Croham Manor Road Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan

APPENDIX 3:

CROHAM MANOR ROAD CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL AND MANAGEMENT PLAN

SUPPLEMENTARY PLANNING DOCUMENT

CROYDON COUNCIL CONSERVATION AREA CONSERVATION AREA DESIGNATION GENERAL GUIDANCE 10 October 2008 Please read this document alongside the Croydon Conservation Area General Guidance SPD, available online at: ISSUE www.croydon.gov.uk/environment/conservation/ conservationareas Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) issued for adoption at Cabinet 11 February 2013 Other Supplementary Planning Documents are also available online via the Croydon Council This document is available to view and download website: online at: www.croydon.gov.uk/planningandregeneration www.croydon.gov.uk/environment/conservation/ conservationareas PUBLISHED BY IMAGE CREDITS CROYDON COUNCIL Taberner House All photographs supplied by London Borough of Park Lane Croydon unless otherwise speciﬁ ed. Croydon CR9 1JT www.croydon.gov.uk Maps reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of HMSO. © Crown copyright Email: [email protected] and database right 2011. Ordnance Survey Tel: 0208 4071385 Licence Number 100019257, courtesy of Croydon Council

Aerial photography ‘Cities Revealed’ aerial photography © ’The GeoInformation Group’ 2006

1.0 INTRODUCTION 01 9.0 DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES 26 1.1 What is a Conservation Area? 03 9.1 Demolition 27 1.2 What is a Conservation Area 03 9.2 New Development 27 Appraisal and Management Plan? 9.3 Development Affecting the 27 1.3 What is this Document’s Status? 03 Conservation Area’s Setting 1.4 Community Involvement 03 9.4 Extensions 28 1.5 Designation Background 04 9.5 Cladding, Rendering or Painting of 28 1.6 Statement of Special Character 04 Walls 9.6 Window Replacement 28 PART 1: APPRAISAL 05 9.7 Front Gardens 29

2.0 CONTEXT 06 10.0 ENHANCEMENT 30 2.1 Location and Setting 06 10.1 Maintenance 30 2.2 Historic Development 08 10.2 Repairing, Restoring and Re- 30 2.3 Archaeological Signiﬁ cance 10 Instating Architectural Features 30 10.3 Plaques for Locally Listed Buildings 30 3.0 CHARACTER AREAS 11 10.4 Conservation Area Signage 30 3.1 South Croham Manor Road 12 10.5 Public Realm Improvements 30 3.2 Croham Hurst 13 10.6 Tree Management 30

4.0 TOWNSCAPE CHARACTER 14 11.0 APPENDIX 31 4.1 Layout and Plan Form 14 11.1 Useful Websites and Other 31 4.2 Density and Land Uses 14 Relevant Information 4.3 Height and Massing 15 11.2 Contacts 32 4.4 Topography 15 4.5 Views 16

5.0 STREETSCAPE CHARACTER 18 5.1 Public Realm and Open space 18 5.2 Street Furniture 19 5.3 Greenery and Trees 19

6.0 ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER 20 6.1 General Architectural Character 20 6.2 Historic and Architectural 20 Signiﬁ cance of Buildings 6.3 Key Architectural Features and 22 Materials

7.0 CONDITION AND THREATS 24 7.1 General Condition 24 7.2 Condition and Threats 24

PART 2: MANAGEMENT PLAN 25

8.0 ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS 25 8.1 Locally Listed Buildings 25 8.2 Article 4 Directions 25 8.3 Building Regulations 25 8.4 Energy Efﬁ ciency 25 8.5 Archeological Investigations 25 N

KEY

The Croham Manor Road Conservation Area Other conservation areas in Croydon

Map 1. The location of the Croham Manor Road Conservation Area and other conservation areas in Croydon INTRODUCTION

1 N

Above: Map 2. The boundary of the Croham Manor Road Conservation Area Previous Page: A characteristic house in the conservation area

2 1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 WHAT IS A the issues raised in the 1.4 COMMUNITY CONSERVATION AREA? Appraisal and provides area- INVOLVEMENT 1.1.1 A conservation area is an specifi c development guidelines 1.4.1 The South Croydon Conser- area of special architectural or to supplement those provided vation Area Advisory Panel (see historic interest, the character in Croydon’s Conservation Area section 1.5 of the Conserva- and appearance of which it General Guidance; potential tion Area General Guidance) is desirable to preserve or enhancement schemes are also supplied information to inform enhance. Please see section explored. Please see section this document prior to public 1.3 of Croydon’s Conservation 1.5 of the Conservation Area consultation, which ran from 1 Area General Guidance for General Guidance, for further August to the 28 September further information. information. 2012. The draft SPD on the Council’s website and hard 1.2 WHAT IS A CONSERVA- 1.3 WHAT IS THE STATUS OF copies were available from TION AREA APPRAISAL AND THIS DOCUMENT? local libraries. Site notices were MANAGEMENT PLAN? 1.3.1 This document is a Supple- placed in the conservation area, 1.2.1 A Conservation Area mentary Planning Document letters were sent to all proper- Appraisal and Management (SPD) to Croydon’s Local Plan ties located within its boundary, Plan is a document produced and is a material consideration an article was published in the to supplement Croydon’s when planning applications are Croydon Guardian and an event Local Plan, the London Plan, assessed. All planning applica- was held at the Town Hall on 6 and Croydon’s Conservation tions for sites within the Croham September 2012. Area General Guidance. An Manor Road Conservation Area Appraisal defi nes the principal should be informed by both this 1.4.2 Following the consultation, qualities that constitute the SPD and the Croydon Conser- all responses were considered conservation area’s special vation Area General Guidance and, where appropriate, the character and identifi es its SPD. document was amended prior current condition and threats. A to a recommendation to the Management Plan addresses Council for formal adoption.

Characteristic Chapman houses in the Croham Manor Road Conservation Area, designed in a mock Tudor style with Arts and Crafts inﬂ uence.

3 1.5 DESIGNATION BACKGROUND 1.5.1 The Croham Manor Road Conservation Area was designated in October 2008 as part of the borough-wide review of conservation areas and local areas of special character.

1.6 STATEMENT OF SPECIAL CHARACTER 1.6.1 The Croham Manor Road Conservation Area contains a group of eighteen locally listed buildings on Croham Manor Road and Hurst Way, built by a Mr. Chapman who owned the land and lived in no. 56. The collection of buildings forms an especially high-quality uniﬁ ed group of 1920’s and 1930’s suburban housing, designed in a mock Tudor style with an Arts and Crafts inﬂ uence. All the houses were individually designed and display a range of interesting architectural details and features.

1.6.2 Houses are set amongst mature trees and planting in an attractive townscape with varied topography in close proximity to the ancient woodland of Croham Hurst. The area evokes a feeling of suburban privacy A timber framed leaded window, an architectural feature characteristic of the and seclusion from the bustle of Croham Manor Road Conservation Area central Croydon, just over half a mile away.

4 APPRAISAL

5 This Appraisal 2.0 CONTEXT deﬁ nes the 2.1 LOCATION AND SETTING characteristics that 2.1.1 The Croham Manor Road Conservation Area, situated make the Croham in the Croham Ward, lies in a Manor Road residential suburb just over half a mile south east of Croydon’s Conservation Area town centre. The area is special, including bounded to the south by the busy Selsdon Road and partly its wider context, to the east by Croham Hurst, an historic development, ancient woodland of consider- Emmanuel Church able historic, archaeological townscape, and geological interest. Croham tion area generally lie in rows of streetscape and Hurst is on the Council’s Local suburban detached and semi- List of Historic Parks and detached housing, mostly built architectural Gardens (see section 4.5 of between 1910 and 1933, apart character. It also the Conservation Area General from the Edwardian houses on Guidance). Lismore Road that were built describes the between 1890 and 1910. The conservation area’s 2.1.2 To the south east of the character of the conservation conservation area lies the area shares townscape qualities current condition. Grade II listed Croham Hurst with that of the residential areas House (see paragraph 2.2.2), to its north, south and west, but around which modern inﬁ ll has distinguishing architectural development, generally of a character that merits conserva- high architectural quality, has tion area designation. This is occurred on High Beech and particularly evident on Hurst Beech View. To the north west Way, where the houses within of the conservation area lies the the conservation area are of locally listed Emmanuel Church a similar layout and building (see photograph). form as other buildings on the road, though their architecture 2.1.3 Houses to the immediate is clearly distinguishable by its west and south of the conserva- style, quality and materials.

Previous page: View of the western side of Croham Manor Road View from Croham Hurst

6 CROHAM ROAD

EMMANUEL CHURCH

CROHAM MANOR ROAD CONSERVATION AREA

CROHAM HURST

SELSDON ROAD

Aerial photograph of the Croham Manor Road Conservation Area and the surrounding area

7 2.2 HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT 2.2.1 Although there is some evidence of Stone Age and Roman settlement (see section 2.3), very little residential development took place in the area before the late C19th. The Manor of Croham, one of four manors in the Parish of Sanderstead, has a recorded ownership history that dates back to the mid C13th, also known at the time as ‘Cronham’ and ‘Cranham’. In 1590 the Manor was divided by the sale of 99 acres and the Manor house, located in modern day South End in Croydon’s town centre. The remaining land, which retained the name of Croham, was sold in 1593 to Sir Oliph Leigh of Addington for £660, who, in 1601, sold most of this land to Archbishop Whitgift for £740. A record of 1834 states that ‘This Manor, called Croham, consists of a messuage and farm. It extends over Cromehurst. It forms part of the endowments of the Hospital of the Holy Trinity.’

2.2.2 The Regency style Croham Hurst House (Grade II listed - see section 4.5 of the Conser- vation Area General Guidance) was built in 1817-1818 for John Grantham, designed with two projecting bays to its stucco faced elevation. The land around the house remained largely undeveloped in the mid C19th (see map 3).

Croham Hurst House, seen from Map 3: 1868 Ordnance Survey Map (top) and Map 4: 1890 Ordnance Survey Croham Manor Road Map (below) - the red lines indicate the current conservation area boundary

8 2.2.3 By 1890 some houses had been constructed along the Selsdon Road, which was then, as now, a key transport route to the south east; development along this road continued over the following decades. Subse- quently in 1899 the Emmanuel Church was built to Gothic Revival designs by the architect T. Roger Smith. By 1910 the houses on Lismore Road were constructed and the upper section of Croham Manor Road had been laid out.

2.2.4 In the late C19th Croham Hurst became a popular area of open space for the public. In 1898 it became apparent that the Whitgift Governors wished to dispose of the ownership of the area: the lower slopes were to be developed and the remainder on the top offered to the Council. This proposal would have resulted in half of the Hurst being built upon and the rest enclosed behind a seven foot high fence. The people of Croydon were outraged and quickly formed a committee to ﬁ ght the proposals. The campaign had strong backing from the press, who published a plan of the proposals which emphasised just how much open space would be lost. During February 1899 a memorial signed by a thousand local people was presented to the Council and on March 20th, a mass meeting took place. The public outcry was successful and on the 8th February 1901 the Whitgift Foundation ﬁ nally sold the whole of Croham Hurst to Croydon Corporation; it has since continued to be a very popular area for local people to visit.

2.2.5 The rate of development Map 5: 1910 Ordnance Survey Map (top), Map 6: 1933 Ordnance Survey increased dramatically in the Map (middle) and Map 7: 1940 Ordnance Survey Map (bottom) - the red lines early C20th; between 1910 and indicate the current conservation area boundary

9 1933 Hurst Way, Hurst View 2.3 ARCHAEOLOGICAL 2.3.2 Previous fi nds from excava- Road and Croham Close were SIGNIFICANCE tions on Croham Hurst include laid out. Croham Manor Road 2.3.1 The conservation area is two Mesolithic or Stone Age hut was also extended to meet located partly within the Croham sites, Neolithic or New Stone up with Selsdon Road. In the Hurst Archaeological Priority Age fl int tools and a Bronze Age 1930’s many detached and Zone (APZ); indicating a high round barrow, or burial site. The semi-detached houses were probability of archaeological round barrow is a scheduled constructed in the area. interest below ground (see map ancient monument. Evidence of 8). APZs are designated to help a late Mesolithic settlement has 2.2.6 The houses on Hurst Way protect archaeological remains also been discovered. Details of were the fi rst of the houses that might be affected by devel- archaeological fi nds in the area, within the conservation area to opment. Please see section including grid references of their be constructed on land owned 4.5 of the Conservation Area location, are held by the Greater by Mr. Chapman, built in the General Guidance for further London Historic Environment late 1920’s / early 1930’s. There information. Record, managed by English is no apparent evidence that Mr. Heritage (see Appendix). Chapman had any connection to the famous Croydon building company, Chapman & Sons, founded in 1838, though a link may be possible. Between 1933 and 1940 the rest of the land N within the conservation area was developed (see maps 6 and 7).

2.2.7 The grouping of houses in the conservation area is a particularly ﬁ ne example of the wider national trend of suburban house construction that peaked in the mid 1930’s. In this decade more than four million homes were constructed nationwide. Houses were built in a variety of styles to a simple plan, utilising modern building materials and methods of construction. The phenomenon was part of the Rural Idyll concept of the 1930’s where spacious, inexpensive housing was set in well landscaped natural environments that were easily accessible.

Map 8. The relationship of the Croham Manor Conservation Area to the Croham Hurst Archaeological Priority Zone

10 3.0 CHARACTER AREA ASSESSMENT

3.0.1 Though the buildings in 3.0.3 It is important to note that the Croham Manor Road the assessments made in this Conservation Area generally document are non-exhaustive have a consistent architectural and further elements of architec- character, there are two distin- tural or historic interest may be guishable character areas, present. characterised by their plot layout and scale of buildings.

3.0.2 This section expands on the statement of special interest in section 1.6 and outlines the individual characteristics of each area. Sections 4-6 then provide further detail of the area’s special character.

2. CROHAM HURST CHARACTER AREA

1. SOUTH CROHAM MANOR ROAD CHARACTER AREA

Map 9. Character areas in the Croham Manor Road Conservation Area

11 3.1 SOUTH CROHAM MANOR ROAD: CHARACTER AREA 1 Locally listed buildings: 66-80 (even) 81, 83 Croham Manor Road

3.1.1 The South Croham Manor Road Character Area consists of a group of large farmhouse- style houses designed in the Vernacular Mock-Tudor style. The area has a secluded character as a result of the high boundary treatments (often a combination of low brick walling and wooden fencing) and the presence of mature trees and planting. The locally listed buildings are of a high architectural quality in terms of their design, materials, detailing and craftsmanship and notable View south down Croham Manor Road group value.

3.1.2 Numbers 64, 81, 81A and 83 have their own driveways; the remaining eight houses in the South Croham Manor Road Character Area share long driveways with an adjacent property. Most driveways have permeable surfaces.

3.1.3 Number 80 occupies a prominent plot on the corner of Selsdon Road, and coupled with number 83 opposite is the conservation area’s entrance from the south. Both are visible from the road and display a range of key characteristic Combination of low brick walling A characteristic house in the South features and materials (see and wooden fencing Croham Manor Road Character Area section 5.3). Numbers 81 and 83A (an inﬁ ll property), are also are the architectural features very visible from the road. that are most visible. Further north houses become more 3.1.4 Houses on the western side visible, particularly number 68, of the road (64-80 even) are which has a large open lawn well set back from the road and containing a dovecote. screened by extensive planting and trees. Some houses (76-78 even) are so well screened that they are only visible from within their plots. As a result chimney stacks, hanging tiles and feature dormer windows

12 3.2 CROHAM HURST: CHARACTER AREA 2 Locally listed buildings: 24, 27-31 (odd) Hurst Way; 56-60 (even) Croham Manor Road Unlisted positive buildings (see section 6.2.2): 54 Croham Manor Road

3.2.1 The cottage style houses in the Croham Hurst Character Area are smaller than those in the South Croham Manor Road Character Area. All houses are close to the road, and therefore much more visible. As a result the area is more open and inviting. The area has a less uniform appearance than the South Croham Manor Road Character Area and there is a more obvious individuality View west down Hurst Way in the design of each house. Prominent architectural features 3.2.4 Number 33 Hurst Way is include bold chimney stacks a new vicarage for Emmanuel and deep recessed entrance Church. Planning permission arches. Number 58 has a was granted prior to the conser- unique brick screen containing vation area designation in 2008. an arch. The design of the building imitates some key features and 3.2.2 Numbers 56-60 (even) details of the wider conservation Croham Manor Road and 24 area, although the quality of the and 33 Hurst Way have a less materials used does not match regular footprint than other that of the natural materials houses throughout the Croham found in the rest of the area. 33 Hurst Way, the vicarage Manor Road Conservation Area and a less uniform siting of houses within plots.

3.2.3 There is a generally consistent building line on Hurst Way, although the quality of architectural character of the buildings within the conservation area distinguishes them from other buildings further down the road. Buildings in the conservation area on Hurst Way are of particular importance as they are some of the earliest properties built by Mr. Chapman and have a high proportion of surviving historic features.

13 4.0 TOWNSCAPE CHARACTER

4.0.1 Townscape is the arrange- back by between approximately 4.2 DENSITY AND LAND ment and appearance of build- 17-25m. Houses on the road’s USES ings, spaces and other physical eastern side are situated much 4.2.1 The density of housing in features in a locality.. closer to the road, numbers 81 the area is low compared to the and 83 occupying corner plots; surrounding built environment. 4.1 LAYOUT AND PLAN FORM building lines of these houses Buildings in the Croham Manor 4.1.1 The Croham Manor Road are not parallel. Road Conservation Area are Conservation Area comprises generously spaced and density only twenty-two separate plots. 4.1.3 Plot layout in Character is reduced by the signifi cant Its shape and layout is defi ned Area 2 is more random and amount of mature landscaping by the grouping of the Chapman plots are smaller and irregularly present. In Character Area 1 Houses, set mostly along the shaped. Houses are generally houses occupy most of the plot eastern side of Croham Manor sited closer to the road placed width and are set behind large Road. There are also three at an angle offset from the front gardens, whereas those properties on the east side of street line, with the exception in Character Area 2 tend to be the road, and four on the north- of houses on Hurst Way which situated in the centre of their ernmost part of Hurst Way. are aligned with adjacent plots. Land use in the conserva- buildings. Plots generally have tion area is solely residential 4.1.2 Plots and houses on the a width:length ratio of approxi- and all houses are single family west of Croham Manor Road mately 1:2, apart from 27-31 dwellings. in Character Area 1 are regular (odd) Hurst Way, which have a and parallel with a width:length plot ratio of approximately 1:4. ratio of approximately 1:3; houses are situated unusually 4.1.4 Street width, including towards the rear of plots, away pavements, is an average of from the road, with smaller back 10.3m between plot boundaries, than front gardens. Building although the sense of spacious- lines are generally set back to ness is signifi cantly increased the same level and parallel to by the generous set back of the road, apart from 64 and 80 properties from the road. which are sited at an angle. Houses are consistently set

Character areas in the Croham Manor Road Conservation Area: 1. South Croham Manor Road 2: Croham Hurst (see Map 9. p.11) View north up Croham Manor Road

14 4.3 HEIGHT AND MASSING 4.4 TOPOGRAPHY downwards from north to south 4.3.1 All houses within the 4.4.1 The conservation area along the part of Croham Manor conservation area are detached is situated on the slopes of Road contained within the and well spaced, though the Croham Hurst at a level of conservation area, that signiﬁ - massing varies between the between 90-100m above cantly increases at the south- two character areas. Houses in sea level (see map 10). At its ernmost point and a marked Character Area 1 are generally highest point Croham Hurst is drop in land levels from east to of two storeys with additional approximately 145m above sea west, with the land falling away roof accommodation, while level. in front of all houses on the those in Character Area 2 are western side of the road. of a smaller scale, being of a 4.4.2 Within the conservation single storey either with roof area there is a gentle slope accommodation or two storeys high.

