Heckford Park Conservation Area Character Appraisal and Management Plan

Planning and Regeneration Services, 2010 Public Consultation & Adoption

The consultation draft was issued December 2009 and was the subject of an eight week public consultation. The resulting changes were agreed by the Council and the document was adopted by the Borough of Poole on 8th June 2010. This document forms part of the evidence base for the Local Development Framework for Poole and development proposals will be reviewed according to four key documents including: • Poole Local Plan First Alteration (adopted March 2004) • Poole Core Strategy adopted 19th February 2009 • The Southwest Regional Spatial Strategy (public consultation) July 2008 • Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole Structure Plan 2004 The Poole Local Plan policies included in this document are under review and will be replaced as part of the Poole Core Strategy revisions.

Heckford Park Conservation Areas Appraisal and Management Plan: Publication Details The purpose of this document To provide an analysis of the character and appearance of the Heckford Park Conservation Area in accordance with Section 71 of The Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 and to formulate and publish proposals for the preservation and enhancement of Conservation Areas. The appraisal and management proposals are intended to act as guidance to residents, planners, agents and developers in order to manage future changes and development proposals within the Conservation Areas in ways that preserve or enhance their character or appearance.

Production Team

Stephen Thorne Head of Planning & Regeneration Services Warren Lever Environment & Design Team Leader Hazel Brushett Conservation Officer

Design: Borough of Poole Adopted: 6th December 2010

Further information Planning and Regeneration Services: Civic Centre Poole BH15 2RU Tel. 01202 633321 Email enquiries: [email protected] www.boroughofpoole.com/planning

Contents

Introduction 4 Part 1 The Legal and Policy Framework 5 1.1 Conservation Area Planning in Poole 6 Part 2 Background 7 2.1 Location and Access 7 2.2 Settlement History 8 Part 3 Physical Character and Appearance 10 Part 4 Issues and Opportunities 15 4.1 General Planning Issues 15 4.2 Design Issues for New Developments 15 Part 5 Planning & Conservation Principles, Guidance and Specifications 16 5.1 Topography, Setting and Biodiversity 16 5.2 Designs for Replacement Buildings 16 5.3 Alterations and Extensions 17 5.4 Building Materials and Maintenance 17 5.5 Landscaping: Trees, Vegetation and Boundary Treatments 18 Part 6 Management Options 20 6.1 New Development 20 6.2 Opportunities for Enhancement 20 6.3 Monitoring and Review 21 Map 1 Heckford Park Conservation Area Boundary 22 Map 2 Heckford Park Conservation Area Features 23 Design Codes for New Development: Heckford Park 4

Introduction

It has been a long term aim of the Borough of Poole to Designate a Conservation Area at Heckford Park and the recent Characterisation Study, along with a detailed survey of the area, has highlighted that the area does have special character. This conservation area appraisal will inform future planning decisions and will aid the Borough of Poole in preserving the character and appearance of the Conservation area.

Photo 1: A typical street

BACK TO CONTENTS Part 1 The Legal and Policy Framework

The practice of identifying Conservation Areas (CAs) dates from the passing of the Civic Amenities Act, 1967 when the government recognised the importance of protecting whole areas from encroachment by inappropriate developments and ill thought out demolition in areas identified for slum clearances. While unique buildings may be important it is the group value and layout of buildings on their plots and their setting together with the street design, public open space, trees and other vegetation which all contribute to the nature and identity of a place. The 1967 legislation is now in force under The Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and The Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. The legislation empowers local planning authorities to exercise their duty by reviewing their areas from time to time, to designate new areas, and publish proposals for the preservation and enhancement of conservation areas. A variety of measures can be taken to influence high quality development and control adverse impacts of development in conservation areas. The government has granted Local Authorities specific powers, under the General Permitted Development Order, 1995 (GPDO) to control the development of properties within conservation areas to preserve and enhance their character. Various categories of development that would normally be allowed without planning permission are more restricted in Conservation Areas. These are in addition to the normal planning requirements, these are:

 Cladding any part of the exterior of a dwelling house with stone, artificial stone, timber, plastic or tiles (however cement and pebble dash render does not require planning permission);  Extensions where the enlarged part of the dwelling house would extend beyond a wall forming a side elevation of the original dwelling house; or  Extensions where enlarged part of the dwelling house would have more than one storey and extend beyond the rear wall of the original dwelling house. Conservation area designation also introduces control over the demolition of most buildings within the conservation area. Consent is required for the demolition of:

