Stepney Green Conservation Area Was Designated in January 1973

Meeting of the

CABINET ______

Wednesday, 5 March 2008 at 5.30 p.m. ______

SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA TWO ______

VENUE Committee Room, 1st Floor, Town Hall, Mulberry Place, 5 Clove Crescent, London, E14 2BG

Members:

Councillor Denise Jones (Chair) – (Leader of the Council) Councillor Sirajul Islam (Vice-Chair) – (Deputy Leader of the Council) Councillor Ohid Ahmed – (Lead Member, Regeneration, Localisation and Community Partnerships) Councillor Abdul Asad – (Lead Member, Employment and Skills) Councillor Shafiqul Haque – (Lead Member, Development) Councillor Clair Hawkins – (Lead Member, Children's Services) Councillor Shiria Khatun – (Lead Member, Culture) Councillor Joshua Peck – (Lead Member, Resources and Performance) Councillor Abdal Ullah – (Lead Member, Cleaner, Safer, Greener) Councillor Motin Uz-Zaman – (Lead Member, Health and Wellbeing)

[Note: The quorum for this body is 3 Members].

If you require any further information relating to this meeting, would like to request a large print, Braille or audio version of this document, or would like to discuss access arrangements or any other special requirements, please contact: Angus Taylor, Democratic Services, Tel: 020 7364 4333, E-mail: [email protected]

LONDON BOROUGH OF TOWER HAMLETS

CABINET

WEDNESDAY, 5 MARCH 2008

5.30 p.m.

8 .3 Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines – Adoption of the Drafts – Appendices A to C (CAB 138/078) (Pages 1 - 316)

Appendix A LONDON BOROUGH OF TOWER HAMLETS Agenda Item 8.3 CONSERVATION AREAS TOWER HAMLETS

0 0.5 1 km

35 31

38 36 24 41 1 13 10 7 37 22 33 42 30 32 27 4 5 12 48

14 40 23 44 43 50 46 9 34 6 49 39 45 8 47 25 3 26 28 21 15 19 18 20

2 16

Legend Conservation Areas for which Appraisals

and Management Plans are being 29 prepared for 2007/08 11

1. Bethnal Green Gardens 18. The Tower 35. Roman Road Market 2. Wapping Pierhead 19. West India Dock 36. Medway 3. St George's Town Hall 20. Wapping Wall 37. Clinton Road 4. Elder Street 21. St Paul's Church 38. Fairfield Road 5. Brick Lane and Fournier Street 22. Boundary Estate 39. Lowell Street 6. Albert Gardens 23. Ford Square 40. London Hospital 7. Tomlins Grove 24. Jesus Hospital Estate 41. Globe Road 8. St Annes Church 25. All Saints Church Poplar 42. St Peter's 9. York Square 26. St Mathias Church Poplar 43. Langdon Park 10. Tredegar Square 27. Ropery Street 44. Wentworth Street 11. Island Gardens 28. Naval Row 45. St Frideswide's 12. Stepney Green 29. Chapel House 46. Myrdle Street 13. Three Mills 30. Tower Hamlets Cemetery 47. Lansbury 14. Artillary Passage 31. Driffield Road 48. Whitechapel Market 15. Narrow Street 32. Swaton Road 49. Balfron Tower 16. Coldharbour 33. Carlton Square 50. Whitechapel High 17. Victoria Park 34. Commercial Road Street

This map is indicative only and is not a planning document. For further information please contact the Council. Produced 11 October 2007 from Ordnance Survey digital data and incorporating Surveyed revision available at this date. © Crown Copyright 1998. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without prior permission of the Ordnance Survey. Supplied by: London Borough of Tower Hamlets LA100019288 Page 1 This page is intentionally left blank

Page 2 APPENDIX B:

SUMMARY OF THE PUBLIC CONSULTATION UNDERTAKEN AND THE COMMENTS RECEIVED.

Introduction/Summary

On 5th December 2007 the Council approved 15 Draft Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines for full public consultation. Consultation ran for a period of six weeks between the 14th December and the 25th January.

This report provides members with a briefing on the consultation process and the responses received during that consultation.

Over a thousand representations covering a wide range of issues were received from local residents, businesses and other stakeholders.

In summary the key messages were:

x The aims of preserving and enhancing the character of the Boroughs conservation areas were generally supported.

x There was concern regarding the pressure for new development and in particular the way that the scale of this could encroach upon Conservation Areas, even when that development was located outside of the Conservation Area. This was of concern with regard to the Jesus Hospital Conservation Area, St Annes Conservation Area, and the Tower Conservation Area.

x A considerable number of comments related to local management issues within Conservation Areas, enforcement issues, tree maintenance issues and highways issues were highlighted.

One particular request which was raised repeatedly was the request for more detailed advice regarding alterations. This has been acknowledged and has been identified as a Priority for Action in many of the Conservation Areas.

Also expressed was the desire for unsympathetic alterations to unlisted buildings, such as window replacement to be controlled. These matters are permitted development and can only be controlled by the declaration of an Article 4. This has been acknowledged and has been identified as a Priority for Action in a number of the Conservation Areas. This concern reflects the largely unlisted residential character of many of the Conservation Areas which were the subject of Consultation.

There was also concern expressed about the limited possibilities for mansard extensions within Bow. This has been addressed with an amendment to the text in the relevant documents and with an Action which notes that the

Page 3 Authority will "examine opportunities for the extension of houses as part of the Local Development Framework process". This will allow the current policy context for mansards to be recast where appropriate.

Background

Section 71 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 states that ‘It shall be the duty of a local planning authority from time to time to formulate and publish proposals for the preservation and enhancement of any parts of their area which are conservation areas. Proposals under this section shall be submitted for consideration to a public meeting in the area to which they relate. The local planning authority shall have regard to any views concerning the proposals expressed by persons attending the meeting.’

Drafts for 15 Conservation Areas were prepared, and submitted to Council on 5th December, where approval was given to proceed with the full public consultation.

Those Conservation Areas for which guidance was prepared were:-

Albert Gardens / Arbour Square, St Annes Church, York Square, Tredegar Square, Stepney Green, The Tower, Jesus Hospital Estate, St Matthias Church, Driffield Road, Carlton Square, Commercial Road, Medway, Fairfield Road, St Peters, and Lansbury Conservation Areas.

Summary of Consultation Undertaken

The Consultation Plan was prepared in discussions with the Council’s Consultation and Involvement Team.

1. Over 9000 postal addresses (including residential and business addresses) in the 15 Conservation Areas were leafleted, with a map of the relevant Conservation Area, details of the consultation and an invitation to a Public Meeting in their locality.

x Three Public Meetings were held

2. The Public Meetings were advertised in East End Life.

3. All of the draft documents, and information about the Public Meetings, was placed on the Tower Hamlets website and Consultation Calendar. A consultation email address was advertised to receive comments.

4. Letters were sent to stakeholders, including public agencies, amenity societies, residents associations and registered social landlords, informing them of the draft documents and seeking their comments. The Tower Hamlets Interfaith Forum, Access Group and LBGT Society were

Page 4 contacted in this way. Stakeholders were offered the opportunity of meeting officers.

5. Council Colleagues were consulted internally for their comments regarding the drafts.

Summary of Comments Received

Comments were received at the Public Meetings, by post and by email. Comments were received from a range of public stakeholders including English Heritage, British Waterways Board, Historic Royal Palaces, and the Port of London Authority

General Comments x Many comments at the meetings described qualities of the area which were valued. In some areas, this was a quiet or residential character – in others it was a more lively social mix and mixed-use character. Aspects of the scale and appearance of the buildings were also valued. x Increased traffic in residential neighbourhoods, the proliferation of satellite dishes, repair/refurbishment work which was out of character with the area were all raised as issues. x Several responses asked for more detailed design guidance and policies for works to buildings in specific areas. x The management of open spaces and trees was a frequent concern x Other particular enforcement issues were highlighted, unauthorised works to Listed Buildings, and the introduction of satellite dishes were highlighted.

Considering the Representations and Next Steps

The Council is required to give regard to the comments made at the Public Meetings under Section 71 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.

The Development Design and Conservation Team have scheduled and assessed all the comments received.

This schedule has informed the amendments to the text of the documents. The comments received have also informed the Priorities for Action section of the documents to be completed.

In a number of cases the comments received were not directly relevant to the Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines but related to other functions of the Council, such as planning enforcement,

Page 5 highways, street tree maintenance. These comments will be referred to other departments within the Council.

An acknowledgement letter or email will be sent to all individuals and organisations who commented on the draft documents, thanking them for their assistance and providing information regarding the course of action taken.

Page 6 Albert Gardens

Albert Gardens

Conservation Area

1. Character Appraisal

2. Management Guidelines

London Borough of Tower Hamlets October 2007

Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines Page 1 of 19 Page 7 Albert Gardens

Introduction

Conservation Areas are parts of our local environment with special architectural or historic qualities. They are created by the Council, in consultation with the local community, to preserve and enhance the specific character of these areas for everybody.

This guide has been prepared for the following purposes:

To comply with the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. Section 69(1) states that a conservation area is “an area of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance.” To provide a detailed appraisal of the area’s architectural and historic character. To provide an overview of planning policy and propose management guidelines on how this character should be preserved and enhanced in the context of appropriate ongoing change.

Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines Page 2 of 19 Page 8 Albert Gardens

Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines Page 3 of 19 Page 9 Albert Gardens

1. Character Appraisal

Overview

The Albert Gardens Conservation Area was designated in July 1969. It is bounded by Aylward Street to the north, Dunelm, Senrab and Head Streets to the east and by the railway viaduct to the south. To its west, it is bounded by an irregular boundary which extends from the Grade II listed building at 368 Commercial Road, north towards the intersection of Jubilee and Aylward Streets. Commercial Road divides the Conservation Area into two parts, defined by two areas of open space, namely Arbour Square (north of Commercial Road) and Albert Gardens (south of Commercial Road), with statutory listed buildings surrounding each square.

History

Commercial Road is the main arterial between the City and the Isle of Dogs. The road itself was opened in 1810 as a quick and direct route between the New East and West India Docks and the City of London. When the road was built, Stepney and Limehouse were still small villages some distance from London. On exploited land cleared by the Ratcliffe fire in 1794, Mercers Company, who owned the greatest tracts of land in Stepney & Ratcliffe, sought to build anew on open land north of Commercial Road, as far as the parish church of St Dunstan and east towards Limehouse.

Arbour Square, together with West Arbour Street, East Arbour Street and Arbour Terrace, was built upon land belonging to the Mercer’s Company, the name coming from the Mercer’s twelve acre Arbour Field. In 1819, Arbour Square was laid out as a garden enclosure. Between this time and 1830 the square was surrounded by 3 storey houses. The street frontages in Albert Gardens are of a similar date to those across the road surrounding Arbour Square. By 1830, maps of the area show the development of most of the land along Commercial Road. Arbour Square was taken over by the London County Council (LCC) and opened to the public in 1904, as Arbour Square Gardens. Its paths were asphalted in 1928.

Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines Page 4 of 19 Page 10 Albert Gardens

The north side of the square, lined by terraces, was acquired in 1921 by the Borough of Stepney, who proposed to build a grand Town Hall with a design won in competition in 1909 by Briggs Wolstenhome and Thornely. This never took place and instead, the terraces were demolished to build a 4-5 storey flat block in 1937 in a modern style.

The eastern side of the square was replaced by a new school building in 1913 when the Grade II listed Raine’s Foundation School, founded by Henry Raine in 1719, moved here from Cannon Street Road. This was designed by Herbert O. Ellis. The Raines Foundation School moved again to Bethnal Green in 1985 and the original figures of a boy and a girl which had stood in niches over the side entrances were relocated. The former Raine’s Foundation School, is now used by Tower Hamlets College.

Two storey 19th century terraces line both East and West Arbour Streets. The Church of St Thomas (demolished 1955) by George Smith and William Barnes, 1838, which formally stood between East and West Arbour Street was replaced by flats.

Albert Gardens (formerly Albert Square) was another 19th century development responding to the creation of Commercial Road. It remains largely intact. It consists of three storey residential terraces, built in the early 1840s which face each other across a railed garden. The square opens up to the south of Commercial Road on its fourth side. The garden area forms the focus of the square. In 1899, there was a proposal to build houses on the garden square, but the LCC bought the land and opened Albert Square Garden to the public in 1906. Albert Square Garden was renamed Albert Gardens in 1937 when the LCC rationalised street names to avoid duplications.

From 1969, the 19th century street pattern was replaced by comprehensive redevelopment and its historic character was irrevocably altered. These were formerly protected by building acts which imposed height limits, which made for an orderly and elegant skyline, dating back to the 1890s. As a consequence, the surrounding Conservation Area is more fragmentary in form. The trend for comprehensive redevelopment and mass housing was reversed in the 1970s as interest in conservation gathered momentum. Arbour Square was identified

Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines Page 5 of 19 Page 11 Albert Gardens as an area where the restoration of early 19th century building fabric could have a useful future as social housing.

Character

The significant part of the attractive townscape is marked by the distinctive built form of the 19th century Victorian past. It is reflected by its layout, in its narrow street widths, fine urban grain, modest scale and by details such as door and window cases, stucco course bands, coped parapets, chimney stacks and railings, which contribute to the sense of architectural unity. The predominant building material of the preserved terrace group and grander scale public buildings is harmonised by the warm yellow / brown hues of traditional London Stock Brick. Across the Conservation Area, the same layout, design patterns and traditional building materials are repeated, making a positive contribution to the character and appearance of the area. From the 1950s, demolition of most of the traditional street pattern and the land north of Aylward Street, beyond Arbour Square and to its west resulted. Despite this, earlier 19th century fragments of two storeys terraces remain along street frontages.

On the southern side of Commercial Road, Grade II listed terraces surround Albert gardens on all three sides, forming a U shape. The regular rhythm of Albert Gardens is matched by the listed terraced group at 495-529 Commercial Road, opposite to and visible from Albert Gardens. These three storey, early 19th century terraces at 495-529 Commercial Road generally feature stock brick masonry walls, stucco band coursework, recessed round arched windows and doorways, chimney stacks and wrought iron area railings. They form an impressive composition, linking the formal landscape layouts of Albert Gardens and Arbour Square with a modest scale, continuity and enclosure, making them unique spaces. Albert Gardens is a pleasing, formal garden area with mature trees and forms the focus of the historic square.

The Grade II listed group at 440-450 Commercial Road are an early 19th century terrace group, all 4 storeys and with parapet roofs. They have round arched entrances and panelled doors.

Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines Page 6 of 19 Page 12 Albert Gardens

Havering Street is lined with Grade II listed, early 19th century terrace houses of 2 storeys and basements which back onto the rear gardens of Albert Gardens. The group at Nos 5-22 and Nos 27-45 are made up of narrow fronted, 2 storey houses (approx 4.75m wide), faced in stock brickwork, with butterfly roofs behind parapets, round headed door and windows, with delightful painted reveals and sashes and front area railings.

The Grade II listed buildings of Arbour Square form a well designed enclosure to the garden square, made up by 3 storey terrace cottages at Nos 1-13 on the west side and at Nos 50-60 on the south side. The 5 storey Raine’s Foundation School, now Tower Hamlets College is located on the eastern edge of the square. The continuous rows of late 18th century and early 19th century terraces are generally of stock brick, with ground floor stucco, arched doorways and windows.

The Grade II listed Raine’s Foundation School, located on the east side of Arbour Square is a large 5 storey building, with an ornate seven-bay frontage in brick and stone. This mixes the Wrenaissance (Queen Anne Style), Baroque, and Palladian styles. It features a first floor assembly hall, classrooms and workshops above and an attic shooting gallery. Located nearby is the locally listed, 19th century Marion Richardson Primary School, built in 1907, which is a grander 3 storeys in scale. It is a LCC building, constructed of red brick and pitched roof.

2 storey, locally listed terraces exist at 3-19 and 42-49 East Arbour Street. These are Georgian in style, and are modest in character; later terraces which are similarly modest in style are the unlisted terraces along Dunelm, Senrab, Antill and Aylward Streets.

Locally listed, former 19th century shops with residential flats above exist at 406-410 Commercial Road. These are in 3 storeys, in late Georgian style, with stock brick masonry walls and London roofs set to the rear of a parapet.

Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines Page 7 of 19 Page 13 Albert Gardens

Land Use

The historical land use character of the area is predominantly residential. Educational uses occupy two substantial buildings, on the northern side of Commercial Road but these are surrounded by traditional 2-3 storey terraces. The East End Maternity Hospital occupies a large site on the southern side of Commercial Road, suggesting its importance to the Victorian community.

Scale

The existing scale of the area is predominantly low-rise, with terraced housing ranging between 2-3 storeys plus basement. The East End Hospital, former Raine’s Foundation School and Marion Richardson Primary School are slightly taller in scale, reflecting their historical and social importance. Their proportions, details and materials appropriately match the scale of the adjoining traditional terraces.

Open Space

The Conservation Area is defined by its two open spaces; Albert Gardens and Arbour Square. The centralised open spaces create a sense of enclosure, with rows of terraces surrounding the squares. These are considered as two important formal elements in the urban landscape and this is reflected in their protection against development above ground by the London Squares Preservation Act, 1931.

Arbour Square Gardens is a well maintained garden square which was completely refurbished in 1995 in a formal style. It has numerous ornamental beds within a central, oval lawn that is enclosed by low railings and surrounded by a paved pathway. Fine trees can be found around the edges of the gardens.

Albert Gardens Square is enclosed by replacement railings and has a single perimeter walk. It has mature trees throughout. The south side has a cast-iron, 19th century drinking fountain. Whilst the centrepiece of the Albert Gardens on the north side, is a drinking fountain topped by the statue of a Shepherd Boy, dated back to 1903. Albert Gardens is a pleasant, fairly well-maintained garden square with mature trees.

Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines Page 8 of 19 Page 14 Albert Gardens

Views

Long views exist of good, early 19th century buildings running along Commercial Road, East and West Arbour, Havering and Dunelm Streets. This highlights a classic vision of the 19th century East End, with its traditional street pattern and repetitive and rhythmic continuous terrace housing. Local views through the narrow, intimate scale of Senrab Street terminates with the grand scaled Marion Richardson School. Other localised views around Albert Gardens and Arbour Square reveal the tree lined garden areas and domestic 2-3 storey scale.

Summary

This is an area of particular special architectural and historic interest; focussed upon two garden squares. It is illustrative of the development of Commercial Road and its environs. It incorporates a number of delightful terraces, whose uniformity is part of their success and includes a number of significant community buildings such as Tower Hamlets College and the East End Maternity Hospital. It also demonstrates the importance of the public realm in providing a setting for the buildings of the Conservation Area and clearly indicates that the spaces that surround buildings are as important to the character as the buildings themselves. The character and appearance of the area, as described in this appraisal, define its special qualities. There are minor improvements that could be made to buildings in the Conservation Area, but overall this does not detract from the qualities that led to its designation.

2. Management Guidelines

Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines Page 9 of 19 Page 15 Albert Gardens

Overview

This Management Plan has been prepared in consultation with the community, to set out the Borough’s commitment to high quality management of Conservation Areas and their settings. The Development Design and Conservation Team operate within the context of the Development and Renewal Directorate of the Council, alongside Major Projects, Development Control, Strategy and Building Control.

Areas are as much about history, people, activities and places as they are about buildings and spaces. Preserving and enhancing the Borough’s architectural and historic built heritage over the next decades is of vital importance in understanding the past and allowing it to inform our present and future.

Conservation Areas also promote sustainability in its widest sense. The re-use of historic buildings and places is environmentally responsible as it protects the energy and resources embodied in them and combats global warming.

Who is this document for?

The document has also been prepared to align conservation objectives within different parts of the council, and provide a single point of reference for the management of the area. It represents our shared commitment to conserve the special architectural and historic character, and to help manage sensitive new development and refurbishment

Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines Page 10 of 19 Page 16 Albert Gardens where appropriate to successfully preserve and enhance the quality and character of the area.

Outline Guidance on Applications

Before carrying out any work in this area, you will need to apply for consent even for minor work such as replacing railings. These consents include planning, listed building and Conservation Area consent, as well as others for work such as felling trees.

When planning applications in a Conservation Area are decided, the planning authority will pay special attention to whether the character of the area is preserved or enhanced. The character of Albert Gardens is described in detail in the Appraisal in the first part of this document.

In Albert Gardens, as in other Conservation Areas, planning controls are more extensive than normal. Consent is required to demolish any building, and a higher standard of detail and information is required for any application. When applying for listed building consent, please note that all parts of the building, including its interior walls, ceilings and all other internal features, are protected. Some buildings are nationally (statutorily) listed, and some are locally listed by the Borough to indicate buildings that the Borough wishes to protect.

The exact information required will vary with each application, but in general applications must include:

A clear design statement explaining the reasons behind the various architectural, master planning or other design decisions. Contextual plans, sections and elevations of existing buildings Drawings, including construction details, produced at larger scale (e.g. 1:50 or 1:20) clearly indicating the nature of the work proposed. Additional detail regarding materials and construction. Photos of the condition of existing building (including details where appropriate).

Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines Page 11 of 19 Page 17 Albert Gardens

More details are available on the Tower Hamlets website. If in any doubt, the Council welcomes and encourages early requests for advice or information.

When alterations are proposed to listed buildings, complying with the building regulations can be particularly complex, and early consideration of building control issues can help identify potential problems early in the process.

Policies Relevant to the Conservation Area and how they are Implemented:

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Listed Buildings in the Conservation Area

Grade II

368 Commercial Road 370 and 372 Commercial Road and area railings The East End Maternity Hospital and railings, 396 Commercial Road 374 Commercial Road 398 Commercial Road and railings 400 Commercial Road and railings 440 to 450 Commercial Road 495-517 Commercial Road 519-529 Commercial Road Raine’s Foundation School, Arbour Square 50-60 (consecutive), Arbour Square 1-13 (consecutive), Arbour Square 1-16 (consecutive) and area railings, Albert Gardens 17-28 (consecutive) and area railing, Albert Gardens 29-39 (consecutive) and area railings, Albert Gardens Drinking fountain, Albert Gardens 5-22 (consecutive) Havering Street and area railings 27-45 (consecutive) Havering Street and area railings

Locally Listed Building

406, 408 & 410 Commercial Road 3-19 Arbour Street 42-49 Arbour Street Marion Richardson Primary School, Head Street

Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines Page 13 of 19 Page 19 Albert Gardens

Highways and Transportation Issues

The quality of the streetscape, the surface materials, street furniture and other features can all be integral parts of the character of Conservation Areas. Any work carried out should respect this historic character. Anyone involved in development which impacts on public spaces should refer to the Council’s Street Design Guide, TfL’s own Streetscape Guidance and English Heritage’s ‘Streets for All’ document. The ongoing cost of maintenance should also be considered carefully.

Options for improving the pedestrian and cycle environment along Commercial Road and side streets should be investigated which currently is dominated by the highway function of the road with high traffic volumes, noise and vibration.

Works by statutory services (gas, electricity, water etc) have the potential to damage historic ground surfaces or ancient underground structures. Early consultation with the conservation team is encouraged for any works.

Opportunities and Potential for Enhancement

The character of the terraces, as described in the appraisal and particularly their coherence, expressed in the consistent height, streetscape pattern, detailing and materials create an expression of harmony and proportion. Any development proposal in the area should seek to preserve and enhance the existing character of the area. Moreover, new, large buildings should relate to the scale, local traditional styles and building materials, the human scale and the picturesque quality that the traditional Victorian buildings and the architectural detailing it encompasses create.

Ways of improving the public realm could be investigated – for example, appropriate street lamps for historic context and removal of recent signs attached to traditional

Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines Page 14 of 19 Page 20 Albert Gardens street lamp posts, more discreet road signposting, removal of surplus signage, removal of obtrusive shop front signage designs that corrode local identity to shops along Commercial Road.

More detailed guidance should be produced on the management of small scale refurbishment works to individual properties, in order to protect the original fabric. There are minor improvements that could be made to the existing terraces along Commercial Road including the cleaning, re-painting and re-rendering of the individual facades, where pollutions has discoloured the brick work and where paint is flaking off the walls.

While the terraces present uniform frontages with little scope for alterations, any additions and renovations to the buildings must be considered in appropriateness to the group of buildings as well as to the overall setting of the Conservation Area. The quality of the street environment will indeed impact the character and setting of the Conservation Area, in which the Council seeks to preserve and enhance.

Trees, Parks and Open Spaces

Both Albert Gardens and Arbour Square have been well preserved as small pocket parks to complement their residential surrounds. The green open space, paths, mature trees and park furniture have all been well maintained. The simple character of the gardens should be protected and its ongoing maintenance ensured.

All trees in Conservation Areas are protected, and some trees are also covered by Tree Preservation Orders (TPO’s). Notice must be given to the authority before works are carried out to any tree in the Conservation Area, and some works require specific permission. More information can be found in the Council’s Guide to Trees, and on the Tower Hamlets website. Carrying out works to trees without the necessary approval can be a criminal offence, and the Council welcomes early requests for advice.

Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines Page 15 of 19 Page 21 Albert Gardens

Equalities:

Valuing diversity is one of the Council’s core values, and we take pride in being one of the most culturally rich and diverse boroughs in the UK. This core value has driven the preparation of this document and will continue to inform changes to this document in the future. These values will also inform changes to buildings and places where this document provides guidance to ensure inclusively for all sections of the community.

This Character Appraisal and Management Guidelines will support the Council’s aims: a strong spirit of community and good race relations in Tower Hamlets. to get rid of prejudice, discrimination and victimisation within the communities we serve and our workforce to make sure that the borough’s communities and our workforce are not discriminated against or bullied for any reason, including reasons associated with their gender, age, ethnicity, disability, sexuality or religious belief.

Please contact us if you feel that this document could do more to promote equality and further the interests of the whole community.

Publicity

The existence of the Conservation Area will be promoted locally to raise awareness of current conservation issues and to invite contributions from the community.

Consideration of Resources Needed to Conserve the Historic Environment:

The most effective way to secure the historic environment is to ensure that buildings can continue to contribute to the life of the local community, preferably funding their own maintenance and refurbishment. Commercial value can be generated directly from the building, through its use as a dwelling or office, or through its role in increasing the attractiveness of the area to tourists and visitors. However, it should be noted that economic reasons alone will not in themselves justify the demolition or

Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines Page 16 of 19 Page 22 Albert Gardens alteration of a building in a Conservation Area. The Council will consider grant aid to historic buildings and places.

In order to meet today’s needs without damaging the historic or architectural value of a building, a degree of flexibility, innovation and creative estate management may be required.

Ongoing Management and Monitoring Change:

To keep a record of changes within the area dated photographic surveys of street frontages and significant buildings and views will be made every 5 years. Also, public meetings will be held every 5 years to maintain communications between all stakeholders and identify new opportunities and threats to the Conservation Area as they arise.

The Council recognises the contribution of the local community in managing Conservation Areas, and will welcome proposals to work collaboratively to monitor and manage the area.

Enforcement Strategy:

Appropriate enforcement, with the support of the community, is essential to protect the area’s character. The Council will take prompt action against those who carry out unauthorised works to listed buildings, or substantial or complete demolition of buildings within a Conservation Area. Unauthorised work to a listed building is a criminal offence and could result in a fine and/or imprisonment. Likewise, unauthorised substantial or complete demolition of a building within a Conservation Area is also illegal. It is therefore essential to obtain Conservation Area or Listed Building Consent before works begin.

If listed buildings are not maintained in good repair, then the Council can step in to ensure that relevant repairs are carried out. In some circumstances, the Council itself

Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines Page 17 of 19 Page 23 Albert Gardens may undertake essential repairs and recover the cost from the owner. The Council has powers of compulsory purchase, if necessary to protect Listed Buildings.

The Council will enforce conservation law wherever necessary, and will consider the introduction of Article 4 Directions to remove Permitted Development Rights where appropriate.

Further Reading and Contacts

The Buildings of England (London 5: East). Cherry, O’Brien and Pevsner.

The Council encourages and welcomes discussions with the community about the historic environment and the contents of this document. Further guidance on all aspects of this document can be obtained on our website at www.towerhamlets.gov.uk or by contacting: Tel: 020 7364 5009 Email: [email protected] This document is also available in Libraries, Council Offices and Idea Stores in the Borough.

For a translation, or large print, audio or braille version of this document, please telephone 0800 376 5454. Also, if you require any further help with this document, please telephone 020 7364 5372.

Also, you may wish to contact the following organizations for further information: English Heritage www.english-heritage.org.uk The Georgian Group www.georgiangroup.org.uk Victorian Society www.victorian-society.org.uk 20th Century Society www.c20society.org.uk Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings www.spab.org.uk

Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines Page 18 of 19 Page 24 Albert Gardens

Listed Buildings at Risk:

515 Commercial Road is currently listed as a “Building at Risk”; however, proposals are currently being prepared for its repair.

Any other threats to the Conservation Area

Inappropriate extensions to the listed flat backed terraces of the Conservation Area. Small alterations to the properties carried out under permitted development rights which are detrimental to the character of the conservation area.

Priorities for Action (1-5)

1. Revise boundary of Conservation Area to include Senrab and Dunelm Streets. 2. Prepare a householders guide. 3. Audit street furniture and rationalise street clutter. 4. Introduce Article 4 Directions to remove permitted development rights 5. Improve shop fronts at 406-410 Commercial Road

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Page 26 Carlton Square

Carlton Square

Conservation Area

1. Character Appraisal

2. Management Guidelines

London Borough of Tower Hamlets October 2007

Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines Page 1 of 18 Page 27 Carlton Square

Introduction

This guide has been prepared for the following purposes:

Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines Page 2 of 18 Page 28 Carlton Square

Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines Page 3 of 18 Page 29 Carlton Square

1. Character Appraisal

Overview

The Carlton Square Conservation Area was designated in September 1987. The Conservation Area has an irregular boundary, extending from Massingham Street and Bancroft Road to the north, through to Mile End Road to the south. It includes the western terraces of Tollet Street along its western boundary and the Grantley Street terraces to the east. The Carlton Square Conservation Area includes two Grade II listed buildings, namely the Library and Mile End Hospital, and two disused burial grounds, which are also Grade II listed.

History

Beginning in the late 17th century, for the first time, small clusters of houses and terraces appeared along Mile End Road. Development of the Mile End area progressed rapidly, with a new suburban neighbourhood developing in the early 18th century. These were inhabited by a wealthy class of merchants and mariners until the early 19th century, when the character of the area began to change due to the development of open land. Wealthier inhabitants left Mile End and a large Jewish community immigrated into this area. Cultural changes and activity prompted a change in the architectural setting. The increase in Jewish immigration in the 19th century added to the Spanish and Portuguese community, already established in the mid 17th century in Mile End. A collection of synagogues and religious institutions still exist in the area, reflecting the religious and cultural life at the time.

