* Planning Services Planning Control and Conservation

* Conservation Area Appraisal

Conservation Area Appraisal Osney Town Osney Town

Planning Services Planning Control and Conservation t: 01865 252104 e: planning@oxford.gov.uk

November 2008 fig. 1 Aerial view of Contents Introduction OsneyTown OsneyTown (also known as Osney Island) is a Conservation Area Introduction 1 riverside community in the west of the city of Oxford, located off Botley Road.The conservation area is 2 Reason for appraisal partially sited on an island at a point where the River Summary of significance 3 Thames splits into several channels. Location 4 The residential aspects of the conservation area known as OsneyTown were laid out in 1851 by GP Historic development 5 Hester,Town Clerk, who had acquired the land from Christ Church College and laid out the streets much as Mapped description 8 they appear today.Most of Osney’s 300 households live in 19th century terraced cottages, built on Character appraisal 10 Hester’s original grid plan, contributing to the special character of the conservation area. fig. 1 Townscape features 18 Conclusion 22 OsneyTown Conservation Area map

Abbey Road Appendices 23

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1 Conservation Area Appraisal: Osney Town

Osney Abbey,once one of Oxford’s most important The document should be read in conjunction with the fig. 4 Tow path, religious institutions, was located on the opposite Historic Environment policies and Core Policies as set barges and lock (eastern) bank of theThames from the island, in the out within the adopted Oxford Local Plan 2001 – 2016. 1 area now known as New Osney.The only visible fig. remains of the abbey complex is one small building, The Appraisal seeks to define and record the special 5 Staggered frontages on East thought to be a surviving bay of one of the ancillary architectural and historic interest within the Street domestic agricultural buildings. conservation area. It also seeks to identify any opportunity for enhancement. Additional information regarding conservation areas and their Reasons for appraisal management can be found in English Heritage’s Local planning authorities are under a statutory duty publications ‘Guidance on Conservation Area to designate “areas of special architectural or Appraisals’and ‘Guidance on the Management of historic interest, the character or appearance of Conservation Areas’(August 2005). Government which it is desirable to preserve or enhance” as guidance on conservation areas and listed buildings conservation areas (s.69 Planning (Listed Buildings is set out within PPG15 – Planning Policy Guidance: and Conservation Areas) Act 1990). S.71 of the Act Planning and the Historic Environment. further requires local authorities to formulate and publish proposals for the preservation and The Appraisal cannot make mention of every building, enhancement of all designated conservation areas. feature or space within the conservation area.

The Appraisal has therefore been produced in Omission of any feature does not imply that it is not of fig. 4 fig. 5 compliance with this requirement. any interest. S.72 of the Act specifies that in determining any Local community involvement appraisal was issued for comment in August 2006. the city that has strong suburban qualities. application for development within the An exhibition was held at the Osney Day September conservation area, due regard shall be had to the In recognition of English Heritage's guidance 2 the 2006. Comments on the draft were received 5. Important relationship with the River Thames, desirability of preserving and enhancing the local community and stakeholders have November 2006/January 2007. The amended draft in terms of setting and character. character and appearance of the conservation participated in the production of the appraisal. An was reissued for comment on 5 July 2007 with all area. The adopted Appraisal will therefore be a initial meeting was held with the local residents representations to be received by 1 September 2007 6. High townscape quality resulting from the material consideration when determining any association, Osney Island Residents Association, which following a request from the residents, was retained street and block pattern and application for planning permission, listed building and a local City councillor in 2005. The draft duly extended to 29 February 2008. architectural integrity with limited 20th consent and conservation area consent within and century interventions. adjacent to the conservation area. Key issues raised from consultation can be found on Oxford City Council’s website. 3 7. Regularity of fenestration, doorway details, fig. 2 The view roof forms and chimneys and materials into Osney across Summary of significance contribute to the integrity of the development the RiverThames by establishing a regular rhythm and giving 1. Unique 19th century development of tightly unity and continuity to the streets. packed terrace housing, constructed as a fig. 3 The church result of the opening of the railway stations of St. Frideswide and the influx of related workers to the area. Vulnerability 8. The distinctiveness, regularity and integrity of 2. Important archaeology relating to the former the streetscape of Osney are highly sensitive to Augustinian Osney Abbey, the remains of the change. Small-scale changes can impact greatly church are buried under Osney Cemetery. on both the character of the individual buildings and the street as a whole. The Article 4 Direction 3. Limited bridge access to a settlement seeks to limit changes that would result in 1 www.oxford.gov.uk/ surrounded by water lends a sense of harmful alterations to what is predominantly an planning/localplan.cfm Policies HE.1-11 and CP.8 containment and isolation, adding to the intact streetscape. individual identity of the conservation area. 9. Poor or inadequate maintenance of the original 2 Guidance on 4. Distinctive townscape and landscape character built fabric eg. timber sash windows, panelled Conservation Areas - 3 www.Oxford.gov.uk/ English Heritage August due to its island location close to the historic city doors, roofs etc and subsequent replacement planning/conservation- 2005 fig. 2 fig. 3 centre, accessed from a main arterial road into with unsympathetic styles and materials. Osney-town.cfm

