Heritage, Landscape and Design

Brancepeth APPROVED 2009

1 INTRODUCTION ...... - 4 -

1.1 CONSERVATION AREAS ...... - 4 - 1.2 WHAT IS A CONSERVATION AREA?...- 4 - 1.3 WHO DESIGNATES CONSERVATION AREAS? - 4 - 1.4 WHAT DOES DESIGNATION MEAN?....- 5 - 1.5 WHAT IS A CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL? - 6 - 1.6 WHAT IS THE DEFINITION OF SPECIAL INTEREST,CHARACTER AND APPEARANCE? - 7 - 1.7 CONSERVATION AREA MANAGEMENT PROPOSALS - 7 - 1.8 WHO WILL USE THE CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL? - 8 -

2 BRANCEPETH CONSERVATION AREA - 8 -

2.1 THE CONTEXT OF THE CONSERVATION AREA - 8 - 2.2 DESIGNATION ...... - 10 - 2.3 DESCRIPTION OF THE AREA...... - 10 - 2.4 SCHEDULE OF THE AREA ...... - 10 - 2.5 HISTORY OF THE AREA ...... - 12 -

3 CHARACTER ZONES ...... - 14 -

3.1 GENERAL ...... - 14 - 3.2 ZONES A AND B...... - 15 - 3.3 ZONE C...... - 16 - 3.4 ZONE D...... - 17 - 3.5 ZONE E ...... - 18 - 3.6 ZONES F, G AND H...... - 20 -

4 TOWNSCAPE AND LANDSCAPE ANALYSIS - 21 -

4.1 DISTINCTIVE CHARACTER...... - 21 - 4.2 ARCHAEOLOGY...... - 22 - 4.3 PRINCIPAL LAND USE ...... - 22 - 4.4 PLAN FORM...... - 22 - 4.5 VIEWS INTO, WITHIN AND OUT OF THE CONSERVATION AREA - 23 - 4.6 STREET PATTERNS AND SCENES ....- 24 - 4.7 PEDESTRIAN ROUTES ...... - 26 - 4.8 LANDSCAPE SETTING,OPEN SPACES AND WOODLAND - 27 - 4.9 BUILT FORM ...... - 31 - 4.10 MATERIALS, TEXTURES AND COLOURS- 40 - 4.11 SCALE,HEIGHT AND MASSING ...... - 42 - 4.12 STREET FURNITURE AND UTILITIES .- 42 - 4.13 UNIQUE OR UNUSUAL FEATURES .....- 42 - 4.14 POSITIVE,NEUTRAL AND NEGATIVE ELEMENTS - 44 - 4.15 COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT...... - 47 - 4.17 ISSUES AND AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT- 48 -

5 MANAGEMENT STRATEGY AND PROPOSALS - 52 -

5.1 MANAGEMENT STRATEGY ...... - 52 - 5.2 CHANGE MONITORING ...... - 53 -

- 2 - 6 DESIGN GUIDANCE AND APPLICATION WITHIN THE CONSERVATION AREA - 53 -

6.1 GENERAL ...... - 53 - 6.2 LOCAL PLAN POLICY ...... - 53 - 6.3 LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK- 55 - 6.4 SPECIFIC DESIGN GUIDANCE TO BRANCEPETH - 55 -

7 HISTORIC BUILDING MAINTENANCE- 57 -

7.1 GENERAL ...... - 57 - 7.2 ALTERATIONS ...... - 58 -

8 ENFORCEMENT AND PERMITTED DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS - 59 -

8.1 GENERAL ...... - 59 -

9 GREEN SPACE, TREE, ECOLOGY/BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY - 59 -

9.1 TREES...... - 59 - 9.2 ECOLOGY AND BIODIVERSITY ...... - 60 -

10 URBAN DESIGN, PUBLIC REALM, FRAMEWORK-SPACES AND MOVEMENT - 60 -

10.1 STREET FURNITURE...... - 60 - 10.2 SURFACING ...... - 61 - 10.3 ENHANCEMENT SCHEMES, MANAGEMENT/IMPROVEMENT OF PUBLIC REALM MAINTENANCE OR PLANNED REPLACEMENT ...... - 61 - 10.4 DEVELOPMENT OF ECONOMIC REGENERATION STRATEGY - 62 -

APPENDIX 1 ...... - 63 -

ENGLISH HERITAGE HISTORIC PARK AND GARDEN DESCRIPTION - 63 -

APPENDIX 2 ...... - 63 -

KEY LISTED AND NON-LISTED BUILDINGS .- 63 -

APPENDIX 3 ...... - 67 -

BRANCEPETH TREE PRESERVATION ORDER- 67 -

- 3 - 1 Introduction The definition of a conservation area is given in the Planning (Listed 1.1 Conservation Areas Building and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 as;

There are over 9,000 conservation ‘areas of special architectural or areas in England. These vary widely historic interest the character or in size and character. The first areas appearance of which it is desirable to to be designated were town centres preserve or enhance’. in the main, but conservation areas now include villages, model housing A conservation area seeks to protect layouts, and simple open spaces. the special historic and architectural There are currently 14 conservation character of an area and not just areas in the Durham City area, and individual buildings. It’s the each has its own unique character combination of many elements, for and appearance. example buildings, green spaces, boundaries and gardens, that The planning system is currently produces a place special enough to being reformed. This appraisal justify conservation area designation. forms part of a suite of documents that form the conservation policy for 1.3 Who designates the City of Durham. Therefore the Conservation Areas? Appraisal should be read in conjunction with the following documents: Under Section 69 of the Planning (Listed Building and Conservation • City of Durham Local Plan Areas) Act 1990 Local Planning 2004. Authorities have a duty to designate Conservation Areas.

• Conservation Management The City Council, between 1968 and Proposals. 1981, designated 14 Conservation

Areas within the City of Durham. • Emerging planning documents:

Local Development Framework for County Durham. 1.2 What is a Conservation Area?

20 years after the production of the first lists of buildings of special interest, it was recognised that whole areas would also need special protection.

- 4 - Conservation Areas and These circumstances include: designation dates Durham 6-Aug-1968 • Conservation Area Consent is Durham 25-Nov-1980 required for the demolition, total (enlargement) or substantial, of any building of Brancepeth 4-May-1972 115 cubic metres or more within Brancepeth 28-Apr-1981 the conservation area; (enlargement) Sunderland Bridge 2-Mar-1976 • Some forms of minor Brandon Village 2-Mar-1976 development, which would Shadforth 30-Nov-1976 normally be permitted Shincliffe 30-Nov-1976 development, require planning Hett 1-Feb-1977 permission within a Bowburn 4-Sep-1979 conservation area; Sherburn 4-Sep-1979 Pittington Hallgarth 3-Feb-1981 • Advertisements; Sherburm House 3-Feb-1981 Burn Hall 28-Apr-1981 • The protection of trees. Holywell 28-Apr-1981 Old Cassop 30-Jun-1981 These additional controls allow the Local Planning Authority to control The boundary for each conservation works which may have a negative area within the City of Durham is impact on the character or provided in the Adopted City of appearance of the area. Durham Local Plan. Copies of the Local Plan are kept at the City Policy E22 of the Adopted Durham Council Offices and at local libraries City Local Plan states that all within the District. applications for new development either within a conservation area or 1.4 What does designation affecting the setting of one will have mean? to demonstrate that they either preserve or enhance the quality of the Conservation Area. The designation of a conservation area imposes additional controls A Conservation Area Appraisal will over development within or adjacent help to make this assessment. Extra to the area. It encourages proposals controls to preserve the character to have a sound design basis and and historic interest of a achieve high quality buildings to conservation area can have other maintain the character of the area. benefits. In certain circumstances an application may be required for Conservation Area Consent and/or Planning Permission.

- 5 - These include helping to improve the It supports appropriate, sustainable, local economy, encourage tourism, durable and adaptable proposals. attract grants and investment, raise property values, prevent un- Therefore, an appraisal is necessary neighbourly alterations, encourage to: traditional trades, and save residents money through repair rather than • Promote an understanding of replacement of traditional building why the area was designated a features. conservation area, by setting out its significance and 1.5 What is a Conservation vulnerabilities; Area Appraisal? • Understand the local context of Aim: what should be preserved or enhanced; A conservation area appraisal aims to understand and appreciate the • Draw up effective policies and significance and character of a proposals to support the specific area. preservation or enhancement of the area; Objective: • Introduce design guidance that The objective of a conservation area creates a framework for the appraisal is to provide a benchmark conservation area within which assessment of an area from which to new development can be measure and assess the impact of assessed for its development proposals. appropriateness and sustainability. An appraisal assesses, analyses and defines the significance of the area The benefits of making a and the elements that contribute to comprehensive assessment of the its special historic and architectural conservation area are that it forms a character. sound basis for development control decisions, policy formulation and for It sets out what opportunities there development initiatives to improve are for preservation and the area. enhancement, what detracts from the quality of the area and identifies In addition the appraisal will have the areas considered to have a wider benefits for the community as neutral effect on the conservation an educational and informative area. document.

It ensures that all development within the designated area responds to the local context and reinforces local distinctiveness.

- 6 - Conservation area appraisals by • Historic patterns and styles of their nature cannot be completely building; comprehensive, because of the dynamic, changing nature of the • Unique or unusual features; areas. The omission of any building, feature or space from the appraisal • Street patterns and scenes; should not be taken to imply that it is of no interest. • Archaeological landscape;

1.6 What is the definition of • Landscape, open spaces and Special Interest, vegetation; Character and Appearance? • Views into, within and out of the conservation area;

Conservation areas are complex • Individual areas within the environments covering multiple conservation area as a whole; periods of development.

• Less tangible assets such as There are a range of physical and the cultural history of the area; visual relationships between buildings, open spaces and vistas. They are living, evolving, changing • Elements that make a positive, environments and usually neutral or negative contribution. accommodate many different activities. 1.7 Conservation Area When considering any change to Management Proposals these designated areas it is the special character or appearance of In association with the preparation of the conservation area which it is conservation area appraisals Local desirable to preserve or enhance. Planning Authorities are required from time to time to review, formulate The term ‘character’ includes, but is and publish proposals for the not limited to: preservation and enhancement of conservation areas. • Important buildings both listed and non-listed; Conservation area management proposals will be published along • Materials, textures and colours; side the appraisal setting out proposals for the long-term • Scale, height and massing; management of the conservation area. • Principle land uses; • Landmarks and focal points;

- 7 - 1.8 Who will use the The farmland and parkland within the Conservation Area conservation area form the setting to Appraisal? the outer edge of Brandon and Meadowfield and act as a buffer and surround to Brancepeth Castle and A conservation area appraisal will the village. The conservation area is provide useful guidance to a number otherwise surrounded by farmland of of different groups with an interest in reasonable quality. the conservation area. The A690 road runs from Durham These groups include: through Brandon and on to Willington. This road and its busy • Local Residents to help further traffic sever the main village street. their understanding of the Adjacent to the Southern boundary conservation area or who of the Conservation Area and out of propose to make an alteration the district is the estate surrounding to their property; Whitworth Hall. The deserted medieval village of Stockley lies to • Architects and Developers in the west, within the Wear Valley designing and formulating district. proposals for a planning application; Brancepeth is predominately a large estate, incorporating a small village • The Design and Heritage, and a number of important listed Development Control and buildings and other interesting Forward Planning sections of structures. The estate encompasses Durham County Council in attractive historic parkland, open assessing conservation area spaces, estate style cottages and Consent and Planning small farm buildings. Applications. The area is centred on the 2 Brancepeth impressive Brancepeth Castle and incorporates many other historically Conservation Area important buildings of considerable architectural quality within its 2.1 The Context of the boundary including St Brandon’s Conservation Area Church. All of the estate farms have been constructed in the architectural The area is adjacent to the outer style of the main Brancepeth Estate, edge of Brandon, a largely 20th and add considerably to the unity Century suburban development. and character of the area.

