Conservation Area Appraisal

Design & Historic Environment Durham County Council County Hall Hallgarth Durham DH1 5UL December 2009

Tel: 0191 383 4196 Fax: 0191 383 4096

INDEX

PREFACE 3

1 GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS

1.1 Introduction 4 1.2 Origins and Development 4 1.3 Basic Character 11 1.4 Buildings within the CA 11 1.5 Archaeological Sites 13 1.6 Views, landscapes, trees & open spaces 12 1.8 Boundaries 15 1.9 Public realm, surfaces & street furniture 15

2 A CLOSED LOOK AT THE

PITTINGTON HALLGARTH

CONSERVATION AREA

2.1 The principle approach &

church area 17

2.2 Hallgarth Manor Hotel 22

2.3 The area to the south east of

Hallgarth Manor Hotel 25

3 MANAGEMENT OF THE

CONSERVATION AREA

3.1 Managing change 28

3.2 Changes to the Conservation area boundary 28 3.3 Condition of the CA 28 3.4 The planning system 29

APPENDIX A

Written description of the CA Boundary 32

- 2 - PREFACE

CONSERVATION AREAS AND CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISALS The Pittington Hallgarth Appraisal AND MANAGEMENT PLANS and Management plan is the latest in a line of appraisals covering the A conservation area is an area that 14 conservation areas within the is predominately historic in City of . It is spilt into character and is special or three sections. Section 1 ‘General attractive enough to warrant Character’ gives an overview of protection through the planning the area’s history and character. process. The historic centre of Section 2 ‘A Closer Look at the Durham or are Pittington Hallgarth Conservation obvious examples as are many Area’ provides an in-depth look in traditional villages in the County, the form of a walk around the such as Pittington Hallgarth. conservation area. Section 3 ‘Management of the Conservation Durham County Council, as the Area’ details the planning policy local planning authority, has a background, provides planning statutory duty to preserve and guidance and suggests areas for enhance the special character of enhancement. a conservation area. It seeks to achieve this through designating PUBLIC CONSULTATION them, reviewing them, producing appraisals and management plans This document was subject to a and considering the character of a period of public consultation th st conservation area in the planning running from 9 March to the 31 process. March 2009. The local Durham County Council Member, the Parish A conservation area appraisal and council and residents of the management plan is a document conservation area received a that states what it is about a place copy of the draft document, a one that merits it being a conservation page summary and a feedback area and suggests courses of form. This was then followed up by action to maintain and enhance its talk given to Pittington Parish th character. It does so by exploring Council on the 16 June 2009. the development of an area and how that is reflected in the present; Five written responses were in its buildings, street layouts, received. These all felt that the natural areas and archaeology. It appraisal summarised the works on the principle that once character of the area well and the the special character of an area is attention paid to the village was understood then it is easier to welcomed. Various clarifications assess and formulate development were sought and further historical proposals and to ensure that they information given, which have are sympathetic and contribute to been absorbed into the final draft. the character of the area. Its target One boundary amendment was audience is anyone with an interest suggested and this is discussed with in a conservation area, be it as a section 3.2. The purpose of the talk resident, property owner, to Pittington Parish Council was to developer, planner or local better explain the purpose of the historian. conservation area and the appraisal document.

- 3 - 1 GENERAL 1.2 ORIGINS AND CHARACTERISTICS DEVELOPMENT

1.1 INTRODUCTION The original Parish of Pittington contained Sherburn, The Parish of Pittington consists and Ludworth. In the mid C19 of the neighbouring villages of the Parish was sub-divided due Low Pittington and High to the vastly increased Pittington . High Pittington , the population that came with the larger of the two villages, growth of the mining industry. includes the small and detached hamlet of Hallgarth. Originally Pittington was divided Hallgarth is the focus of the into two settlements; the village conservation area. of North Pittington (now Low Pittington) and Pittington Pittington Hallgarth lies 3.5 miles Hallgarth which was a manorial NE of Durham at the foot of the centre of the Prior of Durham. magnesian limestone High Pittington developed escarpment. It is located on a during the 19 th and 20 th low but pronounced spur centuries as a mining village. overlooking a vale between Pittington, Littletown and There is evidence of settlement Sherburn. at Pittington from over 6000 years ago. A number of simple The conservation area was flint tools of the type used by the designated in 1981. It is a small hunter-gatherer people of the conservation area focussed on Mesolithic age have been two main buildings: the Church discovered in the parish. It is of St Laurence and Hallgarth thought that they had no Manor Hotel. In addition there permanent settlement, and are a small number of houses instead they moved through the and converted farm buildings. landscape to find the best Consequently the main land use source of food according to the in the conservation area is season. residential. Despite these very early Underlining the character of the discoveries little else is know conservation area are its roots about Pittington in prehistory. as a manor for the Prior of Although the first farmers started Durham, from which it slowly clearing their fields in the evolved largely untouched by Neolithic period (4000- 2500BC), the mining industry in the 19 th there are no remains of these and 20 th centuries. early farms. Indeed, there is no evidence from the following Bronze Age, or Iron Age. The Roman period is only represented by a few coins found near the Manor Hotel. This - 4 - does not mean that no-one agricultural and service lived in Pittington at this period, buildings. Surviving monastic just that none of the early records show considerable settlements or burials have been building activity with works to found. over thirty buildings or parts of buildings mentioned.

