Milton Ernest
Character Assessment
January 2017
TROY PLANNING + DESIGN Milton Ernest - Character Assessment (THP174)
TROY PLANNING + DESIGN www.troyplanning.com Office: 0207 0961 329 Mobile: 07964149559 Address: 3 Waterhouse Square, 138 Holborn, London, EC1N 2SW
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Contents
1 INTRODUCTION ...... 4
2 HISTORIC DEVELOPMENT ...... 7
3 THE APPROACH IN THIS CHARACTER ASSESSMENT ...... 15
4 CHARACTER AREAS ...... 19
5 HISTORIC MEDIAN ...... 23
6 HISTORIC EASTERN ...... 26
7 PRE-60S ...... 30
8 70S-80S ...... 33
9 80S-90S ...... 37
10 VILLAGE EDGE ...... 40
ANNEX 1 - LOCAL MATERIALS ...... 43
ANNEX 2 - LOCAL ARCHITECTURE ...... 44
ANNEX 3 - TEXTURES & MATERIALS ...... 46
ANNEX 5 - SIGNAGE & OBJECTS ...... 48
ANNEX 4 - ROOF TYPES ...... 48
ANNEX 6 – GARDENS, BOUNDARY TREATMENTS, GREEN FEATURES ...... 51
ANNEX 7 - VIEWS & LANDMARKS ...... 55
SOURCES ...... 58
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1 Introduction
1.1 This is the Milton Ernest Character Assessment (CA). A character assessment is a
document that describes the distinct appearance and feel of a settlement or an area. It
communicates the key physical features and characteristics that combine to give a
particular settlement or an area its local distinctiveness and unique identity.
1.2 The CA was prepared to inform the Milton Ernest Neighbourhood Plan being prepared
by members of the Neighbourhood Plan Working Group. This was undertaken through
site visits and spatial analysis of satellite imagery and historic maps.
1.3 The CA sits alongside the Milton Ernest Neighbourhood Plan and specifically informs the
policies relating to character areas, design and local heritage. It should be used by those
wishing to bring forward development proposals within any of the character areas
identified.
Overview of the area
1.4 Milton Ernest is a village and civil parish in Bedfordshire, England, about 5 miles (8.0 km)
north of Bedford itself (Figure 1). It had a population of 754 in 2001 that had risen to
761 according to the 2011 census. The village is situated on the east bank of the River
Great Ouse, and is the site of Milton Ernest Hall, which was used as the United States
Eighth Air Force's support command headquarters in the Second World War.
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1.5 In terms of topography, the terrain has a slope between 40m in south west and 60m in
north east (as shown in Figure 2). There is a low declivity between River Great Ouse and
Rushden Road (38m to 48m) but with steeper gradients leading to the east and north of
the village, particularly beyond All Saints’ Church along Thurleigh Road where the
elevation towards the ‘Twinwoods’ Airfield is over 80m.
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Figure 1 - Location of Milton Ernest in relation to Bedford
Figure 2 - Elevation points in Milton Ernest
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2 Historic Development
2.1 Milton Ernest is located in North Bedfordshire and records date back to the Domesday
Book of 1086 when the various manors were listed. The entry reads:
"Middletone / Mildentone: Miles Crispin and William
Basset from Hugh de Beauchamp; Thorgils from
Nigel d'Aubigny; Reginald from Walter of Flanders;
Ivo, Hugh de Grandmesnil's steward from Adelaide,
Hugh de Grandmesnil's wife; a beadle from the king.
Mill."
2.2 All Saints' Church was built between the 12th and
15th centuries and is Grade I Listed.
2.3 In more recent times, the village was distinguished for its relationship with Victorian
architect, William Butterfield, who constructed and renovated a number of buildings
including Milton Ernest Hall. Now a nursing home, it is known internationally by fans of
musician and band leader, Glenn Miller, who was stationed there during World War II.
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Before 10861
2.4 The Bedfordshire Historic Environment Record [HER] contains information on the county’s
historic buildings and landscapes. The record mentions several ring ditches in the parish.
These are usually thought to be the remains of round barrows and so date to the Bronze Age.
2.5 One of these sits on a gravel terrace in the C-curve of the River Great Ouse west of Radwell
Road and was visible on one aerial photograph, though not on other subsequent photographs.
2.6 There are a number of Iron Age sites in the parish. One of these is a collection of small
irregular enclosures in an area from which slag, from iron working, and Iron Age pottery have
been found when field walking. The site is north of Little Oakley Wood and south-west of
Yarlswood. Another Iron Age site highlighted by field walking lies south-east of Wigney Wood
on the east side of Thurleigh.
