Mitcham Sub Area Neighbourhoods

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DRAFT 12 Pollards Hill Local Neighbourhood

Origins and General Character Hill Golf course which was also later traditionally inspired 6 storey Pollards Hill is a suburban residential closed. The site is now occupied by maisonette blocks were built. During area to the south west of at the the (previously the 1960’s the majority of the prefabs boundary to the borough of . Tamworth Manor high school) and were replaced by the next phase of The neighbourhood is characterised by neighbouring housing. The demolition municipal development which neat rows of inter war houses and the of large houses such as South Lodge comprises a high density low rise post war council houses of the Pollards preceded the building of houses in the scheme of 3 storey houses and flats. Hill housing estate with its distinctive 1920s and 1930s. The scheme was laid out using Greek key layout. ‘perimeter planning’ theory as a result The area was predominantly rural in Development in the area was slow it has a rectilinear Greek key layout set character until the 1930s when the however after the WW1 the council around a series of squares bounded area became suburbanised due to earmarked the neighbourhood as a by Recreation Way. The development housing demand. Early maps suitable site for ‘homes for heroes’. of the Pollards Hill estate was one of illustrate the neighbourhood as tree The late 1920s and 1930s was a the first large scale demonstrations 2 lined fields with farms and the period of growth, particularly to the of building a low rise scheme to a associated large houses dotted across west of the area as the development of relatively high density. The scheme the wider area, these fields were housing rapidly eroded the open space implements the principles of ‘perimeter bordered by woodland namely however not all the planned house planning’ whereby terraces are Pollards Hill Wood. Much of this building was completed by the compactly zigzagging around the edge neighbourhood was in the acreage outbreak of WW2. In the aftermath of of a large open space. The estate of the New Barns Farm also known the war the council erected included a library and community as Galpins, James Arthur a ‘physic prefabricated ‘Arcon’ bungalows to centre, the library was extended and gardener’ grew medicinal and aromatic ease the housing shortage; the first refurbished in 2009. The library was herbs here in the mid-19th century. homes were ready in January 1946. reimagined with a completely new Bec golf club bought the These were intended to be a external envelope to the entire farmhouse and around 100 acres of temporary solution to the housing building. land in 1905 and cleared what crisis; they were to have a short remained of the woodland on lifespan however the last 19 were Part of the estate was transferred to Pollards Hill. The names of some cleared in Middlesex Road in 1970. MOAT housing association in 1998, roads hark back to these farms and During the 1950s the council built which has since demolished four large houses for example Galpins further housing utilising a new type of maisonette blocks dating from the Road, South Lodge Avenue and pre-fabricated 2 storey houses which 1950s as part of a comprehensive Sherwood Park Road. were produced by Wates examples regeneration of the estate to provide Golf Club struggled financially and by are still evident on Chestnut Grove and 1,000 new and refurbished homes 1933 had created the smaller Pollards Carisbrooke Road. In addition 4 more and redeveloped these sites into a Pollards Hill Library Merton borough character study: 12 Pollards Hill Local Neighbourhood mixture of houses and apartments. Pollards Hill Local Neighbourhood

The scheme included refurbishment the area in addition to other of ‘Wates’ and ‘Wimpy system built buildings such as the library and homes, redevelopment, new-build and community centres. maintenance work to this mixed tenure estate. Land Use Primarily the area comprises of residential houses and flats. It also Built Form The built form varies from interwar contains a wide range of community housing, post war council estates to facilities including a library, community modern development. The interwar centre, youth centre, a children’s houses to the west are typically 2 centre, a neighbourhood police station, storeys low density terrace blocks 3 primary schools, and a secondary with front and back gardens. The road school. In September 2006, Harris Academy opened on the former layout particularly to the southwest of 3 the neighbourhood radiates out from site of Tamworth Manor High School. central roundabout with There are also two churches, interconnecting streets between. Sherwood Park Road and Wide Way.