After the Dissolution of the Monasteries (1530s) the main buildings appear to have been dismantled, which partly remain It is in the Anglo-Saxon period as a number of low earthworks that Pittington emerges as a within the plot between the settlement. The name Pittington entrance to the church and is Old English for the 'farm of Chestnut Lodge. Elsewhere Pitta's people'. Pitta may have remnants of medieval farm been the name of the Anglo- buildings survive within some Saxon or Northumbrian leader buildings. At Hallgarth Manor who originally founded Cottages tree-ring dating Pittington village. analysis uncovered a mid 16 th century roof structure. It is probable that Pittington Hallgarth formed part of the land contained within the original endowment of the Priory The Medieval Barn may well live of Durham Cathedral in the 10 th up to its name as the triangular to early 11 th century. A stone vent holes retained in its sundial incorporated into the conversion are indicative of a Church is thought to date from farm building belonging to the this time suggesting an early Priors of Durham. Further church and associated discoveries may await in any of settlement. the historic buildings within the site and the below-ground The earliest section of the archaeological potential of the present Church of St Laurence area has great significance. has been dated to around 1100. In 1216 a chantry chapel to the The medieval period is Virgin Mary was founded and in enduringly represented within 1258 the Priory established a Hallgarth by the Church of St manor house near to the Laurence, which is most notably Church. known for its 12 th century north arcade and wall-paintings. It is Historic records state that the also likely that the basic layout manor house was the centre of of the hamlet dates from this a farming estate. In 1550 the site time, possibly earlier. The was described as comprising number of footpaths, lanes and two back courts and a front roads converging reflects its court. The front court contained importance at the heart of a by the manorial hall, whilst the large parish. back courts contained various - 5 - Hallgarth Manor Hotel was the settlements, though importantly successor to the Priors Manor the physical distinction is house. The estate contained retained. This close relationship is about 912 acres, twenty-eight of a contrast that reinforces the which were freehold. The traditional nature of Hallgarth. Shipperdson family and Lord Limited residential development Londonderry are two names and conversion has not associated with the Hall and changed this relationship. In a estate after the medieval landscape that is both rural and period. When the hall moved industrial Hallgarth remains one from its medieval site to the of the most significant historical present location of the Hallgarth rural settlements. Manor Hotel is unclear. The present hotel is at least 18 th century in origin though a detailed exploration may well uncover further clues.

The impact of coal mining from the 1830s onwards was pronounced on the parish. The surrounding landscape was transformed with the various pits of the Pittington Colliery and its associated railways and miners housing. The need for housing created Pittington Hallgarth whilst surrounding existing villages expanded. Hallgarth though, remained largely unchanged save for alterations to the Church in 1846 and a large Vicarage built in the middle part of the 19 th century.

th The ornate 19 century gravestones within the church ground suggest that the status of the Church at the heart of the area was maintained, at least by the more wealthy section of the population.

The traditional rural character of Hallgarth has remained to the present. The expansion of High Pittington in the mid 20 th century has brought about a close relationship between the two - 6 -

Historic Map 1 Pittington Hallgarth, 1856 to 1865

Historic Map 2 Pittington Hallgarth. 1894-1899

- 7 -

Historic Map 3 Pittington Hallgarth. 1938-1950

Historic Map 4 Pittington Hallgarth. 1970-1979

- 8 - Map 1 Pittington Hallgarth Conservation Area – Plan Form

- 9 -

Map 2 Pittington Hallgarth Conservation Area – Aerial View

- 10 - 1.3 THE BASIC CHARACTER history and prestige whilst AND LAYOUT OF THE forming a distinct settlement in PITTINGTON the wider part industrial part HALLGARTH rural landscape of the former CONSERVATION AREA Durham Coalfield.

One of the most important aspects of Hallgarth is that its origins were not as a village but a manorial centre for Durham Cathedral Priory. This gave it a Another important aspect is its compactness and sense of rural character. Its remoteness prestige that survives today. In from major roads, enclosure by this respect it has links not only large mature trees and proximity to the Cathedral but the Priory’s to the surrounding farmland are other outlying sites, such as key contributors to its quiet rural Beaurepaire and forms part of character. This is complimented the wider rich religious medieval by the historic buildings many of legacy of the Durham area, which have links to farming. signified by sites such as Kepier and Finchale Abbey. If the Hallgarth is orientated north – medieval manor had survived south with the Hall and Church beyond its footings this quality ‘book-ending’ the north and would have been very obvious south edges and dictating the yet it remains dominated by the course of roads, open spaces Church and Hall as it has done and location of other buildings. through the centuries, This results in a simple plan form producing a deep sense of but one that can not be readily continuity with the past. appreciated due to the flatness of the land and the degree of Even though the present Hall is enclosure made by walls, trees not the medieval building or in and planting. the original location these two types of buildings have defined The street pattern is enhanced Hallgarth from the medieval by predominantly traditional period to the present. Other boundary treatments of stone buildings, green spaces and walls, single trees, groups of trees compliment this trees in bunches or lines. relationship, adding to the Roadside verges, some planted, overall story of this small yet are an important feature historically significant settlement. contributing to the overall character whilst a lack of street Despite substantial growth and signage lighting etc keeps down development brought on by visual clutter. mining in the 19th Century the settlement remained largely unaffected. This produces a contrast between itself and High and Low Pittington that only adds to its individual sense of - 11 - 1.4 BUILDINGS WITHIN THE The Church of St Laurence is the CONSERVATION AREA most significant building. Hallgarth Manor Hotel, dating from mid 18th century and the There are 15 main buildings and Old Vicarage (mid 19 th century) a number of detached are the most significant historic structures including garages houses. The small estate and sheds etc. within the cottages: Cooks Cottage, conservation area. The Blacksmiths Cottage and architecture is varied but in the Squire’s Cottage, are the only main consists of large houses, historically smaller-scale small cottages together with the domestic buildings, albeit with Church and Hallgarth Manor an agricultural origin. Hotel. The former agricultural buildings The majority of the buildings are are generally low-lying and clustered to the rear of the grouped within courtyards of Hotel, generally grouped long ranges. All are converted around small courtyards. Other and although some are much buildings are detached within altered they generally retain well defined and widely spaced their traditional form and rectangular plots. positively contribute to the character and appearance of the conservation area. The At the south end of the village courtyard arrangement the Church of St. Laurence provides visually coherence stands slightly detached within between each farm building as its large church yard. well as retaining their historic

association. These neighbourly The heights of buildings vary characteristics are important to between one and two stories, the retaining their rural occasionally with rooms in attic character. spaces. This is particularly important when viewing the The oldest building is the Church village from the surrounding of St Laurence (12 th century countryside, where the larger onwards) followed by the Manor buildings dominate the wider Hotel (18 th and 19 th century). views.

