Dr af t

RoxethCONSERVATION AREAHill APPRAISAL Area Number 6

ublic

House, built in 1862, then 1862, in built House,

the current building in 1893 in building current the

demolished to make way for way make to demolished The original Half Moon P Moon Half original The

he conservation area forms one of the main approaches to the Hill from the south west. This 32 acre part of the western slope of on the Hill has an openly developed mainly residential, but also commercial and community character. The steeply sloping land Tthroughout is the key defining feature. This provides good views of attractive buildings, particularly through staggered rooflines, and panoramic views out. The topography also affects density, with tight knit, small-scale terraces in small plots usually found along the lower slopes of the Hill, whilst larger villas and detached cottages and houses in larger plots are mainly found along the upper reaches. 1

Site of the recently developed former Harrow Hospital, Hill, one of the most important conservation area sites

1. Overview of Roxeth Hill and a great deal of dense south links between Byron Hill Conservation Area private trees and shrubbery and and Roxeth Hill. Lower Road and large open spaces visible from Byron Hill Road form important 1.1 The area contains a variety the streetscene. boundaries to the west and of architectural styles including north-east respectively. typical Edwardian villas, Arts and 1.2 The area is dominated by Crafts inspired terraces and the two principal roads of Roxeth 2.0 Location and Context detached buildings and 1930s Hill and Middle Road, which semi-detached properties. In contain two of the most 2.1 Roxeth Hill Conservation recognition of the wealth of important conservation area Area is set amongst seven other architecturally and/or historically sites, Harrow Hospital and John conservation areas around important buildings, ten Lyon School respectively. There , as illustrated properties are statutory listed are a number of ancillary by the map below. Harrow on whilst many more are locally offshoots, for instance West Hill the Hill Village is directly north, listed. There is a leafy feel and Brickfields. These form the characterised by small Victorian throughout due to a number of highest parts of the conservation terraced development closely public trees along the pavement, area, providing attractive north- associated with the growth of . is Conservation Area in relation to surrounding Harrow on the to the east and the Mount Park Hill Conservation Area Estate to the south, each Key characterised by large Victorian A. Roxborough villas in extensive grounds. The p Park south and west of the N B. Harrow School C. Harrow Park conservation area is D. Sudbury Hill characterised by less elevated E. South Hill Ave land and more modern F. Mount park residential and commercial G. Roxeth Hill H. Harrow on the development. Roxeth Hill Hill Village therefore has a character quite distinct from surrounding conservation areas.

3. Planning Policy Context

3.1 The area was designated as a Conservation Area in 1969. This status means it is considered an area of 'special historic or architectural interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance'. The initial boundary, which remains today, 2

is illustrated in the map on page Area Supplementary Planning conservation area before the 5. Document, and within national late 18th century. However, it is policy provided by Planning known that the wider site of 3.2 Designation of a Policy Guidance Note 15 and Harrow Hospital was used in the conservation area puts a duty on the Planning (Listed Building and 16th century for archery. Just the local authority to assess the Conservation Areas) Act 1990. west of the Hospital, historic special interest of the maps note shooting butts, set up conservation area and to 4. Archaeology and Geology when Henry VIII decreed archery develop management and should be practiced by all. enhancement proposals. So, this 4.1 An archaeological priority Certainly the butts were in use Conservation Area Appraisal area covers part of the north for the 'Silver Arrow' archery (C.A.A.) evaluates the special east of this conservation area competition started by Sir Gilbert character and appearance of and is illustrated on the Talbot in 1684 that was held by the area and sets out 'Historical Development' map on Harrow School on the site each opportunities for preservation page 5. The linked document summer. and enhancement. This provides entitled 'Harrow on the Hill the basis for making sustainable Supplementary Planning 5.3 Late Eighteenth Century decisions about its future Document' consider archaeology Development during the late through the development of and geology for this 18th century was concentrated management proposals. These conservation area and the wider along Byron Hill Road and the are contained in the linked Harrow on the Hill area. parts of Middle Road nearest to document 'Roxeth Hill this (see historical development Management Strategy'. 5. Historical Development map on page 5). This was part of the Harrow on the Hill Village 3.3 It is important to note 5.1 Pre-Eighteenth Century expansion. The establishment of however, that no appraisal can The development of the the nearby Harrow School in the ever be completely conservation area should be early seventeenth century meant comprehensive and that the viewed in context with that of the the Village expanded to omission of a particular wider Hill. Records indicate that accommodate its growth over building, feature or open space the region belonged to the time. Please refer to the Harrow should not be taken to imply it is Saxon Kings of Mercia in the on the Hill Village Appraisal for of no interest. eighth century AD and it is more information on this. probable that the continuous 3.4 This appraisal and settlement of Harrow on the Hill 5.4 Early to Mid 19th management strategy can be set dates from this time. The area Century within broader Conservation was attractive for early Enclosure of common fields Area Policy guidance contained settlement due to its topography, along the bottom end of Middle in local policy for Harrow in the water sources and good Road, lower Road and Roxeth Adopted Harrow Unitary drainage. Hill took place and was Development Plan 2004 complete by 1817. This meant (HUDP), the emerging Local 5.2 Despite its archaeological land was divided into small plots Development Framework (LDF), importance, there is little and a number of cottages were Harrow on the Hill Conservation documented history for this formally laid out in a linear 3

Lower Road: Christ Early 19th Church, built Century Small- in 1862, set Scale Cottages back from the Resulting From main road enclosure amongst greenery