In general suburban houses of the inter-war years have a basic 2 storey similarity; subtle distinctions in their detailing and proportions can be seen emerging as different estates were built and popular design often being Figure Ground repeated in other parts of the area. To the east of the neighbourhood there are typical post war prefabricated houses and flats with simplistic Neo- Georgian architecture interspersed with later flat developments. The north of the area has a distinctive open grain of the Pollards Hill Estate which is a series of closes arranged in Greek Key layout along Recreation Way. Larger blocks denote the numerous schools in Merton borough character study: 12 Pollards Hill Local Neighbourhood Pollards Hill Local Neighbourhood

Movement In terms of public transport and accessibility Pollards Hill is an isolated area. The main movement corridors in this area are local distributor roads, traffic is heaviest along these roads. Sherwood Park Road and Wide Way feed onto South Lodge Avenue, these 3 routes intersect at a roundabout. Public transport accessibility is poor apart from a number of bus routes which serve this area. Other public transport links are limited, the nearest train station is at and 4 , with the nearest stop being at Lane station, these stations are about a 20 minute View of Donnelly Green from South Lodge Avenue New Barnes Avenue Allotment walk from the neighbourhood. Cycling facilities are scarce and there are no designated cycling lanes. contains a play area and outdoor gym. private adds leafy characteristic to the In addition there is Sherwood Park area. Open Space Recreation Ground which comprises of There are a number of open spaces in tennis courts, pavilion and play areas. the area which are accessible to the There are also enclosed pockets of public for recreation purposes. Pollards green space within the Pollards Hill Hill Recreation Ground is a large green Estate and a small green space off space for all the community to relax, both Robinhood Close and Hertford walk and play. Within the open space Way. There are also grass verges there is a play area for toddlers and and islands on Chestnut Grove which juniors. There is also an outdoor gym, enhance the area. There are additional skatepark, a goal end, basketball nets open spaces adjacent to the and a shelter for teenagers. Central numerous schools in the area which to the Pollards Hill Estate is Donnelly are not accessible to the public. The Green which is a large grass area that New Barns Avenue Allotment although

Merton borough character study: 12 Pollards Hill Local Neighbourhood Pollards Hill Local Neighbourhood Neighbourhood Analysis

General Neighbourhood Characteristics

Major movement corridor

Major Gateway

Neighbourhood node needing enhancement

Positive Neighbourhood Characteristics

Local landmark

Key view to green space

PH1 PH3 Glimpsed views 5

Green space

Significant tree / group of trees

Topography gradient

PH2 Negative Neighbourhood Characteristics

PH Public realm enhancement needed

Merton borough character study: 12 Pollards Hill Local Neighbourhood Pollards Hill Local Neighbourhood Heritage Assets

Heritage map to be added at later stage

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Merton borough character study: 12 Pollards Hill Local Neighbourhood Pollards Hill Local Neighbourhood Character Areas 1 New Barns

2 Yorkshire Road

3 Recreation Way

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Merton borough character study: 12 Pollards Hill Local Neighbourhood 1 New Barns Character Area Assessment

This area comprises of interwar floor with black timber beam typically 2 storey low density houses decoration on upper floor on white Criteria Based with front and back gardens. Houses render. Features include canted bay are formally arranged in terraces along with gable detail canopy porch with Assessment The qualitative attributes of each character streets that radiate out from central red tiled roof. Along Wide Way there area are assessed by using the following neighbourhood node with streets is a distinctive terrace of maisonettes criteria: intersecting between. There is a which retains some of its original Identity horizontal emphasis to houses in this character, originally these were brown Urban Layout Movement area using elements such as brick on ground floor with recessed Architectural Interest casement windows and tiled bay porch some of which have wide brick Built Form windows. There are similar arch. The upper floors are pebbledash, Public Realm architectural motifs throughout the some pairs are decorated with timber Trees Landscape area such as double square or canted beam, and other features include brick Features bays, red tile hangings across bays quoins and canted bay. Front gardens 8 Economic Vitality or on canopy porches, timber beam were bound by manicured hedges decoration on upper floor and or much of which has been lost along Each criteria point is scored according to whether the contribution made to the across front gable. Finishes are varied with building details such as original character area is good, moderate or poor. from painted white or cream render, doors and windows. On Robinhood The total score defines whether an pebbledash and red brick at ground Close there is a terrace of area is an: floor with render on upper floor with maisonettes in a similar palette of 1) Area of established high quality some houses having additional brick materials however these have 2) Area with scope to reinforce the quoin decoration. Natural clay pan roof distinctive shared gabled between existing character tiles are also prevalent in the area. pairs. A building of note is the Church 3) Area requiring enhancement to There have been changes to the finish of the Ascension which is red brick, reinforce identity on houses throughout this character neo georgian in style built to blend in Character area assessment sheets with breakdown of score and area such as painting over of brickwork with the surrounding suburban neighbourhood assessment map are located and or pebbledash in different colours, housing. Many of the front gardens at the end of the chapter. loss of original fenestration, infilling or have well established planting which Overall Score: 70 addition of porches and the addition of makes a positive contribution to the roof lights. However there are streets street scene, however there has been Area type: which have retained the cohesive paving over of front gardens and loss character of interwar suburbia such of front boundary walls or hedges Area with scope to reinforce the as Elm Gardens and Dahlia Gardens. which detracts from the area. Tree existing character There is uniformity in the terraced planting along some streets makes a houses which are red brick at ground positive contribution however could be Church of the Ascension on Sherwood Park Road Merton borough character study: 12 Pollards Hill Local Neighbourhoodstrengthened throughout the area. 1 New Barns Character Area Issues & Guidance