Mile End Road was no longer considered a desirable place of residence, but instead a commercial hub. This formed the basis for the mix of uses and tenure along Mile End Road. When the hamlet of Mile End Old Town was assumed by the Borough of Stepney by 1899, the area had its own workhouse and vestry hall (later library) on Bancroft Road. In the 1860s, large terrace houses were built on the west side of Bancroft Road and continued into Alderney Road, aligning with the long, front wall of the Jewish Cemetery. This was established by Spanish and Portuguese Jews from the

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City. They also founded the hospital for Spanish and Portuguese Jews at 253 Mile End Road. Both these sites were shown on historical maps as early as 1799.

The mid 19th century saw large scale and rapid building to provide cheap and sanitary housing for the working classes. Housing in Carlton Square is a product of this urban expansion. The houses in the Carlton Square Area were developed in the 1850s, by William Pemberton Barnes on open land known as Globe Fields. The Pemberton Barnes Trust began letting the houses from 1853 and eventually sold their 200 properties to the Peabody Trust in 1974. The Peabody Trust is now the major landowner in the area.

There are some areas of later Victorian houses built 20-30 years after the first phase, most notably those south of Alderney Road, Bancroft Road and to the southern part of Grantley Street, which originally continued to Mile End Road. Post-war redevelopment has been limited to only four sites on Tollet Street, Carlton Square, Argyle Road and Portelet Road. However, the creation of the Carlton Square Gardens has had the most significant impact on the area. It was established in the 1960s by the clearing of housing, to form a public open space.

Character

The Carlton Square Conservation Area is characterised by its cohesive group of mid to late Victorian housing, which remain largely intact despite war damage and redevelopment. The Victorian terrace houses are generally two storeys and raised on a semi-basement. To the front of earlier properties, parapets extending the length of the terrace conceal a series of uniform London roofs. Later properties have over- hanging eaves. Originally, these houses would have been fronted by ornate-cast iron railings, protecting small front gardens, but by 1993, these had entirely disappeared, some probably removed during the Second World War. The railings afford the residents of such houses with greater privacy and security and allow the creation of small front gardens. They have a beneficial impact upon the townscape and are highly visible to the public. Those railings there now were reinstated by the Peabody Trust

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It is this history of single ownership, sympathetic to the character of the area which has protected the properties from unsympathetic alterations and which has ensured the retention of this cohesive example of mid-Victorian housing.

The only houses which have been lost are in the two streets north of Massingham Street, the terraces at the northern end of Bancroft Road, those in Carlton Square Gardens (Colmar Street in 1860) and the houses on Globe Road.

Two Grade II listed buildings exist along Bancroft Road, namely Mile End Hospital and the Tower Hamlets Library. The hospital was built in the mid 19th century, in Jacobean style. 3 storeys in scale, the hospital was constructed in red brick, with white stone dressings and geometric designs in blue and white brick. Its centre has balustraded bay windows over 2 storeys, surmounted by Flemish gables. Further south along Bancroft Road is the library which was built in two parts, with the northern end built in 1865 and the southern part probably built earlier. 2 storeys in scale, the library building is constructed of white stone with heavy eaves cornice. Presented with banding between storeys, the ground floor is rusticated and has central round arched windows and its door flanked by Tuscan pilasters.

Land Use

The land use character of the Conservation Area is predominantly residential, surrounding Carlton Square and the adjoining Carlton Square Gardens. Civic buildings such as the hospital and library exist along Bancroft Road. Although some of the historical land uses have changed, the public buildings remain of historical and architectural significance. Mixed use properties exist along Mile End Road, with commercial uses on the ground floor along the Mile End Road frontage, with residential flats above. The Jewish Burial Ground opened in 1657 and is the oldest Jewish burial ground in England. The disused cemetery and its perimeter 18th century brick wall, with rendered plinth and brick capping, are Grade II listed.

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Scale

The residential streets surrounding Carlton Square and the gardens, such as Argyle Road, Tollet Street, Holton Street, Portelet Road and Grantley Street generally consist of mid 19th century, 2 storey terraces. Higher 3 storey properties with basements exist along Bancroft Road and Alderney Road. The scale ranges between 2-3 storeys on the southern edge of the Conservation Area, along this part of Mile End Road.

Open Spaces

The Conservation Area is defined by its open spaces, namely Carlton Square and the accompanying Carlton Square gardens. The centralised open spaces are enclosed with rows of terraces surrounding the open land. These are considered as two important formal elements in the urban landscape and this is reflected in their protection against development above ground, by the London Squares Preservation Act of 1931. South of Carlton Square Gardens, the Jewish Cemeteries Opened in 1657. They form a group of open space elements, located between Mile End Road and Alderney Road. Burials took place up until 1758.

Views

Views in the area are framed along existing axes and local residential streets. Long views exist through Mile End Road, Bancroft Road and Grantley Street, where the clear definition of the streets and the character of the 19th century terrace housing create many high quality views. Other views exist towards the open spaces of Carlton Square and Carlton Square Gardens, with the continuous terrace housing as its backdrop.

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Summary

This is an area of particular special architectural and historic interest, illustrated by its rich history and cohesive Victorian architecture. It is an area which was largely developed at one time and it is the uniformity of the street scene which contributes to its character. The uniform parapet line is an important element of the whole. The character and appearance of the area, as described in this appraisal, define its special qualities. There are minor improvements that could be made to buildings in the Conservation Area, but overall this has little impact on the qualities that led to its designation.

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2. Management Guidelines

Overview

This Management Plan has been prepared in consultation with the community, to set out the Borough’s commitment to high quality management of Conservation Areas and their settings. The Development Design and Conservation Team operates within the context of the Development and Renewal Directorate of the Council, alongside Major Projects, Development Control, Strategy and Building Control.

Who is this document for?

The document has also been prepared to align conservation objectives within different parts of the council, and provide a single point of reference for the management of the

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Outline Guidance on Applications

When planning applications in a Conservation Area are decided, the planning authority will pay special attention to whether the character of the area is preserved or enhanced. The character of Carlton Square is described in detail in the Appraisal in the first part of this document.

In Carlton Square, as in other Conservation Areas, planning controls are more extensive than normal. Consent is required to demolish any building, and a higher standard of detail and information is required for any application. When applying for listed building consent, please note that all parts of the building, including its interior walls, ceilings and all other internal features, are protected. Some buildings are nationally (statutorily) listed, and some are locally listed by the Borough to indicate buildings that the Borough wishes to protect.

The exact information required will vary with each application, but in general applications must include:

A clear design statement explaining the reasons behind the various architectural, masterplanning or other design decisions. Contextual plans, sections and elevations of existing buildings Drawings, including construction details, produced at larger scale (eg. 1:50 or 1:20) clearly indicating the nature of the work proposed. Additional detail regarding materials and construction.

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Photos of the condition of existing building (including details where appropriate).

More details are available on the Tower Hamlets website. If in any doubt, the Council welcomes and encourages early requests for advice or information.

Policies Relevant to the Conservation Area and how they are Implemented:

Listed Buildings in the Conservation Area

Grade II

Velho Cemetery of the Spanish and the Portuguese Jewish Congregation of London, between Mile End Road and Alderney Road Walls to Jewish Burial Ground Mile End Hospital, Bancroft Road Tower Hamlets Library, Bancroft Road

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Highways and Transportation Issues

Mile End Road is the main thoroughfare through the area, and the volume of traffic dominates the street scene. Beyond Mile End Road, to the north, the residential streets are much quieter, although parked cars have become a dominant feature on the streetscene.

Opportunities and Potential for Enhancement

There is potential to improve the Mile End Road frontage by coordinating signage, reducing the number of plastic framed windows and trying to ensure that roller shutters and other security measures do not harm the character of the buildings. Ways of calming the traffic on Mile End Road, and reducing the dominance of cars on other streets within the area should be investigated. This would help to improve the setting of Mile End Road and give a greater sense of quality in the area. Mile End Road is the route of the 1012 marathon and High Street 2012.

There is very little scope for new development in the Conservation Area, as the undeveloped areas are designated as public open spaces, namely Carlton Square and Carlton Square Gardens. More detailed guidance should be produced on the management of small scale refurbishment works to individual flats, in order to protect the original fabric. While the structures themselves are intact, the terraces require some minor attention and renovation. Distinctive front area railings have disappeared

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Parapet level cornices have also often decayed or cracked. Terraces such as these are designed to be uniform and regular in appearance, relying on the repetition of simple elements and a consistency of materials and details for the overall effect. Some houses have been altered by stone cladding, which completely destroys the careful balance and continuity of the terrace façade. The result has created discord and fragmentation to the entire elevation of the terrace, to the detriment of the character of the Conservation Area. Measures must be made to ensure that further damage to the façade brickwork is avoided.

It is the character of the area rather than individual buildings which the Conservation Area seeks to preserve and enhance. There are no listed residential buildings within the Carlton Square Conservation Area, but these are very pleasant streets of Victorian terraces, whose overall character has already been eroded by over-enthusiastic modernisation of houses. The designation of the Conservation Area is taken as an opportunity to resist any further erosion of the character of the buildings.

Trees, Parks and Open Spaces

Carlton Square and the adjoining Carlton Square Gardens themselves, are the two main public spaces in the area. Any improvements to the two open spaces should respect the character of the area, while still meeting today’s needs. The Carlton Square Gardens are enclosed by perimeter railings and mature trees, where its large green parklands are uninterrupted and hence, can be used for outdoor activities. The smaller Carlton Square is an important example of London’s residential squares, and features mature tree plantings in its symmetrical arrangement. It is enclosed by hedges, tree plantings and perimeter railings, which should be strictly protected. The square should be maintained to ensure that trees and plantings are of the appropriate scale, size and species. This will enhance the square as a more desirable space to use.

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Equalities:

This Character Appraisal and Management Guidelines will support the Council’s aims:

a strong spirit of community and good race relations in Tower Hamlets. to get rid of prejudice, discrimination and victimisation within the communities we serve and our workforce to make sure that the borough’s communities and our workforce are not discriminated against or bullied for any reason, including reasons associated with their gender, age, ethnicity, disability, sexuality or religious belief.

Please contact us if you feel that this document could do more to promote equality and further the interests of the whole community.

Publicity

The existence of the Conservation Area will be promoted locally to raise awareness of current conservation issues and to invite contributions from the community.

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Consideration of Resources Needed to Conserve the Historic Environment:

In order to meet today’s needs without damaging the historic or architectural value of a building, a degree of flexibility, innovation and creative estate management may be required.

Ongoing Management and Monitoring Change:

To keep a record of changes within the area, dated photographic surveys of street frontages and significant buildings and views will be made every 5 years. Also, public meetings will be held every 5 years to maintain communications between all stakeholders and identify new opportunities and threats to the Conservation Area as they arise.

The Council recognises the contribution of the local community in managing Conservation Areas, and will welcome proposals to work collaboratively to monitor and manage the area.

In addition, the Borough’s Annual Monitoring Report, prepared with the new LDF, will assess progress on the implementation of the whole Local Development Scheme, including policies relevant to conservation.

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Enforcement Strategy:

If listed buildings are not maintained in good repair, then the Council can step in to ensure that relevant repairs are carried out. In some circumstances, the Council itself may undertake essential repairs and recover the cost from the owner. The Council has powers of compulsory purchase, if necessary to protect Listed Buildings.

The Council will enforce conservation law wherever necessary, and will consider the introduction of Article 4 Directions to remove Permitted Development Rights where appropriate.

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Further Reading and Contacts

The Buildings of England (London 5: East). Cherry, O’Brien and Pevsner.

For a translation, or large print, audio or braille version of this document, please telephone 0800 376 5454. Also, if you require any further help with this document, please telephone 020 7364 5372.

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Listed Buildings at Risk:

Tablet in the North Wall of the Portuguese Jewish Burial Ground, Mile End Road Priority: B (B) Designation: Listed Grade II Condition: Poor Ownership: Religious organisation Summary: An inscribed stone tablet, formerly in a glazed case with side scrolls, moulded cornice and pediment recording laying of first stone in the burial ground in 1684. The top of the wall including moulded cornice and pediment has collapsed, leaving the stone open to the elements. Proposed actions to secure: Scheme of works and ongoing maintenance to secure the tablet.

Any other threats to the Conservation Area

Gradual erosion of features as a result of permitted development can be detrimental to the character and appearance of this Conservation Area where the architecture is largely residential, the buildings single family dwelling houses and the majority of the urban fabric unlisted. The loss of parapets can be a particular concern as they begin to deteriorate and there seems to be little practical benefit to invest in their retention.

Priorities for Action (1-5)

1. Preparation of a shop front guide. 2. Liaising with stakeholders to encourage the restoration of historic features 3. The introduction of Article 4 Directions to remove permitted development rights. 4. Reinstatement of historic street surfaces. 5. Grant aid to repair the Tablet in the North Wall of the Portuguese Cemetery.

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Commercial Road

Conservation Area

1. Character Appraisal

2. Management Guidelines

London Borough of Tower Hamlets October 2007

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Introduction

This guide has been prepared for the following purposes:

To comply with the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. Section 69(1) states that a Conservation Area is “an area of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance.” To provide a detailed appraisal of the area’s architectural and historic character. To provide an overview of planning policy and propose management guidelines on how this character should be preserved and enhanced in the context of appropriate ongoing change.

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1. Character Appraisal

Overview

The Commercial Road Conservation Area was designated in September 1989. It is bounded by Bromehead Street and Sidney Street to the west, properties along Commercial Road to the north, Lukin Street to the east and includes listed properties along Commercial Road to the south. The Conservation Area contains surviving remnants of Victorian townscape on both sides of Commercial Road. The listed terraces at 300-334 Commercial Road and 1-11 Dean Cross Street form a group with The George Tavern Public House (Grade II listed). The area also contains a former Synagogue and the significant St Mary and St Michael Church building (Grade II listed).

History

Early 19th century urban developments saw the construction of Commercial Road in 1802-6 as a direct route, linking dock traffic between the West India Docks and East India Docks to the City of London. Construction of the road was given by an Act of Parliament to the Commercial Road Company, whose trustees were allowed to raise money and levy tolls. With ruthlessness and Roman planning, the road cut a near straight line through the East End. This broad and very busy road stretches for a mile and three-quarters from Aldgate to Limehouse.

The road which was laid out across fields to the north of the congested Ratcliffe Highway originally started at Back Church Lane. By the 1830s, it was almost entirely lined with houses all the way to Limehouse. Historical maps dating from 1869 to 1968 reveal a Victorian landscape, characterised by traditional, close knit, urban communities, typified by rows of modest, back to back terrace housing. The prevailing street patterns from this Victorian phase of development were obliterated in the wider area by post war housing re-development. However, some three storey terraces with decorative iron balconies still survive along parts of Commercial Road, close to Limehouse and are protected by this Conservation Area designation.

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Commercial Road and its tributary East India Dock Road soon became the main thoroughfare for dock traffic. It conveyed so much traffic from dock trade that in 1828- 1830 that the Company decided to construct a stone tramway of Aberdeen granite along its entire length to reduce wear from heavy road wagons. Railways and factories followed and by the end of the 19th century, the whole area became a dense area of streets polluted and overcrowded.

In the 1860s, Commercial Road became a public road when control passed to a number of local Metropolitan Boards of Works. Road tolls were subsequently abolished. Major re-planning of the area occurred in 1865. Commercial Road extended from the West India Docks as far as the junction with Union Street (now Whitechurch Lane). It was extended in 1865 to join Whitechapel High Street at ‘Gardiner’s Corner’, named after the department store that dominated the junction until it was destroyed by fire in the early 1970s.

The County of London Plan was prepared for the London County Council by J.H. Forshaw and Patrick Abercrombie in 1943. Its main purpose was to point out the main directions of development and reconstruction of London, which in the past decades had faced big changes and irregular growth. It was prepared in anticipation of the end of the Second World War, which had resulted in drastic bomb damage in East London. Radical post war reconstruction was adopted for the area between Commercial Road and Ratcliffe Highway, known as neighbourhood 5 of the Stepney/Poplar Reconstruction Area. As part of this post war re-development, much of the dense street pattern was obliterated and replaced by new layouts. This was intended to provide more open space and better housing for a diminished population but was never fully realised.

Character

The Commercial Road Conservation Area is not architecturally outstanding but does have some fine examples of mid and late Victorian terraced buildings that once characterised the East End. These form a homogenous and cohesive group, largely intact despite war damage and redevelopment.

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The prevailing character of the ‘high street’ in the Conservation Area is typified by the ground floor of Victorian terrace buildings lining the northern edge of Commercial Road. Reminiscent of traditional shop fronts, the ground floor shop follows the original skewed kerb line of Commercial Road. A common building line applies to the upper residential floors, setback from the ground floor building line. The style and quality of the shop fronts vary considerably. Rebuilding has taken place on the sites flanking the northern side of Commercial Road, resulting in overlays of building forms and styles contained within the structure of the existing buildings themselves. Taller building forms with larger building footprints occupy important corner sites and detract from the continuous building line of the three storey Victorian terraces on this side of the street. No 313 Commercial Road is an original Victorian terrace, retaining its original detailing and proportions, including windows with vertical sliding sashes in painted timber. From no 313 onwards, there is a traditional hierarchy of windows, with window sizes decreasing on each floor as the building rises.

The collection of statutory listed buildings, namely the groups of terraces at 300–334 Commercial Road and the locally listed George Tavern building at 1–11 Dean Cross Street were built during the Victorian period (1837-1901) and form a group. The early 19th century terraces on the southern side of Commercial Road and Deancross Street have hardly been altered externally, retaining the Victorian townscape and historic character of the area. The buildings on both sides of Commercial Road retain some degree of townscape coherence from the Victorian age, illustrating its terraced form and hard urban landscape.

Nos 300 - 334, flanking the southern side of Commercial Road, are a good example of the distinctive and genteel character of a surviving group of Grade II listed early 19th century Victorian terraces. The terrace group is made up of three storey terraces with basements, on fine grain plots, with a consistent parapet roof line. Nos 326, 328 and 330 feature rusticated stucco ground floors, with no 328 having a stucco façade. The buildings are either set hard on the edge of pavement, as on Dean Cross Street, or alternatively behind front areas and railings. Similar details in the railings, doors, window hood moulds and consistent parapet lines all contribute to the coherent

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The mid 19th century George Tavern Public House, established 1654, is set prominently at the corner of Jubilee Street and Commercial Road (No 373) with 2a Aylward Street. This handsome, three storey building has three facades with four windows facing south, three facing west and one on the Aylward Street façade. It features a stucco face to its two frontages, arches to the ground floor, a central pediment at first floor and a parapet roof level, providing this corner with great presence.

The Grade II listed Church of St Mary and St Michael was designed by William Wardell. Its Catholic foundations were laid in 1852 to serve the Irish population of southern Stepney. The single storey, Roman Catholic Church, built in the Gothic Revival style was completed in 1856. It is a large building on a tight site, with its height emphasised on the Commercial Road frontage by its rising up directly from the pavement. The north entrance was adapted in the 1920s when a sloping roof was constructed over the entrance, which had previously been covered with a flat roof. The building has solid masonry walls with sloping roofs overlaid with Welsh slates. The roofs and end walls were overhauled after the Second World War and many windows were replaced following bomb damage.

Land Use

The land use character is predominantly residential, with one strip of localised commercial and retail uses along the ground floor of Commercial Road north. The high street character forms an extension of the entertainment use, personified by the George Tavern building on the corner site. Religious and educational uses are concentrated in the eastern part of the Conservation Area, in the street block between Sutton and Lukin Streets.

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Scale

Many of the historic, 19th century terraces fronting Commercial Road stand at 3 storeys, with basement levels and consistent parapet rooflines. Recently built, taller building forms stand on important corner junctions on the north side of Commercial Road. These present a very different image to the historic, coherent townscape of terrace buildings of uniform scale and building alignment. The main building of the St Mary and St Michael Church is single storey in height, with a gable end to Commercial Road.

Open Spaces

Despite the small pocket of open space of the St Mary and St Michaels Church grounds, the Commercial Road Conservation Area does not contain any significant open space.

Views

Views within the Commercial Road Conservation Area reveal the scattered fragments of surviving 19th century terraces, in context with The George Tavern occupying a prominent corner on Commercial Road.

Intact views of 300-334 Commercial Road can be appreciated from the northern side of Commercial Road. A glimpse of the butterfly roofscape, along the rear of 300-334 is visible on approach from Sutton Street.

The prominent and imposing frontage of the large St Mary and St Michael Church is visible from the northern side of Commercial Road and approaching Commercial Road west. Similarly, the three-sided George Tavern is readily visible upon from the western approach.

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Summary

This is an area of particular special architectural and historic interest, illustrated by its rich history and significant architecture dating from the 19th Century. The character and appearance of the area, as described in this appraisal, define its special qualities. There are minor improvements that could be made to buildings in the Conservation Area, but overall this has little impact on the qualities that led to its designation.

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2. Management Guidelines

Overview

Who is this document for?

This is an inclusive document which will engage with many different people and organisations. It will depend on the support of the community to achieve its objectives. It is aimed primarily at the residents, businesses, developers and others living and working in the area. The Conservation Area belongs to its residents, as well as the whole community, and their priorities will be reflected in these documents after the consultation process. The document has also been prepared to align conservation objectives within different parts of the council, and provide a single point of reference for the management of the area. It represents our shared commitment to conserve the special architectural and

Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines Page 10 of 19 Page 54 Commercial Road historic character, and to help manage sensitive new development and refurbishment where appropriate to successfully preserve and enhance the quality and character of the area.

Outline Guidance on Applications

When planning applications in a Conservation Area are decided, the planning authority will pay special attention to whether the character of the area is preserved or enhanced. The character of Commercial Road is described in detail in the Appraisal in the first part of this document.

In Commercial Road, as in other Conservation Areas, planning controls are more extensive than normal. Consent is required to demolish any building, and a higher standard of detail and information is required for any application. When applying for listed building consent, please note that all parts of the building, including its interior walls, ceilings and all other internal features, are protected. Some buildings are nationally (statutorily) listed, and some are locally listed by the Borough to indicate buildings that the Borough wishes to protect.

The exact information required will vary with each application, but in general applications must include:

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Photos of the condition of existing building (including details where appropriate).

More details are available on the Tower Hamlets website. If in any doubt, the Council welcomes and encourages early requests for advice or information.

Policies Relevant to the Conservation Area and how they are implemented:

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Listed Buildings in the Conservation Area

Grade II

340A Commercial Road – Church of St Mary and St Michael 300-334 Commercial Road 373 Commercial road – George Tavern Public House K2 Telephone Kiosk at junction with Sutton Street

Locally Listed Building

1 – 11 Dean Cross Street

Highways and Transportation Issues

Commercial Road is an arterial road and the busiest route in the Conservation Area and indeed in the Borough. It attracts constant and heavy vehicular traffic, particularly as the principal route between the East End and the City.

Options for improving the pedestrian and cycle environment along Commercial Road should be investigated, in particular on the northern side of Commercial Road which is currently dominated by the highway function of the road, and is not pedestrian friendly. The high traffic volumes, noise and vibration also represents a significant barrier to pedestrian movement, resulting in an incoherent feel to the area.

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Opportunities and Potential for Enhancement

The setting of St Mary and St Michaels Church is poor. It is a large building on a tight site, with little setback from the Commercial Road frontage. Consideration should be given to ways in which this building might realise its full potential as a historic landmark and to strengthen its sense of place.

On the northern side of Commercial Road, there is potential for improvement to the area of shop fronts and fascia boards, which are currently varied in alignment. Inappropriately illuminated signage of varying sizes and quality detracts from the quality of the streetscape at present.

The lack of respect for the prevailing front building lines of the terrace group on the northern side of Commercial Road has resulted in a prominent staggered effect, detracting from the setting of both the listed Tavern building and the terrace group on this side of Commercial Road.

More detailed guidance should be produced on the management of small scale refurbishment works to individual buildings, in order to protect the original fabric. There are minor improvements that could be made to the existing terraces along Commercial Road including the re-painting, re-rendering, or cleaning of the individual facades, where the paint is flaking off the walls. The predominant facing material colours within this Conservation Area consist of warm yellow/ brown hues, harmonising with the facing London stock brickwork.

The simple repetition, rhythm and consistency of materials and details create an overall effect of the terrace group. Inappropriate alterations to shop fronts, replacement doors and windows are detrimental to the special architectural and historic character of the Conservation Area. The raising of building heights increases in massing and general lack of regard for existing building lines and heights on the

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Trees, Parks and Open Spaces

There are no significant parks or open spaces in this area, although there are several areas of green space associated with housing blocks. Maintenance of these areas, including any boundary treatments should respect the character of the area.

Equalities:

This Character Appraisal and Management Guidelines will support the Council’s aims:

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Please contact us if you feel that this document could do more to promote equality and further the interests of the whole community.

Publicity

The existence of the Conservation Area will be promoted locally to raise awareness of current conservation issues and to invite contributions from the community.

Consideration of Resources Needed to Conserve the Historic Environment:

In order to meet today’s needs without damaging the historic or architectural value of a building, a degree of flexibility, innovation and creative estate management may be required.

Ongoing Management and Monitoring Change:

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The Council recognises the contribution of the local community in managing Conservation Areas, and will welcome proposals to work collaboratively to monitor and manage the area.

Enforcement Strategy:

The Council will enforce conservation law wherever necessary, and will consider the introduction of Article 4 Directions to remove Permitted Development Rights where appropriate.

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Further Reading and Contacts

The Buildings of England (London 5: East). Cherry, O’Brien and Pevsner.

For a translation, or large print, audio or braille version of this document, please telephone 0800 376 5454. Also, if you require any further help with this document, please telephone 020 7364 5372.

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Listed Buildings at Risk:

There are no Listed Buildings at Risk in this Conservation Area at the present time.

Any other threats to the Conservation Area

x Inappropriately scaled development, poor signage on shopfronts and unsympathetic alterations all threaten the special character of the Conservation Area as does the noise and pollution of the Road. x It should also be noted that any new development on the green space outside the boundary of the Conservation needs to respect the building line and setting of ‘the George’ Public House failure to do so would be detrimental to the character of the Conservation Area.

Priorities for Action (1-5)

1. Investigate ways of improving pedestrian and cyclist environments. 2. Produce shopfront guidance, with particular reference to signage. 3. Rationalise street furniture and reduce street clutter. 4. Introduce Article 4 Directions to reduce permitted development rights 5. Encourage the appropriate refurbishment of the George Tavern.

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Page 64 Driffield Road

Driffield Road

Conservation Area

1. Character Appraisal

2. Management Guidelines

London Borough of Tower Hamlets October 2007

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Introduction

This guide has been prepared for the following purposes:

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1. Character Appraisal

Overview

The Driffield Road Conservation Area was designated in January 1988. The Conservation Area is bounded by Roman Road to the south, Grove Road to the west, Chisenhale Road to the north and Driffield, Hewlett and Ford Roads to the east. Whilst there are no listed buildings within the area, the Conservation Area was essentially designated to protect the overall character of the Victorian terraces, which are of collective townscape merit.

History

Proximity to the River Lee and easy access to the city of London means that Bow has been the scene of industrial activity throughout its history. Today’s local food producers in the Lee Valley have their antecedents in the medieval millers, the bakers of Bow of the 16th century, and even earlier, in the butchers of the Roman times.

Excavations of the 4th century Roman settlement at Old Ford have revealed large quantities of cattle bones showing the marks of butchery. Archaeological excavations around the Lefevre Estate uncovered the original Roman Road, which ran from Aldgate to Colchester, crossing the River Lee at Old Ford. It runs more or less parallel to the current Roman road, and was named as such when Roman remains were first discovered in the 1860s. According to map references, the first archaeological discoveries of the roman road were made in 1845. Historical maps of 1703 show the area as a driftway. The Metropolitan Board of Works was originally set up in 1855 with the purpose of providing a sewer system for London, but was also responsible for the improvements to Wapping High Street, East Smithfield, Preston’s Road, Bethnal Green Road and Green Street. Hence, Roman Road was built along an existing path at a time when several new roads were being established across East London.

The Roman Road Market was Old Ford’s principal shopping street. After 1857, streets of terraces were laid out, as the Victoria Park Estate. The surveyors, Hammack & Lambert also carried out the later phases of development on the Morgan estates to

Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines Page 4 of 17 Page 68 Driffield Road the south. Some of the terrace houses are named and dated with plaques set under their eaves. Examples of this are the houses named Charles Cottage and Eliza Cottage in Kenilworth Road of 1857-60.

Character

The Driffield Road Conservation Area is characterised by the homogenous layout of small scale streets, containing uniform terraces. The late 19th century houses are essentially two storeys high with basement, and follow the general pattern of London Victorian terraces. To the front, there is a parapet cornice extending the length of the terrace and concealing a series of uniform London roofs.

These houses were constructed a few at a time, in a number of styles and by different builders, resulting in a considerable variety in their ornamental detail. The types of doors, windows, decorative plasterwork and iron railings vary, giving each street and indeed, each side of the road a different quality. While usually flanked by yellow stock brick and flat-fronted terraces on either side, some rows contain polygonal bay windows or steps above semi-basements, or at times, a combination of both. The continuity of the parapet line and moulded cornice ties together the largely uniform terraces. On Vivian Road, one side of the street is tree-lined, while the other presents a series of stairs to houses with raised ground floors. This arrangement is also found along Zealand Road. Recently installed Victorian-style street lighting can be seen in many of the streets.

The local streets present a hard edge character, where any anomaly along the streetscape breaks the continuous frontage. Some houses on parts of Zealand Road appear never to have had railings, whereas original iron railings on Chisendale Road are typical of 19th century Victorian boundary treatments, juxtaposed to the more recent brick walls to the front yards.

In contrast, the southern boundary of the Conservation Area is defined by the lively Roman Road and the streetscape of small retail shops. The mixed uses are housed in

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Land Use

The land use character of the Driffield Road Conservation Area is predominantly residential, with the largest part of the Conservation Area made up of the six straight parallel streets running northwards, namely Kenilworth, Vivian, Zealand, Ellemere, Driffield and Hewlett Roads. Other land uses include retail premises on the ground floor along the Roman Road frontage (with residential flats above) and a number of public buildings, such as the three church buildings along Grove Road, including the Victoria Park Baptist Church, Kingdom Hall of Jehovahs Witness and St Barnabas’ Church. Also contained within the Conservation Area is the Victorian Chisenhale Primary School, four small post-war housing blocks and some recent local authority infill development.

Scale

Roman Road is flanked by buildings of generally 2 storeys, with a taller 3 storey scale on corner sites. Beyond the Roman Road frontage, the existing building scale of the area is predominantly low, with terrace housing along the residential streets at 2 storeys plus basement level.

