SELBORNE Village Design Statement

1 SELBORNE Village Design Statement

Contents

Introduction 2

The village context 4

The character of the landscape setting 8

Settlement pattern, character areas and spatial types 10

Buildings in the village 11

Streets and lanes 20

Conclusion 27

Appendix i 28 Introduction to the Hamilton-Baillie Associates Report

Appendix ii 29 Key views

Appendix iii 30 Footpath map

CREDITS Normally there should be a credit for each image reproduced and also for the printer. Also the date of printing. Introduction

What is a Village Design Statement? A Village Design Statement (VDS) is a practical tool to help influence decisions on design and development. It provides a clear statement of the character of a village against which planning applications can be assessed. It is produced by and for local communities and provides guidance for would-be developers in order to influence the success or otherwise of planning applications. It ensures that any new developments reflect the local characteristics and qualities that people value in the village and its surroundings.

The VDS for Selborne is written in order to inform future development proposals and to assist the South Downs National Park ...’a square piece of ground surrounded by houses, and vulgarly called The Plestor’ Authority (SDNPA), as the Local Planning Authority (LPA), in achieving its first Why produce one for How has it been produced? How will it work? Who is it for? What does it cover? statutory purpose: the conservation and Selborne? enhancement of the natural beauty, wildlife This VDS has been produced by residents This VDS describes the settlement of The VDS provides guidance for anyone This VDS follows the SDNPA recommended and cultural heritage of the area. It should The aim of the VDS is to ensure that any of the Selborne with the support of Selborne Selborne as it is today and highlights the considering development in the area. It will format and contains sections on: be read in conjunction with the Selborne future development and change in the Parish Council, SDNPA and EHDC. The qualities that residents value. It is intended be as valuable to individual householders Local Landscape Character Assessment village are based on an understanding VDSs are the result of public consultation to be a practical tool capable of influencing wishing to build extensions or to put in • the village context (LLCA) http://www.selbornelandscape. of the area’s past and present. It draws involving the whole of Selborne at all decisions affecting design and development new windows as it will be to planners, org.uk/, in which detailed historical, attention to what is special about the stages including: in the village. It should assist Selborne developers and architects considering new • the character areas and spatial types geographical and topographical data buildings, open spaces and settings of Parish Council and the SDNPA when buildings. It provides a source of ideas for of the landscape setting about Selborne, together with descriptions Selborne and its immediate vicinity – and • a number of public meetings and considering planning applications. designers to work with local building styles of the local landscape designations gives residents a say in the future of their an exhibition which have helped to make Selborne what • settlement pattern character (SAC, SSSIs and SINCs) and constraints village by producing guidance on respecting People applying for planning permission it is today. maps, can also be found. these qualities. Local character could • an extensive questionnaire distributed in the village will need to show that they • buildings in the village easily be threatened by unsympathetic to each household have complied with the guidance when Change is brought about not only by new The VDS also specifically relates to local development. drawing up their proposals. Disregard of buildings, but also by smaller day-to-day • streets and lanes distinctiveness and design matters, • involvement by local schoolchildren this guidance could result in refusal of alterations to homes and gardens, open leaving the LPA in no doubt as to the This VDS identifies the distinctive character planning permission. Appeal decisions spaces, paths, walls and hedges which can Each section concludes with a number of kind of characteristics that are appropriate of the village and its buildings in terms • opportunity for each household to within the village, e.g. at Burlands Field affect the look and feel of a whole village. ‘Design Guidelines’ for future development. and acceptable to the local community. of size, shape, proportion, scale and comment on a draft version (Culvercroft) and Under The Hill (Barn Field), Taken together with the accompanying materials. It thus informs the design have highlighted this point, as evidenced in In summary, the VDS is intended to guide: text, these guidelines provide details of decisions of architects, developers, • consultation with the SDNPA and the Inspectors’ Decision Letters. the qualities which local people hold dear. householders and highway authorities. district council officers • local householders, businesses and It is hoped that this guidance will ensure It updates and is informed by the VDS farmers that all development is designed and located in such a way as to reflect local for Selborne that was adopted by East • statutory bodies and providers of services characteristics and to respect local values. Hampshire District Council (EHDC) in 2001. and utilities

• local authorities

• developers and builders

• architects, designers, planners and engineers Throughout the VDS, “Selborne” and “village” refers to the Parish of Selborne as defined by A copy has been provided to every the Electoral Register. household in the parish. THE WREN 2 3 The village context