The majority of other historic HISTORIC BUILDINGS buildings are difficult to date th The majority of buildings within precisely; though a late 18 to th Hallgarth are historic, i.e., before late 19 century date range the mid 20 th century. Apart from seems reasonable considering the church most of them have a their style and type. residential use either historically It is also reasonable to conclude or because they are converted that the street pattern and farm buildings. buildings within the village largely stand as they were represented on the First Edition Ordnance Survey map of 1860, - 12 - with red pantiles used on some Two buildings, Hallgarth Manor agricultural buildings. Dormer Hotel (Grade II) and the Church windows with pitched roofs of St Laurence (Grade I) are feature on some domestic listed for their special properties but are not a architectural or historic interest. traditional feature for converted farm buildings . MODERN BUILDINGS Windows are timber casement Modern buildings comprise or sash, the latter being vertical houses and outbuildings such as hung with a common garages. The houses consist of a arrangement being 6-over-6 few infill developments on the panes, or plain without glazing western side of the conservation bars. Windows and doors within area. They are of both suburban farm conversions are modern, and traditional styles and set with historic influences and within large gardens with characterised by timber definite boundaries which construction and simple designs. reduces their impact on the predominant historic character The predominant use of stone, of the conservation area. pantile and slate coupled with a high retention rate of historic Intermingled with the converted details is central to forming the farm buildings exist a number of high quality of the conservation modern detached and area. attached garages. These are constructed in traditional 1.5 ARCHAEOLOGICAL materials with vertically SITES bordered timber doors and steep pitched roofs. Again these Throughout the village there are buildings generally respect the a number of archaeological local character having a neutral sites which add considerably to impact upon the conservation the character of the area. conservation area providing a sense of history other than the MATERIALS AND DETAILS remaining historic buildings.

Stone is the chief building The Priors Hall was a manor material for buildings and walls, house of the Prior of the followed by the occasional use Monastery at Durham and was of brick. Render is used over the most important medieval stone in a number of buildings, building in the Parish during its most notably the Manor Hotel. time. Archaeological evidence suggests that the Hall stood on the rectangular plot of land immediately to the north west Roofs are generally steeply of St Laurence’s Church. The pitched and covered site consists of surviving low predominately by natural slate earth works and low moss - 13 - covered foundations of various buildings with a heavy scatter of 1.6 VIEWS, LANDSCAPE, some building debris, an old TREES AND OPEN random rubble stone wall SPACES encloses the site to the front and rear. The site is a The natural environment makes Scheduled Ancient Monument a significant contribution to the and consequently protected by character and appearance of law. the conservation area. Within the Area trees and gardens are an integral part of its special character. Outside the Area Hallgarth House lies to the north Hallgarth’s position on a spur of of the Old Vicarage on the site land allows it to be seen from a of former walled gardens, number of vantage points. during excavation a single trench revealed evidence of Hallgarth is surrounded by a the construction of patchwork of rolling fields on all archaeological features cut into but the northern side which the natural subsoil. These creates an attractive rural consisted of post holes and setting for the settlement. gullies probably relating to the It is seen in distant views from construction and demolition of the northern edge of Sherburn various wooden structures Village, Cookshold Lane, including domestic buildings Littletown Lane and Coalford and animal pens. Lane. Tree cover within the These features are dated to village, especially on the between the C11 and early C13 southern side partly masks the on the basis of the pottery settlement, helping it to merge assemblance, although there is with the surrounding landscape. some evidence of medieval Hallgarth appears as glimpses of occupation. stonework, the church tower or the white rendered wall of the The Church of St Laurence and Manor Hotel and forms a distinct its church yard has great contrast to the red brick and archaeological potential above white rendered buildings of and below ground. Burials are Pittington and Sherburn Hill. one obvious aspect, yet clues to the early origins of the church Within the conservation area and settlement could also be the landscape becomes flatter, gathered. apart from at the southern edge of the church yard where the At Hallgarth Farm to the east of spur of land drops down into the the Hotel a number of Roman open countryside. Trees, high coins of varying dates have also boundary walls and buildings all been discovered. Outside of the combine to constrict views, village various earthworks, crop breaking buildings into groups and field marks indicate former and making this small area medieval settlements and await appear larger. This is particularly further research. noticeable moving south - 14 - towards the church and within the western half of the church yard. Here mature trees are in abundance and almost dominate giving an intimate aspect that in winter feels close and dark and in summer shaded and cool.

The primary open green space View 2: within the conservation area is North from Cookshold Lane the churchyard; there is no park or playground. The churchyard is very significant in a number of ways and is described further in Section 2 ‘A Closer Look at the Pittington Hallgarth Conservation Area’. Beyond the churchyard public spaces are restricted to green road verges and it is private gardens that provide the greatest sense of space, the most notable View 3: North West from the top of Sherburn example being the areas to the Hill front and rear of the Manor Hotel.

View 4: North East from Cooks Cottage to Littletown Bank While not every part of a private garden is publicly visible these

View 1: spaces are important to the South East from Lady Pierce Lane. setting of the buildings they surround, and visually soften the buildings, adding to the character and appearance of the conservation area. Gardens are well kept and planted and like the well-maintained buildings clearly show the pride that residents have in Hallgarth.

