■ Simple, slender frames. Original examples ■■ Tiles and the window frame in chrome / include chrome frame detailing. brass. ■■ Black and white/cream was popular with ■■ Fascia in timber. deco shopfronts. ■■ Deco style decorative detailing to windows and doors in particular. ■■ Chamfered or rounded corners/windows. ■■ Canopies (that match the signage).

64 Timber fascia Transom Clerestory

Timber fascia

Awning with original hinges

Clerestory (obscure glass)

Double doors

Recessed doorway

Chrome glazing bars

Deco shopfront on Whitton High Street (No.15)

Charnfered entrance Recessed doorway Black granite stallriser Tiled threshold Tiled stallriser

65 10. Forecourt Parking

Front Garden Parking Important features in Whitton and obstruction to a minimum. Examples of gates Heathfield can be found along Albemarle Avenue. Low The Council has an existing Supplementary Some areas of the Whitton and Heathfield iron railings and detailing can be found on Planning Document (SPD) covering ‘Front Village have experienced a significant loss of Many front gardens and frontage features Chestnut Avenue, Seaton Close, Hazel Close Garden and Other Off Street Parking front gardens to parking in a manner that has in Whitton and Heathfield contribute and Mayfair Avenue. Standards’(adopted September 2006). This led to a reduction of original features and an significantly to the overall character of the document provides detailed advice on the legal overall deterioration of the street character. area and local street scene. These include: Guidance on front garden parking and design issues when creating a car parking area in your front garden and access to it It is envisaged that this SPD can guide Boundary walls The following key considerations should be from the highway. The Whitton and Heathfield those seeking to make this change or to made where residents do feel an imperative to Village Planning Guidance SPD draws upon those who are make further alterations and Boundary walls enclose front gardens and replace front gardens with car parking: the 2006 SPD, providing updated information improvements to their forecourt and front define public and private space. Low walls and making specification recommendations for garden parking. In some instances works create this space without reducing visibility. Retention of existing features Whitton and Heathfield Village. It is important may be undertaken irrespective of parking – Conforming traditional brick types and that the 2006 SPD is read in conjunction with where boundaries need to be defined due to brickwork along a street is an important The general aim of any design for car parking the guidance below. It is also advised to refer deterioration of existing or lost structures. characteristic. in front gardens should be to retain as much to the London Borough of Richmond upon The same principles set out below should of the existing features as is practical – such Thames Supplementary Planning Document apply. Low brick boundary walls are the original as existing walls, railings or hedging. Where on ‘Design Quality’ and the Council’s ‘Public inter-war suburb design, comprising of five or an opening has to be made in an existing wall, Space Design Guide’. The Council is keen that where front garden more layers of horizontal brick with a final railing or fence, it should be made good at parking is necessary, it is done in the best upper vertical layer. Endpoints are defined with both ends to match existing materials and In Whitton and Heathfield, as in other areas possible way. a brick pillar several bricks above the main details. of Richmond and across London as a whole, wall. Examples of this can be found throughout increases in population and car ownership In many cases alterations to front gardens fall the area including Waverley / Lyndhurst Enclosure have resulted in greater demand for parking within the terms of ‘permitted development’, Avenue (Heathfield) and Hazel Close, Melrose spaces. Where houses are not able to have in which case planning approval is not required Close and Wills Crescent to name but a few. Retaining a form of enclosure of front gardens garages or where there is insufficient on and and therefore the Council has little or no and forecourts is an essential part of retaining off street parking this can lead to increased control over the creation of forecourt parking. Iron gates and railings local character and maintaining the street demand for front garden parking. This guidance can assist those considering scene. Partial loss of existing structures is works under permitted development. Planning Iron railings and gates are a traditional feature inevitable to allow vehicle access but some permission from the Local Authority is found in some streets. Typically railings are structure should be retained. Inward opening required in some instances (see the 2006 SPD embedded into a lower boundary wall, gates help to complete a defensible line. for details). creating enclosure whilst keeping visual

66 Permeability

The base and finished surface should be laid at a slight gradient and be of a permeable material, to allow the satisfactory drainage and absorption of rainwater. Water should drain from the property onto the footway. A length of drain or soak-away may be required at the site boundary to prevent this or a connection to a surface water sewer can be established with the agreement of the Water Authority.

Green features

Loss of existing green space may be inevitable however retaining and / or replacing some planting in as generous a manner as possible Boundary wall Boundary wall helps to maintain the area character, screen vehicles and create a more pleasant natural environment by absorbing local exhaust fumes.