Issues Public Realm: • Paving; tarmac and paving slabs, fragmented finish in places. • Lack of tree planting. • Loss of front boundary and or front garden. Built Form: • Proliferation of satelite dishes on houses in some streets which creates visual clutter along the front elevation. • Loss of original detail such as windows, doors and painting over of Elm Gardens Beverley Road brickwork. • Inappropriate addition of porches or dormer extension which break the architectural rhythm of terraces. • Changes to front elevation of roofs such as the addition roof lights. 9

Guidance Public Realm: • Strenghten tree planting. • Retain original boundary and / or front garden if present. Built Form: Vale Road Sherwood Park Road • All alterations to properties to be informed by the original detailing and materials. • Roof lights should where possible be located on the rear elevation of houses.

Enhancement Projects

PH 1: Strenghten tree planting throughout the area.

Wide Way Oriel Close Robinhood Lane Merton borough character study: 12 Pollards Hill Local Neighbourhood 2 Yorkshire Road Character Area Assessment

This area comprises houses and flats timber cladding evident on Middlesex from different periods with an Road and typically have minimal front Criteria Based overriding simplicity to the architecture. garden and parking without front There is much similarity between boundary. In the 2000s similar houses Assessment The qualitative attributes of each character council houses which were erected were built on streets such as Yorkshire area are assessed by using the following from the 1950s through to the 1980s Road, in addition to 3 storey criteria: and early 2000s. apartment blocks on Hertford Way and Identity The post war houses built on streets Berkshire Way. These contemporary Urban Layout Movement such as Carisbrooke Road and developments use a similar palette Architectural Interest Chestnut Grove are typical and simplistic architecture as earlier Built Form prefabricated 2 storey houses or 3 development however there is minimal Public Realm storey flat blocks manufactured by front garden space and car parking is Trees Landscape Wates and erected by the council in very much to the fore of these Features the 1950s. These were influenced by developments with parking bay 10 Economic Vitality the simplicity of Georgian architecture. arrangement adjacent the street. They are arranged in terrace blocks These formalised bays and spaces Each criteria point is scored according to whether the contribution made to the however some are detached, houses, tend to dominate the street scene. character area is good, moderate or poor. have relatively generous front There are also 4 storey maisonette The total score defines whether an garden with fence or brick boundary blocks dating from the 1950s along area is an: and back gardens. Neo-Georgian Middlesex road. These were built in a 1) Area of established high quality features evident in the area are simple traditional style with Georgian 2) Area with scope to reinforce the elevations in red or yellow brick, influences, they have simple elevation existing character casement windows, simple canopy in brown brick with hipped roof and tall 3) Area requiring enhancement to over front door, front gable protrusion chimney stacks, flats are accessed by reinforce identity and low pitched roof. Houses built in external balcony on one side of the Character area assessment sheets with breakdown of score and the 1950s are on larger plots building whilst private balconies are on neighbourhood assessment map are located therefore there is an openness to the the opposite side. The blocks are at the end of the chapter. street scene. This openness is arranged horizontally in a row of 3 set Overall Score: 60 complemented by pockets of green in small green space behind railings. space. Subsequent incarnations of There has been loss of front gardens Area type: this housing type are similar in form for car parking which detracts from the however plots are smaller with minimal street scene. Also there has been a Area with scope to reinforce the garden space and car parking tends to more recent developments have put existing character dominate. Later additions incorporate an emphasis on car parking to the additional features such as the brown detriment of the pedestrian Berkshire Road Merton borough character study: 12 Pollards Hill Local Neighbourhoodenvironment. 2 Yorkshire Road Character Area Issues & Guidance

