WOOTTON COURTENAY

CONSERVATION AREA CHARACTER APPRAISAL

Prepared for Exmoor National Park by John Fisher BA MA MRTPI IHBC

Published by Exmoor National Park Authority © Copyright Exmoor National Park 2003

1 Contents

PAGE

1 Topographic & Historic Background 4

- Location & Essential Characteristics 4 - Historic Development 4

2 The Conservation Area 5

- Background & Setting 5 - Purpose of the Character Appraisal 5

3 Archaeological Considerations 6

4 Built Environment 6

- Architectural Significance 6 - Character Areas 7 - Use of Materials - Buildings 8 - Boundary Features 9 - Ground Surfaces 9

5 Building Form & Ornament 10

6 Condition of Buildings 11

7 Historic Buildings 11

- Grade I Buildings 11 - Grade II* Listed Buildings 11 - Grade II Listed Buildings 12 - Other Key Buildings 14

8 Landscape & Trees 15

9 Detractions & Vulnerability 15

10 Key Local Factors & Guiding Principles 16

- Buildings in the Conservation Area 16 - Visual Integrity 16 - Use of Traditional Materials 17 - Historic Setting and Landscape 17

11 Important Policy Considerations 18

Bibliography and References 19

2 Following the text are:

HISTORIC MAPS

1 Wootton Courtenay in its wider setting in 1760 (from Emmanuel Bowen’s Map of Somerset)

2 Tithe Map of Wootton Courtenay c.1840

3 Wootton Courtenay c.1889 (First Edition O.S.map 1:2500 scale)

4 Wootton Courtenay c.1905 (Second Edition O.S.map 1:2500 scale)

APPRAISAL MAPS

5 Existing Conservation Area & Listed Buildings

6 Significant Features

7 Age of Buildings

8 Building Materials – Roofs

9 Building Materials – Walls

3 A varied building line, significant gaps with trees and differences in level help to create a historic built environment of special character.

1 TOPOGRAPHIC & HISTORIC BACKGROUND

(i) Location & Essential Characteristics

1.1 Wootton Courtenay is a spacious village at the foot of a spur of the short range of mainly wooded hills extending from Tivington Common in the west to Grabbist Hill in the east. Several narrow lanes some 2- 3km. from the nearest classified roads connect the village to adjoining settlements, chief of which are Dun- ster, 6km. to the east and Minehead, 7km. to the north-east

1.2 The village has a sheltered south-facing aspect with dramatic views towards some of the higher moors, including Dunkery Beacon, which at 519m. is the highest point of Exmoor. Low traffic volumes, which is sometimes as much equestrian as vehicular, provides a pleasing sense of tranquillity and isolation. A special characteristic is the extent of stone boundary walls and areas paved or cobbled in natural stone, the latter sometimes in sections raised above the carriageway.

(ii) Historic Background

1.3 The place-name derives from Anglo-Saxon wudu (a wood) and tun (a settlement or enclosure) and Courtenay derives from the family of that name who became Earls of Devon. It was first held by John de Curtenay, who died in 1274. There is also a mention in 1335 of Hugh de Courtenay, then Lord of the Manor.

1.4 Wootton Courtenay seems always to have been an agricultural settlement. From the 19th century the chief crops were wheat, barley, turnips and fruit. Nowadays farming in the locality is more pastoral, though some cereals are grown. The parish church originally dates from the 13th century, but was much al- tered in a restoration of 1866 when the upper section of the tower with saddle-back roof was added. There is a fragment of an old cross in the churchyard. A former rector, Richard Montague, became Bishop of Chich- ester in 1628.

4 Above left: Wootton Courtenay parish church has a fine approach, and an elevated setting. , and (centre) an unusual “saddleback” tower. Above right: Within the church yard are some well-preserved headstones, mainly as shown dating from the late 18th century, although there is a rare early 17th century example which is grade II listed..

1.5 The parish population in 1871 was 392, and is currently (2001 census). A National schoolroom was erected in 1859 and enlarged in 1867, but has been closed for some years.