- 15 - and west making a particularly Grass verges are present valuable contribution to the throughout the Conservation character of the area. Area. Often planted or lined These groups work together to with mature trees they provide a define the edges to the soft green edge to the lanes, Conservation Area and enclose footpaths and buildings that the spaces within it. they border. This is important to the rural character and There are numerous lanes and appearance. A number of the tracks giving access into the grass verges appear on the 1860 surrounding countryside. There plan in particular the wide are only two public rights of way verge to the front of the Old which run from the south of the Vicarage which may have conservation area, these form originally formed part of the part of an extensive network of front garden of the property. tracks which lead to Sherburn Well-maintained lawns exist to Village, Sherburn Hill and the front of converted farm Littletown. buildings; these would have originally been hard courtyard areas and the change to soft landscaping has slightly lessened the agricultural character of the buildings.

Trees are overwhelmingly of native species with numerous fine mature specimens. The churchyard contains a wide Fig 1: Trees within the old part of St variety of species and ages Laurence’s churchyard including hawthorn, scots pine, yew, sycamore, ash and beech. Often trees occur in sufficient number to dominate buildings, in particular the areas around the Old Vicarage and Church. Elsewhere avenues of trees frame the principle approaches to the village from the north and west. These appear as established on the 1860 Ordnance Survey plan Fig 2: Line of trees and roadside verge indicating that they have been to the front of the Old Vicarage purposely planted to enhance the setting of buildings and form attractive approaches.

Tree cover is also particularly dense to south of the church with other tree belts to the north - 16 -

Fig 3: Trees and green spaces at the entrance to Hallgarth Manor Hotel 1.7 BOUNDARIES

Boundary treatments are an Fig 4: Variation of boundary important part of the character treatments within the of the conservation area and conservation area contribute to the strong sense of enclosure and intimacy within the village. Walls vary in height with traditional stone walls of 1.8 PUBLIC RELAM, roughly coursed rubble stone SURFACES AND STREET predominating. FURNITURE The floorscape of the The consistent use of stone conservation area varies reinforces the visual relationship greatly. The main roads are between the village and the tarmaced with grass verges. Off surrounding landscape. Walls the roads are drive ways made are generally capped with flat of block paving, gravel and stone slabs or with stones laid more tarmac. The use of tarmac vertically on edge. Often and in some cases block paving traditional walls provide the can give a slight suburban main features of the street character to houses or scene. converted barns. Tarmaced pavement exists along the road Some larger dwellings have to the church and along the stone piers with ornate cast iron main road into High Pittington. entrance gates providing Tracks and lanes are unmetalled prominent entrances. Other and so add to the rural boundaries consist of vertically character of the area. boarded timber fencing and more traditional timber fencing Road markings and signs are with occasional timber gates. few, and absent within the settlement. Green verges help Fields and un-made tracks are maintain the rural character. bordered by a mix of mature There are a number of standard trees, hedgerows and timber design street lighting columns post and wire fencing. and telegraph poles through the conservation area and are often lost within the tree canopy - 17 - lessening their visual impact, for landscape; the remaining example on the road to the buildings are almost completely Church. The lamps along the hidden from view by mature main drive to the front of the trees with glimpses of the gable hotel are traditional cast iron end of Hallgarth House and the lamps and add visual interest. Church tower can be seen.

Signage is concentrated around the Hotel entrance with advertisement boards, banner signs and road signs. Further signage exists to the front of the Church in the form of a freestanding timber flat panel sign.

The village contains little street furniture. The overall impression within and around the village is generally uncluttered and Fig 5: The approach to Pittington Hallgarth from Sherburn, the traditional. small hamlet can be seen in the background

Approaching the village the road gently curves south-east passing Broomside Farm on the left and climbs steadily. The village’s presence goes almost unnoticed due to the woodland 2 and avenues of mature trees A CLOSER LOOK AT THE screening the village.

HALLGARTH PITTINGTON CONSERVATION AREA The hamlet starts with the 2.1 THE PRINCIPLE Hallgarth Manor Hotel which APPROACH AND dominates the northern section CHURCH AREA of the conservation area. A small triangular grassed area is Approaching from Sherburn formed by the road that leads Village in the east the first off the main road into High glimpse of Hallgarth is from the Pittington. To the north east is an rear of Park House Gardens on irregular plot of woodland with the eastern side of Hallgarth a variety of species including Lane. From here the sycamore, ash and beech. The conservation area is seen woodland is relatively young behind rolling fields defined by and appears to have been tree lined hedgerows. The white planted in order form a buffer render of Hallgarth Manor between High Pittington and catches the eye within the countryside beyond. - 18 - and large mature trees dominate, producing a strong sense of enclosure, traditionally rural in character, whilst forming a wonderful setting to the Church.

Fig 6: The view along Hallgarth Lane from the eastern edge of the conservation area leading to Fig 7: The road leading to St High Pittington Laurence’s Church

Turning right off Hallgarth Lane a St Laurence’s Church is a grade I single-lane road heads south to listed stone church consisting of St Laurence’s Church. Stopping tower, nave with south and approximately 40metres along north aisles and a chancel with this road a long-distance view north and south aisles. It is one to the west presents itself across of the oldest and most the countryside back towards architecturally significant Durham, including the central churches in the Durham tower of Durham Cathedral, Diocese. thus reinforcing the historic link between the settlement and The parish’s links with the Priory Durham City. of Durham suggest that there

was a church here at an early pre-Conquest date. The present

church has an early nave

dating from around 1100 whilst the northern arcade comprises

exquisite carved columns within

the Romanesque style dating

from around 1180.

Continuing south the road is Above this is a section of wall enclosed by high boundary painting, contemporary, with walls, with mature trees behind. the arcading, that shows two The sense of tree cover scenes from the Gift of St increases towards a wide Cuthbert: the Consecration of turning area between the front the Saint by Archbishop of the Old Vicarage and the Theodore and the Saint’s vision main entrance of St Laurence’s at the table of the Abbess of Church. Here boundary walls Whitby. - 19 - The date and style of the arcade carvings is similar to the work within Durham Cathedral’s Gallillee Chapel and the Norman Hall within Durham Castle, commissioned by Bishop Hugh de Puiset. Christian, one of the master masons, for these projects was buried in St Laurence and held lands in Sherburn suggesting that he may well have directed the works within the Church.