- 8 - Map 1 Brancepeth Conservation Area Designated 28th April, 1981

- 9 - The combination of castle, historic • 29 recorded archaeological parkland, planned village core and sites. estate farmland is unique within the district and together they form a The area also includes two areas of significant addition to local ancient woodland. landscape, settlement quality and Durham’s heritage. It adjoins the 2.3 Description of the Area Holywell and Brandon Village Conservation Areas. Together they The Conservation Area includes the form a substantial historic area Castle, Church and estate village of adjacent to the urban edge of the Brancepeth together with the Brandon estates and Meadowfield. planned parkland and associated farmland. 2.2 Designation It embraces most of the estate farms Brancepeth village centre was whose common architectural designated a Conservation Area in features set in an attractive 1967. The original Conservation landscape create the distinctive Area boundary included the Castle character of the estate lands. and Church, Foxes Row, Durham Road and the Estate Village. In 1981 2.4 Schedule of the Area the Conservation Area was extended to include other important The Conservation Area covers the landscapes and buildings, such as entire village, Brancepeth and its Quarry Hill, Morely Farm, Scripton estate. The boundary is defined on Farm, East Park Farm, Garden the map in page 6 and described as House and Brancepeth Park and the follows: former Castle Stables.

Starting on the River Wear (OS NZ The original conservation area 24743668) the boundary runs boundary and the 1981 enlargement upstream along the city district are shown on the plan on page 7. boundary, then north west to

Whitworth Lane through Stockley Gill The Brancepeth Conservation Area Wood (OS NZ 21483829), across totals approximately 600 hectares the field behind Quarry Hill, the and within its boundary are bordering Morley Lane to the north of

Morley Farm (OS NZ 22103972), • 31 Grade II Listed Buildings; then south east along Scripton Gill to the A690 (OS NZ 23313865) • 3 Grade II* Listed Buildings; Continues north east to Scripton Bridge, then south east along • 2 Grade I Listed Buildings. Scripton Lane embracing the eastern side tree belt running down to the • 1 Grade II registered Historic River Wear. Park ad Garden

- 10 - Map 2 Brancepeth Conservation Area Original boundary (blue) and enlargement (red dashed)

- 11 - 2.5 History of the Area Whatever the truth behind the tradition the parish church is The history of Brancepeth is a rich dedicated to him. The strict and deep one with many translation of this Old English place connections to figures and events on name is ‘Brant’s path’, referring to a a national and regional scale that at local landowner or ‘path to Brandon’. first seems out of proportion with the scale of the village but become clear The Saxon and Medieval Periods and engaging once this history is understood. This history revolves The first recorded owners of around the estate of Brancepeth, the Brancepeth are the Bulmer family, a heart of which is the Castle and is prominent Saxon family that held largely a story dating from the substantial estates throughout Medieval period to the 19th century. County Durham and North Yorkshire both before and after the Norman Earliest History and tradition Conquest of 1066. The estate was passed onto the influential Norman The very earliest history of the area family of the Neville’s through is sketchy. A flint knapping site and marriage in 1174. Brancepeth, after flint scatters show that people were Raby Castle, formed one of their active in the area in the Mesolithic, principal residences for around 400 which is before farming was years until their lands and possessions were forfeited to the introduced to the British Isles. This th activity continues into the Neolithic Crown through the 5 Earls period whilst the Bronze Age may be participation in the Rising of the represented by a possible burial North, a rebellion against Elizabeth I mound near Stockley Beck. The to secure Mary Queen of Scots on course of a Roman road can be the throne and so return the country traced running roughly parallel with to Catholicism. the straight stretch of the A690 just north east of the main village and The influence of the Neville’s and to random finds of a glass bead and a a lesser extent, the Bulmer family pottery sherd also hint of Roman shaped the present village and its surroundings. The present Castle, occupation. th though much altered in the 19 The name ‘Brancepeth’ is by century, is that which Ralph Neville, tradition thought to derive either from 1st Earl of Westmoreland rebuilt in ‘The Boars Path’ a path cleared by a 1398 on the foundations of a huge mythical wild boar or previous structure dating back, at least, to the early 13th century. St ‘Brandon’s Path’ which cites the th villages position on the track worn by Brandon’s Church is a 12 century St Brandon, one of the twelve replacement of a Saxon Church with Apostles Of Ireland and, by another later alterations, all presumably built tradition, the discoverer of the New at the expense of the Neville family. World in the 5th century.

- 12 - The surrounding countryside contain used a fanciful ‘romantic’ Norman traces of ancient woodland, parkland style throughout, transforming the and agricultural practice from this building’s appearance into it is period. The village too, though present form. largely containing 19th and 20th century buildings appears to have In 1850 the estate passed by been laid out in the medieval period. marriage to the Boyne family who Recent research on the plan form of held the estate until the First World the village has reached the War. The impact of the Boynes is interesting conclusion that the area mostly felt within the village and north of the castle was laid out as surrounding farmsteads as it is the foundation for a town and not a probable that most of the Victorian village. This is based on the long, buildings date from their period of wide and straight main street that ownership. They created a greater stretches for half a mile from the formality and definite style to the Castle to Quarry Hill Farm. This estate through its architecture that street would house the town house characterises so much of the area plots with the Castle and Church at today. Of particular note is the old is head, possibly with an open village school and masters house, market place just north of the castle the Jacobean style houses that cut through by the Stocksley Durham ‘book-end’ the south eastern section Road. The fact that a town did not of The Village and Castle Lodge. develop suggests that it was a speculative development by the 20th Century to Present Neville family that never grew, either through circumstance or objection, The development of the village in say from the Bishops of Durham to 20th century was characterised by a whom they were setting up in gradual breaking up of the estate competition. into separate ownerships and residential expansion of the village. 17th to 19th Centuries In addition the village played an important role in both World Wars Following the demise of the Neville whilst in 1998 a catastrophic fire family the estate passed to the destroyed the interior of St Brandons Crown and then to Robert Carr, and one of the best Church interiors Viscount Rochester and Baron Carr in the North of England was lost. of Brancepeth who was a favourite of James I, but reverted back to the During the First World War the Crown soon afterwards. The estate Boyne family offered the Castle as a then passed through several war hospital. Following the War the different owners until it was bought Boynes vacated the Castle due to around 1800 by William Russell, a increased maintenance costs. local industrialist. His son, Matthew, Subsequently the Castle became the spent £120,000 on remodelling the headquarters for the Durham Light Castle around 1818-21, employing Infantry and an army camp was the architect John Patterson who constructed just south of the Castle

- 13 - on the Crook Road, roughly where 3 Character Zones the small Stockley Grove estate is now. Both the hospital, headquarters 3.1 General and the camp brought Brancepeth into the lives of many servicemen, forming a link between the village The Principal Character Areas within and the wider world that was to the Conservation Area are: endure for decades. 1.0. Estate Farmland – Estate Brancepeth Golf Course was farmland relating to the Brancepeth founded in 1924 with a course laid Estate and including planned farm out by Lord Boyne and designed by buildings of positive quality. HS Colt and Major JSF Morrison, who were considered amongst the 2.0. Historic Parkland – Land not leading course architects of the day. in agricultural use, primarily now the setting of the Castle, Church and The Brancepeth estate was sold to Churchyard and including them. the Duke Of Westminster in 1948 Includes parkland occupied by the and again in 1959 when it was golf course. divided into lots, the majority of which going to Castle Estates Ltd. 3.0. Ancient Woodland – The Durham Light Infantry vacated Otherwise would link to historic the Castle in 1962 and were followed parkland but now separated by by the Pyrex glass firm who used the modern development. building as a research centre for a short time. By the 1980s the Castle 4.0. The Village Core – This had been brought by the Dobson includes the principal historic Village family who still own and maintain the areas and also the more modern but property as a family home. appropriately scaled William Russell Homes development. It is The history of Brancepeth has been subdivided into the closely and continues to be written about by developed main street and many people. The Brancepeth Local backlands with outbuildings and History Group is engaged with a separated houses. number of ongoing research projects, most notably Brancepeth 5.0. Peripheral Development – during the Wars. The collective Based on primarily modern housing knowledge of the Societies members additions to the Village core. An area is invaluable in understanding the of neutral impact but including development of the village. buildings with a positive contribution and landscape features. Divided into For a thorough introduction to the a main area and secondary history of Brancepeth see developments to the east and ‘Brancepeth 900’ by JP and MP southwest sides of the Village core. Merrington 1985. These zones are identified on the aerial plans and described below.

- 14 - 3.2 Zones A and B This Road forms the attractive northern approach to the village Estate Farmland linking Quarry Hill in the north to Brancepeth Castle in the south. It Zone A adjoins the Historic Parkland at the A690.

The land to the east of the road consists of working farmland rising steeply to the north. The eastern boundary is formed by an un-made track following Scripton Gill Road to the A690.

Stockley Gill Wood forms the western boundary.

Zone B lies to the south of the estate. The land slopes gently down from the boundary of the historic farmland to the River Wear. It is Zone B bounded to the East by a track road off Scripton Lane and the West by Whitworth Lane. It contains East Park Farm.

Key Characteristics

Individual farm buildings (Little White Farm and Morley Farm and Quarry Hill - a modest country house, East Park Farm);

Mature Trees forming avenues and hedgerows;

Distinctive estate farm character that contributes to the Conservation Area and helps to providing the setting for Brancepeth Village; These areas lie to the north and south of the Conservation Area.
Zone A punctuated by ex Zone A lies either side of the railway track, now walkway. Wolsingham Road (1).

- 15 - 3.3 Zone C The boundary to the north is formed by the A690. Whitworth Lane forms Historic Parkland the western boundary. To the east of the Castle lie the English Heritage Historic Parkland former stables which have been Bounday (green). converted to the golf club house. Conservation Area (red) A number of buildings are located further into the park land, including Park Lodge, Scripton Lodge, the Pepermires and Garden House. All are of various styles and periods. Adjacent the Garden House there is the walled kitchen garden (3). This is an elongated polygonal shape incorporating a terrace walk on its outer west and south sides.

The Castle lies in the northwest corner of the parkland and is the principal building within this zone. Brancepeth Castle consists of a succession of towers and linking ranges around a central courtyard. It occupies a small prominence that overlooks Brancepeth Bridge.

St Brandon’s Church (4) dates from the late 12th Century and lies to the southeast of the castle in a This Zone forms the major part of the churchyard surrounded by mature Conservation Area and consists of trees. the planned parkland associated with the Castle Estate. The Castle (2) The western extremity of the lies to the south of the village. It is Conservation Area is marked by slightly smaller than the English Scripton Farm (5) a two-storey Heritage designated Historic farmhouse in the Brancepeth estate Parkland as it excludes areas of style enclosed by mature trees. development at the edge of the village. The golf course (built 1924) forms part of the parkland area (6). It An additional area is associated with extends to the south and east. Apart this zone to the east of Hoppy Acres from the course itself it comprises on the basis that it associates most elements of mature planting with closely with the Parkland but is not scattered trees throughout. The actually part of it. parkland contains three pools.