pattern across along the bottom 5.7 Although Roxeth was 5.11 The pattern of institutional end of Middle Road, Lower becoming more suburban, and community development Road and Roxeth Hill (see photo Christ Church was built in 1862 also continued in order to serve above). This formed a centre, to reflect its country hamlet the increasing residential known as Roxeth Corner to the roots. So, it is surrounded by population. This also followed wider area of Roxeth (now South dense planting and is an the linear plan form begun by Harrow). Indeed, Roxeth Hill was exception to the mainly linear enclosure. The John Lyon first formally named in the development as it is set back School, built on the north side of Harrow Enclosure Award of from the main road (see photo Middle Road in 1876, is an 1817 as Roxeth Green Road. It above right). important example. Local needs acquired its present name by were no longer fulfilled by the 1889. 5.8 The above institutional and older foundation of Harrow community developments School. This later led to the 5.5 To service the need created marked the beginning of the Lower School of John Lyon by this residential development, area's long history as a location (1876) and also the school part of the growth was the for these types of developments. taking up occupation of the establishment of institutional and The school and the Church also earlier Red House (also known community uses, for instance, mark the start of the larger scale as Byron Hill House) opposite. The Half Moon (a conversion developments on the upper This was later extended by E.S. from two cottages) and the slopes. Prior. Similarly, greater demand White Horse public houses, and meant that the Roxeth First and several shops. The former 5.9 Late 19th Century was extended in gained its name from a nearby The majority of development 1898 by which time there were pond of that shape. Both pubs took place during the late 19th more than 600 pupils. were rebuilt in 1893 and 1959 century and onto the early 20th respectively. century. These comprise 5.12 Early 20th Century Edwardian villas, Arts and Crafts Station opened in 5.6 Roxeth School (now Roxeth inspired buildings (terraces and South Hill Avenue, near the Nursery, First and Middle detached) and 1930s semi- present conservation area, in School) and Christ Church are detached properties. 1903. This was for the further examples of this pattern Metropolitan District Railway and of development. The former 5.10 Formal residential growth trains here ran to Hanger Lane moved to its present site in continued as demand increased. Junction where a connection 1838. The son of the great This occurred in linear form and could be caught to central Victorian philanthropist Lord along the slope of the land London. In 1933 the Piccadilly Shaftesbury had died while a reflecting the formal layout Line with through trains to Both pupil at Harrow School. In begun by enclosure. Part of this were spurs to further formal memory of his son, Anthony, he was due to the speculative linear suburban development in gave the school its oldest building, for example, E.S Prior's the area (see historical surviving building that fronts development of 60-66 Middle development map on page 5). A Roxeth Hill in 1851. This Road (1887). particular example is Ashbourne remains in use and is now Avenue where properties were Grade II listed. largely built in the 1930s. 4

60 - 66 Middle Road: Late 19th century speculative development by E, S. Prior Historical Development of Roxeth Hill Conservation Area p N

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Salvation Army Base of Middle Building, 1907, Road: Shops was part of the converted to beginning of residential use in the community mid C20th leaving developments shopfront remains in the area clearly visible

However, the actual road was necessary to reach them. The pattern, for example, along laid out from 1899 to 1902 on hospital expanded over the Roxeth Hill (for instance, 81 to the site of Ashbourne House years. For example, it was 97 Roxeth Hill in the early where Charles Wood ran a extended to the west in 1915 for 1960s), Brickfields, Ashbourne preparatory school from 1871 war use, and again in 1931. Avenue and Middle Road. John until the late 1890s. Plans for Lyon School is an important the Estate were submitted for 5.14 The Salvation Army Hall example here. As demand approval in 1898 but only 3 was built in 1907 and the Half increased extensions and new properties had been built by the Moon public house was rebuilt school buildings were built mid-1920s. in 1893, during the early years along the top of Middle Road. of the twentieth century. Roxeth For instance, a number of 5.13 The increased accessibility Corner was regarded as the buildings added to its site in and density of residential village centre of Roxeth. Its darker red brick by Sheppard development meant institutional adjacent well-patronized shops Robson & Partners in 1973, and community uses continued along Middle Road included 1981, 1989 and new buildings to grow as part of this linear Wingroves (a butchers), and by Kenneth Reed Associates in development. The former Sladdens (a drapers shop). This the 1990s, (see photo above Harrow Hospital is an important occupied an adjacent property right). example. This was the third that can lay some claim to being hospital to be built on or close Harrow's first department store. 5.17 Piecemeal residential to Roxeth Hill. The first was This occurred partly because development also led to a more opened in 1866 in Vine Cottage Harrow Town Centre had yet to scattered plan form as lower down Roxeth Hill, which be developed and also due to permission for two offshoot cul were converted for the purpose. its prominent junction location. de sac roads (Clonmel Close It was too small and so a new and Chartwell Place) was hospital building was developed 5.15 Mid 20th century to granted in the late 1990s to on Lower Road (outside the Present Day infill open land to the rear of the present conservation area), in Many of the small shops towards existing main roads. 1872. Again the increased Roxeth Corner closed with the Development followed shortly number of surrounding residents rise of superstores and Harrow afterwards. All infill has meant there was the need for a Town Centre and the growth of respected the existing density of larger one and so the Cottage South Harrow district centre. The development however, aside Hospital (Harrow Hospital) was former small shops were from those 1980’s properties built (see photo on page 20). converted to residential towards the end of Ashbourne This was the first purpose built properties. The remains of Avenue that create a crowded hospital for the Hill, built in shopfronts are still clearly visible appearance. 1905-6. The apparent reason along the lower parts of Middle for concentrating hospitals in Road (see photograph above). 5.18 The former Harrow this part of the Hill was that their Hospital and its grounds is the location on the southern slope 5.16 Development now most important example of was considered more conducive comprised of extensions and recent development. Harrow to the health of their patients, piecemeal infill. This generally Hospital closed in 1998. Due to despite the steep ascent followed the existing linear its lack of use, the character of 6

Modern Steep gradient John Lyon of Roxeth Hill School creates Buildings, staggering of Middle rooflines & Road long distance views both the building and the area townscape more interesting and 6.3 West Hill and Brickfields form was being compromised by its attractive. The effect is similar, attractive minor roads providing increasingly poor state of repair although less dramatic, for pedestrian north-south links in the early 21st century and so Middle Road where there are between Byron Hill Road, the building was included on the views of the skyline. (Views are another minor road, and Roxeth English Heritage's Resister of discussed in more detail in Hill. Remaining roads comprise Buildings at Risk. Permission was section 9). minor offshoots as cul-de-sacs, granted in 2004 to convert the such as Ashbourne Avenue and building to residential use, 6.2 A key nodal point is the Chartwell Place. The winding incorporating new expansions junction at Roxeth Corner where nature of the relatively minor and properties, that are four roads meet. The central, West Hill, Brickfields and Byron sympathetically sited and major roads of Roxeth Hill and Hill Road mean views are designed. Works followed and Middle Road begin here. They gradually revealed giving the are now complete. They included provide traffic and pedestrian area added interest. Similarly, the a new private road off Roxeth Hill access west to east. Lower Road length of the main roads, Middle named Cottage Road, which is another major traffic and Road and Lower Road, mean gained its name from the former pedestrian road which provides differing views are revealed over 'Cottage Hospital'. north-south links. time. Topography of Roxeth Hill Conservation Area PART 2: THE CHARACTER OF THE CONSERVATION AREA TODAY

6. Topography, Plan Form and Density of Development

6.1 As its name suggests, the conservation area is characterised by its topography, see map. This is important in creating unfolding and dramatic views. The former is created through interesting juxtapositions of buildings and spaces adding drama to the streetscene. The latter is most strikingly clear as the land drops away steeply westwards from the top of Roxeth Hill. This begins at 110m above mean sea level and falls to 75m.