2 THE CONSERVATION AREA

(i) Background & Setting

2.1 The present Wootton Courtenay conservation area was designated in December 1994. It includes most of the 19th century and earlier settlement which forms a loosely scattered linear pattern linked by sandstone walls. There is a focal point of development close to the T-junction, which gives the village a well-defined main centre with another concentration of cottages further south, close to a small stream flowing towards the River Avill.

2.2 Within the conservation area are five listed buildings, and three other structures (see section 7) All are grade II listed except the Parish Church which is listed grade I, and the churchyard medieval cross, is grade II*.

(ii) Purpose of the Character Appraisal

2.2 The statutory definition of a conservation area is “an area of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance.” Sec- tion 71 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Con- servation Areas) Act 1990 places a duty on local planning authorities to formulate and publish pro- posals for designated conservation areas. This re- quirement is expanded upon in Planning Policy Guidance Note 15 section 4.

2.3 An English Heritage Conservation This view from the western edge of the conservation Area Practice Note published in June 1993 area shows the dramatic landscape setting of the also states that “Local Authorities should..define village, with undulating farmland against a backdrop of open moorland.

5 that special architectural or historic character which warrants designation by means of a published detail character analysis”. Part of the purpose of such a document is to “incorporate policies in the statutory local plan...the most important (of which) will be a presumption against the loss of elements which have been identified as making a positive contribution to that special interest which warranted designation.”

2.4 A process of change within a conservation area is inevitable. The purpose of a character statement such as this is to define as clearly as possible the historic (and by implication archaeological), ar- chitectural, and natural components of the conservation area that are considered especially important and contribute most to its character. It is also intended to advise on the scope for repair or restoration where needed and to encourage improvement or removal of unsightly features. There is an emphasis upon the use of local traditional materials and methods of construction which seeks to challenge an increasing trend to- wards the use of standardised artificial substitutes.

2.5 To summarise, the principal aims of this document are intended to define:

- what influences have given Wootton Courtenay its special character

- what chiefly reflects this character and is most worth conserving

- what has suffered damage or loss and may need reinstating

- what should be considered in guiding future changes

- what visual features particularly need safeguarding

- what existing or potential resources may be available to maintain character and assist in enhance- ment.

2.6 Such a document is to “incorporate policies in the statutory local plan...the most important (of which) will be a presumption against the loss of elements which have been identified as making a positive contribution to that special interest which warranted designation.”

3 ARCHAEOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE

3.1 Planning Policy Guidance Notes 15 and 16 have advised that archaeology has become a “material consideration” in the planning process. Planning authorities must now consider the balance between the need for development and the effects it has on the historic environment.

3.2 The County Sites and Monuments Record for Wootton Courtenay shows a considerable number of entries for the parish as a whole, although only three are within the conservation area. The parish also contains several historic farmsteads of which one is entirely, and another partly, within the conservation area. Both early editions of the Ordnance Survey map, published in 1889 and 1903 show a considerable number of orchard paddocks encircling much of the village. These have virtually disappeared, although within close proximity (for example at the eastern edge of the village, and at Tivington and near Timbers- combe) are several locations defined as an “Orchard of Landscape Importance” in the Exmoor National Park Local Plan.

4 BUILT ENVIRONMENT

(i) Architectural Character

4.1 As the village has medieval origins, it is possible that a detailed survey of vernacular detail, roof

6 Walls and hedgerow banks are a very important visual element of the conservation area, and provide a cohesive link be- tween an otherwise loose knit settlement pattern. timbers for example, would reveal some surviving evidence of one or more former open hall houses, dating from the 15th century or earlier. The majority of cottage groups displaying characteristic local vernacular features, appear to mainly date from the 17th century. One of the best examples with characteristic front lateral stack is Bishop’s Cottages, which is not listed. Many farmsteads underwent improvement during the 19th century, and most of the stone-built agricultural and other outbuildings in the conservation area date from this period.

4.2 The settlement pattern is diverse and buildings are informally grouped, but generally quite close to the carriageway. In spite of a low density, the informality, and close-knit grouping, linked by stone walls and banks, nevertheless provides a strong sense of enclosure. This has the effect of making the outward views to surrounding moorland from the higher parts of the village all the more striking.