Geographical and historical The quintessential character of Selborne The village as it is today: background and its setting in the Hampshire countryside the people, economics and is much as it was at the time of White’s future prospects The parish of Selborne lies within the death at the end of the 18th century, save East Hampshire part of the South Downs that alterations to the road network and a In 1783, White recorded that Selborne’s National Park. The village has its origins as vastly increased volume of through-traffic population was 313 with house numbers an agricultural community in Saxon times have severely affected the tranquillity of around 60. The population is now over and the oldest known reference to it is as the area. Many of the scenes recorded 600 and house numbers exceed 300. ‘Selesburne’ in the Domesday Book (1086). Lonely horse on the Punfle by Gilbert White can still be seen in and The village’s fame attracts many thousands around the village today. of tourists to the area who are vitally One of the most celebrated villages in important to the local economy. Superfast England, Selborne owes its world renown The setting of the village, between the broadband now allows more people to work to the 18th-century curate, naturalist and steeply rising wooded hangers and sloped from home. The community supports St View across Barnfield to fields beyond chronicler Gilbert White, who was born in Lythes (pronounced Liths) which run down Mary’s Church; a primary school; village the village, lived there nearly all his life and to the Oakhanger Stream, is quite dramatic. store and post office; pub; pottery; small wrote the much-acclaimed The Natural Yet once within the village, the small- retail shop; village hall; recreation ground History and Antiquities of Selborne (1789), scale historic buildings set close up to the with pavilion; children’s playground and The High Street c. 1905 which has been translated into many winding streets create a strong sense of allotments; tea room; Gilbert White & The languages and remains in print today. enclosure and tranquillity. Oates Collections (The Wakes); the Field Studies Centre and numerous societies. Much has been written about the history, The strong landscape setting, many The former village workhouse, Fisher’s geography, climate and natural history historic buildings, narrow winding Buildings, scene of the Selborne riots of of Selborne by its most famous son and streets, the use of local materials and 1830, still exists but is now converted into by many others. In The Natural History of varied viewpoints and spaces combine private residences. Selborne Gilbert White records: successfully to create the attractive character and setting of Selborne. Farming remains an important part of The village stands in a sheltered spot, Selborne life. Even though the village View of Kimbers secured by The Hanger from the strong The Selborne Arms The importance of the village and its has lost its two farms situated within the westerly winds. The air is soft, but rather adjoining countryside was acknowledged settlement to housing development, farming moist from the effluvia of so many trees; by the designation of Selborne’s in the area still informs its character. of farming in the wider landscape is popular with some people, causing yet perfectly healthy and free from agues. Conservation Area in 1970. One of Large argicultural vehicles make their way increasing and perhaps holds out promise significant damage to these lanes. The quantity of rain that falls on it is very the earliest Conservation Areas to be through the village, slowing traffic in the for a rural economy in the future. It is Hot-air ballooning in the area is popular considerable, as may be supposed in so designated in East Hampshire, it has since High Street and using the narrow lanes to recorded that grapes were grown on strip and still creates much interest in the woody and mountainous a district. been extended twice, in 1976 and 1993, access the fields. There is mixed farming, lynchets at Selborne in the 17th and 18th village, as it did one fine October day following public consultation. It has also with pasture for cattle and sheep, grazing centuries, so perhaps the vineyards will in 1784 when the French balloonist The ‘quantity of rain’ can still be ‘very been recognised by the National Trust, for horses, cereal crops, vegetables, return, as has already happened in Jean-Pierre Blanchard was sighted in considerable’, creating flooding at Gracious which has acquired several important oil-seed rape and apple orchards. There a neighbouring parish. Coppicing of his ‘machine’, which appeared to Gilbert Street, Fountain Road and Honey Lane. An event at The Wakes sites, including the Hanger (SSSI, SAC) are celebrated herds of Longhorn, South woodland and the rearing of game birds White’s indefatigable eye ‘no bigger than that provides the iconic backdrop for Devon, Aberdeen Angus crosses and are well established throughout the parish. a large tea-urn’. the village. Many of the scenes recorded Friesian cattle. Highland cattle and sheep Selborne brickworks have historically by Gilbert White can still be seen in and are often pastured in the woodlands and produced many of the bricks employed around the village today. fields of National Trust land. Diversification locally. Malmstone is no longer quarried.

Horse riding and other traditional country pursuits are followed widely within the community. One of the key characteristics of Selborne is its network of ancient sunken and hollow lanes. Some of these are metalled nowadays, some are green lanes and others are Byways Open to All Traffic (BOATs). They provide opportunities for people to enjoy walking, nature study and cycling. Unfortunately, motorbike scrambling, quad biking and St Mary’s Parish Church from the south Long Lythe Pond four-wheel-drive vehicles have become THE HERON 4 5

1 www.easthants.gov.uk/selborne-conservation-area-22-mb Design Guidelines

• Planning policies to protect the special qualities of the South Downs National Park should be strictly applied throughout the parish.

• Any development should be within the curtilage of the Settlement Policy Boundary or within any housing allocation site in the SDNPA Local Plan. The preferred location for affordable housing is Walkers heading up Wood Lane also within the same boundary. A glimpse of the Hanger Rural Exception Sites of 100% will from Gracious Street only be considered where they are • All new development should have • Where an industry, such as the acceptable in landscape terms. safe access to the highway. Parking brickworks, exists in the rural Affordable housing should remain associated with new development landscape it should be protected Special considerations affordable in perpetuity. should be achieved in rear or side as an employment site. that affect development first-time buyers and the elderly. Most no other sites are available, some parking areas that are shielded preferred that this should be within the support was given to building affordable • Any new development should be from view and that do not detract • Glimpses of the Hanger and views pressures in the village curtilage of the existing Settlement housing outside the boundary, but only restricted to small numbers of new from the characteristic layout of to and from it between buildings Many villagers, in their response to the Policy Boundary (SPB), as any erosion for the benefit of the local community. buildings and to the redevelopment, the village. should be maintained wherever VDS Questionnaire and to the Selborne of the surrounding countryside with New development should be confined conversion and extension of existing development is considered. Village Community Plan questionnaire, building development would undermine to small numbers of new buildings on buildings only. The design and • Any new development must avoid strongly supported the provision of the special character of the village and infill plots and to the redevelopment, materials of new buildings should known areas of possible flooding See Appendix ii of key views. more affordable housing for the benefit its landscape setting and could set a conversion and extension of existing reflect the traditional vernacular and must not exacerbate or create of the local community, young families, harmful precedent. In the event that buildings within the SPB. of the village. flooding problems elsewhere .