2 3 Conservation Area Appraisal: Osney Town

fig. 10. New development that conflicts with the historic 16. Rationalisation of street furniture and signage. erosion of the character through unsympathetic 7 Osney street and block patterns, neither responding to Road name plates should be of a style more and inappropriate works to the houses including Abbey as it appeared in 1640 the rhythm, consistency and continuity of appropriate to the age and character of the loss of timber framed sash windows being replaced architectural elements nor reflects the scale of locality ie. black metal plates. with uPVC styles, loss of the original doors, existing buildings. introduction of dormers, rendering and painting of 17. Additional landscaping/planting to soften certain facades etc. Although conservation area 11. Ageing and/or loss of trees along theThames. features of the built environment. designation gave some protection to the area, further controls were deemed appropriate. A 12. Poor quality street furniture and materials in the guidance note has been published by Oxford City streets, loss of traditional materials and details Location Council explaining the implications of an Article 4 eg. the loss of stone kerbing and loss of traditional OsneyTown Conservation Area is located direction on householders and will be reissued by cobbled gulleys running alongside the roads. approximately 1 mile to the west of Oxford city centre, the Council. to the south of the western arterial road of Botley Road. Access to the island is via a road bridge leading Enhancement opportunities into Bridge Street together with a number of Archaeological interest 13. Encourage regeneration of the fabric of the footbridges at various points around Osney Cemetery, associated architecture and the buildings eg. windows, sills, roofing slates etc in the island. lock are of archaeological importance. Carved stone, appropriate styles and materials. Where tiles, glazing, lead etc have all been discovered in facades have been rendered or painted, these The island is situated between the main navigation the cemetery and on the mill site, some of which are should be kept in good order for both aesthetic stream of theThames to the east and Osney Stream to now on display in the Ashmolean Museum. fig. 7 and structural reasons. The Article 4 Direction the west. Osney Cemetery,Gibbs Crescent and the guidance is to be revised and reissued to assist lock can be accessed via Mill Street and Osney Lane to Historical development fig. 8 The residents with appropriate repairs and the east of theThames. remains of Osney treatments. In the early 15th century,a jury found that Osney was Abbey today Botley Road provides access to the city from the west outside the liberty of Oxford and was only brought 14. Secure an appropriate management regime for via the A420 and A34. within the liberty following the boundary extensions the trees and other vegetation along theThames of the early 17th century.The name ‘Osney’seems to and its various channels around the island. have had various meanings and spellings through the Topography ages but is accepted to mean ‘Osa’s Island’4,(landof 15. Treatment of streets - use of appropriate Alluvial floodplains of the Thames occasionally Osa and ‘ey’meaning island) and has been variously surfacing materials, retain traditional and historic flood due to their proximity to the river and their low- spelt as ‘Osanig’(1003), ‘Oseneia’(1130), ‘Osneia’ features and detailings. lying nature. (1230) and ‘Oseney’.

There are two main development phases within the fig. 8 fig. 6 Map of Osney Designation and boundaries from 1889, extract conservation area : the 12th century development of from A.Wood OsneyTown was designated as a conservation area Osney Abbey and the 19th century residential fig. 9 GreatTom on 16 July 1976 in recognition of its special townscape development of OsneyTown. Bell,Taunt1906 quality,its relationship with theThames and its © Oxfordshire County archaeological interest.The boundaries were drawn Osney Priory,a house of Augustinian canons, was Council Photographic to include the main island extending south-eastwards founded in 1129 by Robert D’Oilly who had donated all Archive to include the mill complex of the former abbey and his land in the Manor of South Osney to the Osney Cemetery bordering the railway track. foundation.The priory was promoted to abbey in 1154.

The abbey had been regarded as ‘second to none in Article 4 direction the kingdom for magnificence’5and became one of Following an approach by the Osney Island the wealthiest monasteries in Oxfordshire. At the Residents’Association to Oxford City Council in height of its existence, the abbey church was over 300 1989 an Article 4 direction was introduced in feet long incorporating an impressive west tower 4 Oxford Street Names Explained – Paul J January 1994 to further protect the special whilst the complex as a whole dominated the Marriott character of Osney. It does not cover the whole of landscape of the western approaches into the city.The the conservation area, only the main residential main access into the complex was via Osney Lane. 5 ‘InWest Oxford: streets of the ‘island’and St Frideswide’s Church. Historical notes and fig. 6 Serious concern had been raised as to the gradual Oxford had previously been part of the diocese of fig. 9 pictures’T. Squires, 1928

4 5 Conservation Area Appraisal: Osney Town

Lincoln, a large diocese covering much of England for Building Churches for the cemetery,the remains of fig. 13 Osney from the Humber southwards. Following the the church being buried below the site.The remainder Bridge Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1539, HenryVIII of the land was sold off in 1929 for the residential established six new bishoprics including Oxford. developments of New Osney. fig. 14 Destroyed Osney Abbey briefly became the cathedral of Oxford Osney Bridge, in 1542 being transferred to Christ Church in 1546, The second phase of development occurred on the Taunt, 1885 together with the GreatTom Bell. next ‘island’to the west from the abbey site shortly after the arrival of the Great Western Railway in © Oxfordshire County Council Photographic Whilst the church buildings fell into decline, the mill Oxford in the 1840s. George Parson Hester,Town Archive buildings continued operating until the 20th century, Clerk, obtained the site from Christ Church c.1850 being used variously for cloth production, as corn and with the view to laying out the site for residential fig. 13 fig. 14 fig. 15 Osney fulling mills, saw mills, grist mills and finally as a flour development, capitalising on the increased demand Lock, 1885,Taunt mill from 1876 until its closure in 1965. During the Civil for housing, which in part was caused by the influx of War in 1643, the mills were used as gunpowder mills, rail workers. Adverts were placed in the local press with its own stores, church, schools and public © Oxfordshire County Council Photographic with an explosion causing further damage to the for soil and rubble to increase the height of the low houses.The stores included a bakery at no. 34 Bridge Archive buildings.The last standing elements of the abbey lying meadowland. The first land auction was July Street, a general store at no. 69 Bridge Street and church were brought down in 1650. Although Christ 1851, the remaining 40 plots were auctioned in further stores at no. 71 and 76 Bridge Street and 24 Church had leased the buildings, they had reserved August with the first houses being built by 1852. West Street.There were four public houses including the right to use the fabric in the construction of their theWaterman’s Arms on East Street and the Holly own college buildings including stone from the great The first streets to be developed were Bridge Street Bush Inn on Bridge Street. gate, great hall and abbots hall. and parts of East Street and the east side ofWest Street with the west side of the street remaining as a The first place of worship was established by the With only the mills standing, the reminder of the market garden until the 1880s. Building of the tightly ReverendThomas Chamberlain who had purchased a abbey site reverted to meadowland for many years. In packed terraces continued until 1908 with Doyley plot of land at the junction of Bridge Street and South fig. 15 1847, part of the site was sold to the Commissioners Road being the last to be completed. At the time of the Street for use as a chapel and school, opening for first census in Osney in 1861, 795 people were worship in 1854 and schooling in 1861. New Road Osney Lock dating from the 1790s, constructed by the recorded as living in the area in 141 houses .6 Baptist Church established a Sunday school on the inmates of Oxford Prison. fig. 10 Remains island in 1857, with a purpose built school being of mill complex Osney grew into a virtually self-contained community constructed in 1864, closing in 1922.The site is now St Frideswide’s Church - designed by SSTeulonon its occupied by no. 77 Bridge Street. own ‘island’accessed from Botley Road.Teulon’s fig. 11 Mill from design was never fully completed. As a result, the Osney Island Christ Church College provided the land for St spire was not built, leaving a short octagonal shaped Frideswide’s Church, Botley Road, in 1870, with tower.The church door contains a carving by Alice services being held from 1872. The former baptist Liddell, ‘Alice’from Lewis Carroll’s ‘Alice in fig. 12 Internal chapel and school were converted into St Wonderland’. Grade II* remains of mill Frideswide’s Infant School. Due to a growing child population, a new boys and girls school opened next Botley Road - ancient causeway into the west of the door in 1872, closing in 1914 following the city.First mentioned as a ‘seasonal path’in 1210 with fig. 10 construction of West Oxford Primary School in Ferry the first causeway being constructed in 1541.The road Hinksey Road. was turnpiked in 1767 and was reconstructed at a higher level to minimise flooding incorporating a Summary of surviving historical features number of arches, earning the alternative name of ‘Seven Bridges Road’.The turnpike was set up by Osney Cemetery - established in the 1840s on the Osney Bridge, moving to the west of Binsey Lane in remains of the former abbey church. 1868 and to the foot of Cumnor Hill in 1877 being removed completely in 1880. Osney Abbey - the remnants of the abbey complex dating from the 15th century,Grade II listed and Osney Bridge - a stone bridge was constructed in the Scheduled Monument. 17th century incorporating 3 arches and was widened in 1777 following the turnpiking of Botley 6 ‘Changing Faces of Osney Mill House – early 19th century rendered and Road. Floods in December 1885 caused the bridge to West Oxford’- Malcolm painted house. Grade II listed. collapse with the present iron bridge being Graham fig. 11 fig. 12 completed in 1889.