- 16 - Key Characteristics Zone D consists Stockley Gill Wood lying to the rear of Goodwell Lea (7)
Remnant Historic Parkland and running northwards. It is a formed from historic Deer Park; large area of dense ancient woodland forming an important
Castle and Church dominate green backdrop to the western edge the core; of Brancepeth Village. Half of the woodland was felled in the second
Outlying larger houses of mixed half of the 20th century but retains its age and style; ‘ancient’ description due to the canopy floor.
Golf course across area Parkland; The woodland continues south and originally adjoined Brancepeth Park.
Mature trees and copses, It is now fragmented by modern smaller area of ancient housing to the western edge of the woodland; Village and severed by the 1950’s realignment of the A690 that made
Parkland, designed landscape the earlier Brancepeth Bridge including pools. redundant except for local access. It is complemented by another area of
Relict ridge and furrow within ancient woodland lying in the centre the parkland/golf course. of the historic parkland area.

3.4 Zone D Key Characteristics

Ancient Woodland - Stockley Gill
Mature woodland; Wood
Steeply sloped Dene through which Stockley Gill flows.

- 17 - 3.5 Zone E These buildings are of two distinctive phases and styles of building and of The Historic Village considerable architectural quality and consistency. They provide a fine picturesque approach to the Castle and adding character to the Conservation Area.

A wide green verge exists on the western side of the road (south of A690) with a planned avenue of trees enhancing the approach to the Castle and helping to screen more modern development to the west.

The fine decorative Castle gates terminate the wide road. The two terraces, numbers 1 to 12 (8) and numbers 13 to 19 (9) are separated by the A690.

This area contains the historic core Brancepeth Station of the village and other more recent buildings that associate well with the The western extent of the village is older buildings. marked by the now disused railway line. The Station House and Station This zone can be separated into two Cottage remain and stand at the It is broken by the A690, which does edge of the village, slightly detached not visually sever the village but is a from the main area of historic deterrent for pedestrians and development. These are simple but generates noise and distraction. well-built buildings, typically Brancepeth estate and typically Numbers 1 to 19 The Village Victorian.

This area of the village is the Backland Areas principle image and identity of Brancepeth and underlines its charm To the rear of the Village street and historical interest. Its character (southern section) there is a further is compact and traditional for a part of the village that consists of a planned estate. number of buildings huddled around large well-used allotment gardens The building facades have a strong (10) with linkages through to Durham vertical emphasis and consistent Road and the main Village street. terraced building line continuing the strong linear form.

- 18 - There is a variation in building style, The Close that lies behind numbers ranging from grand private houses 12 to 19 The Village. with large domestic gardens such as Hoppy Acres and Constable Foxes Row (13) is a further terrace Meadows (11), to Numbers 1-4 of houses to the east of the northern Durham Road: a symmetrical pair of section of the main village street. 19th century Tudor Gothic style They were originally a backland buildings, traditional single-storey development but the A690 was barns and simple stone out extended to form their boundary in buildings. the 1950s. The 1950’s William Russell homes This mix of building styles and types are also included in the historic creates an interesting variation that village zone because of their ‘village adds visual interest and character to green’ frontage and complementary the area. The Rectory is a more village scale design and massing. typical 20th century building that is included because of its plot form and Key Characteristics that it would otherwise form an isolated single unit. It forms the
Planned estate workers access to Thornbury Garth. Its open cottages to wide street; character and design detract from the otherwise historic backland
Complementary modern development. development; The allotment gardens are well cultivated and provide an important
Rear areas with outbuildings; social function. The large gardens, green space and mature trees
Informal surfacing to rear further enhance the rural feel of the access tracks; village.
Larger houses in mature garden The Village Hall to the east of plots to backland. number 1The Village is a very prominent building and an important and well-used community focal point.

Other Buildings

There is a late 19th century two storey villa in the Brancepeth Estate style (12) east of the entrance to the Forge development, Durham Road (A690).

Two large stone pillars set either side of an un-made access road from the A690 mark the entrance to

- 19 - 3.6 Zones F, G and H Stone boundary walls and mature trees within the larger gardens are Peripheral Development features that are associated with these properties that do have a positive impact on the conservation area. The larger plots are set back from roads and partly concealed by trees G and this helps to retain the rural distinctiveness of the village and F lessen any suburban impact that these building may have.

Zone F

Zone F comprises modern housing on the western side of the village on the northern and southern sides of the A690. It includes the small modern estate, Goodwell Lea and a number of individual buildings (16).

An avenue of trees along the Village H street verge fronts the Goodwell Leas development. The openness of this area is in contrast to the more Peripheral development forms a tightly built form further into the large area to the east of the historic Village village, the small Forge development to the west and an outlying cul de Zone G - The Forge sac to the south on the A690. The Village and part of the historic The Forge (17) lying to the a little parkland separate them but they further to the east is a small scale have similar characteristics in modern housing development and contrast to the village core. although built in the 20th century has It includes some buildings of positive little impact on the visual quality of contribution to the Conservation the area. Area.

The 20th century buildings are of different styles and character though all are typically of their time, in that they follow national, rather than local, suburban styles and as such have a largely neutral impact on the character of the conservation area.

- 20 - The historic deer park, originally Zone H Stockley Grove based on Brancepeth Park is now divided into landscaped parkland An outlying recent development (18) and a golf course. sits apart from the Village and separated from the Castle by its These areas and woodland contain Historic Parkland setting. It was and shelter the village. The village included in the English Heritage subdivides into the modern Parkland boundary but is built over a developments and the earlier village collection of Estate outbuildings. core. There is a further ’backland’ area subdivision lying to the south Key Characteristics east of the historic core. The historic area has a small open space and
Suburban cul-de-sacs of neutral tree group important to its character. impact; Whilst the historic core is visually
Larger plots with mature tree tied together its unity is weakened by settings; the A690 Durham Road. This is an obstacle to movement, source of
Occasional positive features noise and an intrusive factor for such as walling; properties closest to it.

4 Townscape and The peripheral, mainly modern, Landscape Analysis developments generally envelop the historic core but their design or 4.1 Distinctive Character screening reduces their impact on the integrity of the village core.

Key Characteristics: The Castle and Church are separated from the village by
Historic village core; woodland save for the gates and drive way leading from the Village,
Peripheral, primarily recently which open up to the parkland to the built areas ; South.

Brancepeth Castle and Church In summary, the area is a unique within historic Parkland; combination of historic Castle, planned village and parkland linked
Estate farmland. to estate farmland.

The immediate context for the village The area contains historical buildings is provided by the historic of considerable architectural quality parkland/estate farmland and incorporating fine decorative supplemented by woodland and tree elements. groups.

- 21 - The use of traditional building 4.3 Principal Land Use materials and finely maintained frontages results in the retention of The primary land use within the historic character. A high density of village is residential, there is no mature trees, especially those commercial element, active planted in long avenues, further farmsteads exist in the Conservation enhances its character. Area surrounded by working agricultural lands. Buildings combine with green spaces and the parkland setting. Modern 4.4 Plan Form developments have not detracted from the key historic areas. The Conservation Area is centred on The combination of these factors has the historic core of Brancepeth allowed the village to retain its rural Castle, St Brandon’s Church and essence. Brancepeth Village. This central area is relatively small in terms of the 4.2 Archaeology overall scale of the Conservation Area that is otherwise parkland or farmland. The Conservation Area is rich with archaeological evidence spanning The village form, with historically almost all periods. The County important terraced cottages leading Durham Sites and Monuments to decorative iron gates guarding the Record (SMR) has details of all way to the Castle and Church, is recorded archaeological remains in unique in County Durham. the county. This record shows that there are currently 69 recorded sites This interrelationship between the within the Conservation Area, Village, Church, Castle and parkland including listed buildings. Although is the essential component of the the main focus is from the Medieval character of the Conservation Area. period onwards centred around Brancepeth Castle and St Brandon’s ‘The Village’ is the main principal Church, a known Roman road from street and creates a strong linear Willington to Chester-le-Street fort pattern. Fortunately this pattern is passes through the village following not disturbed by modern backfill the alignment of the A690 or just to development within the rear gardens the south of it. of the terraces or away from the core area. The historic parkland has retained features relating to the Medieval The farms outside of the village are agricultural use of the land in the of varying character and scale and form of relict ridge and furrow. are set within a landscape of irregular field patterns linked together by small rural lanes and un- made tracks.

- 22 - A number of the farmhouses and Wolsingham Road enters the village associated outbuildings are from the north offering important historically important and have views across wide areas of open strong links to the castle estate. countryside.

To the south of Station House the 4.5 Views into, within and low stonewall allows a attractive view out of the Conservation out across a large expanses of open Area countryside and mature tree belts beyond (b).

The mature landscape to the north Views of historic buildings are of allows the most important views equal importance. Of particular note towards the village. Mature parkland is the view from the cross roads trees and woodland heavily screen towards the castle. The historic the village from other points of the terrace of properties on the western compass, and the imposing Castle side of the road forms a picturesque can only be seen in views from the scene. Rounding the corner from south. the gate piers to the Castle presents the most striking and surprising view Views out of the village are restricted within the whole Conservation Area by a tight built environment and an with the huge round towers abundance of trees. However the dominating the skyline. intersecting roads, lanes, and tracks throughout the Conservation Area From the Castle’s southern range allow strong linear vistas out into the there is a fine view out across its surrounding countryside. Occasional parklands and over the golf course, reminders of the village’s wider giving a further glimpse of the landscape setting appear in landscape setting of the area (c). glimpsed views between buildings and over boundary walls. These The golf clubhouse itself offers vistas views are rare in the centre of the across large expanses of open village and gradually increase in farmland to Brandon Village, number and breadth towards its occasionally broken by mature tree edges. belts (d).

There is a fine view to the north from the car park west of Station House (a). This presents an open vista across a wide area of grazing land with the tall mature trees of Stockley Wood forming a green border to the west.

- 23 - 4.6 Street Patterns and The road continues on towards the Scenes Village, the view here is dominated by a fine avenue of trees lining either

side of the roadway and set within a North West well-maintained grass verge (2).

The large mature trees cast wide The north-western extremity of the shadows across the road and public Conservation Area is Quarry Hill, a footpaths creating a dramatic green Grade II* Listed Building. The house tunnel entrance to the village and is surrounded by mature trees and drawing the viewer’s attention away hedgerows and lies within an open from the surrounding buildings. landscape setting.

Quarry Hill lies adjacent to Wolsingham Road (1), the main approach to the village from the north. The road into the centre of the Village crosses the ex- railway line and passes the former railway station on the eastern side.

(2) Views north and south along Wolsingham Road the most attractive approach to the village dominated by mature trees.

North Village

The Village has a strong linear form, the tightly packed buildings front the wide through road running north to (1) The approach to Brancepeth south. Although the wide tarmac Village from the north along road has a strong impact on the Wolsingham Road. Village centre mature trees mitigate

its scale.

- 24 - A690 Crossing These private gardens help to create an attractive setting for the buildings There is a part quartering of the and add interest and colour to the Village on the crossroads where street scene. Wolsingham Road meets the A690 and crosses to the Village street The village has evolved in relation to leading to Brancepeth Castle. the main historic combination of Brancepeth Castle (first built in the The visual and character links across 13th century), its estate and the 12th the road are sufficient to retain the century Church of St Brandon’s. single street as the dominant characteristic. Whilst this historic core has This area is subject to a large remained intact over the previous volume of fast flowing traffic hundred years, the overall street generating a considerable amount of pattern of the village has evolved noise that contrasts with the peace over time. It is a mix of planned and and tranquillity of the village to the informal development. north and the area surrounding Brancepeth Castle and church. Many properties appear to have been constructed as individual The form of the village is most buildings rather than terraced apparent from the centre of the development, modern buildings have through road at the northern end of been inserted during different The Village. It presents an periods. Other buildings have been uninterrupted view from Station altered and extended creating a House straight through to the variation of house plan and building entrance gates of Brancepeth Castle style. to the south. 20th Century Village South Village The varied mix of properties within The linear form is further the village, although predominantly strengthened and enhanced by well- 20th century sit well into the defined property boundaries, landscape and add visual interest avenues of trees and public whilst not greatly detracting from the footpaths. Vistas are created along village’s traditional character (3). these various straight lengths whereas lateral views out of the village are restricted by the tight-knit arrangement of buildings and extensive tree cover.