 A building greater than 115 cubic meters  A wall over 1 metre high fronting a public highway  A wall over 2 metre elsewhere  A pre 1914 agricultural building  An entire building except its façade In addition anyone proposing to cut down or prune any tree in a conservation area is required to give the Local Planning Authority six weeks notice. The Draft Regional Spatial Strategy for the Southwest 2006-2026 recognises that variations “in the architecture and ‘feel’ between cities, towns and villages across the South West is a distinctive asset, with differences in character based on the age and function of the settlements and the locally available building materials”. The Strategy’s policy on the Historic Environment supports

BACK TO CONTENTS characterisation studies to assist in understanding the significance of historic areas and their contribution to the local environment. On 23rd March 2010 Planning Policy Statement 5: Planning for the Historic Environment was published: this replaced PPG15 and PPG16.

1.1 Conservation Area Planning in Poole Planning policies on conservation areas are included in the Poole Local Plan 2004 and the Core Strategy 2009, and form the basis for the designation and review of all developments requiring planning permission and consents in conservation areas. Other Borough of Poole Supplementary Planning Guidance documents relevant to conservation areas are The Landscape and Natural Environment Design Code and the Shoreline Character Areas Supplementary Planning Guidance. In addition there is the non-statutory Poole Harbour Aquatic Management Plan, which contains guidelines, policies and principles for conserving and managing the environmental, historic and commercial interests of the harbour, which must be safeguarded as they are vulnerable to development pressures. Part 6 of this document together with its design codes are particularly relevant to this Conservation Area. 1.1.1 Designation of the Conservation Area The Conservation Area was designated under The Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.

Photo 2: The Tatnam shops

BACK TO CONTENTS Part 2 Background

2.1 Location and Access Heckford Park lies to the North of Poole town centre in the district of Longfleet. It is within walking distance of the town centre with its large variety of shops, pubs and restaurants. The train station is close by and the bus station is also within walking distance but in addition the area is well served by bus routes along Wimborne Road and Longfleet Road.The main Poole Hospital lies adjacent to the Conservation Area on the Eastern side of Longfleet Road with the maternity hospital being located within the Conservation Area.

Based upon the Ordnance Survey mapping with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. © Crown copyright. N Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Borough of Poole Licence No. 100024248 2010

BACK TO CONTENTS 2.2 Settlement History Heckford Park was originally part of the Manor of Canford and lies within the parish of Longfleet. Longfleet became a parish in its own right in 1833. There was an important Tatnam well, which was used to provide water for Poole. The name “Longfleet” derives from “a place where the river ebbs and flows” and takes its name from Holes Bay which forms its western boundary. Its proximity to the Old Town of Poole made this area ideally placed for farmers wanting to supply goods to the town; these farmers paid tithes to the Church of St James now in St James’ Close. For many centuries there was no incentive to develop this area. However by the C19th spare land in the Old Town had been exhausted and villas started to appear. In 1833 the existing Saint Marys Church was built on Longfleet Hill, the spire came later in 1884. Development in this area was accelerated by the construction of two turnpike Roads leading to Wimborne and Ringwood. These roads still exist today and run along the present day Wimborne Road and Longfleet Road. In 1839 a workhouse was built on the site of the present St Mary’s Maternity Hospital, although used as part of the maternity hospital for some time the majority of this building was demolished in 1979. Although one of the gate houses appears to be a lodge to the original workhouse. By the O S Second Edition map of 1902 most of the area had been developed with a mixture of Victorian and Edwardian properties. St Margaret’s Road is still only partly developed with Tatnam Road and the area north of Garland Road still to be developed; by 1936 the whole of the area had been developed as shown on the map opposite. However, inspection on site shows the area of the proposed conservation area to be consistent in architectural style and era. It is likely, due to the area’s cohesive nature that the area was developed gradually by one developer maintaining the same architectural language and style.

BACK TO CONTENTS Ordnance Survey map 1936

BACK TO CONTENTS Part 3 Physical Character and Appearance

The setting, topography, character and appearance of a Conservation Area is crucially, what distinguishes it from other areas and makes it unique within the locality, region or nation. Appraising character depends on an ability to define and understand the man-made structures and landscape, activities and uses of an area to understand how an area is perceived and experienced. A visual appraisal includes documenting how buildings are grouped, linked or divided, coloured, arranged with and around open spaces and vegetation. Landmarks, views and private and public spaces and access routes create distinctiveness and define the unique qualities and experience of a place.