2.7 There is a site in the C-bow of the river Great Ouse opposite the junction of Radwell Road with
New Road which may be Iron Age, or Romano-British, or both. It comprises a ring ditch within
a rectangular enclosure, lies on a gravel terrace and is visible on aerial photographs. Some
indistinct crop marks north of Thurleigh Road and east of the A6 seem to show a large
rectangular enclosure "which may be Roman but this is unproven". A potential Roman
occupation site has been identified just east of the railway line on the south bank of the river
in the north of the parish where field walking has turned up Romano-British material.
Milton Ernest in 10862
2.8 Milton Ernest was divided into six different holdings. The mill would have been a watermill on
the River Great Ouse because windmills were unknown in England for about another century.
2.9 The population was around one hundred and ten, from which twenty eight were heads
of household, a very large settlement in relation to the rest of the county where many
parishes with much higher numbers of people today had perhaps fifty or so population
in 1086.
1 Source: http://bedsarchives.bedford.gov.uk/CommunityArchives/MiltonErnest/MiltonErnestBefore1086.aspx 2 Source: http://bedsarchives.bedford.gov.uk/CommunityArchives/MiltonErnest/MiltonErnestIn1086.aspx
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Milton Ernest Hermitage (1271)3
2.10 Milton Ernest seems to have had a hermitage first mentioned in 1271, as part of Cauldwell
Priory. Volume III of The Victoria County History for Bedfordshire, published in 1912, states:
“In 1279 half a virgate of arable land and 6 rods of pasture, being part of this property, was
held by the prior of John Erneys, Lord of the Manor of Milton Ernest or Harnesse for three
masses for the souls of John’s ancestors”.
2.11 The Valor Ecclesiasticus was a survey of church lands made under King Henry VIII (1509-1547)
prior to his dissolution of the religious houses and orders in England.
2.12 Hermitage Close is mentioned in the Inclosure Award for Milton Ernest of 1804 and in a sale
catalogue of 1909 [X65/69-70] when it formed part of West Manor Farm. A note written in
1963 [CRT130/MiltonErnest1] states: “The site was apparently moated and it is now being
excavated by local people. We do not seem to have any deeds relating to the site. There is no
building marked on our earliest maps (1803)”.
2.13 "The excavations have uncovered a stone building, probably with only one room, containing
a stone hearth at one end. In front of this building is a cobbled courtyard with the remains of
wattle and daub outhouses on at least two sides. These outhouses probably served as stables
and byres. A large part of the site inside the moat remains to be excavated and the
surrounding fields also contain interesting features which may throw more light on the
remains so far uncovered".
Milton Ernest Vicarages4
2.14 The earliest description of the Vicarage at Milton Ernest is in a terrier of land belonging to the
Archdeaconry of Bedford in 1608. The building is described as stone built with a thatched
roof. It was five bays long and comprised: a hall, two parlours, a buttery and a kitchen
downstairs with four chambers above and lofts above them. A barn of two bays' length stood
outside, it was timber built and thatched. There was also a stone built and thatched stable.
3 Source: http://bedsarchives.bedford.gov.uk/CommunityArchives/MiltonErnest/MiltonErnestHermitage.aspx 4 Source: http://bedsarchives.bedford.gov.uk/CommunityArchives/MiltonErnest/MiltonErnestVicarages.aspx
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2.15 An account of the building of the next Milton Ernest Vicarage runs as follows: "Sir Edmund
Turnor, Kt, a very worthy promoter of piety and virtue did, about the year 1695, at his own
proper cost & charges, erect a new brick House containing two Rooms on a floor with closets,
three stories high; and stables & other out Houses convenient to the same; together with a
court yard and orchard for the better accommodation of the Vicar & his Successors; the old
Vicarage House being so decayed as near to ruine that it was not fit to be inhabited, which
House & all impropriated Tythes of the said Parish, he legally settled in the hands of Trustees
for the use & benefit of the said Vicar & his Successors for ever.
2.16 This building was described in an archdeaconry terrier of 1708 [ABE ii (volume 1 page 223)]
as containing a hall and a parlour, each with a board floor, a kitchen, a larder and a buttery
each with a brick floor. There were three chambers above, which were ceiled, with two garrets
above them. A larger barn had been provided, eight bays long, made of stone and thatched
and there was stone-built and thatched two-bay stable.
2.17 This building survives today as Woodlands, which was listed by English Heritage in August
1987 as Grade II, of special interest. The listing points out the date stone on the north-east
elevation with the date 1694. The building was extended to the south about 1836, the date on
a date stone on the south-east gable. It is constructed of coursed limestone rubble with some
dressings in both ashlar and brick. Roofs are composed of Welsh slates.
2.18 A new vicarage in Thurleigh Road was designed by Bedford architect John Gedge in 1967
[P80/2/4/1].