6 7 Grade II Listed Building Osney Town Conservation Area

* Grade II* Listed Building

Buildings of Local Interest

Enhancement Opportunity

Osney Cemetery Area of tranquil, GroupValue public green space *

Late 20th/early 21st century Bridge Street Enclosed space, development affording long straight views towards Botley Road

Retained Shop Fronts

Stone-built Houses Cemetery Gibbs Crescent a n

DetachedVilla Mari Gibbs Crescent and Marina A private residential development ImportantView and marina to the south of the cemetery,hidden from clear views by trees and planting Conservation Area Boundary Osney Bridge Constructed in 1888 and provides high level views into the conservation area Article 4 Boundary

Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey map with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office (HMSO).

© Crown Copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown Copyrightand may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Osney Mill

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Osney Mill The mill complex sited on the banks of theThames incorporating the surviving 15th century remnants of the former Osney Abbey

North Street A short stretch of road running parallel to Osney Stream South Street Aroadof architectural diversity extending between East Street andWest Church of St. Frideswide Grade II* West Street Characterised by terraced Street, benefiting from a river listed church designed by S.S. Tuelon, housing of various styles including some setting to both ends of the street built on a semi-island setting with access of the earliest houses on the island and 8 from Botley Road tworangesofrubblestonehouses 9 Conservation Area Appraisal: Osney Town

Character appraisal was gutted by fire in 1946 but despite its roofless fig. 17 Lock, mill condition, makes a bold and positive contribution to and cottage For the purposes of the Appraisal, five character areas the conservation area. It is of additional importance have been defined. Each of the character areas should as it is one of the few remaining examples of a mill fig. 18 Marina be considered in the context of the conservation area sitting on the RiverThames and is of key significance and Gibbs as a whole and not taken in isolation. to Oxford’s industrial past.The dominant red brick Crescent building dating from the 19th century,forms only part Area 1: Osney Cemetery of the mill complex but the remainder of the site cannot be seen from the river nor is public access Area 2: Osney Mill / former Abbey complex permissible.The only surviving element of the former Abbey,a rubble stone and building with queen post Area 3: St Frideswide’s Church, Botley Road roof and a stone archway dating from the 15th century is situated to the rear of the main range. fig. 17 Area 4: The river, lock and tow path Area 3: St Frideswide’s Church, Botley Road Area 5: Osney Island cooking smells escaping from the cabins of moored fig. Although this is the main church for Osney, it can boats. The ducks and swans, people meandering 18 Area 1: Osney Cemetery only be accessed from Botley Road. It stands on its along the towpath and the various moored boats all own ‘island’ site to the north-west of Osney Town, combine to create a vibrant and distinctive element Area 5: Osney Island Osney Cemetery has an unkempt and overgrown separated by Osney Stream. The green setting of the unique and more seasonal character of the quality,enhanced by the random placing of the contrasts with the dark and sombre appearance of conservation area. Oxford’sVictorian suburbs are generally typified by a gravestones.The scattered trees and bushes are the church, the mature trees and shrubbery spilling blend of terraced housing along tightly packed havens for birds and other wildlife.The cemetery is out over the river creating an inviting and mystical The 19th century iron bridge over the river has the narrow streets, traditionally associated with the accessed by a small gatehouse off Osney Lane image. The solid and stocky church nestles lowest head-height of any bridge on theThames at development of the canals and railways or by constructed of timber on a stone plinth with a steep amongst the trees, shielded from view from the only 7’6”. As a result, only limited traffic can pass detached suburban villas in spacious landscaped pitched slate roof. As well as being a functional space, main road. The church was designed by SS Teulon under the bridge, many of the larger boats choosing gardens originally associated with academic life and it is an area of important open green space within the in 1870 and is of stone construction. Teulon’s to moor along the riverbank of East Street before the rise of the wealthy middle classes. Osney is one conservation area. Its proximity to the railway line church was never fully built to design due to lack of turning back, or not progressing further up the river such tightly packed suburb but benefits from a unique does not detract from the tranquillity of the area. funds, with the full tower and spire not being built, than Folly Bridge. and special character, its origins and watery setting resulting in a distinctive low octagonal stump of a create a wholly different character from other terraced Area 2:Osney Mill/former Abbey site tower. The church is now Grade II* listed. The A lock was first mentioned at Osney in the 13th suburbs and this is further enhanced by its diversity of church grounds provide an area of green space and century.TheThames Navigation Commissioners architectural styles, the multi-coloured facades and The prominent 4-storey red brick structure of Osney relief from the busy Botley Road and it is enhanced constructed the original pound lock in 1790 with the relaxed atmosphere. Mill can be clearly seen from the lock.The building by its river setting. labour force coming from Oxford prison and it was rebuilt by theThames Conservancy in 1905. Long Vehicular access onto the island is via a bridge from fig. 16 Osney Area 4:The river, lock and towpath views up and down the river can be gained from the Botley Road into Bridge Street, leading into the cemetery and lock area, as well as clear views to the remaining mill narrow streets of the island. Bridge Street forms the tomb stones The river forms an important setting to the buildings on the eastern banks of theThames. spine of the island, extending south to the conservation area.TheThames separates Osney from Environment Agency yard at the southern tip. the rest of Oxford and creates an air of tranquillity The towpath forms part of theThames Path, passing Pedestrian access is via three footbridges at various despite its proximity to the main road.The roar of the over Osney Lock, weaving its way through Oxford and points around the island. water passing through the sluices under Osney beyond. In Osney,it is an important element of local Bridge can drown out the noise of traffic with the trees amenity providing a rural escape from the nearby city. The roads are narrow, made more so by the parked and other vegetation along the banks and walls of the Trees, meadows, wildlife and boats enhance the long cars creating an enclosed and intimate streetscene. stream acting as a buffer between the two elements. views of the river and help mask Osney Mead The sense of enclosure is further heightened by the Industrial Estate to the south of the island. Along the building line being directly onto the pavements with The character of an area comprises the physical eg. towpath the grade II listed obelisk commemorates 21 few exceptions, resulting in a predominantly the buildings, land, vegetation etc as well as the year old Edgar GeorgeWilson who died rescuing two suburban character. East Street benefits from an open intangible elements eg. the way an area is used, boys from theThames on 15 June 1889. river setting, whilstWest Street has a partial river specific sounds and smells associated with that area setting with an enclosed central section. South Street etc. River life adds to the intangible character of The private Osney Marina is tucked away in front of is fully enclosed and although North Street runs Osney eg. the smells and sounds of boat engines; Gibbs Crescent, accessed via a private road running alongside Osney Stream the road still benefits from a fig. 16 the distinctive aromas of wood burning stoves; alongside the cemetery. more enclosed character.