Notably on Roxeth Hill the N gradient falls to both the east p and west and the north and south, combining to make the

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B) Looser, large scale A) Tight urban grain. development. C) Close-knit development. Varying density of development: From around Roxeth Corner, the upper reaches of the Hill & Byron Hill Rd

6.4 Roxeth Hill Conservation residential use. Although there is the former Harrow Hospital and Area can be divided into 3 sub a small group of maisonettes newly developed flats. All character areas: Roxeth Corner, along Byron Hill Road, it is provide important settings for the upper reaches of the Hill; largely single-family dwelling these buildings, giving a sense and Byron Hill Road (see section houses. A small number have of seclusion, tranquility and 11 on page 12). Density been converted to flats but not calm, away from the hustle and corresponds with this as shown to the extent that changes the bustle of the main roads. above. Roxeth Corner sub-area character of the area. The more has small scale buildings in recent purpose built flats 8.2 These green spaces together terms of size, height and towards the south-west at the with smaller private gardens and frontage, with terraced buildings base of Roxeth Hill and in public open spaces provide an built directly onto the pavement Waldrons Yard are considered openness and greenery that is or behind small front gardens. out of keeping. important in breaking up the The buildings are modest in size street scene and creating a soft and typically two storeys. It is 7.2 Although residential use is feel. They also help create an probable that part of this small the most common use, the area of some biodiversity value, scale development was due to commercial and institutional feel although the conservation area the commercial nature of the of this conservation area is well is not designated as an area of land meaning more expensive established. It is more common special nature conservation frontages. along the higher slopes as value. Many trees are protected development becomes lower in by Tree Preservation Orders. 6. 5 In common with the rest of density and more dispersed. This These are shown in the map Harrow on the Hill, the density includes 2 schools (John Lyon below entitled 'Important trees'. of development declines higher School and Roxeth First and They are found, for example, to up the Hill. The buildings are Middle School) and commercial the west of Brickfields, around larger institutional/community usage (shops and 2 pubs. the north east of Middle Road, buildings, or individual large and north and east of houses such as Byron House, set 8.Contribution to the Area by Ashbourne Avenue. Other within spacious plots. Commonly Green Spaces and its important trees are found in the there is a vertical emphasis and Biodiversity Value conservation area, and again they tend to be narrower in are mainly in private ownership. width than they are high. 8.1 Although there are no For example, Roxeth Hill, the Smaller buildings and significant areas of public green Roxeth School, Christ Church compactness picks up again open space, there is large open and the Harrow Hospital are all though along Byron Hill Road, green land in the form of private surrounded by significant trees which partly reflects the denser gardens and landscaping that add to the area's character. Victorian development of around buildings. For example, All trees have protected status by Harrow on the Hill Village. the Red House (John Lyon virtue of being in a conservation School), 24 Chartwell Place (see area. Any works to these trees 7. Land Use photo top right), numbers 27, require 6 weeks notice to 25 Middle Road, 3 Clonmel Harrow Council. 7.1The conservation area is Close, Westfield and to the largely characterised by south east of Roxeth Hill, around 8

Public and Private Greenery Breaks up the Streetscene as shown (a) outside Chartwell Place and (b) towards the top of Roxeth Hill

Land Use of Roxeth Hill Conservation Area

N p

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Panoramic Break in built views from form between 21 outside & 23 Ashbourne number 9 Ave. frames Byron Hill Rd views to greenery & open land beyond

8.3 The importance of greenery 9. Key Views views available from the top of within each street is outlined in Middle Path and from the top of the townscape character section. 9.1 The changes in level of the Roxeth Hill. land gives rise to attractive 8.4 Metropolitan Open Land views, due to the staggering of 9.2 Views off main roads, such just outside the conservation roof levels in line with the slope as from Roxeth Hill to Christ area to the north (behind the of the Hill and vistas up and Church, and through breaks in John Lyon School) and south down the hill and panoramic the built form add interest to the (behind Ashbourne Avenue) views out towards the distant streetscene allowing framed shown on the map below skyline. There is for example, views of buildings and glimpses provides an important setting to staggered roof levels all along of trees and open space. the conservation area adding to Middle Road and along Roxeth the softer feel created by the Hill. Also, a long distance view 9.3 The attractive architecture of greenery within and creating a north of Harrow is available buildings provide an attractive buffer to South Harrow. from outside number 9 Byron focus for views. There are key Hill Road (see photo top left). views to the statutory listed Red Similarly there are panoramic House from all angles because of its corner location, for Map 7: Tree Preservation Orders and Surrounding example, from the top of Middle Metropolitan Open Land Road, and above the garages in Clonmel Close. The decorative elongated porch of number 27 Middle Road from Chartwell Place (see photo on page 9) also forms the source of a key

view whist St Mary’s Spire forms

N p an important view out of the conservation area from the entrance to Clonmel Close (see photo above).

9.4 There are also important views to trees and open spaces. For example, there are good views from further down Roxeth Hill to those at the junction of Roxeth Hill and London Road. Also, large forest trees, such as those in the churchyard, combined with the topography means there are attractive views looking down on trees. The open space behind number 27

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Key Views Into, Wtihin and Out of Roxeth Hill Conservati

N p

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View View towards St towards the Mary’s Church Red House spire (the from landmark Clonmel Harrow on the Close Hill building)

Middle Road (see photo on 9.6 Key views are highlighted to number 25 Middle Road, page 9) forms part of a key on the map on the previous along Ashbourne Avenue and view, complemented by the page . It is not a comprehensive interesting small rectangular decorative porch here. The open list but indicates the sort of views textured paving down Middle space and trees behind number that are important. Path which should be retained. 22 and 24 Ashbourne Avenue forms an important view, partly 10. Streetscape character 11.Townscape Character of framed by the arch of this The area has low boundary Individual Roads building (see photo below). walls of either brick or treatments such as wooden 11.1 Summary of townscape 9.5 There are also good views picket fences or hedges. Larger character: into the conservation area from buildings tend to have these Roxeth Hill conservation area is outside it, for example, from higher treatments (barred metal made up of three main Mount Park/ Georgian Way, fences) that retain through views character areas (see map Lower Road, London Road and to the topography and below). The first, Roxeth Corner, Byron Hill Road. Again, these architecture. This maintains the is along the lower slopes of the include views towards greenery, more soft, open character. Hill spreading up Lower Road, open space, high quality Generally there are tarmaced Middle Road and Roxeth Hill. architecture and panoramic roads with kerbed tamaced This is mainly characterised by a views. pavements either side. However, high density, small-scale, there are good paving slabs terraced, linear residential from numbers 29 and 31 down development (see photo on page 14). This creates a more View towards 22 & 24 Ashbourne Avenue with open space urban feel particularly when and greenery around and beyond combined with the wide streets, loud traffic (particularly as four roads meet here), street furniture/road markings, and limited number of large green spaces.

