Character Appraisal March 2007

Purfleet Conservation Area

Index Page

Introduction 1

Planning Policy Framework 2

Special interest of Purfleet 4

1. Origins and historic development

2. Character analysis

- General character and settlement form of Purfleet

- Building materials and details in Purfleet

Community Involvement 8

Boundary changes 8

Management considerations 9

Appendices

Appendix 1 - Thurrock Borough Local Plan 1997 – 10 Conservation area policies

Appendix 2 - Listed buildings in Purfleet Conservation 11 Area as shown in the 17th list of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest (as at January 2007)

www.thurrock.gov.uk Introduction

Purfleet Conservation Area was designated in 1985.

The designation of a conservation area should not be seen as an end in itself. It is important that conservation areas are regularly reviewed and the preparation of a character appraisal is a part of this process. An appraisal should be regarded as an opportunity to re-assess a conservation area and to evaluate its special interest and significance. It is the defining of special interest that is the main purpose of the appraisal. The appraisal should also provide a basis for making sustainable decisions about the future of the conservation area through the development of management considerations.

The core of the appraisal is the definition of the special interest of the Purfleet Conservation Area and this is intended to provide a vivid, succinct picture of how it is today together with an evaluation of its key characteristics.

Reference is made to the relevant national and local planning policy framework. An outline is provided of the steps that have been taken to involve the local community and other interested parties in the preparation of the appraisal.

Boundary changes are described and an indication of management considerations provided.

It is emphasised that no appraisal can ever be fully comprehensive and the omission of any particular building, feature or space should not be taken to imply that it is of no interest.

1 Purfleet Conservation Area - Character Appraisal Planning Policy Framework

A conservation area is an ‘area of Special Architectural or Historic Interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance’ (Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990). Designation places certain duties upon local planning authorities. They must review the ‘special interest’ of their areas from time to time and also consider whether new conservation areas should be designated

The Adopted Thurrock Borough Local Plan 1997 forms part of the development plan for Thurrock and provides the basis for decisions on land use planning. It contains policies regarding the designation, review and enhancement of conservation areas, together with guidance relating to the control of development within them. These Local Plan policies are outlined in Appendix 1

The Council is currently preparing its Local Development Framework. This will be a range of documents containing policies and proposals to guide the future development and use of land in Thurrock up to 2021, including those relating to conservation areas. It will form part of the statutory development plan and will replace the Local Plan.

With regard to the control of development within conservation areas the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 requires that planning applications be made for certain types of development which are elsewhere considered to be ‘permitted development’. This includes various types of cladding; the insertion of dormer windows into roof slopes; the erection of satellite dishes on walls, roofs or chimneys fronting a highway; and the installation of radio masts and antennae. The size of house and industrial extensions that may be carried out in conservation areas without a specific grant of planning permission is also more restricted.

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El Sub Sta Tanks Tank El Sub Sta Legend: Significant open space Scheduled Ancient Monument Conservation area boundary Listed Building Highways of historic significance Significant physical/built form n.b. detailed information regarding listed buildings or the scheduled ancient monuments should be verified separately

Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey mapping with the permission of HMSO, © Crown Copyright. Thurrock Borough Council Licence number 100025457 (2006) Special Interest of Purfleet

1. Origins and historic development

There is significant evidence of early human activity in the Purfleet area. Many worked flints and tools dating from the Palaeolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic periods have been found. Pottery from between the Bronze Age and Roman periods has also been discovered.

Chalk extraction took place in the vicinity of Purfleet from the 16th century onwards and had a significant impact upon the landscape. In the18th century the Whitbread family, owners of the chalk quarries, developed a planned village at Purfleet. The Whitbread Estate included Church House, Church Bungalow and Church Cottage all built within a previously extracted area (Church Hollow). The existing terraces Hollow Cottages and Botany Terrace 19th century map of Purfleet were also originally part of the Whitbread Estate. Whitbread House was demolished to make way for the A significant building in Purfleet is the Royal Hotel, built existing St Stephen’s church and The Parsonage. in the 18th century. This was originally a house and subsequently became ‘The Ship’, ‘The Bricklayers Arms’ and in the 19th century the ‘Purfleet Hotel’ when Purfleet became a fashionable visitor attraction. It took on the name Royal Hotel allegedly following a visit from the Prince of Wales.

Chapman & Andre map (1777) Purfleet gunpowder magazines An explosion at the Woolwich Garrison resulted in the construction of a magazine at Purfleet in the 18th The historic military garrison use ceased during the 1970’s century. Purfleet became the receiving house where all and the majority of the buildings were demolished. They gunpowder used by the government was landed by were replaced by the substantial new residential barge, examined, tested and, if approved, stored. development of the Garrison Estate.