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19th Century5
1803
1820 Watercolour by Thomas Fisher
Milton Ernest Hall (built 1854-1858)
2.19 Milton Ernest Hall was designed by the architect William Butterfield (1814-1900), an
architect famous for his Gothic Revival churches. It was listed by the former Department
5Source: http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/place/1388 Maps: http://maps.nls.uk/
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of Environment in June 1971 as Grade I, of
exceptional interest, because it is Butterfield’s
only complete country house. The stable
block, dovecote and wall to the grounds were
listed in August 1987 as Grade II, of special
interest.
2.20 In 1870-72, John Marius Wilson's Imperial Gazetteer of England and Wales described Milton
Ernest:
"MILTON-ERNEST, a village and a parish in the district and county of Bedford. The village
stands on the river Ouse, 2 miles N of Oakley r. station, and 4½ N W by N of Bedford; and has
a post office under Bedford. The parish comprises 2,070 acres. Real property, £2,393. Pop.,
485. Houses, 111. The manor belongs to Earl Brownlow and B. H. Starey, Esq.; and Milton-
Ernest Hall is Mr. Starey's seat. The Bedfordshire subscription hounds are kenneled here. The
living is a vicarage in the diocese of Ely. Value, £275. * Patron, Turner, Esq. The church is
ancient; comprises Norman portions; was restored in 1865, at a cost of £1,364; consists of
nave, aisles, and chancel, with a tower; and contains some ancient monuments to the Rolls
and the Turnors. There are a Wesleyan chapel, a national school, alms houses with £65 a
year, and other charities £10."
1884
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20th Century – Present
2.21 Successive developments emerged after 1960, expanding the village in north east and
south west.
1901
1946
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1952
1956
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3 The Approach in this
Character Assessment
3.1 The purpose of this document is not to provide a comprehensive analysis of the history
of Milton Ernest, but the summary provided in the earlier chapter sets the overall
context. Far more detailed information on the important locations, people and events
in the history of Milton Ernest is available elsewhere.
3.2 The book “The Importance of Milton Ernest” (Newman, 2006) and the associated
Heritage Trail are a particularly comprehensive resource and invaluable for the
Character Assessment. This is particularly relevant in terms of charting the development
of the village and identifying heritage assets. Although not a land use planning
document the matters raised are undeniably of potential relevance to learning from the
past and managing future growth.
3.3 This Character Assessment provides an important link in helping to establish those
aspects of historic character, the historic pattern development and the associated
relationships with the built and natural environment that represent considerations for
planning policy in guiding development and managing land use change.
3.4 The Character Areas, upon which the remainder of this CA are based, therefore have a
relatively strong relationship with the history and key features of the village. The CA is
designed so that it can be read alongside other sources to provide the fullest possible
understanding, albeit the different resources fulfil different main purposes.
3.5 Having a full range of complementary and comprehensive evidence available will
support the preparation of detailed and effective policies in the Neighbourhood Plan.
As part of drafting these policies, those preparing the Neighbourhood Plan may find it
necessary to review and further refine the information available. For example, this may
mean specifying the specific buildings (or ‘heritage assets’) where policies are expected
to apply.
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Defining Character Areas
3.6 It is particularly true in Milton Ernest that none of the Character Areas identified are
entirely homogenous. Each contains some examples of old and new development and
many contain specific features of heritage interest alongside more modern additions.
3.7 The Character Areas also tend to comprise a variety of land uses (both present and
historic) which adds to variety and means uniformity is unlikely. For the same reason,
where residential densities are calculated these should be interpreted as ‘gross’
densities on the basis that the wider Character Area will typically include non-residential
functions.
Summary of Approach and Key Definitions and Characteristics
3.8 The approach to defining the Character Areas identified is broadly defined by two key
themes. These relate firstly to the age and characteristics of different phases of
development in the village; and secondly the balance of land uses in the village and its
relationship with key transport corridors (both road, river and rail).
3.9 Although today Milton Ernest appears relatively ‘nucleated’ when viewed in ‘plan’ form
(i.e. from aerial photography) the assessment of historic records and mapping indicates
this is not reflective of the past. The position of farmsteads (both historic and remaining)
plus analysis of place names (e.g. ‘London End’, Flewton End’) indicates that historically
the village was more loosely knit around a series of ‘Ends’ each with differences in
location, function and character. This is not uncommon in Bedfordshire Villages in-
particular.
3.10 Gradual phases of development and redevelopment appear to have eroded the gaps
between many of the different ‘Ends’ occurring across Milton Ernest, although different
locations within the village retain some key buildings and features keeping intact local
character even where separation has been reduced. These different phases of recent
development have their own intrinsic character as well as a relationship with older parts
of the village.
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3.11 Particularly to the west and north, built development in the village now appears to end
abruptly. To the north eastern edge of the village along Thurleigh Road the pattern of
development disperses more gradually towards the countryside and more closely
reflects the historic edge of the settlement.