Fencing Green features

67 Appendix: Relevant Policies and Guidance

Relevant Council document: Public Space (i) are based on an analysis and The Council will improve the local 20.B Promoting sustainable transport for Design Guide. Overall aim is to provide understanding of the Borough’s environment to provide centres which tourists to and within the borough, guidance to help deliver the goal of improved development patterns, features and are comfortable, attractive and safe for including the passenger services along streetscene and public spaces. Jan 2006. views, public transport accessibility all users. The historic environment and the Thames; Internal document that has been made public and maintaining appropriate levels of river frontage will be protected. for developers etc to use. amenity; 20.C Directing new hotels to the Borough’s CP14 Housing town centres or other areas highly LBRuT LDF Core Strategy (April (ii) connect positively with their accessible by public transport; 2009) surroundings to create safe and Housing Standards & Types inclusive places through the use 20.D Requiring accommodation and facilities Main policies that the SPD will of good design principles including 14.D The density of residential proposals to be accessible to all; support: layout, form, scale, materials, natural should take into account the need to surveillance and orientation, and achieve the maximum intensity of use 20.E Enhancing the environment in CP7: Maintaining and Improving the sustainable construction. compatible with local context, while areas leading to and around tourist Local Environment respecting the quality, character and destinations. CP8: Town and Local Centres amenity of established neighbourhoods 7.A Existing buildings and areas in the and environmental and ecological Other relevant policies: Borough of recognised high quality 8.A The Borough’s town and local centres policies. The London Plan consolidated and historic interest will be protected have an important role, providing shops, with Alterations since 2004 Density CP10: Open Land and Parks from inappropriate development and services, employment opportunities, Matrix and other policies will be taken enhanced sensitively, and opportunities housing and being a focus for community into account to assess the density of The open environment will be protected and will be taken to improve areas of poorer life. proposals. enhanced. In particular: environmental quality, including within the areas of relative disadvantage of Retail and town centre uses will be CP20 Visitors and Tourism 10.A The Borough’s green belt, metropolitan Castlenau, Ham, Hampton Nurserylands, supported providing that it is appropriate open land and other open land of Heathfield and Mortlake. to the role in the hierarchy of the The Council will support the sustainable townscape importance, World Heritage centres, and respects the character, growth of the tourist industry, for the benefit Site (Royal Botanic Gardens,Kew) , land 7.B All new development should recognise environment and historical interest of of the local area by: on the Register of Parks and Gardens distinctive local character and contribute the area. It should be of an appropriate of Special Historic Interest, green chains to creating places of a high architectural scale for the size of the centre and 20.A Encouraging the enhancement of and green corridors will be safeguarded and urban design quality that are well not adversely impact on the vitality existing tourist attractions, such as Kew and improved for biodiversity, sport and used and valued. Proposals will have to and viability of any existing centre. Gardens, Hampton Court Palace, Ham recreation and heritage, and for visual illustrate that they: Out of town retail development is not House and the River, including sport reasons. usually considered appropriate in this stadia particularly those of RFU and Borough in line with The London Plan Harlequins; 10.B A number of additional areas of open consolidated with Alterations since 2004. land of townscape importance will

68 be identified, which will be brought 17.B The provision of new or improved LBRuT LDF Development (h) Respect and enhance the heritage, forward through the Development facilities for health and social care Management Plan (November 2011) character and local distinctiveness of the Allocations DPD. and other facilities will be supported. centre. Such facilities should be in sustainable Main policies that the SPDs will support 10.D New provision will be encouraged locations and accessible to all and Policy DM TC 2 Local and in areas of open space deficiency at priority will be given to those in Policy DM TC 1 Larger Town Centres Neighbourhood Centres and Areas of Upper Richmond Road West, between areas of relative deprivation which Mixed Use Park Road/ Uxbridge Road Hampton are identified in Core Policy 13, an To maintain and improve the town centres, Hill, Fulwell, South Twickenham, parts immediate need for primary health care the Council will require appropriate The Council will protect and improve the of St Margaret’s and parts of Whitton. facilities (especially doctor’s surgeries) development to take place within the provision of day-to-day goods and services in All developments will be expected has been identified in Kew, Richmond, identified Town Centre Boundaries of the five the local and neighbourhood centres of the to incorporate appropriate elements Whitton and Ham. Sites for larger main town centres. These are Richmond, the borough (See Policy DM TC 3 ‘Retail of open space that make a positive facilities may be identified in the Site major centre, and the four district centres Frontages’). These centres are often contribution to the wider network. Allocations DPD. – Twickenham, East Sheen, Teddington and designated as Areas of Mixed Use and are Whitton. thus CP12 River Crane Corridor 17.C A pattern of land use and facilities will seen as appropriate for a mix of uses that be promoted to encourage walking, Proposals that contribute towards a meet primarily local needs. 12.A The Council will improve the strategic cycling, and leisure and recreation and suitable mix of uses will be approved, corridor to provide an attractive play facilities to provide for a healthy provided that they are appropriate to the Proposals for development will be acceptable open space with improvements to lifestyle for all, including provisions function, character and scale of the centre. in the smaller centres if they: the biodiversity. Developments in and for open and play space within new Acceptable town centre uses could include adjacent to the River Crane Corridor development as appropriate. retail (if within or well related to designated (c) Respect and enhance the heritage, will be expected to contribute to frontages), business, leisure, tourism, character and local distinctiveness of the improving the environment and access, 17.D Existing health, social care, leisure and community uses, health and residential centre, whilst making the most efficient in line with planning guidance. recreation provision will be retained development compatible with other use of land. where these continue to meet or can development in the town centre. (d) Include overall improvements and be adapted to meet residents’ needs. CP17 Health and Well-being enhancements of the small centres; Land will be safeguarded for such uses Proposals will be acceptable within the Town or modernise outmoded premises. where available, and the potential of re- 17.A Health and well-being in the Borough Centre Boundaries if they: Development should improve and using or redeveloping existing sites will is important and all new development maintain commercial provision in the be maximised. should encourage and promote (f) Maintain or enhance the amount of active smaller centres, without significantly healthier communities and places. frontage, subject to Policy DM TC 3 expanding it. ‘Retail Frontages’.