The development of the rest of the medieval church dates from the 13th and 14th centuries. A comprehensive restoration and re-facing programme was Fig 9: St Laurence’s Church tower undertaken by Ignatius Bonomi in 1846. This work and further extensions to the Chancel in 1877 and 1905 have had a considerable impact on the appearance and fabric of the Church.

Fig 10: The main entrance to St Laurence’s Church

The churchyard is large and

roughly rectangular with the

Church in its north-west corner. It comprises two distinct parts; the

original churchyard around the church which stretches south

down the slope of a hillside and

a mid C20 expansion to the east. The separation of the two

Fig 8: The early 19 th century gates and areas is clearly defined by a line piers forming the entrance to of trees and a drop in land level. the Church The Church is clearly located on the brow of the land giving it prominence.

The oldest section contains many fine mature trees and - 20 - gravestones which combine more open and altogether with the church to produce a leaves behind the traditional deeply attractive almost wooded character. The timeless and poetic impression. openness allows views to the It is enclosed by a stone wall north, south and east, allowing with simple early 19 th century an appreciation of the cast iron vehicle and pedestrian conservation area in its wider gates. These are listed grade II. setting. The contrast between the rural historic character of The tree cover around the the conservation area and the church is largely of native newer, more industrial character species characterised by of High Pittington is clearly felt mature tree groups, large here. scattered individual trees and other vegetation, Some of the trees have great beauty and as a whole they provide a distinct backdrop for the Church and define its secluded character.

Most of the gravestones are 19 th century in date, with some from the18 th century surviving. Many have detailed carvings and inscriptions reflecting both the status of the Church and the large parish it once served. Two memorials are listed grade II: The Fenwick tomb dating from1820 and the Scorer tomb dated 1766. Both are sandstone ashlar slabs with various ornate Fig 11: St Laurence’s Churchyard; the carvings and are of local view along the footpath leading historical interest. Along the to the rear expansion south of western boundary of the church yard is the burial plot Leaving the churchyard an un- of the Baker Baker family. This made track heads south to the group is conspicuous for the use edge of the conservation area. of simple memorials in white This track is framed by a stone marble enclosed by white- wall with trees behind on the painted cast iron railings. church yard side and dense hedge on the other, giving a very enclosed rural Walking through the older appearance. section of the churchyard there is a intimate, secluded if Continuing south the track somewhat dark feel created by opens up to produce a distant the abundance of mature trees. view east across the open By contrast the modern section countryside. Here Little Town of the graveyard is a lot plainer, Farmhouse can be seen nestled - 21 - within the landscape; the white feature timber mullioned render of the building drawing windows. The building was the eye. Long hedgerows constructed in 1833 and define field boundaries and extended to the north with an green fields climb behind the additional wing some time in building to woodland on the the latter half of the 19 th horizon. Crossing the track and century. looking east from the same vantage point exposes a long The setting of the building is distance view back towards formed by a large garden Sherburn Village; the settlement enclosed by a coursed rubble positioned high above the stone wall with two prominent rolling fields. piers and ornate gates forming the entrance. The garden is well-maintained and contains a number of trees of differing ages and species.

Associated with the Old Vicarage to the north lies Hallgarth House dating from the mid to late C20. The building has been constructed on the site of the former walled gardens of the Old Vicarage which were present up until the late C19.

Although a modern building the design is traditional, influenced by the Old Vicarage, and has clearly tried to reflect the character of the conservation area. In this respect the development is successful and Fig 12: The view from the southern the buildings impact has been edge of the conservation area lessened by its positioning set boundary east towards Little Town Farm back within its plot and contained behind a high stone Turning and heading north back wall. The setting of the building up the track; opposite the is enhanced by a large well Church to the east lies the Old maintained garden. 1 Vicarage . This large 2 /2 storey building is constructed from coursed squared stone with a pitched slate roof; the building is of an “L” plan with prominent gables and chimneys and - 22 - stables, kitchen and other buildings grouped around the site. After the Dissolution of the Monasteries (1536 to 1541) the buildings were dismantled. The surviving remains consist of low

moss covered foundations of various buildings and a scatter of building debris. There are

Fig 13: The Old Vicarage constructed in number of matures trees to the 1833 front and within the site and a low random rubble stone wall

surrounds the site on three side.

An un-made track runs through

Priors Hall to the rear of the site.

Here there is a set of stone steps which lead up to a break in the

stone boundary wall, the top of the wall providing a viewing platform out across fields and open countryside. From here

the edge of the Medieval barn and Priory View can be seen to the left along with the more modern buildings forming Fig 14: Hallgarth House dating from the mid to late C20 Church Vale within Pittington. Further in the distance rolling To the east of the Old Vicarage fields and grazing lands climb lies the site of Priors Hall up to woodland areas. Scheduled Ancient Monument .

This is believed to be part of the main manorial house belonging to the Prior of Durham Cathedral.

Historic maps show that two semi-detached cottages occupied the site in the 19 th century up to the 1950s but to what degree these were constructed on or from the remnants of any hall is currently unknown. Fig 15: The stone wall and steps to the It was first built around 1258. It is rear of the site of the Priors known from historic records that Hall, with Priory View to the left there was once a mill, hall, various barns, a bake house, - 23 - North of Priors Hall on the eastern side of the road lies Chestnut Lodge a 20 th Century bungalow. This red brick building is modern and suburban in style yet sited back from the road in a well- maintained garden behind a low stone wall.