11.2 The second is found on the upper slopes of the Hill, and, often, away from the main roads. It is has softer, occasionally semi-rural feel due to generally larger properties and a lower density. It is more dispersed as there are more commercial and institutional land uses and development is often detached, following winding offshoot roads. There is 12

a more leafy, tranquil and busy junction. directly front the pavement. The secluded atmosphere as there urban characteristic lessens are narrower roads surrounded 11.7 Lower Road further north where there are by more greenery and more An urban character is created short front gardens. open green spaces. Importantly, due to the width of the road there is a sense of greater (emphasised by an absence of 11.8 Base of Roxeth Hill openness as the higher elevation parking) and the loud traffic Here there is an urban feel as means more long distance views noise. Adding to this atmosphere there is a mix of closely spaced and there is more space around is the high density terraced community (the Salvation Army properties. commercial and residential Hall and the Half Moon Public development, the patchwork House) and residential buildings, 11.3 The third character area, effect of the pavement due to often directly fronting the Byron Hill Road, is again on the repairs; bulky street signs; and pavement. It also has an urban higher slopes of the Hill and is the relatively high number of character as it is a wide main similar to the second, except that replacement UPVC windows at road and is busy with traffic as it it has higher density and more either end. The dense, urban approaches the junction. terraced, linear residential feel is heightened nearer Roxeth Importantly though this urban development making it feel Corner as more buildings atmosphere is lightened as more a part of the Harrow on the Hill Village. Sub-Character Areas of Roxeth Hill Conservation Area

11.4 However, the conservation area has common characteristics giving a sense of unity. For example, development is staggered following the slope of the Hill, dense public and private greenery breaks up the streetscene, and there is a high quality of architecture.

11.5 Character Area 1: Roxeth Corner

11.6 Road This marks an entrance into the conservation area. There is a harsh, enclosed character as Dublin Court consists of ground floor shops topped by 2 floors of

flats, directly fronting the p N pavement. This adds to the urban character created by this 13

Character Area 1: Ashbourne Avenue, High Density development although relatively soft leafy suburban character

buildings on the south side, and Also, the parking space adjacent 11.11 Waldrons Yard all those past the Salvation Army to the pub close to the junction There is an urban character due on the north side, are set back provides welcome relief breaking to the noise and proximity to the behind green front gardens. up the enclosed feel. junction, and the tall flats, with protruding first floor sections 11.9 Base of Middle Road 11.10 Ashbourne Avenue directly fronting the pavement. An enclosed character is created This urban character is echoed These create a sense of as there are closely spaced since there are a high number of enclosure. residential terraced groups in a visible alterations, including linear form (see photo below). unsympathetic UPVC 11.12 Character Area 2: An urban characteristic is replacement windows. Also, the Upper Reaches of the Hill evident due to tarmaced number of modern infill pavements, a high amount of properties is high, as is the level 11.13 Middle Road Towards parking, and traffic noise is high of parking which creates a Byron Hill Road along this wide main road, crowded atmosphere. Buildings There is an open character to particularly approaching the appear to require minor repairs the upper level of Middle Road. junction. Importantly, this urban therefore contributing to a run- It is relatively quiet and sheltered atmosphere is limited as down environment. Despite this set away from the junction and buildings are low in height and it has a slightly separate, more buildings are detached and have about half are set back behind suburban feel compared to the a dispersed plan form set back small green garden spaces. rest of this character area. from the road. Also there is a leafy feel as buildings are Character Area 1: High density, small scale terraced linear surrounded by greenery (shrubs, residential development along base of Middle Road grass and/or trees). A more open character is evident towards the Byron Hill Road end as more properties are detached, and the elevation provides long distance views.

11.14 Despite Middle Road being in two character areas there is consistency due to the uninterrupted use of heritage style lampposts and the roofline is continually staggered in line with the slope of the Hill (see photo right).

11.15 Chartwell Place A quiet, secluded residential atmosphere is apparent as there are single family dwelling 14

Character Area 2: Larger detached properties, Lower Density of Development and a more leafy character. PicturesBase show Middle Road (left)of and Clonmel Close (right) houses, cut-off from the main attractive decorative detail, are surroundings. Although the road behind a relatively high in character and unify the road road opens out towards Byron brick wall, thick trees and large and all rooflines neatly follow Hill Road, a sense of enclosure metal gates. These are detached the slope of the Hill (see photo is retained as buildings are buildings are spread out on page). densely packed, close to the intermittently along the winding pavement. road and surrounded by 11.19 West Hill landscaped greenery. West Hill up to Westfield is 11.20 Brickfields characterised by more intimate, Brickfields also has a village 11.16 Clonmel Close semi-rural features. It begins atmosphere. This is due to the This short, quiet residential cul from Roxeth Hill as a narrow winding and minor nature of the de sac is characterised by a footpath. Although noise is loud road and well-spaced buildings suburban, spacious and leafy from the main road after the first present only on one side. There character. This is due to 5 metres this disappears, and, in is also a leafy, secluded buildings having a detached, stark contrast, there is a quiet, character. On the Roxeth Hill sprawled plan form giving a enclosed and secluded feel. The side this is also due to tall gates three dimensional quality and sheltered, country feel is blocking traffic entry and thick allowing important surrounding reinforced by the winding of the vegetation limiting traffic noise areas of green space. This is road and the tunnel of greenery. and views to this road. Adding particularly important for Grand, buildings are set back to this well-kept greenery is number 1 due to its prominent and sit neatly in their visible from the surrounding corner location. Staggering of rooflines along Middle Road creates a consistent 11.17 Roxeth Hill Towards character London Road Junction This is characterised by softer features as buildings are sheltered and set back from the main road behind greenery and sit neatly in their plots. For instance, the two key sites, the former Harrow Hospital and Christ Church, are set back and surrounded by green space.

11.18 Despite Roxeth Hill being in two character areas there is consistency. Heavy traffic creates a lot of noise and the width of the road, like Lower Road, is emphasised since there is no parking here. The intermittent lampposts, with 15

private grounds and towards 11.21 Middle Path limit this country feel. Roxeth Hill partly shade/obscure This joins Middle Road and falls the buildings' frontages. away towards Lower Road 11.22 Character Area 3: Unfortunately towards Byron Hill creating dramatic and long Byron Hill Road Road there is a higher level of distance open views. Further 11.23 Byron Hill Road and street furniture (more signs and semi-rural characteristics include Athena Close road markings) creating a the open land opposite; the There is a shady and leafy cluttered feeling, and less dense greenery, the low level atmosphere due to its dense, greenery and more road cottages only on one side of the lush private and public markings adding to its more road, and a similarly low lying vegetation breaking up the urban nature. church. However, replacement streetscene and the winding uPVC windows and the busy roads gradually revealing views. road at the base of this path This is reinforced as buildings are set back behind front West Hill: A sheltered country feel created by the tunnel gardens. However, this area is a of greenery more urban character as there is higher density, linear development of relatively small buildings, some terraced.