69 Policy DM TC 3 Retail Frontages Improvement and enhancement of the by residents as open spaces in the Policy DM HD 1 Conservation openness and character of other open land built up area. Policy DM HO 2 ‘Infill Areas – designation, protection and B Secondary Retail Frontages and measures to open up views into and Development’ and Policy DM HO 3 enhancement out of designated other open land will be ‘Backland Development’ also recognise Non-retail proposals will be acceptable in the encouraged where appropriate. the importance of gardens, which will The Council will continue to protect areas of secondary shopping frontages only if: When considering developments on sites be considered as greenfield sites. Green special significance by designating outside designated other open land, any oases are particularly important and will Conservation Areas and extensions to existing (b) The proposed use retains a “shop-like” possible visual impacts on the character and be protected in areas of high density Conservation Areas using the criteria appearance with an active frontage and openness of the designated other open land development and town centres. as set out in PPS 5 and as advised by English will not have a detrimental visual impact will be taken into account. Heritage. on the shop-front and respect the heritage 4.1.8 OOLTI should be predominantly open and character of the centre The explanatory text is relevant to the SPD as or natural in character. The following The Council will prepare a Conservation set out below: criteria are taken into account in Area Appraisal and Management Plan for defining OOLTI: each Conservation area, these will be used Policy DM OS 3 Other Open Land of 4.1.6 Other Open Land of Townscape as a basis when determining proposals Townscape Importance Importance (OOLTI) can include public ■■ Contribution to the local character within or where it would affect the setting and private sports grounds, school and/or street scene, by virtue of its of, Conservation Areas together with other Other open areas that are of townscape playing fields, cemeteries, allotments, size, position and quality. policy guidance. importance will be protected and enhanced in private gardens, areas of vegetation ■■ Value to local people for its presence open use. such as street verges and mature trees. and openness. The designated areas are shown on the Buildings or parts of buildings, street furniture, ■■ Immediate or longer views into Proposals Map but there will also be It will be recognised that there may be and out of the site, including from trees and other features which make a positive other areas which could be considered exceptional cases where appropriate surrounding properties. contribution to the character, appearance or development is acceptable. The following as being of local value to the area and significance of the area should be retained. criteria must be taken into account when townscape which merit protection. ■■ Value for biodiversity and nature New development (or redevelopment) or assessing appropriate development: conservation. other proposals should conserve and enhance 4.1.7 In some parts of the borough, open ■■ Note that the criteria are qualitative the character and appearance of the area. 1. It must be linked to the functional use areas, including larger blocks of back and not all need to be met. of the Other Open Land of Townscape gardens, which are not extensive Policy DM HD 3 Importance; or enough to be defined as green belt or Buildings of Townscape Merit 2. It can only be a replacement or minor metropolitan open land, act as pockets extension of existing built facilities; of greenery of local rather than London- The Council will seek to ensure and wide significance. Many of these are of encourage the preservation and enhancement 3. In addition to 1. or 2., it does not harm the townscape importance, contributing of Buildings of Townscape Merit and will use character and openness of the open land. to the local character and are valued