The adjoining large plot of land to the north of Chestnut Lodge is occupied by The Orchard, a 20 th century two-storey building constructed from a pale brick with a pitched slate roof. Like Fig 17: The Orchard constructed in the Chestnut Lodge the building is 20C with a later glazed extension overtly modern in style with a glazed extension and roof terrace to its front. The property 2.2 HALLGARTH MANOR has a large well-maintained HOTEL garden with a water feature to Heading north back towards the the front and is enclosed by a main road a short secondary stone wall, large mature trees road leads east to Hallgarth and an established hedgerow Manor Hotel (grade II listed). to the east side. The entrance to the hotel is

marked by two stone piers with In contrast to Hallgarth House large ball finials and an avenue the modern style of both of mature trees flanking the properties does not reflect the main drive. Hallgarth Manor historic buildings of the Hotel is a Grade II listed building conservation area. Whilst and along with its outbuildings pleasant buildings within well- forms the main focal point of maintained gardens they make the north side of the hamlet. a neutral contribution to the The Hotel is a large white render character of the conservation and slate building with ranges of area. out buildings attached to its

sides and clustered to the rear.

The building has the ‘stand-

alone’ status of a hall at the

heart of an estate. It is set back

behind a large front garden which gives it considerable

presence along the main road

into High Pittington, whilst all other buildings near to it are

subservient in scale.

Fig 16: Chestnut Lodge a 20C bungalow

- 24 - At least early 18 th century in older trees may be over three origin the building was hundred years old and therefore significantly altered in the 19 th pre-date the Hotel, indeed on century. Despite its obvious older maps the avenue heads status the front elevation to the side of the Hotel and appears slightly disjointed. The towards the Church via the site venetian stair window to the of the Priors Hall. right hand of the front door may indicate that the present front The relationship between the elevation was the rear and that hotel and its surroundings are the original building was mixed. To the rear there is a focused on the Church. strong relationship between the building and the well- The hotel site is bordered by maintained grounds. The high rubble stone walls to the grounds are spacious, and south and timber rails and trees enhanced by planting providing to the north. This produces a an attractive setting for the contrast between the enclosed listed building. private side facing the church The front, has a similar potential, and the open aspect facing especially considering the High Pittington. avenue of trees, but fails to realise its promise. The Although much altered this tarmacced drive and car park former hall still retains much of its dulls the area, whilst the plain traditional character and poses lawn fails to compensate. a number of historical questions However it remains a simple significant to the area, such as open space that is central to its age and development. Along separating Hallgarth from High with the Church it defines Pittington and giving the former everything around it and so is its rural character. central to the character of this conservation area.

To the front of the hotel exists a large triangular plot of land, tarmacced as a car park to the front of the hotel and then lawned to the road. Of particular importance within the lawned section is the avenue of trees that lead from the apex of the triangle, where it meets the road to the entrance of the Hotel. The avenue consists of large mature trees with some younger species planted as replacement at the northern Fig 18: Hallgarth Manor Hotel, front end. The trees are of various elevation, the Venetian stair species including sycamore, window is to the right ash, maple, and beech. The - 25 - Old Dairy, a residence. The building is a low-lying single

storey former farm building constructed from stone with a pitched slate roof.

Its conversion has had mixed

results with a strong degree of

character being retained at the front where few new openings

have been inserted in contrast the rear has been more altered,

with modern timber windows,

small roof-lights and red-brick boundary wall with modern style

gates, giving it a residential feel.

To the north east of the Old Fig 19: The rear of the hotel, the well landscaped grounds enhancing Dairy, across the second road the setting of the listed building into the village is Hallgarth Farm . This mid 20 th century farmhouse was perhaps built when the hall stopped becoming the centre of an estate. The substantial detached two-storey property is of a red brick construction with a hipped red tiled roof. The building was altered in 2001 with the addition of an extension to the front and garage to the rear.

The building is of a simple solid style that has a neutral effect on the character of the conservation area. It is enclosed Fig 20: The avenue of trees to the front by a rubble stone wall and a of the hotel many of which pre- number of trees, within its date the hotel itself garden, help to blend the

building in with its surroundings. Attached to the west-end of the

Hotel is a single storey stone outbuilding with timber sash windows with stone heads and sills and appears to be a former barn. To the east end of the hotel is a single storey stone range comprising the Tavern, currently in use as a bar attached to the Hotel and the Fig 21: The Tavern

- 26 - dated from the mid to late 16 th century with the remaining third indicating a later mid to late 17 th century extension. This research highlights the depth of historic interest and potential that the

historic buildings in the

conservation area represent

and also that first appearances can be deceptive. Fig 22: Hallgarth House 2.3 THE AREA TO THE SOUTH EAST OF HALLGARTH MANOR HOTEL

To the south east of the hotel exists the former workers cottages and agricultural buildings formerly associated within the Hall. These buildings vary in age and former function and were converted in 2001.

Together they have a key role in maintaining the agricultural character of the hamlet.

The first buildings within the area are the three terraced cottages;

Cooks Cottage, Blacksmiths

Cottage and Squires Cottage .

These small single storey cottages are white painted render with pitched slate roofs and prominent dormers. The cottages sit back within rectangular plots behind front gardens overlooking open Fig 23: The three terraced cottages, countryside. Replacement Cooks Cottage, Blacksmiths windows and hard render have Cottage and Squires Cottage lessened their historic character but they retain a cosy Beyond the cottages are the character, of a different historic former farm buildings. These are status to the large houses of the constructed from rubble stone hamlet. The cottages now have and brick with pitched red a domestic 19 th century pantile roofs. The public faces character but tree-ring dating of the buildings are set behind analysis, undertaken by English rubble stone walls adding to the Heritage in 2001, found that tight sense of enclosure within two-thirds of the roof timbers this part of the conservation

- 27 - area. The private space to the rear of the buildings is particularly attractive with large openings facing well landscaped gardens.