3.12 The second key theme relates to Milton Ernest’s position on a number of important
transport routes. This is relevant to identifying the ‘centre’ of the village, the balance of
different land uses and pattern of development.
3.13 Historic development has been concentrated around the junction of Rushden Road and
Radwell Road, extending along Thurleigh Road to All Saints’ Church and the Vicarage
beyond. Services and facilities, commercial activity and non-residential uses (e.g.
education, community buildings) have tended to concentrate in this area. This generally
gives a lower density of residential uses.
3.14 The frontage of buildings along Radwell Road shows a historic trend of linear
development. Many of these older buildings remain, albeit interspersed with modern
additions or redevelopment. This creates a different character and more active road
frontage. At different times, various facilities (e.g. shops, public houses) appear to have
been located at different points along this route, providing some connection between
different ‘Ends’ of the village. Features such as traffic volumes and the closer proximity
of the river may have influenced this pattern of development.
3.15 The Rushden Road (A6) is undoubtedly a historically important North-South route
through the village. Historic patterns of development show limited linear development
along this route (perhaps due to the location further away from the river) but different
land uses and buildings (e.g. the Oakley Hunt Kennels) had openings onto the route. In
recent times, following redevelopment and increases in road movement, buildings have
‘turned their back’ on the A6, giving a limited role and purpose to this route for non-
motorised road-users and limiting the connection with activity in the village.
3.16 It should also be kept in mind that there are some unifying features found across the
whole village in terms of wider patterns of materials and building design (e.g. roof styles)
and these complement the sense of character as a whole.
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3.17 Care has been taken to recognise that the ‘Village Edge’ to the west comprises almost
exclusively non-residential uses, with a more limited reference or connection to local
character (albeit the playing field is a well-established local facility that the community
has sought to retain in this position).
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4 Character Areas
Map 1 - Character Areas & Heritage Trail in Milton Ernes – Satellite view (Source for basemap: Google Earth)
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Map 2 - Character Areas in Milton Ernest TROY PLANNING + DESIGN Milton Ernest - Character Assessment (THP174)
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Map 3 - Density variation in Milton Ernest TROY PLANNING + DESIGN Milton Ernest - Character Assessment (THP174)
4.1 The assessed area is approximately 28 ha, defined by the following Character Areas:
Historic Median 3.5 ha
Historic Eastern 8.2 ha
Pre-60s 1.6 ha
70s-80s 6.2 ha
80s-90s 3.5 ha
Village Edge 3.4 ha
4.2 Historic development is a major factor considered in determining the character areas in
Milton Ernest, as it defines the architectural style, site and street layouts and materials
used.
4.3 The streets along the heritage trail determines two areas developed on the historic core
of the village:
Historic Median – perceived as the backbone of historic Milton Ernest, defined by the architectural style and the general character of a residential main street. Includes historic buildings of great importance for the local identity. Historic Eastern – developed organically around All Saints Church, and dispersed as low density irregular sites. Includes buildings of administrative, religious and community importance.
4.4 Recent developments are integrated in different ways in the overall character of the
village:
Pre-60s – low integration in the overall character in terms of materials used, architectural style, layout and urban fabric. However, the amount of development from this period appears of a relatively limited scale and occurring over a number of years. 70s-80s – balanced integration, especially along the middle of Radwell Road, less integration along Arkwright Road and Huntsman Way (for example the vivid colours of garage doors and use of parking courts).
80s-90s – good compatibility with the local character and in relation to natural surroundings in south.
Village Edge – no strong connection with the overall character.
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5 Historic Median
General character area overview
5.1 Mostly linear residential development along Radwell Road which combines historic
buildings with some recent additions and variations between historic periods in terms
layout variations, design and materials used.
5.2 Average density is 13 dph (35 dwellings per 2.6 ha of residential sites – See Map 3).
Layout
5.3 Linear and irregular, with verges in west.
5.4 Setbacks: Most of the buildings are close to road and there is a high variation from east
to west: between 0-12m.
5.5 Plots are long and narrow in south of Radwell Road and irregular in north and Queens
Head with a fair consistency of the building line.
5.6 Gardens: short front gardens, long back gardens
Roads, street, routes
5.7 The Historic Median area is developed along Radwell Road (vehicular and pedestrian
street) from the core of the historic village. There is a right of way which connects
Radwell Road to Rushden Road and further leads towards the village edge.
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Buildings and details
5.8 Two storey detached and semi-detached well-preserved pre-20th Century dwellings
with some recent additions.
5.9 Facade and Elevation Details: stone, white painted brick, red and orange brick,
sometimes brick with decorative models, wood frames, stucco.
5.10 Roofs:
steep gabled and cross gabled,
hipped, cross hipped and half hipped,
made of: thatch, slate tiles, red and brown clay tiles and curved shingles.