Photo 3: Garland Road

The Heckford Park conservation area has been surveyed and has the following characteristics: The Co-op and nearby shops at Tatnam Crescent create a focal point in the area. Traffic on the Wimborne Road is a negative feature and the road dissects the area. St Mary’s Hospital occupies a large area and is likely to come forward for redevelopment as the Hospital rationalises its services on its main site on Longfleet road. The area contains a network of back and side roads. These ‘backs’ add to the character and permeability of the area. By Design, Urban Design in the Planning System: Towards Better Practice makes clear on page 16 that density influences the intensity of development and that density can be expressed in terms of the number of habitable rooms.

BACK TO CONTENTS Urban Structure and Grain In terms of its urban structure, this area is quite cohesive. Although the traffic segregation of the Wimborne Road is a negative feature, the rest of the proposed conservation area is characterised by residential streets laid out on a tight grid pattern that gives the area good permeability. The ‘backs’ add to this permeability although they are not well lit and are unlikely to be used at night. Houses sit at the back of pavements and give good enclosure to the streets. This results in building- building widths of a comfortable human scale. This also gives the area a very fine grain. St Mary’s Hospital is the exception in the area, with its buildings sitting within the site away from the public realm, and giving this part of the conservation area a coarse grain. There was originally a Workhouse on this site which would have had a similar relationship to the area in terms of grain. It is anticipated that when this site comes forward for redevelopment, finer grain may be introduced, perhaps with the inclusion of a new public open space in the form of a square or pocket park. The severance caused by the Wimborne Road is a negative feature. The equally busy Longfleet Road, which forms the southeastern boundary of the conservation area, is also a hard edge to the area that deters pedestrian movement into or out of the area.

Photo 4: On street parking in residential streets

The Tatnam Crescent junction is a heavily engineered space designed to cater for vehicle movements rather than the needs of pedestrians. Subsequently, this area is very open with limited enclosure

BACK TO CONTENTS and a very coarse grain. Conservation Area status would give the Council the ability to create pedestrian-friendly spaces in these areas should opportunities for redesign arise in the future. On-street parking is very well used by residents and visitors to St Mary’s Maternity Hospital. Gaps The terraced layout has created large gaps in built form at the street junctions where the rear garden of one property extends towards the flank wall of its neighbour on the adjacent street. The backs further increase the gaps. Around the Tatnam Crescent junction, there are a number of semi- detached properties which introduce regular gaps to the street scene. The detached houses on the northern side of Garland Road give a very regular alternation between gaps and built form. In all these cases, the views afforded through the gaps help define the character and appearance of the conservation area. Due to the predominantly terraced layout and network of backs, it is often the rear as well as the front façades of properties that are visible from the public realm, and which give the area its sense of continuity and enclosure. The backs themselves are quite narrow and the garages and rear boundary walls enclose the space. However, these structures being relatively low still allow views across the rear gardens to the houses. This gives a degree of spaciousness to these areas. Views Views of the former Tatnam Public House (now the Co-op) are important in views from Garland Road, and Wimborne Road. St Mary’s Church is also an important feature in the skyline as one looks east along Kingston Road. These vistas should be enhanced, or their significance better revealed. Permeability & Legibility Whilst pedestrian movement throughout the area is easy, vehicular movement has been somewhat curtailed on Canford Road and St John’s Road to enable on-street parking, with these streets being made one-way. St Mary’s Road has been closed off to traffic at its northern end, whilst Kingston Road has been closed at both ends. Such works slow vehicle speeds and give greater priority to pedestrians This is endorsed by current streetscape approaches. Reducing vehicular dominance is considered beneficial to the character and appearance of the area. The area contains a number of landmarks, which, in conjunction with the good permeability, enhance the legibility of the place. The Co-op and nearby shops, the Longfleet Baptist Church, the children’s play area on Kingston Road and St Mary’s Church are examples, together with smaller structures such as the red post-box on Heckford Road. These elements help people to orientate themselves as they move through the area, and make the area more legible. Landscaping This proposed conservation area is urban in character. Hard landscaping predominates although the southern side of Garland Road is planted with trees giving a boulevard feel to the street.