10 11 Conservation Area Appraisal: Osney Town

fig. 19 Long view a. North Street fig. 22 Long view along North Street down East Street North Street is a short stretch of road between Bridge from Osney Bridge Street and East Street, running parallel with Osney fig. 20 Former Stream and Botley Road.The houses are built along manor house fig. 23 The the southern side of the road resulting in a mixed Waterman’s Arms architectural character. Cars park along the northern fig. 21 Democrats side of the road, often shielded by the overhanging Club, western trees along the riverbank. Osney Stream acts as a fig. 24 1-5 East elevation buffer between Botley Road and North Street, the Street lower level of the island protecting it from the intrusion of the main road. North Street is an enclosed fig. fig. 25 Garageon space of varied character with an open view towards 23 East Street the river, terminated by the River Hotel on the far bank fig. 19 creating an of theThames. important break in the uniformity of The large detachedVictorian villa at no. 1 North Street the streetscene sits in the prominent corner plot of North Street/East Street, now occupied by theWest Oxford Democrats Club but was originally constructed as a single family

house.The house was once surrounded by garden fig. 22 but this has now been converted to hard standing for parking which does not enhance the setting of the building. Despite the loss of garden and the permitted development rights to alter the façade of unsympathetic alterations to the building, the house any residential dwelling house in OsneyTown.The still makes a positive and commanding contribution existing painted and rendered facades have added an fig. 24 to the streetscene. extra element to the character and appearance of the streetscene, however, the façade treatments must be Nos. 2-4 North Street were built on the gardens of the fig. 20 kept in good repair to continue making a positive Manor House in 1898 comprising a group of three red contribution.These houses were built in ones or twos, brick houses, set back from the pavement behind low their slight variation to a common terrace theme brick boundary walls.The houses benefit from a adding to the architectural diversity.The terraces are positive group value, enhanced by the retention of flanked either end by individual buildings, theWest their original architectural features, which has only Oxford Democrats Club to the north and the been slightly impacted upon by the way the houses Waterman’s Arms public house to the south, whilst have been treated: two have painted the stone half way along the road, a small gable end garage detailing surrounding the windows, doors etc white breaks up the continuous row of houses. with the last house has retained the natural stone. Towards the southern end of East Street, the road The corner of North Street/Bridge Street is occupied curves gently towards the west, altering the way the by the former ‘Manor House’.(32) Built directly onto buildings are positioned along the pavement.The the pavement, the rendered and paintedVictorian resultant staggered frontages still open directly onto fig. 25 house has been converted into flats but has retained the pavement but benefit from being set further back its classical style main entrance. Although the three enabling small planted borders to spill out on the trees once contributed to a more enclosed character housing types have different plot positions and pavement eg. Bronwen Cottage, softening the of East Street, their removal has created a much more styles, the boundary walls of theWest Oxford suburban form of the houses. open space, with uninterrupted views of the river. Democrats Club and nos. 2-4 North Street are in line fig. 21 Replacement willows have been planted which in turn with nos. 5-6 North Street creating a continuous East Street benefits from a dual character: tightly will recreate the leafy and more enclosed character of frontage and strengthening the sense of enclosure. benefits from a much more diverse architectural packed houses along the western side of the road and the street. character ranging from the more elaborate nos. 1-5 the open green character of the riverbank andThames b. East Street East Street with their classical entrances and setting. A number of the large willows along the bank TheWaterman’s Arms at the southern end of East increased heights to the more traditional small scale have been removed impacting on both the leafy Street is an important social hub of the island.The Although dominated by terraced houses, East Street terraced houses. The Article 4 Direction removed the character and appearance of the street.Where these pub is an important local facility attracting customers