Selborne School from Gracious Street

Via Canonorum

6 7 The Character of the Landscape Setting

The visual character of the Sunken lanes Kimbers, an unusually steep-sloped pasture with the look of an Alpine meadow; the surrounding countryside The narrow rural lanes are usually defined Plantation; the woods of Milking Hanger by maintained hedgerows, frequently It is almost impossible to over emphasise and Great Dorton; the view of Church sunken and lined by substantial vegetation, the importance of Selborne’s landscape View of Church Meadow Meadow from the churchyard; the Nature and make for difficult access. Sunken setting and its historical significance. Reserves of Selborne Common and Noar lanes are a particular feature of this part In his Townscape with Figures (1994) Hill; and the gushing spring of Wellhead. Richard Hoggart has written: of East Hampshire. They are valuable as wildlife habitats and are historically King’s Field once provided the setting The jewels in that lovely irregular crown round noteworthy. The lanes and their associated for White’s experiment with echoes. Farnham are Gilbert White’s Selborne and hedgerows are of ancient origin. Ancient The mole cricket, already rare in Gilbert Jane Austen’s Chawton both of them by some tracks between settlements were worn White’s time, has now apparently The Zig Zag St Mary’s Parish Church from Dorton extraordinary good fortune much as they were down into the soft chalk or greensand over disappeared from the Short Lythe, and a couple of hundred years ago. the centuries by the feet of people, horses boys who still fish for bullhead, trout and and cattle – and later by carts and The valley of the Long Lythe stickleback are now less successful than The LLCA provides a comprehensive Gilbert White puts forward the suggestion carriages. Wind and rain have also played a they would have been in his time. Rooks Design Guidelines part in erosion and in places sunken lanes description of the context in which that Selborne’s countryside is mountainous. make their raucous cacophony as they • The predominantly deciduous are now up to 6 metres below the level of Selborne lies in the landscape. Perhaps only giving a little allowance for the continually fight and pull each other’s nature of the woodland should be surrounding land. Many of the sunken hyperbole, it can be seen what he meant, nests to pieces in the tops of the beech maintained. Indigenous species are lanes have been metalled and now serve Designations recognising for the landscape is certainly dramatic, trees just as they have done every spring always preferred. the special character scenic, picturesque and forever throwing up as minor roads. Others are green lanes, since White reported this on 14 March of the area surprises in an extensive woodland setting bridleways or footpaths. The depth, varied 1765. The swallows return every year to • Selborne’s landscape is an of steep escarpments, gushing springs, aspects and varying degrees of shade in skim the Park, snapping up insects on the inheritance. It is vital that this is SDNP (2010) rushing torrents, tucked-away pastures, the sunken lanes provide unique micro- wing as their predecessors have been doing cherished and nurtured. Whilst large Outlying farms hidden valleys and sunken lanes. In the climates. The mix of soil, bare rock, root since White noticed them and described areas come under the conservation Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) responses to the questionnaire, there was stumps and water seepage from the fields them in his letters to Daines Barrington and policy of the National Trust, there Coombe Wood a strongly expressed view that it was vital above provide exceptional habitats for The relationship between just as they must have been doing outside are many acres of countryside in and The Lythe 1951 that this heritage be nurtured and sustained flowering plants, ferns, mosses and lichens. the surrounding countryside his bedroom window at the time of his the village in private ownership. Any Selborne Common 1954 The lanes are rich in insects, molluscs, for future generations. and the village edges death in June 1793. development must be very sensitive small mammals and birds. However, a to the defining village landscape. Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation lack of appropriate management, modern The Hanger provides a magnificent Although their numbers have declined (SINCs) agricultural practices and leisure vehicles backdrop. If one has the stamina to in recent years, Selborne also has an • The ancient sunken lanes are rich in Short Lythe are causing severe erosion on ancient, climb the Zig Zag, from its top 91 metres important swift nesting site and in flora and filices. They are of interest Sparrow’s Hanger sunken lanes and are threatening their above the High Street there are fine views summer these iconic birds are heard to naturalists but are also a place of High Wood Meadow future. The conservation and enhancement over the village and the wider landscape and seen flying over Selborne. recreation for walkers, cyclists and of sunken lanes is a stated objective of beyond. The views across the pastureland horse riders. Development should National Trust the SDNPA in its Local Plan and the linking the Hanger to the settlement are an not be permitted where it generates authority also offers advice to users, important feature, greatly valued by inappropriate Hangers Way long-distance Regional Trail managers and owners. villagers and visitors from all over the world. traffic which could damage or erode Looking up Nine Acres Lane the banks of sunken lanes. Countryside Stewardship Agreement Land The Wakes Park • Agricultural buildings should be National Trust The relationship between the village and special carefully designed to minimise (Church Meadow, Long Lythe, South their bulk and should be sited to side of Selborne Common) landscape features Gilbert White’s barrel vantage point restored reduce any harmful impact upon the There are many features in the landscape, landscape. East Hampshire Hangers Special Area of all relating to the village in different ways, Conservation (SAC): contributing to its character and sustaining • Development should not be permitted Coombe Wood, The Lythe and Selborne its reputation for the field study of flora where access requires cutting into Common and fauna. Residents love the Hanger as a the banks of sunken lanes. dominating backdrop. They also appreciate other features, including the valleys of the • The use of timber cladding and Lythes and Rifle Range; The Wakes and dark roofing materials should be its restored gardens and Park providing encouraged. Roof profiles should be Greensand formation in Nine Acres Lane Honey Lane a picturesque setting for grazing sheep; Field Studies Centre low and kept below the tree line.