5.11 Windows: casement windows, hung windows, multi-panes.
5.12 Other elements and features:
occasional dormer windows,
majority of wide fronted units,
varied ridge and eaves height,
chimneys are common features.
Landmarks
5.13 There is a significant amount of historic buildings along the Heritage Trail on Radwell
Road (Map 1), including Queens Head, The Strawberry Tree, Swan House and The Barns.
Green and natural features
5.14 Hedgerows, verges and trees along the Radwell Road play a significant role in the
character area, balancing the visual perception between built and natural environment.
There is a natural area south of the character area with wild vegetation and a view to
Milton Ernest Hall, which is likely to be a locally important visual connection.
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Streetscape features
5.15 There is a combination of locally specific materials that strongly supports the rural
character of the village: stone, wood, brick, stucco (Annex 3). Mossy stone wall built with local materials is a recurring feature around the village.
5.16 There are details found in signage and boundary treatments which play an important
role in the local character (Annex 5).
Views
5.17 View towards Queens Head Hotel is representative for the local identity (Annex 7).
Uses and activity
5.18 Mostly residential C3 dwelling houses.
5.19 Queens Head: C1 Hotel
Ambience
5.20 Silent area in the heart of the village with relatively low traffic volume compared to
Rushden Road.
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6 Historic Eastern
General character area overview
6.1 Mixture of development areas (from historic buildings to more recent additions and
renovations), surrounded by rural green fields, which presents significant differences in
terms of layout (from scattered to aligned), architectural design and materials used.
6.2 Residential development density has high variations (See Map 3):
Highest along Bedford Road - Church Green: 22 dph (11 dwg per 0.5 ha), Lowest along Thurleigh Road: 8 dph.
Layout
6.3 The layout is scattered and irregular. In terms of setbacks from the road, there are high variations between 6m (along Church Green) and 20 m (Thurleigh Road).
6.4 Plots have a narrow shape and consistent building line along Church Green and south
of Thurleigh Road and irregular shapes and building line in rest.
6.5 Gardens: short front and back gardens along Church Green, large front and back
gardens south of Thurleigh Road.
Roads, street, routes
6.6 The main route developed along Thurleigh Road - vehicular, pedestrian and cycle route (bright green line - Map 2).
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6.7 There is right of way along Church Green, which goes 90 degrees to the right and leads
to the green field in the east (dark green line - Map 2).
Spaces
6.8 There are green areas around Milton Ernest Village Hall and Lower School. All Saints
Church hosts a graveyard of over 300 sqm.
Buildings and details
6.9 One and two storey detached, semi-detached and terraced well-preserved historic
buildings with some recent additions and renovations. Any redevelopment is generally
small-scale and responds to local character or seeks a unique identity, for example the
‘new’ Almshouses provided alongside Church Green.
6.10 Facade and Elevation Details: stone, white painted brick, red and orange brindle brick,
sometimes brick with decorative models, wood panels and frames, stucco, pastel
coloured textured render.
6.11 Roofs: gabled and cross gabled,
lean-to roofs,
hipped, cross hipped and half hipped,
made of: thatch, slate tiles, red and brown clay tiles.
6.12 Windows: casement windows, hung windows, multi-panes, tall and narrow windows.
6.13 Other elements and features:
occasional dormer windows,
varied ridge and eaves height,
chimneys and unique details (windows, doors, wall and roof decorations) are
common features.
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Landmarks
6.14 The character area includes some of the most important locally significant buildings: All
Saints Church (major importance in terms of visual guidance and compositional
hierarchy), Milton Ernest Hall, The Old Vicarage, The Old School.
Green and natural features
6.15 Rural landscape surrounds the area. There are green pockets adjacent to Village Hall
and Lower School which enable good views of All Saints Church. The old and tall trees
around the Old Vicarage are a unique asset of the character area.
6.16 The land and road rises fairly steeply beyond ‘Woodlands’ which quickly establishes a
separation from the character of the main built development in the village and a change
in landscape character.
Streetscape features
6.17 The rural character of the village is strongly supported by the use of locally specific
materials: stone, brick, wood, stucco (Annex 3). Mossy stone wall built with local materials
is a recurring feature around the village. There are details found in signage, benches and
boundary treatments which play an important role in the local character (Annex 5).
Views
6.18 Views from Church Green towards All Saints Church and from Thurleigh Road to The Old
Vicarage (Annex 7).
Uses and activity
6.19 Mostly residential C3 dwelling houses.
6.20 Others: C2 Residential Institutions: Milton Ernest Hall in South West
D1 Non-Residential Institutions:
. Education: Milton Ernest V.C. Lower School
. Religious: All Saints Church
. Administrative: Milton Ernest Village Hall
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Ambience
6.21 Vibrant ambience around Milton Ernest Lower School. Silent and peaceful ambience around All Saints Church, The Old Vicarage and Milton Ernest Hall.