The standard of conversion is good and considerable care has been taken over details. As with all residential barn conversions some degree of Fig 24: The Hayloft and garage a former residential character is cart shed or open shelter which inevitable. The lawn and garden has been sympathetically areas, as well as the garages converted add to this aspect. On balance the initial conversion is To the south is a large long barn successful, retaining the general of an “L” plan set around and agricultural character important open courtyard, this building is to preserving a rounded and full know as the Medieval Barn , it is picture of Hallgarth. Care must constructed from rubble stone be taken in the future to respect with a pitched red pantile roof. and maintain this. Triangular ventilation holes within the gable ends and a large opening in its main elevation show that this was a threshing barn. Whether it is medieval in origin is currently The first of the farm buildings is unknown but suggested by its the Hayloft, to the south of the physical link within the medieval 1 cottages. The building is a 1 /2 manor complex and the storey residential dwelling with a triangular ventilation holes single storey detached garage which are characteristic of at its northern end. Unusually the agricultural buildings belonging structure is constructed in brick to the Priory of Durham. It is one with round arched openings on of the key former farm buildings. the ground floor suggesting that it was originally either a cart shed or open shelter with storage above. The garage to Continuing south the footpath the north appears to be a leads to Priory View and The recent building and makes Parlour , two attached former good use of traditional materials agricultural buildings forming a with a simple design. “U” shape around a small courtyard area. The buildings date from the late C19 but may feature some earlier fabric and despite some modern interventions they retain their original and traditional form.

- 28 - To the rear of Priory View a there is an attractive view above the stone wall of the north elevation of St. Lawrence’s. The historic development of the Church can be read with the later additions clearly identifiable from the original structure.

Fig 25: The Medieval Barn

Fig 26: Priory View and the Parlour former agricultural buildings dating from the late 19C

- 29 -

Map 3 Pittington Hallgarth Conservation Area Townscape & Landscape Analysis Plan

Woodland Area

Key Green Space

Agricultural Land

Listed Building

Buildings which have a positive impact on the conservation area

Buildings which have a neutral impact on the conservation area

Trees of merit

Key view points

- 30 -

3 3.2 CHANGES TO THE MANAGEMENT OF THE CONSERVATION AREA CONSERVATION AREA BOUNDARY The principle aim of the 3.1 MANAGING CHANGE conservation area is to project the settlement and its setting. The long term success of a The current boundary clearly conservation area relies on achieves this. ensuring that changes within it Public consultation requested respect its special architectural that the fields between the and historic character. The conservation area and High principle way in which this is Pittington be included within the achieved is through the boundary. On consideration planning system which is these fields were not felt to be administered by Durham of sufficient interest as they County Council. relate equally to High Pittington

as they do Pittington Hallgarth. Beyond the planning system the The fields are already classed as role of residents and building open countryside for planning owners is also crucial. Everyday purposes which carries a strong actions such as the presumption against maintenance of gardens, development on them. keeping buildings and Consideration of the setting of boundaries in good repair using the conservation area means traditional materials and styles that the fields do have a all combine to preserve planning relationship with that character and charm of a designation. Consequently no conservation area. need was found to change the

current boundary either through Enhancement projects, large extension or reduction. and small, make a strong positive impression on the 3.3 CONDITION OF THE character of a conservation area. The reinstatement and CONSERVATION AREA repair of traditional street All of the buildings within the surfaces, building features, such conservation area are in use as doors and windows, and and the majority of the buildings green areas, such as gardens well maintained. There is an and parks can all help improve obvious pride, from residents, in the quality of an area. the appearance of Hallgarth which greatly adds to its charm Generally such work is and traditional character. undertaken by the local authority when funding allows. Whilst the traditional still They can also be undertaken at dominates there are a number a more individual scale by a of instances where modern local residents group, parish additions such as satellite dishes, council or individual. TV aerials and alarm boxes have - 31 - been made on the principle Conservation Areas are elevations or chimney stacks of protected in planning legislation buildings. Such additions are through the Planning (Listed highly visible and detract from Building and Conservation the character of the historic Areas) Act 1990 and through environment. In addition, policies within the City of although limited in number, Durham Local Plan (2004). Both roof-lights do appear on some will be replaced within the buildings, the majority are coming years, with the Heritage conservation rooflights installed Protection Bill and a County- flush with the roof plane which wide Local Developments lessen their visual intrusion, Framework respectively. however a number protrude from the roofs these generally However the way in which detract from the visual quality of protection applies will be the buildings on which they sit. maintained and can be summarised as follows:

The stone boundary walls are an • In controlling the attractive feature of the demolition of buildings and conservation area and are boundaries; generally well maintained throughout the settlement. • In considering the impact However there are some of development on the instances where repairs are special character of required; such as the stone wall conservation area when to the Manor Hotel. Some stone planning permission is walls within the churchyard required; have also suffered due to vandalism and graffiti. • In controlling minor operations such as Hedgerows are generally well (changing windows, doors established and in good or installing porches); condition, apart from some that are filled in with post and wire • In controlling works to trees. fencing. RELEVANT POLICIES WITHIN THE There are a number of open CITY OF DURHAM LOCAL PLAN spaces which don’t markedly detract from the character of The Durham City Council Local the conservation area but could Plan has policies that aim to be improved upon, such as the preserve the scale and area between the Church and character of Pittington Old Vicarage or the car park Hallgarth. Pittington Hallgarth and lawn to the front of the has no defined ‘settlement Hotel. limits’ meaning that the scope for new housing or the 3.4 THE PLANNING SYSTEM redevelopment of existing plots is very limited and subject to

- 32 - fitting in with the character of the conservation area is limited the village (Policies H4 to H6). due to its location in open countryside. However when Policies EMP 16, 17 & 17A relate opportunities occur new to farming and the rural development should seek to employment and aim to strike a preserve or enhance the balance between creating a character of the Pittington strong rural economy and Hallgarth Conservation Area. maintaining the character and This will be achieved not only by natural value of the countryside. a good quality design but The cultural value of the through the scale and density of conservation area, its buildings development in relation to its and green areas is protected plot, to the settlement and the through numerous policies surrounding countryside. relating to the environment (Polices E7, E8, E14, E15, E21 & Within a rural conservation area E22). good design does not just mean building in the right materials SPECIFIC PLANNING GUIDANCE and style. Density and scale are equally important in order to The following guidance is written maintain the settlements rural in light of the appraisal and character. Boundary specific to this document. The treatments, green spaces and guidance compliments the respecting openness and views existing Local Plan Policies. to and from the surrounding countryside are equally Demolition important issues.