4.3.2 All houses have steeply pitched roofs, part of their original designs. Rooﬂ ines are broken up by prominent brick chimney stacks and dormer windows. The polygonal footprint of buildings in the area helps to articulate their form. In both character areas, though more prominently in Character Area 1, the massing of houses in broken up by the mature landscape in which it is set. Furthermore the impact of the massing of houses is greatly reduced by the change in land levels to the east, which results in the steeply pitched rooﬂ ines being the most visible part of buildings. All these elements contribute to a picturesque situation created by a combination of the built and natural environments.

Map 10. Topography surrounding the Croham Manor Road Conservation Area

15 4.5 VIEWS 4.5.1 A variety of attractive views to the south-west, west and north-west exist in the conservation area due to its varied N topography (see map 11). Views are seasonally more visible in A winter due to the high amount of deciduous vegetation present.

4.5.2 On the western side of 1 Croham Manor Road, views exist in gaps between houses, and in some cases above their rooﬂ ines. This includes a long B view to the north-west with the roofscape of Emmanuel Church clearly visible between C numbers 66 and 68 Croham Manor Road. A linear view is D present down Hurst Way from the junction with Croham Manor Road.

4.5.3 A long south-west view exists down Croham Manor Road from the north east 2 of the conservation area. A further long view exists from High Beech looking into the conservation area, where, from an elevated position due to the E increase in height above sea level, there is a clear view west above the rooﬂ ines of houses on the western side of Croham Manor Road. Map 11. Views within and without the Croham Manor Road Conservation Area

View west from Croham View west across roof tops from High View of Emmanuel Church from Manor Road (view D) Beech (view 2) Croham Manor Road (view C)

16 Views west down Hurst Way in the summer (top) and winter (bottom) (view 1), with the avenue of Whitebeams

17 5.0 STREETSCAPE CHARACTER

5.0.1 Streetscape is the outward and allows the long views 5.1.5 Whilst there is no usable facing visual appearance and (section 3.5) to the west to be public open space within the character of a street or locality. better appreciated. conservation area there is a large grassed area opposite 5.1 PUBLIC REALM AND 5.1.4 Houses in Character Area Croham Hurst, at the base OPEN SPACE 1 are secluded, with relatively of the wooded hill, abutting 5.1.1 The public realm in the inactive street frontages as Character Area 2. Private front Croham Manor Road Conserva- a result of their boundary gardens are well kept with an tion Area is generally of a good treatments of high fences and abundance of soft landscaping, quality and acts as a positive planting. This creates a clear planting and mature trees. This setting for the area’s attrac- demarcation of the boundary has a signiﬁ cant positive impact tive groupings of houses and between the public and private on the quality of the area’s mature landscaping. realms. Character Area 2 public realm, as does the fact contains houses set back from that bins for household waste 5.1.2 There is ample provision for the road behind low walling, are generally not visible from off-street parking for residents with only the larger gardens the street. and therefore little demand at enclosed by high-fencing. present for on-street parking, The result is a more open and 5.1.6 For further information on adding to the quality of the inviting environment, with a standards and guidance set for public realm. In Character Area greater interaction between the Croydon’s public realm please 1, due to the long driveways, private and public realms. see the Croydon Public Realm high fencing and planting, cars are generally not visible from the street.

5.1.3 The asphalt footways with granite kerbs are generally in good condition, containing regularly spaced street trees. The raised grass verge on the eastern edge of Croham Manor Road makes a positive contribution to the area’s character

Character areas in the Croham Manor Road Conservation Area: 1. South Croham Manor Road 2: Croham Hurst Typical public realm in the conservation area, with granite kerbs, asphalt (see Map 9. p.11) footways, low brick wall and high fenced / planting boundary treatments

18 Design Guide (see Appendix for details).

5.2 STREET FURNITURE 5.2.1 The streetscape is unclut- tered due to a relatively limited amount of unnecessary street furniture. At present lamp- posts in the area are generally consistent in style and often road signs are attached to lamp-posts as opposed to being mounted on a separate pole. Several telegraph poles stand in the area, though these blend well with the tall slender trunks of the street trees and as a result are visually unobtrusive. There are some telecommunications cabinets also present, though these are fairly well sited adjacent to boundary walling. There is some traditional style street furniture, including a single historic lamp-post, with no lantern, to which a road sign is now afﬁ xed.

5.3 GREENERY AND TREES 5.3.1 The conservation area has a signiﬁ cant number of mature trees on both public and private Croham Manor Road, showing the limited amount of street furniture and street land and soft landscaped trees present pavement areas. The presence of mature trees, both on Croham Hurst and in private gardens has a signiﬁ cant positive impact on the setting of the conservation area. On Croham Hurst, mature Oak, Holly and Silver Birch trees grow in the Thanet sand, with Beech trees on the lower chalk slopes. There is an avenue of mature white beam trees on Hurst Way and London Plane trees are present on Croham Manor Road to the north of the conservation area.

5.3.2 Trees in conservation Footway on Croham Grass verges present on areas are protected. For more Manor Road Croham Manor Road information please see section 7.3 of the Conservation Area General Guidance.

19 6.0 ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER

6.1 GENERAL ARCHITEC- from this period. It is very likely 6.2 HISTORIC AND ARCHI- TURAL CHARACTER that many original features TECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE 6.1.1 A 1920’s / 1930’s suburban survive, such as timber panel- OF BUILDINGS aesthetic dominates the ling and fi replaces. Despite the Please see map 12. architectural character of the fact that they are not visible area. Almost all buildings from the street and therefore LOCALLY LISTED BUILDINGS within the Croham Manor do not have an impact on the 6.2.1 Eighteen buildings in Road Conservation Area are conservation area’s special the Croham Manor Road designed in a Mock Tudor style character, historic internal Conservation Area are on with a strong Arts and Crafts features contribute to a build- Croydon’s Local List of Build- infl uence, constructed with a ing’s historical and architectural ings of Architectural or Historic high quality of craftsmanship integrity and should be valued Interest in recognition of their and materials. All the Chapman and, where possible, preserved. local value. Demolition of these houses have brick facing at buildings is considered to ground fl oor level, with applied 6.1.5 Number 53 Croham Manor constitute substantial harm to timber-framing and painted Road is the conservation area’s the conservation area and there render to the upper fl oors, oldest house, its construction is a presumption in favour of sometimes with vertical hanging date of 1909 stamped on the their retention. Special atten- tiles, and are adorned with front elevation. Its architectural tion should also be paid to steeply pitched tiled roofs with character is different, being of a preserving important features prominent brick chimney stacks. simple and understated design. present on these buildings. Projecting gables, gablets, and Please also see section 4.5 of dormer windows also often 6.1.6 The cumulative effect of the the Conservation Area General feature. setting, design, craftsmanship, Guidance. detailing and the quality and 6.1.2 The Mock Tudor style texture of materials present in POSITIVE UNLISTED was a distinctive Inter-War the conservation area, conveys BUILDINGS style that took inspiration from a sense of time and place of the 6.2.2 Other buildings positively Traditionalist and Arts and ‘1930’s Rural Idyll’. contribute to the architectural Crafts architects of the late and townscape character and C19th. It took inspiration from appearance of the conserva- the Tudor, Elizabethan and tion area. Demolition of these Jacobean periods in British buildings is also considered architecture, to create an to constitute substantial harm ‘English Revival’ style. Distinc- to the conservation area. tive features include pitched Special attention should also porches, supported by brackets be paid towards preserving or vertical posts and timber any important historic features casement windows with leaded and materials present on these panes, usually divided in a buildings. diamond pattern. 6.1.3 Though there is an overall NEUTRAL BUILDINGS continuity of architectural 6.2.3 Several buildings in the character, style and proportions, area do not positively contribute each house was individually nor actively detract from the designed. Late in his life Mr area’s special character. In Chapman informed fellow principle, redevelopment of residents that he desired each these sites will not be resisted, house to have an individual provided the proposed replace- character, but all in the style ment building is of a high of ‘Sussex farmhouses and quality design that respects cottages’. the conservation area’s special character and is in line with the 6.1.4 The design of the interior Development Plan and relevant of houses was an important Houses in the Croham Manor Road national policy. consideration in house design Conservation Area

20 LEVEL OF CONTRIBUTION BUILDINGS MAKE TO THE CONSERVATION AREA’S SPECIAL CHARACTER

Locally Listed Positive Unlisted N Neutral

Map 12. The contribution of buildings to the special character of the Croham Manor Road Conservation Area

21 6.3 KEY ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES AND MATERIALS KEY ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES1 6.3.1 Houses in the conservation 1. Steeply pitched roofs with projecting gables area generally display similar characteristic key features and and overhanging eaves common materials. Buildings in 2. Individually designed dormer windows the conservation area contain a selection of these features 3. Gablet roof features and materials. A fairly restricted 4. Prominent brick chimney stacks palette of high quality and durable materials was used in 5. Recessed arched entrances the construction of buildings 6. Projecting porches within the conservation area. 5. Black and white mock timber frame facing 6.3.2 The adjacent table lists 6. Shallow angled buttresses general key architectural features and building materials 7. Timber or steel casement windows with found in the area: leaded panes (or cames), usually divided in a diamond pattern. 8. Radiating oriel windows 9. Solid timber front doors, often with mouldings and metal studs 10. Catslide roofs

COMMON BUILDING MATERIALS 11. London stock brick 12. White render and timber framed facing 13. Hand-made clay roof and hanging tiles 14. Timber barge boards 15. Leaded windows set in either steel or timber frames

1 Please see the glossary of relevant terms in Conservation Area General Guidance

22 6 4, 11, 12 7,12

1, 2, 10 4, 11, 13 1, 7, 12, 13, 14, 15

3, 4, 12, 13 7, 12 3, 4, 13

23 7.0 CONDITION AND THREATS

7.1 GENERAL CONDITION 7.1.1 The conservation area THREATS TO BUILDINGS is currently in good physical 1. Partial or total demolition of historic buildings condition. Houses retain their high architectural quality and 2. Loss of original and traditional-style architectural the public realm is generally features and details, for example leaded of a good standard. There are casement window and brick chimney stacks currently no buildings at risk within the conservation area 3. Painting of buildings in unsympathetic colours and many buildings retain a 4. Poorly designed and / or oversized roof, side and high proportion of their original features. However there are rear extensions a few cases where houses 5. Introduction of new architectural features and have lost original features, materials that detract from the area’s for example the replacement of original timber or steel character casement windows with leaded 6. Back-garden development, including outbuildings lights with aluminium alternatives. There is a limited amount 7. Inﬁ ll of recessed porches of street furniture and there is 8. Installation of satellite dishes to roofscapes and / currently no residual redundant or front elevations signage. Refuse generally has adequate storage and is not 9. Installation of poorly-sited renewable energy visible from the highway. technologies and other building services

7.1.2 Careful consideration must be given both to buildings and THREATS TO STREETSCAPE the treatment of the public 10. Inappropriately sited rubbish and recycle bins realm to ensure that the conservation area is not negatively 11. Poor condition of asphalt in some areas affected by potential threats that 12. Loss of low-walling boundary treatments and can affect its special character and appearance. other attractive railings and fencing. 13. Poorly designed new fencing 7.2 KEY THREATS AND NEGATIVE ISSUES 14. Erosion of front gardens with extended driveways 7.2.1 While insensitive develop- for parking ment can instantly harm a 15. Increased demand for street parking conservation area’s special character, negative change can occur incrementally through minor alterations that do not require planning permission. The quality of the public realm also has an impact on the area.

7.2.2 The conservation area is under pressure from a number of changes, which can result in threats to its special character and appearance. Existing and potential threats are outlined in the adjacent table, categorized as to whether they impact directly on buildings or the wider streetscape: Poor location of equipment Solar PV visible from within the area

24 MANAGEMENT PLAN

25 This Management 8.0 ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS Plan provides area- 8.0.1 It is the responsibility of the insulation, the draft proofi ng of specifi c guidance property owner to be aware windows and doors, internal of the designations that apply secondary glazing, are consid- on development, to their building and the area ered by property owners to maintenance and within which it is situated. improve the energy effi ciency of their property. enhancement in 8.1 LOCALLY LISTED the Croham Manor BUILDINGS 8.5 ARCHAEOLOGICAL Road Conservation 8.1.1 Nineteen buildings in the INVESTIGATIONS Croham Manor Road Conserva- 8.5.1 As part of the conserva- Area. It supplements tion Area are locally listed. For tion area is located within the more information please see Croham Hurst Archaeological and should be section 4.5 of the Conservation Priority Zone, archaeological read in conjunction Area General Guidance and the investigations may be required Locally Listed Buildings SPD. for development that involves with Croydon’s groundworks. Please see Conservation Area 8.2. ARTICLE 4 DIRECTIONS section 4.5 of the Conservation 8.2.1 The Appraisal identifi es Area General Guidance for General Guidance, changes to properties in the further information. conservation area that have which provides resulted in a negative impact on general guidance its character and appearance, some of which are the result for all conservation of permitted development. The Council maintains the right to areas. serve an Article 4 Direction if deemed appropriate to protect the special character of the conservation area. Please see section 2.5 of the Conservation Area General Guidance.

8.3 BUILDING REGULATIONS 8.3.1 Please see section 8 of the Conservation Area General Guidance.

8.4 ENERGY EFFICIENCY 8.4.1 There are some retroﬁ tting measures that can be explored to improve a building’s energy efﬁ ciency. Please see section 9 of the Conservation Area General Guidance for detailed guidance.

8.4.2 In the Croham Manor Road Conservation Area the installation of external wall insulation or photo-voltaic or solar thermal panels on roofscapes visible from the road are not considered to be appropriate measures. It is recommended Previous page: A Chapman House in the Croham Manor Road that less obtrusive measures, Conservation Area including internal wall and roof

26 9.0 DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES

9.0.1 All development within the Croham Manor Road Conservation Area must be in line with Croydon’s Local Plan Policies and should preserve or enhance its special character. The guidance below supplements that provided in the Conservation Area General Guidance and helps to address threats identiﬁ ed in section 7. Some common subjects, such as the siting of TV aerials, solar panels and satellite dishes affect conservation areas across the borough and guidance is provided in the Conservation Area General Guidance and not repeated here.

9.0.2 The Council will investigate reports of unauthorised One of the Chapman Houses in the Croham Manor Road Conservation Area development (see section 7 of the Conservation Area vation areas are outlined in 9.2.3 Any new development General Guidance). As part of section 5.2 of the Conservation within the conservation area this assessment a full survey Area General Guidance. There must: of the area as visible from the are no vacant development • Be of a high quality design street has been made, which sites of a signifi cant size in this that respects the area’s will be used as evidence conservation area and there character when reviewing any reports of is no apparent scope for the • Be of 2 storeys in height, with unauthorised development. subdivision of plots and infi ll the possibility of roof accom- development. modation, subject to location 9.1 DEMOLITION and design (for new buildings) 9.1.1 The demolition of buildings 9.1.2 Opportunities for develop- • Complement the predominant that are considered to make ment could result from either roofl ines a positive contribution to the demolition of buildings that • Follow the generally consis- special character of the Croham make a neutral contribution to tent building lines present in Manor Road Conservation Area the area’s special character and the area will be resisted. Demolition of re-development, the conversion • Respect the existing plot buildings will only be permitted of existing properties, or the layout by siting new buildings where the building in question extension of existing proper- back from road and in from is identifi ed as making a neutral ties. Any proposed scheme will the side boundaries, so as contribution to or detracting be expected to be of a high to preserve suitable spacing from the area’s special quality design that enhances between properties character (see section 5.4) and the character and appearance • Apply high quality materials it is certain that the proposed of the conservation area. and detailing that respects the replacement scheme will be of Important aspects of urban area’s character a suitably high quality that will design, including height, scale, enhance the area. For further massing, building lines, and 9.3 DEVELOPMENT AFFECT- information please see section situation within plots must be ING THE CONSERVATION 5.1 of the Conservation Area carefully considered in all new AREA’S SETTING General Guidance. development. Great care should 9.3.1 Some areas outside of the be taken to limit any adverse Croham Manor Road Conser- 9.2 NEW DEVELOPMENT impacts on the external appear- vation Area may be visible 9.2.1 General requirements for ance of a building that may from within its boundary and new development in conser- occur as a result of conversion. therefore have an impact on

27 its character. This concerns both the immediate setting of the conservation area and that at a further distance. Develop- ment near to the conservation area must respect its special character. The immediate setting of the conservation area generally consists of buildings that are of a similar domestic scale as those within the conservation area. Any proposals to replace such buildings with larger scale developments should not result in a negative impact on the conservation area.

9.3.3 As properties on High Beech and rear gardens are visible from the conservation area, large rear extensions and outbuildings must not be overly dominant as they may harm the setting of the conservation area.

9.4 EXTENSIONS 9.4.1 As deﬁ ned in the Appraisal, Sympathetic window replacement the historic layout of buildings in the conservation area 9.4.3 Roofscapes make a section 5.3 of the Conservation contributes towards its special signiﬁ cant contribution to the Area General Guidance. character. Therefore front character of the area. Large or large side extensions are roof extensions including 9.4.5 Planning permission is generally not considered to be dormer windows that are visible required for front, side and roof acceptable as they would have from a public highway are extensions and for some rear a negative impact on the special generally not considered to be extensions. character of individual buildings. appropriate due to the disrup- Where side extensions are tion of the predominant rhythm 9.5 CLADDING, RENDERING considered to be acceptable in and proportions of the promi- OR PAINTING OF WALLS principle, the extension must nent roofscapes. Roof exten- 9.5.1 Originally exposed brick be carefully designed so as to sions must not unduly dominate walls should not be clad, complement and be subservient the roof of the main building. rendered or painted as the to the existing building and exposed brick walls of proper- retain the generous spacing 9.4.4 All proposals for exten- ties contribute towards the between buildings. sions should be in line with the special character of the conser- requirements of the Residential vation area. Planning permis- 9.4.2 Single storey rear exten- Extensions and Alterations sion is required for the external sions are generally acceptable SPD. Due to the sensitive cladding or rendering of walls. in principle so long as they nature of building in the are not oversized and of an conservation area, extra care 9.6 WINDOW REPLACEMENT appropriate design. If the rear of and attention must be paid to 9.6.1 Many properties in the the property is visible from the preserving and enhancing its Croham Manor Road Conser- street, rear extensions will need special character. Additional vation Area contain original to be carefully designed so considerations to supplement steel or timber framed leaded as to complement the existing the Residential Extensions and windows. These windows building. Alterations SPD are outlined in should be retained and the

28 Council advocates a repair rather than replace approach. Secondary glazing can be installed to improve thermal performance. Planning permission is not required for the installation of secondary glazing. Replacement window units, if necessary, should be made on a like for like basis in terms of design and materials. Further advice can be sought from the Council (see Appendix for contact details).