Issues

Public Realm: • Lack of tree planting in some streets and loss of original grass verges in places. • Variety in front boundary treatment degrades the cohesion of street scene. • Carparking in recent developments dominates the streetscape. Built Form: • Proliferation of satelite dishes on houses in some streets which creates Carisbrooke Road Westmorland Way visual clutter along the front elevation. • Loss of front boundary and or front garden. • Inappropriate addition of porches which break the architectural rhythm of terraces. 11

Guidance

Public Realm: • Strenghten tree planting. • Retain original boundary if present. Yorkshire Road Hertford Way Built Form: • All alterations to properties to be informed by the original detailing and materials. Enhancement Project • Retain existing front boundaries and front gardens. • Roof lights or PV panels should where possible be located on the rear elevation of houses. PH2: Strenghten tree planting throughout the area.

Lancaster Avenue Merton borough character study: 12 Pollards Hill Local Neighbourhood 3 Recreation Way Character Area Assessment

This area comprises high density low culminating in a large open space rise housing completed in the early along South Lodge Avenue. Criteria Based 1970s to the east of the area and Towards the neighbourhood centre is school buildings to the west. The area the library building which was Assessment The qualitative attributes of each character is characterised by the openness of refurbished in 2009 and is a focal point area are assessed by using the following the built form with buildings set in in the area. It is a one storey building criteria: green open space. with entrance onto South Lodge Identity Avenue and glazed front façade. Urban Layout Movement The housing to the east has a Around the entrance there is a Architectural Interest distinctive layout which runs from cladding feature which extends above Built Form Recreation Way across to the height of the building and Public Realm Lancaster Avenue. The estate consists incorporates grey and blue panels. Trees Landscape of 3 storey houses and flats, laid out in Features a rectilinear Greek key form which To the west are the Merton 12 Economic Vitality meander around the edge of Harris Academy and Recreation Road. The terraces school buildings which are set back Each criteria point is scored according to whether the contribution made to the compactly zigzagging around the edge from the road behind established trees. character area is good, moderate or poor. of a generously large open space.The The Merton Harris Academy consists The total score defines whether an estate buildings are stark in of a series of two storey contemporary area is an: appearance; they are constructed in blocks in red brick with yellow brick 1) Area of established high quality prefabricated concrete framework with and multi panelled glazing strips. The 2) Area with scope to reinforce the white stove enamel panels, wooden William Morris school is a single storey existing character frame windows. Terraces are accessed red brick building. The Pollards Hill 3) Area requiring enhancement to off Recreation Way or South Lodge recreation ground is located to the rear reinforce identity Avenue via cul de sac roads. Terraces of these buildings. Character area assessment sheets with breakdown of score and have integral garages and face onto neighbourhood assessment map are located garage courts. The surrounding at the end of the chapter. landscape and planting was conceived Overall Score: 65 to contrast the starkness of the buildings appearance. There is a Area type: hierarchy of open space around the estate which ranges from small private Area with scope to reinforce the gardens which back onto small grassy existing character squares that are partly enclosed by the rectilinear building layout Pollards Hill Library Merton borough character study: 12 Pollards Hill Local Neighbourhood 3 Recreation Way Character Area Issues & Guidance

Issues

Public Realm: • Paving and other surface materials patchy and in need of revitalisation. • Public and private spaces conflict and detract from the overall vision of the estate. • Large areas surrounding the estate are given over to parking with little landscape. • Lanscaped areas in need of maintenance. • Quality of most areas of the public realm is poor. Donnelly Green on South Lodge Road Kent Close Built Form: • Enamelled panel cladding has weathered. 13 • Piecemeal alterations such as replacement windows in a variety of styles and fenestration patterns has damaged the architectural unity of the estate. • Satellite dishes on balconies disrupt the simple line of the elevations.