On the western edge of the Conservation Area, along the north-south running Grove Road are taller 2-4 storey buildings, including the Victoria Park Baptist Church, St Barnabas Church and newly renovated residential flats at 182 Grove Road.

Open Spaces

The Driffield Road Conservation Area does not contain any public open spaces, however it is surrounded by substantial open spaces such as the Hertford Union Canal and Victoria Park to its north, Wennington Green on the opposite side of Grove Road and Mile End Park to its south-west. Within the residential quadrant, private gardens set to the rear of the properties exist behind terraced frontages.

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Views

Views in the area include long views along street axes, including through Grove Road and Roman Road. The clear definition of the streets and the character of the 19th century terrace create many high quality views. The street trees soften the hard building edge. Within the residential streets of Kenilworth, Vivian, Zealand, Ellemere, Driffield and Hewlett Roads, each terrace facade contributes to the repetitive and rhythmic character of the streetscape.

Summary

This is an area of particular special architectural and historic interest, illustrated by its rich history, cohesive character and domestic architecture dating from the 19th century. The character and appearance of the area, as described in this appraisal, define its special qualities. There are minor improvements that could be made to buildings in the Conservation Area, but overall this has little impact on the qualities that led to its designation.

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2. Management Guidelines

Overview

This Management Plan has been prepared in consultation with the community, to set out the Borough’s commitment to high quality management of Conservation Areas and their settings. The Development Design and Conservation Team operates within the context of the Development and Renewal Directorate of the Council, alongside Major Projects, Development Control, Strategy and Building Control.

Consideration of appropriate amendments to the boundary of the Conservation Area, and recommendations for additions to the register of listed buildings, either the statutory or local list, will be considered by the Council. In particular the northern side of Chisenhale Road. This currently falls within the Victoria Park Conservation Area but would be more appropriately located in the Driffield Road Conservation Area.

Who is this document for?

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Outline Guidance on Applications

When planning applications in a Conservation Area are decided, the planning authority will pay special attention to whether the character of the area is preserved or enhanced. The character of Driffield Road is described in detail in the Appraisal in the first part of this document.

In Driffield Road, as in other Conservation Areas, planning controls are more extensive than normal. Consent is required to demolish any building, and a higher standard of detail and information is required for any application. When applying for listed building consent, please note that all parts of the building, including its interior walls, ceilings and all other internal features, are protected. Some buildings are nationally (statutorily) listed, and some are locally listed by the Borough to indicate buildings that the Borough wishes to protect.

The exact information required will vary with each application, but in general applications must include:

A clear design statement explaining the reasons behind the various architectural, masterplanning or other design decisions. Contextual plans, sections and elevations of existing buildings

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Drawings, including construction details, produced at larger scale (eg. 1:50 or 1:20) clearly indicating the nature of the work proposed. Additional detail regarding materials and construction. Photos of the condition of existing building (including details where appropriate).

More details are available on the Tower Hamlets website. If in any doubt, the Council welcomes and encourages early requests for advice or information.

When alterations are proposed to old buildings, complying with the building regulations can be particularly complex, and early consideration of building control issues can help identify potential problems early in the process.

Policies Relevant to the Conservation Area and how they are Implemented:

Listed Buildings in the Conservation Area

No listed buildings

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Highways and Transportation Issues

With Roman Road enclosing the residential streetscapes between Kenilworth and Hewlett Roads, the area attracts many commercial users and customers to this main street. It should be investigated whether any design strategies can be introduced to meet both residential and commercial parking needs to preserve and restore the residential character of the Driffield Road Conservation Area.

Concerns about rubbish and street cleaning are a reflection of the problems associated with the Roman Road shopping parade. Also, the poor state of repair of pavements should be investigated.

Proposals to enhance the Roman Road should be considered.

Opportunities and Potential for Enhancement

More detailed guidance should be produced on the management of small scale refurbishment works to individual flats, in order to protect the original fabric. There are minor improvements that could be made to the existing terraces within the residential part of this Conservation Area. While the structures themselves are intact, the terraces require some attention and renovation. Distinctive front area railings or cast iron window boxes have disappeared or may have been removed during the war. Where railings are missing, it is worth considering reinstating them, even if only for improved

Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines Page 11 of 17 Page 75 Driffield Road security. Railings should be of cast iron, painted black and leaded into a stone or concrete plinth. In saying this, some houses appear never to have had railings (eg. part of Zealand Road) and in these cases, it may not be appropriate to introduce them. The Council supports the retention and reinstatement of architectural features of the area.

Parapet level cornices have also often decayed or cracked and have had to be removed. This has resulted in gaps in the cornice lines of terraces. Terraces such as these are designed to be uniform and regular in appearance, relying on the repetition of simple elements and a consistency of materials and details for the overall effect. The complete pebble-dashing of a façade destroys the careful balance and continuity of the terrace façade. The result has created discord and fragmentation to the entire elevation of the terrace, to the detriment of the character of the Conservation Area. Measures must be made to ensure that further damage to the façade brickwork is avoided and to ensure that further application of pebble-dash is discouraged. Some houses have been altered by pebble-dashing, stone cladding and the painting of brickwork and others, by the addition of new features such as window shutters and entrance porches. Although pebble dashing and stone cladding may seem like quick solutions to maintenance and structural problems, they can actually create new problems, disguising what could later emerge to be major building defects. These are all irreversible steps. By hiding original details, such as window arches and string courses, a house can be completely altered, losing its traditional appearance.

The houses within the Conservation Area are characteristically small scale, two storey plus basement, which traditionally may have had single storey, one room extensions. Rear extensions at the Driffield Road terrace have suffered badly from inappropriate design and large extensions.

Other opportunities for enhancement exist in the rationalisation of the street clutter, the encouragement of the street market, and community uses which allow people to meet.

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It is the cohesive character of the area rather than individual buildings which the Conservation Area status seeks to preserve and enhance. There are no listed buildings within the Driffield Road area but these are very pleasant streets of Victorian terraces whose overall character has already been eroded by over-enthusiastic modernisation of houses. The designation of the Conservation Area is an opportunity to resist any further erosion of the character of the buildings.

Trees, Parks and Open Spaces

There are no major parks or open spaces in the Conservation Area. However there are a number of street trees which contribute to the character of the Conservation Area and it is essential that these are maintained effectively.

Equalities:

This Character Appraisal and Management Guidelines will support the Council’s aims:

a strong spirit of community and good race relations in Tower Hamlets. to get rid of prejudice, discrimination and victimisation within the communities we serve and our workforce

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to make sure that the borough’s communities and our workforce are not discriminated against or bullied for any reason, including reasons associated with their gender, age, ethnicity, disability, sexuality or religious belief.

Please contact us if you feel that this document could do more to promote equality and further the interests of the whole community.

Publicity

The existence of the Conservation Area will be promoted locally to raise awareness of current conservation issues and to invite contributions from the community.

Consideration of Resources Needed to Conserve the Historic Environment:

In order to meet today’s needs without damaging the historic or architectural value of a building, a degree of flexibility, innovation and creative estate management may be required.

Ongoing Management and Monitoring Change:

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The Council recognises the contribution of the local community in managing Conservation Areas, and will welcome proposals to work collaboratively to monitor and manage the area.

Enforcement Strategy:

The Council will enforce conservation law wherever necessary, and will consider the introduction of Article 4 Directions to remove Permitted Development Rights where appropriate.

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Further Reading and Contacts

The Buildings of England (London 5: East). Cherry, O’Brien and Pevsner.

For a translation, or large print, audio or braille version of this document, please telephone 0800 376 5454. Also, if you require any further help with this document, please telephone 020 7364 5372.

Also, you may wish to contact the following organizations for further information:

English Heritage www.english-heritage.org.uk The Georgian Group www.georgiangroup.org.uk Victorian Society www.victorian-society.org.uk 20th Century Society www.c20society.org.uk Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings www.spab.org.uk

Any other threats to the Conservation Area

Unsympathetic alterations to properties within the conservation area as a result of permitted development rights, for example the introduction of pebble dashing, removal of cornices, the introduction of uPVC windows mean that the Council will consider the removal of permitted development rights by introducing an Article 4 Direction.

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This is an established family area where the subdivision of houses to create flats or HMO’s should be resisted.

Inappropriate planting and care of trees is threatening the street scene, care to ensure the appropriate maintenance will need to be considered.

Priorities for Action (1-5)

1. Examine opportunities for the extension of houses as part of LDF process 2. Revise the Conservation Area boundaries to include Chisenhale Road 3. Establish Bow Conservation Areas Advisory Group with residents 4. Produce a detailed design guide for the Conservation Area. 5. Consider potential improvements to Roman Road

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Page 82 Fairfield Road

Fairfield Road

Conservation Area

1. Character Appraisal

2. Management Guidelines

London Borough of Tower Hamlets October 2007

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Introduction

This guide has been prepared for the following purposes:

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1. Character Appraisal

Overview

The Fairfield Road Conservation Area was designated in September 1989. The Conservation Area is bounded by Fairfield Road and the railway to the west, Tredegar Road to the north, Wick Lane to the east and Bow Road to the south. The area contains locally listed terraces and features the historic and architectural merits of the Grade II listed Bryant and May complex and Bow Garage. It contains half the historic centre of Bromley by Bow and most importantly provides the setting for the Parish Church, St Mary Bow Church (Ecclesiastical Grade B listed).

History

The hamlet of Bow was established by the 12th century, and named after the ‘bow’ shaped arches of the first stone bridges built to cross the River Lee. The stone bridge was said to have been ordered by Queen Matilda, the wife of Henry I in 1110. Once while crossing the dangerous ford, she fell into the River Lee and narrowly escaped drowning.

Bow Bridge brought fame and traffic to Bow, at the site of this important river crossing. Bow Road and the area flourished and expanded in population, to the extent that by the 14th century, the inhabitants needed a church of their own. It was in 1311 that the then Bishop of London, Bishop Baldock granted the erection of a chapel-of-ease at Bow. The chapel-of-ease was built to save the inhabitants of Stratford and Old Ford from having to traverse roads flooded in winter to attend worship at the parish church, St Dunstan’s in Stepney. In 1719, all dependence on Stepney Church ceased, at when Bow Church was consecrated as a parish church. In its presentation, St Mary’s Bow Church is a combination of change over time. It dates from the 14th century with stone and brick additions and a tiled roof. Its tower is dated 15th century, with its upper part rebuilt in 1829. Its north vestry (circa 1700) and south aisle was rebuilt in 1794. Many proposals were submitted for the complete rebuilding and enlargement of the church in the early 18th century and again in 1829, 1882 and 1895, however this did not come into fruition due to a lack of funds. St Mary Bow Church was rescued

Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines Page 4 of 21 Page 86 Fairfield Road from threats of total rebuilding and was repaired under the supervision of C.R Ashbee from 1900. The church has, however, endured several rebuildings, including that resulting from severe bomb damage in 1941.

Bow was surrounded by fields, marshes and market gardens and was a popular countryside abode for wealthy and successful people over a long period of time. The area became a focus for leisure activities for Londoners, with country walks and feasts especially popular. Fairfield Road itself, originally a mere pathway, derives its name from ‘Bow Fair Field’, an event in the affairs of the village. It was the scene of an annual Whitsuntide holiday-makers resort. This “Green Goose Fair”, as it was also known, was well established by the late 18th century, but was stopped amid protests in 1823 by the Vagrant Act, as it had become the scene of revelry bordering on the disorderly.

The last trace of Bow’s countryside remains, although vastly altered, in the open space of Grove Hall Park. Grove Hall itself was a mansion which appears on historic maps of 1703. When the hall fell out of residential use, it was firstly used as an Academy for Boys and then an asylum for the military insane. Its use continued until 1905 and then the estate was put on the market. Its 12 acres of beautiful parkland stood in distinct contrast to the surrounding area which had become built up during the 19th century, namely the terraces at Fairfield Road, Douro and Blondin Streets and Kitcat Terraces.

A committee of gentlemen interested in the welfare of the East End of London was formed in an attempt to inaugurate a fund for purchasing a portion of the estate from the new owner. They appealed to the public and to the London County Council and Poplar Borough Council. Eventually the necessary funds were raised and Grove Hall Park opened in May 1909.

The remainder of Grove Hall Estate was developed as housing, to create the Edwardian terraces of Wrexham Road, Jebb, Ridgdale and Baldock Streets.

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Proximity to the River Lee and easy access to the city of London has meant that Bow has been the scene of industrial activity throughout its history. One of the most famous of Bow’s industries was the Bryant and May Match Works. The site has an equally celebrated place in the history of unionised labour, as the scene of the first major successful industrial action carried out by a non-skilled, female workforce, the Match Girls’ Strike in 1888. The strike was the first of a series of strikes led by Annie Besant in the 1880s in the East End, against bad pay and working conditions and the first stirrings of mass trade unionism.

The statue of William Gladstone was erected in front of the church in 1882 and was paid for by William Bryant of the nearby Bryant and May's Match Factory.

Character

The prevailing character of the Fairfield Road Conservation Area is defined by its mixed character, with a strongly industrial feel bordering the railway and a more typically residential character to the south, east of Fairfield Road.

Clearly, the Bryant and May Match Works Factory sets the character for the northern half of the Conservation Area. Grade II listed, the massive and imposing buildings date from 1861 and are the most important surviving industrial complex in East London. The works were extended in 1874 for warehousing and offices for senior employees. This includes the picturesque group of red brick cottages that greet the Fairfield Road frontage. The water tower of the new factory built as a precaution against fire in 1909-11 is reminiscent of an Italian hill town.

To the north of the Conservation Area is Blondin Street, containing a group of 1889 terraces. The terrace is split into two parts aside a gated opening, planned as a principal entrance into the factory site, but was not formalised. At the extreme northern end of Fairfield Road, on the corner with Douro Street sits Pelican Cottage. Grade II listed, the cottage is early 19th century, stock brick with stucco plinth and hipped slate roof.

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Just south of the railway line and east of Fairfield Road, is the Bow Bus Garage, which was originally built in 1907-8 as the London County Council’s (LCC) tram depot and was further extended on either side in 1910-11. The bus garage has an assertive presence on the streetscape with its symmetrical brick façade, gables at either end and double storey height arched entrances. The Bow Garage was built on the land of the former 17th century Grove Hall, where the mansion once stood.

The rest of the estate was developed with houses. The residential enclave of Wrexham Road, Ridgdale Street and Jebb Street consists largely of generous red brick terraces of the 1890s to 1920.

Fairfield Road itself is aligned with the Grade II listed terrace at nos 2-22. They are of yellow stock brick with minimal detailing, including the stucco cornice and two sash windows each with plain reveals and Doric pilastered doorways.

There are also a number of locally listed terraces in this vicinity at 9-49 Fairfield Road, 51-67 Fairfield Road and Hartfield Terrace. With the exception of nos 42, 44 and 51 Fairfield Road which are mid 19th century Victorian buildings, the terraces along Fairfield Road are early 19th century, late Georgian and of stock brick with two windows each. At times they have a partly painted façade, minimally setback behind a low fence. The terraces at 9-16 Hartfield Terrace are early 19th century late Georgian buildings. Constructed of red brick and pitched slate roofs, this short terrace presents a hard edge to the streetscape.

Kitcat Terrace, built around 1850 and renamed after the local Councillor, Reverend Kitcat, retains its cobbled street (although this is in a poor condition following the removal of sections of Granite Setts) and a mid 19th century Victorian stock brick terrace. The street is terminated by a dignified neo-Georgian façade.

Nos 163, 199 and 223 Bow Road are all Grade II listed properties of the late 17th or early 18th century and are relatively rare survivals of pre-Victorian Bow. Together with several turn of the century commercial buildings and irregular boundary patterns, these create a varied but characterful streetscape. Nos 163 and 199 are in a very poor

Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines Page 7 of 21 Page 89 Fairfield Road condition and their repair should be pursued as a priority. The corner of Bow Road and Fairfield Road is marked by the collection of locally listed buildings, including the Poplar Civic Centre, built in 1937.

The Fairfield Road Conservation Area presents a varied townscape, reflected in the widely differing ages and characteristics of its buildings. It presents a characterful townscape, worthy of preservation.

Land Use

There is a variety of land uses in the Fairfield Road Conservation, which is predominantly residential. This includes commercial uses mostly confined to the Bow Road frontage, St Mary’s Bow Church and the Bow Bus Garage. Located on the corner of Wrexham Road and Fairfield Road, the former Trolley Bus depot, built in 1910 is a Grade II listed structure.

The former industrial building, the Bryant and May Match Factory was re-established as a private housing development. It was closed in 1979 and then redeveloped as Bow Quarter, an inward-looking private housing development.

Scale

The scale of buildings within the Fairfield Road Conservation Area varies, particularly along Bow Road, where its commercial buildings range between 1–7 storeys. Beyond the Bow Road frontage, the rest of the Fairfield Road Conservation Area is predominantly low rise, with the exception of the taller scales and larger building footprints of the industrial sites. The main building of the Bryant and May Match Factory is 5 storeys tall with low pitched roof and 2 tall square towers of 10 storeys each. A group of 19th century cottages front the Fairfield Road streetscape. These 2-3 storey cottages are red brick with blue banding, with varied roofscapes, decorative chimneys and detailing.

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Bow Garage is double storey in height, where the low scale residential terraces at Wrexham Road, Jebb Street and Ridgdale Street present uniform 2-3 residential storeys. Fairfield Road is flanked by two storey terraces with occasionally higher scales at street corners.

West of Fairfield Road at Kitcat Terrace, the scale ranges from 2-3 storeys, where also further north in the Conservation Area, Vincent Mews stands at 3 storeys. The locally listed terraces at Douro Street are two storeys in height, where Blondin Street ranges between 2-4 storeys.

Open Spaces

Grove Hall Park is the most significant public open space in the area. Located off Jebb Street and south of Ridgdale Street, this small part of the original gardens of the Grove Hall Estate were preserved as Grove Hall Park. The southern part of the gardens encompasses the Grade II listed Bryant and May War Memorial, a slender white stone shaft topped with a cross.

The gardens are setback behind Grove Hall Court, separating Ridgdale Street’s back of terrace from the gardens and is aligned with a judicious planting of trees. The large, mature trees are covered by Tree Preservation Orders, as is the area bounded by Wrexham Road, the gardens and this section of Fairfield Road and Wick Lane. The landscaping of Grove Hall Park, coupled with the architectural quality and the surviving detail of the surrounding terrace of Ridgdale Street, define the character of this pocket green open space.

The island site of St Mary’s Bow Church is enhanced by the abundant tree planting circling the church site and enclosed within gothic railings. The Graveyard provides a space to sit in.

Views

The view north and south of Fairfield Road gives a glimpse of mid 19th century industrial East London, exemplified by the Bryant and May Factory and Bow Garage,

Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines Page 9 of 21 Page 91 Fairfield Road which are set amongst a now predominantly residential townscape of intact terraces at Fairfield Road, cheek by jowel.

The clear definition of the streets and the character of the architecture create many high quality views. Within the residential enclave of Ridgdale Street, Jebb Street and Wrexham Road, each terrace facade gives a repetitive and rhythmic character to the streetscape. The brick flank wall of the Bow Garage terminates the view from Jebb Street.

Setback behind the main Fairfield Road frontage, as approached from Grove Hall Court, the tree lined pathway unfolds the parklands which face the rear roofscape of the Ridgdale Street terraces.

With traffic running on either side of the St Mary Bow church site, the Ecclesiastical Grade B church, the associated listed railings and statue of W. E Gladstone form a focal group in the centre of Bow, together with the locally listed Our Lady of St Catherine Roman Catholic Church, which lies to the North of the Road.

Summary

This is an area of particular special architectural and historic interest, illustrated by its rich history and significant architecture dating from the 19th century. The character and appearance of the area, as described in this appraisal, define its special qualities. There are minor improvements that could be made to buildings in the Conservation Area, but overall this has little impact on the qualities that led to its designation.

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2. Management Guidelines

Overview

This Management Plan has been prepared in consultation with the community, to set out the Borough’s commitment to high quality management of Conservation Areas and their settings. The Development Design and Conservation Team operates within the context of the Development and Renewal Directorate of the Council, alongside Major Projects, Development Control, Strategy and Building Control.

Who is this document for?

Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines Page 11 of 21 Page 93 Fairfield Road historic character, and to help manage sensitive new development and refurbishment where appropriate to successfully preserve and enhance the quality and character of the area.

Outline Guidance on Applications

When planning applications in a Conservation Area are decided, the planning authority will pay special attention to whether the character of the area is preserved or enhanced. The character of Fairfield Road is described in detail in the Appraisal in the first part of this document.

In Fairfield Road, as in other Conservation Areas, planning controls are more extensive than normal. Consent is required to demolish any building, and a higher standard of detail and information is required for any application. When applying for listed building consent, please note that all parts of the building, including its interior walls, ceilings and all other internal features, are protected. Some buildings are nationally (statutorily) listed, and some are locally listed by the Borough to indicate buildings that the Borough wishes to protect.

The exact information required will vary with each application, but in general applications must include:

A clear design statement explaining the reasons behind the various architectural, masterplanning or other design decisions. Contextual plans, sections and elevations of existing buildings Drawings, including construction details, produced at larger scale (eg. 1:50 or 1:20) clearly indicating the nature of the work proposed. Additional detail regarding materials and construction.

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Photos of the condition of existing building (including details where appropriate).

More details are available on the Tower Hamlets website. If in any doubt, the Council welcomes and encourages early requests for advice or information.

Policies Relevant to the Conservation Area and how they are Implemented:

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Listed Buildings in the Conservation Area

Ecclesiastical Grade B (II*)

St Mary’s Church

Grade II

94 Fairfield Road 17 Fairfield Road 2 Fairfield Road 3 & 4 Fairfield Road 5 & 6 Fairfield Road Bryant and May Factory, Fairfield Road Bow Garage 2-22 Fairfield Road 163 Bow Road 199 Bow Road 223 Bow Road Bryant & May War II Memorial St Mary’s Church Island Site, including iron railings, gate and piers to the churchyard Statue of W E Gladstone, St Mary’s Church Island Site

Locally Listed Building

5 – 9 Douro Street 7 – 21 Douro Street 33 – 37 Douro Street 3 Menai Place 2 – 50 Blondin Street 51 Fairfield Road 53 – 67 Fairfield Road 2a Fairfield Road

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9 – 19 Fairfield Road 21 – 49 Fairfield Road 42 – 44 Fairfield Road 9 – 16 Hartfield Terrace Bow School, Hartfield Street 2 – 9 Kitcat Terrace Day Training Centre, Kitcat Terrace 121 & 123 Bow Road 141 & 143 Bow Road 157 Bow Road 161 & 161a Bow Road 167 Bow Road Our Lady of St Catherine Roman Catholic Church 179a Bow Road 181 Bow Road 183 Bow Road 185 Bow Road 189 Bow Road 191 Bow Road 19 – 21 Payne Road

Highways and Transportation Issues

Fairfield Road is a busy traffic route in the Conservation Area, attracting constant vehicular traffic, particularly as the East London Bus Group holds its London buses at the Bow Garage site on Fairfield Road. Due to the evolved nature of the area, now

Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines Page 15 of 21 Page 97 Fairfield Road predominantly residential in character, it should be investigated whether any design strategies can be introduced to meet both residential and commercial parking needs. It is necessary to curtail the amount of on-street carparking, particularly its commercial parking provision in the area, in order to preserve and restore the character of the Fairfield Road Conservation Area.

Opportunities and Potential for Enhancement

More detailed guidance should be produced on the management of small scale refurbishment works to individual flats, in order to protect the original fabric. There are minor improvements that could be made to the existing terraces along Fairfield Road including the re-painting, re-rendering, or cleaning of the individual facades, where the paint is flaking off the walls. While the structures themselves are intact, the terrace at 9–49 Fairfield Road requires some front yard fences to be repaired... The terrace at 2– 22 Fairfield Road requires the reinstatement of railings to the front of the properties, where they are presently missing as this would make a positive contribution to the Grade II listed terrace and the area.

Options for improving the pedestrian and cycle environment along Fairfield Road should be investigated, as at present the roadway is dominated by vehicular traffic, which does not highlight the historic and architectural importance of the area. Traffic movement could be slowed down by the careful introduction of speed humps at regular intervals along Fairfield Road.

Two houses at nos 42 and 44 Fairfield Road have been identified as sites of potential development. The houses are in need of repair as they currently complement the corner store at Fairfield Road and Wrexham Road.

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Some individual properties on the locally listed terrace on Fairfield Road are characteristic of late Georgian style. Several of the properties have suffered minor alterations in the form of replacement windows and more disfiguring to the terrace, the application of the pebble-dash over the front elevation brick work. These alterations took place prior to the declaration of the conservation area.

Terraces such as these are designed to be uniform and regular in appearance, relying on the repetition of simple elements and a consistency of materials and details for an overall effect. Minor alterations, such as replacement doors or windows are unfortunate, but the complete pebble-dashing of a façade completely destroys the careful balance and continuity of the terrace façade. The result is discord and fragmentation to the elevation of the terrace to the detriment of the character of the Conservation Area. Measures should be taken to ensure that further damage to the brickwork is avoided and that the application of pebble-dash is discouraged.

Trees, Parks and Open Spaces

Grove Hall Park has been well preserved as a small pocket park to complement its residential surrounds. The green open space, Grove Hall Court pathway, the park’s mature trees and playground equipment have all been well maintained. The simple character of the parklands should be protected and its ongoing maintenance ensured.

Equalities:

Valuing diversity is one of the Council’s core values, and we take pride in being one of the most culturally rich and diverse boroughs in the UK. This core value has driven the

Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines Page 17 of 21 Page 99 Fairfield Road preparation of this document and will continue to inform changes to this document in the future. These values will also inform changes to buildings and places where this document provides guidance to ensure inclusivity for all sections of the community.

This Character Appraisal and Management Guidelines will support the Council’s aims:

Please contact us if you feel that this document could do more to promote equality and further the interests of the whole community.

Publicity

The existence of the Conservation Area will be promoted locally to raise awareness of current conservation issues and to invite contributions from the community.

Consideration of Resources Needed to Conserve the Historic Environment:

Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines Page 18 of 21 Page 100 Fairfield Road

In order to meet today’s needs without damaging the historic or architectural value of a building, a degree of flexibility, innovation and creative estate management may be required.

Ongoing Management and Monitoring Change:

The Council recognises the contribution of the local community in managing Conservation Areas, and will welcome proposals to work collaboratively to monitor and manage the area.

Enforcement Strategy:

Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines Page 19 of 21 Page 101 Fairfield Road may undertake essential repairs and recover the cost from the owner. The Council has powers of compulsory purchase, if necessary to protect Listed Buildings.

The Council will enforce conservation law wherever necessary, and will consider the introduction of Article 4 Directions to remove Permitted Development Rights where appropriate.

Further Reading and Contacts

The Buildings of England (London 5: East). Cherry, O’Brien and Pevsner.

For a translation, or large print, audio or braille version of this document, please telephone 0800 376 5454. Also, if you require any further help with this document, please telephone 020 7364 5372.

Also, you may wish to contact the following organizations for further information:

Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines Page 20 of 21 Page 102 Fairfield Road

Listed Buildings at Risk:

At this time we are not aware of any listed buildings at risk in the Conservation Area.

Any other threats to the Conservation Area

This area is one subject to considerable change. New development in and around the Conservation Area must be to an appropriate scale to reflect its character.

Priorities for Action (1-5)

x Create detailed design guide for the Conservation Area x Promote the upgrade of Grove Hall Park x Prepare a study of building heights across the area x Introduce Article 4 Directions to remove permitted development rights

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Page 104 Fairfield Road

Fairfield Road

Conservation Area

1. Character Appraisal

2. Management Guidelines

London Borough of Tower Hamlets October 2007

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Introduction

This guide has been prepared for the following purposes:

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1. Character Appraisal

Overview

History

Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines Page 4 of 21 Page 108 Fairfield Road from threats of total rebuilding and was repaired under the supervision of C.R Ashbee from 1900. The church has, however, endured several rebuildings, including that resulting from severe bomb damage in 1941.

The remainder of Grove Hall Estate was developed as housing, to create the Edwardian terraces of Wrexham Road, Jebb, Ridgdale and Baldock Streets.

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The statue of William Gladstone was erected in front of the church in 1882 and was paid for by William Bryant of the nearby Bryant and May's Match Factory.

Character

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The rest of the estate was developed with houses. The residential enclave of Wrexham Road, Ridgdale Street and Jebb Street consists largely of generous red brick terraces of the 1890s to 1920.

Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines Page 7 of 21 Page 111 Fairfield Road condition and their repair should be pursued as a priority. The corner of Bow Road and Fairfield Road is marked by the collection of locally listed buildings, including the Poplar Civic Centre, built in 1937.

Land Use

Scale

Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines Page 8 of 21 Page 112 Fairfield Road

Open Spaces

The island site of St Mary’s Bow Church is enhanced by the abundant tree planting circling the church site and enclosed within gothic railings. The Graveyard provides a space to sit in.

Views

The view north and south of Fairfield Road gives a glimpse of mid 19th century industrial East London, exemplified by the Bryant and May Factory and Bow Garage,

Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines Page 9 of 21 Page 113 Fairfield Road which are set amongst a now predominantly residential townscape of intact terraces at Fairfield Road, cheek by jowel.

Setback behind the main Fairfield Road frontage, as approached from Grove Hall Court, the tree lined pathway unfolds the parklands which face the rear roofscape of the Ridgdale Street terraces.

Summary

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2. Management Guidelines

Overview

This Management Plan has been prepared in consultation with the community, to set out the Borough’s commitment to high quality management of Conservation Areas and their settings. The Development Design and Conservation Team operates within the context of the Development and Renewal Directorate of the Council, alongside Major Projects, Development Control, Strategy and Building Control.

Who is this document for?

Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines Page 11 of 21 Page 115 Fairfield Road historic character, and to help manage sensitive new development and refurbishment where appropriate to successfully preserve and enhance the quality and character of the area.

Outline Guidance on Applications

When planning applications in a Conservation Area are decided, the planning authority will pay special attention to whether the character of the area is preserved or enhanced. The character of Fairfield Road is described in detail in the Appraisal in the first part of this document.

The exact information required will vary with each application, but in general applications must include:

A clear design statement explaining the reasons behind the various architectural, masterplanning or other design decisions. Contextual plans, sections and elevations of existing buildings Drawings, including construction details, produced at larger scale (eg. 1:50 or 1:20) clearly indicating the nature of the work proposed. Additional detail regarding materials and construction.

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Photos of the condition of existing building (including details where appropriate).

More details are available on the Tower Hamlets website. If in any doubt, the Council welcomes and encourages early requests for advice or information.