9.7 FRONT GARDENS 9.7.1 Most of the buildings within the conservation area have very large front gardens. Their treatment is a particularly important issue due to the signiﬁ cant impact they have on the area’s character. All development proposals must contain proposals for landscaping of front gardens including: • The retention of existing attractive boundary treatments A well landscaped front garden visible from the street in the Croham Manor and original materials where Road Conservation Area possible • An appropriate balance of soft and hard landscaping • Permeable surface for any car parking provision, where this is considered to be appropriate • Provision for the storage and screening of refuse and recycling bins • Visibility splays

29 10.0 ENHANCEMENT

10.0.1 Property owners are restoration or reinstatement of 10.4 CONSERVATION AREA encouraged to undertake minor any damaged or lost architec- SIGNAGE works that will improve the tural and landscape features. 10.4.1 The Council will consider condition and appearance of any community-led projects to their properties, which will have 10.2.2 In addition the following introduce signage to identify a wider positive impact on the would also result in an the conservation area, provided conservation area as a whole. enhancement to the area: that it is of a design that would Much enhancement of buildings • The re-siting of inappropriately enhance the area’s special and the wider area does not located satellite dishes and character and that the cost of require planning permission; TV aerials maintenance and management please contact the Council or • The removal of new architec- are fully considered. consult the Building Conserva- tural features that detract from tion Directory (see Appendix) the area’s character 10.5 PUBLIC REALM for further advice. The Council • The re-designing or revised IMPROVEMENTS welcomes and supports treatment of existing over- 10.5.1 Routine maintenance of the enhancement schemes sized and/or poorly designed public realm occurs as part of proposed by property owners or extensions the Council’s programme for the the local community. • The re-instatement of borough. There may be poten- removed steel or timber tial for further enhancements 10.1 MAINTENANCE framed leaded windows in the future. All proposals 10.1.1 The regular maintenance • The replacement of non- to enhance the conservation and repair of buildings and front traditional roofi ng materials area’s public realm must be in gardens makes an important with hand made clay tiles accordance with the Croydon contribution to the attractive Public Realm Design Guide appearance of the conservation 10.2.3 Advice from the Council (see Appendix). area. should be sought for more substantial work than the above 10.5.2 Historic street furniture 10.1.2 Regular maintenance and to determine whether planning should be preserved and all repair is required to ensure the permission or a certifi cate of temporary signage removed long-term survival of valued lawful development is required. after the relevant period of architectural features and display. All new street lighting landscape features and to 10.3 PLAQUES FOR LOCALLY will be implemented in the retain the collective value of the LISTED BUILDINGS area according to the Council’s attractive features present in 10.3.1 Some members of the adopted Street Lighting PFI. the area. If minor repair works community have recommended are left unattended, it may that plaques could be erected 10.6 TREE MANAGEMENT result in unnecessary decay on locally listed buildings within 10.6.1 Where predominant tree and damage, which could lead the conservation area to inform species are present and consid- to the need to conduct more passers-by of their locally ered to be making a positive complex and expensive repair listed designation. In principle contribution to the conservation works that may require planning the Council would consider area, the Council will endeavour permission. Basic maintenance proposals for the erection of to ensure that this character is recommendations include: plaques on locally listed Build- maintained in any new street • The regular clearing of debris ings, subject to appropriate planting. For further information in gutters and rainwater pipes design and sensitive placement, please see sections 5.14 and • The pruning of vegetation in however there is no capacity 7.3 of the Conservation Area close proximity to buildings at present for the Council to General Guidance. • The re-fi xing of loose roof tiles supply plaques. The Council or slates recommends that such a • The regular painting of timber scheme could be led by a local heritage organisation, such as 10.2 REPAIRING, RESTOR- the Croydon Natural History ING AND RE-INSTATING and Scientifi c Society. FEATURES 10.2.1 The area could be enhanced through the repair,

30 11.0 APPENDIX

11.1 WEBSITES AND OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION USEFUL WEBSITES A) USEFUL WEBSITES • Croydon Council Planning and Conservation web pages: www.croydon.gov.uk/environment/conservation www.croydon.gov.uk/planningandregeneration • English Heritage web pages: www.english-heritage.org.uk www.helm.org.uk - (for access to English Heritage documents www.english-heritage.org.uk/your-property/saving-energy • Greater London Historic Environment Record: www.heritagegateway.org.uk (managed by English Heritage) • Greater London Authority (for the London Plan): www.london.gov.uk/thelondonplan • Department for Communities and Local Government www.communities.gov.uk • Building Conservation Directory: www.buildingconservation.com • Sustainable Traditional Buildings Alliance: www.sdfoundation.org.uk/stba

B) RELEVANT CROYDON COUNCIL DOCUMENTS (WEBLINK ABOVE) • Draft Croydon Conservation Area General Guidance, including a glossary of relevant architectural terms • Planning Application Validation Checklist • Local List of Buildings of Architectural or Historic Interest SPD • Residential Extensions and Alterations SPD • Shopfronts and Signage SPG • Landscape Design SPG • Public Realm Design Guide

C) RELEVANT NATIONAL GUIDANCE DOCUMENTS (WEBLINK ABOVE) • Archaeology and Planning in Greater London (English Heritage 2011) • The Setting of Heritage Assets (English Heritage 2012) • Understanding Place: Conservation Area Designation, Appraisal and Management (English Heritage 2011) • Understanding Place: Historic Area Assessments (English Heritage 2011) • Energy Efﬁ ciency and Historic Buildings, which is a series of English Heritage guidance documents available to view and download at www.helm.org.uk/climatechange • By Design: Urban Design in the Planning System (CABE, 2000) • The Urban Design Compendium (English Partnerships, 2000/2007) • Responsible Retroﬁ t of Traditional Buildings (Sustainable Traditional Buildings Alliance 2012)

31 11.2 CONTACTS Croydon Council, 18th Floor Taberner House, Park Lane, Croydon CR9 1JT; Tel/Email: 0208 7266000; [email protected]

• Spatial Planning (including Urban Design and Conservation ofﬁ cers): Tel: 0208 4071385; Email: [email protected] • Development Management (including Enforcement & Tree Ofﬁ cers): Email: [email protected] • Building Control Team, Croydon Council: Email: [email protected] • Waste Management Team, Community Services, Croydon Council: Tel: 0208 7266200 • Croydon Local Studies Library and Archives Centre: www.croydon.gov.uk/libraries Tel:0208 7266900; Email: [email protected]

English Heritage, London Region Tel/Email: 0207 9733000; [email protected]

The Twentieth Century Society Tel/Email: 0207 2508985; [email protected] www.c20society.org.uk

The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) Tel/Email: 0207 3771644; [email protected]; www.spab.org.uk Technical helpline: 0207 456 0916

The Building Conservation Directory Tel/Web: 01747 871717; www.buildingconservation.com

The Energy Saving Trust Tel/Web: 0800 512012; www.energysavingtrust.org.uk

Croydon Natural History and Scientiﬁ c Society Contact: Brian Lancaster: Tel: 0208 6686909

Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Tel/Web: 0207 3073700; www.architecture.com

South Croydon Conservation Area Advisory Panel (please contact the Spatial Planning Team for details)

32 11.0 COMMUNITY LANGUAGES

If you ﬁ nd it easier to read large print, use an audio tape or Braille or need to communicate in a language other than English, please let us know by calling 020 8726 6000

APPENDIX 4:

The Waldrons Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan

THE WALDRONS CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL AND MANAGEMENT PLAN

SUPPLEMENTARY PLANNING DOCUMENT

CROYDON COUNCIL CONSERVATION AREA CONSERVATION AREA DESIGNATION GENERAL GUIDANCE May 1973 Please read this document alongside the Croydon Conservation Area General Guidance SPD, available online at: ISSUE www.croydon.gov.uk/environment/conservation/ conservationareas Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) issued for adoption at Cabinet 11 February 2013 Other Supplementary Planning Documents are also available online via the Croydon Council This document is available to view and download website: online at: www.croydon.gov.uk/planningandregeneration www.croydon.gov.uk/environment/conservation/ conservationareas PUBLISHED BY IMAGE CREDITS CROYDON COUNCIL Taberner House Historic photographs supplied by the Croydon Park Lane Local Studies and Archives Centre. Croydon CR9 1JT www.croydon.gov.uk All photographs supplied by London Borough of Croydon unless otherwise speciﬁ ed. Email: [email protected] Tel: 0208 4071385 Maps reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of HMSO. © Crown copyright and database right 2011. Ordnance Survey Licence Number 100019257, courtesy of Croydon Council

Aerial photography ‘Cities Revealed’ aerial photography © ’The GeoInformation Group’ 2006

1.0 INTRODUCTION 01 9.0 DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES 29 1.1 What is a Conservation Area? 03 9.1 Demolition 29 1.2 What is a Conservation Area 03 9.2 New Development 29 Appraisal and Management Plan? 9.3 Sub-Division of Plots 29 1.3 What is this Document’s Status? 03 9.4 Development Affecting the 30 1.4 Community Involvement 03 Conservation Area’s Setting 1.5 Designation Background 03 9.5 Extensions to Existing Buildings 30 1.6 Statement of Special Character 04 9.6 Changes of Use 31 1.7 Character Areas 04 9.7 Window Replacement 31 9.8 Cladding, Rendering or Painting 31 PART 1: APPRAISAL 05 of Walls 9.9 Front Gardens 32 2.0 CONTEXT 06 2.1 Location and Setting 06 10.0 ENHANCEMENT 33 2.2 Historic Development 06 10.1 Maintenance 33 2.3 Archaeological Signiﬁ cance 10 10.2 Repairing, Restoring and Re- 33 Instating Architectural Features 3.0 TOWNSCAPE CHARACTER 12 10.3 Management of Front Gardens 33 3.1 Layout and Plan Form 12 10.4 Re-Instating Front Gardens 33 3.2 Density and Land Uses 12 and New Planting 3.3 Massing 12 10.5 Refuse Storage 33 3.4 Topography 13 10.6 Conservation Area Signage 33 3.5 Views 13 10.7 Plaques for Locally Listed Buildings 34 10.8 Public Realm Improvements 34 4.0 STREETSCAPE CHARACTER 14 10.9 Tree Management 34 4.1 Public Realm and Open space 14 4.2 Street Furniture 15 11.0 APPENDIX 35 4.3 Greenery and Trees 15 11.1 Useful Websites and Other Relevant 35 Information 5.0 ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER 16 11.2 Contacts 36 5.1 General Architectural Character 16 5.2 Historic and Architectural 16 Signiﬁ cance of Buildings 5.3 Key Architectural Features and 17 Materials

6.0 CHARACTER AREAS 22 6.1 The Waldrons 22 6.2 Southbridge Place 23 6.3 Bramley 24

7.0 CONDITION AND THREATS 26 7.1 General Condition 26 7.2 Buildings at Risk 26 7.3 Key Threats 26

PART 2: MANAGEMENT PLAN 27

8.0 ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS 28 8.1 Locally Listed Buildings 28 8.2 Article 4 Directions 28 8.3 Building Regulations 28 8.4 Energy Efﬁ ciency 28 8.5 Archeological Investigations 28 N

KEY

The Waldrons Conservation Area Other conservation areas in Croydon

Map 1. The location of The Waldrons Conservation Area and other conservation areas in Croydon. INTRODUCTION

1 N

20-24 TANFIELD ROAD

Above: Map 2. The boundary of The Waldrons Conservation Area Previous Page: Numbers 15 and 16 The Waldrons

2 1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 WHAT IS A explored. Please see section letters were sent to all proper- CONSERVATION AREA? 1.5 of the Conservation Area ties located within its boundary, 1.1.1 A conservation area is an General Guidance, for further an article was published in the area of special architectural or information. Croydon Guardian and an event historic interest, the character was held at the Town Hall on 6 and appearance of which it 1.3 WHAT IS THE STATUS OF September 2012. is desirable to preserve or THIS DOCUMENT? enhance. Please see section 1.3.1 This document is a Supple- 1.4.2 Following the consultation, 1.3 of Croydon’s Conservation mentary Planning Document all responses were considered Area General Guidance for (SPD) to Croydon’s Local Plan and, where appropriate, the further information. and is a material consideration document was amended prior when planning applications to a recommendation to the 1.2 WHAT IS A CONSERVA- are assessed. All planning Council for formal adoption. TION AREA APPRAISAL AND applications for sites within The MANAGEMENT PLAN? Waldrons Conservation Area 1.5 DESIGNATION 1.2.1 A Conservation Area should be informed by both this BACKGROUND Appraisal and Management SPD and the Croydon Conser- 1.5.1 Due to its considerable Plan is a document produced vation Area General Guidance architectural and historic sig- to supplement Croydon’s SPD. nifi cance The Waldrons Con- Local Plan, the London Plan, servation Area was designated and Croydon’s Conservation 1.4 COMMUNITY in May 1973. At the time a Area General Guidance. An INVOLVEMENT number of Victorian villas on the Appraisal defi nes the principal 1.4.1 The Mid Croydon Conserva- western side of The Waldrons qualities that constitute the tion Area Advisory Panel (see had recently been demolished conservation area’s special section 1.5 of the Conserva- and replaced with three tower character and identifi es its tion Area General Guidance) blocks. The Cabinet report from current condition and threats. A supplied information to inform 13 July 1972 states that ‘It is felt Management Plan addresses this document prior to public that this is an area that should the issues raised in the consultation, which ran from 1 be conserved, that the quality Appraisal and provides area- August to the 28 September of its present environment and specifi c development guidelines 2012. The draft SPD on the character is such that it should to supplement those provided Council’s website and hard be enhanced by rehabilitation of in Croydon’s Conservation Area copies were available from existing properties.’ This state- General Guidance; potential local libraries. Site notices were ment is still relevant today. enhancement schemes are also placed in the conservation area,

Crescent of houses in The Waldrons Conservation Area, showing the strong architectural character and layout of the group of houses 22 The Waldrons

3 1.6 STATEMENT OF SPECIAL 1.7.2 The Waldrons Villas charac- architectural quality and also CHARACTER ter area contains a crescent of contains Bramley Close, a cul- 1.6.1 The Waldrons Conserva- houses around a central open de-sac on a private road. tion Area was once part of the space. Southbridge Place acts Haling Park Estate, developed as a sweeping entrance to the 1.7.3 Section 6 of this document in the 1850’s as a private Waldrons Villas character area, provides further assessment enclosed residential estate of although it also contains some and analysis of the signifi cance predominantly classical-style buildings of architectural and of each character area. It is villas. This secluded character historic interest. The Bramley important to note that the has persisted and the area still Hill character area, connected assessments made in this evokes a rustic feeling of pri- to The Waldrons Villas via document are non-exhaustive vacy from the bustle of central the Waldrons Path, consists and further elements of archi- Croydon. The conservation of larger detached mansions tectural or historic interest may area’s character is defi ned by and cottages of a signifi cant be present. the mix of large detached and semi-detached Victorian houses of a high architectural quality, including the cluster of nineteen stylistically consistent Classical- SOUTHBRIDGE 2. N style Victorian villas, and PLACE attractive buildings of a more modest scale. Many important historic architectural features 20-24 survive throughout the area. TANFIELD ROAD Wide streets, a considerable presence of mature trees and other planting, a central open space, grass verges, varied topography and urban grain all contribute to a high quality and interesting townscape. THE WALDRONS 1. VILLAS 1.7 CHARACTER AREAS 1.7.1 There are three distinguishable character areas within The Waldrons Conservation Area: 1. The Waldrons Villas 2. Southbridge Place 3. Bramley Hill

BRAMLEY 3. HILL

38 Bramley Hill Map 3. Character areas in The Waldrons Conservation Area

4 APPRAISAL

5 This Appraisal 2.0 CONTEXT defi nes the 2.1 LOCATION AND SETTING 2.2 HISTORICAL characteristics 2.1.1 The Waldrons Conservation DEVELOPMENT Area is located in the Waddon 2.2.1 A C19th guide book entitled that make the Ward, approximately 1 mile ‘The Waldrons’ described the conservation area south-east of Croydon’s town area as a ‘wild valley’. This indi- centre. The area is bounded by cates the origins of the name special, including the A232 Flyover and Davenant ‘Waldrons’, developed from the its wider context, Road to the north, with Dup- Saxon words ‘weald’, mean- pas Hill lying to the west and ing ‘wild’ and ‘dene’, meaning historic development, Haling Park to the south. The ‘valley’. townscape, conservation area is situated in a residential area, though 2.2.2 The land where The Wal- streetscape and it is distinguishable from its drons is now situated once architectural surroundings by the grain of formed part of the medieval development, wide and varied Haling Estate or Manor. Prior to character. It also road layout and large plot sizes. the development of the area for describes the residential use in the 1850’s this 2.1.2 There are several statutorily parkland was known as ‘The conservation area’s and locally listed buildings Walden’s’. The Haling Estate current condition. nearby. On Southbridge Road was large, bounded by Duppas lies the fl int and stone St. Hill Lane to the north, Violet Andrew’s Church, built in 1857 Lane and Waddon fi elds to the to the designs of Benjamin west, Taintfi eld (a fi eld lying off Ferrey, and the mid C18th Southbridge Road) to the east two-storey red brick house at and the Brighton Road to the number 88, both Grade II listed, south. as well as the locally listed Victorian Gothic-style lodge at 2.2.3 The earliest record of the number 86. See section 4.5 of Haling Estate is from the year the Conservation Area General 1202, when it was leased from Guidance for further information the manor of Waddon to Ralph on statutorily listed buildings. De Halinge. The next record

Previous page: Gothic style house in Bramley Close Grade II listed St Andrew’s Church, Southbridge Road

6 ROMAN WAY

DUPPAS HILL SOUTHBRIDGE ROAD

THE WALDRONS CONSERVATION AREA

WALDRONHYRST

Aerial photograph of The Waldrons Conservation Area and the surrounding area

7 is not until 1475, when John Barowe inherited from his father Thomas Barowe the manors of ‘Halyng and Salars [Sel- hurst].’ The estate’s ownership changed hands numerous times over the following centuries, including being owned in the early C16th by Hugh Warham, brother of the Archbishop of Canterbury, who sold it to Henry VIII in 1536. Around this time part of the estate was leased to the diplomat and courtier Sir Nicholas Carew of Beddington Hall, once a royal favourite who was eventually executed Early C20th photograph of Haling House for treason. Later in the C16th the estate was leased to Lord [Charles] Howard of Efﬁ ngham, High Admiral of England in command of the English ﬂ eet at the time of the Spanish Armada. The demolition of Haling House in the 1920’s, built in the C16th and developed much throughout the C17th and C18th with many successive owners, was announced and lamented in 1926 in the Croydon Advertiser.