A number of buildings are set well back in their plots with large prominent front gardens and taking advantage of their position.

- 25 - 4.7 Pedestrian Routes

Access to the surrounding countryside is good due to the ex railway path and country lanes.

There are not many public rights of way. A very important pedestrian route follows the line of the former railway, the tree lined unmade track linking Brancepeth with Brandon to (3) A modern building along the main the east and Willington to the west street frontage set back within its plot (4). and surrounded by a well It offers important links to the landscaped garden. surrounding countryside and into Stockley Gill Wood to the east. The South West

Leaving the village to the south west via the A690 the sharp left turn leads to Brancepeth Old Bridge a Grade II listed structure and ancient monument of post Medieval date.

The road continues south out of the City District boundary and turns a sharp left back into the Conservation Area leading to a cul-de-sac of modern residential properties.

This area is formerly the site of an extensive nursery and garden belonging to the Castle up until the (4) The view west along the Brandon early 1900’s. – Bishop Auckland walk.

Properties are accessed via steep Many un-made paths and tracks link inclined driveways and hidden from farmsteads further out into the view by an abundance of mature Conservation Area and there is a trees and shrubs creating a small complex network of tracks within the quiet urban environment that feels castle parkland incorporating isolated from the rest of the village. footbridges over the becks. These The former entrance to the nursery is are not rights of way. marked on the eastern side by two large stone pillars now forming the access to Roman Chare a 20th century private dwelling.

- 26 - A track leads from the former stables to the home farm (now the Golf Club) is surrounded by traditional estate fencing. The Neville’s developed paths in the 19th century, forming a pedestrian linkage between Home Farm, Castle and Church but are not, again, rights of way.

There is also the Weardale Path that runs along the Wear from Durham and up into the Dales. (5) The approach to the village from the south along the Whitworth Lane 4.8 Landscape Setting, with the Castle in the distance set Open Spaces and within its parkland. Woodland

The Conservation Area is characterised by a range of landscape types encompassing agricultural land (estate farmland) forming open countryside to the north and east, a dense area of ancient woodland to the west and the castle estate parkland (5) and golf course to the south which are edged with more agricultural land (6).

The Castle parkland is large, spacious and well-landscaped, (6) The view from the southern range consisting of mature trees including of Brancepeth Castle towards East a belt of exotic species running along Park and the golf course. the approach road to the castle. The Beck forms the boundary of the Brancepeth Beck runs northwest to golf course and provides separation southeast through the former deer from the parkland to the east. park, running south of the Castle. The golf course grounds consist of attractive areas of open grassland, scattered mature trees and 20th century planting.

- 27 - The strong relationship between the gardens combine to give a rural feel village and the surrounding to the village. landscape is supported by substantial green space set behind Key roadside verges exist to the and around buildings. Roadside front of numbers 13 –19 The Village, verges and an abundance of trees and prominent grassed areas exist also reinforce this rural character. either side of the access road to The Forge This incorporates a stone bus There is a distinctive rural feel within shelter. the village enhanced by positive green elements including individually Of particular note is a long narrow distinctive trees and hedgerows. verge running south from Station Footpaths, un-made tracks, back House on the eastern side through lanes and well-maintained private the whole village terminating at the garden spaces enhance this. The cross roads. Nearby the trees surrounding countryside is easily around the Forge development accessible through a number of soften the edge of the road. footpaths, which open up the green backdrop the village and form a There is a wide well-maintained lawn distinctive contribution to the area to the front of William Russell character of the area. Homes enclosed by a mature hedgerow and timber fencing and Appendix 1 is a full description of incorporating tall trees within its Brancepeth Park taken from the boundary along the roadside (7). English Heritage Register of Historic This significantly contributes to the Parks and Gardens. overall attractiveness of the street scene and the character of the Green Spaces village.

There is no formal open space within the village, such as a village green or public park. There is limited accessible green open space for public enjoyment. Access to the surrounding landscape and parkland helps offset this.

Alternative spaces have been formed by enhancing gaps between and around buildings and spaces along the roadside. (7) William Russell Homes, single Although these are restricted in size storey sheltered housing constructed green elements as lawn areas, in the mid 20th century. hedgerows, trees, verges and private

- 28 - The large area of paddock to the south of Station House lies at the heart of the village. The former cricket ground is currently used as grazing land and also adds to the rural character. The random rubble stone boundary wall runs tight against the footway, adding to the character and following the traditional village form.

Smaller Private Spaces

A strong part of the village’s character is that recent houses have large frontage gardens and are set amongst trees and this helps to create a pleasant environment which softens the impact of such development on the historic village.

The private gardens in the village vary in size and content but are very (8) Number 13 The Village a Grade II well maintained (8). Listed Building occupying a

prominent corner position in the Many front the main village street village enhanced by well maintained and help to contribute to the overall landscaped elements. attractiveness of the area. This introduces a variety of colour and Ancient Woodland helps to create a landscape setting, much of which can be viewed from Stockley Wood runs north to south public footpaths. along the western edge of the

village. It is an ancient woodland Private allotment gardens lie to the with mature trees and a diverse rear of numbers 1-12 The Village range of flora and fauna. and are surrounded by random The woodland provides an important rubble stonewalls with small timber green backdrop to the village in gates (9). The allotments are well views from the east and adjoins cultivated and enhance the rural Brancepeth Park to the south. scene and provide an important social focus for the village.

- 29 - Prominent Avenues and Groups

A prominent avenue of trees is on both sides of the main through road of the village, to the front of Goodwell Lea. The planned avenue consists of Copper Beech, Sycamore, Oak and Lime.

(9) The allotments to the rear of the main village.

Trees

Trees contribute significantly to the character of the village (10). It is fortunate in having considerable numbers of both fine individual trees and attractive avenues and groups of trees. These enhance general views, individual buildings or groups of buildings.

There are also over thirty smaller woods throughout the Conservation Area, all of which form distinctive landscape elements. These enhance the area’s character and (10) Trees are a very important visual amenity. element of the Conservation Area

enhancing public spaces and There are a number of individual softening the effect of modern trees, avenues of trees and groups development. of trees scattered through out the village. These vary in species and Another key avenue exists along the age and further enhance the village access road to Foxes Row, on both setting. sides of the A690 to the west, along

the western side of the approach to Brancepeth Castle and within and forming the eastern boundary of The Forge.

- 30 - There are a number of key groups of 4.9 Built Form trees (Beech, Copper Beech and Sycamore) to the front of Russell Important Historic and prominent Close Together with the Beech trees Buildings around Durham Road they contribute much to the village. Station House

On the western side of the road to At the northern end of Brancepeth the Castle an avenue of trees follows Village, the former railway station is the winding access forming a fine now a private detached house (11). approach to the Castle and Church. It was built for the opening of the The Castle is set in a wide area of railway in 1864 in the Brancepeth green space and overlooks its lands ‘Estate style’, as a two-storey to the south. building with one-storey side extension and porch. A large area of mixed hardwoods consisting mainly of Beech, Horse The railway and this station closed in Chestnut, Yew, Lime, Elm, Oak, 1965. It remained derelict until it Gean and Ash is located was converted to a house. The immediately north of Brancepeth modern windows detract from the Castle. quality of the building, but they are all in the original openings. A key group of trees surround and screen the 12th Century Church of Around the house are a number of St Brandon. A wide gravelled road surviving railway features such as giving access to the Church and the the entrance gate and railway medieval graveyard cuts a view fencing. ‘Station House’ itself is set through this screen. The group back from the main Village street in consists of Cedar, Pine, Elm, an attractive rural setting, Sycamore and Beech. surrounded by trees and open fields Large trees and shrubs border the with a long stone rubble wall linking approach to the golf club house to the house to the main street. the east of the Castle echoing the approach to the Village from the The Village north. The tightly packed trees closely edge the road giving a strong The two terraces to the eastern side feeling of enclosure. of the village either side of the cross roads consist of fine buildings that were originally cottages for the estate workers.

These are of considerable architectural quality and historic interest and combined with the Castle and Church form Brancepeth’s historic identity.

- 31 - The residential properties are set back slightly from the pavement by a cobbled strip, low random rubble stone boundary walls and estate style railings. These all reinforce the historic core’s character.

Mid to Late 18th Century Terrace

The terrace, consisting of numbers 1 to 12, is formed by two storey estate cottage style dwellings that are of a stone construction many with pebble (11) Station House although un- dashed render (12). Brick listed is of considerable quality and chimneystacks are a consistent provides a valuable link the village’s feature adding interest at roof level, past. along with steeply pitched red pantile roofs and narrow front entrances. Stone mullioned windows exist throughout.

The buildings have original 16 pane sash windows with glazing bars in a white painted finish, fine panelled white finished doors with decorative elements, projecting sills mainly of stone and traditional cast iron rain water goods.

A number of the buildings are covered in ivy and other climbing plants adding to the character and enhancing the scene. No5 and No8 (12) 1-12 The Village a terrace of have replacement windows. Grade II Listed Building. The properties at the end of the The buildings are constructed in the terrace, No’s 1 and 12, are estate style and combine together to constructed in the Jacobean style form a picturesque setting and with steeply pitched graduated green approach to the Castle. slate roof, set in 3 bays and again incorporating features such as fine The construction of these properties panelled doors, stone-mullioned is principally of two periods, mid to windows, and large ornamental brick late 18th century and mid 19th chimney stacks and have decorated century, and the character is ball finials on fine well detailed and compact and very traditional. prominent gables (13).

- 32 - No’s 17,18 and 19 were formerly the site of the Saw Mill in the 1880’s and later in the early 1900’s the Village school and Masters house. They are now three private dwellings again constructed in the Tudor style with 4 large hip roofed dormers and interesting tall cylindrical chimneystacks.

Low stonewalls enhanced by planting exist to the frontages with low stone steps allowing access up to the properties. Ivy and other climbing vegetation on the end bays, a low prominent hedgerow fronting the central bays and other planting elements enhance the considerable quality of the terrace.

(13) Number 12 The Village.

Mid 19th century Terrace

The terrace a little further north, numbers 13 to 16, are two storeys, built in the mid 19th century of squared sandstone in the Tudor style (14).

The buildings have steeply pitched (14) Numbers 13, 14, 15 and 16 The graduated green slate roofs with a Village a fine terrace of 4 Grade II fine symmetrical frontage, vertical Listed estate cottages. ribbed doors, double chamfered stone mullioned windows, fine dormer windows and prominent decorative white finished overhanging bargeboards.

- 33 - The Close and back lane 1-4 Durham Road

To the rear of numbers 13-19 The Numbers 1-4 Durham Road to the Village is a small back land area east of the main village street are a consisting of a number of garages pair of semi detached one and a half and small outbuildings. The stone storey cottages of Tudor Gothic style built outbuildings reflect the built between 1880 and 1896 (16). traditional linear building form of the They are constructed of smooth village and add to the character of square coursed rubble with bay the area (15). windows to ground floors, mullioned windows, stone chimneystacks and Two large stone pillars set either have decorative fish. side of an un-made access road from the A690 mark the entrance to Each has a well-used and well- The Close, a late 19th century two planted front and side garden with storey villa. The villa is built from low stone boundary walls of coursed squared sandstone in narrow rubble fronting the footpath. courses in the Brancepeth Estate style and has a purple slate roof with ashlar chimneystacks.