BACK TO CONTENTS Raised planters have been installed where roads have been closed and the busy junction at Tatnam Crescent contains a number of street trees on its southern approaches. In some cases, front gardens have been tarmaced to enable off-street parking and front boundary walls have been removed. This has a negative impact on the character and appearance of the area, and results in pedestrian/vehicular conflicts with vehicles crossing the pavements and parking close to front doors. Parking at the public house, Baptist Church and Day Centre is very prominent in the street scene and dominates the front of these buildings. The rear of the properties fronting Longfleet Road is also a negative feature in the area, giving St Mary’s Road a very coarse grain, out of character with the area. Tarmac is the main road surface although some of the backs contain more informal, un-made surfaces. Density & Mix The fine grain of the area enables a high density of development and the area is mainly residential. The exceptions are the public house, the shops at Tatnam Crescent and the corner shop on Kingston Road. Other retail premises on this street have been converted to residential use although some features of the original shop fronts still remain and add to the character and appearance of the area. There are also a number of Community buildings scattered throughout the area. Height & Massing Generally, building mass throughout the conservation area is typified by a domestic scale, two-storey square form, with bays and attic space. The public house follows this form but is of commercial scale. Roofs are generally gabled. This ‘building envelope’ – height, width, massing and depth – and the ratio between buildings and open space, defines the character of the conservation area. Three-storey development exists at Tatnam Crescent. Modern development within the area such as the Holly Court flat development is also three-storey, although this is not typical of the character and appearance of surrounding development. Details & Materials Roofing Unfortunately, most of the original roofing material has been replaced with concrete tiles, however, such changes are not permanent and clay tiles or slates could be reinstated in the future. Original brick chimneys and chimney pots remain and add to the character and appearance of the area. Decorative bargeboards are also visible on many buildings and are considered positive elements within the conservation area.

BACK TO CONTENTS Façades There are stone lintels above the windows and walls are predominantly red brick. In some cases, decorative brickwork has been used. Some original sash windows remain although many have been replaced with UPVC – again, wooden casements could be reinstated in the future. Stone mullions form attractive features in a number of façades and in some cases decorative plaques are evident. The solid to glazed ratio and design of fenestration gives the properties a vertical emphasis, which reinforces the fine grain of the area. Satellite dishes have been installed on some properties. As technology advances it is anticipated that they will be removed, reducing visual clutter and improving the character of the area. The timber porch details and balustrades to the properties on the northern side of Garland Road are positive features. In some cases stained glass remains. These features are confined to this part of the conservation area. Boundaries & front gardens The area is characterised by Edwardian Terraces with brick front boundary walls. Some of these walls retain their original railings, which add positively to the street scene and character and appearance of the conservation area. These walls are predominantly red brick. In some cases, the original tiled front paths remain and give distinctiveness to the area. Side and back access roads also remain and many residents have erected garages and a variety other structures in these areas. The backs are an intrinsic part of the character of the area and should be retained. The wall running along the northwest boundary of St Mary’s Hospital and the small lodge at the south corner are considered to be positive features in the street scene. In some cases individual boundary walls have been replaced with breezeblock and other unsympathetic materials. However, these works are not permanent and brick walls can be reinstated in the future.

14 Photo 5: St Margaret’s Road

BACK TO CONTENTS Part 4 Issues and Opportunities

4.1 General Planning Issues High quality contextual designs for new housing, increasing and development using sustainable construction able to meet the rigours of climate change will be promoted within the Conservation Area.

4.2 Design Issues for New Developments Not all the elements of the Conservation Area will contribute to its significance. Any new development should enhance or better reveal the significance of the Conservation Area. This should be seen as the process of place shaping (PPS5: HE9.5).

Photo 6: Kingston Road playground: a positive feature

BACK TO CONTENTS Part 5 Planning & Conservation Principles, Guidance and Specifications

There are a number of features and amenities that define the character and create the appearance of each conservation area. The purpose of designating conservation areas is to safeguard and maintain the special overall character of structures and the surrounding soft and hard landscaping that combine to make each area unique while allowing developments that enhance and enrich them. The various elements that make up the common character and appearance of the Conservation Area are summarised here together with current planning and conservation principles and policies that guide and inform plans to maintain, alter and develop properties.

 In the Conservation Area the character and appearance is derived from the cohesive character of the buildings and their architectural details  The predominately residential nature of the buildings

5.1 Topography, Setting and Biodiversity Guidance & Specification: Preserving or enhancing the area should be a material consideration in the Planning Authority’s handling of development proposals that are outside the CA but would affect its setting or views into or out of the area. PPS5 HE10. The proximity to the town centre results in this being of easy walking distance to a range of facilities. The biodiversity of the area is enhanced by street trees; the lime trees in Garland Road give the impression of a tree lined avenue.