2.2.4 The area’s varied topography is partly due to the streams that were once a key feature of Croydon’s landscape. A stream ﬂ owed down from the Waldrons joining to other streams on the West side of Old Town to form an island called ‘Bog Island’. All these streams were culverted in by the Local Board of Health in the mid C19th.

2.2.5 By the 1850’s the estate was owned by a Mr. Parker Hammond, who began to sell off sites for development. The portion on which The Waldrons Conservation Area is now situated was bought by Edward Vigars, who later sold on the land as thirty-two individual plots. This was the ﬁ rst part of the historic Haling Estate Map 4. 1868 Ordnance Survey, on the join of two map sheets, showing many of to be developed and it was at the Victorian Houses in the area - the red line indicates the current conservation this time that the area became area boundary

8 known as ‘The Waldrons’. The houses on the west side of the road, most of which are now demolished, were slightly greater in size and situated in larger plots that those on the road’s eastern side. The private estate included two closed off entrances, one by the Duppas Hill-lane entrance, the original posts of which are still present, and the other at the top of Southbridge Place, where the original posts have been restored. The Victorian residents of The Waldrons employed a watchman, dressed Historic photograph from the top of Southbridge Place, date unknown in a uniform of long coat and top hat, who lived in a Lodge on Southbridge Place.

2.2.6 From the 1860’s larger mansion blocks developed south of The Waldrons in Bramley Hill. Bramley Hill House, now demolished, was also situated in this area, with a stable and coach house nearby (see map 4). Further change occured throughout the C19th, most notably with the construction of much terraced housing to the east of The Waldrons (see map 5).

2.2.7 In the 1930’s Bramley Close was developed as an enclosed cul-de-sac of modest detached houses set on a private road (see map 6). In 1970s the west side of The Waldrons were redeveloped with the exception of number 34, which is the only surviving Victorian building on this side of the road.

2.2.8 The area is associated with several notable individuals. Cicely Mary Barker (1895- 1973), the artist and creator of the Flower Fairy children’s books, lived and worked in 17 and later 23 The Waldrons. Cicely attended the Croydon Map 5. 1910 Ordnance Survey, showing the development of the area, in School of Art and was living in particular to the east of The Waldrons - the red line indicates the current The Waldrons when she began conservation area boundary

9 to create the Flower Fairies. A plaque outside 23 The Wal- drons commemorates her time in the area.

Plaque for Cicely Mary Barker Historic photograph looking south from the top of The Waldrons located at 23 The Waldrons

2.2.9 The area is also associated with Mr William Cuthbert John- son, who was one of the earliest members of the Local Board of Health and an advocate of the Health Act. He lived in a now demolished house to the south entrance of The Waldrons called Waldronhyrst, after which the current road is named.

2.3 ARCHAEOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE 2.3.1 The conservation area is located within the South End Archaeology Priority Zone (APZ) indicating a high likeli- hood of archaeological interest below ground (see map 7). APZs are designated to help protect archaeological remains that might be affected by development. Please see section 4.5 of the Conservation Area General Guidance for further information.

2.3.2 Details of archaeological ﬁ nds in the area, including grid references of their location, are held by the Greater London Historic Environment Record, managed by English Heritage (see Appendix for details).

Map 6: 1940 Ordnance Survey - the red line indicates the current conservation area boundary

10 N

Map 7. The location of the conservation area boundary within the South End Archeological Priority Zone 11 3.0 TOWNSCAPE CHARACTER

3.0.1 Townscape is the arrange- 3.2 DENSITY AND LAND jecting and recessing elements ment and appearance of build- USES arranged in a harmonious ings, spaces and other physical 3.2.1 Compared to the surround- formation around a crescent of features in the built and natural ing area, the density of housing open space. environments. in the conservation area is generally low. Due to the nature 3.3.2 General massing of charac- 3.1 LAYOUT AND PLAN FORM of historic development the ter areas: 3.1.1 The conservation area’s average plot size in The Wal- • The Waldrons Villas: three polymorphous shape and layout drons Villas and Bramley Hill storey buildings, with an is largely defi ned by the survival character areas is much larger additional lower ground fl oor of Victorian buildings and the than that in the Southbridge level. curved roads of The Waldrons Place character area. In The • Southbridge Place: two to and Bramley Hill. The streets Waldrons Villas character area three storeys, smaller scale have a mixed character and houses occupy almost the com- features. appearance as a result of the plete width of the plots but with • Bramley Hill: three, occasion- varied architecture and winding large back gardens extending at ally four, storey detached street layout that emphasises an approximate ratio of between buildings, largest scale of the area’s spacious character. 1:4 to 1:8. Plots in the Bramley housing types present in the Other than the central grassed Hill character area are generally area. open space in The Waldrons more spacious on all sides, with and the wide road side verges houses set in the centre of their there is no usable public space plots. In the Southbridge Place in the conservation area. character area buildings occupy either all or almost all of the 3.1.2 The concurrent develop- complete plot width with small ment of The Waldrons Villas back gardens. has resulted in the attractive uniform appearance of this part 3.2.2 As of 2012 land uses in of the conservation area. Other the conservation area are areas have developed in a num- predominantly residential. Most ber of distinct phases, apparent of the large houses, originally Building massing in the Southbridge in the modern-day townscape. single family dwellings, have Place character area Houses are generally set back since been divided up into fl ats. from the road within their plots, A wider variety of land uses though the distance of this set exists in the Southbridge Place back varies between character character area: although build- areas (see map 1). Houses in ings are mostly in residential The Waldrons Villas character use, the Victoria House Educa- area are set back on average tional Psychology Service is a between 9-13m. special needs educational unit, Southbridge House is a con- 3.1.3 Street widths vary between temporary offi ce building and Building massing in The Waldrons character areas: Southbridge the large plot around Rathbone Villas character area Place is a narrow road and Square contains a warehouse pavement. Waldrons Path used, in 2012, for light industrial is a pedestrianised pathway purposes, an auction house and between 3-4m in width and offi ces. The former Cricketers Bramley Close is a relatively Arms Public House has been narrow private cul-de-sac. The converted into fl ats. Waldrons Villas and Bramley Hill character areas have a 3.3 MASSING more spacious feel, with wide 3.3.1 The effect of the grouping of pavements and houses gener- houses in The Waldrons Villas ally set back from the road with character area is distinctive, as large front and rear gardens. a result of the angular building Typical building massing in the forms with a combination of pro- Bramley Hill character area

12 3.4 TOPOGRAPHY 3.5 VIEWS also present. For example: 3.4.1 The topography and road 3.5.1 A variety of attractive from the bottom of Southbridge layout work together to pro- views exist in the conservation Place you see through to the vide attractive views through area, largely due to the varied entrance of The Waldrons (A), and out of the conservation topography (see map 8). There on entering The Waldrons look- area (see map 8). There is a are two key long views within ing south you then see through signiﬁ cant change in levels the area: 1. At the top of South- to the central open space (B) along Southbridge Road, where bridge Place looking towards and from the crescent you can the road slopes down west to Croydon’s town centre; 2. At see along Waldrons Path to east) There is also a moderate the north entry point to The Bramley Hill (C). This can be drop in land levels along The Waldrons Path looking down experienced in reverse (D-A). Waldrons from South to North. The Waldrons. From the point of Bramley Road 3.5.3 Mid-long views are also contained within the conserva- 3.5.2 Sequential short views, present on Bramley Hill, due to tion area there is also gentle which lead you from one place the area’s topography (E and sloping down to the east and west. to another within the area, are F).

1. B.

2. View of Croydon’s town centre from the junction of Southbridge Place and The Waldrons (View 1.) C.

E. F.

View north from the junction of Waldrons Path and The Waldrons, partly blocked by vegetation in Map 8. Topography and views within and without The Waldrons Conservation Area summer months (View 2.)

13 4.0 STREETSCAPE CHARACTER

4.0.1 Streetscape is the outward facing visual appearance and character of a street or locality.

4.1 PUBLIC REALM AND OPEN SPACE 4.1.1 The public realm in The Waldrons Conservation Area is generally of a high quality, with a semi-rural character as a result of the wide winding roads with houses well set back from the road combined with an abundance of planting and mature trees. The quality of the footways in the conservation area is generally good. The grass verges on The Waldrons Open space in The Waldrons Conservation Area make a valuable contribution to the area’s character and should be retained. There are also attractive kerbs to the pavement in The Waldrons. Open spaces vary between character areas according to the road layout or pathway and positioning of houses within their plots. The central open space is the crescent shaped green island, bounded from the road on the Wrought iron railing in The Waldrons Ironwork boundary treatment in The west side by decorative wrought Villas character area, the design of Waldrons Villas character area iron railings (introduced by the which is based on a fern uncurling, inspired by the work of Cicely Mary Council in the 1990’s) and a Barker double kerb pavement on the east side. This central open space has been present since 4.1.3 An historic brick and ﬂ int the road and plots were laid out wall runs down the south side in the 1850’s. of Waldrons Path, which is in a mixed state of repair. The front 4.1.2 Private front gardens are gardens of two cottages, The present throughout the conser- Coach House and The Gables, vation area, apart from in the face directly onto the path and Southbridge Place character directly impact on its character. Stone balustrade low walling at area, and contain much planting Bramley Close and many mature trees. Low- 4.1.4 There is a more urban feel level walling with substantial to the public realm of the South- moulded gate piers and other bridge Place character area attractive boundary treatments with less greenery and asphalt are common features. Well pavements. kept front gardens with a good presence of landscaping and 4.1.5 For further information on planting enhance the conserva- standards and guidance set for tion area’s overall character and Croydon’s public realm please streetscape quality and have see the Croydon Public Realm a positive impact on the area’s Design Guide (see Appendix for public realm. details). Historic ﬂ int wall on Waldrons Path

14 4.2 STREET FURNITURE 4.2.1 Some of the street signs in the area, notably on South- bridge Place, are currently in a poor state of repair. Some traditional style street furniture is present, including a free- standing red letter box on The Waldrons and one set into a brick wall on Bramley Hill (see photos). At the junction of Bramley Hill and Nottingham road there is a historic ironwork sewer ventilation shaft, concealed partly by a clump of trees. There are also several historic road signs present, for example at Bramley Close. The central open space is enclosed by decorative iron railings (see photo) which add interest to the conservation area.

4.3 GREENERY AND TREES 4.3.1 A signiﬁ cant number of mature trees on both public and private land are present, as well as soft landscaped pavement areas. Some tree pits on The Traditional style post boxes on The Waldrons have attractive detail- Waldrons and Bramley Hill ing present (see photo). Other areas of attractive vegetation include the overhanging trees and greenery from private residential gardens abutting Waldrons Path. Other smaller areas of planting also enhance the verdant character of the area, for example the small island of trees and shrubs at the junction of Nottingham Road and Bramley Hill. Within Bramley Close there is also a shrubbery historically known Traditional style road sign as ‘The Spinney’. Southbridge Place contains little greenery or street trees apart from a few near the entrance posts to The Waldrons. Conservation Area status gives additional protection to trees contained within its boundary. For further information please see sections 5.14 and 7.3 of the Conservation Area General Guidance Trees and planting in The Waldrons Attractive detailing to tree pit Conservation Area

15 5.0 ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER

5.1 GENERAL ARCHITEC- in other character areas, with area’s overall character and TURAL CHARACTER the exception of two locally appearance. Demolition of these 5.1.1 The architectural character listed C19th Gothic Revival style buildings is also considered of the area is deﬁ ned by its high houses of a high architectural to constitute substantial harm. quality Victorian architecture, quality. Other high quality Victo- Special attention should be paid and its buildings demonstrate a rian buildings are present in the towards preserving important mixture of styles and typologies. conservation area on Bramley historic features present on Architectural character varies Hill. these buildings. between each character area, although all contain buildings 5.2 HISTORIC AND ARCHI- NEUTRAL BUILDINGS of a high architectural quality, TECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE OF 5.2.4 Several buildings in the area described in Pevsner’s Buildings BUILDINGS do not positively contribute nor of England series as ‘broad- 5.2.1 Please see map 9 on the actively detract from the area’s eaved, stucco trimmed Italiante following page. special character. In principle, mansions on the grandest redevelopment of these sites scale’.1 LOCALLY LISTED BUILDINGS will not be resisted, provided the 5.2.2 Twenty-eight buildings in proposed replacement building 5.1.2 Architectural styles present the conservation area are on is in line with relevant planning in the area include neo-Classi- Croydon’s Local List of Build- policy and of a high quality cal, Gothic Revival and Vernac- ings of Architectural or Historic design consistent with the ular styles. Most buildings within Interest. These buildings have area’s special character. the conservation area are of a a signiﬁ cant level of local value high architectural quality and and make a positive contribution BUILDINGS THAT DETRACT many are locally listed. Typolo- to the special character of the FROM THE AREA’S SPECIAL gies include villas, lodges, conservation area. Demolition of CHARACTER terraced houses and cottages. these buildings is considered to 5.2.5 The Council will not resist The predominant housing types constitute substantial harm and proposals for the redevelopment in the area are large detached there is a presumption in favour or improvement of sites that and semi-detached villas, with of their retention. detract from the area’s special private rear and front gardens. character, provided the replace- POSITIVE UNLISTED ment proposals are of a high 5.1.3 The Waldrons Villas BUILDINGS quality design in keeping with character area is the most 5.2.3 Other buildings positively this character and in line with architecturally consistent. It contribute to the conservation relevant planning policy. contains houses of a broadly similar aesthetic all designed in the Classical style and almost all built at a similar time. Many corresponding design and decorative features are present, listed in section 5.3.

5.1.4 On Waldrons Path there are two attractive cottages, each distinctive in style and design. This path leads to Bramley Hill where larger mansions of a high architectural quality are present.

5.1.5 Houses in Bramley Close, developed in the 1930’s, are more modest in terms of scale and design compared to those

1. Cherry and Pevsner, London 2: South, 1983 Buildings in The Waldrons Villas character area

16 LEVEL OF CONTRIBUTION BUILDINGS MAKE TO THE CONSERVATION AREA’S SPECIAL CHARACTER

Locally Listed Positive Unlisted N Neutral Detract from 20-24 Special Character TANFIELD ROAD

Map 9. The contribution of buildings to the special character of The Waldrons Conservation Area

17 5.3 KEY ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES AND MATERIALS THE WALDRONS VILLAS 5.3.1 Though there is variation in style, form and layout of build- KEY ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES1 ings throughout the conservation area, there are discernible 1. Bold entrance arches and recessed porches, groupings of buildings display- often with steps leading up to them ing similar key architectural features and common building 2. Heavy set decorative mouldings around materials. This is most obvious windows and doors in The Waldrons Villas character area. These key features 3. Decorative keystones and materials are listed in the boxes below with a seperate 4. Decorative window boxes box for the Waldrons Villas 5. Prominent chimney stacks character area due to its uniform character and consistent 6. Sash windows, sometimes with arched window features. openings

5.3.2 The adjacent table lists gen- 7. Multi-pane windows with mullions eral key architectural features and building materials found in 8. Brackets the area: 9. Quoins 10. Voussoirs 11. Stucco rustication

COMMON BUILDING MATERIALS 12. London stock bricks 13. Stone / Stucco detailing and dressings 14. Timber window frames / doors 15. Slate tiles 16. Render as part of original house designs 17. Iron work for window boxes and railings 18. Leaded details in windows

1. Please see the glossary of relevant terms in Conservation Area General Guidance

18 2, 17 2, 6, 9, 10 4, 6, 7, 14, 17

4, 6, 11, 14, 17 2, 17 1

2, 17 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 16 18

1, 14 4, 6, 7, 14 5, 6, 7, 12, 13

19 SOUTHBRIDGE PLACE / BRAMLEY HILL

KEY ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES1 1. Prominent chimney stacks 2. Sculptural detailing 3. Quoins 4. Decorative bands and string courses 5. Prominant porches 6. Decorative mouldings around windows and doors, often including columns or pilasters and capitals 7. Projecting window sills supported by brackets 8. Bay windows 9. Sash windows 10. Pointed Gothic-style arches

COMMON BUILDING MATERIALS 11. London stock bricks 12. Weatherboarding 13. Flint 14. Clay chimney tiles / chimney pots 15. Slate / clay roof tiles 16. Timber windows / doors 17. Stone / Stucco detailing and dressings 18. Iron work - window boxes and railings

1. Please see the glossary of relevant terms in Conservation Area General Guidance

20 5, 6, 10 7, 18 16

3, 13 2, 10, 17 6, 9, 10, 17

2, 6 2, 6, 8, 9, 10 1, 4

5, 6, 16 3, 6 4, 5, 6

21 6.0 CHARACTER AREAS

6.0.1 The purpose of this section further architectural interest to is to expand on the statement the villas. of special interest in section 1.6 and to assess and analyse 6.1.3 Numbers 5-8 are two pairs individual characteristics and of semi-detached houses, prominent features of each almost identical in appearance. character area, as identifi ed Compositionally these buildings in section 1.7, that particularly form an interesting line of pro- contribute towards the area’s jections and recessions, further special character. articulated by the heavy mouldings present around windows 6.1 THE WALDRONS and doors. Of particular interest 7-8 The Waldrons Locally listed: 5-10, 12-23 and are the decorative ironwork 34 The Waldrons window box railings at upper ground fl oor level, present on all 6.1.1 The Waldrons consists of four houses, and the variety of a visually consistent cluster of windows present. detached and semi detached Victorian villas of a high archi- 6.1.4 Numbers 9-10 and 12-13 tectural quality arranged in a are detached properties of picturesque setting. Most of either two or three storeys in the houses (11-23) are set in a height and are of a high archi- crescent formation around the tectural quality with characteris- central open space that acts as tic features present. Number 11 the heart of the conservation is the only modern infi ll property 11 The Waldrons area. As a group the buildings in The Waldrons Villas and the are of signifi cant heritage value. conservation area’s architec- With the exception of number tural character is referenced in 11, all the buildings in the its design. character area are locally listed (see map 6). 6.1.5 The design of numbers 14 and 15 is similar to that of 6.1.2 Many of The Waldrons villas number 13, and it is likely that display a high concentration of all were designed and built the key architectural features concurrently. 14 and 15 contain outlined above in Section 5.3, interesting green painted timber most notably stone or stucco framed windows and leaded quoins, arched ground fl oor cames. All three properties windows and bold entrances have bold projecting entrance with steps leading up to elabo- arches. Number 15 has unusual rate porches. While the group Art-Deco style iron railings is unifi ed by the use of Clas- installed between gate piers. sical architectural vocabulary 12 The Waldrons and proportions, most houses 6.1.6 16-23 are four pairs of semi- have an individual character, detached properties. 16-17 are achieved through a variation in a symmetrical pair of a simple form, composition and archi- design both with arched win- tectural features. There is a dows and windows with lugged striking visual contrast between or eared architraves (also found the common exposed brick on number 12, 14 and 18-19). walling and stucco mouldings; other materials including deco- 6.1.7 18-19 The Waldrons are rative ironwork provide further the most visually distinctive interest. Many arched windows, pair of houses in this character mostly at ground fl oor level, area through the display of also provide visual contrast and architectural features including 16-18 The Waldrons

22 the blocked architraves around 6.2 SOUTHBRIDGE PLACE windows and doors (also known Locally listed; 88 and 94 as ‘Gibbs Surrounds’, after the Southbridge Place, The Lodge architect), rustication, dentilled and the former Cricketers Arms eaves, arched windows and Unlisted positive buildings: 1, windows with lugged or eared 1a, 3, 7, 21-23 (odd), 25-27 architraves. No. 19 has a front (odd) Southbridge Place projecting gable that resembles a pediment form and is distin- 6.2.1 The Southbridge Place guished by a prominent three character area acts as a storey tower topped by a weath- gateway road leading up to ervane. The Waldrons Villas. The top of the road is distinguished by 6.1.7 20-23 are two symmetrical the gate piers in front of the pairs of a similar character and Lodge, the entrance to the composition of features. Both former private housing estate. Flint Lodge pairs of houses feature distinc- The area consists of an eclectic tive three light windows with mix of building types, ages and decorative stucco moulding at styles, including detached and ground and fi rst fl oor level. semi-detached villas, as well as blocks of fl ats. A row of mostly 6.1.8 Number 34 is the only terraced or closely spaced two remaining, though badly dam- or three story buildings runs aged, Victorian building on the along the road’s southern edge. west side of The Waldrons. The road is shielded from the Originally built as a house, it Croydon Flyover by the tree- has also been used as a school lined northern pavement and and as the headquarters of the buildings behind, the Vic- Attractive railings outside the Lodge the Croydon Sea Cadets from toria House Educational Psy- 1947-2008 (see sections 7.2 chology School and a recently and 9.2). constructed block of fourteen fl ats on the corner of Davenant 6.1.9 The impact of the large and Southbridge Roads. blocks of fl ats on the character of the conservation area is 6.2.2 Buildings on the south side reduced to some extent by the of the road vary in character planting and positioning of the and appearance but are almost blocks well set back from the all of architectural merit and road. include several locally listed buildings and others that make a positive contribution to the character of the conservation The former Cricketers Pub area (see map 6, p.17). Of particular interest and signifi cance is the fl int faced Lodge.