12 13 Conservation Area Appraisal: Osney Town

from Osney,across the city and from the river users, despite the density of development, the suburban fig. 29 Unfolding with its patrons often spilling out on to the benches form is softened by green boundaries.The road does view alongWest and riverbank opposite.The late 19th century building benefit from green views to both ends: towards the Street has undergone alteration and extension but its corner east the view is of the raised river bank and treed position and distinctive chamfered corner entrance setting of theThames whilst to the west, the road is fig. 30 1885 still positively dominate the space. terminated by the green setting of Osney Stream. polychromatic brick work,West c. South Street The houses along the southern side of the road are all Street set back behind low boundary walls with small The contrast between East Street and South Street is planted gardens, the greenery contrasting with, and fig. instantly recognisable: the open river setting of East softening the appearance of, the red brick of the 31 3-storeyed Street turns into the enclosed space of South Street terraced houses. Again the diversity of building styles rendered stone houses,West with both sides of the road densely developed.The adds to the character of the street. Like all the streets Street houses have a more distinct architectural diversity and on the island, alterations were carried out prior to the introduction of the Article 4 direction that are not wholly in keeping with the age and traditional fig. 26 Watery fig. 32 West setting of South character of the houses, the replacement windows Street Street - western and doors impacting on the individual buildings and end street character as a whole. On both sides of the road there are sites that could be regarded as being fig. 29 fig. 30 ‘negative’or ‘neutral’elements providing future opportunity for enhancement eg. painting, towards the road with the entrances being on the reinstatement of traditional windows and doors etc. northern elevation.This is a rare feature on the island as all the houses open onto the road and has resulted The houses beyond the Bridge Street junction, in a more institutional façade to the visible southern heading towardsWest Street, benefit from a very elevation which is out of keeping with the more strong character and large group value that does not domestic residential nature of the island. fig. 26 exist elsewhere on the island.The block of 10 houses fig. 27 South sit gable end to the road behind small well-planted d. West Street Street - group gardens and low boundary walls.The decorative value bargeboarding, the steep pitched roof with extra West Street benefits from a partial river setting.The accommodation, the retained architectural features, southern end of the street abuts Osney Stream with window boxes and tiled garden paths combine to trees and plants hanging over the railings and brick create a focal point of the street. As a result of their wall, creating an important green view along South design features and gardens, these houses are less Street.The mature trees hang over the river, the banks suburban in character. being full of smaller plants and wildlife, reinforcing the tranquil atmosphere of the conservation area.The Part of the north side of South Street consists of the railings allow views over the river strengthening the more traditional small scale terraced house fronting integration between the built elements and the fig. 31 directly onto the pavement and beyond the Bridge watery setting. fig. 27 Street junction, a 1960s block of accommodation fig. 28 33-38 formerly for the elderly stands in a very prominent The east side ofWest Street contains some of the South Street corner position.The group of houses (nos. 33-38 earliest houses to be built on the island whilst the South Street) is set back from the pavement behind a west side contains some the last plots developed.The narrow stretch of garden and a low wooden fence.The market gardens that dominated the western side of concrete roof tiles and uPVC windows are not the road have long since given way to terraced houses characteristic of the area and although built as a with the former Ice House site to the rear of nos. 42-45 terrace, the style of the houses is not in keeping with West Street having been developed with the 1960s the architectural character of the island.The mature West Court block of flats. Like the other two blocks of trees and bushes in the garden help soften the harsh 1960s development on the island,West Court does appearance of the houses but additional planting not take into account the scale and form of the may enhance the neutrality of the block. In essence, existing architectural character being a large flat fig. fig. 28 these houses face inwards, turning their backs roofed red brick development accessed via a concrete 32

14 15 Conservation Area Appraisal: Osney Town

driveway.Unlike its contemporaries, the development built blocks on the island.The houses are a focal point impacting on the integrity of the streetscene. In the to the ground floor whilst the four end houses have is partially shielded from the road due to its set back of the streetscape due to their increased height. Nos. case of nos. 105a and 105b and nos. 107-112, the new distinctive double height bays pushing into the roof. positioning, soft landscaping and mature trees, and 19-23West Street are also constructed from stone but build has attempted to emulate their older Some of the houses remain in their natural state of as a result its negative impact upon the conservation are of the more characteristic 2-storey height.The counterparts in terms of scale, material and form but polychromatic brickwork (yellow with red brick area has been reduced. timber sash windows have been retained but some the smoother modern bricks lack the texture and detailing) whilst others have been rendered, painted doors have been replaced with inappropriate styles. depth of colour of the older bricks, and there are slight The remainder of the road has been developed with a These houses are more rural in character with a softer inaccuracies in architectural design detail and use of fig. 36 Bridge diverse range ofVictorian and Edwardian terraced appearance than their red brick neighbours, the uPVC windows, the contribution of these houses has Street extension housing opening directly onto the pavements, yellow stone adding texture and colour to the street. been weakened. Nos. 107-112 have been built in the including 3-storey houses, stone built terraces, gardens of the former Manor House on North Street double fronted houses and innovative use of The majority of the houses are a combination of and still benefit from a semi-open setting to the south polychromatic brickwork at no. 50West Street.The rendered or natural brick terraced houses, many of with an area of parking and garden space being central section of the road is enclosed with houses which have undergone some of alteration or provided. A stone boundary wall and black wrought and parking on both sides.Towards the northern end ‘improvement’over the years. On the curve of the iron gates mark the division between public and ofWest Street, with the road layout reflecting the road, no. 4West Street is an impressive double- private realm.The mature horse chestnut tree in the curve of Osney Stream, the space is more open with a fronted ‘detached’house with bay windows and garden contributes an element of greenery and a rare green river setting and glimpsed views across to St rendered façade.This was one of the earliest houses glimpse to the rear of the properties of East Street is