12. Positive, Neutral and Negative Buildings

The buildings of Roxeth Hill together form a group of architectural and/or historic importance. All positive properties are highlighted in the map on page 19 (Positive, Neutral and Negative Buildings). It also marks those that have a negative impact. These detract from the area's special character for example by being of inappropriate design, siting and materials. These are looked at more closely in section 14 and in the management strategy.

12.1 All applications for demolition will be judged against the policies contained within the Unitary Development 16

Middle Path, dramatic character created by steeply sloping land and long distance views beyond

Plan or the forthcoming Local have pitched roofs, covered with context in terms of scale, form, Development Framework. There red clay tiles or slate. proportions, alignment, siting will be a presumption against Fenestration tends to be timber and high quality materials and the demolition of buildings of sashes or small paned design. However, the recent character. casements. redevelopment of Harrow Hospital is a more positive 13. Character of Buildings 13.3 A variety of more modern example. The modern buildings (Architecture and Materials) post-war development has and extensions here use 13.1 Summary occurred on a piecemeal basis. traditional materials, and a This varies from two storey form, size and detailing to echo The buildings within Roxeth Hill individual houses, such as that of the original listed Conservation Area are Clonmel Close, to modern 4 building and surrounding constructed of different yet storey townhouses like 81-97 conservation area. harmonising proportions, Roxeth Hill. Modern flatted designs, and materials. The development is also found in the 13.4 The characteristics of variety is important in adding area, for instance, the 3 storey buildings by road are outlined interest. The buildings are Kymes Court or on extensions to below. However, this does not between 1 and 6 storeys in the Brickfields development. give a fully detailed and height. Along the lower reaches These are generally neutral or comprehensive review. Many are small-scale 2 storey terraces negative in quality since they that are not mentioned or are and on higher ground, larger lack an understanding of local outlined briefly still make an villas and townhouses are found. The larger buildings are Character Area 3: Shady, leafy character of Byron Hill Road generally formed with additional dormers which lessens the apparent bulk. Buildings are often traditionally designed, for instance there are many Arts and Crafts inspired groups, which gives unity, although these vary from modest to more grand designs.

13.2 The nineteenth century and early 20th century buildings, which are those of the most architectural quality, are generally constructed in brick. Soft red bricks are very common but brown and yellow London stocks are also found in the area. Some buildings also utilise render. The traditional buildings 17

Modern properties adjacent the former Harrow Hopspital reflects the design character and alignment

important contribution to the simple, small-scale residential slightly overhanging bracketed area's architectural character, Arts and Crafts style properties first floors. Mead Villas are of both individually and in from number 1 Mead Villas, on brown brick, with brown gravel combination with others. both sides of the road up to the render, two storey bays, red tile footbridge. There is unity in their hanging, gable ends and red 13.5 Roxeth Hill design since they are all brick tiled, hipped roofs. Although not There is townscape unity as it is (brown or red), two storey, semi- Arts and Crafts, 17 and 21 to characterised mainly by detached (often a mirrored pair) 25 Roxeth Hill can be grouped assymmetrical Arts and Crafts and no wider than 2 bays. Also, with the above due to their inspired properties and rooflines they often have: a bay window; attractive, simple, small-scale following the Hill's gradient. a black tiled roof; and white nature. Townscape character varies wooden casement windows. though according to the use and Sub-groups here provide 13.7 The small, detached size of buildings. Generally the additional townscape unity. properties of the Studio, small, residential properties are Numbers 37-51 (see photo on Cobblers and 24 Roxeth Hill are less decorative than the larger, the left) on the north side for also relatively simple. The Studio commercial/institutional instance often have: white is a pleasingly plain, two storey buildings. They are also more render, two storey square bay cottage. It has white painted often designed in groups. fronts, red tiled pitched roofs brick, a pitched roof and square and porched fronts. Number 42 leaded windows. The slightly 13.6 This group unity is onwards are each low-lying larger Cobblers has a steeply illustrated by the relatively render clad buildings, with pitched red tiled roof with hanging tiles over its gable 30 - 60 Roxeth Hill - attractive interwar group ends. 24 Roxeth Hill is small scale and simplistic although has added visual interest with its brick on edge on tile creasing parapet wall, and its tall moulded feature on the front apex providing a certain flourish.

13.8 Remaining Arts and Crafts style properties are larger and correspondingly more decorative, detailed and individual. The former Harrow Hospital provides the most striking example. In terms of scale it reaches 1.5 - 2.5 storeys and its frontage is over 100m wide. It is very decorative, and has been described as 'a lively design in homely free Baroque, 18

Positive, Negative and Neutral Buildings Within Roxeth Hill Conservation Area p N

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The small, relatively simple Studio (left) and slightly larger more decorative Arts and Crafts Cobblers (right)

just right for a Cottage Hospital'. from Greenhill, A.R Barker. an example of harmonising Its decorative features include There is differing decorative variety in the townscape since it striped quoins of red and yellow detail here in the form of white is again has very distinctive stone, windows with strong red brackets beneath the roofline architecture almost Gothic in brick arches, and a triangular and 3 dormer windows above style, yet can be seen as an Arts pediment around its doorway. accentuating its asymmetry. and Crafts style building. Its flat Arnold Mitchell, was its, much Siddons House, Roxeth Hill roof and battlement style admired, local architect. He parapet fronting the road is its went to Harrow School and also 13.9 Like Harrow Hospital, The most striking feature. designed Hampstead's University Half Moon Public House (see College Schools and London's photo on the right) is particularly 13.10 The remaining larger Mayfair Hotel. distinctive. It has an historic properties also have asymmetrical mock Tudor style, pleasingly distinctive yet 13.8 The adjacent Siddons particularly apparent through its harmonising architectural styles. House links well to Harrow steeply sloping roof. There are Roxeth School by W.G. and C. Hospital and its surrounding three decorative carved panels Habershon, for instance, has a detached infill buildings due to facing Roxeth Hill, and mock decorative gothic style with its scale and detached, Arts and arrow slots. Its stable doors to supporting stone buttresses and Crafts design. It has a red- the right of the current beer windows with tracery. Its steeply hipped, tiled roof and is largely garden show its age. Its signage pitched tiled roof is in a free of red brick with white render perched on the roof and corner Neo-Tudor style. This has sections and occasional dormer location helps give it landmark recently been carefully restored. windows. Again a local architect character. The adjacent It is a very attractive building was the designer, in this case Salvation Army old building is with delicate stonework. Christ Church opposite links to this The former Harrow Hospital building as it also has a steeply pitched roof with horizontal banding details and is set back from the main road. The building sits neatly in the landscape. It is a small flint faced church with a tiny bell- turret and small stone window frames by Giles Gilbert Scott.

13.11 At the top of the Hill is a group of plain 1960s houses 81-97 Roxeth Hill. These are out of character due to their terraced form at the top of the Hill, and plain design using hard modern materials.