Policies Relevant to the Conservation Area and how they are Implemented:

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Listed Buildings in the Conservation Area

Ecclesiastical Grade B (II*)

St Mary’s Church

Grade II

Locally Listed Building

5 – 9 Douro Street 7 – 21 Douro Street 33 – 37 Douro Street 3 Menai Place 2 – 50 Blondin Street 51 Fairfield Road 53 – 67 Fairfield Road 2a Fairfield Road

Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines Page 14 of 21 Page 118 Fairfield Road

Highways and Transportation Issues

Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines Page 15 of 21 Page 119 Fairfield Road predominantly residential in character, it should be investigated whether any design strategies can be introduced to meet both residential and commercial parking needs. It is necessary to curtail the amount of on-street carparking, particularly its commercial parking provision in the area, in order to preserve and restore the character of the Fairfield Road Conservation Area.

Opportunities and Potential for Enhancement

More detailed guidance should be produced on the management of small scale refurbishment works to individual flats, in order to protect the original fabric. There are minor improvements that could be made to the existing terraces along Fairfield Road including the re-painting, re-rendering, or cleaning of the individual facades, where the paint is flaking off the walls. While the structures themselves are intact, the terrace at 9–49 Fairfield Road requires some front yard fences to be repaired... The terrace at 2– 22 Fairfield Road requires the reinstatement of railings to the front of the properties, where they are presently missing as this would make a positive contribution to the Grade II listed terrace and the area.

Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines Page 16 of 21 Page 120 Fairfield Road

Trees, Parks and Open Spaces

Equalities:

Valuing diversity is one of the Council’s core values, and we take pride in being one of the most culturally rich and diverse boroughs in the UK. This core value has driven the

Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines Page 17 of 21 Page 121 Fairfield Road preparation of this document and will continue to inform changes to this document in the future. These values will also inform changes to buildings and places where this document provides guidance to ensure inclusivity for all sections of the community.

This Character Appraisal and Management Guidelines will support the Council’s aims:

Please contact us if you feel that this document could do more to promote equality and further the interests of the whole community.

Publicity

The existence of the Conservation Area will be promoted locally to raise awareness of current conservation issues and to invite contributions from the community.

Consideration of Resources Needed to Conserve the Historic Environment:

Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines Page 18 of 21 Page 122 Fairfield Road

In order to meet today’s needs without damaging the historic or architectural value of a building, a degree of flexibility, innovation and creative estate management may be required.

Ongoing Management and Monitoring Change:

The Council recognises the contribution of the local community in managing Conservation Areas, and will welcome proposals to work collaboratively to monitor and manage the area.

Enforcement Strategy:

Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines Page 19 of 21 Page 123 Fairfield Road may undertake essential repairs and recover the cost from the owner. The Council has powers of compulsory purchase, if necessary to protect Listed Buildings.

The Council will enforce conservation law wherever necessary, and will consider the introduction of Article 4 Directions to remove Permitted Development Rights where appropriate.

Further Reading and Contacts

The Buildings of England (London 5: East). Cherry, O’Brien and Pevsner.

For a translation, or large print, audio or braille version of this document, please telephone 0800 376 5454. Also, if you require any further help with this document, please telephone 020 7364 5372.

Also, you may wish to contact the following organizations for further information:

Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines Page 20 of 21 Page 124 Fairfield Road

Listed Buildings at Risk:

At this time we are not aware of any listed buildings at risk in the Conservation Area.

Any other threats to the Conservation Area

This area is one subject to considerable change. New development in and around the Conservation Area must be to an appropriate scale to reflect its character.

Priorities for Action (1-5)

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Page 126 Lansbury

Lansbury

Conservation Area

1. Character Appraisal

2. Management Guidelines

London Borough of Tower Hamlets October 2007

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Introduction

This guide has been prepared for the following purposes:

To comply with the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. Section 69(1) states that a conservation area is “an area of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance” To provide a detailed appraisal of the area’s architectural and historic character. To provide an overview of planning policy and propose management guidelines on how this character should be preserved and enhanced in the context of appropriate ongoing change.

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1. Character Appraisal

Overview

The Lansbury Conservation Area was designated in January 1997. The Conservation Area includes the post-war redevelopment of Poplar, north of East India Dock Road, including the permanent buildings of the 1951 Festival of Britain. The Conservation Area is located to the north side of East India Dock Road, between Stansby Road to the west and Chrisp Street to the east. To the north, it is bounded by Canton Street, Lindfield Street and Cordelia Street. The fundamental principle behind the designation of the Lansbury Conservation Area is to preserve and safeguard the original character and integrity of this exemplary post-war housing.

History

The area of the present day Lansbury Estate was previously known as Poplar Fields. In the early 19th century, when the Enclosed Dock Systems were being built, the area was given over to market gardening and pasture. Although some development began in the 1820s, rapid development took place between the 1840s and 1870s. This included a development of narrow streets between Upper North Street and Bygrove Street which centred around Randall’s Market. This was an attempt to create a shopping district north of East India Dock Road. The market eventually failed after 1870, and Chrisp Street to the east, became the dominant market in the area. By 1860, Poplar was a typical working class district, with roads of terraced houses, narrow streets, little open space and severe overcrowding. The area remained largely unchanged until the 1940s.

During the Second World War, because of its proximity to the docks, almost a quarter of the buildings in the area were destroyed or seriously damaged by bombing and redevelopment was urgently required. Even before the end of the war, detailed plans for the area’s reconstruction were being prepared. These plans were made in the context of increasing concern about living conditions in the crowded city and borrowed many ideas from the Garden City Movement of the late 19th century. A key principle was to move 1.5 million people from the overcrowded city, particularly from its East

Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines Page 4 of 21 Page 130 Lansbury

End to the less crowded New Towns in the surrounding countryside. These ideas were published in the County of London Plan by Patrick Abercrombie in 1943.

Eleven planned neighbourhoods were proposed for the London County Council’s (LCC) Stepney/Poplar Reconstruction Area; Lansbury was neighbourhood number 9. Its name commemorates George Lansbury (1859-1940), the MP for Bow and Bromley for many years, who was known for his tireless campaigning for the working people. The underlying concept was that each neighbourhood was to be self-contained with shops, schools, houses and open spaces all to be provided locally. This neighbourhood would be an old style of community, minus the overcrowding, poor building and the health hazards of the old days.

In 1948, Lansbury was chosen as the site of the ‘Live Architecture’ Exhibition of the 1951 Festival of Britain. The idea was to create a ‘live’ exhibition that used real building projects to display the latest ideas in architecture, town planning and building science, and which would leave behind permanent and useful structures at the end of the festival. The LCC planned to have their neighbourhood development completed in time for the festival and to demonstrate to the public the potential of town planning. When the Lansbury Estate was ready, residents moved in and the market and shops were open for business.

Lansbury was the first comprehensive post-war housing redevelopment in the east end of London. 30 acres of war damaged and derelict property was redeveloped in order to regenerate the area and to create opportunities for new public housing “fit for heroes”. Lansbury was a planning-led project. The plan included a cross section of different types of development, comprising of housing, a shopping centre, a market place, schools, churches, church hall and a small amenity park. The area was designed by a group of well known architects and planners including J.H Forshaw, Frederick Gibberd, Geoffrey Jellicoe and Judith Ledeboer, who were each allocated a particular site or sites. The team of architects were constrained by the overall plan and its requirements for housing typologies. They were asked to use London stock bricks and purple grey slates in order to achieve some kind of unity across the architecture and also because these were the traditional materials used in this part of Poplar. The

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Lansbury Estate remains a notable showcase of the ideas of early post-war development which resulted in the orderly arrangement of community buildings and dwellings. It demonstrates a different trend in post-war council house design and lay out, from that which existed pre-war.

The exhibition opened in May 1951 and was visited by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (Queen Mother), leading planners, architects and some 86,000 members of the public until the end of the exhibition in September.

Character

The Lansbury Conservation Area is characterised by low scale residential architecture and traditional housing, exemplifying the yellow stock brick and slate for the Festival section of the estate and continuing the traditional housing of the East End. It demonstrates a different trend in post-war council house design and lay out, from that which existed pre-war. The houses and flats are grouped into closes and squares of different sizes in Lansbury and are linked with open and landscaped land. This adds to the visual interest and distinct character of Lansbury.

Where the old Lansbury predominantly comprised of terrace houses, the area now accommodates houses and flats. The area has a suburban feel, with pockets of open space and mature landscaping on some streets such as Canton Street. Buildings are set back from the road and the street frontages defined by walls and planting.

The group of residential buildings in the south-west corner of the Conservation Area are particularly important historically. Baring House, Gladstone House, Granville House, Overstone House, Northcote House, Playfair House, Colborne House and Spearman House, as well as the residential buildings along Saracen Street, were among the first post-war buildings to be built. They are characterised by the orthogonal composition of buildings set within and around green spaces and by the mature landscaping. They form a large, intact example of town planning from the early 1950s.

Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines Page 6 of 21 Page 132 Lansbury

Lansbury was the subject of planning concepts, architectural design and changing trends in housing policy and as consequence of the prolonged construction and completion of the Estate has a mixed character unified by its scale, materials, and planning history.

The area includes several statutory listed landmarks which contrast to the restraint of the majority of the residential buildings. At the junction of Upper North Street, Canton Street and Grundy Street, is the Grade II listed Roman Catholic Church of St Mary and St Joseph, by Adrian Gilbert Scott, 1951-4. It was built as part of the ‘Live Architecture’ exhibition of the Festival of Britain. The church is brick constructed with concrete vaulting and moulded brick banding at each of the three main levels. As one of the very first Roman Catholic churches designed after the Second World War, it is remarkable for its plan-form which was designed to allow the congregation to be close to the altar. Regarded as old fashioned when it was built, the church can now be appreciated for the handsome quality of its workmanship, materials and design. Its massing is among the most ambitious and satisfying of any post-war church, and it is now recognized as Scott’s finest church design.

The Grade II listed Trinity Methodist Church on East India Dock Road was also part of the ‘Live Architecture’ exhibition and designed by Cecil Handisyde and D Rogers Stark, 1950-51. It is an example of an English non-conformist Church in a Modern idiom. The concept of the church entailed meeting rooms and recreational facilities as well as a worship space. Restored in 1975-6 by Edward Mills, the church exposes a reinforced concrete frame and is of yellow brick, pre-cast concrete panels and copper sheet cladding. It was widely published and became a model for subsequent churches of many denominations.

Around Chrisp Street, the 19 storey Fitzgerald House dominates the skyline although its architecture is not as memorable as the nearby Clock Tower, which is now an essential part of the architectural identity of modern Lansbury. The red brick Clock Tower originally dominated Market Square, enclosing the view from the principal road originally leading into the Square. In addition to its function as a clock, it was designed to serve as a viewing point over the surrounding neighbourhood. The tower is

Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines Page 7 of 21 Page 133 Lansbury essentially two interlocking reinforced concrete staircases above which the clock and its mechanisms are mounted. The scissor-like form of the staircase is expressed externally, intersecting and creating a series of diamond shaped windows open for view, with the landings designed as a series of balconies. The stairs only meet at the top and the bottom, enabling one to be used for going up and the other for coming down, with the public passing each other in opposite directions.

The market place was designed as a formal open space with shops and a library, now central to the whole of Poplar. The open market square accommodates temporary stalls and is pedestriansed. The Chrisp Street market is surrounded by ground floor shops with two storey residences above overlooking the market square.

The idea of the neighbourhood unit with housing and local facilities such as schools, churches, a market place is still very much in evidence today and the strong community in the area gives it an important identity all of its own.

Land Use

The Lansbury Conservation Area is a mixture of residential and community uses. A variety of housing types are supported by two Grade II listed churches, and a variety of smaller scale institutional, educational and office buildings, such as the Grade II government offices on East India Dock Road. The eastern end of the Conservation Area contains the retail element of the Conservation Area around the Chrisp Street market, with housing and offices circling the main market square. There are several schools within the Conservation Area, namely the Mayflower Primary School, Bygrove Primary School and the Grade II listed Susan Lawrence Primary School, all of which are set in ample grounds.

Scale

The residential buildings are predominantly low-rise in scale and range between 2 to 4 storeys throughout the Lansbury Conservation Area. The occasional higher flats exist to the west of the Conservation Area, but generally do not rise above 6 storeys, as

Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines Page 8 of 21 Page 134 Lansbury restricted by the LCC at the initial stages of planning Lansbury. Yet, the first post- Festival developments at Lansbury, built in the mid-late 1950s are high-rise mixed developments, with a prevalence of 11 storey blocks and 4 storey maisonettes.

Open Spaces

The most notable open space in Lansbury is the Market Square in the Chrisp Street shopping precinct. This is a large space, approximately 70m x 60m, and is defined on three sides by shops with maisonettes above. The distinctive Clock Tower is one of the most recognisable features of Lansbury. Although not the first of its kind, it is an important prototype for similar shopping precincts built throughout the country.

The Lansbury Conservation Area does not include any formal squares of the kind found in many other historic areas, but the modern housing is characterized by the principle of organizing dwellings around small neighbourhood green spaces. This can be clearly seen in the earliest buildings at the western end of the Conservation Area. There are pockets of green spaces between Gladstone, Grenville and Overstone Houses, between Hopkins and Russell Houses and between Playfair, Northcote, Colborne and Spearman Houses. In later phases, as at Elizabeth Close and Chilcot Close, houses are also grouped around a small area of green space. This grouping around small green spaces is an important element of the character of the community.

Views

The area is characterised by many distinctive views. The straight lines of East India Dock Road create long views to the west and east, including the composition of early 1950s residential buildings on the north side of the road, from Baring House to Trinity Church. The St Mary and St Joseph Roman Catholic Church is also highly visible from the local streetscene, particularly through Upper North Street, Canton Street and Grundy Street. Its stepped profile dominates the local townscape while its short spire is visible on the skyline. Panoramic views also exist in the area, with the towers of Canary Wharf providing a backdrop to the smaller scale of Poplar. This highlights the

Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines Page 9 of 21 Page 135 Lansbury distinction between the low-rise character of the Lansbury Conservation Area and its developing metropolitan surrounds.

Summary

This is an area of particular special architectural and historic interest. It is characterised by its rich history, social importance and significant architecture dating from the mid 20th century. The character and appearance of the area, together with the philosophy behind its development as described in this appraisal, define its special qualities. There are minor improvements that could be made to buildings in the Conservation Area, but overall this has little impact on the qualities that led to its designation.

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2. Management Guidelines

Overview

This Management Plan has been prepared in consultation with the community, to set out the Borough’s commitment to high quality management of Conservation Areas and their settings. The Development Design and Conservation Team operates within the context of the Development and Renewal Directorate of the Council, alongside Major Projects, Development Control, Strategy and Building Control.

Who is this document for?

Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines Page 11 of 21 Page 137 Lansbury

Outline Guidance on Applications

When planning applications in a Conservation Area are decided, the planning authority will pay special attention to whether the character of the area is preserved or enhanced. The character of Lansbury is described in detail in the Appraisal in the first part of this document.

In Lansbury, as in other Conservation Areas, planning controls are more extensive than normal. Consent is required to demolish any building, and a higher standard of detail and information is required for any application. Certain addresses within the Lansbury Conservation Area are all subject to an Article 4 Direction restricting permitted development rights. When applying for listed building consent, please note that all parts of the building, including its interior walls, ceilings and all other internal features, are protected. Some buildings are nationally (statutorily) listed, and some are locally listed by the Borough to indicate buildings that the Borough wishes to protect.

The exact information required will vary with each application, but in general applications must include:

A clear design statement explaining the reasons behind the various architectural, masterplanning or other design decisions. Contextual plans, sections and elevations of existing buildings

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More details are available on the Tower Hamlets website. If in any doubt, the Council welcomes and encourages early requests for advice or information.

Policies Relevant to the Conservation Area and how they are Implemented:

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Listed Buildings in the Conservation Area

Grade II 14 – 26 Upper North Street Church of St Mary and St Joseph, Upper North Street Trinity Methodist Church, East India Dock Road Department of Health and Social Security, 133 East India Dock Road Gate and End Piers to 133 East India Dock Road 153 East India Dock Road Susan Lawrence and Elizabeth Lansbury School, Cordelia Street

Locally Listed Building George Green’s School, East India Dock Road

Highways and Transportation Issues

The quality of the streetscape, the surface materials, street furniture and other features can all be integral parts of the character of Conservation Areas. Any work carried out should respect this historic character. Anyone involved in development which impacts on public spaces should refer to the Manual for Streets, the Council’s Street Design Guide, TfL’s own Streetscape Guidance and English Heritage’s ‘Streets for All’ document. The ongoing cost of maintenance should also be considered carefully.

East India Dock Road is the major traffic route along the southern edge of this Conservation Area. Despite its more residential surrounds, Upper North Street which cuts through the Conservation Area from north to south, suffers from heavy, speeding traffic.

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Opportunities and Potential for Enhancement

There is potential for redevelopment to the north-western part of the Lansbury Conservation Area, namely The Blessed John Roche Catholic School site and its immediate surrounds. A high quality, sensitive new building could restore a sense of pride to the junction at Canton Street, Upper North Street and Grundy Street, opposite to the St Mary and St Joseph Roman Catholic Church. The site’s current unkept condition is unsatisfactory. An appropriate development which is consistent and respectful to the historic character of the area is desirable. Across the road at 14-26 Upper North Street, this early 19th century, stock brick terrace at 3 storeys requires immediate attention and renovation to restore the group of Grade II listed buildings to its original quality.

The renovation and reuse of the Trinity Methodist Church is also sought. After previous pre-application meetings, the Council is still awaiting a viable planning application for the potential reuse of the church building,

Throughout the Lansbury Estate, street lighting could be replaced with higher quality and more regular lighting. Missing street signage should also be replaced.

East India Dock Road is a major traffic arterial, with traffic permeating north through Chrisp Street and Upper North Street and through the local residential streets. Despite road markings, further measures to calm the traffic are required. For example, the introduction of speed humps at regular intervals, particularly along the northern section of Upper North Street to minimise the speeding traffic. Road markings and other highway infrastructure needs to be reapplied in a more sensitive and subtle way to significantly enhance the setting of the Lansbury Conservation Area. Currently the oversized road markings on Annabel Close, marking a speed limit of 20km do not deter over zealous drivers. Such a reduction of speeding traffic is imperative and should be enforced, particularly around the local primary schools.

Design strategies to meet residential and commercial parking needs should be investigated. It is necessary to curtail the amount of on-street carparking, particularly the off-spill of Chrisp Street patrons requiring parking, along the perpendicular Ricardo

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Street. Cars parked on both sides of Ricardo Street have narrowed the road width for moving vehicular traffic. Options to reduce the traffic and to relocate commercial parking should be sought, in order to preserve and restore the character of the Lansbury Conservation Area.

Tower Hamlets Council is a significant property owner within the Conservation Area and can therefore do much to preserve and enhance the areas special character. It will be important to ensure that Council proposals take on board the special character of this conservation area which was at the forefront of Planning in the 1950s.

Trees, Parks and Open Spaces

Mature tree planting lines the residential streets to the western part of the Conservation Area, on streets such as Canton Street and Pekin Street. Lush planting also greets East India Dock Road in front of the Grade II listed government offices at 133 East India Dock Road. Apart from the open space quadrangle adjacent to Trinity Church, the communal amenity space in between the flats of Hopkins House and Granvile House and the little pockets of open spaces such as Elizabeth Close and Chilcot Close, the Lansbury Conservation Area is very significantly hard landscaped, despite the original intention. The quality of execution of this development in time for the Festival, showed that the country had not fully recovered from the Second World War, The opportunities for resolved open spaces must be explored to provide soft landscaping at paved areas between buildings. The recreational spaces including the basketball courts and school play areas display stark expanses of concrete areas.

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Equalities:

This Character Appraisal and Management Guidelines will support the Council’s aims:

Publicity

The existence of the Conservation Area will be promoted locally to raise awareness of current conservation issues and to invite contributions from the community.

Consideration of Resources Needed to Conserve the Historic Environment:

Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines Page 17 of 21 Page 143 Lansbury noted that economic reasons alone will not in themselves justify the demolition or alteration of a building in a Conservation Area. The Council will consider grant aid to historic buildings and places.

In order to meet today’s needs without damaging the historic or architectural value of a building, a degree of flexibility, innovation and creative estate management may be required.

Ongoing Management and Monitoring Change:

The Council recognises the contribution of the local community in managing Conservation Areas, and will welcome proposals to work collaboratively to monitor and manage the area.

Enforcement Strategy:

Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines Page 18 of 21 Page 144 Lansbury illegal. It is therefore essential to obtain Conservation Area or Listed Building Consent before works begin.

The Council will enforce conservation law wherever necessary, and will consider the extension of existing Article 4 Directions to remove Permitted Development Rights where appropriate.

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Further Reading and Contacts

The Survey of London, volume 43: Poplar, Blackwall and the Isle of Dogs. The Buildings of England (London 5: East). Cherry, O’Brien and Pevsner.

For a translation, or large print, audio or braille version of this document, please telephone 0800 376 5454. Also, if you require any further help with this document, please telephone 020 7364 5372.

Also, you may wish to contact the following organizations for further information:

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Listed Buildings at Risk:

Trinity Methodist Church and attached hall and community rooms East India Dock Road, Poplar E14 Priority: D(D) Designation: Listed Grade II Condition: Poor Ownership: Religious Organisation Summary: Former Congregational church and hall complex, part of the ‘live’ architectural exhibition of the 1951 Festival of Britain, now used as a Methodist Church. The exposed concrete frame and external fabric generally need repair. Recently sold and negotiations on restoration are proceeding. Proposed Actions to Secure: Secure programme of external repairs.

Any other threats to the Conservation Area

The inappropriate redevelopment of the Blessed John Roche School could be detrimental to the character of the Conservation Area.

Permitted development rights threaten some areas of 1950s architecture allowing unsympathetic alterations to the fabric of the buildings.

Priorities for Action (1-5)

1. Preparation of a Conservation Brief for the Blessed John Roche School. 2. Pursue the sympathetic restoration of 14-26 Upper North Street. 3. Instigate a study of traffic issues within the area. 4. Prepare proposals for upgrading public spaces. 5. Implement HERITAGE Management Agreement with Major Landowners.

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Page 148 Medway

Medway

Conservation Area

1. Character Appraisal

2. Management Guidelines

London Borough of Tower Hamlets October 2007

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Introduction

This guide has been prepared for the following purposes:

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1. Character Appraisal

Overview

The Medway Conservation Area was designated in September 1989. The Conservation Area is bounded by Cherrywood Close and the railway line to the south, Strahan and Medway Roads to the west, Roman Road to the north and St Stephen’s Road to the east. Whilst there is only one locally listed building within the area, the Conservation Area was essentially designated to protect the overall character of the Victorian Bow terraces, which are of collective townscape merit.

History

Until the mid 19th century, most of Bow was essentially rural, with the exception of late Georgian ribbon development on the main roads out of town. Cross’s New Plan of London of 1847, reveals that the area once consisted of fields, lying east of Grove Road and south of Roman Road, which was a meandering trackway for much of its length. This all changed when the city expanded in size around the 1860s.

This area lies within what was then known as Mile End Old Town. Evidence of this remains today, in the boundary plaques, such as the one situated on the upper floor of no. 422 Roman Road. Most of this land was owned by one of the largest landowners in the area, the Morgan family of Tredegar, in Monmouthshire. As landowners of the area directly south of Mile End Old Town, they had some 40 years before, begun development of the area around Tredegar Square, during a previous but less explosive building boom.

Leases were purchased by local builders, and the lands north of the Eastern Counties Railway Line were rapidly developed from the 1860s onwards, to coincide with the Great Eastern Railway station opening at Coborn Road (closed 1948). One such developer was Thomas Antill Palmer, of Trinity Terrace on Tredegar Road, and his partner William John Wade, of 33 Lichfield Road. In 1865, they bought various leases and went on to develop Antill Road.

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The area was rapidly developed for artisans, small manufacturers and shopkeepers, for whom the norm was to work from home. Much of this traditional housing survives.

The area contains some pockets of newer development. This is partly as a result of war damage and partly because the perception of the Victorian terraced house during the 1950s and 1960s was that it was old fashioned, and unhealthy with few modern facilities. New estates, such as the Lanfrance Estate replaced the Victorian Terraces,

Character

The Medway Conservation Area is characterised by the homogenous layout of small scale streets, containing rows of terraces. These terraces vary in their ornamental detail. The types of doors, windows, decorative plasterwork and front boundary treatment differ, give each street a different quality. The late 19th century houses are essentially two storeys high with the typical embellishments of the period, including bay windows and plenty of painted stucco decoration. To the front, there is a parapet extending the length of the terrace and concealing a series of uniform London roofs. The houses were not of the smallest size, as housing in the area was for the artisan class. These were a change from the plain brick, flat fronted terraces of 20 years earlier. The more ornately decorated houses in Arbery and Strahan Roads were among the later arrivals on the street scene.

As part of the post-war reconstruction of the area, the rigid pattern of street was broken up at Selwyn Road north, in order to create an informal centre around Selwyn Green. Saxon Hall is locally listed and situated adjacent to Selwyn Green, fronting Saxon Road. It is 19th century “Tudorbethan” in style and is constructed from a range of red brick. It is characterised by contrasting stone dressed and mullioned windows. The two halls are supplemented by an attached house. The entrance hall and rear storeroom/ office were built of a piece, around 1894. North of Saxon Hall, slightly older properties and a mixture of mid 19th century cottages exist along Norman Grove. In contrast, the northern boundary of the Conservation Area is defined by the lively street market along Roman Road, and the streetscape of small retail shops. The mixed uses are housed in varying forms between 2-3 storeys, with ground floor

Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines Page 5 of 17 Page 153 Medway shopfronts providing a colourful backdrop to the vibrant market scene, and carefully defining the domestic street scale behind.

Land Use

The land use character of the Medway Conservation Area is predominantly residential, with the largest part of the Conservation Area made up of terraced houses from the 1870s. Other land uses include retail premises on the ground floor along the Roman Road frontage, with residential flats above. Although principally residential, the area historically included a number of small businesses operating either from home or within small industrial buildings, such as those between Medway and Lyal Roads. The area also supported a number of local shops along Medway Road.

Scale

Roman Road is flanked by buildings generally of 2 storeys, with a taller 3 storey scale at corner sites. Beyond the Roman Road frontage, the existing building scale is predominantly low, with terrace housing along the residential streets at 2-3 storeys in scale. The height is defined by the parapet line.

Open Spaces

The Medway Conservation Area contains the small pocket of public open space at Selwyn Green. This is supplemented by private gardens set to the rear of the properties. The area is surrounded by the substantial open space of Mile End Park to its west, across Grove Road. .

Views

Long views exist along street axes, including views through Roman Road. The clear definition of streets and the character of the 19th century terraces create many high quality views. Within the residential streets of Strahan, Antill, Medway and Lyal Roads, each terrace contributes to the repetitive and rhythmic character of the streetscape. Views through Stanfield Road reveal a short row of ground floor shopfronts on this

Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines Page 6 of 17 Page 154 Medway section of Medway Road. These shopfronts have slate finished roofs and their upper level residential floors are setback from the building frontage.

Summary

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2. Management Guidelines

Overview

This Management Plan has been prepared in consultation with the community, to set out the Borough’s commitment to high quality management of Conservation Areas and their settings. The Development Design and Conservation Team operates within the context of the Development and Renewal Directorate of the Council, alongside Major Projects, Development Control, Strategy and Building Control.

Who is this document for?

Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines Page 8 of 17 Page 156 Medway historic character, and to help manage sensitive new development and refurbishment where appropriate to successfully preserve and enhance the quality and character of the area.

Outline Guidance on Applications

Before carrying out any work in this area, you will need to apply for consent even for minor work such as replacing railings. These consents include planning, listed building and Conservation Area Consent, as well as others for work such as felling trees.

When planning applications in a Conservation Area are decided, the planning authority will pay special attention to whether the character of the area is preserved or enhanced. The character of Medway is described in detail in the Appraisal in the first part of this document.

In Medway, as in other Conservation Areas, planning controls are more extensive than normal. Consent is required to demolish any building, and a higher standard of detail and information is required for any application. When applying for listed building consent, please note that all parts of the building, including its interior walls, ceilings and all other internal features, are protected. Some buildings are nationally (statutorily) listed, and some are locally listed by the Borough to indicate buildings that the Borough wishes to protect.

The exact information required will vary with each application, but in general applications must include:

A clear design statement explaining the reasons behind the various architectural, masterplanning or other design decisions. Contextual plans, sections and elevations of existing buildings Drawings, including construction details, produced at larger scale (eg. 1:50 or 1:20) clearly indicating the nature of the work proposed. Additional detail regarding materials and construction.

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Photos of the condition of existing building (including details where appropriate).

More details are available on the Tower Hamlets website. If in any doubt, the Council welcomes and encourages early requests for advice or information.

Policies Relevant to the Conservation Area and how they are Implemented:

Listed Buildings in the Conservation Area

There are no statutorily listed buildings in the Medway Conservation Area.

Locally Listed Building

Saxon Hall, 10 Saxon Road

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Highways and Transportation Issues

Due to the evolved nature of the area which is predominantly residential in character, it should be investigated whether any design strategies can be introduced to meet both residential and commercial parking needs. It is necessary to curtail the amount of on-street carparking, particularly the off-spill of Roman Road activity, along the surrounding residential streets. Cars parked on both sides of the local streetscapes have narrowed the road widths for moving vehicular traffic. Options to reduce the traffic and to relocate commercial parking should be sought, in order to preserve and restore the residential character of the Medway Conservation Area.

Despite road markings and raised traffic islands/ kerbs, further measures to calm the traffic are required, through the introduction of speed humps at regular intervals. These are necessary along the longer roadways in the area, such as east-west running Antill Road and the north-south running Medway and Lyal Roads, to minimise the speeding traffic. Currently the oversized road markings on Medway Road and Antill Road, indicating a 20km speed limit, do not act as a deterrent for over zealous drivers. Road markings and other highway infrastructure needs to be reapplied in a more sensitive and subtle way to significantly enhance the setting of the Medway Conservation Area.

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Opportunities and Potential for Enhancement

Much of the terracing remains little altered, but those of which that have been unsympathetically altered, are embellished with the application of pebble dash and stone cladding. Terraces such as these are designed to be uniform and regular in appearance, relying on the repetition of simple elements and a consistency of materials and details for the overall effect. The complete pebble-dashing of a façade completely destroys the careful balance and continuity of the terrace façade. The result has created discord and fragmentation to the entire elevation of the terrace, to the detriment of the character of the Conservation Area. Measures must be made to ensure that further damage to the façade brickwork is avoided and to ensure that further application of pebble-dashing is discouraged. Although pebble dashing and stone cladding may seem quick solutions to maintenance and structural problems, they can actually create new problems, disguising what could later emerge to be major building defects. These are all irreversible steps. By hiding original details, such as window arches and string courses, a house can be completely altered, losing its traditional appearance.