(16) Numbers 1 and 2 Durham Road.

Rectory Cottages

(15) Access from Durham Road to 1-2 Rectory Cottages further south The Close with the stone build out were originally designed as a large, buildings on the left and the Grade II cube-shaped pitched-roof block. Listed villa to the right. The building has one Victorian sash window on each floor to the rear, whereas the front of the building has a simple batten door and fanlight.

- 34 - The surrounding walls are of coursed rubble sandstone with prominent Brancepeth Castle quoins. From the main village street, the Rectory Cottages have interesting Castle estate is entered through a early 19th century outbuildings, built fine stone gateway. from two inch handmade bricks. These buildings are of good quality, This was built in the mid 19th century and have appreciable design quality. and consists of a central carriageway flanked by pedestrian entrances with Village Hall decorative elements.

To the east of number 1 The Village Although the gateway is in need of lies the larger scale Village Hall. A repair it is a prominent and very prominent building built by the interesting feature marking the parishioners in 1924. entrance to the estate (17).

Outbuildings Through the gateway the road continues past the Castle Lodge on The rural character is enhanced by the right a detached architect the presence of converted designed Lodge built in the early agricultural buildings and stable 20th century in the estate style. blocks in the heart of the village (17). These are of interest and retain The Lodge is a two storey stone much of their traditional character. building to a L-shaped plan with mullioned windows and a coat of The garaging fifteen metres to the arms in a panel on the gable. north east of number 12 The Village is the former village coach house The building has a steep hipped roof built in the mid to late 19th century. and is set in fine landscaped grounds. The Lodge was built The building is of two storey and around 1890 and has a fine constructed of coursed rubble stone landscaped garden retaining much of with a slate roof, set in four wide its original charm. bays with large boarded double doors and is a Grade II Listed The impressive drive continues, Building. Opposite lies a similar flanked by large mature trees, to the former stable of a L-shaped plan with Castle which cannot be seen until several double opening doors and the last moment, when the viewer is openings and add character to the taken by surprise by the sheer village. dominance of the castle and its two large round central towers (18).

- 35 - The south western range offers a The Castle is built from smooth solid glimpse into the Castle’s past with ashlar stone and has an almost various stages of construction continuous curtain wall, punctured spanning over four hundred years on the north by two watchtowers and visible in the stone work. on the south by two larger towers.

The Castle is the principal historic building in the village beginning life as a simple house built by the Bulmers (a Saxon family from the 12th century). The Bulmers also built a simple wooden shrine to St Brandon later beginning St Brandon’s Church. When William the Conqueror marched north, the Norman influence saw the house fortified and the tiny church established. Prior to rebuilding in the 19th century the castle was predominately a military stronghold with domestic accommodation.

(18) The castle has a large irregular circular courtyard enclosed by a curtain wall and linking ranges principally of a mix of Norman and Gothic styles.

Although much of the Castle was rebuilt in the early 19th century there are visible joints in the curtain wall showing traces of original medieval masonry.

Due to the numerous additions and alterations, the Castle is largely a Gothic Revival rather than truly medieval building. This is particularly evident on the inside of the curtain (17) The 19th century entrance gates wall and the gatehouse ranges. to the Castle Estate from the Village. The gatehouse itself is a massive three-storey construction with its archway flanked by battered round towers.

- 36 - Although the windows throughout the The origins of the Church pre-date castle are largely 19th century, there Durham Cathedral, and it has been are earlier examples. Some of the the Christian centre of worship in original walls and towers of the Brancepeth for over a thousand Neville Family house still exist years. although most have been lost due to the 19th century reconstruction. The church tower is 12th century and the lower part of the nave 13th Church of St Brandon century. In the 14th century the nave was extended, transepts built, The 12th Century Church of St and the aisles enlarged to enclose Brandon is situated south east of the the tower. By the late 14th century castle, at the southern end of the the chancel was added, as was the estate. Entrance to the Church chapel on the south of the chancel. grounds is through an attractive set of sandstone gate piers, approached The Church (20) is a Grade I Listed by a wide gravelled road (19). This Building and recognised as one of entrance dates from the early 18th the finest examples of medieval Century, and is grade II Listed. architecture in Northern England.

The stone wall surrounding the churchyard is built partially of medieval grave covers, and the church is set amongst mature trees.

(19) The entrance to St. Brandon’s Church. (20) St. Brandon’s Church

- 37 - From the 16th century until 1998 the The buildings were built in the 18th interior was particularly splendid, and 19th century’s and listed for containing several medieval artefacts group value with the farmhouse and and a unique set of complete 17th cottage. century furnishings in a richly carved Gothic style. Estate Parkland

Catastrophically, the glorious carved Within the estate parkland there are woodwork was destroyed in the a number of buildings of various devastating fire of 1998. The church periods which have a strong historic was restored in 2005. link to the castle including Pepermires, originally the castle’s Other Buildings in the laundry rooms now modernised and Conservation Area divided into two private dwellings.

Within the Conservation Area there Golf Course are a number of historic farmhouses and associated outbuildings To the east of the Castle the golf principally of early to mid 19th clubhouse was formerly the Castle century date, although some are stables belonging to Lord Boyne. much older. Principally the Accommodation was incorporated farmhouses are two storey with into the stables during the building of steeply pitched roofs, brick/stone the golf course in 1924. chimney stacks (some octagonal) and stone mullioned windows with Garden House sash windows a common feature. Garden House is a grade II Listed Morley Farm two-storey building, set in attractive surroundings close to the enclosed Of particular note is Morley Farm an Kitchen Gardens. It has gabled important historical farmstead wings and a central link, and an accessed via a minor road north of attractive semi-circular porch with the Castle. It is an attractive group paired Doric columns to the façade. of stone and pantiled buildings in a The building appears to be of an pleasant landscape setting. The early estate design built between listed farmhouse is of two storeys the 1830 and 1850, evidenced by the main block comprising of three bays size of brick. Although unlisted, the with the former cottage adding a walled garden adjacent to Garden further two bays to the south. House is of a high quality and contributes to the setting of the main It incorporates substantial remains of house. a 13th century building and an 18th century barn and gin-gang; itself a listed building. Within Morley Farm are a group of farm buildings centred round a courtyard.

- 38 - Tudhoe Grange The blacksmith shop’s conversion to residential use has retained the To the east of Garden House the original horseshoe decorative door Grade II Listed “Tudhoe Lodge” was surround. formerly named East Lodge, and built by Lord Boyne in 1870. It was designed as the estate gardener’s home, and built to the estate style.

It is two-storey, of smooth snecked stone rubble, and has mullioned windows with a coat of arms in the panel on the gable.

Scripton Farm

Scripton Farm and Scripton Lodge (21) The former Blacksmiths shop; mark the eastern boundary of the now a private home and a valuable estate lands approaching from link to the village’s industrial past. Brandon. Foxes Row It is constructed in the architectural style of the main Brancepeth Estate Foxes Row lies at the south western and adds considerably to the end of the village. It is a row of seven character of the area. houses constructed at different times. No 1 is the oldest and The farmhouse is now two dwellings incorporates a date stone of 1748. It and is of sandstone construction, may have been built in conjunction originally built in the mid 19th century with a large nursery which adjoined but with 20th century additions to the rthe property. Nos 2 & 3 are fine late rear. It is in the Tudor style with a 20th century estate cottages of a graduated green slate roof, fine quality that suggests they were panelled doors, 12 pane sash made for ‘upper officials’. The windows and tall octagonal remaining properties were built in the chimneystacks seen elsewhere on mid 20th century as forestry workers the older buildings within the Village. houses.

Blacksmith’s Shop William Russell Homes

The 20th century Forge development On the western side of the North incorporates the 18th century former section of the Village, the single blacksmiths shop (21) and although storey sheltered housing from the the building is unlisted, it is of a high mid 20th century has a steeply quality and a surviving tribute to one pitched grey slate roof with brick of Brancepeth’s rural industries. chimneystacks and central bay windows.

- 39 - A stone plaque dates the William Roofing Russell Homes as 1955. Whilst not of significant architectural quality The traditional roofing materials of they do contribute to the character of the village are predominantly red the village and reflect the traditional pantiles and grey slate (22). Some building pattern. of the older buildings have graduated green slate roofs. Replacements The building frontage has a fine wide have occasionally taken place, and well maintained front lawn steeply pitched roofs, overhanging running its length with timber seats eaves and traditional cast iron and one red serpent style seat. The rainwater goods are all common. red paint on the seat is a survival of an estate colour and once all the Brick chimneystacks are an cottage doors within the village were important feature of the buildings painted in the same red. and help to establish a strong rhythm in the street scene and along the See Appendix 2 for Listed Building ridgeline of houses. The large and key unlisted building octagonal chimneys of the older descriptions. buildings form a distinctive and prominent feature. 4.10 Materials, textures and colours

The village is characterised by a good standard of traditional building materials.

Many buildings are constructed of rubble stone and many exteriors of buildings are finished in wet- dash/wet-cement or painted render, though there has been a recent trend to remove this and return to the natural stone finish. The 20th century properties are predominantly brick. (22) Variation in roofing materials There is an obvious inconsistency and colour on the older buildings of between the materials used for the the village. various 20th century development which unfortunately is a negative contrast and often at odds to the uniformity of the historic are of the village.

- 40 - Windows and Doors the medieval and Tudor styles used on the 19th century buildings. The Window styles can be divided newer buildings have UPVC between those to historic and those windows and doors in a variety of on modern properties. styles. Older buildings have a mix of sash (24) Variation in door styles. windows with glazing bars in white painted finish and stone mullioned windows with distinctive lintels and stone cills (23).

A number of properties have bay windows and occasional dormers appear in the roofline.

Windows in historic buildings have occasionally been altered in favour of more modern designs and openings have been altered to accept these modern insertions.

Boundary Treatments

Property boundaries are well defined (23) Variation in window styles and in a variety of styles and materials. detailing openings tend have flush Most common around the older stone lintels and projecting cills. buildings are random rubble stone walls, some with half round copings. There is a variation of door styles: Iron railings of various styles all in Victorian, panelled and modern, black paint finish can be found many with glazing elements in a throughout the village. variety of colours (24). The older There is a variation of styles of buildings have panelled and ribbed timber fencing including a more doors a number with overlights in traditional estate style (25). moulded surrounds. The ribbed doors are unusual and suggest an estate style, much in keeping with

- 41 - Many are well constructed and there Hoppy Acres and Constable is a variation in height and they are Meadows exceed the principal height appropriate to the rural context of the and are 3 storeys although they are Conservation Area. set well back from the main village street and enclosed by tall mature The western side of Brancepeth Park trees and hedgerows. is enclosed by iron railings topped with elegant tulip bud heads. Some 4.12 Street Furniture and of the railings have disappeared, but Utilities a considerable amount survives. Fortunately there are a small number of traditional style seats and a number of half barrelled planters. The presence of telephone, electricity and street lighting columns diminish from the rich and varied roofline of the Village. Many are softened or obscured by trees or situated to the rear of buildings.

There is a lack of visual clutter and roadside elements such as road signs and bollards. There is no visible overrunning damage to the roadside verges despite a lack of off- street parking. 4.13 Unique or unusual (25) Various boundary treatments features can be found through the Conservation Area vertical and A number of unique and interesting horizontal timber, traditional cast iron features add charm, character and railings and random rubble stone variety to the village street scene. walls. 1 Gate 4.11 Scale, Height and Massing An intriguing old timber gate adds interest to the paddock adjacent to Station House. There is no historical Buildings in the village are principally map evidence going back to 1860 for of two storeys. However there are a a building on this site, although the number of larger private homes. large plot of land is shown on the 1938 Ordnance Survey plan as a cricket ground with a small pavilion to the east.