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7 Pre-60s
General character area overview
7.1 Residential development with regular layout and similar architectural design and
materials used. The character area appears to have been established over a series of
discrete, smaller developments with minor differences in style and detailing.
7.2 Average density is 20 dph (32 dwellings per 1.6 ha – See Map 3).
Layout
7.3 Layout is regular with setbacks from road as follows:
around 9m along Church Cl, and
varied along Marsh Lane - between 5m and 24m.
7.4 Plots have a narrow shape with a consistent and continuous building line.
7.5 Gardens: short front gardens along Church Cl, large front gardens along Thurleigh Road,
long and narrow back gardens along Marsh Lane.
Roads, street, routes
7.6 The area is accessed mainly from Church Cl via Thurleigh Road (vehicular, pedestrian
and cycle route - bright green line - Map 2) which further leads to a right of way on the
east side of the character area.
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7.7 Marsh Lane connects the area with a right of way along the northern green edge of the
village.
Spaces
7.8 North of the character area there is a wide green space and paddock area on the urban fringe with a rural right of way.
Buildings and details
7.9 One and two storey detached, semi-detached and terraced buildings in good condition.
Unit size generally slightly smaller than more recent developments but overall a mix of
dwellings is provided in the Character Area.
7.10 Facade and Elevation Details: red and orange brindle brick.
7.11 Roofs:
gabled and cross gabled, made of bright and dark brown clay tiles,
some lean-to roofs.
7.12 Windows: casement windows, hung windows, some bay windows and multi-panes.
7.13 Other features and elements:
dormer windows are often,
constant ridge and eaves height,
chimneys are common features,
low variation of architectural styles and materials used.
Landmarks
7.14 No significant landmarks in this particular area, but there is a good view of All Saints
Church.
Green and natural features
7.15 The area is surrounded by a wide rural landscape in the north and a diversity of tall trees
in the east.
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Streetscape features
7.16 The streetscape is slightly detached from the overall village character away from major
transport routes. Hedgerows used as boundary treatments is the strongest way the
character area is linked to the overall streetscape character of the village.
Views
7.17 View from north-west towards All Saints Church from Church Close.
Uses and activity
7.18 Only residential C3 dwelling houses.
Ambience
7.19 Silent and secluded area, surrounded by connections to the natural environment in the north and east.
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8 70s-80s
General character area overview
8.1 Residential area with consistent architectural design, materials used and layout along
Arkwright Road-Huntsman Way and some design differences in rest. The Character Area
successfully integrates a limited number of historic dwellings and outbuildings
particularly along Radwell Road due to the similarity of roof styles and colour of building
materials.
8.2 Development density has high variations with an average density of 19 dph (c.119
dwellings per 6.22 ha – See Map 3):
o Highest in West of Huntsman Way: 26 dph (29 dwellings per 1.12 ha)
o Lowest in North-East of Rushden Road: 11 dph (13 dwellings per 1.18 ha)
Layout
8.3 Winding and irregular with high variations in terms of setback from road:
Rushden Road: 9-12m,
South-East of Huntsman Way and Arkwright Road: 6-11m,
West of Huntsman Way: 0-18m,
North of Radwell Road: 0-13m,
Starey Cl: 9-45m,
Marsh Lane: 4-10m.
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8.4 Plots:
regular rectangular shape along South-East of Huntsman Way and Arkwright Rd,
long and narrow East and West along Radwell Road and South East of Starey Cl -
those areas have a consistent building line.
irregular and compact in rest with an inconsistent building line.
8.5 Gardens:
East of Radwell Road: long and narrow back gardens (38m) and front gardens (11m),
West of Radwell Road: back gardens (16m) and front gardens (11m),
South-East of Huntsman Way and Arkwright Rd - balanced front and back gardens
between 11-16m,
Starey Cl: large front gardens between 20-42m.
Roads, street, routes
8.6 Properties are accessed mainly from Radwell Road - Huntsmans Way - Arkwright Road
along a winding, cul-de-sac route typical of a more suburban environment.
8.7 Rushden Road has a strong character of a motorized and linear corridor as there are
high walls and hedgerows, buildings that are facing ‘backwards’ to the road and noisy
traffic.
8.8 There is a right of way along Starey Cl that connects three different character areas
between Rushed Road to Marsh Lane - Historic Median, 70s-80s and Pre-60s.
Spaces
8.9 There are no significant public spaces in this character area.
Buildings and details
8.10 Two storey detached and semi-detached dwellings, mostly in good condition.
8.11 Facade and Elevation Details: mostly red and orange bridle brick, some grey stucco in
north-west of Radwell Road and some pastel coloured textured render and white
painted brick around Marsh Lane and east of Radwell Road.