There are gaps in the rows of terrace housing, particularly at the eastern half of the Medway Conservation Area. Gap sites resulting from rows of terraces set perpendicular against each other, expose some inappropriate rear extensions, such as along Medway Road. The houses within the Conservation Area are characteristically small and two storeys in scale, which traditionally may have had single storey, one room extensions. However, some terraces have suffered badly from inappropriate design, large or even multiple extensions, which are highly visible along the streetscape.

. It is the cohesive Victorian character of the area, rather than individual buildings which the Conservation Area seeks to preserve and enhance, however, each building contributes to the special character and appearance of the Conservation Area and the inappropriate treatment or alteration of a building can harm this character.

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Trees, Parks and Open Spaces

There are no major parks or open spaces in the Medway Conservation Area, although there is a small pocket park, Selwyn Green, adjacent to Saxon Hall.

Equalities:

This Character Appraisal and Management Guidelines will support the Council’s aims:

Please contact us if you feel that this document could do more to promote equality and further the interests of the whole community.

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Publicity

The existence of the Conservation Area will be promoted locally to raise awareness of current conservation issues and to invite contributions from the community.

Consideration of Resources Needed to Conserve the Historic Environment:

In order to meet today’s needs without damaging the historic or architectural value of a building, a degree of flexibility, innovation and creative estate management may be required.

Ongoing Management and Monitoring Change:

The Council recognises the contribution of the local community in managing Conservation Areas, and will welcome proposals to work collaboratively to monitor and manage the area.

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Enforcement Strategy:

The Council will enforce conservation law wherever necessary, and will consider the introduction of Article 4 Directions to remove Permitted Development Rights where appropriate.

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Further Reading and Contacts

The Buildings of England (London 5: East). Cherry, O’Brien and Pevsner.

For a translation, or large print, audio or braille version of this document, please telephone 0800 376 5454. Also, if you require any further help with this document, please telephone 020 7364 5372.

Also, you may wish to contact the following organizations for further information:-

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Listed Buildings at Risk:

There are no listed buildings at risk in the Conservation Area.

Any other threats to the Conservation Area

x Unsympathetic alterations to properties within the conservation area as a result of permitted development rights, for example the introduction of pebble dashing, removal of cornices, the introduction of uPvc windows. x This is an established family area where the subdivision of houses to create flats or HMO’s should be resisted. x Inappropriate planting and care of trees is threatening the st

Priorities for Action (1-5)

1. Examine opportunities for the extension of houses as part of LDF process 2. Establish Bow Conservation Areas Advisory Group with residents 3. Produce a detailed design guide for the Conservation Area. 4. Assist with preparation of proposals for improvements to Roman Road 5. Rationalise street signage and clutter.

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Page 166 St Anne’s Church

St Anne’s Church

Conservation Area

1. Character Appraisal

2. Management Guidelines

London Borough of Tower Hamlets October 2007

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Introduction

This guide has been prepared for the following purposes:

Many significant sites within the St Anne’s Church Conservation Area are currently undertaking redevelopment which will fundamentally alter the character of this part of London, in respect to the setting of St Anne’s Church and churchyard.

Because of this significant ongoing change, this document will be revised once construction has settled, and the new character of the Limehouse area has established itself.

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1. Character Appraisal

Overview

The St Anne’s Church Conservation Area was designated in July 1969. The Conservation Area is bounded by Commercial Road to the north and the Docklands Light Railway line (once the old London and Blackwall Railway viaduct) to the south, with the Limehouse Cut and Three Colt Street running north-south through the Conservation Area. The area contains Grade II listed buildings such as the Limehouse Town Hall and Library and features Nicholas Hawkmoor’s St Anne’s Church, Limehouse (Ecclesiastical Grade A listed). The purpose of the designation was to safeguard the visual setting of St Anne’s Church, which provides a focal point and visual marker in Limehouse.

History

In 1711, the Act of Parliament in England set up an organisation, the “Commission for Building Fifty New Churches” in and around London. Whilst this target was not achieved, twelve churches were built through the 1711 Act of Parliament for the rapidly growing city of London. Three of these churches within the borough, namely St Anne’s Church Limehouse, St George-in-the-East and Christ Church Spitalfields were designed by British architect, Nicolas Hawksmoor (1661 – 1736).

Credited as one of Hawkmoor’s 6 great East London churches, St Anne’s Church in Limehouse is Ecclesiastical Grade I listed. The foundations of St Anne’s Church were laid out in open fields in 1712, the church laying central to the churchyard. When Commercial Road was built, it sliced off the north corner of the churchyard. Its western tower is visually dominant in the local scene and from the River Thames and became a landmark for every ship entering the Pool of London. The church expresses a Doric order, limited in adornment but consistent in its angularity. St Anne’s Church is stone- faced on all facades with tall arched windows. The steeple was built in 1718-1719, with the church furnished between 1723-5, but only consecrated in 1730. The church was gutted by fire on Good Friday, 1850 and was later restored by Philip Hardwick in 1851-1854. It was restored by Julian Harrap in 1983-1993, when tubular steel trusses

Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines Page 4 of 21 Page 170 St Anne’s Church were added to support the roof. The historic St Anne’s churchyard contains mature trees, the Grade II listed war memorial and a number of graves.

In 1802–4, Commercial Road was laid out through open fields as a quick and direct route between the City of London and the new East and West India Docks. This junction was constructed in order to bring together three new main thoroughfares of the East End; namely East India Dock Road, West India Dock Road and Commercial Road. Such main roads linked the Docks, to allow for the transport of goods from the ships into the City. When the roads were built, Stepney and Limehouse were still small villages and some distance away from London.

Limehouse became part of the industrial East End. In 1769-70, the River Lea navigation system was reconstructed as a canal to shorten some water journeys. The Limehouse Cut was opened in 1770 to provide a short cut for grain and malt barges, from the River Lea at Bromley by Bow to the River Thames at Limehouse. The Regent’s Canal and Dock (now Limehouse Basin) was completed in 1820 and provided a navigable route to the Grand Union Canal. Between 1853 and 1864, this end of the Limehouse Cut was temporarily diverted through the Regent’s Canal Dock, avoiding the need to navigate around the Isle of Dogs.

To coincide with the development of the docks and freedom of trade, the 1830s saw the arrival of railways in the area. The London & Blackwall Railway opened from the City and Blackwall in 1840 and was extended to Bow in 1845–49 and the Isle of Dogs in 1865–72. This link to the main line was strengthened in 1880 with the Limehouse Curve between the main London and Blackwall line and its extension to Bow, crossing Commercial Road via the wrought-iron lattice girder bridge. Although the establishment of the canals, Commercial Road and the railway between London and its docklands stimulated industry in the area, the amenity of the hamlet was largely destroyed in the process. With the development of Docklands there was growing amounts of traffic on the Commercial Road. In order to relieve the pressure of traffic on Commercial Road, the Limehouse Link was created and was hidden within a tunnel beneath the Limehouse Basin. This has led to the Limehouse precinct being developed as a desirable riverside address. The Grade II listed Viaduct of the London

Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines Page 5 of 21 Page 171 St Anne’s Church and Blackwall railway lies parallel with the south side of Commercial Road and crosses the Limehouse Basin. It was refurbished in 1984-7 for the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) line.

Character

The prevailing character of the St Anne’s Church Conservation Area is defined by the mixed uses of principal public buildings of Limehouse amongst a more recent residential townscape. There remains an acknowledgement of the maritime history and strong industrial character with the DLR line and old viaduct and the Limehouse Cut dividing the area, creating pockets of land surrounding the centralised St Anne’s churchyard.

St Anne’s Church has formed a landmark in this part of the Borough since its construction. Its prominence has been secured by a significant group of listed buildings and the respectful low scale and urban character of the historic development which surrounds the church. To the west of the church, the Grade II listed Town Hall and former British Sailors Society (at Nelson’s Wharf) on either side of Newell Street, reiterates the district’s once civil importance. The Limehouse Town Hall was constructed in 1879 and is of white brick with white stone dressings and rusticated quoins to ground floor with a pediment over its central entrance. In the 1920s, the hall housed the Local Rates Office and Infant Welfare Centre. It endured severe blast damage during the Second World War and remained closed for a number of years. The Town Hall was then restored and used as Council Offices until the 1970s when it became the National Museum of Labour History, mostly displaying exhibits on Dock Labour History. Currently, the Limehouse Town Hall houses a community of artists.

Further to the west along Commercial Road and Wharf Lane stands the 1900 built Limehouse District Library, originally the Passmore Edwards Library. Grade II listed, the library was constructed of white stone and yellow brick, with its ground floor of rusticated white stone. The library is 2 storeys tall plus basement and attic. In the 1970s, the Limehouse Library became the home for the Borough’s non-fiction collection. The library is currently closed and awaits future development. On the

Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines Page 6 of 21 Page 172 St Anne’s Church opposite side of Norway Place is the notable Our Lady Immaculate Catholic Church Limehouse (consecrated in 1945) which completes this grouping of significant public buildings.

The row of Grade II listed and non listed terraces at 789-821 Commercial Road are typically commercial on ground floor with residential units on upper levels. The row of terraces follows the curved alignment of Commercial Road, expressing varying facades and a staggered streetscape frontage. No. 803 Commercial Road is angled, irregular to the remaining streetscape and instead exposes a flank wall to the main road. The Grade II listed terraces at 815–21 Commercial Road are early 19th century with first floor windows set within recessed arches. This is juxtaposed with the small 2 storey building at 811 Commercial Road, which is also Grade II listed.

The Limehouse Cut, Grade II Listed Viaduct and Accumulator Tower contribute to the special character of this conservation area and have been successfully preserved. They illustrate the areas industrial past and offer a unique environment with the vibrant urban context of Limehouse today.

Land Use

The land use character of the area is mixed, comprising public buildings such as St Anne’s Church and Limehouse Town Hall, amongst a predominantly residential land use. Commercial uses are found at ground level along Commercial Road. South of Commercial Road and set within the Conservation Area, recent proposals for development demonstrate the changing land use in the area, from historically commercial and public uses to residential use, taking advantage of the views and amenity of the evolving residential status in Limehouse.

Scale

The buildings in the St Anne’s Conservation Area provide an appropriately low-rise context for the tower that rises above the St Anne’s Church. The western approach to the church is along St Anne’s passage, a narrow cobbled lane leading straight to the

Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines Page 7 of 21 Page 173 St Anne’s Church main entrance stairs of the church. This is the most spectacular approach to St Anne’s, with the huge scale of the church standing in sharp contrast to the modest 18th century 2-3 scale of the approach lane. The Limehouse Rectory at 5 Newell Street and terraces between nos. 11–23 Newell Street are 2-3 storeys with basements reinforcing the low scale surrounds in respect to the church grounds. The Limehouse Town Hall is also 2 storeys in scale with a frontage to Newell Street and presence on Commercial Road in grouping with the church. To the east of the church is the block bounded by Three Colt Street and Gill Street. This block is currently under development, but the Grade II listed Limehouse Church Institute (2 storeys) and Public House (3 storeys) on Three Colt Street remain visible from the St Anne’s churchyard. The mixed use terraces at 789–819 Commercial Road are varying in scale between 2- 3 storeys. Ensuring an appropriate scale is vital to protect the setting of St Anne’s Church.

Open Spaces

The historic churchyard of St Anne’s is currently used as a public garden. The Christian burial ground has headstones and tombs scattered through the open space, including the notable pyramidal tomb and Grade II listed war memorial, featuring the 1914–18 bronze figure of Christ in blessing. The churchyard’s boundary wall is Grade II listed as are the original gate, piers and railings. The wealth of mature trees separates the churchyard from the heavily trafficked Commercial Road to its north and the DLR line to its south, protecting the serenity of the church.

In combination with St Anne’s churchyard, the Conservation Area also contains the former rectory garden on the western side of the canal. This garden is shielded from Commercial Road behind a Grade II listed, 18th century or early 19th century stock brick wall. The garden faces the canal but is otherwise enclosed and somewhat concealed from the Commercial Road thoroughfare. The two public gardens in St Anne’s churchyard and the former rectory garden combined with the Limehouse Cut running between them, provide a centralised group of open space elements.

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Views

Hawkmoor’s St Anne’s Church is the most significant built landmark and historic focal point in Limehouse. Its prominent tower projects above the tree canopy of the churchyard and is visible from a considerable distance and was designed to be visible by ships in the local docks and from the Thames. The church is viewed across the open space of the churchyard, with low scale residential streets enclosing the local church and gardens. St Anne’s Church tower can be seen above the roofline of the Town Hall and provides a backdrop to many long views in the precinct. The church also terminates Newell Street. King’s Wharf between Newell Street and the Cut has recently been landscaped by the London Docklands Development Corporation (LDDC), providing a route to the canal and unveils views to recent riverside development. Ensuring an appropriate scale for developments within and adjacent to the Conservation Area will be critical to protect the prominence of St Annes Church in views across and within the Conservation Area.

Summary

This is an area of particular special architectural and historic interest, illustrated by its rich history and significant architecture dating from the 18th century. The character and appearance of the area, as described in this appraisal, define its special qualities. There are minor improvements that could be made to buildings in the Conservation Area, but overall this has little impact on the qualities that led to its designation.

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2. Management Guidelines

Overview

Who is this document for?

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Outline Guidance on Applications

When planning applications in a Conservation Area are decided, the planning authority will pay special attention to whether the character of the area is preserved or enhanced. The character of St Anne’s Church is described in detail in the Appraisal in the first part of this document.

In St Anne’s Church, as in other Conservation Areas, planning controls are more extensive than normal. Consent is required to demolish any building, and a higher standard of detail and information is required for any application. When applying for listed building consent, please note that all parts of the building, including its interior walls, ceilings and all other internal features, are protected. Some buildings are nationally (statutorily) listed, and some are locally listed by the Borough to indicate buildings that the Borough wishes to protect.

The exact information required will vary with each application, but in general applications must include:

A clear design statement explaining the reasons behind the various architectural, masterplanning or other design decisions. Contextual plans, sections and elevations of existing buildings

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More details are available on the Tower Hamlets website. If in any doubt, the Council welcomes and encourages early requests for advice or information.

Policies Relevant to the Conservation Area and how they are Implemented:

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Listed Buildings in the Conservation Area

Ecclesiastical Grade A (I)

St Anne’s Church, Limehouse

Grade II

St Anne’s churchyard Walls, Railings, Gates and Gate Piers St Anne’s churchyard War Memorial Garden Wall to former St Anne’s Rectory Limehouse Town Hall, 646 Commercial Road Limehouse District Library Gate, Piers and Iron Railings at Limehouse District Library 795 Commercial Road 797 Commercial Road 799 Commercial Road 801 Commercial Road 803 Commercial Road 805 Commercial Road 3 Lamp Standards on pavement in front of no. 805 Commercial Road 811 Commercial Road 815 and 817 Commercial Road 819 and 821 Commercial Road 777-785 Commercial Road 31 Three Colt Street 2 Newell Street 4 Newell Street 11-23 Newell Street Former Railway Lookout Tower, Mill Place Railway Viaduct to north of Regents Canal Dock between and including Branch Road Bridge and Limehouse Cut up to Three Colt Street Section of the Limehouse Curve Bridge, railway bridge at the junction with Lowell Street

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Highways and Transportation Issues

Within this part of Limehouse, Commercial Road is the main and busiest carriageway through the area and in fact the Borough. Options could be investigated for calming the speed of this road in deference to the historic importance of the church, and for improving the quality of the street environment.

Within the churchyard and the rest of the Conservation Area, the quality of the public realm, the surface materials, street furniture and other features are all integral parts of the character of the Conservation Area. Any work carried out should respect this historic character. Anyone involved in development which impacts on public spaces should refer to the Council’s Street Design Guide, TfL’s own Streetscape Guidance and English Heritage’s ‘Streets for All’ document.

Opportunities and Potential for Enhancement

St Anne’s Church’s tower is the most visible element of the Conservation Area and in Limehouse. In consideration of new development proposals, views of the tower from surrounding sites and the historic setting of the church are of utmost importance. These long views should be maintained and protected where appropriate, continuing the historic ties between the ‘Limehouse Church’ and the community. The continuous maintenance of the church and churchyard, including its benches, signage and tombstones should be ensured.

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The Grade II listed Limehouse District Library is in desperate need of repairs and refurbishment. A suitable use for the former Passmore Edwards Library is vital to ensure the preservation of this historic 1900 building, designed by Messrs Clarkson Architects. Recent vandalism of the statue of the former Prime Minister, Clement Attlee at the foreground of the library, has resulted in the statue being boxed up until its restoration/ re-casting is commissioned. This will occur simultaneously to the refurbishment of the main library building.

Noticeably, one of the group of 3 lamp standards in front of 805 Commercial Road is absent. Dated back to the 19th century, the group of 3 cast iron lamp standards with lamps bear the inn name in front of the Star of the East Public House. Its statutory Grade II listing warrants its replacement and reinstatement at this roadway site.

The Commercial Road carriageway has been part of the character of the setting of St Anne’s Church for over two hundred years. The quality of the street environment will indeed impact the character and setting of the Conservation Area, in which the Council seeks to preserve and enhance. It would be an improvement if traffic could be slowed down in deference to the historic value of the Conservation Area.

As Limehouse is rapidly evolving into a residential district, any scope for development within the Conservation Area should be assessed according to its impact on the setting of St Anne’s Church and the significant Grade II listed buildings in the area.

Trees, Parks and Open Spaces

St Anne’s churchyard and the associated former rectory gardens have been well preserved to complement their residential surrounds and the Limehouse Cut. The green open spaces, pathway, mature trees and park furniture have all been well maintained.

The management of parks and open spaces are particularly important to preserving the character of the St Anne’s Church Conservation Area. Whilst used as a public garden, it is considered very important that the sacred character of the grounds is

Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines Page 15 of 21 Page 181 St Anne’s Church preserved and this principle should be observed in all future management and maintenance of the churchyard gardens. Moreover, the recently landscape open space pocket of King’s Wharf between Newell Street and Limehouse Cut must be well maintained to provide an attractive through-route to the canal.

The St Anne’s churchyard and developments facing Newell Street west and similarly the former rectory gardens are protected and covered by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) Area. All trees in Conservation Areas are protected, and some trees are also covered by Tree Preservation Orders (TPO’s). Notice must be given to the authority before works are carried out to any tree in the Conservation Area, and some works require specific permission. More information can be found in the Council’s Guide to Trees, and on the Tower Hamlets website. Carrying out works to trees without the necessary approval can be a criminal offence, and the Council welcomes early requests for advice.

Equalities:

This Character Appraisal and Management Guidelines will support the Council’s aims:

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Please contact us if you feel that this document could do more to promote equality and further the interests of the whole community.

Publicity

The existence of the Conservation Area will be promoted locally to raise awareness of current conservation issues and to invite contributions from the community.

Consideration of Resources Needed to Conserve the Historic Environment:

In order to meet today’s needs without damaging the historic or architectural value of a building, a degree of flexibility, innovation and creative estate management may be required.

Ongoing Management and Monitoring Change:

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The Council recognises the contribution of the local community in managing Conservation Areas, and will welcome proposals to work collaboratively to monitor and manage the area.

Enforcement Strategy:

The Council will enforce conservation law wherever necessary, and will consider the introduction of Article 4 Directions to remove Permitted Development Rights where appropriate.

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Further Reading and Contacts

The Buildings of England (London 5: East). Cherry, O’Brien and Pevsner.

For a translation, or large print, audio or braille version of this document, please telephone 0800 376 5454. Also, if you require any further help with this document, please telephone 020 7364 5372.

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Listed Buildings at Risk:

Limehouse Town Hall, 646 Commercial Road Priority - D Designation - Listed Grade II Condition - Poor. Occupied Ownership - Local Authority Summary: Built 1879-81 as Limehouse Vestry Hall, to the design of A & C Harston. Italianate style with well preserved interior. In active use for arts, educational and community projects. Leased by the LA to the Limehouse Town Hall consortium, which is undertaking a conservation plan and feasibility study as the basis for Heritage Lottery Fund. EH has offered a grant for external repairs. Action Proposed to Secure: Implement program of external repairs

777-785 Commercial Road, the former Caird and Rayner Ltd Warehouse Priority: A Designation: Listed Grade II Condition: Fair. Vacant Ownership: Private Summary: Former sailmakers and ship-chandler’s warehouse, 1869. A rare survival consisting of a brick skin enclosing a timber structure. The ground floor has strutted timber posts under long cross-heads; the first floor retains queen rod roof trusses under a hipped roof. Fire damaged with loss of roof covering. Pre-application discussions ongoing. Action Proposed to Secure: Implement emergency repairs to protect building fabric. Discussions about possible re-use are on-going.

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795 Commercial Road Priority: C Designation: Fair. Vacant Ownership: private Summary: Late C18/ early C19 terraced house, with late C19/early C20 shop to ground floor. Unauthorised works have been carried out. Enforcement action is currently underway. Proposed Action to Secure: Secure appropriate repair of the building façade.

Any other threats to the Conservation Area

x The encroachment of development of an inappropriate scale upon the special character of the conservation area, and upon the setting of St Anne’s. x Unauthorised works and the general erosion of the streetscape. x The noise and pollution from the heavy traffic on Commercial Road is detrimental to the character of the conservation area.

Priorities for Action (1-5)

1. Pursue the satisfactory redevelopment of 777 Commercial Road a Building at Risk 2. Secure the reinstatement of the lantern outside the Star of the East Public House 3. Ensure the repair / renovation of Clement Atlee 4. Investigate improving the quality of the public realm 5. Instigate a study of views and make proposals for protecting views to St Anne’s

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Page 188 St Matthias Church, Poplar

St Matthias Church, Poplar

Conservation Area

1. Character Appraisal

2. Management Guidelines

London Borough of Tower Hamlets October 2007

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Introduction

This guide has been prepared for the following purposes:

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1. Character Appraisal

Overview

The St Matthias Church, Poplar Conservation Area was designated in February 1986. The Conservation Area is bounded by East India Dock Road to the north, the group of terraced properties at Woodstock Terrace to the east, Tower Hamlets College along Poplar High Street to the south and Hale Street and Wade’s Place to the west. The historic St Matthias Church and churchyard form a centre piece to the Conservation Area. The purpose of the designation was to safeguard the visual setting of the Grade II* listed St Matthias Church, the oldest church in Poplar.

History

East India Dock Road was constructed 1806–12 to extend Commercial Road to the newly constructed East India Docks, north of Blackwall. This provided a direct link between the docks and City. The original hamlet of Poplar and historic docks at Blackwall lay to the south of the precinct’s principal street at what is now known as Poplar High Street.

The East India Company (EIC) was founded in 1600 and established its shipyard at Blackwall. It played a central role in supporting the hamlet of Poplar’s economy and community, providing patronage for its local chapel and almshouses. Poplar’s population and economy was therefore dependent upon the volume of trade at the docks. Its population and economy therefore varied over time and grew considerably when the docks rapidly expanded from the early 19th Century.

Poplar High Street consisted of just a double row of houses in the mid 17th Century. Poplar was well regarded in the 17th and 18th centuries but it will have been a busy place and affluent and Merchants and shipbuilders preferred to live in more rural areas further north. The population began to grow rapidly after the construction of the West and East India Docks at the start of the 19th century. Public buildings were built along Poplar High Street during this time but the commercial importance of Popular High Street declined as the river docks gained significance and shops were often entry with

Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines Page 4 of 20 Page 192 St Matthias Church, Poplar alleyways deteriorating into slums by the 1880’s. Popular High Street ceased to be a civic centre when the Metropolitan Borough of Poplar was formed from the parishes of Bromley and Bow in 1899 and the new Town Hall was constructed on Bow Road.

St Matthias church was originally called Poplar Chapel. It was founded in 1628 on Poplar High Street on land acquired by the East India Dock Company. Its foundations were laid in 1639 and it was constructed in 1652-54. It was closely modelled on the Broadway Chapel, Westminster (1635-8) which combined Gothic and Classical elements on its exterior. The church was largely rebuilt by the East India Dock Company in 1776 and was enlarged and restored to its current form in 1875.

The Almshouses were re-built between 1798 and 1806. They form separate groups of buildings, to the north and south of the then rectilinear open space, as shown in historical maps (Ordnance Survey of 1867-70). These were Poplar’s principal private charitable foundation, originally founded to provide for disabled East India Company seaman.

In 1866, eight years after the transfer of East India Company’s property to the crown, the almshouses were demolished and Poplar Church was consecrated as St Matthias, with its own district within the parish of All Saints being established. The site then became Poplar Recreation Ground in 1866-7. Extensive restoration of the church followed in 1875, with external and internal changes undertaken.

St Matthias Church survived the Blitz of the Second World War, with only minor damages. In 1976, the church finally closed its doors due to the declining number of worshippers. The church endured vandalism where monuments were stolen as architectural salvage and the stained glass windows were smashed. The church remained derelict and unused until it was converted into a community centre in 1993. Its restoration programme was conducted and funded by English Heritage and the London Dockland Development Corporation in 1990-1 and the building is now maintained by the St Matthias Conservation Trust.

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Character

The prevailing character of the St Matthias Church Conservation Area is defined by its group of miscellaneous public buildings and a residential townscape, which complement St Matthias Church and the Poplar Recreation Ground that surrounds it.

Located in the south-eastern corner of the Poplar Recreation Grounds, St Matthias Church is Grade II* listed. The St Matthias Church that we see today has endured restoration, decline and renewal since 1876. The existing church was remodelled and enlarged in phases between 1870 and 1876, by the architect William Milford Teulon (1823-1900). The 17th century, red brick, old Poplar chapel was then superficially clad in Kentish ragstone with Bath stone dressings. Its round-headed windows were re- fenestrated and the roof re-covered in slate. The previous Georgian turret was lengthened and clad with zinc, topped with its earlier ball finial. North and south porches were added to the church’s main building. The intention of the restoration was to give what was considered a ‘low’ church, an architecturally ecclesiastical feel and appearance.

The churchyard includes several notable monuments and headstones. Many have been damaged, badly weathered or removed. However, several notable Grade II listed memorials remain. Graves include many people associated with Poplar’s historic seafaring connection and include notable local people who grew prosperous from the local economy.

A collection of Grade II statutorily listed institutional public buildings are sited South of St Matthias Church, along Poplar High Street. The first almshouses stood on the corner site of Woodstock Terrace and Poplar High Street. That site is now occupied by the Grade II listed former District Board of Works Offices (117 Poplar High Street). It was erected in 1869-70 and contained the Poplar Borough Council offices until 1938. It is mid-Victorian free Gothic in style, with some Venetian detailing. The design by the architects Walter Augustus Hills (1834-1917) and Thomas Wayland Fletcher (1833- 1901) of Bow were selected from 43 competition entries. The building marks this corner site. It is notable for its octagonal tower, capped by a finial copper dome,

Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines Page 6 of 20 Page 194 St Matthias Church, Poplar constructed of yellow stock brick with Portland stone dressings. Two storey wings abut the corner tower, with Venetian inspired, pairs of tall narrow windows.

Next door at 115 Poplar High Street, is the former East India Company chaplain’s house. The chaplain’s house is the only surviving building of the East India Company’s Almshouse complex. The early 19th century building by S.P Cocknell is of yellow stock brick, with a central stone pediment with a sculptured coat of arms of the East India Company.

On the southern boundary of the Conservation Area, is Tower Hamlets College at 112 Poplar High Street. Opened in 1906, the building was design by W E Riley (1852- 1937) and the LCC architects department. Faced in Portland stone, its style has a restrained use of classical-renaissance orders and ornament to dress the principal opening. Built as 6 bays, an additional 3 bays were added to its east, in 1931. The originally central group of articulated coupled engaged Doric columns rise from the sill course. The college was purpose-built and had a merchant navy cadet training emphasis, hence the maritime putti over the door.

At the junction of Poplar High Street and Cottage Street is the Grade II listed Poplar Coroner’s Court, with the mortuary building to its rear. Dated 1910-11 and by the LCC, the building is of red brick with stone dressings, with a tiled roof and stucco coved eaves and is essentially of domestic Arts and Crafts character. The main entrance is from Poplar High Street, through a Tudor style arched doorway. In its scale, accommodation and layout (and in locating the mortuary to the rear of the court), Poplar’s Coroner’s Court is characteristic of other such courts built in London in the late 1890s – 1900s.

Running north through the Conservation Area and running the length of the Poplar Recreation Ground, is Woodstock Terrace, containing a single row terrace of 1850s houses. The non listed terraces are uniform in presentation, expressing an isolated remnant of Victorian working class family dwellings, which once covered the Poplar area. The characteristic London roof is concealed behind a corniced parapet. The uniformity of the cornice line is an important feature of these buildings. Stucco details

Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines Page 7 of 20 Page 195 St Matthias Church, Poplar decorate the doorway and pairs of bay windows exist on each floor. The row of terrace housing is highly regarded as being of townscape merit. The rhythm and uniformity of its features make a positive contribution to the character of the Conservation Area.

To the north-west of the Conservation Area, is the former Pope John House, now known as Blomfield House, designed by Sir Arthur Blomfield & Son in 1892. Constructed of red brick with stone dressing and slate roof, the building is Victorian Tudor in character. It sits adjacent to the estate of Malam Gardens, built by the Commercial Gas Company to house some of its employees. The 29 houses are arranged in three terraced rows, all facing in the same direction to the north. Situated off Wade’s Place, the estate’s internal road, Malam Gardens circles around the middle row of houses. Each house is identical in design and built of speckled brown, red and black brick, with the pitched roofs covered in dark red tiles. The houses were powered by gas for lighting and heating, and so was the new street with its gas street lamps. Alterations to these unusual properties should respect their character and development history.

Land Use

Apart from the church itself, the land use character of the area is mixed. The strip south of the church along Poplar High Street, is aligned with several civic buildings – the council offices, coroner’s court and college. Although some of its land uses have changed, the public buildings are of historical and architectural significance. The cluster of public buildings complements the church and its garden surrounds, in which the open space is largely valued by college students and residents of Poplar. The residential properties of Malam Gardens and Woodstock Terrace flank the recreation grounds to its west and east. It is important that the historic features of these character properties are preserved.

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Scale

The prevailing scale of the St Matthias Church Conservation Area is appropriately low rise, complementing the relatively low scale of St Matthias Church. The terraces along Woodstock Terrace range between 2-3 storeys, whilst the houses at Malam Gardens are 2 storeys in scale. To the south, on this section of Poplar High Street, the scale of the public buildings range between 2-3 storeys, with the highest point occurring at the corner of Woodstock Terrace and Poplar High Street. The council office’s octagonal tower and spire on the corner site, is equivalent to 4 storeys plus. New development should respect the height and massing of buildings within the Conservation Area.