- 42 - However the gate appears to be of a much earlier date.

2 Gas Lights

There are a number of traditional decorative gas lights on the older buildings on the village street just below roof level adding visual interest.

3 Drinking Fountain

A Grade II Listed water fountain, 2.5 metres high and set against a stone wall, lies in between number 2 and 3 Durham Road. It is built from ashlar stone with baroque detailing, and originally intended for the use of estate workers.

4 Chimney Stacks

There area a number of tall octagonal chimney stacks on some of the older buildings within the Village and on the estate farmhouses.

5 Bellcote

Number 17 has fine prominent gabled bellcote (housing for a bell) with a single opening, a reminder of the buildings past use as the village Visual Plate school. 1 2

6 Lamp post 3 4

A Grade II Listed lamp post dated 5 6 1863 set in cast iron with a number of decorative lion and spear motifs lies on the corner of the road adjacent to number 12 the Village.

- 43 - 4.14 Positive, Neutral and Key Features Negative Elements Street Pattern

This section of the appraisal aims to Brancepeth Village is a small identify features, which contribute settlement developed along a strong positively, features that make no linear form stemming from its positive contribution, or features that relationship with Brancepeth Castle detract from the character and and St Brandon’s Church. The core appearance of the Conservation historic street of the Conservation Area as an area of special Area remains relatively intact and architectural and historic interest. there is a variation of building styles from different periods fronting the Identified are; main through road. New development within the village does Key Features not detract from the visual quality of the area and generally fits well into Essential elements which help to its context. There is an intimate define the special character of the relationship between the buildings village. and the surrounding landscape

Positive Buildings and Elements Historic Buildings

Buildings and features which There are a number of historic contribute positively to the character buildings within the Conservation of the area and which it are Area that are of considerable and considered desirable to preserve or distinctive architectural quality enhance. constructed in the unique estate style and with a strong use of Neutral Buildings and Elements traditional materials. These buildings along with the Castle, 12th Buildings and features whilst not century Church, and other buildings forming part of the special character of individual quality in a pleasant of the area do not detract from it. parkland setting form the essential components of the area’s special Negative Buildings and Elements architectural and historical interest.

Buildings and features that do not Surrounding Landscapes, mature contribute positively to the character trees and green spaces of area. These are significant elements Areas of Improvement contributing to the character of the Conservation Area. Potential work that would help to improve the visual quality of the village.

- 44 - Green verges and footpaths, open Positive Buildings and Elements spaces and private gardens are all well maintained and create the Buildings Village’s character. Quarry Hill They enhance the setting of the Morley Farm buildings and act as a foil to the Station House tightly packed urban form. 1-19 The Village The Close, Durham Road The parkland and surrounding Tudhoe Lodge farmland has many large mature Old Blacksmiths Shop trees. These, together with the 2-3 Foxes Row village’s street trees, large garden Rectory Stables trees and areas of woodland have Golf Club House created a backdrop of tree canopies Brancepeth Castle which may be seen from all parts of St Brandon’s Church the Conservation Area both as long Hoppy Acres views and between buildings. This Constable Meadows backdrop is a highly distinctive Village Hall contribution to the character of the Castle Lodge conservation area. Rectory Stables Garden House Topography Scripton Farm William Russell Homes The village is enclosed by mature 1-2 Rectory Cottages parkland, dense woodland and open Park Lodge farmland. The area surrounding the Little White Farm village is generally hilly and well Coach House cultivated and is of a picturesque East Park Farm House appearance. It is an attractive setting Thornberry Garth to the village and contributes to the character of the Conservation Area. Other Positive Elements

Materials Landscape

A strong use of traditional materials Lines of trees and green spaces makes a valuable contribution to the Well-maintained public spaces quality of the village and enhances Cobbled paths its character. Estate style railings Consistent use of building materials Attractive parkland setting Views out into open countryside The Village’s landscape setting Tranquillity

- 45 - Outbuildings and Other Features Goodwell Lea is a 20th century small housing estate consisting of two Rubble stone boundary walls storey properties with white UPVC Stone outbuildings rainwater goods, windows, doors, a Listed Tombstones in medieval number have attached single storey churchyard garages and wide tarmac driveways. Gateway to Castle Gate piers, stone walls, stile and The modern buildings to the north overthrow entrance to St Brandon’s west of the Castle have been built as Church individual buildings. These are very well concealed being hidden from Neutral Buildings and Elements the main road by an important avenue of mature trees. Brancepeth Modern Buildings (20th Century) Park encloses the buildings to the southwest and southeast. Significant pockets of modern housing development, although Although modern these buildings are potentially detrimental to more older than those of Goodwell Lea traditional surroundings, do not and the area has a more traditional significantly intrude on the visual feel. quality of the area. They tend to be very well maintained and sit well in The Forge is a smaller modern the landscape. housing development of 11 properties accessed via the A690. Some of these new buildings might Although built in the 20th century the otherwise be regarded as negative care in the building detail, use of but for the neutralizing effect of appropriate materials and the fine boundary treatments, the use of tree avenue of mature trees ensures that cover and the siting of the building the development does not deep within their plots all ensure that significantly intrude on the visual they do not dominate the area. The quality of the area. planned nature of the historic village and its close relationship with the Neutral Buildings surrounding landscape has also helped to absorb new development Station Cottages with limited consequence. 1-30 Goodwell Lea 1,4,5,6,7 Foxes Row The two larger areas of modern Westacre housing development are located on The Copse the western side of the village north 2-10 The Forge and south of the A690. Downsgarth Dukes Meadows West Wood Peppermires Quarry Hill Cottages Littlewhite Farm

- 46 - Scripton Lodge 4.15 Community Brancepeth Manor Involvement Bridge Lane House

Buck Burns The proposed stages for publication Caer Urfa adoption, consultation, amendment Castle Rigg and confirmation of final Appraisal Castle Firs are as follows. Chares

Sylvan Towers 1. Approval of draft one by Head Old Road End of Cultural Services; Tanglewood

1-7 Stockley Grove 2. Issue of draft one to City of

Durham Ward councillors and Negative Buildings and Elements approved by the council service

portfolio holder (amendment if Buildings required);

The Rectory 3. Publication of draft two to local Garages 20m east of Village Hall stakeholders including the

Parish Council, issue to other Other negative elements stakeholders (amendments to

from Draft four); Landscape and Street Furniture

4. Draft two to public exhibition Unmaintained grassed areas and consultation. Amendment Overgrown spaces to form final draft. Poor surfacing

Speed limit signs 5. City of Durham approval and Plastic litterbins and red seats adoption of final draft. Tarmac roads

Standard road signs 6. Amendment to

Conservation Area Other Building Features Boundary.

TV aerials The original Conservation Area was UPVC windows and rainwater goods drawn to cover closely the Village in Satellite dishes 1967. It was subsequently Yellow alarm boxes substantially enlarged to cover the

Castle and Church, the Historic Parkland and sections of the Estate farmland.

- 47 - There is nothing that has been Railings identified within this appraisal that indicates any areas were unduly
Repairs are necessary to areas incorporated in the Conservation of estate style railings Area boundary or issues that would throughout the village be resolved by extension of the particularly around the Village boundary. Hall and road leading to the Golf Club House. The estate Further analysis is required under railings are also in poor historic character assessment of the condition, sections are missing wider landscape area. This may and reinstatement would have a reveal refinements to cover the positive impact. Estate farmland boundary or possibly Brancepeth Deer Park. . Gaps in Stonewalls This assessment, if carried out, would confirm the links and
Sections of stonewalling are characteristics to identify character missing at The Close, reinstate areas relating to historical sections of wall or insert more similarities. appropriate solid gates. This appraisal has concentrated on the built areas and major character Missing architectural features zones within the Conservation Area boundary.
Reinstate missing finials and chimneys from the older buildings within the village. 4.17 Issues and areas for Improvement Castle Gates

Potential Issues arising from this
Repair and re-painting works appraisal are: are needed to the Castle gates that show visible vehicle impact Within the Conservation Area there damage. are elements that would benefit from improvement works and help to The Rectory further enhance the area as a whole.
This offers potential for more Road signs and street furniture sympathetic improvement to accommodate the building into
Replace or overhaul (some the Village core. signs are listed and historically important) road signs and street furniture throughout the village.

- 48 - Traffic Management

Traffic management, namely on the A690, is a constant and serious issue for the village. Whilst it is not the purpose of the appraisal to comment on highway issues, traffic calming measures, if sensitively designed, have the potential to enhance the conservation area by improving the overall sense of amenity.

Surfacing

Tar macadam finishes and pre cast concrete kerbs can be considered for replacement with more appropriate modern or traditional surfacing materials in the historic core of the village.

Tree and Woodland Management

Large areas of mature trees and in particular ancient woodland are vulnerable to under-management due to lack of resources.

The potential threat, if any, needs further study to ensure the distinctive character of the area is not vulnerable to longer- term loss.

The Current Designations Plan is shown on page 51.

- 49 - Visual Plate

1 2

3 4

5

6 7

8

1 Inappropriate road signage along the main village street.

2 Missing railings adjacent to the Village Hall.

3 Gaps in the stone walls along at The Close.

4 & 6 Damage to Listed gates from general erosion and vehicle damage.

5 Missing finial.

7 The Rectory inappropriate in the Conservation Area and the historic context.

8 Poor surface treatment in a high quality historic environment.

- 50 - Map 3 Brancepeth Conservation Area Current Designations

- 51 - 5 Management Justification - The appraisal has identified issues in relation to some Strategy and negative features, generally minor, Proposals and also the presence of neutral features. To enhance or improve 5.1 Management Strategy these will increase the Conservation value of the area. The principal objectives arising from this appraisal are: 5. To work with stakeholders to create improvements to the public 1. To apply protection to the realm or publically accessible areas. historic area and landscape to continue to conserve the value of the Justification - To work within financial area. constraints to raise the quality of the public realm and improve public Justification – The area is not subject access to key features. to substantial threat of inappropriate change or significant degradation. 6. To pursue greater Its values should be upheld. understanding of the historic landscape including the estate 2. To work with stakeholders to farmland and Historic parkland. In understand emerging issues relating particular to identify Historic to conservation of the area’s major Landscape Character zones in historic assets. greater detail than possible in the current appraisal. Justification - To assist, within resources, the management of the Justification - To ensure an larger and major assets likely to be authoritative understanding of the subject to financial constraints. complex historic development of the area and its remnants. 3. To liase with developers and work within the development control 7. To pursue greater system to ensure the suitability of understanding of the ecology and bio new development in respect to the density value of the landscape character of the Conservation Area. areas, in particular the ancient woodland and parkland. Justification – Further development has the potential to adversely affect Justification – To ensure a full the character of the Historic Village. understanding of ecological and bio density value of the landscape 4. To work with owners and areas. stakeholders to enhance neutral features and improve negative features.

- 52 - 5.2 Change Monitoring Alternatively the development must make a positive contribution to the The rate of change within the area through sensitive design that Conservation Area is slow. It is respects the existing character and possible that a combination of setting. smaller changes will affect the character of the village. Development proposals which detract from the character or Any more major development can be appearance of the Conservation assessed in the context of the Area or its setting will not be appraisal and management plan and permitted. dealt with individually. Any change within the parkland or listed buildings Supporting Statement to Accompany can also be dealt within on an Planning Applications individual basis. In order to check for accruing change an annual check A supporting statement sets out how is recommended to: a proposal will impact on the Conservation Area. The statement
Identify planning applications should be short and concise and received; accompany any planning application and/or application for Listed Building
Check the village for Consent within a Conservation Area. accumulation of minor changes; The purpose of the statement is to
Assess for impact and consider help the planning or conservation need for further action. design officer understand the design justification for the proposal. 6 Design Guidance and 6.2 Local Plan policy Application within the Conservation Area The City of Durham Local Plan 2004 protects Brancepeth Conservation 6.1 General Area from inappropriate development. A number of policies Development in Brancepeth within the Local Plan have been Conservation Area must preserve or designed to protect and enhance the enhance the character or character and appearance of the appearance of the Conservation historic environment and the Area. The development must either Conservation Area. make no impact on the distinctive character of the area or key buildings and/or appear as part of the existing street or landscape when completed.