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8.12 Roofs:
gabled and cross gabled (in north east), often with catslide (along Huntsman Way and
Arkwright Road),
made of: red and brown clay tiles, thatch (Green Farm)
8.13 Windows: casement windows, bay windows, hung windows, few multi-panes.
8.14 Other elements and features:
occasional dormer windows,
orangeries,
garage doors painted in bright colours,
varied ridge and eaves height,
chimneys are common features.
Landmarks
8.15 Green Farm stands out as part of the Heritage Trail with a large setback from the street
and traditional architecture with thatched roof.
Green and natural features
8.16 Hedgerows are an integral part of the overall local character of the village. The character
area is surrounded by natural rural landscape to the north and a playing field to the
west.
8.17 There are some green buffers around the Rushden Road which isolates the noise from
the motorized transport.
Streetscape features
8.18 Main features are:
hedgerows, small and medium vegetation as the main boundary treatments,
contemporary lamp posts and signage,
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the combination of asphalt (pedestrian and vehicular routes) and red brick
(residential parking).
Views
8.19 Views of north of Milton Ernest - out of the settlement towards the wider rural landscape
and views into Milton Ernest (Annex 7).
Uses and activity
8.20 Only residential C3 dwelling houses.
Ambience
8.21 Silent area along Arkwright Road and Marsh Lane with some subtle smells of burned
wood from chimneys.
8.22 Traffic noise and the visual barrier of walls and hedgerows along Rushden Road give the
feeling of walking far away from the settlement.
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9 80s-90s
General character area overview
9.1 Residential development with two sub-areas in terms of visual perception:
Riverside View – consistent architectural design and combination of materials. The
area includes a mix of dwelling sizes, which are generally larger towards the river
and smaller in the north of the development towards Radwell Road
London End - River Lane – mixture of styles, materials, designs and historic periods.
This relates more closely to the historic pattern of ‘loose-knit’ development in the
village
9.2 Average density is 18 dph (61 dwellings per 3.4 ha of residential sites – See Map 3).
Layout
9.3 Winding and regular along Riverside View and London End and linear along River Lane.
9.4 The set back from road is between 4-6m with a consistent building line.
9.5 Plots usually have a regular rectangular shape with the narrow side adjacent to the road.
Properties along Riverside View have some of the largest plots (and larger dwelling size)
amongst the different phases of growth in the village.
9.6 Gardens are shorter in the front and larger in the back.
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Roads, street, routes
9.7 The character area can be accessed from Riverside View off Radwell Road in the north
(vehicular and pedestrian) and south (pedestrian only) and London End runs West off
the historic route along River Lane.
Spaces
9.8 There are is a small playground north of River View and a wide open green space in the
south of the area.
Buildings and details
9.9 Two storey detached and semi-detached properties with well-preserved pre-20th
Century dwellings with some recent additions.
9.10 Facade and Elevation Details: mostly red and soft orange brick (sometimes with
decorations), white painted brick (especially in east), some wood frame (along River
Lane)
9.11 Roofs:
London End and River Lane: gabled and cross gabled, hipped
Along Riverside View: hipped, half hipped, pyramid hip, gabled. The mix of roof
patterns is contemporary and more ‘complex’ amongst the larger properties but use
features and styles (such as the half-hip ‘bonnet’) that are evident elsewhere in the
village
made of: slate tiles, red and brown clay tiles (plain and curved).
9.12 Windows: casement windows, hung windows, multi-panes, bay windows are often.
9.13 Other features and elements:
occasional dormer windows,
varied ridge and eaves height,
Various house types incorporate bay windows to the ground floor, with a higher
frequency than seen elsewhere in the village
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varied architectural styles and materials used around London End - River Lane due
to the mix of properties of different ages and historic period
chimneys are common features.
Landmarks
9.14 There are no significant landmarks in this particular area, but there is a good view to the
green field north of River Great Ouse providing open space and outdoor amenity.
Green and natural features
9.15 There is a high diversity of vegetation. The area has a wide opening to the green field
along River Great Ouse and it is adjacent to an open rural landscape immediately the
west beyond the river.
9.16 Small ‘Local Area of Play’ incorporated within the main residential development is likely
an outcome of the planning activity for the scheme and provides local recreation for
very young children.
Streetscape features
9.17 The streetscape is well integrated in the overall local character, combining:
a mixture of boundary treatments: wood, mossy stone, iron, brick, hedgerows, a mixture of pavements, lamp posts - both contemporary and Victorian style e.g. the village ‘Water Pumps’.
Views
9.18 Views to River Great Ouse - south to north (Annex 7).
Uses and activity
9.19 Only residential C3 dwelling houses.
Ambience
9.20 River Great Ouse creates a silent ambient location around the natural areas contributing
to local amenity.