(ii) Character Areas

4.3 The conservation area conveniently sub-divides into two separate sub-areas that have a notably distinct character. These are outlined below and shown on Map 5.

1 Main Village Centre

This largely accords with the Local Plan definition of the Historic Settlement Core, and includes the parish church and other village facilities.

Above left: the village shop and post office, with traditional shop front fascia board and flanking console brackets is an important focal point in the village. Above centre: authentic frontage detail to window, entrance door, steps, and metal hand-rail.

7 Street frontages with minimal space between buildings and the carriageway are important aspects of historic character, em- phasised by significant sections of cobbled paving. In the centre picture the low dormers indicate that these cottages might once have been thatched with “eyebrow” eaves.

2 The Lower Village

Historically and visually, a virtually separate entity spanning the shallow valley of the stream which is a Special feature of this part of the village.

Use of Materials - (i) BUILDINGS

4.3 Use of stone for building is widespread. And includes some of the main buildings, for example the parish church and former village school. Here the stone is usually worked, and sometimes ashlared whereas cottages, and especially most farm outbuildings are of stone rubble. There are two main stone types; the soft- textured and orange to reddish-purple New Red Sandstone, and much harder dark red, grey or greenish Devo- nian sandstone. The former tends to predominate.

4.4 Much of the building stone would have been obtained from local quarries, which have long since closed, although some sites can still be traced. There are one or two outbuildings, mainly late 19th century buildings, that are stone-built with brick dressings.

4.5 An equally important material is rendering which was traditionally lime-wash slobbered over stone or cob. It is seen to best effect when in combination with thatch and tall lateral chimney shafts, either of exposed stone or rendered on shouldered stacks. The lime-wash was traditionally combined with lime-based render, with a black tar-banded plinth.

4.7 Natural slate is the most common type of roofing material, although some has been replaced by artifi- cial substitutes. Plain tiles including concrete tiles are more widely used on later buildings, and some Bridgwater pantiles and thatch are to be seen in the lower part of the village. Originally, thatch would have been wheat-reed long-straw, probably obtained locally, but this has been all but superseded by water-reed, much of which is now imported. There is current research at regional and national level, to try and re-establish the wheat-reed tra- dition and produce a straw that matches water-reed in durability. In recent years The National Trust has been carrying out trials on the nearby Holnicote Estate.

4.8 Historic windows in the conservation area are a mainly a mixture of timber and metal casement with relatively few sash windows. Some of the former are of iron with rectangular or diamond leaded light panes, and set in timber frames. The latter are nearly all double-hung sashes and are more commonly used in buildings from the mid 19th century onwards.

4.9 Most doors are constructed in a traditional plank and ledged form, some with fixed lights, others with decorative examples of Arts & Crafts detail. The relatively few panelled doors with fanlights above are more

8 commonly found in houses dating from the late 18th to early 20th century. A few of the earlier openings have large oak frames, and are jointed with pegs or chamfered with stops. An example is the entrance at the Manor House although this has been altered in a later restoration.

Use of Materials - (ii) BOUNDARY FEATURES

4.10 There are considerable stretches of boundary walling mainly of local sandstone. Although mortar is normally used, a small proportion of the whole, is of the locally distinctive dry-stone pattern known as “dyking” which is sometimes in a “herring-bone” pattern. This adds a pleasing con- trast to the more widespread use of roughly coursed stone rubble. Some stretches of walling, form a retaining feature to hedgerow banks and can be prone to deterioration when not regularly maintained. Nevertheless, all the Top: Manor House entrance door. local types of stone walling make a valuable contribution to the character The vertical plank door with ribs is of the conservation area, as well as providing a strong sense of enclosure typical, but is probably a replace- or privacy in several cases. ment dating from the late 19th-early 20th century. Top centre & right : 4.11 Metal railings and gates also form boundary features in a few loca- late 19th-early 20th century Arts & tions within the conservation area. They are mainly of plain wrought iron Crafts decorative detail. Above: design, and date from the mid-late 19th century, yet make an important con- Bridge Cottage. The thatch roof with “eyebrow” eaves, render and small tribution to historic character. timber casement windows are typical 17th-early 18th century features. Use of Materials - (iii) GROUND SURFACES

4.12 Wootton Courtenay a very significant number of surfaces are that are paved, cobbled and kerbed in natural stone. The best examples are

Above left: Pound Cottage; steps, walls and railings provide a vital element to the historic setting Above centre and right: the extensive cobbled paving and stone boundary walls in Wootton Courtenay are important local features, and add much to the character of the conservation area.