8 9 Settlement pattern, character areas and spatial types Built areas of Selborne

View of the village and it’s ‘green apron’ running parallel with the Hanger

Overall pattern of the village, distinct character areas, are not regularly laid out or of uniform The bends and turns of the road respond design but have a composed variety. directly to the landscape. Many buildings zones and layouts They were developed by different hands, are small cottages that front on to the street In 1789 Gilbert White described the at different times, but all contribute to or on to the narrow lanes that branch from relationship between the landscape and the creation of an attractive, animated it. Buildings face on to streets and spaces the village form: public realm. to enhance their essential public function. Characteristic linear development along At the foot of this hill, one stage or step Many buildings retain their historical the High Street and the narrow lanes is from the uplands, lies the village, which interest through their name or architectural one building deep; buildings back on to consists of one single straggling street, three detail. Examples include Fishers Buildings, the countryside without backland quarters of a mile in length, in a sheltered scene of the Selborne Riots of 1830, development. vale, and running parallel with the hanger. and the Old Butchers Shop, across the High Street from White’s study. Developments that depart from the Gilbert White: The Natural History and characteristic linear arrangement include Antiquities of Selborne. The village has a distinctive form and those at Goslings Croft, Hastards Lane, relationship to its landscape setting that Maltbys, Ketchers Field and Grange Farm. The close relationship between the Hanger, is unusually well conserved and highly the stream and the form of the village is sensitive to change. It is characterised All of these, apart from Grange Farm, are clear. The linear character is only modified by a strong linear pattern at the foot of more modern. Grange Farm is detached at The Plestor, which provides the village’s the Hanger and following the line of the from the village and does not exhibit the primary public open space by the Church. Oakhanger Stream. The characteristic same linear qualities as the properties linear settlement pattern is determined fronting the High Street. As a historic Selborne is still a small-scale rural village. by and responds closely to topography. farmstead, it has a characteristic courtyard It has grown piecemeal over the centuries This pattern is intrinsic to Selborne’s arrangement. Housing developments that from its centre around The Plestor, along cultural heritage and should be depart from the characteristic qualities of the Selborne road as it twists through respected and reflected in future Selborne are considered to detract from a gap in high ground at the foot of the development to ensure its conservation local character, local distinctiveness and famous Hanger. Its characteristic buildings and enhancement. sense of place. © Crown copyright 2016 OS 100052167

10 11 The settlement pattern may be considered Huckers Lane showing as three distinct character areas, zones part of Dowlings with its old barn and ancient walls or layouts: the High Street, the rural lanes running from it, and Goslings Croft. The centre of the village is compact. There are more dispersed areas of development in Selborne Pottery Gracious Street and in the part of the High Street to the south of the Selborne Arms, where gaps between properties are generally These sit directly fronting the road with in the traditional malmstone with brick Goslings Croft was added to the earlier New greater and more varied than in the centre. back gardens that rise up to the field and to quoins and again fronting the lane. There Road Cottages in 1948. Since then, houses the Hanger beyond, all forming part of the are several more new houses to the south have been built in Hastards Lane and small The High Street characteristic ‘green apron’ that provides that have been sympathetically designed to housing estates have been built at Maltby’s, an iconic setting for the Hanger and for its blend with the vernacular of the village. Ketchers Field and in the vicinity of Grange Gilbert White’s three-quarters-of-a-mile relationship with the village. More detailed Farm, so far without drastically altering straggling street and the areas off it: descriptions of Gracious Street are to be Honey Lane is the ancient route towards the rural character of the straggling street. Gracious Street found in the Selborne Landscape Character Woolmer Forest, most of it being an Developments which have departed from In the centre of the village, and near Assessment. ancient sunken lane overshadowed by the characteristic settlement pattern should Dowlings Anciently, or Field 527, is part of the church, is a square piece of ground Open spaces within the village trees. Nowadays it leads to Blackmoor not be regarded as precedents for the the Conservation Area between the former surrounded by houses, and vulgarly The Plestor, Barn Field (Under the Hill), and Rural Lanes and beyond. There are a couple of houses village’s future growth, as to do so would Queen’s Hotel and Church Meadow; it called The Plestor. the School Field and the recreation ground bordering and fronting the lane at the be to further erode the village’s character. provides delightful open views from Huckers Kite Hill, Huckers Lane, Honey Lane and are noted open spaces within the village. They edge of Selborne but the lane gives way Selborne must remain in harmony with its Lane and from the rear of the former hotel White’s straggling street, nowadays known Galley Hill are turnings off the High Street: are important features which are different in to countryside very soon after its junction setting, history and cultural heritage. towards the Church and to Church Meadow as the High Street, has a linear pattern character and afford views through the village with the High Street. and beyond to the Lythes. with many historic and listed buildings Kite Hill and Plum Fell Lane, a recent Ever since the first questionnaires for the to the wider landscape beyond. that front on to it. corruption of Punfle Lane, are edged by four Galley Hill turns west towards East Tisted original VDS identified it, there has been These open spaces are typical of the 18th-century cottages, all facing the road Only on The Plestor do buildings formally from Fountain Road at the southern end of consistent and strong support from people special qualities of the area and a key The Plestor remains the centre of the old part and apparently cut into the hillside. The address a green space, thus emphasising Selborne. There are a handful of houses in the village for the traditional linear form characteristic of Selborne’s natural of the village, bounded by listed buildings, road climbs to the top of Kite Hill, where the importance of this area adjacent to scattered sporadically up the hill. of settlement to be maintained by limiting beauty and charm. Each one deserves the including the Grade I listed Church which there is a handful of houses well spaced the Church. Elsewhere, green spaces backland development and by respecting strongest possible protection. is almost 1,000 years old and was built on out from one another, one or two being Goslings Croft the existing street pattern. Actions which are incidental; they are gaps between the site of a Saxon church. The Plestor is rather prominent on the sky line. properties, opening up views to the challenge or detract from this linear quality It is of critical importance that the natural well used by local people and by visitors to Originally a council estate for agricultural countryside beyond. Spaces between would cause direct harm to the cultural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of Selborne. It offers attractive longer-distance Huckers Lane is an important historical part workers situated on the northern edge houses are important, as they reflect the heritage of the village and should therefore the village and its environs should all be views to the west towards the Hanger. of the village centre and was formerly the of the village, Goslings Croft sits in a way the village has evolved and developed be avoided. conserved and enhanced. The recreational busy access route from Selborne Priory. The beautiful setting overlooking National over the centuries. opportunities that Selborne offers for the Across the road, Gracious Street originally paved lane is the first stretch of the ancient Trust woodland and set apart by the Any further development of estate-like public to enjoy the special qualities of the formed part of the High Street, but when Via Canonorum. It is well used as a public Alpine-like pasture of Kimbers when Open spaces extend into the village in the housing should be robustly resisted, as area should remain unharmed, for the sake the new road to Alton was opened in footpath. There are two listed buildings glimpsed from the road upon approaching form of pasture at Culvercroft (sometimes villagers feel that it would suburbanise the of the village itself and for the pleasure of 1850 it became a quiet lane with its own fronting the lane and a newer house, built the village from Alton. called Burlands Field), Kimbers, the Ewell and village and destroy its character. the many thousands of people who come character and charm. There is a string other fields behind Gracious Street, including to visit it. Selborne trades on the legacy of of old houses, many of which are listed, Hill Field, Little Peak, Asletts Paddock, Upper The character of streets and Gilbert White; the economic well-being of in a linear pattern along the west side of Asletts and Fishers Field, Church Meadow, routes through the village the people who live there depends on it. Gracious Street. Dowlings Meadow, Great Punfle and Barn and connections with The Design Guidelines for this VDS are Field (Under The Hill). These open spaces the wider countryside thus derived. are very desirable features which need to The village street and lanes provide great be protected, as they contribute much to the visual interest – narrow, bending, rarely sense of rural tranquillity even when they are running straight or flat for any length, viewed from a busy road. they give ever-changing views. Mature hedgerows and trees with few narrow or The Punfle and Barn Field have long been non-existent pavements give a rural feel valued by the local community for their throughout the village. The lanes branching special relationship between a historic part off the High Street rapidly disappear into of the village and the Hanger. They form The High Street the surrounding countryside to serve an important part of the green apron and Goslings Croft scattered cottages and outlying farms. setting of the Hanger. THE JAY 12 13 Design Guidelines