Five large gunpowder magazines were built close to the Upon the cessation of chalk extraction, the quarries Thames within approximately 25 acres of ground adjacent to Purfleet (The Dipping) were used as an oil occupied by the government, which was moated round storage depot. Towards the end of the 20th century the and walled. One of the magazines remains together with storage use ceased and the tanks were eventually evidence of the inner and outer security walls. A clock demolished. The area is presently being developed for tower at one of the four entrances and a proof house residential purposes. A variety of industrial and (barrel store) also remain. commercial uses established themselves on the banks of the Thames close to the village centre. The uses also ceased operating towards the end of the 20th century and the sites were redeveloped for residential purposes.

4 www.thurrock.gov.uk 2. Character analysis Initially it is wide enough to be an access road and is partially framed to the north by the former outer garrison General character and settlement form of wall. Tank Lane gives access to the early 20th century Purfleet Edwardian arts and crafts educational buildings to the north. This area is crowned by mature trees, which are on The riverside green the crest of the hill.

The riverside green is a substantial riverfront open space which has wide views across the River Thames to Kent and upriver to Canary Wharf. It rises up the escarpment slope to the ridge to the north. There are avenues of mature trees, which are important to the river front to the west of the riverside green and further up the hill towards the hilltop. There is a 20th century community hall to the west of the riverside green and it is crossed by the primary route of Tank Hill Road and also Centurion Way providing access to the housing to the west.

Royal Hotel

ii. to the west

The garrison inner wall rises up the slope to the entrance gateway and Clock Tower. The modern access road, Centurion Way, has been cut into the slope and has steep banks. There is some single storey modern housing south of the gateway and fronted by a mature avenue of trees. To the north, the modern housing follows the line of the edge of the former garrison ground and the line of the outer wall. Towards the riverside walk is a copse of mature trees on top of an earth mound.

Tank Lane

Tank Lane is wide enough to be an access track to a few 20th century houses on the north side and then narrows as a footpath along the higher ground above the quarry cliff face, to the east. The high chalk cliff face on the south side of the lane is a visually strong part of the character of Purfleet Conservation Area and has historical Riverside green and view upriver from Purfleet importance with regard to quarrying activities.

The riverside green is framed by -

i. to the east

The riverside walkway, which itself is framed by the 18th century three-storey Royal Hotel which is a listed building (LB) and its plain single and three storey 20th century attachments. The recent planting of this area has failed. There is a flint faced and brick capped wall which frames the east side of the green. It is interrupted for the entry to the High Street. Mature trees to the rear rise above the edge wall. The ancient lane, Tank Lane, forks to the east, and proceeds on the ridge of the former chalk quarry.

Chalk cliff face under Tank Lane 5 Purfleet Conservation Area - Character Appraisal The Purfleet Garrison High Street

The government moved the Royal magazine to Purfleet in The High Street is framed by - the 18th century. The No. 5 Magazine (LB), the Proof House (Barrel Store) and the Clock Tower (LB) are i. north side scheduled ancient monuments. Along with the wall, they are the primary residual structures of the Purfleet On the northwest corner, set behind a small garden, is Garrison. The magazines were located on the level and at the 19th century arts and crafts style Rose Cottage. right angles to the wharf. The Proof House (Barrel Store) is located to the rear and is set into the escarpment bank, within a strong group of mature trees. The buildings are constructed of 18th century dark red brick and are of government engineering quality to withstand and contain explosion. The Clock Tower surmounts the gateway in the wall and is an 18th century structure constructed in stock brick. The doors are in cast iron frames.

Rose Cottage

The Whitbread family developed a relatively small industrial estate here in the 19th century. To the east and set on the edge of the pavement, is the 19th century terrace nos. 1 to 7 High Street. Beyond are the open green and the war memorial within the churchyard for the St. Stephen’s church. Behind this is a 20th century housing estate tucked within the mature trees and to the north of this, within Church Hollow, are the late 18th century stock brick Church House (former chapel) (LB), Church Cottage (former schoolmaster’s house) (LB) and Church Bungalow (former schoolhouse) (LB), which are no longer occupied and have become derelict. They sit in a hollow with the quarry cliff rising to the northwest.

1 to 7 High Street

No.5 Magazine, Proof House (Barrel Store) and Clock Tower 6 www.thurrock.gov.uk To the east, and set back from the High Street, Building materials and details in Purfleet surrounded by an important mature tree group and accessed by a descending narrow track are the 19th In Purfleet buildings were largely constructed from the century almshouse character Hollow Cottages (LB) 18th century. Essentially these are all brick walled fronting onto a communal green. buildings.

The present external appearance of many of these earlier original buildings owes their external surface character from the later more prosperous 18th and 19th centuries.