- 53 - The Local Plan sets out a broad land The City of Durham is committed to use framework to guide new detailed assessment of all proposals development proposals. As well as for development within conservation policies designed to protect the areas. Specialist conservation and Conservation Area, Local Plan urban design advice is available from policies also relate to listed buildings, the Heritage and Design Section at landscape value, the protection of Durham City Council. trees and hedgerows, nature External agencies such as English conservation and the historic Heritage and the Commission for environment. Architecture for the Built Environment can also be actively The Council’s policies relating to the involved in major projects. Conservation Area are set out within the Adopted City of Durham Local Conservation area designation Plan, policies E3, E6, E21, E22, E23 introduces a general control over the and of the City of Durham Local Plan demolition of unlisted buildings. It Deposit Draft (2001) (Appendix provides a basis for policies appendix of local plan or designed to preserve and enhance appraisal?*). all aspects of character or appearance that define the The Conservation Area designation conservation area. It is the character signifies a commitment by the Local of the area and not just individual Authority to the preservation and buildings that the designation seeks enhancement of an area’s character. to preserve or enhance. To ensure that the character and appearance of Conservation Areas Conservation Area designation are preserved or enhanced, a means that special consideration is positive and pro-active approach to given to proposals for change. In development control is required. order to assist the Local Authority some special planning controls are New development in or affecting the applied in Conservation Areas. setting of a Conservation Area must protect or enhance its character. The consequences of designation Consequently it is vital that any new and major controls in operation in development, or alterations and conservation areas are set out extensions are of a high quality and below: are appropriate to their settings.
Anyone wishing to demolish a To ensure that this is achieved, building within a conservation applications for development in area must first apply for conservation areas will usually Conservation Area Consent to require the applicant to provide the Local Planning Authority. detailed proposals of development.

- 54 -
New development within Building frontages opening onto the conservation areas will be street (or landscape areas) are an limited and controlled to ensure important part of Brancepeth that it accords with the special village’s character. New architectural and visual quality development must preserve this of the area feature.

Improvements to the The low boundary walls around the conservation area through village form an important link with its minor repairs and agricultural past. These walls are key improvements to fencing, features and should be maintained painting, paving and street and preserved. The wall between the furniture will be encouraged village and the former station is of where appropriate. particular importance.

6.3 Local Development Similarly, any development of Framework historic agricultural buildings or outbuildings must be carried out with The Local Plan 2004 as described sensitivity to their design in order to remains in force but the planning preserve the historic character of the system is changing to the Local area. Development Framework and associated policy documents. When passing through the village, gaps between buildings offer glimpse The Local Development Framework views” to the parkland and farmland will consist of various core, area beyond. These views are important – specific and technical documents not just from an aesthetic standpoint, and will cover Durham County, but also in the context of the following the 2009 Local relationship between the village and Government Review. its surroundings. Any pressure to develop these “gap 6.4 Specific design sites” must be resisted.

guidance to Brancepeth Preserving individual buildings

Any development in Brancepeth Many of the buildings in Brancepeth must preserve or enhance the retain their original form, and have Conservation Area. In particular this not suffered from inappropriate applies to the identified potential extensions. This originality must be development area to the east of the maintained, and major extensions to North section of the village. This property should not be permitted. section is intended to guide consistency in decision making in Many of the village’s buildings have relationship to planning development received replacement doors and control. windows. Preserving the character

- 55 - However, original timber windows There are many examples of are often better constructed and of excellent modern design fitting into a better materials than modern historic area. examples, and should be retained wherever possible. Original windows Achieving a suitable design in the and doors also enhance the Brancepeth Conservation Area will appearance of properties. If original require consideration of prevalent windows require replacement, the building heights, scale, building line replacements should be exact and orientation. Consideration replicas in painted softwood. If the should also be given to respecting windows are already replacements, the estate style of historic buildings where possible the design should be in Brancepeth. This style is best taken back to the original. described as a mixture of 19th century Gothic and Tudor revival The size of window openings adds to styles. the character of Brancepeth Village, and proposals to increase the size of Flat roofs will not be acceptable. window openings should be resisted. Although many unquestionably good modern building incorporate flat A number of buildings in Brancepeth roofs, in Brancepeth Conservation have lost their original cast iron Area there is a preponderance of gutters and downpipes. If replaced, traditional building forms and flat new gutters and downpipes should roofs would not easily be be made of traditional cast iron, not accommodated. plastic. In certain circumstances, painted Only natural roofing materials (either aluminium guttering may be slate or clay tile) should be used on acceptable. buildings. Roofs of new construction should be of an appropriate pitch. Outbuildings of traditional character should be retained and not The archaeological implications of all demolished wherever possible. new build including extensions within the village should always be Introducing new Development considered when new developments are being considered. The village is New development should recorded from at least the 12th compliment the scale and character century and likely dates back to pre- of existing buildings. Conquest times and as such the potential for archaeological remains There may be a desire for owners of to be preserved in situ within the property in Brancepeth to historic village and around the castle commission new modern design for and church should be considered new building. It is unreasonable to high. suggest modern design should not be allowed, just because the village is a conservation area.

- 56 - Developers should always take into 7 Historic Building account national planning policy guidance note 16 (PPG16) and Maintenance policy E24 of City of Durham Local Plan and which set out how 7.1 General archaeological matters will be dealt with in the planning process There are no buildings that are generally and in relation to the local currently considered at risk and planning authority in particular. advice is tied to a general approach to maintenance. This is with the Conversions of traditional farm exception of the Castle and other buildings may require archaeological features such as Estate walls and building recording either in support of railing that inevitably require a planning application or as a substantial upkeep. condition of development where the conversion will result in the loss of Proposals to alter listed buildings original features. These are usually may require Listed Building Consent completed by professional prior to any works being undertaken. archaeologists or architectural Carrying out works to a listed historians and comprise more detail building without consent is a criminal than architectural plans and offence. Before undertaking any elevations. works to a listed building contact the Heritage and Design Section of City Archaeological building recording of Durham Council for advice. may sometimes be required during internal or external works, whether In respect of general maintenance to alterations or extensions, to historic older buildings the following buildings. This is typically required guidance should be followed. where original features may be removed or alternatively exposed All repair/maintenance works require during works. certain choices to be made:

This work would usually be
How much is repair needed? discussed with the Conservation Officer and County Archaeologist in
What materials are most the course of pre-application appropriate to the building? discussions.
What technique is to be used?

Will the repair affect the character of the building?

Should it be repaired at all, or left alone?

- 57 - The key to maintaining a historic good physical condition and assuring building is striking a balance its viable use. between two extremes. On one hand too little alteration can result in a Keeping a building in use and in building being unsuitable for modern good repair protects its long-term needs, whilst too many changes can value. Most owners are proud to destroy historic features or the maintain their listed and historic building’s character. properties, even though some repairs may be more expensive than Minor work to historic buildings such they would be for a modern building. as cleaning gutters, repairs to roofs, attention to drains, etc, are a far 7.2 Alterations better use of resources than have to undertake major repairs if the There is no reason why a historic building gets damaged through lack building cannot evolve in a of maintenance. Major problems to sympathetic manner to suit different historic buildings are very often the needs. The City of Durham can offer result of neglect. If addressed earlier guidance on modernising a listed they can be reduced or prevented, building without damaging its fabric so regular inspection is essential. or character. Maintenance will prevent deterioration now, and help to Some works to historic buildings may prevent major expenditure later. involve extra costs to owners depending on the nature of the Regular maintenance and sensitive repair. repairs to an historic building is not just a matter of specifying traditional For example: materials and techniques.
Decaying stone slates should It requires an appreciation of why the be restored with slates that building is significant, how this match the original, and not significance is embodied within the synthetic alternative tiles. buildings fabric and what impact potential repairs might have on it.
Crumbling cornices should not Almost all repair/maintenance simply be removed, but instead techniques have the potential to carefully restored. cause damage if undertaken incorrectly or insensitively.

That so many fine historic buildings
Repair to brickwork should in the Durham area exist today is always be carried out with primarily a tribute to their owners. bricks of the same type as They have demonstrated the two original and in the same bond. important principals of conserving an historic building - maintaining it in

- 58 -
The replacement of windows This allows the authority to execute and doors in historic buildings urgent repairs to listed buildings, requires careful treatment and should the owner fail to do so. The should be repaired on a “like for cost of these repairs may be then like” basis. recovered from the owner.

The conservation of historic buildings 8 Enforcement and is not only a simple matter of Permitted retaining and repairing an original façade, but taking care to retain all Development Rights the examples of fine craftsmanship that features inside many properties. 8.1 General

Fireplaces, panelled doors and It is possible to consider removal of frames, plasterwork and staircases permitted development rights under are all examples of important internal an Article 4 direction. The appraisal features worthy of attention and did not reveal sufficient issues regular maintenance. resulting from permitted development to consider this option. The exterior of the building requires careful consideration as its However, in relation to the advice appearance affects the entire above enforcement action should be streetscape, not just the individual considered for inappropriate building. In particular, care should be unauthorised alterations and taken to ensure new colour schemes development in order to maintain the do not conflict with the character of essential character as defined in the the building. appraisal and identified in this advice. Listed Building Consent is required for any alteration made to a listed 9 Green space, tree, building that is not “like for like”. For example, if a building’s timber ecology/biodiversity windows were proposed for strategy replacement with UPVC examples then Listed Building Consent is 9.1 Trees required. Consent would still be required for replacing windows in the General same material (e.g. timber) but different design. Trees and hedgerows have great visual amenity value that can If an owner has neglected a listed significantly enhance the building and failed to take appearance of the locality. They can reasonable steps to preserve it, the enhance the quality of life for those Local Authority has statutory powers who live or work within the to serve a Repairs Notice or an conservation area. Urgent Works notice.

- 59 - Trees bring nature into urban Details of the Brancepeth Tree settings and re-enforce rural Preservation Order can be found in settings. Prominent trees often Appendix 3. become local landmarks held in high regard by local residents. 9.2 Ecology and Biodiversity A single tree can have a major impact on a street scene or view. The purpose of this appraisal has Brancepeth Conservation Area been principally to concentrate on includes many significant groups of the built and historic areas. The trees. existence of Ancient Woodland and the Historic parkland based on an The Local Authority will not only earlier Deer Park offer substantial consider protecting buildings within opportunity to gather information on the conservation area, but also the ecology and bio diversity of the which trees significantly contribute to area. This should form part of the area’s character. further study of the wider Conservation Area. All trees in a Conservation Area are protected. Anyone wishing to lop, fell or cut down a tree(s) within the 10 Urban design, public Conservation Area must give 6 realm, framework- weeks notice to City of Durham spaces and Council before works are proposed to commence (a Section 211 Notice). movement

The City Council will then consider 10.1 Street Furniture whether the tree should be afforded additional protection through a Tree There will be a periodic need to Preservation Order. replace and introduce street furniture. This may be the Tree Preservation Order responsibility of the Council, statutory agencies or service A number of the trees in Brancepeth providers. Items should be well- are given further protection in the designed and as inconspicuous as form of a Tree Preservation Order possible. (TPO). This means that anyone wishing to carry out works to trees Full use should be made of the covered by a TPO must first apply benefits of rationalisation or for consent from the Local Authority. combination of items, in order to avoid a cluttered effect. It is an offence to carry out works to any trees within a Conservation Area The use of items of street furniture without first obtaining consent. designed in a traditional style should be encouraged, and existing items of good quality preserved.