• Maintain, conserve and enhance • Sites for new development must infilling development could erode Selborne viewpoints the existing open spaces within the reflect the traditional linear form of the character of the settlement. 10 village identified in the paragraphs the settlement and recognise how 1 above. they relate to the landscape setting • Ensure that no new development and to land form. The impact of the occurs on the skyline or ridges. New • Maintain the characteristic and local topography upon the form of buildings should respond to contours 33 distinctive linear form of the the settlement as described in the and to the natural form of the land. settlement by limiting backland LLCA should be acknowledged and 2 development. respected. • Ensure that parking associated with any new development is achieved in 3 • Emphasise the existing street • Any new development should be rear or side parking areas that are pattern in which houses front on small scale, informal and dispersed shielded from view and do not detract 4 9 32 to the street. in small groups. Inappropriate from characteristic layout qualities. 5

6 34

8 31 Settlement pattern 7 from the 1890s 11

12

13 29 30 14 15 16 28

17

25

26 18 27 24

23

KEY: 1890s to 1910 1910s to 1930 1930s to 1960s 1970s onwards 22 N 21

© Crown copyright 2016 OS 100052167 See Key at Appendix ii 14 Selborne Viewpoints 15

© Crown copyright and database rights Ordnance Survey. Licence number 100024238 (2015) Buildings in the village

The height, scale and density of buildings Buildings are mostly two-storey and, with the exception of St Mary’s Church, domestic in scale. The greatest concentration of historic building is to be found around The Plestor where properties adjoin each other and define, together with garden and churchyard walls, a gently sloping green beneath two ancient trees at the heart of the village. As can be seen from the historic 1897 map on page 14 , reproduced by kind permission of Ordnance Survey, buildings in the historic core of the village have fewer gaps between them and The Wakes exhibit a higher degree of enclosure than Characteristic building types those in the more dispersed areas to the north and south. The buildings that are characteristic of Bell’s Cottage the village use local materials in their The Plestor is the only characteristic 35 and 45 degrees. Thatched roofs tend Although many of the historic buildings construction and give the streetscape formal green space within Selborne; only to be more steeply pitched at up to 55 are positioned literally on the roadside, a distinctive visual quality against the there do buildings formally address a degrees. for example Plestor House, many cottages backdrop of the ever-present Hanger. green space. This emphasises and have small front gardens. However, they There is a diversity of building form acknowledges the importance of this Older buildings generally conform to the have extensive rear gardens where a wide and style and it is the charm of the space within the village hierarchy. In vernacular tradition with each succeeding range of vegetables is grown for personal unexpected that contributes to the all other instances, green spaces are period adding its own variation. There are consumption. This complex pattern of character of Gilbert White’s straggling incidental; they are gaps between examples throughout the village from the diversified building forms, set back at street and the lanes that lead from it. properties that open up views to and medieval, Georgian, Victorian and 20th- varied distances from the road and with Characteristic buildings include detached, from the countryside beyond. century periods. Buildings are mostly narrow and wide gaps between them, semi-detached and terraced buildings. houses with many retaining the character gives the village its distinctive character. The scale of the buildings follows a of the old cottages and farm buildings from Some of the buildings of historic and traditional pattern with eaves lines at which they were converted. Commercial architectural interest have been listed. heights of between 4 and 4.75 metres, premises are principally houses that now These are principally located within generally lower than those of standard display the features that advertise their the historic core of the village, in the area modern developer homes. Roofs with trade. Examples include the pub, The around The Plestor, in the High Street and traditional spans of between 6 and 6.5 Wakes museum and tearoom, the village down Gracious Street. metres are set at pitches of between shop and the galleries. Sunnycroft

The Old Butchers Shop The Old Mill

4 High Street Stream House 16 17 Design Guidelines

• Future development should reflect local character by relating to the form and scale of existing buildings and by using sympathetic materials in the vernacular tradition.