The basic building forms with later detail changes give Purfleet Conservation Area its varied sense of historic detail, with the exception of the majority of the 20th century buildings and additions. Although the use of locally sourced materials and skills unites the character of the historic vernacular structures to give them their special interest, the government buildings used the best materials and sourced them nationally.

In addition to the historic building forms, walls, roofs, doors and windows, the materials and details also have special interest. Hollow Cottages A little further to the east and set at the edge of the pavement to London Road is the 19th century Botany Brick Terrace. Hand made bricks come into use as external walling in the 18th century (red brick) and in the 19th century (yellow stock or grey gault brick).

Until the later 19th century lime mortar was used. In the 20th century, re-pointing and repair often uses detrimental cement based mortar.

In the late 19th and early 20th century cement and machine made bricks became available as a walling material.

Although previously lime render and weatherboard had been used to reduce the penetration of damp on traditional buildings, with the availability of expanded metal lath some buildings were encased in cement Botany Terrace render.

ii. south side Industrially produced materials such as asbestos and concrete tiles also came into use in the 20th century. Whilst the north side of the High Street is rich in the Due to their interlocking, lower pitched roofs than before remaining spaces and buildings of the Whitbread Estate, were constructed. the south side is now enclosed by 21st century riverside linked development. To the rear of the Royal Hotel, the All of these forms contribute to the interest and character garden is not screened and although the mature trees are of Purfleet Conservation Area although not all are retained, a lower car park has been introduced. externally visible.

7 Purfleet Conservation Area - Character Appraisal Community involvement Boundary changes

Involving the local community and raising public An important aspect of the appraisal process is the awareness has been an integral part of the process of consideration of where the boundary of the Conservation preparing the character appraisal. Area should be drawn. The appropriateness of current boundaries should be regularly reassessed, perhaps on a This took the form of sending consultation letters to all five-year cycle (Guidance on conservation area appraisals residents and occupants in the Conservation Area – English Heritage 2006). requesting views on the following- Two boundary changes have been made to Purfleet • What features are important to Purfleet Conservation Area - Conservation Area and make it special • The Proof House (Barrel Store) is a scheduled ancient • What adds to the character monument. This building and the surrounding treed slope have been included within the Conservation • What takes away from the character Area. There are three buildings of the 18th century Purfleet Garrison complex remaining, all of which are Included with the consultation letter was a questionnaire scheduled ancient monuments. However, only the together with a plan of the Conservation Area and a No.5 Magazine and the Clock Tower were within the summary of the considered character and possible issues. original Conservation Area. It is consistent to include all of the components of special architectural and In addition, the entire public consultation process took historic interest in the Conservation Area. place online on the Council’s website. Notice of the public exhibitions was given in the local press. • On the top of the north cliff of The Dipping, Tank Lane is within the original Conservation Area. The Purfleet Community Forum was consulted, as were local quarry face is an important visual and historic ward members, the MP and other interested parties. feature. The most visible part, the cliff face itself, has been included within the Conservation Area. In An exhibition with historic maps, photographs and addition, the Conservation Area has been extended documents was held on 4th and 5th October 2006 at to include part of Tank Lane (to the eastern end of Purfleet Heritage Centre, No 5 Magazine, Purfleet where the adjacent housing to the north) Officers were available to talk through issues and answer questions.

The consultation responses affirmed the following issues:

• The importance of the designated Conservation Area

• The possible expansion to include other areas of special interest

• Involvement of the public in the process of character appraisals

• Involvement of the public in the production of management proposals

• The preservation and management of the special issues

• Any new proposal should respect and not detract from the existing character

8 www.thurrock.gov.uk Management considerations

Conservation Areas are living environments, which are inevitably subject to change and evolution. The original character of some buildings in the Purfleet Conservation Area has already been altered, through for example replacement windows and concrete roof tiles.

It is important to try and prevent the erosion of the essential character of the Conservation Area as a result of inappropriate changes. Exposed and prominent boundary treatments in the Conservation Area are important and their alteration has the potential to be a problem.

The Council will consider the production of design guidance with regard to matters of the nature outlined to assist residents and landowners in their choices.

Once a conservation area is designated, additional planning controls can be introduced by limiting permitted development rights through the issue of an Article 4(2) direction under the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995.

Planning permission would then be required for the works that are specified. There is no intention at this stage to consider use of an Article 4 direction. Nevertheless the Council reserves the right to consider use of a direction in the future if it is deemed necessary and appropriate to control serious loss of character.

In the event that such a decision is taken, there would be a formal process of notification and opportunity for those affected to support or object to the proposal.

It is intended to produce Management Proposals for Purfleet Conservation Area. The Management Proposals will outline general and specific issues relevant to the Conservation Area and may include recommendations for action.