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Roxeth First and Middle School, is similar to the design of Christchurch, Roxeth Hill

13.12 Ashbourne Avenue clapperboard and UPVC Red House and the John Lyon Numbers 22 and 24 (developed windows. School for example), and the between 1914 and 1932, see simplicity of the cottage style photo on page 11) are 13.14 Northolt Road buildings which are more landmark unlisted buildings due Dublin Court directly fronts the Classical in style. to their interesting design. They road. At 3 stories high, and wide form one elongated single storey enough to hold four shop fronts 13.16 All cottages vary slightly building with small casement this means it dominates the road giving added interest. windows and a steeply pitched, in a way not characteristic of Importantly a number retain their pan tiled roof. There is a central other conservation area original name plaque. Windows projecting hipped gable end buildings. Its plain block design are generally attractive as they block, with red tile hanging and harsh materials including are of timber, in a 6 over 6 contained within the roof. This UPVC windows and concrete paned sash style, and begins above ground floor level surrounds to shop openings, occasionally have a gently and below this is a central create an unattractive building curved and protruding ground tunnel. This is important in again, out of keeping (see floor bay window, topped with framing views from Roxeth Hill to picture on page). brick arches. The more the open land behind. unaltered these buildings are, 13.15 Middle Road the more in keeping they are 13.13 Otherwise buildings are A key feature of the Middle with their intended simplicity, so mainly typical two-storey 1930s Road townscape is the contrast it is unfortunate that a number garden suburb style semi- between the decorative and now have UPVC casements. detached properties that link varied Arts and Crafts styles Providing a sense of uniformity historically with the opening of towards the upper reaches (the here is their two storey, box like the South Harrow Tube. They are constructed of dark brown/red The Half Moon Public House - a Landmark Unlisted Building tiled roofs, white/brown pebbly on this Corner Site render, red brick, casement windows (often UPVC replacement) with occasional attractive brick quoin detail. However, the design and materials of each varies. Also, many alterations are visible and are quite rundown. Furthermore, a number of less attractive 1980s and 1990s infill properties create a more crowded appearance. These do not relate well as they are of a less attractive, block design lacking visual interest and use modern materials such as brown 21

Middle Road: contrast between decorative Arts & Crafts style (for example the John Lyon School, left) and the simple cottage properties on the right

structure with gently pitched Lower House and Buckolt House Crafts addition (1883). He was brown or black tiled/slate roofs, (25 and 25a) form an once a Harrow School pupil and following the gradient of the assymetrical villa which has a constructed many other notable Hill. Also, the buildings come in steeply pitched white triangular pieces on the Hill. From Byron mirrored pairs or larger groups pediment above the entrance Hill Road, the Red House's red of very similar buildings. way to Buckolt House, that tile hanging is visible, with its mirrors (although if off-centre small dormer windows with 13.17 Number 23, 25, 25a and from) the pitch of the above steeply pitched roofs to mirror 27 provide a good transition gable end. the slope of its cat slide roof. between the cottages and the From Middle Road, there are Arts and Crafts style buildings, 13.18 The John Lyon School numerous Ipswich (overhanging since they are slightly larger than buildings dominate the upper curved bay) windows and a the cottages and have some level of Middle Road. They mock Tudor overhanging first more decorative features. For provide consistency due to their floor gable end constructed of instance, number 23 has a scale, use of red brick and imitation timber and rough cast hipped slate roof and, notably, a collective ownership and use. infill. Its tall chimney is visible central pilastered doorcase and The school site begins with the from all around. All these angled addition with corner corner sited, grade II listed, The features together create a lot of pilasters. Roxeth Mead (number Red House. The front section is visual interest. This links it to the 27) has a two storey bay window a typical red brick Georgian Arts and Crafts style, original and a decorative cast iron porch building. However, E.S. Prior John Lyon School building along its elongated shape. built a large red brick Arts and (1876 by H.M Burton). This is made of plain brick and a red View towards the Red House on Middle Road. This section is clay tiled roof. It has stone designed by E.S. Prior who designed many other landmark framed openings and supporting buildings within Harrow on the Hill buttresses and is locally listed.

13.19 60 to 66 (even) Middle Road link to the above as they are Arts and Crafts buildings by E.S.Prior (see photo on page 5). These are grade II listed. They are 2 .5 storey houses in a picturesque style. Above the red brick ground floor is rough cast work alternating with tile hanging and a red tiled roof. They are deliberately assymetrical giving a quirky and interesting appearance. This is enhanced by: many different sized gables; quirky porches; and different coloured tiles. The 22

The Assymetrical Arts and Crafts Style White Horse Public House

plain cottages along Middle red brick buildings with red clay Decoration here though is Road underline how much this tiled hipped roofs spread provided by the use of red brick style was a conscious reaction intermittently. This creates a detail, for example, to form a against the immediate past. sense of uniformity here that circle on the gable end. Harrow does not detract from the Welsh Congregational Church is 13.20 The White Horse Public character and appearance of part of this architectural group House again links to the above the conservation area. However, with more decorative properties. due to its assymetrical Arts and the different architectural style Different sized bricks are used to Crafts style. It is constructed of means they are isolated from the create intersecting arches and red brick with triangular red tile remaining conservation area. other patterns (see photo below). hanging sections. The steeply Their tall entrance gates add to In places, every other brick sloping brown tiled roof sections the sense of separateness. protrudes to create more of each gable end are a real interest. Also, the light grey brick feature, as each gable end is set 13.23 Lower Road building has supporting back from the last. The lamp This is similar to Middle Road in buttresses and arched windows. heads attached mirror those that there is a contrast between lampposts throughout the street. the simple Edwardian/Victorian cottages, and the more 13.21 Middle Path decorative properties away from Cricket Field Cottage, Middle This comprises small scale, Roxeth Corner. Indeed, the Path: Attractive Two Storey simple cottage buildings. They cottage buildings are identical in Casement Window With Grey are brown brick or beige style to those along Middle Road Tile Hanging rendered, with brick arched, 6 (please see section 13.16 and over 6 paned timber sash 13.17). The more decorative windows and pitched slate roofs. properties are usually bay In these ways they are similar to fronted adding to their relative those cottages along Middle grandeur. Two pairs of red brick, Road and Lower Road. However, two storey bay fronted semi here they range from single to 2 detached buildings (numbers storey, are detached and have 35-41) provide the most more decorative details through, distinctive cluster. for example, protruding porches or outside window shutters. The individuality of numbers 29, Indeed, Cricket Field Cottage 31 and 33 forms an attractive stands out, for its two-storey group. 31 Lower Road, for wooden casement bay window instance, is an attractive locally with central grey tile hanging. All listed semi-detached brown brick buildings here follow the cottage livened up by its gradient. decorative white bargeboards (gable end decoration) and front 13.22 Chartwell Place square bay sash window. Its The buildings are largely neighbour at number 29 largely detached, two storey modern mirrors its shape and colour. 23