• New building should relate to the existing linear street. The design of any new development of more than two houses must reflect the diversity of design in the village.

• Attention to detail is essential. Wherever possible, new or Building materials with the pale malmstone stonework. hedge features that match those that exist A number of buildings are graced by wall is not destroyed. Windows in historic replacement windows, porches There are a number of examples of on or near neighbouring properties. highly decorated chimneys, as is The properties tend to be small in scale. and doors should be made to In common with other historic villages, galleting, where ironstone is inserted Wakes, including stacks that are twisted In several of the older properties, for reflect local character. local builders in Selborne made use of the into mortar joints. through 45 degrees. Some of these are example in Wheelwrights windows set into most readily available materials – stone, Outbuildings very tall, adding considerable interest to the roof replace the open roofs of the past • New buildings should face on to the brick and wood – and used them in their Ancient barns, a legacy from Selborne’s Hedges, walls and fences the skyline. through which smoke from open fires was road, should be a maximum of two immediate environment. Locally sourced agricultural past, can inspire the design allowed to escape. Slender glazing bars that storeys and of a similar density to building materials in Selborne include Boundary walls are typically of local of modern garages and outbuildings, Doors, windows give light and elegance to windows are those in the immediate vicinity. malmstone with brick quoins, render and brick and flint, brick and malmstone or with tiled or thatched roofs sitting over and other details typical features. In some buildings these limewash, orangey-red clay tiles, timber entirely of brick – often with half-round a weather-boarded frame. These should Doors and windows form key elements have • Shop and gallery owners should and timber boarding. brick cappings. Unusual features include be of a scale to reflect their function. in the streetscape. Whether new or as been replaced by metal ‘Crittall’ type be encouraged to retain existing walls topped by concrete spheres. Bricks replacements they should be considered windows or by modern dark-stained shopfronts and maintain the Traditionally, walls have been built of employed to effect repairs or extensions Chimneys very carefully. Modern standard stained timber or UPVC components that are signwriting tradition. coursed or random white malmstone to walls do not always match the originals, Chimneys are important features in timber or UPVC components are inappropriate. Replacement windows quarried from the upper greensand, but their colours blend harmoniously with the village. Most are integrated into inappropriate and look out of place. It is that are significantly larger in area than • Original features such as which lies close to the surface to the them. Wooden fences and iron railings are buildings and not applied to the outside. important that the scale of windows and those in neighbouring properties look integral chimneys, oversailing east of the Hanger. Further east, deep c rarely employed to mark boundaries in One or two modern buildings have no door openings should be retained and particularly out of place and should eaves, windows and doors that lay deposits formed the basis for the visible locations. Hedges and trees help to chimneys and are unwelcome exceptions the relationship of solid to void in the be resisted. contribute to the character of Selborne brickworks, not currently in soften the built environment and contribute to the roofscape. The aroma from wood- the building and the local area production. These fairfaced soft red bricks to its rural character and distinctiveness. burning fires is prevalent throughout should be retained. Repairs or are widely used in walls throughout the All development should retain or repair the village on winter evenings, curiously Although not typical of the village replacements should match the village. Some have been rendered and existing boundary walls. New boundaries enhanced by the absence of street lighting. owing to the soft nature of the local originals in design, materials, painted in a muted limewash. On the should be marked by using stone, brick or malmstone, there are examples of dissolution of the Selborne Priory in 1486, mullioned windows, for example in the size and colour. the large squared blocks of malmstone Old Vicarage, and of leaded windows, (ashlar) used in its construction were for example in Lassams. Oversailing • Indigenous trees and hedges salvaged by pragmatic villagers and can eaves are a particular feature, especially should be retained, helping to be found throughout the village. on traditional buildings where there are maintain the enclosed character gutters that are hung on exposed rafter of the landscape and to integrate Roofs are thatched, more often clay tiled feet that give a fine strong edge to the the built environment. or slated. roof. In a number of traditional buildings where gutter repairs have been required, • Boundary walls should be The overall effect is a harmonious blend modern clumsy boxlike fascias have constructed of local stone, brick of locally sourced materials with the been added and soffits with no overhang or flint to match the local tradition. surrounding landscape. Brick dressings, and plastic guttering. clay tile-hanging, flintwork and timber • Outbuildings should be of a scale weather-boarding contrast pleasantly to reflect their function. 18 19 Streets and lanes

Selborne High Street in 1903 A view of the B3006 in 2016

Characteristics of Ordnance Survey map of Selborne local roads and lanes Selborne has a significant and widely acknowledged problem with over 8,500 cars and 500 HGV’s using the High Street (B3006) every day (based on data provided by EHDC). The existing calming measures do not work. Map of local streets and lanes in Selborne The B3006 links the A3 to the south with the A31 to the north. Villagers and visitors are united in their concern that the otherwise tranquil village scene is being shattered by a large and ever-increasing volume of traffic through the heart of Selborne.