Guidance Merton Harris Academy on the Wide Way Lincoln Close Public Realm: • The area is in need of comprehensive public real enhancement to upgrade the landscape and parking and to improve the hierarchy of spaces from Enhancement Project private through to public.

PH3: Public realm enhancements Built Form: around the estate incorporating • Refurbishment scheme required to revamp the visual appearance of the additional planting. estate whilst retaining and enhancing the successful parts of the original concept.

Northumberland Gardens Merton borough character study: 12 Pollards Hill Local Neighbourhood Pollards Hill Local Neighbourhood

1 New Barns Chacracter Area 2 Yorkshire Road Character Area

Good: Moderate: Poor: Good: Moderate: Poor: Makes a Makes some Does not Makes a Makes some Does not Character Area Assessment Criteria significant direct contribute Character Area Assessment Criteria significant direct contribute Contribution contribution Contribution contribution (Value of 0) (Value of 0) (Value of 10) (Value of 5) (Value of 10) (Value of 5)

Identity: Clearly identifiable edges that distinguish the area Identity: Clearly identifiable edges that distinguish the area from the surrounding development from the surrounding development

Urban Layout: Strong street pattern or road layout with well Urban Layout: Strong street pattern or road layout with well defined public spaces defined public spaces

Movement: Building and street layout that is easy to find your Movement: Building and street layout that is easy to find your way around with good connections to the surrounding streets way around with good connections to the surrounding streets

Architectural Interest : Area containing buildings of Architectural Interest : Area containing buildings of architectural or historic interest architectural or historic interest 14

Built form: Buildings with cohesive scale, massing and details Built form: Buildings with cohesive scale, massing and details

Public Realm: High quality public realm and or generally Public Realm: High quality public realm and or generally consistent boundary treatments consistent boundary treatments

Trees: Significant trees or shrubs that make a positive Trees: Significant trees or shrubs that make a positive contribution to the identity of the area contribution to the identity of the area

Landscape: Green open spaces or riverside areas that make a Landscape: Green open spaces or riverside areas that make a positive contribution to the identity of the area positive contribution to the identity of the area

Features: Topography, significant views or landmarks that Features: Topography, significant views or landmarks that contribute to the experience of being within the area contribute to the experience of being within the area

Economic Vitality : Area with few vacant or underused sites Economic Vitality : Area with few vacant or underused sites which affect the character which affect the character

Criteria Score 5040 130030 Criteria Score 5040 1020

Character Area Total Score 70 Character Area Total Score 60

Merton borough character study: 12 Pollards Hill Local Neighbourhood Pollards Hill Local Neighbourhood

3 Recreation Way Character Area

Good: Moderate: Poor: Makes a Makes some Does not Character Area Assessment Criteria significant direct contribute Contribution contribution (Value of 0) (Value of 10) (Value of 5)

Identity: Clearly identifiable edges that distinguish the area from the surrounding development

Urban Layout: Strong street pattern or road layout with well defined public spaces

Movement: Building and street layout that is easy to find your way around with good connections to the surrounding streets

Architectural Interest : Area containing buildings of architectural or historic interest 15

Built form: Buildings with cohesive scale, massing and details

Public Realm: High quality public realm and or generally consistent boundary treatments

Trees: Significant trees or shrubs that make a positive contribution to the identity of the area

Landscape: Green open spaces or riverside areas that make a positive contribution to the identity of the area

Features: Topography, significant views or landmarks that contribute to the experience of being within the area

Economic Vitality : Area with few vacant or underused sites which affect the character

Criteria Score 5050 1015

Character Area Total Score 65

Merton borough character study: 12 Pollards Hill Local Neighbourhood Pollards Hill Local Neighbourhood Character Area Assessment

1 New Barns

2 Yorkshire Road

3 Recreation Way Area of established high quality Area with scope to reinforce existing character 2 Area requiring enhancement to reinforce identity 16

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Merton borough character study: 12 Pollards Hill Local Neighbourhood