5.2 Designs for Replacement Buildings There are few vacant sites within the Conservation Area without considerable constraints. Designs for replacement buildings should make a positive contribution to the character and local distinctiveness of the Conservation Area. The consideration of design should include scale, height massing, alignment, materials and use. (PPS5: HE7.5). Guidance and Specifications As a basic planning principle planning applications for replacement buildings must be provided and be approved by the planning authority before any demolition can take place. Protecting and enhancing the quality and character …[and giving] a high level of protection …to most valued townscapes and landscapes” is now a key principle underlying national planning policies. There is a presumption in favour of retaining the significance of all designated Heritage Assets and buildings which make a positive contribution to the character and appearance of the Conservation Area either individually or in groups. See Map 2 identifying Positive, Neutral and Negative Buildings. Other buildings and structures that make a neutral or negative impact on the Conservation Area may be demolished provided that proposals for replacement buildings enhance or better reveal the significance of the Conservation Area. (PPS5: 9.5). Designs for replacement developments will be carefully reviewed for their relationship to neighbouring buildings, landscaping and frontages and orientations will also serve as a guide to plot new buildings.

BACK TO CONTENTS The choice of complimentary materials should reflect the local environment and colour palette. Existing roofing materials and forms are particularly important to consider when designing new buildings. Design Guidance and related Poole Core Strategy policies are stated in PCS23 and the BoP Design Code 2001.

5.3 Alterations and Extensions The General Permitted Development Order requires landowners in Conservation Areas to apply for planning permission for certain types of development which are elsewhere classified as permitted development. Guidance and Specifications All new extensions and alterations should relate to and compliment the scale, proportions, quality, colours, textures and detailing of existing traditional materials. The BoP Design Code (2001) contains guidance and illustrates the basic principles underlying appropriate extensions and alterations to historic buildings.

5.4 Building Materials and Maintenance Traditional building repair and maintenance is essential if building materials are to survive. As a principle it is practical to use materials or techniques with proven longevity, and which are close matches for those being repaired or replaced. Not all historic building materials are durable, however, and advice should be sought. Soft bricks can be subject to damage especially where they have been re-pointed in cement mortar. Over the years damaged brickwork and older renders on traditional buildings have been repainted, replaced and poorly repaired. Some buildings have been poorly maintained with joinery left unpainted and exposed to weathering. Conflicts exist between the architectural integrity and the nature of some of the alterations to properties in the Conservation Area. Building forms have generally remained intact. Some old walls have been lost or extensively altered. Evidence of the past can be used to repair or to significantly restore building elements. This can be drawn from the building and/or archival drawings and documents. Old records can be sourced and deposited in the Local History Centre at Poole’s Waterfront Museum and the Historic Environment Record or History Centre at Dorset County Council. Old Building Control, planning history files and photographs contain original drawings and accounts of authorised alterations to properties over time. Such records are invaluable to understand how a property has developed from its original designs. English Heritage has for many years published a wide variety of literature on the practical care and maintenance of traditional buildings. Literature on windows, masonry and roofing is readily available from both English Heritage and the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB). Many

BACK TO CONTENTS contractors specialise in historic building repairs and maintenance though there are now shortages of traditional building crafts skilled workers to carry out specified work making it essential to plan maintenance, repairs and alterations. Guidance and Specifications Regular and planned maintenance of historic buildings is supported and essential to avoid extensive repairs and replacement materials (Local Plan Policy BE16). The care and repair of traditional buildings is especially important. Traditional buildings are defined as those built pre- 1919, with solid wall construction, no damp proof courses and, originally, single glazed casement or sash windows. Joinery can benefit from the application of traditional paint colours. There is also a presumption in favour of retaining original materials such as plain clay roof tiles, slates and timber windows. Where replacement or reinstatement of building elements is required the choice of materials should be made on a like for like basis (see Further Information in Section 8 and BoP Design Code, 2001).

5.5 Landscaping: Trees, Vegetation and Boundary Treatments 5.5.1 Trees and Vegetation The retention of healthy trees is essential to maintain the high landscape quality, amenity interest and microclimatic they’ve contributed to over many decades of growth. Trees and vegetation also maintain the biodiversity of the environment. In Heckford Park street trees in planters are extremely important to the public realm. Hard landscaping used to create driveways, boundary walls and other garden structures may also be detrimental to trees. Guidance and Specifications Some large trees within the Conservation Area are protected from development and inappropriate treatments with Tree Preservation Orders. Trees that contribute to the character and appearance and amenity of the Conservation Area should be retained, protected and maintained in a healthy condition. Works to protected trees can be carried out only after written application is made to the Planning Authority’s Tree Officer and a decision notice issued agreeing to the work. Anyone proposing to carry out works to trees, without TPOs, elsewhere in the Conservation Area is required to give the Tree Officer six weeks prior notice in writing. Normally only work to trees 7.5 cm in diameter and 1.5 m above ground is necessary to notify. Full technical details are needed in an application or written notice to justify the tree works (see BoP Local Plan, NE 17 & 28). The removal of trees proven to be dead, dying and dangerous or a nuisance is normally agreed. The pruning of trees should also be justified not wholly based on reasons of aesthetics and convenience. There are requirements to plant replacement trees and landowners may be notified if trees are not replanted.