6.2.3 The former Cricketers Arms public house, now converted for residential use, is a high quality building, with Classical- style detailing including an entablature and quoins. The building’s original character was broadly retained when it was recently converted into ﬂ ats with Weatherboarded house on 22 - 23 The Waldrons a large side extension built to ﬁ ll Southbridge Place

23 the former car park next to 25 Waldrons Path contains two Southbridge place. cottages, The Gables and The Coach House. The Gables and 6.2.4 Other buildings in the the Coach House are different Southbridge Place character in style to the buildings along area display interesting archi- The Waldrons, but add variety tectural features that contribute and depth to the character of to the overall character of the the conservation area; they conservation area, including the contribute to its semi-rural bay windows on numbers 1 and character. There is also a row 3 and decorative window sur- of garages along the western rounds on numbers 25 and 27. side of the path; these garages The Art Deco style entrance to 20-24 However the roof extensions to have a neutral impact on the Tanfi eld Road (Rathbone Square) the latter properties are visually conservation area. intrusive and detract from the character of the area. 6.3.2 The Bramley Hill character area contains several large 6.2.5 Some boundary treat- scale buildings. Most houses ments provide interest to the in this area are Victorian apart streetscape, including the from 1-5 Bramley Close, devel- balustraded front garden wall oped in the 1930’s. Since the at number 3 and the decorative conservation area’s designation ironwork gates and railings in some modern development has front of the Lodge. occurred behind 26 Bramley Hill. These developments have 6.2.6 The conservation area also not had a signifi cant impact on The Coach House, Waldrons Path includes a commercial site at the conservation area’s charac- 20-24 Tanfi eld Road (Rathbone ter and appearance as they are square), which is a historic well hidden from the road. entity, present on the current site since as early as 1890. 6.3.3 Number 22, once a Vicar- As of 2012 the site is currently age, and 24 are set back further classed for use as a warehouse from the road than adjacent for light industrial purposes, buildings, partly hidden behind offi ces and an auction house. mature trees, planting and high The facade of the entrance walling. Number 22 is of London building (20-24 Tanfi eld Road stock brick in a Classical style - see photo) is an attractive with a Doric porch and a shal- building that stands out from the low hipped slated roof with wide surrounding Victorian terraced eaves supported by wooden 26 Bramley Hill and Hawthorn Cottage housing, built between 1933 brackets and is hidden behind a and 1940 in an Art Deco style. high wall and trees. Number 24 is large and built of red London 6.3 BRAMLEY HILL stock brick. Key features Locally listed: 22-26 (even), 31 include the balustraded balcony and 38 Bramley Hill, 6 and 8 at fi rst fl oor level, running the Bramley Close full width of the house, and cast Unlisted positive buildings: The iron double fl ight of steps by the Coach House, The Gables, central entrance. Hawthorn Cottage 6.3.4 Number 26 (including 6.3.1 Waldrons Path is a pathway Hawthorn Cottage) is also set that leads from The Waldrons to back from the road and is of a Bramley Hill; the rear of num- high architectural quality. The bers 17-21 The Waldrons are main house has an imposing clearly visible from this path. columned entrance. 24 Bramley Hill

24 6.3.5 Numbers 31 and 38 Bram- ley Hill (see photos) are both of architectural signiﬁ cance. Number 38 is a large detached building that has been refurbished for use as ﬂ ats. Number 31 is a more modest scale lodge house that was once the coach house to the now demolished Bramley Hill House. The property includes an attractive low walled front boundary treatment, with iron gates. The building itself includes a large chimney, quoin detailing, a pitched roof and timber sash 31 Bramley Hill 38 Bramley Hill windows.

6.3.6 Bramley Close is an enclosed private road with gravel surfacing. 6 and 8 are built in the Victorian Gothic style and are of exceptional architectural merit, unique in the context of the conservation area. Historic maps indicate that the original building was separated after 1910 into two dwellings. The house was built in the second half of the 19th century, by Charles Henman senior, the father of the architect of Croydon Town Hall. The design of these two large houses has strong composition, form and detailing, and comprise a 6-8 Bramley Close Stone carved window 6 Bramley Close number of architectural features and detailing, including pointed arches, fi gurative and non- fi gurative sculpture, fi nials, and roundels in the gable ends (see section 5.2) Number 6 includes a lion’s head where rainwater from the roof drops into a drain in its mouth.

6.3.7 The houses on the rest of Bramley Close are a more modest set of 1930s and later C20th buildings that make a neutral contribution to the conservation area’s special character.

Bramley Hill streetscape, looking east

25 7.0 CONDITION AND THREATS

7.1 GENERAL CONDITION through alterations that do not of changes, which could result 7.1.1 Generally the conserva- require planning permission, or in threats to its special charac- tion area is in a good physical that occurred prior to the area’s ter and appearance. Existing condition. The public realm is designation. The quality of the and potential future threats are of a good standard and most public realm also has an impact outlined in the box below, and historic buildings retain their on the area. are categorised as to whether original character and many they impact directly on buildings historic architectural features. 7.3.2 The conservation area is or the wider streetscape: Many larger properties in The under pressure from a number Waldrons Conservation Area have been converted to fl ats or multiple occupancies, which has THREATS TO BUILDINGS resulted in some unsympathetic 1. Partial or total demolition of historic buildings changes made to buildings. 2. Subdivision of historic building plots 7.1.2 The residential tower blocks 3. Poor quality new development on the east of The Waldrons, outside of the conservation area 4. Back-garden development, including outbuildings boundary, detract from the its 5. Poorly designed and / or oversized roof, front special character. The blocks of fl ats cannot be used as justifi ca- and side extensions tion for future development 6. Loss of historic architectural features proposals, either within the conservation area of affecting 7. Introduction of new features and materials its setting, that do not respect that detract from area’s character the scale and character of The 8. The use of non-traditional roofi ng materials Waldrons Conservation Area. 9. Loss of ironwork from window boxes and railings 7.1.3 Number 34 The Waldrons 10. Rendering or painting of brick elevations is currently in very poor condition (see sections 7.2 and 11. Re-pointing of walls with cement mortar 9.2). Other minor threats to the 12. Installation of poorly-sited renewable energy character and appearance of the conservation area include technologies and other building services unsightly clutter in front gar- 13. Poor maintenance dens, for example several cars in a garden in The Waldrons Path that have been present for THREATS TO STREETSCAPE many years. 14. Loss of front gardens

7.2 BUILDINGS AT RISK 15. Loss of low-walling boundary treatments and 7.2.1 Number 34 The Waldrons, a other attractive railings and fencing locally listed building, has been 16. Lack of screened bin storage out of use since 2006. Follow- ing a serious ﬁ re at the end of 17. Poor maintenance of buildings and front gardens 2010 and subsequent neglect 18. Accumulation of litter the building is seriously at risk. The future of the site remains 19. Loss of trees and planting uncertain (see section 9.2). 20. Poor siting and upkeep of street furniture 7.3 KEY THREATS 21. Poor maintenance of the Waldron’s Path ﬂ int wall 7.3.1 While insensitive develop- 22. Erosion of grass verges caused by parking ment can instantly harm the conservation area’s special 23. Impacts of tall buildings affecting the character, negative change conservation area’s setting can often occur incrementally

26 MANAGEMENT PLAN

27 This Management 8.0 ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

Plan provides area- 8.0.1 It is the responsibility of the 8.4 ENERGY EFFICIENCY property owner to be aware 8.4.1 There are some retrofi tting specifi c guidance of the designations that apply measures that can be explored on development, to their building and the area to improve a building’s energy within which it is situated. effi ciency. Please see section maintenance and 9 of the Conservation Area enhancement in 8.1. LOCALLY LISTED General Guidance for detailed The Waldrons BUILDINGS guidance. 8.1.1 At present twenty-nine Conservation Area. buildings in the conservation 8.4.2 In The Waldrons Conser- area are locally listed. For more vation Area the installation It supplements information on the implications of external wall insulation or and should be of local listing please see sec- photo-voltaic or solar thermal tion 4.5 of the Conservation panels on roofscapes vis- read in conjunction Area General Guidance and the ible from the road are not with Croydon’s Locally Listed Buildings SPD considered to be appropriate measures. It is recommended Conservation Area 8.2. ARTICLE 4 DIRECTIONS that less obtrusive measures, 8.2.1 The Appraisal identifi es including internal wall and roof General Guidance, changes to properties in the insulation, the draft proofi ng which provides conservation area that have of windows and doors and resulted in a negative impact on internal secondary glazing, are general guidance its character and appearance, considered by property owners for all conservation some of which are the result to improve the energy effi ciency of permitted development. The of their property. areas. Council maintains the right to serve an Article 4 Direction 8.5 ARCHAEOLOGICAL if it is deemed appropriate to INVESTIGATIONS protect the special character of 8.5.1 As the conservation area the conservation area. For more is located within the South End information on Article 4 Direc- Archaeological Priority Zone, tions please see the Conserva- archaeological investigations tion Area General Guidance, may be required for develop- section 2.5. ment that involves groundworks. Please see section 8.3 BUILDING REGULATIONS 4.5 of the Conservation Area 8.3.1 Please see section 8 of the General Guidance for further Conservation Area General information. Guidance.

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28 9.0 DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES

9.0.1 All development within The 9.2. NEW DEVELOPMENT A) 34 THE WALDRONS Waldrons Conservation Area 9.2.1 General requirements for 9.2.3 Though there was evidence must be in line with Croydon’s new development in conser- of neglect of the locally listed Local Plan Policies and should vation areas are outlined in building from 2008 onwards, preserve or enhance its special section 5.2 of the Conservation it suffered signifi cant damage character. The guidance below Area General Guidance. There during a fi re on New Years Eve addresses key threats and are limited development sites of 2010. Damage to the structure issues particular to The Wal- a signifi cant size in this conser- is ongoing due to the lack of drons Conservation Area identi- vation area. protection against the elements. fi ed in the Appraisal. Some If, at all possible, the building common subjects, such as the 9.2.1 Opportunities for develop- should be retained, or at least siting of satellite dishes, TV ment could result from either part retained, in recognition aerials and solar panels, affect demolition of buildings that of the signifi cant contribution conservation areas across make a neutral contribution or it makes to the character of the borough and guidance is detract from the area’s charac- the conservation area as an provided in the Conservation ter and re-development, or the important point of entry from the Area General Guidance and not conversion of existing proper- Croydon Flyover. Part retention repeated here. ties. Any proposed scheme would involve calculated deci- will be expected to be of a high sions about what elements of 9.0.2 The Council will investigate quality design that enhances the building are salvageable, reports of unauthorised devel- the character and appearance which initially appear to be the opment (see section 7 of the of The Waldrons Conservation south end of the site, including Conservation Area General Area. Important aspects of the ‘turreted’ tower, and could Guidance). As part of this Appri- urban design, including height, be potentially retained and part- sal Process a full survey of the scale, massing, building lines, reconstructed alongside some area as visible from the street and situation within plots must new build elements to allow for has been made, which will be be carefully considered in all the site to be brought back into used as evidence when review- new development. active use. ing any reports of unauthorised development. 9.2.2 All new development within 9.2.4 If it is justifi ed to a satis- the Waldrons Conservation factory degree that the site 9.1. DEMOLITION Area should: must be re-developed then all 9.1.1 The demolition of buildings • Be of a high quality design proposals must be carefully that are considered to make that respects and comple- designed to preserve and a positive contribution to the ments the area’s special enhance the special character special character of The Wal- character of the conservation area, includ- drons Conservation Area will be • Follow the established massing height, scale, mass, archi- resisted. Demolition of buildings ing of buildings in each char- tectural detailing and materials. will only be permitted where the acter area (see section 3.3.2) building in question is identifi ed • Follow the building lines 9.3. SUB-DIVISION OF PLOTS as making only a neutral contri- present in each particular 9.3.1 There is limited scope for bution to or detracting from the character area the subdivision of plots and infi ll area’s special character and • Respect the existing plot development within the conser- it is certain that the proposed layout vation area. replacement scheme will be • Preserve the current level of of a suitably high quality that spacing between properties 9.3.2 Applications for new build- will enhance The Waldrons by siting new buildings away ings in the gardens of existing Conservation Area. For further from site boundaries properties in The Waldrons information please see section • Apply high quality materials are unlikely to be acceptable 5.1 of the Conservation Area and detailing that respects the because of the diffi culty in General Guidance. area’s special character providing access, the problems of overlooking adjacent buildings, the loss of amenity caused by the removal of trees and the loss of established garden areas.

29 9.4. DEVELOPMENT AFFECT- ING THE CONSERVATION AREA’S SETTING 9.4.1 The surrounding urban realm that is visible from within the conservation area has an impact on its character.

9.4.2 Any development within the immediate setting of the conservation area, which consists of buildings of a varied scale, must respect its special character. Whilst there are examples of buildings of a signiﬁ cantly larger scale (particularly the residential tower blocks in the Waldrons) any new development should aim to respect the proportions Diagram showing unsuitable height, scale and massing of a rear extension of those within the conservation area so as to not cause harm to its special character.

9.4.3 All development in close proximity to the boundary of the conservation area must respect its townscape, streetscape and architectural character and should not adversely affect its setting or views (see section 3.5).

9.4.4 Careful consideration will be given to the impact of future development in Croydon’s town centre, some of which will inevitably be visible from within the conservation area. The Croydon Opportunity Area Diagram showing suitable height, scale and massing of a rear extension Planning Framework provides further guidance on scale and Area contributes towards its massing of development and special character. Front or large 9.5.3 Single storey rear exten- how it must integrate with, side extensions are generally sions are generally considered respect and enhance the his- not considered to be acceptable to be acceptable in principle so toric environment. as they would have a negative long as they are not oversized impact on the special character and are of an appropriate 9.5. EXTENSIONS TO EXIST- of individual buildings and design. If the rear of the ING BUILDINGS disrupt the architectural rhythm property is visible from the 9.5.1 Planning permission is provided by the articulation of street any proposed rear exten- required for front, side and roof the existing groups of buildings. sions will need to be carefully extensions and for some rear Where side extensions are designed so as to complement extensions. considered to be acceptable in the existing building. principle, the extension must 9.5.2 As deﬁ ned in the Appraisal, be carefully designed so as to 9.5.4 As generally there is a the historic layout of buildings complement and be subservient consistent pattern of roof lines in The Waldrons Conservation to the existing building. in The Waldrons Conservation

30 Area, roof extensions or dormer • Integrate and conceal where windows that are visible from a necessary all waste and public highway are not likely to ventilation pipes be considered appropriate. • Avoid visually intrusive secondary entrances 9.5.5 All proposals for exten- • Avoid turning front gardens sions should be in line with the into car parks requirements of the Residential Extensions and Alterations 9.6.3 An increase in demand for SPD. Due to the sensitivity parking will not be considered required in conservation areas, as a justifi cation for the loss extra care and attention must of front gardens. Section 9.9 be paid to preserving and provides further guidance on enhancing its special character. front gardens. Additional considerations to supplement the Residential 9.6.4 As the character of the area Extensions and Alterations SPD is predominantly residential, are outlined in section 5.3 of proposals for changes of use the Conservation Area General from residential to commercial Guidance. Advice should be use are not likely to be consid- sought from the Council prior ered acceptable. to any work taking place (see Appendix for contact details). 9.7 WINDOW REPLACEMENT 9.7.1 As identifi ed in the 9.6 CHANGES OF USE Appraisal, The Waldrons Con- 9.6.1 Many houses in The servation Area contains many Waldrons Conservation Area traditional windows of interest, have been converted to fl ats or including a high number of multiple occupancies and there historic Victorian sliding sash is pressure for the remaining windows, but also a number of single family dwellings to be bespoke multi-light and arched adapted also. This is accept- windows. Historic and tradi- able in principle, as long as tional style windows should be all potential negative impacts retained and refurbished due to on the conservation area’s the important contribution they Historic timber framed windows in The special character (see section make to the conservation area’s Waldrons Villas character area 7.3) have been considered and special character. Secondary mitigated. glazing can be installed to improve thermal performance. 9.6.2 All proposals for change of Planning permission is not use to fl ats or multiple occupan- required for the installation of cies should: secondary glazing. Replace- • Include adequate storage and ments, if necessary, should be screening for all refuse and made on a like for like basis in recycling bins terms of design and materials. • Include landscaping proposals Further advice can be sought for front gardens in line with from the Council (see Appendix the guidance provided in sec- for contact details). tion 9.9 of this document • Avoid the siting of meter 9.8. CLADDING, RENDERING boxes on any street-facing OR PAINTING OF WALLS elevations 9.8.1 Originally exposed brick • Integrate all new doorbells walls should not be clad, and entry phones with the rendered or painted as the building and avoid a cluttered exposed brick walls of proper- Exposed brick wall in The Waldrons appearance ties contribute towards the Villas character area

31 special character of The Waldrons Conservation Area. Planning permission is required for the external cladding or rendering of walls on all properties in the conservation area. Advice should be sought from the Council prior to any work taking place (see Appendix for contact details).

