Heritage Statement
10 Fairfield, Ingatestone, Brentwood, CM4 9ER
May 2021
10 Fairfield Heritage Statement May 2021
Introduction
This document provides a brief heritage statement for 10 Fairfield, Ingatestone. Paragraph 189 of the NPPF requires any proposals for development which affect the historic environment to be supported by a heritage statement:
‘In determining applications, local planning authorities should require an applicant to describe the significance of any heritage assets affected, including any contribution made by their setting. The level of detail should be proportionate to the assets’ importance and no more than is sufficient to understand the potential impact of the proposal on their significance’ (NPPF para 189, 2019)
A two-storey front extension is proposed, and this statement assesses any potential impacts on the historic built environment.
Historic Background
Ingatestone is sited on the route of the Roman Road between London and Colchester. Archaeological evidence in the locality includes Roman finds (Essex HER 5479) and the Parish Church incorporates re-use Roman brick and tile in its construction.
The Saxon name ‘Inga’ or ‘Ginga’ probably interprets as ‘the people of the district’, and was applied to a large portion of the upper Wid valley. The ‘stone’ part may relate to the sarsen stones found in the locality. The Saxon settlement was probably centred on a manor house in the vicinity of Ingatestone Hall.
In the mediaeval period the village developed along the Main Road and prospered due its location on route to London and its agricultural hinterland. The Knights Hospitallers controlled much of the land and granted the right of a market and three-day annual fair in 1289. The village was a flourishing coaching inn in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, which is reflected in many of the buildings lining the High Street.
The Great Eastern Railway arrived in 1842 and the village expanded further, including development of a number of grand houses on the outskirts of the village.
In the latter twentieth century the settlement expanded, with much housing development on its outskirts.
The historic core of the village was designated as a Conservation Area in 1969 (extended in 1991 and 2010).
10 Fairfield Heritage Statement May 2021 The Application Site
Fairfield lies to the east of the Parish Church, accessed off Stock Road. The site was historically within the grounds of the former rectory, which was demolished in the twentieth century.
Walker Map, 1601. Fairfield is located within the grounds of the former rectory adjacent the Parish Church.
Fairfield was built in the 1970s and has a group of terraced and detached housing.
Fairfield lies adjacent to the Ingatestone Conservation Area and the Parish Church (grade I listed).
Number 10 Fairfield is as the western end of the road and Fairfield itself provides views towards the parish church.
10 Fairfield Heritage Statement May 2021
Ingatestone Conservation Area (Conservation Area – red, Application site - a red dot, Key views – black arrows)
Significance of the Heritage Assets
St Edmond and St Marys Parish Church has a Norman nave, constructed of puddingstone and Roman brick. The tower is late fifteenth or early sixteenth century, constructed in red brick with black diapers. There are various other elements, including the south aisle c.1300, north chapel seventeenth century and south chapel sixteenth century. The church is justifiably grade I listed on account of its special architectural and historic interest.
The setting of the church includes its churchyard and its wider context, including views to the tower from the wider area. The primary views are from the High Street, from the public open space to the southeast and longer views from the rural landscape to the south. The view along Fairfield from the east is a view which contributes to its significance.
10 Fairfield Heritage Statement May 2021
View from Fairfield towards the Parish Church
The Conservation Area boundary extends to the eastern side of the churchyard, which abuts Fairfield. The Conservation Area was reviewed (ECC, 2008) and found that this boundary in this location was logical and well defined. The Conservation Area appraisal defines its character as:
Ingatestone is the second largest settlement in the Brentwood district, and just 23 miles from London. However its character is that of a small rural town with countryside at its margins. The High Street conservation area takes in the historic core of the town on the old Roman road between London and Colchester. The town retains the original medieval street plan with many property boundaries dating from that period. The High Street is tightly built up with properties built up to the back of the pavement. Ingatestone was a major coaching town which particularly prospered at the end of the 18th century and early 19th century. The town contained many coaching inns some of which survive. The predominant architectural style is understated Georgian, reflecting the town’s boom time. Some older buildings were remodelled at this time. Good Georgian brickwork and delicate sash windows are much in evidence. Traditional shop fronts are an important element in the special character of the High Street. There is a good survival of undeveloped rear yards accessed through carriage arches and narrow openings in the building line. The magnificent brick tower of the church of St Edmund and St Mary is a landmark feature which contributes to attractive vistas over the town’s roofscapes. Overall this is a well preserved conservation area with many listed buildings, and deserves to be well looked after. (Ingatestone Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan, ECC 2008, authors underlined emphases).
Fairfield itself makes no contribution to the setting; the buildings are modern and characterless. Its only contribution it to frame the view towards the Parish Church.
The Proposed Development
The proposed scheme involves a two-storey front extension, with a gabled wing added in matching style. The building line is staggered and the front elevation of the extension would align with the front elevation of the house to the east.
10 Fairfield Heritage Statement May 2021
KDMS proposed elevations
Impact of the development
The proposed extension would be visible in views out of the churchyard and in the view along Fairfield. However, in the views out of the churchyard the extension would be seen in the context of the existing built form and would not be intrusive in anyway. In views along Fairfield towards the Parish Church the primary vista is along the road, which would be unaltered. The extension would align with the front elevation of the building to the east, so it would not project into the view. It would be visible, but would not detract from or reduce the significance of the view in any way.
Conclusion
10 Fairfield is part of a group of 1970s houses of no particular character or merit. The site lies adjacent to the Ingatestone Conservation Area and the Parish Church of St Edmond and St Mary, which is grade I listed. There are important views along Fairfield towards the church tower, however the proposed extension would be seen in the context of the existing built form and would not intrude in the key views in anyway. The extension would be visible, but it would not be harmful to the significance of the adjacent Conservation Area or the setting of the listed building.
10 Fairfield Heritage Statement May 2021