BACK TO CONTENTS Trees are an important material consideration to be taken into account when planning applications are being considered. Where trees are agreed for removal as part of a development, replacement trees of a similar character will be required within the property as part of a sustainable landscape plan. In addition to general policies in certain cases it may be appropriate for the Planning Authority to issue a site brief for the guidance of developers when development is pending. The preparation of the brief may include a tree survey to identify any special trees that may need TPOs and protection from construction. In addition to tree surveys ecological surveys of properties with extensive woodland like cover and vegetation may be required with planning applications if any evidence of sites of nature conservation or protected species of flora or fauna exists. It is a criminal offence to disturb the habitats of protected species under The Countryside and Wildlife Act. Designs to attract wildlife can be integrated into the site layouts of new development based on ecological surveys (see BoP, Landscape and Natural Environment Design Code, 2001). 5.5.2 Boundary Treatments There is a mixture of brick boundary walls in the CA; these should be retained and enhanced in any new developments. Guidance and Specifications Conservation Area Consent is normally required for the demolition of boundary walls. This applies to any gate or wall which is more than 1 metre high if abutting a highway, public footpath, waterway or public open space or more than 2 metres in other cases. The brick front boundary walls are an important feature which contributes to the character of the area, the removal of these walls to create parking and hard standings to the front to the property is considered to be detrimental to the character of the area and will not gain support.

BACK TO CONTENTS 6 Management Options

6.1 New Development Within the Conservation Area there is a presumption in favour of retaining significant, historic buildings that contribute to the character of the area. Where significant buildings are proposed for demolition account shall be taken of the architectural merits of the building in question and its role within the historic development of the area. The prime consideration, however, is the wider effect of demolition on neighbouring buildings, the area as a whole and the surrounding character. PPS1 states clearly that “Design which is inappropriate in its context, or which fails to take the opportunities available for improving the character and quality of an area and way it functions should not be acceptable”. Within the Heckford Park Conservation Area it is essential that new development:

 relates well to the character, geography and history of the place without crowding the site or dominating the plot;  fits comfortably within the pattern of existing houses and road access;  respects the scale, massing, proportions and window to wall ratios of neighbouring buildings and their materials and orientation;  maintains views from the highway where they exist and creates new views wherever possible. Climate change will require designs for sustainable construction that meet future demands for low energy consumption, extreme temperatures and events and good drainage. The Poole Characterisation Study (April 2010) will also be a material consideration in assessing any planning application. Notwithstanding the above-noted, all new developments will be reviewed as planning applications are submitted in accordance with relevant national, regional and local planning policies and guidance and this Conservation Area Character Appraisal.

6.2 Opportunities for Enhancement There are a number of ways that the Conservation Area can be improved by those who have an interest in maintaining what is already an attractive environment. Improving the quality and sustainability of the design of new buildings and alterations and extensions, the public realm or streetscape for the future are realistic aims achievable by property owners and their agents, and the local authority as and when resources become available. The BoP Streetscape Manual 2007 provides guidance on street furniture and signage, lighting, public art, utilities and new sea walls which is also relevant to the Sandbanks CA. The English Heritage Street for All Southwest 2005 also contains guidance and examples of street improvements that demonstrates how improvements to shared, highway surfaces and verges and other ground surfaces can make a difference in historic areas.

BACK TO CONTENTS 6.2.1 Recognising and Commemorating Significance Particular areas of work that could enhance the local distinctiveness of the Conservation Area are: Projects to commemorate the area or special events in the area. Record the history of the area and deposit records in the Local History / Historic Environment Record Centres for future reference (particularly photographic images). 6.2.2 Streetscape & Environmental Improvements All new traffic management schemes and treatments of ground surfaces and street furniture will enhance the character and appearance of the Conservation Area and be planned to minimise negative impacts on the historic environment. 6.2.3 Signs and Telecommunications Street furniture, telecommunications installations, signs and advertisements should be carefully designed and sited to minimise the amount of street clutter in any given locations. When considering the siting of new furniture the cumulative effect of the new and existing furniture should be taken into account. Permanent signs and advertisements on commercial premises, recreational facilities and hoardings for new developments under construction should be designed to be discrete and appropriate for the site and building with particular care taken to keep scale, materials, lighting and colours in context with the Conservation Area. Telecommunications installations including masts and related structures should be designed and located so as to not adversely impact upon the Conservation Area. 6.2.4 Biodiversity & Nature Conservation Site planning and management of hard and soft landscaping projects should take account of landscape, tree, open space and wildlife in an integrated way. Early consultation with the Borough of Poole’s specialist officers is advisable for tree work, large projects and difficult sites. Property owners are encouraged to maintain and enhance the biodiversity of their gardens by retaining hedges, using natural materials, reducing chemical use, composting green waste and gardening organically.