9.9. FRONT GARDENS 9.9.1 Most of the buildings within The Waldrons Conservation Area have large front gardens. Their treatment is a particularly important issue due to the signiﬁ cant impact they have on the character of the area. All Trees and front garden with low boundary walling in The Waldrons Villa development proposals must character area contain proposals for landscaping of front gardens including: • The retention of existing attractive boundary treatments and landscaping; provision of car parking may not be appropriate • A balance of soft and hard landscaping including suf- ﬁ cient provision for new planting and trees • Permeable surface for any car parking provision where appropriate; this should be integrated with landscaping and planting. • Provision for the storage and screening of refuse and recycling bins • Visibility splays

Low boundary walling, front garden planting and permeable surface parking at number 9 The Waldrons

32 10.0 ENHANCEMENT

10.0.1 Property owners are 10.2 REPAIRING, RESTORING surfaced for off-street parking. encouraged to undertake minor AND RE-INSTATING DAM- This has resulted in a negative works that will improve the AGED, ALTERED OR LOST impact on the character and condition and appearance of FEATURES appearance of the conserva- their properties, which will have 10.2.1 The area would be tion area. Property owners can a wider positive impact on the enhanced through the repair, enhance the special character conservation area as a whole. restoration or reinstatement of and appearance of the conser- Much enhancement of buildings damaged or lost architectural vation area by: and the wider area does not and landscape features. Advice • Returning hard-surfaced areas require planning permission; from the Council should be to soft landscaping for front please contact the Council or sought for more substantial gardens consult the Building Conserva- work than the above to deter- • Re-introducing low-walled tion Directory (see Appendix for mine whether planning permis- boundary treatments or well- details) for further advice. The sion or a certifi cate of lawful designed railings Council welcomes and sup- development is required (see • Planting of soft landscaping ports enhancement schemes Appendix for contact details). and trees proposed by property owners or the local community. 10.2.2 In addition the follow- 10.5 REFUSE STORAGE ing would also result in an 10.5.1 The Appraisal identi- 10.1 MAINTENANCE enhancement to the area: fi es the unsightly presence 10.1.1 The regular maintenance • The re-siting of highly visible of unscreened refuse and and repair of buildings and front satellite dishes, solar panels recycling bins as a threat to gardens makes an important and TV aerials the conservation area’s overall contribution to the attractive • The replacement of uPVC or special character and appear- appearance of the conservation aluminium windows and doors ance. Property owners should area. with timber alternatives that consider the installation of are in keeping with the area’s unobstrusive bin housings to 10.1.2 In order to ensure the character screen refuse that may other- long-term survival of valued • The removal of new architec- wise be visible from the street. architectural features (section tural features that detract from This can be a relatively simple 5.3) and attractive landscape the area’s character measure that can enhance not features regular attention is only the appearance of indi- required. The Council therefore 10.3 MANAGEMENT OF vidual properties but also that recommends that regular main- FRONT GARDENS of the wider conservation area. tenance is undertaken to retain 10.3.1 Property owners (individual Any structure should be situated the collective value of the attrac- or Management Companies) behind the main building line if tive features present in the area. and tenants should be aware possible. Planning permission is Some relatively minor works do that all are responsible for front required for the erection of any not require planning permission gardens and should seek to permanent structure, including but, if left unattended, may preserve and enhance these refuse storage, in front of the result in unnecessary decay and areas. The retention of low main building line. damage, which could ultimately boundary walls and additional lead to the need to conduct planting is welcomed. Attention 10.6 CONSERVATION AREA more complex and expensive should be paid to ensure refuse SIGNAGE repair works that may require and recycling areas are kept 10.6.1 The Council will consider planning permission. Basic tidy. See also section 9.9. any community-led projects to maintenance recommendations introduce signage to identify include: 10.4 RE-INSTATNG FRONT the conservation area, provided • The regular clearing of debris GARDENS AND NEW that it is of a design that would in gutters and rainwater pipes PLANTING enhance the area’s special • The pruning of vegetation in 10.4.1 Some front gardens in The character and that the cost of close proximity to buildings Waldrons Conservation Area maintenance and management • The re-fi xing of loose roof tiles have been redeveloped, with are fully considered. or slates, and original boundary treatments • The regular re-painting of and soft landscaping stripped timber. away and the area hard-

33 10.7 PLAQUES FOR LOCALLY 10.9 TREE MANAGEMENT LISTED BUILDINGS 10.9.1 Where predominant spe- 10.7.1 Some members of the cies are present and considered community have recommended to be making a positive con- that plaques could be erected tribution to the conservation on locally listed buildings within area the Council will endeavour the conservation area to inform to ensure that its character is passers-by of their locally maintained in any new street listed designation. In principle planting. For further information the Council would consider please see sections 5.14 and proposals for the erection of 7.3 of the Conservation Area plaques on locally listed build- General Guidance. ings, subject to appropriate design and sensitive placement, however there is no capacity at present for the Council to supply plaques. The Council recommends that such a scheme could be led by a local heritage organisation, such as the Croydon Natural History and Scientiﬁ c Society.

10.8 PUBLIC REALM IMPROVEMENTS 10.8.1 Routine maintenance of the public realm occurs as part of the ongoing cycle of maintenance within the borough. There may be potential for further enhancements in the future. All proposals to enhance the conservation area’s public realm must be in accordance with the Croydon Public Realm Design Guide.

10.8.2 Historic street furniture should be preserved and all temporary signage removed after the relevant period of display. All new street lighting will be implemented in the area according to the adopted Street Lighting PFI requirements.

34 11.0 APPENDIX

B) RELEVANT CROYDON COUNCIL DOCUMENTS (WEBLINK ABOVE) • Draft Croydon Conservation Area General Guidance, including a glossary of relevant architectural terms • Planning Application Validation Checklist • Public Realm Design Guide (2012) • Local List of Buildings of Architectural or Historic Interest SPD (2006) • Residential Extensions and Alterations SPD (2006) • Shopfronts and Signage SPD (1996) • Landscape Design SPD (2004)

C) RELEVANT NATIONAL GUIDANCE DOCUMENTS (WEBLINK ABOVE) • Energy Efﬁ ciency and Historic Buildings, which is a series of English Heritage guidance documents available to view and download at www.helm.org.uk/climatechange • Good Practice Guide for Local Heritage Listing (English Heritage 2012) • The London Plan (Greater London Authority 2011) • Understanding Place: Conservation Area Designation, Appraisal and Management (English Heritage 2011) • Understanding Place: Historic Area Assessments (English Heritage 2011)

35 11.2 CONTACTS Croydon Council, 18th Floor Taberner House, Park Lane, Croydon CR9 1JT; Phone: 0208 7266000 Email: [email protected]

English Heritage, London Region 1 Waterhouse Square, 138-142 Holborn, London EC1N 2ST Tel/Email: 0207 9733000; [email protected]

The Victorian Society Tel/Email: 0208 9941019; [email protected] www.victoriansociety.org.uk

The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) Tel/Email: 0207 3771644; [email protected]; www.spab.org.uk Technical helpline: 0207 456 0916

The Building Conservation Directory Tel/Web: 01747 871717; www.buildingconservation.com

The Energy Saving Trust Tel/Web: 0800 512012; www.energysavingtrust.org.uk

Croydon Natural History and Scientiﬁ c Society Contact: Brian Lancaster: Tel: 0208 6686909

Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Tel/Web: 0207 3073700; www.architecture.com

Mid Croydon Conservation Area Advisory Panel (please contact the Spatial Planning Team for details)

36 11.0 COMMUNITY LANGUAGES

If you ﬁ nd it easier to read large print, use an audio tape or Braille or need to communicate in a language other than English, please let us know by calling 020 8726 6000

APPENDIX 5:

Wellesley Road (North) Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan

WELLESLEY ROAD (NORTH) CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL AND MANAGEMENT PLAN

SUPPLEMENTARY PLANNING DOCUMENT

CROYDON COUNCIL CONSERVATION AREA CONSERVATION AREA DESIGNATION GENERAL GUIDANCE 10 October 2008 Please read this document alongside the Croydon Conservation Area General Guidance SPD, available online at: ISSUE www.croydon.gov.uk/environment/conservation/ conservationareas Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) issued for adoption at Cabinet 11 February 2013 Other Supplementary Planning Documents are also available online via the Croydon Council This document is available to view and download website: online at: www.croydon.gov.uk/planningandregeneration www.croydon.gov.uk/environment/conservation/ conservationareas PUBLISHED BY IMAGE CREDITS CROYDON COUNCIL Taberner House Historic photographs supplied by the Croydon Park Lane Local Studies and Archives Centre. Croydon CR9 1JT www.croydon.gov.uk All other photographs supplied by London Borough of Croydon unless otherwise speciﬁ ed. Email: [email protected] Tel: 0208 4071385 Maps reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of HMSO. © Crown copyright and database right 2011. Ordnance Survey Licence Number 100019257, courtesy of Croydon Council

Aerial photography ‘Cities Revealed’ aerial photography © ’The GeoInformation Group’ 2006

1.0 INTRODUCTION 01 9.0 DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES 27 1.1 What is a Conservation Area? 03 9.1 Demolition 27 1.2 What is a Conservation Area 03 9.2 New Development 27 Appraisal and Management Plan? 9.3 Development Affecting the 27 1.3 What is this Document’s Status? 03 Conservation Area’s Setting 1.4 Community Involvement 03 9.4 Extensions 27 1.5 Designation Background 03 9.5 Window Replacement 28 1.6 Statement of Special Character 04 9.6 Ironwork 28 1.7 Character Areas 04 9.7 Cladding, Rendering or Painting of 28 Walls PART 1: APPRAISAL 05 9.8 Front Gardens 28 9.9 Changes of Use 28 2.0 CONTEXT 06 2.1 Location and Setting 06 10.0 ENHANCEMENT 29 2.2 Historic Development 08 10.1 Maintenance 29 2.3 Archaeological Signiﬁ cance 11 10.2 Reparing, Restoring and Re- 29 Instating Architectural Features 3.0 TOWNSCAPE CHARACTER 12 10.3 Re-Instating Front Gardens 29 3.1 Layout and Plan Form 12 and New Planting 3.2 Density and Land Uses 13 10.4 Refuse Storage 30 3.3 Massing 13 10.5 Conservation Area Signage 30 3.4 Topography 13 10.6 Public Realm Improvements 30 3.5 Views 13 11.0 APPENDIX 31 4.0 STREETSCAPE CHARACTER 14 11.1 Useful Websites and Other 31 4.1 Public Realm and Open space 14 Relevant Information 4.2 Street Furniture 15 11.2 Contacts 32 4.3 Greenery and Trees 15

5.0 ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER 16 5.1 General Architectural Character 16 5.2 Historic and Architectural 16 Signiﬁ cance of Buildings 5.3 Key Architectural Features and 18 Materials

6.0 CHARACTER AREAS 20 6.1 Upper Wellesley Road 20 6.2 ‘Belﬁ eld’ (49-67 Wellesley Road) 21 6.3 East Wellesley Road (72-76 & St 22 Mary’s)

7.0 CONDITION AND THREATS 23 7.1 Current Condition 23 7.2 Buildings at Risk 23 7.3 Key Threats 24

PART 2: MANAGEMENT PLAN 25

8.0 ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS 26 8.1 Locally Listed Buildings 26 8.2 Article 4 Directions 26 8.3 Building Regulations 26 8.4 Energy Efﬁ ciency 26 8.5 Archaeological Investigations 26 N

KEY

The Wellesley Road (North) Conservation Area Other conservation areas in Croydon

Map 1. The location of the Wellesley Road (North) Conservation Area and other conservation areas in Croydon. INTRODUCTION

1 N

Above: Map 2. The boundary of the Wellesley Road (North) Conservation Area Previous Page: The west side of Wellesley Road

2 1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 WHAT IS A explored. Please see section letters were sent to all proper- CONSERVATION AREA? 1.5 of the Conservation Area ties located within its boundary, 1.1.1 A conservation area is an General Guidance, for further an article was published in the area of special architectural or information. Croydon Guardian and an event historic interest, the character was held at the Town Hall on 6 and appearance of which it 1.3 WHAT IS THE STATUS OF September 2012. is desirable to preserve or THIS DOCUMENT? enhance. Please see section 1.3.1 This document is a Supple- 1.4.2 Following the consultation, 1.3 of Croydon’s Conservation mentary Planning Document all responses were considered Area General Guidance for (SPD) to Croydon’s Local Plan and, where appropriate, the further information. and is a material consideration document was amended prior when planning applications to a recommendation to the 1.2 WHAT IS A CONSERVA- are assessed. All planning Council for formal adoption. TION AREA APPRAISAL AND applications for sites within MANAGEMENT PLAN? the Wellesley Road (North) 1.5 DESIGNATION 1.2.1 A Conservation Area Conservation Area should be BACKGROUND Appraisal and Management informed by both this SPD and 1.5.1 The Wellesley Road (North) Plan is a document produced the Croydon Conservation Area Conservation Area was desig- to supplement Croydon’s General Guidance SPD. nated in October 2008 as part Local Plan, the London Plan, of the borough-wide review of and Croydon’s Conservation 1.4 COMMUNITY conservation areas and local Area General Guidance. An INVOLVEMENT areas of special character. The Appraisal defi nes the principal 1.4.1 The Mid Croydon Conserva- conservation area was desig- qualities that constitute the tion Area Advisory Panel (see nated due to its historic and conservation area’s special section 1.5 of the Conserva- architectural signifi cance and character and identifi es its tion Area General Guidance) due to the fact that the buildings current condition and threats. A supplied information to inform faced increasing pressure for Management Plan addresses this document prior to public redevelopment. This important the issues raised in the consultation, which ran from 1 historic survival of high quality Appraisal and provides area- August to the 28 September Victorian buildings is all the specifi c development guidelines 2012. The draft SPD on the more signifi cant in the context to supplement those provided Council’s website and hard of the dramatic change that in Croydon’s Conservation Area copies were available from Croydon’s town centre has General Guidance; potential local libraries. Site notices were seen in the last 50 years. enhancement schemes are also placed in the conservation area,

Doric Portico to number 89 Wellesley Buildings on the west side of Wellesley Road Road

3 1.6 STATEMENT OF SPECIAL 1.7 CHARACTER AREAS 1.7.2 Section 6 of this document CHARACTER 1.7.1 Character areas in the provides further assessment 1.6.1 The Wellesley Road (North) conservation area defi ned and and analysis of the signifi cance Conservation Area comprises grouped by housing type and of each character area. It is the earliest surviving buildings phasing of development: important to note that the on Wellesley Road. The conser- assessments made in this vation area is defi ned by its high 1. Upper Wellesley Road document are non-exhaustive quality architectural character (69-91) and further elements of archi- and historic signifi cance. 2. Belfi eld (49-67 Wellesley tectural or historic interest may Road) be present. 1.6.2 49-91 (odd) and 72-76 3. East Wellesley Road (72-76 (even) Wellesley Road are and St Mary’s) Victorian buildings that represent a cross section of mid-late C19th terrace design. The houses retain much of their original architectural character and many important historic features. As a cluster they add character and a sense of place to this part of Croydon’s town N centre and are a highly valued UPPER component of Croydon’s built WELLESLEY environment. ROAD 1.

1.6.3 Despite being a major transport route the conservation area maintains its domestic character that is in contrast to much of central Croydon.

1.6.4 The Roman Catholic church of St Mary’s also makes an important contribution to the conservation area’s special character.

1.6.5 ‘The houses represent BELFIELD 2. a fascinating cross-section of terrace design from the mid-nineteenth century. With EAST examples of more restrained WELLESLEY 1850’s terrace design to the ROAD 3. more ornate, with unusual features such as decorative Corinthian columns in the doorway jambs of the houses. Details such as these and their well-constructed nature make them now extremely coveted homes.’ Victorian Society Conservation Advisor, 2008 Map 3. Character areas in the Wellesley Road (North) Conservation Area

4 APPRAISAL

5 This Appraisal 2.0 CONTEXT defi nes the 2.1 LOCATION AND SETTING storey blocks also present. characteristics that 2.1.1 The Wellesley Road (North) Further south on Woburn Road Conservation Area is located lies St Mary’s school to the rear make the Wellesley in the Fairfi eld Ward to the of St Mary’s church and 72-76 Road (North) north of Croydon’s town centre, Wellesley Road. Conservation Area approximately 100m north east of West Croydon Station. 2.1.4 The conservation area’s special, including Wellesley Road is a major western setting is more north/south transport route suburban in character. Across its wider context, through the heart of Croydon’s the railway line lies a fi ne grain historic development, town centre, supporting a high grid layout of roads, including volume of traffi c and several St James’s Road, which mostly townscape, bus and tram routes. The road consists of Victorian terraced streetscape and runs parallel to the mainline and semi-detached houses. railway lines from West 95-97 Wellesley Road, immedi- architectural Croydon Station to London ately north of the conservation character. It also Bridge. area, follow the scale, building describes the lines and plot layout of the 2.1.2 Croydon’s town centre adjacent houses, including front conservation area’s creates an urban setting to gardens with low walling. current condition. the south of the conservation area. Adjacent to its boundary 2.1.5 Across the historic brick lies Prospect First (previously Spurgeon’s Bridge, on the Prospect West) designed by corner of Whitehorse Road architects Cullearn & Philips and St James’s Road, lies the and built in 1988-91. Other Grade II listed West Croydon nearby large offi ce buildings Baptist Church and the adjacent include Delta Point and Apollo locally listed Spurgeon’s Hall. and Lunar Houses. Croydon’s The church is of brick construc- town centre will see more major tion with stone dressings. Its development and tall buildings design is an unusual composi- in the near future, shaped by tion of domed quarter-circular Masterplanning, the Croydon colonnades either side of the Opportunity Area Planning principle elevation, which is Framework and the planning articulated by Doric pilasters process. This high density supporting a triglyph frieze. urban setting is part of the See the Conservation Area conservation area’s current and General Guidance, section 4.5 future setting, evident by the for further information on listed residential ‘Iylo’ tower and the buildings. The dramatic juxtaposition of Prospect Saffron Square development, First and Belfi eld terrace both under construction in 2012.

2.1.3 To the east of the conservation area lies Woburn Court, a substantial grouping of 1950’s- 1960’s ﬂ ats. Although not of any notable architectural value, the blocks are well sited behind mature trees with a signiﬁ cant amount of open space. Their massing is not overpowering; Woburn Court the central block, opposite Previous page: Architectural detail in 69-79 Wellesley Road, is 4 The Grade II listed West Croydon the conservation area storeys high with other three Baptist Church

6 N

ST JAMES’S ROAD

SPURGEON’S BRIDGE

WELLESLEY ROAD (NORTH) CONSERVATION AREA

RAILWAY BASIN SCHOOL

APOLLO AND LUNAR HOUSES

WEST CROYDON STATION

Aerial photograph of the Wellesley Road (North) Conservation Area and the surrounding area

7 2.2 HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT 2.2.1 A road following the same route and length as the current Wellesley Road existed as early as the C15th, when it was called ‘Norwood-Way’. It was then, as now, the key route from central Croydon to Norwood. Following the construction of a gateway to the old Croydon Common in c.1750, near to where Spurgeon’s Bridge crosses the railway lines today, the road’s name was changed to ‘New Gate Lane’. The ‘Gate’ was dropped a few years later Map 4: Extract from Rocque’s Map of c.1748, showing Croydon Common and and the road was then known the road layout in central Croydon as New Lane. Newgate, the road joining Wellesley Road and St James’s Road, laid out after World War II, makes a conscious reference to these historic road names. The Croydon Directory of 1852 records the change in name to ‘Wellesley Road’, after Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington, who died in September 1852.