70 its powers where possible to protect their 1. it has first been demonstrated that 4. Materials - where materials on existing 3. Vehicular access or car parking – these significance, character and setting, by the the existing housing is incapable of dwellings are similar, new dwellings should must not have an adverse impact on following means: improvement or conversion to a reflect those materials; neighbours in terms of visual impact, noise satisfactory standard to provide an 5. Architectural details - new dwellings or light. Access roads between dwellings ■■ consent will not normally be granted for the equivalent scheme; and if this is the case: should incorporate or reflect traditional and unnecessarily long access roads will demolition of Buildings of Townscape Merit; 2. the proposal improves the long-term architectural features; not normally be acceptable; ■■ alterations and extensions should be sustainability of buildings on the site; and 6. Trees, shrubs and wildlife habitats 4. Mass and scale of development – based on an accurate understanding of 3. the proposal does not have an adverse - features important to character, development on backland sites must be the significance of the asset including the impact on local character; and appearance or wildlife must be retained or more intimate in scale and lower than structure, and respect the architectural frontage properties; 4. the proposal provides a reasonable re-provided; character, and detailing of the original standard of accommodation, including 7. Impact on neighbours - including loss of 5. Trees, shrubs and wildlife habitats building. The structure, features, and – features important to character, 5. accessible design, as set out in Policy DM privacy to homes or gardens. materials of the building which contribute appearance or wildlife must be retained or HO 4 ‘Housing Mix and Standards’ and to its architectural and historic interest re-provided. should be retained or restored with other policies. Policy DM HO 3 Backland Development appropriate traditional materials and Policy DM TP 8 Off Street Parking - techniques; Policy DM HO 2 Infill Development There will be a presumption against loss of Retention and New Provision ■■ any proposals should protect and enhance All infill development must reflect the back gardens due to the need to maintain the setting of Buildings of Townscape Merit; Developments, redevelopments, conversions character of the surrounding area and local character, amenity space and and extensions will have to demonstrate that ■■ taking a practical approach towards the protect the amenity of neighbours. In biodiversity. In exceptional cases where it is the new scheme provides an appropriate level alteration of Buildings of Townscape Merit considering applications for infill development considered that a limited scale of backland of off street parking to avoid an unacceptable to comply with the Disability Discrimination the following factors will be taken into development may be acceptable it should impact on on-street parking conditions and Act 2005 and subsequent amendments, account: not have a significantly adverse impact upon provided that the building’s special interest the following: local traffic conditions. is not harmed, using English Heritage advice 1. Plot width - plots must be sufficient width A set of maximum car parking standards and as a basis. to allow a dwelling(s) to be sited with 1. Garden land – rear garden land which minimum cycle parking standards are set adequate separation between dwellings; contributes either individually or as part out in Appendix Four - Parking Standards Policy DM HO 1 Existing Housing of a larger swathe of green space to 2. Spacing between dwelling - new dwellings amenity of residents or provides wildlife ‘Appendix Four - Parking Standards ‘for (including conversions, reversions, and must have similar spacing between habitats must be retained; all types of development, these take into non self-contained accommodation) buildings to any established spacing in the account bus, rail and tube accessibility as 2. Impact on neighbours – privacy of existing Existing housing should be retained. street; well as local highway and traffic conditions homes and gardens must be maintained Redevelopment of existing housing should including demand for on-street parking. These 3. Height - dwelling height should reflect the and unacceptable light spillage avoided; normally only take place where: height of existing buildings; standards will be expected to be met, unless