6.3 Monitoring and Review Changes in the character and appearance of the Conservation Area including authorised developments will be monitored by the Local Planning Authority. The effects will be reviewed and guidance modified or specific actions proposed as necessary to address issues arising from the review process.

BACK TO CONTENTS Map 1

STADIUM WAY

N STADIUM WAY STADIUM

WIMBORNE ROAD ST MARGARET'S ROAD MARGARET'S ST

DENMARK LANE TATNAM ROAD TATNAM

Post

ELIZABETH ROAD ELIZABETH Shaftesbury Road Shaftesbury

DENMARK

LANE

HECKFORD LANE HECKFORD

HECKFORD

Tatnam WIMBORNE ROAD

ROAD

CRANES MEWS CRANES Crescent

DENMARK ROAD

GARLAND ROAD HECKFORD LANE HECKFORD CANFORD ROAD

MAPLE ROAD

SHAFTESBURY ROAD SHAFTESBURY

HECKFORD ROAD HECKFORD MARNHULL ROAD MARNHULL ST JOHN'S ROAD

LONGFLEET ROAD KINGSTON ROAD KINGSTON

ST MARY'S ROAD

GARLAND ROAD GARLAND CHARLES ROAD CHARLES

MAPLE ROAD

JOLLIFFE ROAD

Posts

JOLLIFFE

CHARLES ROAD CHARLES AVENUE Posts

DENBY ROAD

ST MARY'S ROAD

ROAD KINGSTON KINGSTON ROAD KINGSTON

DENBY ROAD

LONGFLEET ROAD

PARISH ROAD PARISH

BRAILSWOOD ROAD BRAILSWOOD GARLAND ROAD GARLAND

ST MARY'S ROAD BIRDS HILL GARDENS ROAD HILL BIRD'S CHURCHFIELD ROAD

Boundary line Heckford Park Conservation Area Boundary ROAD HOULTON

BACK TO CONTENTS Map 2 N

Positive Negative Neutral Locally listed

Heckford Park Conservation Area Features

These buildings have been surveyed and assessed against the prevalent characteristics of buildings in the area to produce this map. 23