2.2.2 In the fi rst half of the C19th the area was open land, indicated in the 1832 Croydon Directory and the 1838 Tithe Map. The Croydon Canal had Historic photograph of demolished buildings on the east side of Wellesley Road opened in 1809, connecting Croydon to the Surrey Canal detached and semi-detached 67A Wellesley Road were built and Rotherhithe, its basin properties to the north of the in a vacant site between 69 and running where the railway line area (79-91 odd) were built fi rst, the terrace at 49-65, some time now sits marking the western sometime in the 1840’s/1850’s. after 1890. However in 1868, the boundary of the conservation Next came the larger semi- setting of houses now within the area. The canal did not prove detached villas (69-79 odd) conservation area was relatively to be a fi nancial success and immediately to the south and open, surrounded by areas of in 1836 London and Croydon the small grouping on the other open space (see map 5). Railway purchased the assets side of the road (72-76 even). of the canal company and the Lastly Belfi eld terrace (49-65 2.2.4 Houses similar in character railway line that now runs from odd) was built immediately to 69-91 (odd) and 72-76 (even) West Croydon station to London to the south in the Gothic Wellesley Road once ran up Bridge was opened in 1839. Revival style. An additional the road’s eastern side from property to this terrace once number 78 to the corner of St 2.2.3 From the mid-C19 central existed immediately to the James’s Road (see historic Croydon saw a great expan- south, demolished along with photo). All were demolished sion, largely due to the success the complex of buildings that between 1953 and 1969 and of the railways. Of the houses was once Ave Maria School replaced by Woburn Court. now contained within the and later Council offi ces (see conservation area, the group of maps 5-8). Numbers 67 and

8 Maps 5-8: Historic maps of the area now within the conservation area: clockwise from top left: 1868, 1890, 1910 and 1933 - the red lines indicate the current conservation area boundary

9 2.2.5 Not all Victorian development in the area was residential. In the early C19th a small Catholic community developed in Croydon and, following the 1837 Catholic Emancipation, started to observe Mass amid much local suppression. The fi rst Roman Catholic church of Our Lady of Reparation, St. Mary’s, opened in 1841 on Handcroft Road. Before long a larger site was needed, and in 1863 the foundation stone of St. Mary’s on Wellesley Road was laid. The church was originally designed by E. W. Pugin, the eldest son of the leading Victorian Gothic Revival architect, A. W. N. Pugin. The present church is the product of alterations made in 1883 by the Scottish architect F. A. Walters, incorporating part of the original church. Both Pugin and Walters were prolifi c eccle- siastical architects, the latter most famously designing the now Grade II* listed Buckfast Abbey in Buckfastleigh, Devon. Linked to St Mary’s Church was the adjacent Convent for the Ladies of St Mary, which was redeveloped in the 1960’s, and St Mary’s school, which survives today as St Mary’s Catholic High School. Historic aerial photograph from the c.1940’s; Belfi eld terrace in the Wellesley 2.2.6 A few decades later another Road (North) Conservation Area is visible in the top right-hand corner religious centre developed in the area. On a site purchased 2.2.7 In 1935 Wellesley Road buildings. Examples include the in 1868 from the Presby- was described in the Croydon Croydon High School for Boys, terians, the West Croydon Advertiser as having ‘never situated immediately to the Baptist church was founded ‘‘gone down’’ in the sense that south of St Mary’s Church, and by the Rev. James Spurgeon, so many other fi ne residential Wellesley House, once situated pastor of the Croydon Baptist thoroughfare of past days have further south, on a site almost community from 1870-1899. deteriorated’; the same article opposite where Lunar House The foundation stone of the, later described the area as ‘a stands today. now Grade II listed, building pleasant tree-lined promenade designed by J. T. Barker, was with many substantial and well 2.2.8 In the decades following laid in 1872. The pastor lent his kept buildings.’1 The road was World War II the area changed name to the church’s nickname once lined with a wide variety of dramatically; almost all the of ‘Spurgeon’s Tabernacle’, notable Georgian and Victorian Victorian and Edwardian build- and the name of the adjacent ings situated between George railway bridge, Spurgeon’s 1. Wellesley Road, Croydon Advertiser, 31 Street and St Mary’s Church Bridge. August 1935 were demolished to make

10 way for the dual carriageway, subways and underpass lane. These were part of a planned ‘Croydon Ring Road’, of which the Flyover and Roman Way are also part. The last section of the planned ‘Ring Road’ was never completed and the properties in the Wellesley Road (North) Conservation Area were saved from demolition.

2.2.9 Several notable individuals are associated with Wellesley Road and the surrounding area. The house of Croydon’s notorious former Mayor, Jabez Balfour, one of the John Dingwall, after whom historic mansions that once lined Wellesley Road Dingwall Road is named, was a signifi cant local landowner in the late C18th and early C19th and lived at The Dingwalls, where he entertained George III on several occasions. Other N famous local residents include John Rickett (d.1878), an eminent meteorologist who retired to Wellesley Road after many years abroad, and C. B. Fry, the well-known cricketer and all round sportsman, politician and writer who lived on 144 St James’s Road. The property is adorned with an English Heritage Blue Plaque. The area was also once home to Croydon’s infamous fi rst Mayor, Jabez Balfour. Balfour was elected as Mayor when Croydon was awarded Borough status in 1883. He was later disgraced, when the Liberator Building Society, of which Balfour was founder, failed, leaving thousands of investors Map 9. Archaeological Priority Zones near to the Wellesley Road (North) penniless. It was discovered Conservation Area that instead of advancing money to home buyers, the 2.3 ARCHAEOLOGICAL section 4.5 of the Conservation Society advanced money to SIGNIFICANCE Area General Guidance for property companies to buy 2.3.1 The conservation area further information. proprieties owned by Balfour is located immediately to the at a higher price. In 1892 he north of the Central Croydon 2.3.4 Details of archaeological fl ed to Argentina, but was later Archaeological Priority Zone fi nds in the area, including grid arrested and imprisoned for (APZ). APZs are designated references of their location, are fraud in connection with the to help protect archaeological held by the Greater London scandal. remains that might be affected Historic Environment Record by development. Please see (see Appendix for details).

11 3.0 TOWNSCAPE CHARACTER

3.0.1 Townscape is the arrange- ment and appearance of buildings, spaces and other physical features in a locality.

3.1 LAYOUT AND PLAN FORM 3.1.1 The Wellesley Road (North) Conservation Area comprises only 24 separate plots, as well as St Mary’s Church. The conservation area’s shape and layout (please see Map 2. on Aerial photo of the Wellesley Road (North) Conservation Area p.2) is deﬁ ned by the distribu- tion of surviving Victorian buildings along Wellesley Road, set in a linear fashion mostly along its west side. There are also three properties and St Mary’s Church to its east side. The 22 plots on the west side of the road are bounded by the railway lines to the rear.

3.1.2 As dictated by the available space between the road and the railway lines, the depth of plots on the west side of Wellesley Road decreases to the north of the row; width:length plot ratios to the north of this row are approximately 1:2-1:3 and those further south as far as number 69 approximately 1:4-1:5, as Houses set back from the road on the St Mary’s Church directly abutting the are the plots of numbers 72-76 west side of Wellesley Road, showing pavement on the east side of the road. uniform building lines and the sizeable front gardens present Numbers 49-67 comprise a terrace and share communal gardens.

3.1.3 Building lines are parallel all along the west side of Wellesley Road and houses are consistently set back by an average of 5.5m. The houses on the road’s east side, 72-76 (even), are further set back, by an average of 6.7m. St Mary’s Church directly abuts the pavement.

3.1.4 Street width, including pavements, is on average 13.2m between the plot boundaries, though spacing is increased by the generous set back of properties from the road, as well as the large gardens in front View north up Wellesley Road

12 of the 1960’s housing beyond 3.3 MASSING the conservation area’s eastern 3.3.1 Massing varies throughout boundary. In front of numbers the conservation area. Numbers 49-67 the spacing appears much 81-91 and 76 Wellesley Road reduced due to the taller, more are two storeys in height with imposing, walling combined with additional roof accommoda- the presence of mature trees. tion. All other houses in the Pavement width is slightly wider conservation area are three to the north of the Wellesley storeys in height, either with Road (North) Conservation or without additional roof Area. accommodation. Almost all the houses have either a basement 3.2 DENSITY AND LAND USES or raised lower ground ﬂ oor 3.2.1 In the wider context of level. In general roofs of three Croydon’s town centre, the storey properties have a more density of housing within the shallow pitch than those of two conservation area is relatively storeys. St Mary’s church is low, though it varies between the approximately the same height mix of detached, semi detached as the three storey properties in and terraced buildings. On the the area. west side of Wellesley Road the density increases towards the 3.4 TOPOGRAPHY south as houses change from 3.4.1 The conservation area being detached (89-91), semi- is situated between 50 and detached (69-87) and terraced 60m above sea level with little (49-67A). Gaps between semi- sloping present. The historic detached and detached houses canal basin, which now houses contribute towards the articula- the railway lines, is situated tion of houses in the street behind the houses on the west scene. side of Wellesley Road. There are no other distinguishing 3.2.2 Land uses in the conserva- physical landscape features tion area are predominantly present in the largely urban residential. Due to the generous area. proportions of most houses and the demand for smaller 3.5 VIEWS accommodation near to central 3.5.1 North-south views exist Croydon, almost all of the along Wellesley Road. To the Gaps between houses on the west houses that were once single north this view includes the new side of Wellesley Road dwellings have been converted ‘Iylo’ tower and that of the West into ﬂ ats. Croydon Baptist Chapel across Spurgeon’s Bridge. High rise 3.2.3 Some properties have buildings in central Croydon are been adapted for community visible from within the Wellesley use: 72-76 Wellesley Road is a Road (North) Conservation Social Centre for the Croydon Area. Additional high-rise Voluntary Association for the buildings are likely to be built in Blind. Please see section 9.9 the future and views from the for development guidelines on conservation area will inevitably proposed changes of use. change.

3.2.4 St Mary’s is an operational Roman Catholic Church. The attached school is situated outside of the conservation area boundary.

13 4.0 STREETSCAPE CHARACTER

4.0.1 Streetscape is the outward facing visual appearance and character of a street or locality.

4.1 PUBLIC REALM AND OPEN SPACE 4.1.1 The public realm in the conservation area is in a reasonable physical condition, though some areas will need upgrading in the near future, including the asphalt footways.

4.1.2 At the time of writing there is a low general standard of maintenance of front gardens and there is a predominance of hard surfacing, accumulation of clutter and litter and visible bins Footway on the west of Wellesley Road outside numbers 85-87 throughout the area. However where houses have come back into active use this has generally been accompanied by well-landscaped front gardens.

4.1.3 Most front gardens retain mid or low boundary walling, which should be retained as it plays an important part in demarcating the limit of the public and private realms. Some historic ﬂ int and brick walls with stone piers and coping are present. Traditional style iron railings and gates Historic walling with stone piers Modern brick low walling are also present, which make a positive contribution to the area’s character.

4.1.4 There is no usable public open space within the conservation area beyond that of the roads and pavements. All houses are set back from the road behind front gardens, which helps to give the area a sense of openness, as do the large gardens in front of Woburn Court.

4.1.5 For further information on standards and guidance set for Croydon’s public realm please see the Croydon Public Realm Design Guide (see Appendix for details). Bus stop on the western side of Wellesley Road outside numbers 77-79

14 4.2 STREET FURNITURE 4.2.1 The area has some street furniture present. This includes a bus stop with adjacent litter and recycling bins (see photo) and several lamp-posts situated along this section of Wellesley Road. There is also a traditional style post box situated on the east side of the road and some telecommunications cabinets situated on pavements, which cause clutter.

4.2.2 There are some unnecessary signs and adverts attached to lamp-posts that detract from the area’s overall appearance. Telecommunications cabinet on Traditional style post box on the Some telecommunications the west side of Wellesley Road, east side of Wellesley Road cabinets are also present, adding to clutter on the pavements though these are fairly well sited adjacent to boundary walling so as to not obstruct pedestrian movement on the pavement.

4.3 GREENERY AND TREES 4.3.1 There are some street trees along with soft landscaping and trees in front gardens present in the conservation area. Front gardens to the south of the conservation area have more trees and planting than gardens to the north, although there is one large tree in the front garden of 81 Wellesley Road.

4.3.2 The existing planting makes a signiﬁ cant contribution to the appearance of the conservation area. This is, however, limited and there is potential for more planting and trees to be introduced. This will be considered by the Council as part of wider plans to transform the Wellesley Road / Park Lane corridor.

4.3.3 Conservation area status gives protection to trees within its boundary. Please see sections 5.14 and 7.3 of the Conservation Area General Guidance for further information. Trees in the southern part of the conservation area

15 5.0 ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER

5.1 GENERAL ARCHITEC- 5.2 HISTORIC AND ARCHI- present on this building. Please TURAL CHARACTER TECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE also see section 4.5 of the 5.1.1 The architectural character OF BUILDINGS Conservation Area General of the Wellesley Road (North) 5.2.1 Please refer to Map 10. Guidance for further informa- Conservation Area is deﬁ ned tion. by the collection of detached, LOCALLY LISTED BUILDING semi-detached and terraced 5.2.2 One building in the POSITIVE UNLISTED Victorian houses. Houses in Wellesley Road (North) Conser- BUILDINGS the conservation area are vation Area, St Mary’s Catholic 5.2.3 All other buildings in the grouped according to their Church, is on Croydon’s Local Wellesley Road (North) Conser- phase of development. Different List of Buildings of Architectural vation Area positively contribute groups are designed in different or Historic Interest in recogni- to its overall character and architectural styles; 49-67 tion of its local value. Demoli- appearance. Demolition of Wellesley Road and the locally tion of this building is consid- these buildings is also consid- listed St Mary’s church are in ered to constitute substantial ered to constitute substantial a Gothic Revival style and all harm to the conservation area harm to the conservation area. other houses in a Classical and there is a presumption in Special attention should be paid style. Despite there being some favour of its retention. Special towards preserving important stylistic and character variation, attention should also be paid to historic architectural features there is an overall sense of preserving important features present on these buildings. homogeneity of architectural character in the conservation area largely due to the overall generous proportions, layout and use of similar and high quality materials and methods of construction.

5.1.2 Details and embellish- ments, to buildings make a signiﬁ cant contribution to the area’s special character, for example the Doric portico to 89 Wellesley Road (see photograph on p.3) and the decorative ironwork window boxes on many properties in the conservation area.

Pair of semi-detached houses on the west side of Wellesley Road

Decorative ironwork window box, an important surviving historic feature although in a poor condition, situated on a projecting timber sill

16 LEVEL OF CONTRIBUTION BUILDINGS MAKE TO THE CONSERVATION AREA’S SPECIAL CHARACTER

Locally Listed Positive Unlisted N

Map 10. The level of contribution buildings make to the conservation area’s special character.

17 5.3 KEY ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES AND MATERIALS KEY ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES1 5.3.1 High quality architectural A) 69-91 (ODD) AND 72-76 (EVEN) WELLESLEY features and materials are generally found throughout the ROAD conservation area. 1. Prominent decorative mouldings (cornices, architraves and entablatures) around windows 5.3.2 There are two categories of buildings within the conserva- and doors tion area (see right), separated 2. Decorative railings and window boxes by their architectural style, that generally display similar key 3. Porches with architectural decoration features. Common materials are 4. Quoins found throughout the conservation area. Generally buildings in 5. Console brackets the area contain a selection of 6. Pediments and segmental pediments characteristic key features and materials. 7. Projecting window sills supported by brackets 8. Prominent chimney stacks 5.3.3 The adjacent table lists general key architectural 9. Multi-pane and arched windows features and building materials 10. Overhanging eaves found in the area: B) 49-67A WELLESLEY ROAD AND ST MARY’S CHURCH 11. Prominent decorative mouldings around windows and doors 12. Pointed arched windows and doors 13. Porches with architectural decoration 14. Patterning formed in brickwork 15. Decorative bands and string courses 16. Hood mouldings 17. Columns and capitals

COMMON BUILDING MATERIALS 18. London multi-stock bricks 19. Stone / stucco detailing and dressings 20. Slate tiles 21. Clay chimney tiles / chimney pots 22. Cast or wrought ironwork

1 Please see the glossary of relevant terms in Conservation Area General Guidance

18 1, 3, 9 1, 5, 6 11, 13

1, 2, 4 17 2, 7, 22

2, 22 ` 1, 3 2, 22

1, 10, 15 12, 14 1, 4, 5

19 6.0 CHARACTER AREAS

6.0.1 This section expands on the statement of special interest in section 1.6 and outlines the individual characteristics of each character area, as identi- ﬁ ed in section 1.7.

6.1 UPPER WELLESLEY ROAD (69-91) 6.1.1 This character area is a group of Classical-style urban villas, visually uniﬁ ed by key features and characteristics (see section 5.3). The conservation area’s earliest buildings were constructed in the 1840’s and 50’s and lie to the north (numbers 81-91).

6.1.2 Numbers 89 and 91 are two detached properties of a high architectural quality yet modest proportions. The front elevation of 91 is at present obstructed View looking north up Wellesley Road by a visually cluttered series of railings installed for disability access. However the building retains much of its original character, including brick detailing, brackets and a bay window feature. 89 has striking detailing, including its projecting Doric portico with accompany- ing decorative iron railings and heavy set mouldings around the windows and door.

6.1.3 Numbers 81-87 are two pairs of almost identical semi-detached houses. They are designed in a restrained Classical style and display many characteristic features, including projecting stone or 87-91 Wellesley Road Doric Portico at 89 Wellesley Road stucco quoins, string courses, attractive console brackets, deep eaves, and decorative ironwork (see glossary in the Conservation Area General Guidance). They are built in London stock brick, with either painted stone or stucco detailing. All four houses have pedimented or segmentally pedimented mouldings above the doorways. Segmentally pedimented doorway Pedimented doorway

20 6.1.4 69-79 are three pairs of semi-detached three storey properties with lower ground fl oor accommodation. These semi-detached villas share the general characteristics of 81-87, but on a grander scale, being of three storeys with basements. Of particular interest are the projecting window sills at ground fl oor level, with accom- panying decorative ironwork railings for window boxes. Several of these properties are in a poor condition, with features such as the projecting ‘Bellfi eld’ terrace sills in need of urgent repair and maintenance.

6.1.5 Chimney stacks play an important role in deﬁ ning architectural rhythm and visual articulation of the street, as do Engraved stone nameplate the heavy set mouldings around doors and windows.

6.1.6 All properties in this character area have spacious rear gardens and are set back from Wellesley Road with front gardens behind boundary walling of a low-medium height. Some greenery and planting is present in these front gardens.