Open Spaces

The historic churchyard of St Matthias Church contains monuments and tombs scattered throughout the open space, including Grade II listed memorials. Surrounding the churchyard is the ample open space of the Poplar Recreation Ground. As approached from East India Dock Road, behind the surviving stone gate piers unfolds the Grade II listed memorial of an angel on a pedestal of white stone and marble. This memorial commemorates the 18 children killed in a Poplar School, by a German bomb in 1917. The recreation grounds almost extends the length of the block, from East India Dock Road to Poplar High Street, with nurtured lawns, mature trees, paths and flowerbeds enclosed by its peripheral fence. The recreation grounds provide a retreat from the urban character of this part of Poplar, whilst protecting the serenity and setting of the church.

Views

The area is characterised by a range of distinctive views. The straight lines of East India Dock Road and Poplar High Street create long views to the west and east. As viewed from East India Dock Road, Poplar Recreation Ground is enclosed within a band of mature planting. The gardens unfold the St Matthias Church, which has a charming presence. Similarly, the open space is enclosed on its western and eastern boundary behind a continuous ribbon of trees and shrubbery behind its fencing. Views running north-south through Hale Street and Woodstock Terrace towards Poplar High

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Street, end with buildings terminating the street. The towers of Canary Wharf set a backdrop to the smaller scale of Poplar, highlighting the distinction between the low rise character of the St Matthias Conservation Area and its developing metropolitan surrounds.

Summary

This is an area of particular special architectural and historic interest, illustrated by its rich history and significant architecture dating from the 17th century. The character and appearance of the area, as described in this appraisal, define its special qualities. There are minor improvements that could be made to buildings in the Conservation Area, but overall this has little impact on the qualities that led to its designation.

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2. Management Guidelines

Overview

Who is this document for?

Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines Page 11 of 20 Page 199 St Matthias Church, Poplar historic character, and to help manage sensitive new development and refurbishment where appropriate to successfully preserve and enhance the quality and character of the area.

Outline Guidance on Applications

When planning applications in a Conservation Area are decided, the planning authority will pay special attention to whether the character of the area is preserved or enhanced. The character of St Matthias Church, Poplar is described in detail in the Appraisal in the first part of this document.

In St Matthias Church, Poplar as in other Conservation Areas, planning controls are more extensive than normal. Consent is required to demolish any building, and a higher standard of detail and information is required for any application. When applying for listed building consent, please note that all parts of the building, including its interior walls, ceilings and all other internal features, are protected. Some buildings are nationally (statutorily) listed, and some are locally listed by the Borough to indicate buildings that the Borough wishes to protect.

The exact information required will vary with each application, but in general applications must include:

A clear design statement explaining the reasons behind the various architectural, masterplanning or other design decisions. Contextual plans, sections and elevations of existing buildings Drawings, including construction details, produced at larger scale (eg. 1:50 or 1:20) clearly indicating the nature of the work proposed. Additional detail regarding materials and construction.

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Photos of the condition of existing building (including details where appropriate).

More details are available on the Tower Hamlets website. If in any doubt, the Council welcomes and encourages early requests for advice or information.

Policies Relevant to the Conservation Area and how they are Implemented:

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Listed Buildings in the Conservation Area

Grade II*

St Matthias Church, Poplar

Grade II

Memorial in Poplar Recreation Ground, East India Dock Road Pope John House, East India Dock Road St Matthias Vicarage – 115 Poplar High Street Coroner’s Court – 127 Poplar High Street Poplar Technical College – 112 Poplar High Street Old Poplar Town Hall, Council Offices – 117 Poplar High Street Unidentified body stone tomb (St Matthias) Tomb of Hugh McIntosh (St Matthias) Tomb of Captain Samuel Jones and family (St Matthias) Tomb of John Smart (St Matthias) Tomb of Solomon Baker (St Matthias) Tomb of Samuel Coppendale (St Matthias)

Highways and Transportation Issues

Since the mid 1930s, the original high street has experienced gradual changes of street widening and the development of blocks of housing estates. The current Poplar High Street bares little resemblance to its former street pattern, although public buildings dating back to the 17th century still remain today.

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East India Dock Road is the major traffic route along the northern edge of this Conservation Area. Similarly, Poplar High Street carries significant loads of vehicular and pedestrian traffic, close to the Tower Hamlets College.

Opportunities and Potential for Enhancement

Preservation of the historic setting of the church and glimpses of the churchyard through breaks in the perimeter edge, will be a consideration in the assessment of development proposals. While the surrounding residential forms present uniform frontages with little scope for alterations, any additions and renovations to the buildings must be considered in appropriateness to the group of buildings, as well as to the overall setting of the Conservation Area.

In particular care must be taken to ensure that new development respects the scale, bulk and massing of the Conservation Area.

East India Dock Road and Poplar High Street have been part of the character of the setting of St Matthias Church and its recreation grounds for hundreds of years. The quality of the street environment will impact upon the character and setting of the Conservation Area which the Council seeks to preserve and enhance. Care must be taken to ensure that this impact is minimised and it is not detrimental to the character of the Conservation Area.

Trees, Parks and Open Spaces

In its most recent use as a community centre, St Matthias Church and its churchyard have been reasonably maintained and its condition has been stabilised over recent

Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines Page 15 of 20 Page 203 St Matthias Church, Poplar years. The surrounding green open spaces, pathway, mature trees and park furniture have all been well maintained within the Poplar Recreation Ground.

The continuous maintenance of the church and churchyard, including its tombstones, memorials and the surrounding gardens should be ensured as the centrepiece of the Conservation Area. The management of parks and open spaces are particularly important in preserving the character of the St Matthias Church Conservation Area, ensuring the public gardens and the sacred character of the churchyard is respected. This principle should be observed in all future management and maintenance of the churchyard gardens.

Equalities:

This Character Appraisal and Management Guidelines will support the Council’s aims:

a strong spirit of community and good race relations in Tower Hamlets. to get rid of prejudice, discrimination and victimisation within the communities we serve and our workforce

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Please contact us if you feel that this document could do more to promote equality and further the interests of the whole community.

Publicity

The existence of the Conservation Area will be promoted locally to raise awareness of current conservation issues and to invite contributions from the community.

Consideration of Resources Needed to Conserve the Historic Environment:

In order to meet today’s needs without damaging the historic or architectural value of a building, a degree of flexibility, innovation and creative estate management may be required.

Ongoing Management and Monitoring Change:

Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines Page 17 of 20 Page 205 St Matthias Church, Poplar stakeholders and identify new opportunities and threats to the Conservation Area as they arise.

The Council recognises the contribution of the local community in managing Conservation Areas, and will welcome proposals to work collaboratively to monitor and manage the area.

Enforcement Strategy:

The Council will enforce conservation law wherever necessary, and will consider the introduction of Article 4 Directions to remove Permitted Development Rights where appropriate.

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Further Reading and Contacts

The Survey of London, volume 43: Poplar, Blackwall and the Isle of Dogs. The Buildings of England (London 5: East). Cherry, O’Brien and Pevsner.

For a translation, or large print, audio or braille version of this document, please telephone 0800 376 5454. Also, if you require any further help with this document, please telephone 020 7364 5372.

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Listed Buildings at Risk:

There are no Listed “Buildings at Risk” in the St Matthias Conservation Area.

Any other threats to the Conservation Area

x Inappropriate alterations to terraces surrounding St Matthias Church x Inappropriate care for the setting of St Matthias Church

Priorities for Action (1-5)

1. Introduce Article 4 Directions to remove permitted development rights. 2. Produce a condition survey of the listed tomb stones. 3. Prepare a study of building heights across the area. 4. Instigate a study of important views to St Matthias Church. 5. Liaise with parks to ensure that important open space continues to be well maintained.

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St Peter’s

Conservation Area

1. Character Appraisal

2. Management Guidelines

London Borough of Tower Hamlets October 2007

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Introduction

This guide has been prepared for the following purposes:

To comply with the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. Section 69(1) states that a conservation area is “an area of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance” To provide a detailed appraisal of the area’s architectural and historic character. To provide an overview of planning policy and propose management guidelines on how this character should be preserved and enhanced in the context of appropriate ongoing change.

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1. Character Appraisal

Overview

The St Peters Conservation Area was designated in November 1990. It is located around Nicholas Road, Edwin Street and Cephas Avenue and is centred on the Church of St. Peter on Cephas Street. It is an area of special architectural and historic interest, with a character and appearance worthy of protection and enhancement.

History

Globe Road to the east of the area was originally Globe Lane. In the 1790s, this was still a country lane through fields that connected the hamlet of Mile End New Town with Bethnal Green.

However, development in the East End began on a large scale following the construction of the enclosed docks from 1800 onwards. By 1830, residential development of the St Peter’s area had begun and Silver Street, Rose Place, Green Street and Willow Street were built, extending west from Globe Road for a short distance. Silver Street began approximately at the position of present day Cephas St. Green Street was located at the present day Boyton Close.

St Peter’s Church itself was built in 1838 for the Metropolis Churches Fund. It was designed by the architect Edward Blore, who is also known for his work on major buildings such as Buckingham Palace, Government House in Sydney and the Vorontsovsky Palace in present day Ukraine.

St. Peter’s Street, which is today known as Cephas Avenue, was laid out in a straight line. It runs north from Mile End Road towards St Peter’s Church. This provides a legible link between Mile End Road and the church, which remains central to the development, both in siting and importance. The surrounding residential streets were built up in the decades following 1830 and the area was fully developed by the 1890s.

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The Anchor Brewery was established in 1757 to the south of the Conservation Area. It closed January 1975 and its large site is now occupied by the Anchor Retail Park, which was built in 2001. Anchor Terrace forms a row of modern housing along the eastern side of the brewery site, which now lines that part of Cephas Avenue.

The former St Peter’s Church became a vicarage and school, and has been converted into a residential building called St Peter’s Court.

Character

The predominant character of the area is defined by 19th century residential terraces and by the former church of St Peters, which terminates the view north along Cephas Avenue.

The church is the most significant building in the Conservation Area and acts as a distinct centrepiece for the area. It is visible along many streets. Its importance lies both in its architectural quality and its historical interest, being designed by Edward Blore. It was built in grey Suffolk brick and is characterised by its distinctive pairs of round-arched windows in Norman style. It can be seen from the whole length of Cephas Avenue, which was designed to provide a legible link between Mile End Road and the church, which forms a focal point for the area as a whole. The church’s presence becomes particularly significant towards the northern half of Cephas Street.

The historic residential terraces in the area are concentrated on the south side of Cephas Street, the west side of Edwin Street, at the west end of Nicholas Road and on both sides of the northern half of Cephas Avenue. The buildings are generally 2-3 storeys in scale, of light coloured stock brick, with the ground floor sometimes covered in stucco render and are generally in good condition.

The significance of the surviving historic terraces lies in their unity and group value, as a surviving piece of the historic East End. This is particularly strong in the northern parts of Cephas Avenue, closer to the church. No. 28 Cephas Avenue includes an attractive rounded corner that faces the church and enhances its setting.

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Speculative ribbon development occurred along Globe Road during the early 19th Century as it was widened to provide better links to the docks. The road was previously called Globe Lane and formed a country lane through fields. This attracted ribbon development, much of which has since been lost. No’s 77-81 Globe Road are sited to the eastern edge of the Conservation Area. They form a short terrace that is one of the only surviving fragments of the original 19th century ribbon development on this historic route through the area. They were built with a half basement and two storeys above.

The modern terraces in the southern half of Cephas Avenue do not have the same architectural quality as the historic terraces, but the houses are appropriately scaled for the street, and provide a good frontage to both sides. The trees are an important characteristic of the streetscape.

The recent development of Colin Winter House and Shenen House, do not provide the same quality of frontages as the historic terraces. This is mainly because the front doors are spaced infrequently.

The residential streets all have very similar proportions and character with buildings fronting onto and animating the highways. Osier Street is a lane behind Cephas Avenue is an exception and generally has a smaller scale feel because it is backed onto by gardens from Cephas Avenue and is adjacent to public open space and larger four storey mid-20th century residential blocks that lie just beyond the Conservation Area.

Negative aspects of the area include occasional weeds growing in the pavement, some localized litter problems, and a proliferation of satellite dishes on some houses in Cephas Avenue. Also, some larger 5-storey residential buildings in the Bancroft Estate detract from the quality of the north side of Cephas Street.

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Land Use

The area is predominantly residential. Mixed uses are found towards Globe Road. They include light commercial activities.

Scale

Two to three storey terraced houses of modest size provide the area with its typical scale and character. St Peter’s Church is an exception, but it was designed as a focal point for the community and is sited at the end of Cephas Avenue, where it can be viewed from a distance. The human scale of the Conservation Area contrasts with the sometimes institutional mid-20th century apartment blocks that rise up to five storeys in height and surround many parts of the Conservation Area.

Open Spaces

There are no significant open spaces within the St Peter’s Conservation Area. The open space around St Peter’s Court is now used as a car park.

Views

The view north along Cephas Avenue towards the former St. Peter’s Church is the most important view in the Conservation Area. There are also many significant long informal views along the historic residential terraces. The long views along Cephas Street towards the former St. Peter’s Church are also characteristic of the area.

Summary

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2. Management Guidelines

Overview

This Management Plan has been prepared in consultation with the community, to set out the Borough’s commitment to high quality management of Conservation Areas and their settings. The Development Design and Conservation Team operates within the context of the Development and Renewal Directorate of the Council, alongside Major Projects, Development Control, Strategy and Building Control.

The area is on the border with the City of London and a coordinated approach is required to conservation.

Who is this document for?

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Outline Guidance on Applications

When planning applications in a Conservation Area are decided, the planning authority will pay special attention to whether the character of the area is preserved or enhanced. The character of St Peters is described in detail in the Appraisal in the first part of this document.

In St Peters, as in other Conservation Areas, planning controls are more extensive than normal. Consent is required to demolish any building, and a higher standard of detail and information is required for any application. When applying for listed building consent, please note that all parts of the building, including its interior walls, ceilings and all other internal features, are protected. Some buildings are nationally (statutorily) listed, and some are locally listed by the Borough to indicate buildings that the Borough wishes to protect.

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More details are available on the Tower Hamlets website. If in any doubt, the Council welcomes and encourages early requests for advice or information.

Policies Relevant to the Conservation Area and how they are Implemented:

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Listed Buildings in the Conservation Area

Ecclesiastic Grade C x St Peters Church, Cephas Street.

Grade II

x St Peter’s Church Sunday School, Cephas Street x St Peter’s Vicarage, 95 Cephas Street x Wall to St Peter’s Vicarage, 95 Cephas Street.

Highways and Transportation Issues

The quality of the streetscape, the surface materials, street furniture and other features can all be integral parts of the character of Conservation Areas. Any work carried out should respect this historic character. Anyone involved in development which impacts on public spaces should refer to the Manual for Streets, the Council’s Street Design Guide, TfL’s own Streetscape Guidance and English Heritage’s ‘Streets for All’ document. The ongoing cost of maintenance should also be considered carefully.

In general, the highways are in good repair in this area, although there are localised places where the streetscape could be improved by reducing clutter, particularly at the junction of Cephas Avenue and Osier Street. The streetscape could also be improved in time, by the removal of the telegraph poles and wires, particularly around the north end of Cephas Avenue.

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Opportunities and Potential for Enhancement

As with many 19th century residential areas, the quality derives from the unity and cohesion of the architecture, which is easily eroded over time by a combination of many small, inappropriate alterations and developments. When maintaining or replacing 19th century architectural elements, particular care should be taken to choose materials and details appropriate to the historic nature of the buildings.

Any redevelopment of modern buildings should respect the modest domestic scale of the residential terraces and should aim to provide front doors at frequent, regular intervals along the street frontage.

The area was historically a mixed-use area, with non-residential uses in appropriate locations, an important ongoing characteristic of the area.

Trees, Parks and Open Spaces

The trees lining the streets make a positive contribution to the character of the residential streets. Care should be taken to protect them during any works to adjacent buildings, utilities or highways.

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Equalities:

This Character Appraisal and Management Guidelines will support the Council’s aims:

Please contact us if you feel that this document could do more to promote equality and further the interests of the whole community.

Publicity

The existence of the Conservation Area will be promoted locally to raise awareness of current conservation issues and to invite contributions from the community.

Consideration of Resources Needed to Conserve the Historic Environment:

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In order to meet today’s needs without damaging the historic or architectural value of a building, a degree of flexibility, innovation and creative estate management may be required.

Ongoing Management and Monitoring Change:

The Council recognises the contribution of the local community in managing Conservation Areas, and will welcome proposals to work collaboratively to monitor and manage the area.

Enforcement Strategy:

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The Council will enforce conservation law wherever necessary, and will consider the introduction of Article 4 Directions to remove Permitted Development Rights where appropriate.

Further Reading and Contacts

The Survey of London, volume 27: Spitalfields and Mile End New Town. The Buildings of England (London 5: East). Cherry, O’Brien and Pevsner. Manual for Streets. Joint publication by the Department for Transport and the Department for Communities and Local Government.

For a translation, or large print, audio or braille version of this document, please telephone 0800 376 5454. Also, if you require any further help with this document, please telephone 020 7364 5372.

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Also, you may wish to contact the following organizations for further information:

Listed Buildings at Risk:

There are no listed “Buildings at Risk” in the Conservation Area.

Any other threats to the Conservation Area

x Permitted development is a threat as so few of the buildings within the conservation area are listed. One particular problem is the proliferation of satellite dishes

Priorities for Action (1-5)

1. Provide detailed guidance on satellite dishes, and liaise with property owners. 2. Introduce Article 4 directions to remove permitted development rights. 3. Undertake audit of street furniture. 4. Rationalise street clutter. 5. Prepare a map indicating important views.

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Stepney Green

Conservation Area

1. Character Appraisal

2. Management Guidelines

London Borough of Tower Hamlets October 2007

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Introduction

This guide has been prepared for the following purposes:

To comply with the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. Section 69(1) states that a conservation area is “an area of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance” To provide a detailed appraisal of the area’s architectural and historic character. To provide an overview of planning policy and propose management guidelines on how this character should be preserved and enhanced in the context of appropriate ongoing change.

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1. Character Appraisal

Overview

The Stepney Green Conservation Area was designated in January 1973. It is a large Conservation Area with an irregular shape that encloses buildings around Mile End Road, Assembly Passage, Louisa Place and Stepney Green itself. It is an area of exceptional architectural and historic interest, with a character and appearance worthy of protection and enhancement.

History

The Conservation Area of Stepney Green covers the area previously known as Mile End Old Town. It is situated just north of the medieval village of Stepney, which was clustered around St. Dunstan’s Church.

Whilst there are many references to settlements in the area, excavations have suggested there were very few buildings before 1300.

Mile End Road is an ancient route from London to the East, and was moved to its present day alignment after the foundation of Bow Bridge in 1110. In the medieval period it was known as ‘Aldgatestrete’, as it led to the eastern entrance to the City of London at Aldgate. The area running alongside Mile End Road was known as Mile End Green, and became known as a place of assembly for Londoners, reflected in the name of Assembly Passage.

For most of the medieval period, this road was surrounded by open fields on either side, but speculative developments existed by the end of the 16th century and continued throughout the 1700s.

Trinity Green Almshouses were founded by the will of Captain Henry Mudd of Ratcliffe, and were built in 1695. They were intended for ‘28 decayed masters and commanders of ships or the widows of such.’ The development incorporated a chapel building around which the Almshouses are still grouped.

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No’s 133-137 are a good example of development at this time. Residential development also extended along Stepney Green – No. 37 Stepney Green was built in 1694 and is an outstanding survival of this period of residential development. Further down towards St. Dunstans, Nos 61-3 Stepney Green survive, originally part of a terrace of 7 houses.

By the start of the 1800s, development lined both sides of Mile End Road and Stepney Green, although the surrounding fields remained largely undeveloped.

Horwood’s map of London in the 1790s shows a strip of development running parallel to Mile End Road to the south, along Grove Place, Redman’s Row and Union Place (along the line of present-day Adelina Grove, Redman’s Road and Cressy Place). This area was connected to Mile End Road by several narrow lanes and passages. Assembly Passage is an important surviving lane from this period.

Wastfield and Moss founded a brewery in this area in 1738. The company became Charrington and Moss in 1766, and then Charrington and Co. in 1897. The Anchor Brewery grew to occupy a large site on the north side of Mile End Road, opposite Stepney Green, but the only remaining structure is the Brewery Offices on the corner of Mile End Road and Cephas Avenue.

Rapid development of the East End occurred in the early 19th century, following the completion of the new enclosed Docks along the river.

Until this point, Globe Road was a country lane, leading north to Bethnal Green, but it was widened to become Globe Road. The Old Globe pub, on the corner of Globe Road and Mile End Road was built in 1811. Houses on Louisa Street and Louisa Gardens were built in the 1820s and 1830s, and Stepney Green, the open space was created in 1872.

In the second half of the 19th century, several large mansions blocks were built in the East End by philanthropic organisations such as the Four Per Cent Industrial Dwellings Society and the East End Dwellings Company, both founded in the mid

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1880s. Stepney Green Court was built at Stepney Green Gardens in 1895, and was followed by Cressy House, built at the corner of Cressy Place and Hannibal Road in 1894, and Dunstan House, built at the corner of Cressy Place and Stepney Green in 1899.

In 1902, the Whitechapel and Bow Railway was opened with a station at Stepney Green. This line was electrified in 1905, and was later nationalised in the 1930s as part of the London Underground network. Today, it is part of the District Line.

The White Hart Pub at the corner of Mile End Road and Cambridge Heath Road, although first built in the 18th century, was rebuilt in 1900. The clock tower and fountain at Stepney Green Gardens date from 1911. Other early 20th century buildings include the Wickham’s Department Store built in 1925-7 and the Genesis Cinema built in 1939.

Widespread bomb damage during the Second World War led to the redevelopment of large areas adjacent to the Conservation Area. These include the Stifford Estate, built in 1963 on the south edge of Stepney Green.

In 1975, the Brewery ceased production, and the Anchor Retail Park was later built on the brewery site, along with adjacent housing along Cephas Avenue. More recently, the mixed-use Chronos Buildings were built on the north side of Mile End Road, near the junction with Cambridge Heath Road.

Character

The Stepney Green Conservation Area contains two main through-routes, namely Mile End Road and Stepney Green.

Mile End Road Although it was originally a road through the countryside, subsequent developments along this road have created a grand corridor. The scale and character of the buildings and trees along this route give it the quality of a significant urban boulevard. It is a

Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines Page 6 of 23 Page 230 Stepney Green busy carriageway that accommodates several bus routes, and its functional importance as a transport route is an important part of its historic character.

The main defining characteristic of the road is its large scale width, ranging from over 20 metres at Stepney Green station, to 50 metres to the west. The building lines to the north and south define the continuous corridor of the road and give it its urban quality.

At the western edge of the Conservation Area, the high architectural quality and detail of the Trinity Green Almshouses add to the character of the street. It is a small garden with two facing rows of brick cottages. From the street, the view is terminated by a small chapel. On Mile End Road itself, the two rows of brick cottages finish with two- storey stone-dressed gable ends. These are decorated with fibreglass ships (the original marble models are now in the Museum of London) which are significant as a reminder of the Almshouse’s foundation and Stepney’s ancient connection with the river and the sea.

To the west of Trinity Green, Chronos buildings are a contemporary addition to the street. Although the colour of its terracotta cladding is unusual for the immediate context, the development complements the existing streetscape well. Its mixed use design and clear definition to the street edge make a positive contribution to the area.

The Anchor Retail Park makes a mixed contribution to the area. Although it generates a large amount of activity and brings an old industrial site back into use, the shops are set back a long distance from the road in a suburban retail park arrangement. This setback detracts from the sense of Mile End Road as a continuous urban corridor, and is incongruous with the frontages provided by the adjacent 18th century terraces and 19th century former brewery offices. The former brewery offices is an unusual corner building which makes a positive contribution to the area, both because of its architectural quality and its historic importance as a surviving part of the large brewery which dominated the site for a long period of time.

The south side of the road is characterised by long terraces of varying height from 2 to 4 storeys. Although some buildings have suffered from replacement windows and

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An important terrace of listed shops exists between 90 and 124 Mile End Road, and this together with Wickhams Department Store opposite offers an important commercial focus to the Conservation Area. The sympathetic refurbishment of Wickhams Department Store will be important to preserve the character of the Conservation Area.

Stepney Green Stepney Green is a quieter, residential route connecting Mile End Road with St Dunstan’s Church. It is characterized by the architectural quality of the residential houses and mansions blocks along its edges, and by the picturesque quality created by the mature trees of Stepney Green Gardens and front gardens on the east side.

The route has two thoroughfares – the main road along the west side of the gardens and a narrower lane comprised of characterful blue blocks and granite sets on the eastern side of the gardens. Together with the gardens in the centre, these create a long corridor of about 35-40m with a park-like feel. On the western side of the gardens, lining the roads, there is a continuous building line of substantial residential buildings - including Dunstan House. The proper maintenance of this blue cobbled way is important to preserve the character of the Conservation Area.

On the eastern side of the gardens, the character is more informal. There are several small terraces of varying height, although within each short terrace the roofline is consistent. One of the most important buildings is 37 Stepney Green, built in 1694. This Queen Anne House is a two-storey building with an attic storey and half basement, built from brick with a clay tiled roof it features a fine door case with panelled pilasters and carved scroll brackets supporting a fine shell hood.

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Further south, towards the historic village of Stepney, the large mansions block form of Stepney Green Court is an important landmark. It is known for its decorative stone panels with classical-style heads.

Other Areas Assembly Passage today is a surviving example of the many historic lanes which used to exist along this route. Bellevue Place is a very attractive terrace of brick houses with front gardens and an almost rural feel, hidden behind Mile End Road. Jubilee Street contains facing terraces of high architectural quality, where the consistency of the architecture is important.

East of Stepney Green, Maria Terrace is a terrace of unusual 3-storey brick houses with gothic arches over the front doors and white gables over the second floor windows. North of this, Louisa Street and Louisa Gardens are two distinct sets of 2- storey residential terraces. All three of these streets east of Stepney Green derive their quality from the consistency of the architecture. Built at the same time by two sisters they illustrate two very different architectural styles current at that time.

Land Use

The area is predominantly residential, with the exception of several retail units on Mile End Road, including larger scale retail warehouses and a plant hire shop. There is a cinema, almshouses and car park, as well as various restaurants, cafes, pubs and bars. Light industrial and educational uses have also played a significant role in the area.

Scale

The area is predominantly 2-4 storeys in height, and terraced housing makes up the majority of buildings. The mansions blocks on Cressy Place are 4 storeys, while Stepney Green Court rises to 6 storeys.

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Open Spaces

Aside from the large public space of Mile End Road, Mile End Waste the main public spaces in the Conservation Area is Stepney Green Gardens.

Mile End Waste is notable for the large trees it supports and for the listed statues

The character of Stepney Green Gardens is a linear park surrounded by a low brick wall with railings. Its character forms part of the wider street corridor and is interconnected with the buildings on either side.

Stepney Green lies adjacent to the Conservation Area.

Views

The clear views along Mile End Road are important. To the east, the view is terminated by university buildings near Mile End. More modern long views exist to the west, to the former NatWest tower and the 30 St. Mary Axe (“The Gherkin”) tower. Views to these landmarks are important for orientation as they illustrate Stepney's geographic relationship to the City of London, reinforcing the historic importance of Mile End Road as part of a long distance route.

The distinctive, monumental tower of the former Wickham's Department Store is a key feature in the centre of the Conservation Area, and is visible from a long distance. Views of this should in general be protected, and any new development along the road should not detract from the importance and presence of this landmark. The tower also terminates the view north along Assembly Passage.

Significant views off Mile End Road include the view down Stepney Green. This unity of the residential terrace at 1-19 Stepney Green is important, as is the height of the trees of Stepney Green Gardens which can be seen over the top of the terrace. On the right hand side, the chimneys and roofline of Dunstans Buildings is distinctive.

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Summary

This is an area of particular special architectural and historic interest, illustrated by its rich history, dating from medieval times, its significant architecture and historic open spaces. The character and appearance of the area, as described in this appraisal, define its special qualities. There are minor improvements that could be made to buildings in the Conservation Area, but overall this has little impact on the qualities that led to its designation.

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2. Management Guidelines

Overview

This Management Plan has been prepared in consultation with the community, to set out the Borough’s commitment to high quality management of Conservation Areas and their settings. The Development Design and Conservation Team operates within the context of the Development and Renewal Directorate of the Council, alongside Major Projects, Development Control, Strategy and Building Control.

The area is on the border with the City of London and a coordinated approach is required to conservation.

Who is this document for?

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Outline Guidance on Applications

When planning applications in a Conservation Area are decided, the planning authority will pay special attention to whether the character of the area is preserved or enhanced. The character of Stepney Green is described in detail in the Appraisal in the first part of this document.

In Stepney Green, as in other Conservation Areas, planning controls are more extensive than normal. Consent is required to demolish any building, and a higher standard of detail and information is required for any application. When applying for listed building consent, please note that all parts of the building, including its interior walls, ceilings and all other internal features, are protected. Some buildings are nationally (statutorily) listed, and some are locally listed by the Borough to indicate buildings that the Borough wishes to protect.

The exact information required will vary with each application, but in general applications must include:

A clear design statement explaining the reasons behind the various architectural, masterplanning or other design decisions. Contextual plans, sections and elevations of existing buildings

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More details are available on the Tower Hamlets website. If in any doubt, the Council welcomes and encourages early requests for advice or information.

Policies Relevant to the Conservation Area and how they are Implemented:

Any new development should have regard to national, regional and local planning policy. At the national level, the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 places a duty on Tower Hamlets to designate Conservation Areas in “areas of special architectural or historic interest”, and to formulate and publish proposals for the preservation and enhancement of its Conservation Areas. National policy for planning and the historic environment is set out in Planning Policy Guidance 15 (PPG15). At the regional level, policy 4B.1 of the London Spatial Development Strategy (or London Plan) states that ‘The Mayor will seek to ensure that developments … respect London’s built heritage.’ The area lies inside the area covered by the Central Area Action Plan, which is the subject of a public consultation. The London Cycle Network Plus runs along Mile End Road. A proposed cycle route runs along Redman's Road and crosses the Conservation Area at two points.