Existing traffic-calming measures in the form of narrow sections, road markings Map data ©2015 Google and pinch points, whilst creating beneficial gaps in the flow of traffic, have not achieved any noticeable reduction in the thereby conflicting with National Park instructed Hamilton-Baillie Associates to speed of traffic. The traffic causes damage purposes. The village suffers from pollution, draw up a traffic study with proposals to buildings and generates a hostile fumes and noise that harm the character of aimed at sensitively reducing traffic impact environment for walkers, riders and cyclists, the Street. In 2013, Selborne Parish Council in the three villages within the parish. © Crown copyright 2016 OS 100052167

20 21 Sense of Place Away from the B3006, the streets and lanes Parking Street Audit The water supply used to come from Design Guidelines that join it have no kerbs or pavements stand pipes which were fed from the The continuing rural character of the village There are very few parking restrictions in Various lanes lead on to the High Street and the entrances to houses retain their spring behind the Lion’s Mouth at Wellhead. • Gates and entrances should not be has been supported by the absence of the village. from the countryside and farms, many of rural character with an absence of gates. Some of these stand pipes remain and intrusive in design or character. street lights (see Dark Skies, page 26), which are ancient sunken lanes: They present a welcome to passers-by in Some houses have no off-road parking are part of the history of the development road markings, traffic lights and pedestrian marked contrast to urban trends. There are and rely on kerbside places. of the village. • Cables to and on new developments crossings. Redesigned pinch points and • Cow Lane no gated communities in Selborne. Most should be buried underground crossing points would soften their urban • Nine Acres Lane boundaries are marked by hedges or by Design Guideline The lime trees in front of the Old Butchers wherever it is practical to do so. appearance. More natural restrictions, such • Gracious Street open rustic wooden fences. Lanes are most • Huckers Lane Shop opposite The Wakes were planted as planters or trees could replace them. frequently sunken with high hedges and • Any new development must provide • Honey Lane by Gilbert White to screen the unpleasant • New development that is urban in The introduction of a speed limit of 20 mph trees on both sides, affording a rich habitat off-road parking for residents and their • Galley Hill sight of hanging meat. character should be resisted. in 2012 initially helped to reduce traffic for wildlife. Many hedges are ancient and visitors in a manner that is neither • Sotherington Lane speed but the limit is now ignored and include a wide variety of flora supporting detrimental to the landscape nor • Bradshott Lane The cobbles in front of the Old Butchers • Ancient hedgerows, mature trees and speeds continue to increase. a diverse fauna. impinging on the High Street scene. Shop and the blue ragstone path in front sunken lanes should be protected. Because of the pressure of traffic, steep banks of the Gallery leading up to the Church are In common with many ancient villages, in these lanes are being seriously eroded. typical of the area. • Historic street furniture such as houses open directly on to the road. This is particularly noticeable in Honey Lane, the old petrol pumps, standpipes, Pavements are in most cases too narrow Sotherington Lane and Galley Hill. Part of the The rural character of the village is the Lion’s Mouth and watercourses for safety. However, there are plans to charm of these country lanes is their lack of important. It is typified by views and should remain visible and should widen pavements in the High Street. pavements. glimpses of the Hanger between buildings, be protected from development. Travelling north it is not possible to walk to across gardens and over farm gates. The the schoolon a pavement without having There were two forges in the village: tangle of overhead wires along the High • Any street or shop signs, A-boards, to cross the road several times. Many old Wheelwrights in Gracious Street, where Street, Gracious Street and Kite Hill is fixed or hanging signs should be cottages have no foundations. The increase farm vehicles were made, and The Forge on intrusive and detrimental to the natural unlit and kept to a minimum. in traffic is having a detrimental effect on the High Street, which was a farrier. Both view of the landscape. the structure of these buildings. buildings still retain some of the forging equipment. The old petrol pumps adjacent There are two water-courses starting to Wheelwrights are of historic interest. from the village. The Oakhanger Stream rises behind the Lion’s Mouth and runs beside Fountain Road. The rural feel is emphasised by wide grass verges and also by a wild-flower bank by Gilbert White Cottages. Seale Stream runs from Coneycroft pond and follows Gracious Street through to Kimbers.

22 23 Connectivity and There is an extensive network of well- Mention has been made already of the Design Guidelines • Paths and access ways linked user priority connected footpaths and bridleways within need to protect ancient tracks. Similar to any development should be the village and its environs, providing easy concern has been expressed that footpaths • Any new development which made of local traditional materials Traffic speed and volume are dangerous access to the countryside and linking up with and bridleways should be kept open and in proposes to allow vehicular in order to retain the rural and overall create an uncomfortable long-distance walks such as the Hangers Way good repair. The designation of the ancient access along a Public Right of character of the area. environment for pedestrians, cyclists (see Footpaths map in Appendix iii). These track from Huckers Lane to Priory Farm Way should be resisted. and horse riders. Children struggle to routes are much appreciated and frequently was changed from a BOAT (Byway Open walk safely to school along the length of used by residents and visitors. An application to All Traffic) to a bridleway following • Any new development must have Shared Space the village; the village hall and shop are was made in 2014 for the formal designation considerable damage from off-road vehicles regard to the existing network of The Hamilton-Baillie Traffic Report 2014 meeting places; and the Church is at the of a habitually used footpath across Barn and motorbikes. This change has been footpaths, and byways must not be took into account the daily detrimental north end of the village. Approximately Field. This links the southern end of the village of great benefit to the safety, peace and to their detriment and adversely impact of traffic on Selborne. Current 40,000 visitors come to Selborne every to the Hangers Way and Selborne Common, tranquillity of the path for walkers and affect those using them. traffic speeds and driver behaviour are year. Locals and visitors use the streets so its confirmation would be of great benefit. horse riders and it is hoped that this will unacceptable and detract from Selborne and lanes to form circular walks. Visibility There are a number of horses kept locally, remain in perpetuity. There are safety issues • New development must have as a place to live and enjoy and as a key is particularly poor at the village hall and and the B3006 is part of a circular route when Rights of Way users have to share regard to the resulting increase Street furniture tourist destination. The design principles at the junction of Gracious Street and which links Noar Hill, Selborne Common and paths with vehicles and these can present in traffic, especially at access proposed take on a shared-space approach, In recent years, the number of signs Honey Lane with the B3006. There are Newton Valence. Unfortunately, due to the a conflict with the second National Park points, and ensure this does not albeit within the constraints of the large throughout the village has increased and bus stops at the north end of the village safety problems with traffic, including HGVs, purpose. For example, the footpath known endanger or obstruct pedestrians. volume of traffic through the village. the residents feel that the quality has and in the centre. An additional stop to on the B3006, that road is now unsuitable as Wood Lane is used by vehicles, The scheme will assist in restoring safety decreased. Many perceive a cluttered, the south near Ketchers Field would be for most riders and this important link is in pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders. whilst being of appropriate design to untidy appearance throughout the village. desirable to have in the future. danger of being lost. enhance the appearance of the village within the National Park. When additional traffic-calming measures are implemented, it will be a good time Extensive development nearby has to introduce fewer, strategically located already been given planning permission, and more sensitively designed street signs in particular in Bordon and Alton. It has in consultation with the local community been estimated that traffic in Selborne is and the Highway Authority. likely to increase by 15%. The measures in the Report need to be brought to fruition at the earliest opportunity.