Frideswide’s Church. Again alterations have taken on the island benefiting from extensive gardens to the also possible, the private space providing a much fig. 36 place that are unsympathetic to the age and style of rear.The individuality of the house adds to the greener character than the public space to the front. the houses impacting upon the integrity of the street’s architectural diversity,the distinctiveness fig. 37 Entrance character but due to the number of distinctive strengthened by its key position on the road. Mallinson Court, a late 20th century development of to Mallinson Court, features within the streetscape,West Street makes a flats does not make a positive contribution to the Bridge Street positive contribution to the conservation area. e. Bridge Street more historic streetscape of Bridge Street.The dark brown brick development was constructed on the Nos. 13-16West Street are a group of 3-storey Bridge Street is the spine of the island, perceived to former site of the boys school, and is now a dominant rendered stone built terraces, one of only two stone be the main road with direct bridge access from Botley presence along the road and does not incorporate any Road in the north to the Environment Agency yard in of the traditional architectural features prevalent fig. 33 View the south.The building line is clearly defined, with the throughout the island. north along houses opening directly onto the pavement creating a Bridge Street strong sense of enclosure, further strengthened by Predominantly a residential road, Bridge Street was towards Botley parking along both sides of the road.The straight road the most commercial of the streets on Osney Island Road enables long views in either direction, the view to the with remnants of the non-residential features still fig. 37 north being terminated by greenery in contrast with visible.The road was home to schools, a bakery, fig. the urban form of the street, the view to the south general stores and public houses with nos. 16 and 69 38 Former fig. 34 Rear of shop front, Bridge terminated by the more industrial form of the having retained their associated architectural Bridge Street Street extension, Osney Environment Agency buildings. features eg. the façade of no. 16 is characterised by its Mead and river brown glazed bricks and large window whilst no. 69 The northern end of Bridge Street has seen a has incorporated the shop window and door into its significant amount of late 20th century development residential use.These features are important fig. 35 New reminders of historic uses of the property and now houses on Bridge fig. 33 contribute to the streetscene. Street The Article 4 direction limits the changes that can be made to the street facing elevation of any dwelling house on the island.The changes that have taken place pre-Article 4 are all the more prominent due to such a distinctive building line and narrow pavements.

The lower section of Bridge Street, known locally as the Bridge Street extension, dates from the late 19th century and incorporates additional design features creating a different and more open character.The two fig. 38 fig. 34 fig. 35 short ranges of terraces all incorporate bay windows

16 17 Conservation Area Appraisal: Osney Town

or pebble-dashed.The front doors are recessed with single terrace of 8 houses fronting directly on to the Cemetery site is away from the main residential fig. 41 East fanlight, with a suspended lintel below the door arch pavement and built along the southern side of the streets of the conservation area but provides an Street on the river and tiled door well.The stone mullioned bays road with views over the rear gardens of theWest important area of public green space both within the front incorporate timber framed sash windows with 2-over- Street houses.The view along the road terminates in conservation and for the wider area. 2 windows to the main bay windows and upper dense tree planting and a footbridge across the Osney windows.The small front gardens behind low brick Stream providing access to Ferry Hinksey Road and Granite setts and stone kerbs to the roads. walls and one-sided parking add to the more open theWest Oxford Community Primary School.The road nature of the road.The tiled garden pathways add to is a predominantly open space with an airy and quiet the appearance of the houses. character. Architectural styles and detailing f. Doyley Road and Swan Street Townscape features The main development period on the island was Doyley Road and Swan Street were the last roads to Enclosed suburban streets with limited public open between 1850 and the turn of the century with the last be developed and only contain a few houses each. space. phase being completed in 1905, Doyley Road. Since

Doyley Road is accessed from the Bridge Street then 1960s incremental developments have taken fig. 41 extension comprising five red brick Edwardian Predominantly modest 2-storey 19th century terraces. place impacting upon the character and appearance houses, clustered around the western end of the road. of the conservation area. pitch etc. Brick has been used in a variety of ways Development is only on the southern and western River setting providing attractive views and public adding distinction to the streetscene.Variation of sides of the street with nos. 1-3 looking over the open green space. The vernacular is 2-storey terraced houses, brick includes solid red or yellow brick houses, red rear spaces of the South Street houses.The semi- predominantly constructed from red/yellow brick brick houses with yellow brick stringcourses and vice- detached nos. 4-5 Doyley Road form the terminating Soft green boundary to the conservation area with slate roofs.Traditional windows are timber versa, polychromatic use of red and yellow brick, and view along the short road. Despite the small number contrasting with the hard suburban streets within the sashes of the 6-over-6 or 2-over-2 varieties, the in the case of no. 50West Street, use of contrasting of houses and the open aspect of the South Street boundary. variation reflecting the advancements in glass brick to create patterned stringcourses and date in gardens, Doyley Road has a sense of enclosure due to production techniques through the century resulting the gable end of the building. the short nature of the road and the proximity of the St Frideswide’s Church set on its own ‘island’in a in larger panes with fewer glazing bars. Doors from houses to the pavements.The mature trees and dense green setting. the mid-19th century were of solid multi-panel design Nos. 1-5 East Street are a prominent feature of the planting soften the red brick of the houses. or incorporated glazing to the upper panels. Doors streetscene due to their design.The group are still 2- Dense development facing onto pavements with long and window frames were painted with window frames storey terraced houses but are of a grander scale and Swan Street is the only other road that benefits from a private gardens to the rear creating green ‘spines’ being white and doors a variety of colours including design than the neighbouring properties.Their ‘group value’of a uniform terrace. Constructed in 1892 away from the public eye. black, dark green and dark blue. Many of the houses design includes a simple classical style entrance with by Charles Bossom, these are very modest terrace on the island have undergone some works of recessed front doors and accessed via two or three houses with few architectural details though built in Long gardens to the rear of the houses contrasting alteration resulting in the loss of traditional features. steps.The upper windows are pointed arched timber pairs with the front doors placed in the centre of each with direct pavement access to the majority of the sash openings.They are of red stone construction pair, adding a rhythm to the houses.The brick window houses. In addition to the predominant red/yellow brick with a rendered base plinth, slate roofs with small arches have been painted in some instances and terrace, there are two blocks of stone built terraces gabled dormers and brick stacks. doors have been replaced with incorrect styles.The Low boundary walls with small front garden spaces alongWest Street, one of which includes a terrace of continuity of brick façade has been interrupted due to predominantly along South Street. 3-storey houses.The 2-storey houses have been left There are few examples of a uniform terrace row eg. one house having been rendered.The roofs are in their natural stone state whilst the neighbouring 3- nos. 20-30 South Street, the houses of the Bridge uniformly slate with red brick chimneys. All houses High red brick boundary wall enclosing no. 1 North storey properties have all been rendered. Slate roofs Street extension and Swan Street. Nos. 20-30 South have retained their timber framed sash windows.The Street creating a distinctive feature of the streetscape. are common to both.The increased height of the 3- Street are distinctive for a number of reasons, the storey houses (nos. 13-16West Street) contributes to main being that they face gable end to the road, fig. 39 Doyley the streetscene by interrupting the continuity of form incorporating additional accommodation in the attic Road and rhythm but rather than being a negative space. Architectural details include decorative intrusion, these houses add to the overall streetscape bargeboards, red brick stringcourses, triple-pane and incorporate many of the design features of the fanlights above the doors, stone detailing to window fig. 40 View smaller houses eg. brick chimneystacks, timber sash along Swan Street and door surrounds and timber framed sash windows, fanlights etc. windows.The group value of the row is further enhanced by being set back slightly from the road The terraced houses were generally built in isolation behind low boundary walls and small, planted or in pairs and as a result, there is a high degree of gardens. Continuity of the row is strengthened by the architectural diversity within a general theme of 2- use of similar treatments to all but one of the houses, storey brick built terraces.The houses differ in terms the majority have white painted window frames, fig. 39 fig. 40 of use of material, placement/size of windows, roof window surrounds, door surrounds and bargeboards.