BACK TO CONTENTS Map 3

TATNAM ROAD

JOLLIFFE

WIMBORNE ROAD

AVENUE

Tatnam

Crescent

GARLAND ROAD

KINGSTON ROAD

CANFORD ROAD

MAPLE ROAD

HECKFORD

ROAD

ST JOHN'S ROAD

LANE

HECKFORD LANE

DENMARK CHARLES ROAD

ST MARY'S ROAD

CHARLES ROAD

HECKFORD ROAD

HECKFORD LANE

Shaftesbury Road

Posts

Posts MAPLE ROAD

ST MARY'S ROAD

SHAFTESBURY ROAD

DENMARK ROAD

Post N

CRANES MEWS

ELIZABETH ROAD LONGFLEET ROAD

Possible areas for Improvement Opportunities improvement

BACK TO CONTENTS Design Codes for New Development: Heckford Park

The existing buildings within the Heckford Park Conservation Area have a strong homogenous identity and are characterised by Edwardian Terraces with the varied strong architectural detailing which is typical of this period, roofs have unfortunately largely been replaced with concrete tiles and walls characteristically red or polychrome brick. Chimneys and chimney pots are typical architectural features and brick boundary walls and street and garden trees add to the verdant feel of the area. These built and natural features combine to give this area a special quality. Under PPS5 HE6 the applicant is required to provide sufficient information to assess the impact of the proposal on the significance of the Conservation Area. Any proposal which does not provide sufficient information will be considered invalid. Any new development within the Conservation Area should enhance the significance of the Conservation Area or better reveal that significance (PPS5 HE9.4). Code 1: Dominance of trees and planting All new development should maintain the balance between the built form and the vegetation on the site. New development should be sited sufficient distance away from trees to avoid future demands for their removal due to loss of light and amenity. The importance of street trees should not be discounted. Code 2: Demolition The demolition of buildings or walls within the Conservation Area will only be permitted where: The building or wall makes no contribution to the significance of the Conservation Area and its removal and replacement by an appropriate development would enhance the conservation area or better reveal its significance (PPS5 HE9.5). Where a building or wall makes a positive contribution to the significance of the conservation area there is a presumption in favour of retaining that building or wall, (PPS5 HE9.1) and the planning authority will refuse consent unless it has been demonstrated that: (i) There are substantial public benefits that outweigh the harm to the conservation area. (ii) (a) The nature of the building prevents its use (b) No viable uses can be found (c) Redeveloping the site outweighs the loss of the building (PPS5 HE9.2) Where the proposal is for demolition of a positive building the Local Planning Authority will require evidence to be provided that the building has been marketed at a realistic price and terms. Map 2 identifies positive, neutral and negative features within the conservation area. These have been assessed considering the area’s special character. Code 3: Boundary treatment gates and entrances Planning permission is required for the erection of front boundary walls and gates, and conservation area consent for the demolition of walls over 1meter tall fronting the highway and 2 metres elsewhere. Low brick boundary walls under 600mm tall are characteristic of the conservation area. These walls are considered to contribute to the significance of the conservation area. Therefore, the demolition of these walls will be resisted as stated above and these walls are considered the most appropriate front boundary treatment and should be retained or replaced in any new developments. Close boarded fences are not considered appropriate within the conservation area.

BACK TO CONTENTS Code 4: Building materials and details Extensions should usually be constructed in materials that match their parent building unless there is appropriate justification provided why this is not appropriate. While it is not necessary that new buildings should exactly match their neighbours they should reinforce local distinctiveness by using the prevalent local materials and detailing. Successful schemes will need to take account of the characteristics of their surroundings, in particular:

 The articulated roofscape prevalent in the area  The vertical emphasis and rythm provided by the strong detailing of the Edwardian terraces  The bulk scale and mass of adjacent buildings  The significance of nearby assets  The general character and distinctiveness of the conservation area  The style, construction, materials, detailing decoration and period of existing buildings and spaces  The topography of the site  Landscape features, including brick boundary walls  Views of the site  The current and historic uses in the area together with the urban grain should be retained. Code 5: Gaps End terrace plots are usually larger than their mid terrace equivalents. These plots provide some opportunities for extensions or new development. However, any extensions or development on these plots must be designed to reinforce local distinctiveness as Code 4 above. Code 6: Landscaping Trees including street trees that contribute to the character of the Conservation Area should be retained. Where trees need to be removed to enable development, replacement trees of similar character will be required. Code 7: Street clutter Street furniture should be carefully designed and sited to minimise clutter and adhere to the streetscape manual guidance. Code 8: Developments to the rear of buildings Many plots within the conservation area have two frontages with the main frontage to a road and the rear to a back service lane. At present these lanes are untidy with buildings and boundary treatments of little architectural merit. Any new buildings accessed from these secondary frontages should reflect the style of their parent building and reinforce local distinctiveness by the use of materials and details which are prevalent within the conservation area. These frontages are subservient to the main frontage, therefore, any development here should be clearly subservient, ancillary buildings to the main residences. Small scale buildings such as garages, garden rooms or home offices may be appropriate fronting these secondary frontages. This will have the added benefit that these lanes and frontages can be improved, and will better reveal the significance of the conservation area.

BACK TO CONTENTS Code 9: St Mary’s Hospital This site may come forward as a redevelopment site in the near future. As the site of the former workhouse this is a distinct site with a different grain to other sites within the conservation area. The lodge building to the south east corner of the site and much of the perimeter boundary wall are considered to be positive features which contribute to the significance of the conservation area and should be retained in any redevelopment. Housing, health care, care home or community uses are considered appropriate in this location. However, any development will need to reinforce local distinctiveness and to enhance or better reveal the significance of the conservation area.

BACK TO CONTENTS We can give you help to read or understand this information 01202 633321

18001 01202 633321

boroughofpoole.com/accessibility

Further Information Environment & Design, Planning & Regeneration Services, Borough of Poole, Civic Centre, Poole, Dorset BH15 2RU Tel: 01202 633343 or 633321 Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

Internet: Read and download the document from www.boroughofpoole.com/planning (Free internet access in all Poole libraries) 28 This document is available for viewing at the Civic Centre, Planning & Regeneration Services reception