Design Guidelines

• No development or other measures should be permitted that may significantly increase the volume or speed of traffic through the village.

• Any new development must not compromise the recommendations in the Hamilton-Baillie Traffic Report 2014 either by interfering with the concept or by causing a break in the visual narrowing.

24 25 Conclusion

Dark Skies In the Introduction to the Local Plan, the National Park is described as Selborne has a naturally dark night sky and this should be protected. Street lighting a tapestry of landscape, wildlife, in the village would be unacceptable. culture and heritage, worked and There is a growing problem with light shaped by human hands, looking pollution in parts of the village. to the future while representing a quintessentially romantic Englishness of gentle green hills and picture Design Guideline postcard villages.

• Any future developments in Selborne is one of those picture postcard the village must comply with villages. SDNPA Local Plan Policy. Taken together with the accompanying text, the guidelines at the end of each section of this Design Statement, if followed, should ensure that all development is designed and located to enhance the special distinctiveness of the village.

A Perseid meteor photographed from Selborne

Andromeda Galaxy photographed from Selborne

26 27 Appendix i Appendix ii

Before a new road to Alton was built in the For this reason, Selborne Parish Council Photos showing gateways into the village from 16 Glimpse view of Hanger south west between Wood mid-19th-century, Gracious Street formed approached Ben Hamilton-Baillie surrounding lanes and footpaths, views of the Hanger View and Chapel House. part of the High Street. The new road then of Hamilton-Baillie Associates and from the village and views of the village from the 17 View east down Honey Lane from High Street. Hanger: provided a more direct route towards Alton. commissioned a report aimed at introducing 18 View westwards across Under the Hill from Fountain a design speed of 17 mph through the Road. Historically, the B3006 Alton–Greatham village and providing a self-enforcing 1 View south towards Gracious Street from northern end 19 View north towards village from Fountain Road. road carried relatively little traffic. speed limit. The Parish Council is anxious of village (lane to Nine Acres) with backdrop of the Residents of Selborne recall seeing somehow to raise the funds to implement Hanger. 20 View north east towards Selborne from Galley Hill cats asleep in the middle of the road. the proposed measures, which will not 2 View south from Gracious Street with glimpse of farm. The road from Selborne via Empshott to only reduce the traffic speed and favour Hanger. 21 View south from footpath above Kings Field. Greatham was a winding country lane the safety of pedestrians in the village but, 3 View along Gracious Street with Hanger backdrop. 22 View eastwards across Kings Field towards which was then widened in the 1980s to crucially, will achieve this in a way that 4 View south west across field to Hanger from between Galley Hill. accommodate the transportation of cruise positively enhances the natural beauty Seale Cottage and Coombe. 23 View west across the recreation ground to the missiles for deployment nearby. and cultural heritage of this nationally Hanger. and internationally renowned village 5 Cottages on Gracious Street with backdrop of the When the Order for the London–Portsmouth and positively contributes to the public’s Hanger. 24 View north towards Honey Lane from footpath Trunk Road A3 was approved in 1988 and enjoyment of its special qualities. 6 View west behind Gracious Street across fields at to recreation ground. the new A3 built in the early 1990s, the base of Hanger. 25 View south west down Honey Lane towards the new road and the creation of the Ham Barn The Hamilton-Baillie Associates Report 7 View south west down Gracious Street across the High Street. roundabout led overnight to a massive covers the whole parish of Selborne, which Ewell field to the Hanger 26 View north down from Kite Hill across Under the Hill. increase in traffic volumes through the includes the villages of Blackmoor and 8 View across the Plestor to Selborne church. 27 View of Selborne Village from the top of the Zig Zag village of Selborne that has continued to Oakhanger. path on the Hanger. increase over time. The B3006 now carries 9 View north east from Selborne Road opposite school 3 million vehicles per annum, some of across Kimbers. 28 View north across Wakes garden from Love Lane. which are vehicles that exceed the official 10 View south down main road into village near 29 View north from Love Lane towards Gracious Street 7.5 tonne limit, causing verifiable damage Goslings Croft. across field. by vibration and fumes to the many listed 11 Glimpse view to south west of Hanger from between 30 View from top of Bostal path on the Hanger towards buildings that line the High Street. Wakes Cottages and Briarley on the High Street. the church. 12 View of Hanger from car park behind Selborne Arms. 31 View east from west end of Love Lane across the Whilst the introduction of a 20mph speed Ewell field. limit through Selborne initially helped 13 Glimpse view of Hanger adjacent to Lassams on the View of Coneycroft from the south. to some extent to reduce speeds and High Street. 32 improve levels of safety and noise, EHDC 14 View of Hanger from lane between Copper Beech 33 View west towards Goslings Croft from Lythe traffic management data demonstrate that House and Half House. woodland. most motorists exceed the 20 mph limit, 15 View south west across Under the Hill towards the 34 View north east from Huckers Lane down to Church often dangerously so. The Police will not Hanger Meadow. enforce a 20 mph speed limit nor prosecute offenders.

28 29 Appendix iii