- 60 - The central lamp post is a listed In view of the uniformity of structure, but other items of street construction materials in the furniture require careful protection. conservation area, it is of particular importance that new surfacing This would include the bench at the should respect the simple colour crossroads, which may be a palette of the area, for example the surviving piece of furniture from use of coloured tarmac should be Brancepeth Railway Station. avoided.

Wherever possible, the opportunity To the rear of the main street, a should be taken to route wires number of buildings and properties underground. External wiring on are linked via a series of unmade, buildings should be avoided at all but well maintained foot paths and costs. tracks. These buildings were formerly in use serving the estate, 10.2 Surfacing whether as an industry such as the Blacksmiths or simply as an estate The main roads through the workers’ house. By avoiding Conservation Area are all tarmac- municipal style surfacing, the un- surfaced, with pre cast concrete made nature of these lanes helps to kerbstones. The outstanding preserve the sense of a private character of the village’s estate. architecture, coupled with its mature Any attempt to hard surface the trees and green spaces helps to roads in this area will erode the mitigate the effects of these standard character of the conservation area street surfaces. Ideally traditional and should be resisted. surfacing materials could be used in the historic core of the conservation area, but budgetary constraints may 10.3 Enhancement schemes, preclude this. Examples of this exist management/improvem to the front of numbers 1-19 the ent of public realm Village. maintenance or planned replacement Maintenance of the existing surfacing, in particular avoiding unnecessary “patching”, should help There is insufficient need identified in preserve the conservation area’s the appraisal to consider a concerted appearance. programme of public realm improvements. This is unlikely to achieve funding without an over riding need. It is possible to encourage smaller schemes or variations in provision as a result of planned maintenance.

- 61 - 10.4 Development of economic regeneration strategy

The relative economic stability of the village and lack of commercial interests do not form a basis for developing this type of programme.

It is likely that the Castle and many estate features will be in need but this approach is not likely to offer funding.

- 62 - Appendix 1 Associations with Tennyson, related to Matthew Russell - Brancepeth English Heritage Historic being one of the claimants for the Park and Garden Description garden of 'Maud'. In C20 park in divided use - southern area adapted as golf course from 1924. DURHAM Holme C, Gardens of England in the BRANCEPETH Northern Counties, 1911, PI.15-16. NZ2237 Jacques D, Georgian Gardens, 1983, 116. Pevsner N, and Early C19 landscape park, c.50ha, Williamson E, County Durham, 1983. within larger C16 deer park, at most extensive c.220ha. Appendix 2

Brancepeth Castle originally C13, Key Listed and non-Listed much C14 work, substantially altered and enlarged 1818-19 by John Buildings Paterson for Mathew Russell. Further alterations 1829 by Anthony Within the Village there are a Salvin, further work by Salvin 1864- number of important buildings. 75. Gate piers 200m to north, by These comprise of both listed and Castle Lodge. Scripton Lodge 31/4 non- listed buildings. km to north-east, Park Lodge 1/2km to east, all C19. Stables 400m to *Descriptions from The Buildings of north-east (now golf club), C19 England, County Durham, Nikolaus walled formal garden.(now used as Pevsner, (architect historian), nursery) 1/2km to east, and 100m to second edition. south of Park Lodge. St Brandon's Church, 150m to south-east of Brancepeth Village Castle forms part of the visual landscape scheme. Key Non-listed Important Buildings Brancepeth Park originally a deer park (recorded 1569). Brancepeth The Old Blacksmiths Shop Beck runs from north-west to south- east through park, passing to south Former blacksmith’s shop, recently of Castle. Vestigial fishponds 1km converted into a private dwelling as south-east of Castle. Park developed part of a new housing development. late C18 - plan by Adam Mickle The original shop dated from the 1783. West side to Whitworth Lane 19th century, and the new dwelling enclosed by iron railings with tulip incorporates the original horseshoe- heads. form entrance.

Late Cl9 and early C20 development of walled formal garden, lawns, rose garden and shrubberies mainly to east of Castle.

- 63 - 1-2 Rectory Cottages Key Listed Buildings

Two cottages designed as one large Durham Road, The Close, Durham cube shaped block with a large Road, Grade II Listed: pitched roof, gable end to the front elevation. Built in the mid 19th A detached two-storey double century and incorporating Victorian fronted house mid 19th century and sash windows on each floor. designed in the Estate style.

Rectory Stables Durham Road, Coach House, Grade II Listed: Early 19th century coach house incorporating a stable block. A Two-storey building of squared single-storey rubble structure with coursed rubble walls with hipped hipped roof. slate roof. Built in the mid 19th century in the Brancepeth Estate 2-3 Foxes Row style. Former Coach House now garaging. Two storey, semi-detached pair of private dwellings with rubble stone The Village (east side), Hoppy Acres walling and slate roof. Dated 1907, and Constable Meadows, Grade II but mimic the Brancepeth Estate Listed: style. Former rectory, now two private Station House dwellings. “Hoppy Acres” is the original wing built in 1820, while the Former railway station, now a private rear wing, (Now “Constable house. Built 1862 in the Brancepeth Meadows”) was added in the late Estate style. A two storey block with 18th century. Both properties have one storey extension. rebuilt brick chimneystacks and Welsh slate roofs. Thornberry Garth Durham Road (south side), numbers Two-storey house of coursed rubble 1,2,3,4, Grade II Listed: stone with ashlar quoins. Early 19th century with a later rear extension. A pair of semi-detached 11/2 storey cottages. Each pair has an Golf Club House asymmetrical elevation and they are built in the Tudor-Gothic of the Former stables for the Brancepeth Brancepeth Estate. Walling is Estate, now the golf club house. The smooth squared coursed rubble with building has an impressive large ashlar trimmings, and all have bay arched entranceway, and a number windows to the ground floor. of traditional sliding sash windows.

- 64 - The Village (east side) numbers 1- North Drive (south side), Brancepeth 12, Grade II Listed: Castle, Grade I Listed:

Two-storey residential properties Imposing (and picturesque) built in the mid to late 18th century composition comprising some (now displaying some 20th century mediaeval works but largely a 19th alterations) for the Brancepeth century building. Large, irregular, Estate. Form the attractive approach circular courtyard enclosed by a to the Castle gates. curtain wall and ranges, projecting towers and gatehouse to the The Village (south end), Castle northeast. Lodge, Grade II Listed: “The sight of Brancepeth Castle from The Former estate gate lodge is now a distance, especially from the south, a private dwelling. Built in the mid is on of the greatest thrills one can 19th century to the Brancepeth experience in the county. It seems Estate style, in squared sandstone as first almost as fine as Haddon.” “ with narrow courses with ashlar The original castle, first mentioned in dressings. A two-storey building, with 1216, was the chief military two bays. stronghold of the Neville’s, Earls of Westmorland, until they fortified it in The Village (east side) No’s 1569” 13,14,15,16, Grade II Listed: North Drive (south side), Church of A terrace of four estate cottages built St Brandon, Grade I Listed: in the mid 19th century as part of the Brancepeth Estate. The cottages Parish Church with 12th century have symmetrical frontages and are tower and early 13th century aisled two storeys with graduated green nave, extended in the 14th century. Westmorland slate roofs and rendered chimneystacks. “In the ample grounds of the castle and in its own churchyard, with no The Village (east side), No’s 17, 18, other house in the neighbourhood 19, Grade II Listed: but the castle and that not to close either. The church is big and Former Village School and important-looking enough to afford Schoolmaster’s House, now three such a situation” “there is hardly private dwellings. Built in 1857 to another in the country so completely the estate style and converted into and splendidly furnished in the C17” housing in the mid 20th century.

- 65 - Wider Conservation Area Scripton Lane (west side), Tudhoe Lodge, , Grade II Listed: Out of the core of the village there are a number of important buildings Tooled, snecked sandstone with which are located within the ashlar dressings and a graduated Conservation Area. These include: green slate roof with a ashlar chimneystack. Built to a T-plan of Key Listed Buildings two storeys and three bays, with a projecting gabled centre bay forming A690 (east side), Brancepeth Old the leg of the “T”. Bridge, Grade II Listed: Scripton Lane (west side), Scripton A Listed Building and Ancient Farmhouse, Grade II Listed: Monument of post Medieval date, spanning a narrow valley with a Former farmhouse, now two single stone arch. Crosses Stockley dwellings, with former dairy/cheese Burn, and a 19th century rebuilding room attached. Of sandstone of an earlier bridge. construction, built in the mid 19th century for the Brancepeth Estate. North Drive (south side), Ice House The property has two storeys and South of Brancepeth Golf Club three bays with 20th century House, Grade II Listed: additions to the rear of the farmhouse. An early to mid 19th century Ice House for the Brancepeth Estate. “C19 cottage estate farmhouse Built from rubble with a brick-lined gabled with ornamental vault. A large structure lying bargeboards” beneath a tree covered mound, with a steep flight of stairs leading down Morley Lane (west side), Morley to the boarded door. Farmhouse, cottage and linked barn , gin-gang and byre Grade II Listed: North Drive (south side), Brancepeth Park, Garden House, Grade II Attractive group of stone and Listed: pantiled buildings, situated in a pleasant landscape setting. Included Picturesque former head estate in the Listing is a barn, gin-gan and gardener’s house, now a private byre. The 18th century Farmhouse dwelling (see right). Built to a “H” includes remnants of a mediaeval plan with two storeys and three bays. building and a later 19th century Mid 19th century with a large cottage. semicircular porch and graduated green slate roof.

- 66 - Mid to late 18th century barn and Appendix 3 gin-gang, mid 19th century byre now used for storage. Barn retains some Brancepeth Tree original roof trusses with thin tie Preservation Order beams and swept principals, halved and crossed at ridge. Listed for group value. Order No: PNI/315

Scripton Lane (west side), East Park Served: 9th January 1975 Farmhouse and outbuildings, Grade II Listed: Confirmed:7th October 1975

Mid 19th century farmhouse built for Order consists of: 78 Individual the Brancepeth Estate with an Trees (various species), 25 Groups attached range to the rear. of Trees (various species), 10 Areas Constructed in squared sandstone in of Trees (various species), 6 narrow courses with ashlar Woodlands (various species) dressings. Grounds of serving the order: Brancepeth Estate style; consisting of two storeys with a narrow central The trees form an integral part of the bay, flanked by a slightly projecting environment of this visually attractive cross-gabled bay of two storeys plus village. They serve to enclose and attics. separate the village from the recent housing developments and to Wolsingham Road (north side), mitigate the effects of the busy main Quarry Hill and adjoining outbuilding, through road. Grade II* Listed: The TPO imposed to control felling Early to mid 17th century house and replanting in association with restored and extended in the 19th various new and proposed building century. The main house is to a “T” development, The TPO also lies plan design with two parallel 19th within the Brancepeth Conservation century ranges on the rear stair Area. wing. Two-storey dwelling, with three bays and a 19th century Jacobean- The majority of the trees once style interior. formed part of the Brancepeth Castle Estate and are important in views “Basically C17 much renovated C19, and vistas to and from the village. three storeys, three gables and a gabled porch projection, Mullion and Species covered by the order include transom cross windows to the two Ash, Beech, Elm, Horse Chestnut, lower floors” Lime, Oak and Sycamore.

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