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The gardens on the north side of Mile End Road near Trinity Green, and Stepney Green Gardens, are designated London Squares. The Genesis Cinema is identified as a development site in the LDF (nb. check description of this use)

Listed Buildings in the Conservation Area

Grade I

Trinity Green almhouses and chapel including gates, railings, walls and piers, Mile End Road

Grade II*

37 Stepney Green. Railings and gate with overthrow

Grade II

29 Mile End Road Bust of Edward VII, Mile End Road Commemorative Plaque on stone plinth, Mile End Road Drinking fountain, Mile End Road Drinking fountain & clock tower at Queen Mary College (University of London), Mile End Road 107 Mile End Road 109 Mile End Road 111 Mile End Road 113 Mile End Road and railings 129 Mile End Road (formerly part of the Anchor Brewery) 133-139 Mile End Road 1 Cleveland Road 1 Bellevue Place 1a Bellevue Place 2-11 Bellevue Place

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82-84 Mile End Road 90-126 Mile End Road. Railing and overthrow at no. 102 175 Jubilee Street 177-191 Jubilee Street 193 Jubilee Street 184-208 Jubilee Street 166 Mile End Road 168 Mile End Road – Black Horse Public House 2a Stepney Green 4-10 Stepney Green 12-18 Stepney Green 21 & 23 Stepney Green 29-35 Stepney Green. Gate with overthrow at no. 29 14-24 Louisa Street 1-10 Maria Terrace 26 Beaumont Grove Clock Tower, Stepney Green 61 & 63 Stepney Green School Keepers House at Stepney, Jewish Primary and Infants School Stepney Jewish Primary and Infants School (front part only) Wall and gate piers at Stepney Jewish Primary and Infants School Former East London Synagogue, Rectory Square St Dunstan’s Rectory, White Horse Lane 25 White Horse Lane 27 White Horse Lane

Locally Listed

1-19 Stepney Green 27a Stepney Green 27b Stepney Green 29 White Horse Lane 15-21 White Horse Lane

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Highways and Transportation Issues

The quality of the streetscape, the surface materials, street furniture and other features can all be integral parts of the character of Conservation Areas. Any work carried out should respect this historic character. Anyone involved in development which impacts on public spaces should refer to the Manual for Streets, the Council’s Street Design Guide, TfL’s own Streetscape Guidance and English Heritage’s ‘Streets for All’ document. The ongoing cost of maintenance should also be considered carefully.

Generally, Mile End Road consists of many buildings and frontages in poor state of repair. The quality of some of the highways engineering, street furniture, lighting and other signage do not reflect its historic importance or its significance as the main public street connecting Whitechapel, Stepney Green, Mile End and Bow.

The quality of the streetscape along Mile End Road is a major concern, not least because it is part of the route for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Marathons. High Street 2012 is a programme of regeneration along the A11 and A118 from Aldgate to Stratford, which includes Mile End Road that aims to use the Games as a catalyst to create an environment comparable to the best urban streets in the world while fully reflecting East London's diverse and extraordinary character and heritage.

A study to provide a design vision and strategy for delivery of public realm improvements along High Street 2012, shaped by local people, will begin in spring 2008. This study will:

- provide a street design and landscape strategy for the route, including a palette of materials for surface finishes and street furniture, as well as tree planting and landscape specifications

- include a lighting strategy for key buildings and spaces

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- identify and support the regeneration of buildings which could improve the quality of the street environment

- address the removal of visual clutter and unauthorised advertising hoardings

- propose means of implementing measures to make the route safer and more welcoming for pedestrians and cyclists - Works by statutory services (gas, electricity, water etc) have the potential to damage historic ground surfaces or ancient underground structures. Early consultation with the conservation team is encouraged for any works. This is a particular concern in the Stepney Green

Opportunities and Potential for Enhancement

The former Wickham's Department Store is a key asset of the area. The sensitive and appropriate re-use of this building would improve the character of this stretch of Mile End Road.

There are many 18th and 19th century residential terraces in the area. Many have been well cared for and others have suffered from the gradual erosion of original details and architectural features. Details such as railings, front gardens, timber sash windows, downpipes, copings, stucco, slate, other joinery and ironwork should be reinstated, where appropriate.

Where inappropriate additions have been made, including advertising boards, intrusive security installations, metal shutters and upvc windows, they should be removed where appropriate and when possible.

Trees, Parks and Open Spaces

The trees on Mile End Road have a long history of importance in this location (reference is made in 1670 to the Manor Authorities requiring Elms to be planted in

Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines Page 18 of 23 Page 242 Stepney Green this location) and make a huge contribution to the character of Mile End Road and their preservation should be a priority. Their condition should be monitored and they should be replaced as necessary. The type of tree chosen for planting should take into consideration the particular location and environmental conditions and should be appropriate. The trees of Stepney Green Gardens and of the front gardens on the east side of Stepney Green make a significant contribution to the informal, almost rural character of the area.

Equalities:

This Character Appraisal and Management Guidelines will support the Council’s aims:

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Please contact us if you feel that this document could do more to promote equality and further the interests of the whole community.

Publicity

The existence of the Conservation Area will be promoted locally to raise awareness of current conservation issues and to invite contributions from the community.

Consideration of Resources Needed to Conserve the Historic Environment:

In order to meet today’s needs without damaging the historic or architectural value of a building, a degree of flexibility, innovation and creative estate management may be required.

Ongoing Management and Monitoring Change:

The Council recognises the contribution of the local community in managing Conservation Areas, and will welcome proposals to work collaboratively to monitor and manage the area.

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Enforcement Strategy:

The Council will enforce conservation law wherever necessary, and will consider the introduction of Article 4 Directions to remove Permitted Development Rights where appropriate.

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Further Reading and Contacts

For a translation, or large print, audio or braille version of this document , please telephone 0800 376 5454. Also, if you require any further help with this document, please telephone 020 7364 5372.

Also, you may wish to contact the following organizations for further information: Mile End Old Town Residents Association English Heritage www.english-heritage.org.uk The Georgian Group www.georgiangroup.org.uk Victorian Society www.victorian-society.org.uk 20th Century Society www.c20society.org.uk Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings www.spab.org.uk

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Listed Buildings at Risk:

At this time we are not aware of any listed buildings at risk in the Conservation Area.

Any other threats to the Conservation Area

x The unsympathetic refurbishment / redevelopment of Wickhams Department Store. The loss of Wickhams and Spiegelhalters would have a very detrimental impact upon the character of the conservation area and so the situation will be closely monitored. x The continuing introduction of unsympathetic signage and security. x The deterioration of the walls around Stepney Gardens has long been a concern with residents and consideration will be given to investigating potential funding for this work which will be beneficial to the character of the conservation area in the long term.

Priorities for Action (1-5)

1. Undertake audit of trees with colleagues in horticulture 2. General improvement of street furniture, lighting and surfaces within the area. 3. Preparation of householder guidance, with a particular emphasis on sustainability. 4. Investigate funding of the restoration of wall and boundary of Stepney Gardens 5. Review Conservation Area boundaries with a view to including Hayfield Passage and 116-190 Mile End Road.

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Page 248 The Tower of London

The Tower of London

Conservation Area

1. Character Appraisal

2. Management Guidelines

London Borough of Tower Hamlets October 2007

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Introduction

This guide has been prepared for the following purposes:

To comply with the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. Section 69(1) states that a conservation area is “an area of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance” To provide a detailed appraisal of the area’s architectural and historic character. To provide an overview of planning policy and propose management guidelines on how this character should be preserved and enhanced in the context of appropriate ongoing change.

In relationship to the western part of the Conservation Area, covering the Tower of London it should be read in conjunction with the World Heritage Site Management Plan which gives a detailed description of the historical development of the Tower of London, an evaluation of its significance, identifies issues in its management, and sets out a vision for the site and its setting

The Management Plan is available to download from the Historic Royal Palaces website at www.hrp.org.uk.

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1. Character Appraisal

Overview

The Tower Conservation Area was designated in March 1977. It is one of the largest and most significant Conservation Areas in the Borough, and encloses buildings and sites of national and international importance. It is defined by the River Thames to the south, the boundary with the City of London to the north-west, by East Smithfield and the railway viaduct to the north-east and by Thomas More Street to the east. It has two distinct character areas – the Tower of London itself to the west, and the area around St. Katharine’s Docks to the east. It is an area of exceptional architectural and historic interest, with a character and appearance worthy of protection and enhancement.

The Tower Conservation Area encloses the Tower of London World Heritage Site (WHS), one of 27 World Heritage Sites in the UK. The Tower of London is managed by Historic Royal Palaces, who published a detailed Management Plan for the Tower of London site in 2007. Their Management Plan provides a detailed account of the Tower’s history and significance and readers of this document are referred to it for more information.

It also contains important and useful information regarding how the site is to be managed to safeguard its special character and it is essential reading for those considering development affecting the setting of the Conservation Area.

History

The history of this Conservation Area dates back to the foundation of the Roman city in around 50AD. The alignment of the Roman Walls fixed the position of the Tower a thousand years later.

William the Conqueror began construction of the Tower of London after his invasion in 1066 and used surviving parts of the south-eastern corner of the City Wall to form the southern and eastern defences to a new fortress at the corner of the city. Construction of the White Tower began around 1067 and was completed around 1100.

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The fortress was expanded in the 1200s and 1300s and extended outside of the line of the previous city wall. The outer curtain wall was built by Edward I in 1275-85 and extended up to its present height in the early 1300s. This wall still defines the outer perimeter of the Tower today.

The White Tower has remained a constant feature of the Tower through history, although many building and refurbishment works have taken place over time. It was a Royal residence for hundreds of years and the present day Yeoman Warders can trace their origins to the 15th century, when they were the bodyguard of Henry VII - the last British monarch to live in the Tower.

The Tower's role as a fortress and prison continued for hundreds of years. It was notorious as the place of many executions, including Henry VIII's wife Anne Boleyn, and was also the prison of the future Queen Elizabeth I for a brief period. As recently as the Second World War, it was a prison for high-ranking prisoners of war.

St Katharine’s Docks The area east of the city wall was occupied by the Hospital of St. Katharine by the Tower and grew to become a crowded mixed-use, inner city riverside district by the late 18th century.

St. Katharine’s Docks were one of the first sets of enclosed docks to be built at the beginning of the 19th century, in order to address the problems of security that plagued river traffic in the late 18th century. The area was cleared and the new docks were opened on 25 October 1828, designed by the engineer Thomas Telford.

Even at the time of construction, the docks were unable to handle the largest cargo vessels at the time, and eventually the docks were merged with the London Docks to the east in 1864.

Three warehouses around the eastern dock were destroyed in the Blitz of 1940, but the docks continued to operate until they became one of the first sets of enclosed

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Tower Bridge Tower Bridge was opened 1894. It was designed by Sir John Wolfe Barry with architectural features by Sir Horace Jones to a Gothic Revival Style with French chateau influence. It is a bascule bridge with suspended bridge approach and high level footbridges between twin stone towers. Massive cast iron balustrades. Hydraulic machinery is still used to open bridge.

Character There is a complex pattern of overlapping developments over two thousand years. The Tower of London itself is by far the most significant site, due to its symbolic, historic and architectural value. The White Tower remains the focal point of the western part of the Conservation Area. The eastern part of the Conservation Area around St. Katharine’s Dock has undergone significant changes since the closure of the docks and the character of buildings and spaces are more varied.

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The Tower of London

The White Tower

Tower Bridge The Ivory House

Matilda House

St Katharine’s Docks

The Tower of London The architectural and urban character of the Tower today was shaped by its original purpose as a fortress. The White Tower is the most significant and memorable element of the fortress, visible from behind the lower defensive stone walls. It is significant as one of the oldest pieces of architecture in the City and as an innovative

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Although it is no longer the largest building on the London skyline, from most angles it retains a sense of detachment from the city. This is due to its location within the low defensive walls, the large open spaces surrounding the tower and most importantly the clear silhouette of the White Tower against the sky. Views of the Tower are protected in the London Plan and the detailed guidance on how the policies are to be managed is to be found in The London View Management Framework.

The White Tower’s sense of detachment from the rest of the city, its aloofness and its inaccessibility are essential aspects of its visual character and evidence of its historic purpose. They make a critical contribution to its architectural and historic value, but they are also vulnerable to damage from development elsewhere in London, including tall buildings well outside the Conservation Area.

There is considerable development pressure for buildings of excessive height and bulk adjacent to the Conservation Area and further a field and it is imperative that this is managed to safeguard the character of the Tower and to prevent detriment to its setting.

The imposing defensive walls surrounding the White Tower are significant as they describe the evolution of military architecture over hundreds of years. These, together with the open spaces around the Tower, create the detachment of the White Tower which is essential to its character.

The River Thames and Tower Bridge The Conservation Area extends to the centre of the River Thames and the relationship of the city to the river at this point is important both historically and visually. The Tower marks the south-eastern corner of the Roman city walls and the walls of the Tower, provides a unique insight into the nature of London from its earliest days.

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River traffic has been an essential part of the area's character for hundreds of years. The continued use of St. Katharine’s Pier and Tower Pier today enrich the area and make a positive contribution to its urban character.

Tower Bridge, along with the White Tower, is one of the internationally recognised symbols of London. The two Victorian Gothic towers and the opening bridge, form a symbolic gateway to the city from the sea. The operation of the bascules, which lift up to allow tall ships to pass through, is a popular, dramatic and theatrical event which has become an essential part of the area’s identity.

The Tower Bridge Approach road from the north, takes the form of an elevated road separating the Tower of London from St. Katharine’s Docks. It is permeable at ground floor level along the Thames Path, but it is a long, solid barrier that reflects the walls of the tower.

St Katharine’s Docks This area contains a wide variety of architectural styles from many different periods of development and regeneration.

The riverside is dominated by the Thistle Tower Hotel. Although the bulk of this building is partially broken up by a stepped design, the scale of this building detracts from the quality of the riverside and the prominence of the Tower itself.

The buildings line the edges of the two main docks – east and west – and the entrance basin that is almost the same size. The Ivory House is the only historic warehouse which survives on the site and incorporates the last remnant of the original warehouse character. The original warehouse configuration, designed by the architect Philip Hardwick, was organized so that the front of the warehouse was flush with the dock edge. Other more recent development took place in the 1980s, 1990s and 2000’s, including the residential buildings along Sun Walk and the K2 office development. They all

Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines Page 10 of 27 Page 258 The Tower of London display a variety of architectural styles, but still maintain or re-create the original sense of enclosure of the Docks.

Today, the Docks have a largely peaceful and secluded character, as the perimeter buildings block most of the traffic noise from outside. The combination of trees and water create a calming atmosphere and a connection to nature, while the mix of shops and other uses are successful in creating quiet activity. Many historic dockyard features, such as bridges and cranes, have been incorporated into new development and the memory of its former use has been successfully retained.

Further east, the buildings of the South Quay Estate are simple, modern brick buildings with flats, ranging from 4 to 8 storeys. They are mainly set back from the street and surrounded by mature trees and other planting. At the eastern edge of the Conservation Area, Matilda House is an older 5 storey brick residential building, set back from the street and surrounded by mature trees. These residential developments have an unusually suburban feel given their proximity to the City of London and provide a strong contrast to the Docks and the Tower.

To the north, Cartwright St is a quiet, residential street lined with residential brick buildings, mainly flats on both sides.

East Smithfield is a major route out to the east of London. It is dominated by fast- moving traffic at the moment which detracts from the pedestrian experience. Positive features of this route include occasional glimpses of the church of St. George in the East, and a line of mature trees north of St. Katharine's Dock.

Land Use

Tower of London The functions of the Tower have changed and evolved over the course of its life, well beyond its original role as a Royal Fortress to secure control of London.

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Many administrative government functions were located in the Tower. It was used as an armoury, store, record office, menagerie and prison and military headquarters. The Royal Mint is thought to have been located here from the late 13th century and it is also famous as the home of the Crown Jewels.

It has a continuous history of residential occupation by officers and was occupied by many monarchs including Edward II and Edward III. Today it is home to a small community of about 140 people. The dominant use today is as a tourist attraction, visited by hundreds of thousands of people per year.

Transport Tower Hill Underground Station, Tower Gateway Docklands Light Railway station, Tower Pier and St. Katharine’s Pier are all located within the area.

St Katharine’s Docks The area around St. Katharine’s Docks is once again a mixed-use area, with a hotel, boat club, marina, shops, restaurants, pubs, offices and residential accommodation.

Scale

West of Tower Bridge, the area is characterised by very wide open spaces, with the White Tower as its focal point. The White Tower itself is only about 35 metres high, but its architectural character, its square proportions and elevated position give it a commanding presence at the heart of the Tower.

To the east of Tower Bridge, the buildings are generally large and substantial in character, but are not designed to be prominent on the skyline. The warehouses and residential buildings in St Katharine's Docks are generally 5-8 storeys high, although there are several individual buildings which are much smaller. The Tower Guoman Hotel is an anomaly in the area, ranging from 8 to 15 storeys in height.

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Open Spaces

Tower Environs The open spaces around the Tower are significant for many reasons, but today their most important role is to emphasise the separation between fortress and city. They contain significant places in their own right, such as Trinity Square Gardens, exposed fragments of the old City Wall and the forecourt to the old Royal Mint.

Most of the open space is dominated by vehicular traffic, along Tower Hill itself to the north and Tower Bridge Approach to the east, which continues to detract from the quality of the area.

Most of the open space around the north and east can be characterised as a place of transition and movement, in between the city and the fortress. The notable exception to this is Trinity Square Gardens, where the peaceful sunken memorial garden offers a valuable refuge from the surroundings.

The open space on Tower Hill to the west of the moat was redeveloped in the early 21st century. The standard of landscaping and architectural design is very high and the area now provides an appropriate and dramatic approach to the Middle and Byward Towers. The clear view across the moat towards the walls, exhibit the key qualities of this area.

Views

The London View Management Framework (LVMF) provides detailed guidance on the policies in the London Plan for the protection of strategically important views in London and explains how they are to be managed. It identifies three strategic views towards this Conservation Area.

The River Prospect of the Tower of London from the north pier of Tower Bridge is an important view.

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The River Prospect from London Bridge towards Tower Bridge includes views of the Tower of London. The Townscape view of the Tower of London from City Hall.

In addition to these strategic views, there are many important local views, particularly around the Tower walls. The views of the Tower from the north, from the exit to Tower Hill underground station and from the pedestrian underpass are particularly significant as they are often the first glimpse of the Tower for visitors. The views down Tower Hill to the river as well as across the moat are also important. Views towards the White Tower along several streets in the area are also significant, for example the view south along Mansell Street.

Views along the northern approach to Tower Bridge, looking towards the bridge and its distinctive silhouette are also significant, as the historic relationship between the fortress and the bridge can be seen very clearly.

Summary

This is an area of particular special architectural and historic interest, illustrated by its rich history and significant architecture dating from the Norman Conquest. The character and appearance of the area, as described in this appraisal, define its special qualities.

It is hoped that this document will lead on to more detailed working between the London Borough of Tower Hamlets and Historic Royal Palaces in accordance with the objectives of the World Heritage Site Management Plan, and to safeguard the character of this unique site..

Opportunities exist for the improvement of the Towers setting and these are set out in the Tower Gateway Development Framework and Investment Strategy (2003)

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2. Management Guidelines

Overview

This Management Plan has been prepared in consultation with the community, to set out the Borough’s commitment to high quality management of Conservation Areas and their settings. The Development Design and Conservation Team operates within the context of the Development and Renewal Directorate of the Council, alongside Major Projects, Development Control, Strategy and Building Control.

The area is on the border with the City of London and the London Borough of Southwark, and a coordinated approach is required to conservation.

Who is this document for?

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Outline Guidance on Applications

When planning applications in a Conservation Area are decided, the planning authority will pay special attention to whether the character of the area is preserved or enhanced. The character of the Tower of London is described in detail in the Appraisal in the first part of this document.

In the Tower Conservation Area, as in other Conservation Areas, planning controls are more extensive than normal. Consent is required to demolish any building, and a higher standard of detail and information is required for any application. When applying for listed building consent, please note that all parts of the building, including its interior walls, ceilings and all other internal features, are protected. Some buildings are nationally (statutorily) listed, and some are locally listed by the Borough to indicate buildings that the Borough wishes to protect.

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More details are available on the Tower Hamlets website. If in any doubt, the Council welcomes and encourages early requests for advice or information.

Policies Relevant to the Conservation Area and how they are Implemented:

Any new development should have regard to national, regional and local planning policy. At the national level, the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 places a duty on Tower Hamlets to designate Conservation Areas in “areas of special architectural or historic interest”, and to formulate and publish proposals for the preservation and enhancement of its Conservation Areas. National policy for planning and the historic environment is set out in Planning Policy Guidance 15 (PPG15). In particular, this guidance note states that inclusion in the World Heritage list highlights the outstanding international importance of the site as a key material consideration to be taken into account by local planning authorities in determining planning and listed building consent applications. At the regional level, policy 4B.1 of the London Spatial Development Strategy (or London Plan) states that ‘The Mayor will seek to ensure that developments … respect London’s built heritage.’ Policy CON3 of the Tower Hamlets Core Strategy states that, ‘Development Proposals that may have an effect upon the integrity of a

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World Heritage Site or its setting should be subject to a full environmental appraisal.’ Applicants should consult the Tower of London World Heritage Site Management Plan by Historic Royal Palaces. Policy CON4 of the Tower Hamlets Core Strategy relates to the Protection and Management of Important Views. Under Article 10 of the Town and Country Planning (General Development Procedure) Order 1995, Historic Royal Palaces must be informed of development proposals within 800m of the tower. The area lies inside the area covered by the City Fringe Area Action Plan. The Tower of London is a Scheduled Ancient Monument The area is identified as an area of archaeological importance. Trinity Gardens is designated as a London Square, and is protected by the London Squares Preservation Act of 1931. English Heritage has published information about their campaign to promote London Squares, which can be accessed online at this url: http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/upload/pdf/campaign_for_london_squares.pdf St Katharine’s Docks and the Thames are designated as Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation. There is a Strategic River Walkway along the river, and along the west side of the Tower. The London Cycle Network Plus runs across Tower Bridge and along the north side of the Tower. There is a Proposed Cycle Route through the south of the St Katharine’s Dock area.

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Listed Buildings in the Conservation Area

Grade I

x Tower Bridge x Tower Bridge Approach x Portion of Old London Wall, Trinity Square

Tower of London x The White Tower x Outer Curtain Wall with casements and Mural towers x Chapel of St Peter-ad-Vincula x The Queens House, No’s 1,2,4,5 & 7 Tower Green, including inner curtain wall, with Mural Towers and the New Armouries x The Middle Tower with Causeway to Byward Tower and remains of causeway to Lion Tower to west.

Grade II*

x The Old Hospital Block and raised terrace and railings, Tower of London x Revetment wall to south side of moat, from Tower Bridge approach to Middle Tower, Tower of London x The Royal Mint, Tower Hill x Port of London Building, Trinity Square

Grade II

Tower of London Area x Wine Cellars at Asher Storey, 8 to 10 Tower Hill x K6 Telephone Kiosk outside gateway of Byward Tower x Waterloo Block x Museum of the royal Fusiliers and attached terrace to front x Revetment wall to west and north side of moat, from outwork attached to Middle Tower to Tower Hill Postern

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x Revetment wall to north side of moat, from Tower Hill Postern to Tower Bridge Approach x Former Pump House x Waterloo Block

St Katherine’s Dock Area: x The Crown and Seven Stars Pub, Royal Mint Street x Gatehouses to principal entrance. Gatehouse at each side of main entrance to London Docks x Boundary Walls and Gate Piers, Thomas More Street x Boundary Wall to St Katherine’s Dock, St Katherine’s Way x Office Blocks, Thomas More Street x Quay Walls to basin and East and West Docks, St Katherine’s Dock x Ivory House, St Katherine’s Dock x Footbridge between the basin and east dock water areas, St Katherine’s Dock x Group of 3 Bollards, at lock between basin and East Dock, St Katherine’s Dock x Dockmaster’s Office, St Katherine’s Way x Stone Stairs and causeway dow to river gate piers at road entrance, St Katherine’s Way x Alderman Stairs and Gate Piers, St Katherine’s Way x British and Foreign Wharves G Warehouse, St Katherine Street x Sundial, St Katherine’s Docks

Tower Hill Area: x 42 Trinity Square x Forecourt at Trinity House, Trinity Square x Iron Railings and Gates, Trinity Square x Seaman’s Registry, Royal Mint Site x Entrance lodges at The Royal Mint, Tower Hill

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Highways and Transportation Issues

Vehicular traffic currently dominates the roads to the north and east of the Tower. A reduction in vehicular speeds and a gradual reduction in traffic volumes should be a long-term objective. However, the spaces created by the roads do play a valuable role in maintaining the historic separation of fortress and city and should not be encroached upon, a reduction in the percentage of these spaces that are given over to vehicles should not mean a reduction in the open space. East Smithfield would also benefit from lower traffic speeds.

In the area east of St. Katharine’s Docks, cobbles remain on large parts of St Katharine’s Way and act as a reminder of the area’s history. Minor improvements to the public realm should be made where appropriate. For example, the corner of Thomas More Road and St. Anthony’s Close has too many bollards.

Opportunities and Potential for Enhancement

The highways to the north and east of the Tower would benefit from a progressive reduction in traffic volume, and further public realm improvements to make the area more pedestrian friendly.

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The height , mass and architecture of the Tower Guoman Hotel building are deemed detrimental to the character of the Conservation Area, and to the setting of the World Heritage Site. Any future redevelopment of this site should introduce a smaller scale.

Many of the large office buildings suffer from blank frontages at street level. Options for creating a more lively frontage with a mix of uses should be explored, particularly in the area to the north of the Tower and along the north side of East Smithfield.

Any new development in this area should respect the importance of the Tower, and should follow the guidelines in the World Heritage Site Management Plan.

Trees, Parks and Open Spaces

The Tower Conservation Area includes several significant open spaces, including the River Thames itself, the Tower Environs, St. Katharine’s Docks and the spaces within the Tower of London itself.

The Tower Environs contain several important public spaces, including Trinity Gardens and the new theatrical public space on the west side of the Tower. These should be maintained in accordance with the World Heritage Site Management Plan.

Mention should also be made of the paved area on the top of Tower Hill Vaults. This is a bleak and little used space seriously in need of enhancement and integration with the recent improvements to Tower Hill and Great Tower Street.

The extension of high quality surfaces, street furniture and lighting in high quality landscaping schemes can bring coherence to the local setting of the Tower and can differentiate it from the wider urban context in which it sits.

Trees play an important role in almost every important view within the Tower Conservation Area. The old trees within the Tower of London itself, and along the river frontage, are a distinctive part of the view and contribute to the sense of the Tower as an island, separate from the City. Trees within the St. Katharine’s Docks area create a

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The River Thames itself is a large open space, and the Conservation Area boundary extends to its centreline. As described in the Character Appraisal, the openness of the river, and the clear views to Tower Bridge and to the Tower of London, are important parts of its character.

Equalities:

This Character Appraisal and Management Guidelines will support the Council’s aims:

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Please contact us if you feel that this document could do more to promote equality and further the interests of the whole community.

Publicity

The existence of the Conservation Area will be promoted locally to raise awareness of current conservation issues and to invite contributions from the community.

Consideration of Resources Needed to Conserve the Historic Environment:

In order to meet today’s needs without damaging the historic or architectural value of a building, a degree of flexibility, innovation and creative estate management may be required.

Ongoing Management and Monitoring Change:

The Council recognises the contribution of the local community in managing Conservation Areas, and will welcome proposals to work collaboratively to monitor and manage the area.

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Enforcement Strategy:

The Council will enforce conservation law wherever necessary, and will consider the introduction of Article 4 Directions to remove Permitted Development Rights where appropriate.

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Further Reading and Contacts

The Buildings of England (London 5: East). Cherry, O’Brien and Pevsner. The Buildings of England (London 1: City of London): Bradley and Pevsner. The Tower of London World Heritage Site Management Plan: Historic Royal Palaces (June 2007).

The World Heritage Site Management Plan contains a detailed list of references for more information about the architecture and history of the Tower of London.

For a translation, or large print, audio or braille version of this document, please telephone 0800 376 5454. Also, if you require any further help with this document, please telephone 020 7364 5372.

Also, you may wish to contact the following organizations for further information: Historic Royal Palaces www.hrp.org.uk English Heritage www.english-heritage.org.uk The Georgian Group www.georgiangroup.org.uk Victorian Society www.victorian-society.org.uk 20th Century Society www.c20society.org.uk Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings www.spab.org.uk

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Listed Buildings at Risk:

At this time we are not aware of any listed buildings at risk in the Conservation Area.

Any other threats to the Conservation Area

x The most significant threat to the Conservation Area is the pressure for buildings of excessive height and bulk beyond it boundaries to the detriment of its character and appearance. In making any planning decision the impact upon the character and appearance of the Conservation Area must be considered. In the case of the Tower the setting and backdrop are critical to its character and must be protected.

Priorities for Action (1-5)

1. Encouraging further research to improve the understanding of the Tower and inform the conservation of the WHS 2. Managing the setting of the Tower, to ensure that new buildings contribute to the quality of views to and from Tower 3. Working with interested parties to find a common and consistent approach to the planning issues surrounding the Tower of London. 4. Act in partnership with HRP to safeguard and enhance the local setting of the Tower 5. Work with Historic Royal Palaces, English Heritage and other organizations to produce a design guide for the public realm

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Page 276 Tredegar Square

Tredegar Square

Conservation Area

1. Character Appraisal

2. Management Guidelines

London Borough of Tower Hamlets October 2007

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Introduction

This guide has been prepared for the following purposes:

To comply with the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. Section 69(1) states that a conservation area is “an area of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance” To provide a detailed appraisal of the area’s architectural and historic character. To provide an overview of planning policy and propose management guidelines on how this character should be preserved and enhanced in the context of appropriate ongoing change.

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1. Character Appraisal

Overview

The Tredegar Square Conservation Area was designated in 1971. The Conservation Area, which encompasses much of Mile End New Town, is bounded by Lichfield Road and the railway line to the North, Addington Road to the east, Bow Road and Mile End Road to the South and Grove Road to the west. It is an area of special architectural and historic interest, with a character and appearance worthy of protection and enhancement.

History

The Mile End and Bow Road route to Essex came into its own in medieval times when a bridge was built across the river to the south of Old Ford in the 12th century and Bow (or Stratford atte Bow as it was originally called) could develop in earnest.

Over the centuries, the River Lea attracted riverside industries including a scarlet dye works in the mid 17th century and one hundred years later, a China factory producing Bow Porcelain between 1747 and the 1770s. Mile End Old Town, which was originally built on land close to Whitechapel expanded eastward as the urban population grew. Some of the tablets marking the boundaries of the area can still be seen today.

A stone inscribed with the letters MEOT is embedded in the wall of No 20 Morgan Street on the corner of Coborn Road. Similarly, territorial signs for the adjoining borough (St Mary’s Stratford, Bow) can be found on the eastern pier of the railway bridge and the wall of Coborn Terrace, at the junction with Bow Road.