Lower Road: Contrast between simple smaller scale properties (left) and larger, more decorative ones (right)

13.24 Brickfields building. It is a two storey, red Poorly proportioned, plain block There is generally a vertical and brick building with grey tiled design of Brickfields House grand emphasis towards Roxeth hipped roof, one hipped dormer Hill. These are: three storey; and small windows. Its tall 13.25 West Hill classically detailed; constructed chimneys have individual shafts These buildings have a grand of yellow stock brick with and pots creating a most striking yet unobtrusive design, often wooden sash windows; and of a feature. with classical detail. Winton, for uniform height. The locally listed instance, has a smart neo- Glasfryn House is symmetrical, Towards Byron Hill Road are the classical door surround of the with a central entrance that has more simple, modern and brown brick, attractively framed a classical style pilastered smaller scale Pear Tree Cottage by the symmetry of the sliding doorway and stone steps. and Brickfields House and the sash, stone framed windows on Brickfields House is similar modern infill of Hanson Court the front elevation. except it is wider with bay facing Roxeth First and Middle Another example is West Hill windows. The grandeur is School. None relate well due to Hall as it is a smart two storey retained in the section of their plain block design, white rendered building with Hamson Court facing Westfield. proportions and uPVC windows. sash windows, a pitched grey It is a landmark unlisted As such they lack visual interest. tiled roof and neo-classical details such as Doric pillars. Decorative brick detail on Harrow Welsh Congregational There are decorative archways Church and the far north of the building has an arched entranceway. This once provided access for horses. The building is quite concealed, set back towards the end of West Hill where there is only pedestrian access. This creates a surprise element adding to its appeal. Westfield is a 2 storey yellow stock brick house with a hipped slate roof. It has a mostly plain front. This sets off its decorative features including a semi circular stained glass window above the door, and a further circular window. The stone steps to the entranceway and a porch with classical columns create drama. These architectural features have contributed to its Grade II listing.

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Classically Number 7 Byron inspired Hill Road: Double entrance fronted classically to West inspired Victorian Hill Hall villa

13.26 The grandeur is streetscape greenery. added by its vertical red continued in West Hill House decorative tile hanging above though in this case particularly 13.29 29 Byron Hill Road is an the first floor windows. through its dominance. It is 3 attractive simple two storey 13.32 The infill development of storeys and has a 6 bay width; cottage with black tiled pitched number 31 does not relate well unusual pale blue coloured roof. This is statutory listed. Its as it is of yellow stock brick, with front; and has a corner location. ground floor consists of red brown plastic cladding and Its sash windows and brick, and is unique in that its replacement UPVC casement rectangular two storey bay first floor and gable end consist windows. Also, its siting means window are attractive features of old black timber cladding. good views towards number 11 contributing to its locally listed This, together with its size, and are blocked from Clonmel status. design of its windows, gives it its Close. old world feel. Its windows are 13.27 Byron Hill Road of a small, diamond leaded, 13.33 Athena Close These are generally detached, unpainted and timber framed This is characterised by simple relatively small scale simple casement style. low rise, relatively modern and/or classically inspired villas 13.30 Number 11 is particularly buildings. There is decorative or cottages. Number 5 Byron dominant due to its prominent red type hanging and a steeply Hill Road for instance, is corner location. It is the largest pitched roof. Their lack of detail attractive in its simplicity. It is a on this road (at three stories and quality of materials means small, brown brick building with high and three bays wide), and they are not of the same shuttered first floor sash windows is the only one to have its front architectural quality as buildings and an attached garage. Its elevation white rendered. Like in the surrounding conservation curved ground floor window that numbers 7 and 9, it has a two area. The rear of the yellow protrudes just slightly is its most storey bay window, although in appealing feature. this case against a third storey 29 Byron Hill Road gable end. Its corner site with 13.28 Number 7 Byron Hill Brickfields and West Hill Road is a symmetrical 2 storey underscores these principal brown brick villa with pitched features. slate roof. Its two storey bay windows frame the central 13.31 Number 21 stands out pillared porch. Its decorative for its decorative Arts and Crafts pillars are interesting features inspired detail. It is a red brick that complement the decorative building set back from the main frieze panels between the road. Its ground floor consists of ground and first floor level of garages. Its sloping roof allows the bay windows. Number 9 is it to sit pleasantly in its leafy also of brown stock brick but is setting. It has an overhanging a narrower, three storey building first floor and relatively unusual with its roof having just a slight footprint as its two sides facing pitch. The vine growing up the the road are at right angles to side helps it blend in with the each other. More interest is 25

Arts and Crafts inspired tile hanging detail of number 21 Byron Hill Road

brick, 11 Brickfields is visible block of the nearby Red House. home of poet and critic Matthew from here. It is relatively large (3 storeys Arnold (1868-1873). high and 5 bays wide), with 13.34 Clonmel Close brick arched sash windows. A PART 3: This is characterised by buildings small red brick single storey SUMMARY OF ROXETH HILL varying in designs, heights, ages porch stands on the side of the CONSERVATION AREA and materials. Similarities such building with corner classical as their use of simple classical pilasters. 14. Conservation Area detail draw the area together. Blue plaques have been used on Assets London buildings to mark where 13.35 Byron House is the most famous individuals have lived o Green spaces striking architecturally. It is a and worked since 1867. Such a o Landmark Buildings simple red brick Georgian plaque highlights this property's building, similar to the original historical significance as the o Key Views o Sloping Land Elegant assymetary of number 11 Byron Hill Road o Varied yet harmonising architecture of buildings. o Historic associations of buildings/places.

15. General Condition of the Area

The general condition of the area is good. This is firstly in terms of its economic vitality in the relevant areas (through schools and shops, see land use map on page). The physical condition of historic buildings and other heritage assets is also generally good, many benefiting from further protected status as listed buildings. However, some could benefit from minor repair and re-painting works. Also, development is taking place that is not sympathetic with the historical/architectural value of the area, particularly in the southern higher-density areas. There are, for example, 26

prominent satellite dishes, replacement uPVC windows and obtrusive extensions. The streetscene quality is generally high, benefiting from a significant level of private greenery and unobtrusive boundary treatments. However, street clutter seems high in places, roadsurfaces could benefit from resurfacing and any hardsurfacing of front gardens should be managed. Enhancement proposals to address these issues are covered in the linked management document.

16. Negative Features, Problems, Pressures

Negative features, pressures and issues are touched upon in the Byron House with Blue Plaque marking former home of the section above but are 19th century noted poet and critic Matthew Arnold comprehensively outlined in the following tables. They are elements that detract from the special character and offer the potential for improvement. A separate document entitled 'A Management Strategy for Roxeth Hill Conservation Area' addresses this.