18 19 Conservation Area Appraisal: Osney Town

Architectural features surrounding Osney rather than greenery being a key glazing units. Incorrect replacement doors include fig. 42 The feature of the streetscene.The softer green setting uPVC doors, full glazed doors, mock-Georgian entrance to the Predominantly 2-storey,small-scaleVictorian and around the edges of the conservation area enhances incorporating fanlights etc. cemetery - Edwardian terraced houses the hard materials of the built character of the island. enhancement Removal of render is not recommended as this could opportunity Predominant use of red or yellow brick, used as solid The rear gardens, although entirely within the be harmful to the building but it is important that colours, contrasting brick string-courses or private realm and mostly out of public sight, create existing render is kept in sound repair and good fig. polychromatic patterns. an important area of green space. The aerial decorative order. Although these houses were not 43 Public realm photograph below illustrates this point and whilst originally intended to be rendered or painted, enhancement Later additions of rendered or painted facades, now they do not contribute to the public character of the properties treated in such a way have added an extra controlled by Article 4 Direction, interrupting the island, they do add to the green and tranquil nature dimension to the character of the conservation area. continuous brick facades. of the conservation area. The long open gardens The choice of paint colour on such treatments or paint fig. also create opportunity for views from the upper in poor condition can be detrimental to both the 44 Enhancement Slate roofs, with slightly varying pitches . storeys of the houses. Again these are private views individual house and the street as a whole.Where opportunity but they are still an important aspect of the overall paint is flaking or render is cracked/in poor condition, Timber framed sash windows, mainly 6-over-6 or 2 character of the area. opportunities exist for future enhancements. over 2, some with margin panes. Views between buildings are not widely available on The terraces of Osney Island have proportional fig. 42 Stone detailing to door and window surrounds. the island but where glimpses of the private green openings in their facades; alterations to the areas do exist these should be preserved eg. corner dimensions of these openings can have a negative Solid panelled doors, four and six panels with glazed sites, the open north side of Swan Street and the gap impact on the harmonious qualities of the house.The upper panels in some instances. between nos. 112 and 1 Bridge Street. Article 4 Direction now prohibits such alterations and future opportunity may arise for the reinstatement of Red brick chimney stacks. Osney Cemetery is the only formal area of public the original window dimensions and styles. green space within the conservation area. Despite Low boundary walls with small front gardens and tiled the proximity of the railway line there is an air of Negative buildings: the majority of the post-war garden paths. tranquillity about the space, strengthened by its developments on the island do not make a positive sense of detachment from the rest of the contribution to the special character of the Strong building lines, the majority of houses opening conservation area. The only means of access is via a conservation area and their prominence is all the more directly onto the pavement. gatehouse on Osney Lane, which in turn can be noticeable due to the scale and size of the buildings. accessed via Mill Street or the footbridge over the fig. Views and open spaces rail track, both of which are outside the boundary of Public realm: road and pavement surfaces are often 43 the conservation area. in poor and patched conditions detracting from the Due to the compact nature of Osney,long views appearance of the area. Traditional features such as through the conservation area are limited.The granite setts and stone kerbs should be retained as elevated position of Osney Bridge affords the passer- Negative and neutral features they are of historic importance. Pavements and by with long views down theThames and East Street. roadsides are littered with a surplus of road signs The towpath also provides views of the ivy covered / areas of future enhancement and markings. The poor quality of the street name mill, marina and more far-reaching views out towards Inappropriate alterations to buildings: the terraces plates can also have a negative impact upon the the southern boundary of the conservation area. of Osney have suffered in the past from incremental overall streetscape. loss of architectural detailing including the The views on the island are more restricted, being installation of replacement doors and windows, Traffic/parking: there is no means of through access limited to views along the tightly packed enclosed addition of dormers, change of roofing material, on the island and therefore, Osney does not suffer roads dominated by the coloured terraces, differing rendering/painting of facades etc. The introduction from traffic volume in the same way that other Oxford roof heights and pitches, long rows of chimneys and of the Article 4 Direction withdrawing certain suburbs do. However, the Environment Agency continuous building lines. permitted development rights now prevents requires access to its premises and the large vehicles householders from carrying out such alterations and travelling along Bridge Street do impact on the Public open space is limited to the riverbank on East where windows/doors have been replaced with tranquil nature of the conservation area. Street, towpath along theThames and the cemetery inappropriate styles, these are now opportunities space. A distinctive element of the conservation area for future enhancement schemes reinstating Legislative controls are only part of the process is formed by the compact nature of the town traditional windows and doors. Inappropriate involved in preserving and enhancing the character juxtaposed to the linear/green qualities of the windows styles include uPVC ‘sash’style windows, and appearance of a conservation area. A Thames corridor.There is a band of greenery top-hung casements and metal framed double collaborative arrangement is required involving local fig. 44