9 Purfleet Conservation Area - Character Appraisal Appendix 1 – Thurrock Borough Local Plan 1997 – Conservation Area policies

BE22 – Conservation Areas – Designation, Review BE-23A-Demolition in Conservation Areas and Enhancement ‘The Council will not grant consent for the total or ‘The Council will regularly review conservation area substantial demolition of a building in a conservation area boundaries, amend them when necessary and examine unless it can be shown to their satisfaction that the the need to designate new conservation areas using the building is wholly beyond repair; incapable of reasonably following broad criteria to assess the special interest of beneficial use; or where its removal would enhance the areas: character or appearance of the area.

(i) The origins and development of the topography of If necessary, the Council will impose a condition on the the area; grant of any consent providing that any development shall not take place before a contract for carrying out the (ii) Archaeological significance and potential; works of redevelopment on the site has been granted for the development for which the contract provides.’ (iii) Prevalent building materials, character and hierarchy of spaces; BE24-Article Four Directions in Conservation Areas

(iv) The quality and relationship of buildings in the area ‘In exceptional circumstances, including where there are including the contribution of unlisted buildings; real and specific threats to the character of the conservation area, and subject to approval by the (v) The contribution made by trees and other green Secretary of State, the Council will make direction under features. article 4 of the General Development Order to restrict permitted development rights in conservation areas.’ Using the above criteria, the Council will also formulate and publish proposals for the preservation and enhancement of conservation areas’.

BE23 – Development affecting Conservation Areas

‘Development proposals within, adjacent to, or affecting the Borough’s conservation areas will be expected to preserve and enhance their character or appearance. The Council will not permit any development that would be in conflict with this objective.

In this regard, special attention will be paid to the following:

(i) The retention and protection of all buildings, whether listed or not, trees and any other features which are important to the character or appearance of that area;

(ii) The position of new buildings, which should enhance the character and appearance of the area and be in scale and harmony with the adjoining buildings and the area as a whole;

(iii) The use of materials, which should be appropriate to the area and sympathetic to adjoining buildings.

The desirability of preserving or enhancing the area will also be taken into consideration by the Council in the handling of development proposals which are outside the area but would affect its setting, or views into or out of the area.’ 10 www.thurrock.gov.uk Appendix 2-Listed Buildings in the Purfleet Conservation Area as shown in the 17th list of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest (as at January 2007)

CENTURION WAY CHURCH HOLLOW No 5 (Government Powder Magazine) Church Cottage

Grade II Grade II GV

Removed to Purfleet from Greenwich from 1760 Former schoolmaster's house built in 1790. In painted onwards. Circa 1800, powder magazine in grey stock brick with grey slate roof. One storey and attics. brick, with grey slate roof. Stone capped gables. Parapetted verges. Two window range C19 casements. Central louvre in semi-circular recess. Dentilled eaves Two C19 flat roofed dormers. Central entrance door, and course. Twelve slit windows in flank walls. Flat topped end wall chimney stacks. porches at end and sides with segmental headed arches to doors. CHURCH HOLLOW Hollow Cottages CENTURION WAY Clock Tower Grade II

Grade II Built 1790, altered in mid C19 and C20. Terrace of 12 cottages, reduced to 6 in mid C19, by making one unit Circa 1800. Clock Tower, in yellow stock brick. Lower out of two. Grey stock brick and red plain tile roof. Single stage with round headed arch, in each face, stone band storey. Twelve window range, C19 oriel bays, with glazing over with square panelled brick stage above. Roof bars, and C20 metal casements. Grey brick chimney surmounted by square pedimented stage, with circular stacks. Extended in mid C19, by 2 similar units, with clock faces. lower pitch roof clad in modern plain tiles. Four window Square bell turret over with square dome and range, oriel bays. C20 gabled 2 storey extension at west weathervane. end.

CHURCH HOLLOW LONDON ROAD Church House Royal Hotel

Grade II GV Grade II

Built 1791 as a chapel, converted into a dwelling in C20. Early C19 house in rendered brick with grey slate roof. Painted brick with grey slate roof. Two storeys Three Three storeys. window range, modern casements. Five window range, C19 double hung vertical sliding Windows are set in recessed panels, with semi-circular sashes, in plain reveals. arched heads. String course and dentilled eaves course. Plain parapet, central 3 bays raised up, with horizontal capping. Two storey balcony, part infilled, with slender stucco piers to ground floor, cast iron supporting posts to CHURCH HOLLOW first floor. Tented lead roof with valance. Extensive Church Bungalow modern extension on west and north sides.

Grade II GV

Former Schoolhouse, built in 1790. In grey stock brick, part painted, with grey slate hipped roof. Single storey. Three window range, casement, with semi-circular heads, set in recessed full height panels, with semi-circular heads, and panels of knapped flint beneath cills.

11 Purfleet Conservation Area - Character Appraisal 12 www.thurrock.gov.uk

TCPA/9/07