On the east side of Coborn Road, most of the land belonged to the Coborn Charity founded in 1701 to provide a school for girls and boys and money for the poor in Bow. To the west lay land originally belonging to Essex House (on the site of the present day Onyx House) associated with the Morgan family, and later with Lord Tredegar. At the beginning of the 19th century, the construction of Commercial Road, the Regent’s

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Canal, the Limehouse Cut and New Docks on the Thames opened up new opportunities for employment and residential development in the area.

The area was developed principally between 1820 and 1860. Ground landlords like Sir Charles Morgan of Tredegar and the Coborn Trustees leased plots to developers and builders who erected houses that they could then sub lease for their own profit. Construction began to the East of Coborn Road in 1817 and villas in Coborn Street were ready for letting in 1827. Following an act of parliament in 1824, Sir Charles Morgan was permitted to put up dwellings on his fields. By the 1830s, the villas in Rhondda Grove, the houses at the eastern end of Morgan Street, the main western terrace of Aberavon Road and much of Tredegar Square were built. The new development on Morgan ground had its own church, Holy Trinity and grammar school by 1847 and a few new properties began to be erected to the north of Morgan Street around that time. In due course, this led to the completion of Alloway and Lichfield Roads, College and Tredegar Terraces and the taller houses at the western end of Morgan Street and Grove Road between 1862 and 1889. The population increased to around 10,000 by 1861 with a further huge increase by 1896.

Although the area was considered to be relatively prosperous, job creation was needed here, as elsewhere in the metropolis. Home-based industries such as dressmaking, umbrella furnishing and walking stick manufacture were pursued. Industrial concerns included a waterproof clothing factory on the east side of Coborn Street where the primary school is today and other clothing manufacturers in Tredegar Square, Coborn Road and Tredegar Terrace.

Areas near Tredegar Square were damaged by bombing during the Second World War and a post-war scheme for widespread redevelopment of the area was under consideration.

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Character

The Tredegar Estate was laid out formally around the square and designed in grand style. The square is surrounded on all sides by three-storey terraced houses with basements. The north side is the grandest with stuccoed and classical decoration and the remaining three sides are plain stock brick.

The area was developed to a grid and uniform pattern, and the character of most streets is created by the repetition of architectural elements to create a finely textured surface to the continuous building frontages. This quality is particularly apparent in long views. The proportions of the buildings provide definition to the streets but leave them generously sized. Away from the square and major roads, the scale of the townscape reduces to smaller houses. Where individual gardens have been preserved, for example on Coborn Road, there is an almost rural character.

Tredegar Square Conservation Area comprises well-proportioned housing, built to resemble the contemporary buildings of north and west London. Substantial houses front the main road; grand houses surround the square; prosperous villas line the route to the church and smaller, more modest houses are set close to these. Originally each road contained houses built in the same style at the same period and there is still considerable unity that provides an essential contribution to the area’s character today.

Many properties still retain original external and internal features, such as cast-iron balconies, railings, double-hung timber sash windows with fine glazing bars, good examples of panelled front doors, semi-circular doorways, fanlights, decorative stucco or plaster moulded window surrounds and door-cases, stuccoed string courses, projecting stone-cills, timber window shutters, original fireplaces and ceiling cornices and these features contribute positively to the character of the Conservation Area.

An increasing number of metal security gates are being introduced to the front of properties in the Conservation Area. Entrance doors are historically recessed to give some shelter from the weather, the new security gate is introduced in front of this on

Conservation Area Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines Page 6 of 18 Page 282 Tredegar Square the same plane as the front wall. They are not traditional and their introduction detracts from the character and appearance of the townscape.

In some areas, for example Rhondda Grove, the creation of hardstanding in garden areas is out of character with the area and detracts from the area.

The post box at the corner of Tredegar Square is a modern replica but it clearly contributes to the character of the area.

Land Use

The prevailing character of the area is residential, with commercial uses confined in the large part to the main road frontages. Some small shop units and public houses exist within the area, which add to the variety and character of the area.

There are a number of public buildings set within the Conservation Area such as schools, churches and the police station. These create a sense of civic identity for the area and a stronger sense of place. The church and school provide a visual relief to the predominantly residential character of the area.

Scale

The scale of buildings vary, generally decreasing in size from the grand buildings around the square, to smaller houses on the periphery of the Tredegar Square Conservation Area. This transition occurs in a subtle and harmonious way.

Open Spaces

Tredegar Square is the most significant public open space in the area. It is approximately 100m x 100m in size. The sense of spaciousness is enhanced by the setback of the terraces behind front gardens and by the judicious planting of trees, either within the gardens or the street. The large, mature trees and landscaping of the square, coupled with the architectural quality and surviving detail of the surrounding terraces, define the character of this central green space.

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This open space is significant not just for its quality of design, but as a rare example in East London, of a type of residential development that took place on a wider scale in the West End at the time.

Views

The clear definition of the streets and the character of the architecture create many high quality views. Within Tredegar Square itself each terrace facade contains a central focus which gives a distinct and memorable character to views within the square. Elsewhere, long views along a road are closed by feature buildings. For example, Rhondda Grove is closed by the view of Holy Trinity, College Terrace by the Lord Tredegar and Aberavon Road by the corner shop at no. 9 Morgan Street.

Summary

This is an area of particular special architectural and historic interest. Developed principally between 1820 and 1860 it illustrates a rich history, incorporates significant architecture. The character and appearance of the area, as described in this appraisal, define its special qualities. There are minor improvements that could be made to buildings in the Conservation Area, but overall this has little impact on the qualities that led to its designation.

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2. Management Guidelines

Overview

This Management Plan has been prepared in consultation with the community, to set out the Borough’s commitment to high quality management of Conservation Areas and their settings. The Development Design and Conservation Team operates within the context of the Development and Renewal Directorate of the Council, alongside Major Projects, Development Control, Strategy and Building Control.

Who is this document for?

The document has also been prepared to align conservation objectives within different parts of the council, and provide a single point of reference for the management of the

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Outline Guidance on Applications

When planning applications in a Conservation Area are decided, the planning authority will pay special attention to whether the character of the area is preserved or enhanced. The character of Tredegar Square is described in detail in the Appraisal in the first part of this document.

In Tredegar Square, as in other Conservation Areas, planning controls are more extensive than normal. Consent is required to demolish any building, and a higher standard of detail and information is required for any application. When applying for listed building consent, please note that all parts of the building, including its interior walls, ceilings and all other internal features, are protected. Some buildings are nationally (statutorily) listed, and some are locally listed by the Borough to indicate buildings that the Borough wishes to protect and which contribute positively to the streetscape.

The exact information required will vary with each application, but in general applications must include: A clear design statement explaining the reasons behind the various architectural, masterplanning or other design decisions. Contextual plans, sections and elevations of existing buildings Drawings, including construction details, produced at larger scale (eg. 1:50 or 1:20) clearly indicating the nature of the work proposed. Additional detail regarding materials and construction.

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Photos of the condition of existing building (including details where appropriate).

More details are available on the Tower Hamlets website. If in any doubt, the Council welcomes and encourages early requests for advice or information.

Policies Relevant to the Conservation Area and how they are Implemented:

Any new development should have regard to national, regional and local planning policy. At the national level, the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 places a duty on Tower Hamlets to designate Conservation Areas in “areas of special architectural or historic interest”, and to formulate and publish proposals for the preservation and enhancement of its Conservation Areas. National policy for planning and the historic environment is set out in Planning Policy Guidance 15 (PPG15). At the regional level, policy 4B.1 of the London Spatial Development Strategy (or London Plan) states that ‘The Mayor will seek to ensure that developments … respect London’s built heritage.’ Tredegar Square is designated as a London Square, and is subject to the London Squares Preservation Act of 1931. English Heritage has published information about their campaign to promote London Squares, which can be accessed online at this address:: http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/upload/pdf/campaign_for_london_squares.pdf

The area is identified as an area of archaeological importance.

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Listed Buildings in the Conservation Area

Ecclesiastic Grade C Holy Trinity Church, Morgan Street Grade II* 26 Tredegar Square Grade II Gurdwara Sikh Sangat and 27-32 Tredegar Square railings, Harley Grove 33-48 Tredegar Square 3-23 Bow Road 53-64 Tredegar Square 69-95 Bow Road 50 Lichfield Road 101-109 Bow Road 415-455 Mile End Road Central Foundation School Central Foundation Girls School 24-37 Coborn Street (lower school) Morgan Street 20-28 Coborn Road 28-31Rhondda Grove 44-52 Coborn Road 23-25 Rhondda Grove 15-41 Coborn Road 19-21 Rhondda Grove 27-41 Morgan Street 6-11 Rhondda Grove 10-20 Morgan Street 2-34 Aberavon Road 1-22 Tredegar Square 1-45 Aberavon Road 23-25 Tredegar Square

Locally Listed

395 Mile End Road 25 Bow Road 10 and 11 Harley Grove 40 t0 42 Coburn Road 55 Coburn

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Highways and Transportation Issues

In general, the highways are in a good state of repair. Historic street surfaces and furniture should be retained and repaired where possible, using high quality materials such as York Stone paving, granite setts and kerbstones as appropriate.

Original details such as cast iron bollards, coal hole covers, old street signs, railings and drinking troughs should be retained, repaired or restored as appropriate.

Mile End Road, along the southern edge of the Conservation Area, will be the location for the 2012 Olympic Marathon and should form part of a wider study to improve the streetscape along the length of the road.

Opportunities and Potential for Enhancement

One of the most significant qualities of the area is the unity of the residential terraces. Conserving this unity and cohesion is critical when planning any maintenance or repair works to buildings in this area. Where possible, historic features such as front gardens, railings or cornices should be re-introduced as part of any works.

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There is a long history of mixed use buildings in the area, and occasional small scale retail units, workshops and public houses are an important characteristic of the area. There is pressure to extend residential houses to the rear, side or roof and in general. This should be resisted because it will compromise the visual cohesion of the streetscape. The area would benefit from detailed design guidance on where extensions may be appropriate, including guidance on form, colour, texture, profile, materials, massing, fenestration, buildings lines, street frontages, scale, proportion and architectural detail.

Trees, Parks and Open Spaces

The most significant space is Tredegar Square itself, at the centre of the Conservation Area. The management of this important London Square should preserve its essential character as a large semi-formal garden and amenity space.

Equalities:

This Character Appraisal and Management Guidelines will support the Council’s aims:

a strong spirit of community and good race relations in Tower Hamlets.

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to get rid of prejudice, discrimination and victimisation within the communities we serve and our workforce to make sure that the borough’s communities and our workforce are not discriminated against or bullied for any reason, including reasons associated with their gender, age, ethnicity, disability, sexuality or religious belief.

Please contact us if you feel that this document could do more to promote equality and further the interests of the whole community.

Publicity

The existence of the Conservation Area will be promoted locally to raise awareness of current conservation issues and to invite contributions from the community.

Consideration of Resources Needed to Conserve the Historic Environment:

In order to meet today’s needs without damaging the historic or architectural value of a building, a degree of flexibility, innovation and creative estate management may be required.

Ongoing Management and Monitoring Change:

To keep a record of changes within the area, dated photographic surveys of street frontages and significant buildings and views will be made every 5 years. Also, public

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The Council recognises the contribution of the local community in managing Conservation Areas, and will welcome proposals to work collaboratively to monitor and manage the area.

Enforcement Strategy:

The Council will enforce conservation law wherever necessary, and will consider the introduction of Article 4 Directions to remove Permitted Development Rights where appropriate.

Further Reading and Contacts

The Survey of London, volume 27: Spitalfields and Mile End New Town. The Buildings of England (London 5: East). Cherry, O’Brien and Pevsner.

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For a translation, or large print, audio or braille version of this document, please telephone 0800 376 5454. Also, if you require any further help with this document, please telephone 020 7364 5372.

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Listed Buildings at Risk:

Holy Trinity Church Priority: D (D) Designation: Grade II Listed Condition: Fair. Vacant Ownership: Religious Organisation Summary: Early Gothic Revival church built 1836-9 by G Austin. The attached church hall has been repaired and is used for worship. Grant offered by English Heritage/Heritage Lottery Fund Joint Scheme. Works to roofs and windows now complete, but interior needs substantial work. Proposed Actions to Secure: Secure ongoing program of external repair

Any other threats to the Conservation Area

x The threats to the Tredegar Square Conservation Area are those posed by permitted development which allows a number of minor but unsympathetic alterations to unlisted properties without the need for Planning Permission. Included within this category are the introduction of new windows, doors, the loss of historic features, and pebble dashing. One way to restrict this would be to consider the introduction of Article 4s.

Another threat to the community is the decline in local services, shops and cafes.

Safety within the Conservation Area was also raised as a concern by local people.

Priorities for Action (1-5) 1. The conversion of public houses and shop units to residential will be resisted. 2. Establishment of a Bow Conservation Areas Advisory Group with residents 3. Produce householder guide in conjunction with new CAG 4. Liaise with the Olympics Team to ensure that the proposals for High Street 2012 respect the character of the Conservation Area. 5. Encourage good practice with regard to the planting / maintenance of street trees

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York Square

Conservation Area

1. Character Appraisal

2. Management Guidelines

London Borough of Tower Hamlets October 2007

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Introduction

This guide has been prepared for the following purposes:

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1. Character Appraisal

Overview

The York Square Conservation Area was designated in January 1973. The Conservation Area has an irregular boundary. It extends from Durham Row and terraces facing Matlock Street to the north and includes properties fronting Commercial Road to the south. The western boundary is defined by Bromley, Westport and Pitsea Streets. The eastern boundary comprises terraces facing Aston Street, Raby Street and Brunton Place. The purpose of designating the York Square Conservation Area was to protect both the architectural integrity of the Mercer’s Estate. It also protects public open space and the high quality townscape around the Grade I listed Parish Church of St Dunstan and All Saints and its churchyard, which forms the northern boundary of the Conservation Area.

History

The Parish Church of St Dunstan and All Saints is Saxon in origin with many later medieval additions and modifications. It is one of the most important parish churches in England. It was rebuilt in 952 after Viking raids by St Dunstan who was by then Archbishop of Canterbury and played a key role in forming England. John Collett was also Rector of this Church during 16th Century. He was Master of the Renaissance school of philosophy and also the founder of the St Paul’s School and leader of the English School of Philosophy, which begun in Florence under Vicino. Colletts friend’s included Erasmus, Calvin and Zwingli, all of whom visited him in England. Up until 1906, the church’s graves carried the greatest collection of elegies of any parish church of England. It also has literary connections including with the Shakespeare family, whose arms are found within the church.

The church was the Parish Church of the Parish of St Dunstan and Stebenheath, which before 1800 comprised mainly of small settlements and open heath. The parish included most of the present day Borough of Tower Hamlets and some of present day Hackney before it was subdivided into the various Hamlets under the jurisdiction of the

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Constable of the Tower of London. The area continued to subdivide to accommodate the rush of workers who moved to work in the dock areas from 1800-70 to form what is now known as the East End of London. It became the present day Borough of Tower Hamlets in 1965 after the amalgamation of the Metropolitan Boroughs of Bethnal Green, Poplar and Stepney.

During the 18th century, much of the heath in this area was laid out as market gardens that supplied markets in London. Most of the land was owned by the Mercers Company, the Guild for dealers in textile fabrics. This is why the 19th Century development at York Square area is often referred to as Mercer’s Estate. Stowe’s map of 1755 shows the Parish of St Dunstan and All Saints in very much the same setting as today, with the Hamlet of Mile End Old Town to the north and the Hamlet of Ratcliffe to the south; its boundary running down Barnes Street.

White Horse Road was known as Cliff Street from the 14th to 16th centuries. It was the medieval route from Ratcliffe to St Dunstan’s Church. By the 17th century, housing was developed both sides of White Horse Road when it became a village street and its name was changed to White Hart Street.

London was expanding rapidly by the early 19th century. The docks were being built at this time and Commercial Road was opened in 1810. It linked the docks with the City of London. Detailed plans were drawn up to develop the area immediately to the north of this new road in 1823 by a surveyor called George Smith. The pace of building was swift and the development was substantially complete by 1828.

The largest houses were to be built on Commercial Road itself, whilst a spacious square (later named York Square) was positioned as a focal point for a grid of streets to be laid out towards the medieval Parish Church of St. Dunstan and All Saints, where the residential areas open out into the grounds of the Parish Church. Salmon Lane is an exception to the 1823 grid pattern. This is because it is an ancient country lane that provided access to Limehouse. It contains buildings constructed at various times during the 19th Century and is altered to the west by Troon Street.

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The builders did not adhere strictly to George Smith’s plans. The demand for houses was such that they were able to construct smaller houses to maximise their profits. Despite this, the development was laid out to enlightened planning principles, with wide streets, squares and central gardens, forming a spacious and airy streetscene that contrasts with some of the high density areas being developed closer to the City.

The former Limehouse District Board of Works Offices was constructed between 1862-4. It was funded by the Metropolitan Management Act of 1855, which gave parishes power to manage rates and drainage. The office was constructed by C.R Dunch (surveyor) at No.43 White Horse Road. It involved the demolition of 6 freehold houses.

The terraces surrounding York Square were acquired by the GLC in 1973 and were among the first to be renovated by the Council.

Character

York Square Conservation Area was constructed to a consistent Regency design which was typical of the area. It consists mainly of a grid of two storey terraced houses with butterfly roofs and front parapets. Many of which are Grade II listed. Many of the terraces in the York Square area open directly onto the street. Terraces set back from the street were originally enclosed by cast iron railings, set in a stone plinth and are important to the character and appearance of the street. Some of the surfaces have York Stone paving

Streets are characterised by the homogenous layout of small scale streets and uniform modest terraces of narrow, flat fronted houses and the grid street pattern focuses upon York Square. The plan incorporated a hierarchy of streets and some terraces within York Square itself were built with a mansard storey, giving these properties greater prominence and indicating their relative importance within the hierarchy of roads in the Mercers estate. This is an original uniform treatment and thus the homogeneity is both intended and witnessed on the north and south sides of York Square. The largest houses were on Commercial Road, the more modest on local side streets.

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The more irregular and varied development on White Horse Road reflects its development over time as a street that proceeds the 1823 grid design. Unique buildings on the road include the locally listed White Horse Pub on the intersection of Commercial Road and Butchers Row and in the former Limehouse District Board of Works Offices. The locally listed Works Office with two storey plus basement was conceived on a generous scale, but is of moderate size and contains relatively few rooms. It has an elaborate stuccoed, Italianate façade to the street, with the rear of the building plain. In 1994, the building was converted to the Half Moon Youth Theatre but with a much damaged interior. The former two storey Hamlet of Ratcliffe School, founded in 1710, also locally listed, stands just beyond. The locally listed Vicarage stands on the corner with Salmon Lane.

Doors and windows are set in simple brick openings, with fine gauged brick arches above. The architecture relies on simple, well-balanced proportions and regularity. The earlier terraces are constructed entirely in brick, and the later ones were decorated with stucco mouldings.

Original shop fronts within the Conservation Area, typical of the late 19th century, survive at 84 and 88 White Horse Road, 14 Salmon Road, 8 Flamborough Street and 17 Barnes Street. These were constructed of timber and painted, with many having attractive moulded details, adding character and individuality to the area.

To the east, Belgrave and Bromley Streets retain both Grade II and locally listed terraces with stuccoed lower storeys built in 1829-43.

St Dunstan and All Saints Church is an important Saxon Parish Church with commanding medieval additions that reveal its importance over time. A fire gutted the interior of the church in 1901 and consequently, new east facing windows and a south aisle was restored. Further repairs were made after war damage.

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Commercial Road was constructed in 1810 and land on either side was sold to speculative builders. This resulted in piecemeal development over time that retains a period character but contrasts with the highly planned grid that characterises other parts of the Conservation Area. The road is now characterised by commercial premises at ground floor with mainly residential uses at upper floors.

Limehouse station is within the Conservation Area to the south of Commercial Road. The station was opened 1840 as part of the London and Blackwall Railway. The station has been previously known as Stepney, Stepney Junction and later Stepney East station. Another station some distance to the east on the London and Blackwall Railway, open between 1840 and 1926, had previously been called Limehouse. The main route from Fenchurch Street to Shoeburyness via Basildon crosses Commercial Road just after Limehouse Station and its railway bridge is a locally listed structure. It was originally built be between 1847 and 1849 in a joint venture between the London and Blackwall Railway and the Eastern Counties Railway.

Beneath the locally listed bridge stands No’s 582-8 Brunswick Terrace, which form a handsome group of four (originally seven), three storey, Grade II listed houses dating from 1820-30, complete with Greek Doric columns. They represent some of the grandest terraces to survive on Commercial Road. Also located on the southern side of Commercial Road is the well preserved, former Troxy cinema, built in 1931-3 by George Coles and Arthur Roberts. It was built as a lavish auditorium for 3000 people in French Art Deco style; it is Grade II listed and presents a tripartite front, with strong horizontal patterning.

Land Use

The Conservation Area is predominantly residential with dispersed ancillary commercial uses, notably corner public houses at 17 Barnes Street, 49 Bromley Street, 1 Durham Row, 8 Flamborough Street and 94 White Horse Road. There is a local shopping parade at the southern end of White Horse Road and more diverse uses exist off Commercial Road.

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Scale

In the core residential streets of the York Square Conservation Area, development is almost universally in terraced form. The terraces are of two storeys with a strong horizontal emphasis. Some have basements and a few have mansard storeys above roof level. Each terrace has a coherent original rear elevation, which contribute to the overall character of the area, as viewed from rear gardens. Many have rear additions. These retain significant side returns because the rear additions cover just half of the width of each property. The rear additions are primarily single-storey, with some terraces having two-storey rear additions. They are mono-pitch, with some characterised by roofs that slope away from the main building and others have roofs that replicate the roof pitch of the butterfly roofs above.

There are some larger buildings on White Horse Road, although these are usually grouped in rows of buildings with a common roof or parapet line. The scale increases to 3-4 storeys on Commercial Road, in keeping with the character of a major highway. There are also some isolated buildings of a different scale, such as the villas in Flamborough Walk.

Open Space

An important aspect of the Victorian and Edwardian urban improvements was the creation of parks and preservation of open spaces. In 1887, the large churchyard of the Parish Church of St Dunstan and All Saints was made available for public recreation. It continues to form a significant presence, in the area enhanced by the open parkland, enclosed by Bromley and Belgrave Streets. Within the grounds is a surviving medieval monument to the wealthy Mercer and Lord Mayor Henry Colet who died in 1510. Other tombs memorable for their maritime associations exist at St Dunstan.

The former churchyard provides a spacious public green space for local residents, enhanced by the mature trees and lawned areas of the churchyard. Its setting enhances the character of the Parish Church of St. Dunstan and All Saints. A tree lined, paved avenue (accessed from a gated entry off White Horse Road) cuts through the grounds, in approach to the church.

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Views

Long views exist, particularly views of the 19th century buildings along Bromley, Flamborough, Barnes, Whitehorse, Matlock and Aston Streets. These help to reveal the this example of the 19th century vision for East London, expressed in York Square’s 1832 plan, with its existing townscape made up of a uniform, continuous modest terraces on narrow allotments.

Summary

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2. Management Guidelines

Overview

Who is this document for?

This is an inclusive document which will engage with many different people and organisations. It will depend on the support of the community to achieve its objectives. It is aimed primarily at the residents, businesses, developers and others living and working in the area. The Conservation Area belongs to its residents, as well as the whole community, and their priorities will be reflected in these documents after the consultation process. The document has also been prepared to align conservation objectives within different parts of the Council, and provide a single point of reference for the management of the area. It represents our shared commitment to conserve the special architectural and

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Outline Guidance on Applications

When planning applications in a Conservation Area are decided, the planning authority will pay special attention to whether the character of the area is preserved or enhanced. The character of York Square is described in detail in the Appraisal in the first part of this document.

In York Square, as in other Conservation Areas, planning controls are more extensive than normal. Consent is required to demolish any building, and a higher standard of detail and information is required for any application. When applying for listed building consent, please note that all parts of the building, including its interior walls, ceilings and all other internal features, are protected. Some buildings are nationally (statutorily) listed, and some are locally listed by the Borough to indicate buildings that the Borough wishes to protect.

The exact information required will vary with each application, but in general applications must include:

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Photos of the condition of existing building (including details where appropriate).

More details are available on the Tower Hamlets website. If in any doubt, the Council welcomes and encourages early requests for advice or information.

Policies Relevant to the Conservation Area and how they are implemented:

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Listed Buildings in the Conservation Area

Grade I

Stepney High Street - Parish Church of St Dunstan and All Saints (The Church of the High Seas)

Grade II

3-19 Durham Row Durham Row - Iron railings, gate at end of St. Dunstan’s Churchyard Stepney High Street, Iron railings, gate piers and gates at St Dunstan’s Churchyard 1-10 White Horse Road - Mercer’s cottages Stepney High Street, Gate piers and overthrow at Lady Mico’s Almshouses 34 Belgrave Street – The Mercer’s Arms Public House 36-40 Belgrave Street 50-52 Belgrave Street 62-68 White Horse Road 6-90 Bromley Street 9-47 Bromley Street 49 Bromley Street – The British Prince Public House 29 Aston Street 1-15 Barnes Street 17 Barnes Street – The Ship Inn 19-31 Barnes Street 2-10 Barnes Street 12-22 Barnes Street 3-7 Flamborough Street 8 Flamborough Street – Queen’s Head Public House 1A Flamborough Street 9-15 Flamborough Street 1-8 York Square 9-16 York Square

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34 Belgrave Street – The Mercer’s Arms Public House 36-40 Belgrave Street 50-52 Belgrave Street 582-588 Commercial Road Commercial Road – London Opera Centre (Former Troxy Cinema)

Locally Listed Building

13 to 49 Belgrave Street Depot - White Horse Road 43 White Horse Road 42 Belgrave Street 54 Belgrave Street 58 Belgrave Street 109 to 135 White Horse Road 94 White Horse Road 14 to 28 Matlock Street 1 to 13 Matlock Street 47 to 55 Barnes Street 24 to 38 Barnes Street 1 to 27 Aston Street 2 to 34 Aston Street 3 to 45 Salmon Lane 4 to 36 Salmon Lane 33 to 45 Barnes Street 1 to 11 Chasely Street 2 to 12 Chasely Street 1 Flamborough Street 2 Flamborough Street Wall – Flamborough Street 6 Flamborough Street Stepney East Station - Commercial Road 556 Commercial Road 90 White Horse Road

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Highways and Transportation Issues

The quality of the streetscape, the surface materials, street furniture and other features can all be integral parts of the character of Conservation Areas. Any work carried out should respect this historic character. Anyone involved in development which impacts on public spaces should refer to the Council’s Street Design Guide, TFL’s own Streetscape Guidance and English Heritage’s ‘Streets for All’ document. The ongoing cost of maintenance should also be considered carefully.

Commercial Road is a busy traffic route in the Conservation Area and indeed across the Borough, attracting constant vehicular traffic particularly as the principal route between the East End and the City. It is currently dominated by the highway function of the road with high traffic volumes, noise and vibrations and is not entirely pedestrian friendly. Options for improving the pedestrian and cycle environment along Commercial Road and side streets in the York Square Conservation Area should be investigated.

Generally, controlled road side parking for residents is provided in and around York Square. Some York stone paving survives and has been recently reinstated in some areas. Future similar works are encouraged.

Opportunities and Potential for Enhancement

Preservation of the historic setting of the church and public churchyard gardens are of utmost importance. These views should be maintained and protected where appropriate, continuing the historic ties between the Stepney Church and the community. The maintenance of the church and churchyard, including its benches, signage and tombstones should be ensured.

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Any new proposed buildings should respect the established historic building line and follow the established scale, mass and the traditional narrow and deep plot sizes, which are generally typical of terraced form development. Regard should be given to the prevalent traditional building material in the vicinity, generally yellow stock bricks and Welsh slate roofs. Design need not copy or mimic the Georgian style which prevails. Attention should be given to the basic elements which tie a terrace or group of buildings together, such as storeys heights, the prevailing parapet line and overall proportions. It is characteristic of London terraces to have small rear extensions. Extensions should be subservient to the original building. The materials and design should sensitively complement the existing building. Private gardens are important to the setting and amenity of a building and should be retained, keeping traditional brick walls. Timber fencing is generally out of character with this area. Mansard roof extensions can destroy the scale and balance of a unified terrace and are not suitable in most of the York Square Conservation Area.

Trees, Parks and Open Spaces

Enclosed within iron railings and gates, the Parish Church of St Dunstan and All Saints and churchyard are a focal point of the York Square Conservation Area, both historically and in its use as a public park today. The surrounding green open spaces, pathway, mature trees and park furniture have all been well maintained.

The Parish Church of St Dunstan and All Saints churchyard is protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO). It is considered very important that the gardens, including the sacred character of the churchyard are preserved. This principle should be observed in all future management and maintenance of the churchyard gardens.

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Equalities:

This Character Appraisal and Management Guidelines will support the Council’s aims:

A strong spirit of community and good race relations in Tower Hamlets. to get rid of prejudice, discrimination and victimisation within the communities we serve and our workforce to make sure that the borough’s communities and our workforce are not discriminated against or bullied for any reason, including reasons associated with their gender, age, ethnicity, disability, sexuality or religious belief.

Please contact us if you feel that this document could do more to promote equality and further the interests of the whole community.

Publicity

The existence of the Conservation Area will be promoted locally to raise awareness of current conservation issues and to invite contributions from the community.

Consideration of Resources Needed to Conserve the Historic Environment:

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In order to meet today’s needs without damaging the historic or architectural value of a building, a degree of flexibility, innovation and creative estate management may be required.

Ongoing Management and Monitoring Change:

The Council recognises the contribution of the local community in managing Conservation Areas, and will welcome proposals to work collaboratively to monitor and manage the area.

Enforcement Strategy:

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The Council will enforce conservation law wherever necessary, and will consider the introduction of Article 4 Directions to remove Permitted Development Rights where appropriate.

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Further Reading and Contacts

The Buildings of England (London 5: East). Cherry, O’Brien and Pevsner.

For a translation, or large print, audio or braille version of this document, please telephone 0800 376 5454. Also, if you require any further help with this document, please telephone 020 7364 5372.

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Listed Buildings at Risk:

At this time we are not aware of any listed buildings at risk in the Conservation Area.

Any other threats to the Conservation Area

x Loss of original timber windows and replacement with uPVC. x Excessive traffic flows along streets within the Conservation Area. x Loss of elegies written on tombstones and graffiti in Churchyard

Priorities for Action (1-5)

x Introduce enhancements to streetscape x Introduce “Article 4 directions” to protect houses x Investigate traffic calming measures x Produce design guide for the Conservation Area x Set up local Conservation Advisory Group

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