20 21 Conservation Area Appraisal: Osney Town Appendices

fig. 45 The green residents, the City and County Councils, utility Listed Buildings Appendix 1 Osney Abbey,Mill Street – Grade II buffer between companies, stakeholders/landowners etc if the Osney and Botley established special and historic character of Buildings are listed for their special Listed Buildings The Augustinian Priory was founded 1129. Road conservation areas is to be maintained and enhanced architectural or historical interest, for close All the buildings have been destroyed for future generations to enjoy. historical interest or for group value. They are Bridge at north end of Bridge Street, except a rubble and timber-framed classified by grades to show their relative forming the junction with Botley Road – structure which may be 15th century in importance: Grade II date; it has a queenpost roof (C16th) and a Conclusion blocked 2-light window. Joined to it by a The Osney Town Conservation Area is a unique area Grade I (A) Exceptional interest. 19th century,single span coursed rubble wall on the north-east is a stone 15th with a strong sense of place. Historically known for bridge with ashlar parapet walls. century archway with a 4-centred head the impressive abbey,Osney has become widely Grade II* (B) Particular importance and moulded jambs.There is a appreciated for its island setting amidst the various fig. 45 with perhaps outstanding Seven Arches Bridge (St Frideswide’s commemorative plaque to Haggai of tributaries of the River Thames and its uniform layout features. Bridge) Botley Road – Grade II Oxford, martyred in 1222. of densely packed terraced houses both of which reinstatement of traditional timber sash windows contribute to the distinctive character of the and appropriate doors etc. Grade II (C) Buildings of special Originally probably 16th century or earlier, Osney Mill House, Mill Street – Grade II conservation area. The residential aspects of the interest which warrant every widened in 1960 on the south side when it island today have stayed relatively true to the The introduction of the Article 4 Direction imposes effort being made to preserve was much rebuilt. 7 stone arches, plain Early 19th century.Rendered and painted. original layout planned by George Hester in 1851. additional responsibilities on house owners and them. parapet walls. North face rubble with 2 storeys, 4 windows, 3:1, the single one Change has inevitably taken place and not all has poses a number of challenges for those looking to cutwater and ashlar parapet. South face being lower and set back. Small paned been positive, the cumulative effects of the change their properties to meet modern living (Grades A to C refer to ecclesiastical buildings only.) all ashlar with keystones. sash windows. Plain door, central to the 3 inappropriate alterations was gradually eroding the standards. Whilst this has been difficult to achieve in window section. Modern tile roof, red brick important and cherished character of the area until some instances, with some flexibility and realistic ThamesTowpath – Memorial 300 yards stacks. the additional planning controls of the Article 4 expectations it has generally appeared not to have south of Osney Lock – Grade II Direction were introduced. imposed overly onerous burdens on house owners. Buildings of Local Interest In terms of the appearance and character of the 1889. Stone obelisk on plinth with Designation as a conservation area and the buildings, the results have been very positive. Where inscription to the memory of Edgar George Osney Mill, Mill Street introduction of the Article 4 Direction are not enough challenged, planning decisions have been strongly Wilson who drowned after rescuing two in themselves to preserve the special character of and consistently supported by the Planning boys. Early 19th century.Redbrick, three storeys. Osney.The withdrawal of certain permitted Inspectorate. Various windows, sashes, with glazing development rights ensured that inappropriate Church of St Frideswide, Botley Road – bars.Weatherboarded gable with development and alteration no longer takes place The Article 4 Direction has successfully stemmed Grade II* weathercock.Tiled roof. In a partly ruinous and the integrity of the area is retained. Oxford City further deterioration of the character and state. Council has a successful record of enforcement on appearance of Osney.Whilst the Direction only 1872 by SSTeulon. An unusually powerful the island and will continue to take action against governs development and alterations to the front of design, apsed with plain detail. Stone Osney Bridge, Botley Road any unauthorised works. With greater the houses, in a recent planning appeal for a property built. A very good example of this understanding of the important character of Osney on West Street 7, the Planning Inspector highlighted architect’s work. In the Romanesque style. Dated 1888,WHWhite Engineer. Single as a conservation area and of the individual the importance of applying as much care and Coursed rubble with ashlar dressings. span cast-iron bridge on stone abutments properties, the special qualities that warranted the attention to the detail of alterations to the rear of Vestigial crossing tower. and with pierced parapets.Two stone designation in 1976 will be maintained and properties as to the front, thus confirming that the arched culverts on west. Parapet with two enhanced for future generations. special character of a conservation area is deeper Vicarage at the Church of St Frideswide, panels of balustrading on the west and than the visible façade. Views out of houses across Botley Road – Grade II one on the east. Many of the ‘improvements’carried out to the houses rear gardens are just as important as those along the of Osney Town prior to the introduction of the Article roads and the river. Although being firmly in the Possibly by SSTeulon but more likely by 4 Direction were to the detriment of the character and private realm it is harder to define this hidden HG Drinkwater. Late 19th century.Joined to appearance of the individual properties and the area element of character but where opportunities exist the church by a covered walkway.Coursed as a whole. Following the introduction and the for glimpses into these areas ie. through gaps rubble with ashlar dressings. 2 storeys. 2 subsequent removal of certain permitted between buildings, they should be preserved. The light mullioned windows. Semicircular development rights, the remaining unaltered houses Article 4 Direction is an important step in ensuring bay.Gable, tiled roof, stone stacks. Lower have retained their original character. As house the effective management of the conservation area south wing. owners have changed and the understanding of the and Oxford City Council is mindful of the need to help character of buildings has increased, houses that with practical advice about sources of materials, 7 Reference: have previously been unsympathetically altered are finding appropriately skilled and experienced 04/01847/VAR now being restored to their original design eg by builders, using appropriate repair techniques etc.

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