The demolition of all historic Changes to existing buildings buildings within the conservation area will be resisted and re-use Changes to existing buildings encouraged. should respect the character of The demolition of modern that property and the area. buildings is unlikely to be Extensions should be kept resisted, though in the majority subservient to the main property of cases plans for re- and avoid complex roof development of a site will be junctions and too much required before approval is architectural detailing. given. Proposals that seek to re-instate appropriate historic features within historic buildings will be welcomed .

Extensions to any building can have a strong effect on its appearance. This is particularly New Residential Development the case with barn conversions and historic buildings in general The scope for new residential where poorly designed development in or surrounding extensions can appear very - 33 - discordant. There is scope for through making an Article 4(2) improving older properties direction. At present there is no through the reinstatement of Article 4(2) Direction covering historic features, such as the Pittington Hallgarth windows and doors, though only Conservation Area. Considering when they are appropriate in the quality of historic style and date. development and conversion within the conservation area it is worth considering the placement of Article 4 (2) on Works to boundary walls the historic houses. The process to do so is independent to this The boundary walls within and document and subject to a around the settlement are an separate public consultation important feature of the exercise. conservation area and add to its rural and enclosed character. These walls are key features and should be maintained and preserved.

Archaeology HIGHWAYS, TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT AND UTILITY The archaeological implications PROVISION of all new build including extensions within the settlement It is not the role of a should always be considered conservation area appraisal to when new developments are comment on specific traffic or being considered. The utility provision issues. It will settlements long history and though have an informative compactness means that the impact on any related archaeological potential should proposals such as traffic be considered high. calming measures or telegraph pole replacements. As a PERMITTED DEVELOPMENT general rule statutory RIGHTS AND ARTILCE 4(2) contractors should have due DIRECTIONS regard to the status of a

conservation area, most notably Within a conservation area its small size, rural character and planning restrictions are tighter lack of visual clutter. but there is still a lot that can be done without planning ENHANCEMENT permission by the owner of a dwelling house. These works are As a small settlement with no called permitted development defined public space and rights and are summarised in amenity areas the scope for Appendix 2. substantial enhancement works

appears limited. Permitted development rights can be restricted by the Council

- 34 - In addition the small scale of the settlement suggests that the potential for public funding for enhancement works would unfortunately be limited. However that is not to rule out including the settlement in wider funding projects and the potential to enhance the conservation area though minor changes. Consequently an aspirational list of work can be drawn up and used to inform projects that cover the wider area.

Below is an initial list which is suggestive only and which can be expanded upon through public consultation:

1. The under grounding of overhead wires to cut down visual clutter.

2. The reinstatement of historic details to buildings and boundaries through grant funding or owner action or both.

3. Interpretation work on the archaeology and history of the settlement, especially its surviving archaeological features. Perhaps led by a local history group with outside funding and advice.

4. Improvement works to street surfaces and green spaces.

5. Consider Article 4(2)Directions covering a select number of properties (See above) - 35 - Appendix A From this point the boundary travels east crossing Hallgath WRITTEN DESCRIPTION OF Lane and along the northern CONSERVATION AREA edge of the front lawn and car BOUNDARY park to the Hotel. The boundary Pittington Hallgarth then turns sharply to the south- Conservation Area equals east following the inside edge of approximately 8hectars and the of the track road towards was designated on the 3 rd Hallgarth Farm. February 1981. The boundary then follows the The conservation area is outside edge of Hallgarth Farm generally tightly drawn around and then turns east running the settlement and approximately 70metres out into encompasses the irregular the adjacent field. From here shaped plot of woodland to the the conservation area turns north and the churchyard to the south and continues along the south. The boundary is rear of St Laurence’s predominantly denoted by the Churchyard following the line of walls that border the rear plots the boundary wall. of the buildings contained within the conservation area. The conservation area then turns to the west following the Approaching along Hallgarth path of the southern wall of the Lane from the west, the churchyard. It continues along conservation area commences this route until it reaches the un- at the small triangular plot of made footpath to Coalford green space forming the road Beck. It then heads north-west junction leading to High following the un-made track Pittington and Hallgarth. It then back towards the church. proceeds north-east following Once at the top of the footpath the hedgerow along the road the boundary turns west side towards High Pittington following the fence line along a before turning sharply to the field boundary to the south west north-west along the edge of corner of the Old Vicarage. At the woodland area to the rear this point the boundary turns of Priors Grange. The boundary north following the line of an un- continues along this path for made track which terminates at approximately 110meters before the south west corner of heading north-east crossing Hallgarth House. It then mid-way between the continues north before heading woodland area. From here the east following the line of the boundary curves to the east grazing land lying immediately following the line of the rear to the north of Hallgarth House. gardens of Priors Grange on the Once at the road, the boundary edge of High Pittington and turns north again following the heading back towards Hallgarth line of the stone wall along the Lane. roads western edge, it then turns east arriving back at the triangular piece of land. - 36 - Conservation Area Appraisal

Design & Historic Environment Durham County Council County Hall Pittington Hallgarth Durham County Durham DH1 5UL December 2009

Tel: 0191 383 4196 Fax: 0191 383 4096