6.2 ‘BELFIELD’ (49-67 WELLESLEY ROAD) 6.2.1 To the south of the conservation area lies ‘Belfi eld’, a distinctive late C19th three- Projecting porches at Belfi eld 67 and 67A Wellesley Road storey terrace, identifi ed by an engraved stone in the central single entrance from what were south were demolished for the gable. The terrace is designed originally two entrances). This construction of Prospect First. in a Gothic Revival style, is a direct result of this part of The brickwork of the exterior of with characteristic projecting the terrace being converted to this extension matches that of porches containing decorative fl ats, when two entrances were Prospect First. pointed arches with fl anking converted into a single point columns with carved capitals, of entry. Another example of 6.2.4 Numbers 67 and 67A polychromatic brick decora- inappropriate change is the Wellesley Road are a symmet- tion, and a variety of surface alteration of a window opening rical pair of houses built after detailing. at second fl oor level. the construction of the adjacent Gothic Revival terrace and 6.2.2 Alterations have affected 6.2.3 A full height side extension designed to be in keeping with the special character of this was constructed to the south the conservation area’s archi- terrace (including the re-working elevation of 49-51 Wellesley tectural character. of door openings to create a Road when buildings to the

21 6.3 EAST WELLESLEY ROAD (72-76 & ST MARY’S) 6.3.1 Numbers 72-76 Wellesley Road are of a high architectural quality and make a strong contribution to the special character of the conservation area, as the only remaining Victorian houses on the east side of Wellesley Road.

6.3.2 Number 76 is a detached two-storey property of a symmetrical composition with a double gabled roof. At ground fl oor level, a heavy set central entrance arch with decorative stone/stucco mouldings is fl anked by two pairs of heavy set arched windows. The fi rst fl oor, set above a thick string course with radiating stucco Numbers 76 (right) and 72-74 Wellesley Road bracket supports, mirrors the ground fl oor, with a window above the entrance set above a decorative stucco panel. All windows and the entrance arch have oversized decorative key stones, the only example of this in the conservation area.

6.3.3 Bedford Hall (72-74) is a grand three-storey property, formerly a pair of semi- detached houses, which has been signifi cantly extended to the rear. The property is exactly symmetrical (refl ecting its former character as a pair of houses), designed in a restrained Classical style, with Bedford Hall entrance arch St Mary’s Church prominent heavy-set entrances, string courses, deep eaves, a strong contribution to the and 1933, though is in keeping brick chimney stacks, arched special character of the conser- with the original building. The windows at ground fl oor and vation area. The west façade north and south elevations are windows with decorative has attached buttresses and the very much visible both from mouldings to the upper fl oors. central bay contains an ornate within and without the conser- The entrance arches and fi rst rose window with a quatrefoil vation area, and consist of a fl oor windows are topped with window intersecting a stone row of alternating buttressed canopied detailing with dentils. string course above. Flanking and plate traceried pointed gables contain pointed windows windows set under a continuous 6.3.4 The Roman Catholic church with stone tracery. A prominent brick moulded cornice. The of St Mary’s is a distinctive bell tower is also present above presbytery that exists today building of brick construction the central gable. The projecting to the building’s south end with stone dressings and a ground fl oor entrance was was reworked at some point slate gabled roof, which makes added some time between 1910 between 1953 and 1969.

22 7.0 CONDITION AND THREATS

7.1 CURRENT CONDITION 7.1.1 When designated in 2008, many buildings in the conservation area were in a poor condition. All the houses, many of which were previously in housing association ownership, were empty. In 2010 and 2011 the conservation area featured in the English Heritage Conser- vation Area at Risk Register. Multiple satellite dishes installed to Bins without a storage area the front elevation of a building 7.1.2 Over the last few years many houses have been sold to private owners and have been repaired, renovated, divided into fl ats and brought back into active use. Despite this positive change there is signifi cant capacity for improvement in terms of the maintenance of buildings and front gardens. A signifi cant amount of minor development has also occurred, which has negatively affected the conservation area’s special character, most notably the replacement of timber sash windows with uPVC windows and the installation of satellite 69 Wellesley Road 85 Wellesley Road dishes to front elevations.

7.2 BUILDINGS AT RISK 7.2.1 Due to their poor condition the following buildings are currently ‘at risk’.

85 WELLESLEY ROAD 7.2.2 At the time of writing this property is unoccupied. Evidence of neglect includes cracked window panes at fi rst fl oor level and the window and door openings at ground and lower ground fl oor level are in-fi lled with concrete blocks.

69 WELLESLEY ROAD 7.2.3 At the time of writing this property is unoccupied. 73-75 Wellesley Road Evidence of neglect includes the front door and window 73-75 WELLESLEY ROAD externally. Features such as the openings at lower ground ﬂ oor 7.2.4 At the time of writing this mouldings around windows are level are in-ﬁ lled with concrete pair of semi-detached proper- in need of repair and mainte- blocks. ties appear to be occupied, nance and front gardens are but are in a poor condition littered with rubbish and clutter.

7.3 KEY THREATS 7.3.1 While insensitive develop- THREATS TO BUILDINGS ment can instantly harm the 1. Partial or total demolition of historic buildings conservation area’s special character, negative change 2. Development affecting the conservation area’s can often occur incrementally setting through piecemeal alterations and additions to buildings that 3. Poor maintenance of buildings do not require planning permis- 4. Loss of historic architectural features sion, or that occurred prior to the area’s designation. 5. Alterations to historic fabric 6. Introduction of new features and materials 7.3.2 The conservation area is under pressure from a number that detract from area’s character of changes, which can result in 7. Loss of ironwork from window boxes and railings threats to its special character and appearance. Existing and 8. Re-pointing of walls with cement render potential threats are outlined in 9. Poorly designed and / or oversized roof, front the box below, categorised as and side extensions to whether they impact directly on buildings or the wider 10. The use of non-traditional rooﬁ ng materials streetscape. 11. Installation of satellite dishes to roofscapes and / or front elevations 12. Installation of poorly-sited renewable energy technologies and other building services 13. Commercial signage cluttering building elevations

THREATS TO STREETSCAPE 14. Loss of low-walling boundary treatments 15. Installation of ramps or high railings in front gardens 16. Poor maintenance of front gardens Rubbish in front gardens 17. Accumulation of litter 18. Lack of screened storage for recycling and refuse bins 19. Loss of street trees and planting 20. Use of low-grade materials for roads and pavement 21. Excessive trafﬁ c road markings 22. Poor siting and upkeep of street furniture 23. Grafﬁ ti 23. Impacts of tall buildings in Croydon’s town centre on the conservation area’s setting

Inappropriate alterations to doorways

24 MANAGEMENT PLAN

25 This Management 8.0 ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS Plan provides area- 8.0.1 It is the responsibility of the property owners to improve speciﬁ c guidance property owner to be aware the energy efﬁ ciency of their of the designations that apply property. on development, to their building and the area maintenance and within which it is situated. 8.5 ARCHAEOLOGICAL enhancement in INVESTIGATIONS 8.1 LOCALLY LISTED 8.5.1 Archeological investigations the Wellesley Road BUILDINGS may be required for develop- 8.1.1 At present St Mary’s Church ment affecting the setting of (North) Conservation is the only locally listed building the conservation area located Area. It supplements in the Wellesley Road (North) within an Archaeological Priority Conservation Area. For more Zone that involves ground- Croydon’s information on the implications works. Please see section Conservation Area of local listing please see the 4.5 of the Conservation Area Conservation Area General General Guidance for further General Guidance, Guidance, section 4.5 and the information. which provides Locally Listed Building SPD. general guidance 8.2 ARTICLE 4 DIRECTIONS for all conservation 8.2.1 The Council maintains the right to serve an Article 4 Direc- areas and should be tion if it is deemed appropriate read in conjunction to protect the special character of the conservation area. For with this document. more information on Article 4 Directions please see the Conservation Area General Guidance, section 2.5.

8.3 BUILDING REGULATIONS 8.3.1 Please see section 8 of the Conservation Area General Guidance.

8.4.2 In the Wellesley Road (North) Conservation Area the installation of external wall insulation to elevations visible from the road is not considered to be an appropriate measure. It is recommended that less obtrusive measures, including internal wall and roof insulation, the draft prooﬁ ng of windows and doors, internal secondary Previous page: View north up glazing, are considered by Wellesley Road

26 9.0 DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES

9.0.1 All development within considered in all new develop- the Wellesley Road (North) ment. Please see section 9.4 Conservation Area must be in below for further guidance on line with Croydon’s Local Plan extensions. Policies and should preserve or enhance its special character. 9.3 DEVELOPMENT AFFECT- The guidance below supple- ING THE CONSERVATION ments that provided in the AREA’S SETTING Conservation Area General 9.3.1 Any development that Guidance and helps to address affects the setting of the threats identiﬁ ed in section 7. conservation area must respect Some common subjects, such its townscape, streetscape as the siting of TV aerials, solar and architectural character panels and satellite dishes affect and should not adversely conservation areas across affect its setting or views of or the borough and guidance is from the conservation area. provided in the Conservation Its immediate setting to the Photo from within the Wellesley Road (North) Conservation Area Area General Guidance and not north, west and east generally showing its wider urban setting. This repeated here. consists of buildings that are a changing backdrop of a similar domestic scale as 9.0.2 The Council will investigate those within the conservation reports of unauthorised devel- area. Any proposals to replace opment (see the Conservation such buildings with larger scale Area General Guidance, section developments should not result 7). As part of this assessment a in a negative impact on the full survey of the area as visible conservation area. from the street has been made, which will be used as evidence 9.3.2 Careful consideration will when reviewing any reports of be given to the impact of future unauthorised development. development in Croydon’s town centre on the conservation 9.1 DEMOLITION area’s setting. It is accepted 9.1.1 All buildings within the that due to the planned signiﬁ - Wellesley Road (North) Conser- cant growth and future change, vation Area are considered including the potential develop- to contribute positively to the ment of tall buildings in the area’s special character (see West Croydon and New Town An exception to the general rule in paragraph 9.4.2: a well designed new section 5.2) and as such any areas, this setting will inevitably porch that has enhanced the character proposals for the demolition of change. Those responsible for of the building buildings will be resisted. proposing any future high rise development in Croydon’s town 9.4 EXTENSIONS 9.2 NEW DEVELOPMENT centre must carefully consider 9.4.1 Planning permission is 9.2.1 There are no vacant devel- the impacts on the conserva- required for front, side and roof opment sites in the conservation area and ensure that their extensions and for some rear tion area. Opportunities for proposals are of the highest extensions. development could only result design quality. Applicants will from the conversion and/or be expected to submit such 9.4.2 Proposals for front exten- extension of existing proper- information as deemed neces- sions, including new porches, ties. Any proposed scheme will sary to aid this assessment. are generally not considered be expected to be of a high The Croydon Opportunity Area to be acceptable due to the quality design that enhances Planning Framework provides negative impact on the special the conservation area’s special further guidance on scale and character of individual buildings character and appearance. massing of development and and disruption of architectural Urban design aspects, including how it must integrate with, rhythm provided by the articula- height, scale, massing and respect and enhance the tion of the existing groups of building lines must be carefully historic environment. buildings they would cause.

27 9.4.3 Side extensions may be 9.5 WINDOW REPLACEMENT dropped kerbs for vehicular acceptable as long as careful 9.5.1 Any surviving historic and access and it is unlikely that consideration is given to the traditional style windows should permission will be granted quality of materials and design. be retained and refurbished. because of highway safety All side extensions should be issues of vehicles reversing out set back from the main front 9.6 IRONWORK onto a busy highway with often wall of the existing property to 9.6.1 Historic iron railings, balus- fast moving traffi c. As a result, retain the character and integ- trades and balconies are impor- front gardens of the properties rity of the original dwelling. tant, often historic, features within the conservation area and add to the character of are not suitable for car parking 9.4.4 Well designed single storey a building as well as that of and should be retained as rear extensions are considered the wider area. The Council landscaped front gardens. to be acceptable in principle. encourages the re-instatement Carefully designed two storey of lost ornamental ironwork 9.8.3 Low level walls contribute to rear extensions may be with good quality replacements the conservation area’s appear- appropriate provided they are of an appropriate design. ance. New proposals for low well separated from adjoining Ironwork should be retained walling are generally consid- occupiers. If the rear of the and protected through regular ered to be acceptable, provided property is visible from the painting and maintenance. they are constructed from high street rear extensions will need quality materials. Higher level to be more carefully designed 9.7 CLADDING, RENDERING solid boundary treatments are so as to complement the OR PAINTING OF WALLS generally not considered to existing building. 9.7.1 Planning permission be acceptable at the front of a is required for the external property. 9.4.5 As there is a consistent cladding or rendering of walls. pattern of roof lines in the Originally exposed brick walls 9.9 CHANGES OF USE conservation area, roof exten- should not be clad, rendered or 9.9.1 There is an increasing sions or dormer windows painted as the exposed brick demand in the Wellesley Road that are visible from a public walls of properties contribute (North) Conservation Area for highway are generally not towards the special character of houses to be converted in to considered to be appropriate. the conservation area. fl ats or multiple occupancies. Small dormer extensions on This is acceptable in principle, the rear of the properties are 9.8 FRONT GARDENS as long as all potential negative generally considered to be 9.8.1 Most of the buildings within impacts on the conservation acceptable, providing they are the Wellesley Road (North) area’s special character have of a high quality design and Conservation Area have large been considered and measures constructed from high quality front gardens. Their treatment is implemented to prevent them. materials that respect the particularly important because character and appearance of they have a signifi cant impact 9.9.2 All proposals for change of the conservation area. on the special character of the use to fl ats or multiple occupan- area. All development proposals cies should comply with the 9.4.6 All proposals for exten- must contain landscape design checklist of requirements in sions should be in line with the proposals for front gardens, section 5.4 of the Conservation requirements of the Residential which should including: Area General Guidance. Extensions and Alterations • The retention of existing SPD. Due to the sensitive attractive boundary treatments 9.9.3 There is also pressure for nature of building in the and landscaping change of use of buildings from conservation area, extra care • A good balance of soft and residential to commercial or and attention must be paid to hard landscaping community use. Any applica- preserving and enhancing its • Trees tions for a change of use special character. Additional • Provision for the storage and to commercial use that are considerations to supplement screening of refuse and recy- considered to be acceptable the Residential Extensions and cling bins in principle should ensure all Alterations SPD are outlined in signage is well integrated with section 5.3 of the Conservation 9.8.2 Planning permission is the building. Area General Guidance. required for the installation of

28 10.0 ENHANCEMENT

10.0.1 Property owners are encouraged to undertake minor works that will improve the condition and appearance of their properties, which will have a wider positive impact on the conservation area as a whole. Much enhancement of buildings and the wider area does not require planning permission; please contact the Council or consult the Building Conserva- tion Directory (see Appendix for details) for further advice. The Council welcomes and supports enhancement schemes proposed by property owners or the local community.

10.1 MAINTENANCE Newly cleaned facade of Belfi eld Newly landscaped front garden in 10.1.1 Please see section 6 of terrace upper Wellesley Road the Conservation Area General Guidance. In order to ensure the repair, restoration or reinstate- refuse screening long-term survival of important ment of the following damaged • The reinstatement or repair features regular attention is or lost architectural and of lost or damaged ironwork required to stop them falling into landscape features: window boxes and railings a state of disrepair. The Council • Decorative window and door therefore recommends that surrounds 10.2.3 Advice from the Council regular maintenance is under- • Stucco / stone detailing and should be sought for more taken to retain the collective plasterwork mouldings substantial work than the above value of the attractive features • Decorative motifs or string to determine whether planning present in the area. Some courses permission or a certifi cate of minor works do not require • Ironwork railings lawful development is required. planning permission but, if left Please see the Appendix for unattended, may result in unnec- 10.2.2 In addition the following contact details. essary decay and damage, would also result in an which could lead to the need enhancement to the area: 10.3 RE-INSTATNG FRONT to conduct more complex and • The re-siting of inappropriately GARDENS AND NEW expensive repair works that may located satellite dishes, solar PLANTING require planning permission at panels and TV aerials 10.3.1 The treatment of front a later date. Basic maintenance • The replacement of uPVC gardens is a particularly impor- recommendations include: or aluminium windows and tant issue in the Wellesley Road • The regular clearing of debris doors with timber alternatives (North) Conservation Area due in gutters and rainwater pipes in keeping with the area’s to the layout of buildings within • The pruning of vegetation in special character their plots. Many front gardens close proximity to buildings • The replacement of non- in the Wellesley Road (North) • The re-fi xing of loose roof tiles traditional roofi ng materials Conservation Area have been or slates with natural slate tiles redeveloped, with boundary • The regular re-painting of • The removal of new architec- treatments and soft landscape timber features tural features that detract from removed. This has resulted in a the area’s special character negative impact on the special 10.2 REPAIRING, RESTORING • The re-designing or revised character and appearance of AND RE-INSTATING ARCHI- treatment of existing over- the conservation area. Property TECTURAL FEATURES sized and/or poorly designed owners can enhance the overall 10.2.1 The conservation area extensions character and appearance of would be enhanced through the • Installation of appropriate the area by:

29 • Returning hard-surfaced areas 10.6 PUBLIC REALM to soft landscape for front IMPROVEMENTS gardens with shrubs and trees 10.6.1 Routine maintenance of • Re-introducing low-walled the public realm occurs as boundary treatments or well- part of the ongoing cycle of designed railings maintenance within Croydon. There may be potential for 10.4 REFUSE STORAGE further enhancements in the 10.4.1 The Appraisal identi- future. All proposals to enhance fi es the unsightly presence the conservation area’s public of refuse and recycling bins realm must be in accordance as a threat to the conserva- with the Croydon’s Public tion area’s overall character Realm Design Guide (please and appearance. Property see Appendix for details). owners should consider the installation of unobstrusive 10.6.2 All temporary signage bin housings to screen refuse removed after the relevant that may otherwise be visible period of display. All new street from the street. This can be lighting will be implemented a relatively simple measure in the area according to the that can enhance not only adopted Street Lighting PFI the appearance of individual agreement. properties but also that of the wider conservation area. Any 10.6.3 The public realm of structure should be situated the Wellesley Road (North) An example of Legible London behind the main building line if Conservation Area is to be signage in Croydon’s town centre possible. Planning permission is re-considered in 2013 as part required for the erection of any of the wider Wellesley Road permanent structure, including public realm works that form refuse storage, in front of the part of the Council’s Connected main building line. Croydon Programme. Improve- ments being considered 10.5 CONSERVATION AREA include providing new and SIGNAGE enhanced surface pedestrian 10.5.1 Existing and forthcoming crossings to replace existing way-fi nding schemes in the subways, improved way-fi nding, Croydon’s town centre, such re-paving, softening the street as Legible London, may be with tree planting and imple- extended in the future to cover menting improvements to the the Wellesley Road (North) traffi c gyratory Conservation Area. The Council will consider any community-led projects to introduce signage to identify the conservation area, provided that it is of a design that would enhance the area’s special character and that the costs of maintenance and management are fully considered.