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10 Village Edge
General character area overview
10.1 Peripheral rural area consisting of contemporary buildings (Garden Centre and a car
body shop) with a low FAR (Floor Area Ratio) of 0.20, car parks in front of the Garden
Centre and a playground.
Layout
10.2 Rectangular plots with single buildings on the southern edge of the property line have
a large parking area to the front, next to residential areas in the east.
Roads, street, routes
10.3 Accessed from Radwell Road in south (vehicular and pedestrian) and Rushden Road in
north (mostly vehicular).
Spaces
10.4 There is a large playing field in the middle of the character area and two car parks
adjacent to the Garden Centre and car body shop.
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Buildings and details
10.5 One storey contemporary buildings with completely different design characteristics, low
pitch gambled metalic roofs and red and orange bridle brick for elevations which have
a limited relationship with local residential character.
Landmarks
10.6 Milton Ernest Garden Centre is considered a local landmark and part of the Heritage
Trail and it hosts the Post Office, retail, art supplies, a coffee shop and gardening shop.
Although separate from the village ‘core’ the location is likely to provide an important
role for the local community and appeared well-used.
Green and natural features
10.7 The green fields adjacent to Radwell Road give a good view to the natural rural edge of
the village.
Streetscape features
10.8 The streetscape is strongly influenced by contemporary elements in terms of signage,
boundary treatment (iron fence in north), combination of asphalt and pavement (in
south).
Views
10.9 No significant views.
Uses and activity
10.10 Retail: A1 Shops
Car Body Shop: B2/B8 General Industrial and Storage
Leisure & Recreation: Playground
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Ambience
10.11 Milton Ernest Garden Centre creates the impression of a "potential future community hub" on the edge of the village.
10.12 North of the area (the car body shop) disrupts the perception of rural character of the village due to the reasonably intensive commercial nature of the uses.
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Annex 1 - Local materials
Traditional roof materials and colour
1 2 3 4 5 6
1. Slate tile 4. Plain dark brown concrete tile
2. Plain red clay tile 5. Thatch
3. Plain brown clay or concrete tile 6. Curved shingles
Typical wall materials and colours
7 8 9 10 11 12
7. Stone 10. White painted brick
8. Red brick 11. Pastel coloured textured render
9. Orange brindle brick 12. Stucco
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Annex 2 - Local architecture
Windows and Bays
Dormers
Porches, canopies, orangeries
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Chimneys
Eaves detail
The photographs illustrate some of the more frequently used building elements on the historic buildings in and around Milton Ernest. These elements could be considered representative of the local vernacular. The images are included as inspiration for future reserved matters applications where contemporary interpretations of these historic forms could help to create a locally distinctive character for the new neighbourhood.
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Annex 3 - Textures & Materials
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Annex 4 - Roof Types
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Annex 5 - Signage & Objects
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Annex 6 – Gardens, Boundary Treatments, Green Features HISTORIC MEDIAN
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HISTORIC EASTERN
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70s-80s
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80s-90s
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Annex 7 - Views & Landmarks
Queens Head Hotel (Credits: G. Lokey)
All Saints Church Aerial View
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All Saints Church – View from Church Green
The Old Vicarage – View from Thurleigh Road
All Saints Church – View from Church Cl
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North of Milton Ernest – View to Pre-60s character Area
North of Milton Ernest – Out of the settlement towards the wider rural landscape
River Great Ouse
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Sources
Bedford Borough Council, 2014. Milton Ernest. [Online] Available at: http://bedsarchives.bedford.gov.uk/CommunityArchives/MiltonErnest/ [Accessed January 2017].
Google Maps, n.d. Milton Ernest. [Online] Available at: https://goo.gl/maps/KvVgZLU252p [Accessed January 2017].
Milton Ernest Parish Council, 2010. Parish Plan. [Online] Available at: http://milton-ernest.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/finalreport.pdf [Accessed January 2017].
Milton Ernest Parish Council, n.d. Milton Ernest Parish Council Village Website. [Online] Available at: http://milton-ernest.co.uk/ [Accessed January 2017].
National Library of Scotland, n.d. Georeferenced Maps. [Online] Available at: http://maps.nls.uk/ [Accessed January 2017].
Newman, D., n.d. The Importance of Milton Ernest. [Online] Available at: http://milton-ernest.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/miltontrail.pdf [Accessed January 2017].
Wikipedia, n.d. Milton Ernest. [Online] Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milton_Ernest [Accessed January 2017].
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About Us
Troy Planning + Design is a professional planning consultancy specialising in all aspects of strategic and community planning, working on a wide range of public and private sector planning, development, and design related assignments across the UK and the USA.
See more: troyplanning.com
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