71 it can be shown that in proposing levels of Policy DM DC 1 Design Quality fronts to demonstrate a high quality of design, Other relevant policies parking applicants can demonstrate that there which complements the original design, would be no adverse impact on the area in New development must be of a high proportions, materials and detailing of the Policy DM OS 2 Metropolitan Open terms of street scene or on-street parking. architectural and urban design quality based shop front, surrounding streetscene and the Land on sustainable design principles. Development building of which it forms part. Policy DM TP 9 Forecourt Parking must be inclusive, respect local character The borough’s Metropolitan Open Land will including the nature of a particular road, Blinds, canopies or shutters where acceptable be protected and retained in predominately The parking of vehicles in existing front and connect with, and contribute positively, in principle must be appropriate to the open use. Appropriate uses include public gardens will be discouraged, especially where to its surroundings based on a thorough character of the shop-front and its setting; and private open spaces and playing fields, understanding of the site and its context. external security grilles will not normally be open recreation and sport, biodiversity ■■ this would result in the removal of permitted; in sensitive areas, rigid and gloss including rivers and bodies of water and open architectural features such as walls, gates In assessing the design quality of a proposal finish blinds will generally be unacceptable; community uses including allotments and and paving, or of existing trees and other the Council will have regard to the following: cemeteries. vegetation or, Signage and illumination to shop fronts must ■■ where such parking would detract from the ■■ compatibility with local character including demonstrate a high quality of design, which It will be recognised that there may be streetscape or setting of the property; or, relationship to existing townscape and complements the character and materials of exceptional cases where appropriate the shop front and surrounding streetscene, development such as small scale structures is ■■ where the use of the access would create a ■■ frontages, scale, height, massing, proportions and form and does not compromise public safety. acceptable, but only if it: road or pedestrian safety problem or Large illuminated fascias will not normally ■ sustainable development and adaptability, ■■ where the width of the proposed entrance ■ be permitted, even if these are in the “house subject to aesthetic considerations 1. Does not harm the character and will be greater than the width of a normal style” of a particular store. openness of the metropolitan open land; driveway. ■■ layout and access and New shop fronts must be designed to allow ■■ space between buildings and relationship to 2. Is linked to the functional use of the equal access for all users, and can For any proposal the area of impermeable the public realm Metropolitan Open Land or supports incorporate flood protection measures where paving should be minimised and soft ■■ detailing and materials outdoor open space uses; or landscaping maximised. appropriate. Proposals should take account of the Councils SPD on Shop fronts and Shop 3. Is for essential utility infrastructure and facilities, for which it needs to be The Council will seek to restrict permitted Policy DM DC 7 Shop fronts and shop Signs. demonstrated that no alternative locations development rights for forecourt parking signs are available and that they do not have through Article 4 directions, where important The Council will welcome proposals from any adverse impacts on the character and townscape or surface water flooding issues The Council will resist the removal of shop groups of shops to add character to the street openness of the metropolitan open land. exist. The Council will have regard to the fronts of architectural or historic interest. scene by the use of harmonious high quality impact of forecourt parking in considering design, colours and materials for their shop Improvement and enhancement of the proposals to extend or convert existing The Council will expect proposals for new fronts. openness and character of the Metropolitan residential property. shop fronts or alterations to existing shop

72 Open Land and measures to reduce visual Policy DM TP 6 Walking and the Relevant SPDs/SPGs impacts will be encouraged where Pedestrian Environment appropriate. ■■ Design Quality SPD Adopted Feb 2006 To protect, maintain and improve the ■■ Front Gardens and other Off-street When considering developments on sites pedestrian environment, the Council will Parking Standards SPD Sept 2006 outside Metropolitan Open Land, any possible ensure that:- ■ Residential Development Standards SPD visual impacts on the character and openness ■ March 2010 of the Metropolitan Open Land will be taken 1. New development and schemes protect, into account. maintain and, where appropriate, improve ■■ Shopfronts SPD March 2010 the existing pedestrian infrastructure, ■■ Small and Medium Housing Sites SPD Feb Policy DM TP 4 Integration of including the Rights of Way network. 2006 different types of Transport and 2. New development does not adversely ■■ Design Guidelines Leaflets 3 and 4: House Interchange Facilities impact on the pedestrian environment and Extensions and External Alterations. provides appropriate pedestrian access Adopted Sept 2002. Reformatted with Developments will be expected to improve (see Policy DM TP 3 ‘Enhancing Transport minor updates July 2005. Based on UDP the quality and connectivity of transport Links’). policies interchanges of any scale, particularly in terms 3. New development and schemes improve ■■ Design Guidelines leaflet 11: Shopfront of the safety and security of the pedestrian Security. First published 1997 and environment where appropriate. Reformatted with minor updates July 2005. ■■ Opportunities for interchange between Based on UDP policies different types of transport through the Policy DM TP 7 Cycling provision of appropriate facilities and good information. Also of relevance is the Council’s ‘Public To maintain and improve conditions for Space Design Guide’ Jan 2006. The overall aim ■■ Ease of access to interchange points (e.g. cyclists, the Council will ensure that new of the document is to provide guidance to stations/ bus stops) by various types of development or schemes do not adversely help deliver the goal of improved streetscene transport. impact on the cycling network or cyclists and public spaces. ■■ Transport facilities which are well laid out and provide appropriate cycle access and and allow access to a wide range of users sufficient, secure cycle parking facilities, see (e.g. level or with accessible lifts or ramps). Policy DM TP 3 ‘Enhancing Transport Links’ ■■ Attractive and welcoming environment – and Policy DM TP 8 ‘Off Street Parking - well designed civic spaces, sun and rain Retention and New Provision’. shelter, high quality and well maintained hard and soft landscape ■■ Safe and secure environment – e.g. good lighting, CCTV, ticket barriers

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