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Conservation Area Appraisal

Negative Features Site Specific Site Address Description. (Why negative? Scale? Design? Condition? Negative Features Unauthorised work?) 1 Chartwell Place, This is unauthorised work and creates a hard, urban feel. It is Middle Road visible from the main road creating a cluttered appearance.

8 air conditioning units covering 3 flank walls Ashbourne Avenue This is an inappropriate design given the character of the area. This occurred before 1988 though so no planning permission was required.

Stone and timber cladding Harrow Welsh Replacement uPVC windows detract from the historic nature of Congregational Church the property.

Pollution and replacement UPVC windows On pavement outside Its harsh modern design and damaged appearance visually the Grade II listed Red disrupts the setting of this Grade II listed building. House boundary wall and entrance way Metal guard rail bent over towards the listed wall and entrance way of The Red House Along Roxeth Hill and The plain modern appearance is out of keeping with the historic around the roundabout character of the area. on Brickfields

Metal guard rails Outside Roxeth Hill Its large, prominent, harsh, urban modern appearance is out of School, Roxeth Hill keeping with the historic and architecturally significant character of this road. Also, it detracts from views towards the Grade II listed Roxeth Nursery, First and Middle School. As such it is obtrusive.

Footbridge The Old Studio, Rear of The greenery around it appears overgrown and messy. Rubbish 104-106 High Street, has accumulated around the premises. The paintwork makes the Harrow on the Hill building appear chipped, faded and derelict. The lower front window is boarded up and windows to the rear are broken.

Dilapidated building and overgrown garden 28

? Generic Negative Features Site Address Description .

Inappropriately Ashbourne Creates a cluttered, urban appearance that detracts placed and overuse Avenue, Roxeth from the special character of the area. of satellite dishes Hill (facing and visible from highway, more than 2 on residential properties)

Traffic noise and Along Roxeth Hill, Creates a harsh, urban feel to the area detracting congestion Lower Rd and attention from the special character of the area. Northolt Rd. Picture shows Lower Rd towards Northolt Rd.

Extensions/ Ashbourne Highlights the loss/alteration of original features. alterations visible Avenue and Cumulatively minor alterations can detract greatly from from the streetscene Roxeth Hill the traditional nature and special interest of a e.g. rear extensions, conservation area. stone cladding, shutters. Hardsurfacing of Intermittent Creates unsympathetic hard urban appearance. Soft front gardens landscaping and greenery is important in breaking up the steetscene. To remove this detracts from a key characteristic of the area.

Loss of front Along Roxeth Hill This breaks up the continuity of boundary treatments boundary walls (shown in the and can add to the problems of the resurfacing of front picture) and gardens. Lower Road

Parked cars along Middle Road, The sheer number of parked cars along these roads the sides of the Ashbourne creates a crowded and congested feel. roads Avenue

Inadequate Throughout the * Although their status highlights their architectural and protection for all conservation historic importance, it does not afford any statutory locally listed/ area, see map on protection. landmark unlisted page in particular buildings the Half Moon PH, Roxeth Hill and 22 and 24 Ashbourne Ave

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Street clutter Brickfields, outside These signs often appear unnecessary and create a such as overuse Roxeth First and hard, urban cluttered appearance, for instance, there and repetition Middle School, Along are four no waiting signs in close proximity around the in Road Signs West Hill and Along roundabout in Brickfields. They detract attention from Lower Road Towards the historic and / or architecturally important features of Roxeth Corner. The the conservation area picture shows Lower Road Large telegraph Middle Road (shown in These appear obtrusive and out of character as they poles picture) and detract from the setting of the historic and/or Ashbourne Avenue architecturally important buildings here. They create street clutter and are particularly out of character with small cottages along Middle Road and the semi- detached suburban feel of Ashbourne Avenue.

Bumpy, broken Throughout the This appears unsightly and creates a run down pavement and conservation area appearance roads

Replacement Intermittent but Signals loss of original features that contribute to the UPVC windows especially along historic character of the conservation area. Some do not Ashbourne Ave & replicate the original design. Where they copy the Lower Rd. Picture original design, due to modern materials and methods shows 29 and 31 of production they fail to replicate the narrow Middle Rd - note proportions and cross section of traditional windows. replacement windows on the right compared to original on the left. Some buildings Throughout the At present this is not having a major impact but could benefit conservation area cumulatively it will do. It will create a run down from minor character and buildings could eventually become at risk. repair and re- This will put the special character of the area at risk. painting works.

Possible future Throughout the There may be pressure for new development, for pressure for conservation area example, for more residential use. Also, the schools may development need to improve their facilities. Unless care is taken over any new buildings the special character of the area could be threatened.

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Neutral Features

17 Neutral Areas Neutral areas/issues neither enhance nor detract from the character or appearance of the conservation area. Like negative features though they offer the potential for enhancement. These points are also addressed in the document: 'A Management Strategy for Roxeth Hill Conservation Area'

Neutral Area Location Why Neutral .

The use of All areas apart from This does not match the quality of paving slabs which tarmac along Middle Path, are used in some parts of the conservation area pavements Ashbourne Avenue and along Middle Road from Street furniture Throughout On occasion, no attention seems to have been paid to such as signs, conservation area. the conservation area status or status of listed buildings bins, salt bins Picture shows when installing street furniture, for example, plain street and guard Ashbourne Avenue. lights. Their siting often detracts attention from the rails, street special quality of the conservation area. lights.

Much post-war Intermittent throughout These are generally neutral or negative in quality as they development the conservation area generally have a plain, block design, lacking traditional (picture shows Kymes detailing. Materials are often too modern in Court). appearance, for instance, uPVC windows that cannot replicate traditional profiles. Window paneling can be out of keeping where it is not regularly sized. Scale can cause obtrusiveness as larger properties are generally found only on higher elevations. Picture shows Kymes Court which ignores the smaller scale and alignment of surrounding developments.

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Roxeth18 Public Consultation Hill

This document, and the associated management strategy, will be the subject of public consultation. Views will be sought from residents and it will be available for viewing on the Harrow Council website and at the Planning Department offices at Garden House, 5 St. John's Road. They will be amended to reflect the views expressed by respondents to the consultation. The documents will then be recommended for approval by the Local Development Framework Panel and will subsequently be adopted as formal planning documents by the Portfolio Holder for Planning, Development & Enterprise.

020 8736 6180

Produced by: Other Publications Harrow Council The Council produce the following supplementary Guidance leaflets that are relevant to the Roxeth Hill Urban Living, Conservation Area Conservation Team Garden House Conservation Areas: Residential Planning Guidelines 5 St Johns Road Listed Buildings: Planning Guidelines Harrow Conservation Areas HA1 2EE London Borough of Harrow Listed Buildings Contact the team on: Further information regarding the Statutory Background 020 8736 6164, 6100, or 6101 and general Council policies relating to conservation areas can be found in the Harrow Unitary Development Plan or www.harrow.gov.uk 32 Published April 2007