9 The different ways in which stone is used helps define local character. Above left: Waterworn cobbles and slabs of Welsh slate are used in a decorative manner close to the church yard entrance. Above centre: An example of the local form of dry-stone walling. Above right: a section of cobbled paving in randomly laid blocks of hard sandstone, with larger kerb stones. confined to the higher part of the village, including the churchyard, with an exceptional 100 metre length east of the former village school. Although much consists of small blocks of local hard sandstone randomly laid, there are smaller areas where slate, brick and waterworn cobbles are used, the last-mentioned set end on to form decorative patterns.

5 BUILDING FORM & ORNAMENT

5.1 The character of the village derives in part from a sequence of cottages, sometimes facing each other across the street, whilst in other places development is much more scattered with several significant gaps between buildings providing direct views across open countryside. There has been some 20th century infill- ing which manages to be largely visually unobtrusive, apart from south of the stream. Nowhere is there a strongly established building line, and a few dwellings set at right angles to the highway, whilst others are set well back. This provides a pleasing intimacy of scale is enriched by changes of level, including flights of

Above left: The former school exhibits a neo-Gothic influence; popular in the latter half of the 19th century. There is extensive use of stone, some dressed, at a time when sources of building stone, and skilled stonemasons were plenti- ful. Above right: outbuildings of the Old Rectory are built of local sandstone rubble with brick dressings, and probably date from the early-mid 19th century . steps, a slightly curving street alignment, and in the lower village the meandering stream which briefly flows alongside the carriageway. This informality of layout typifies a long established settlement pattern. The Tithe Map (c.1840) gives no indication of a regular field pattern of narrow strips leading back from the main street, which normally indicates the burgage plots of larger medieval settlements (e.g. Dunster). This proba- bly indicates that Wootton Courtenay mainly developed as a group of farmsteads and associated cottages, some of which had disappeared by the end of the 19th century.

10 5.2 Much building ornament is unconsciously derived from the traditional building forms, and includes end gables, echoed in the church tower, with porches of stone, render or timber and mainly gabled roofs. This also includes tall shouldered stacks, and different types of chimney pots or smoke vents – the latter a pre- dominantly local feature. Occasionally ornament is taken a stage further, with Gothic arched entrance door and window openings, as for example, at the former school. The strong sense of enclosure is enhanced by extensive stone walls and, especially on the approaches to the conservation area.

6 CONDITION OF BUILDINGS

6.1 Most historic buildings, both listed and unlisted, are well maintained, and appear to be very sound in terms of maintenance and structural condition. There is a large proportion of timber or metal windows, mainly casements, and of entrance doors, most of which are ledged and braced. These either survive in their original form, or where replacements have been made, closely match the traditional form for the most part. Nevertheless PVCu replacement windows are starting to make inroads in the conserva- tion area, and these almost invariably destroy the historic integrity of traditional buildings. 6.2 Some localised deterioration of stonework is noted, especially the condition and structural integrity of some boundary walls. The use of traditional lime-based mortars should be sustained where possible. Simi- larly, highly finished plasticised renders, although considered more maintenance free than historic lime mortar and lime-wash render, may pose long-term problems by preventing some of the natural rhythms of permeabil- ity, which the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings refers to as “allowing the building to breathe.”

7 HISTORIC BUILDINGS

(i) Grade I Listed Buildings

7.1 The Parish Church of All Saints is built of local sandstone with Ham Hill stone dressings with slate roofs. It has a largely 13th century tower and chancel, although altered in the restoration of 1886 when the saddleback roof was added to the tower. The remainder is mainly 15th-early 16th century. At the latter date, new windows were added, for example to the south side of the nave. These are of a type, encountered els e- where locally (Dunster and Cleeve Abbey), whilst the ceiled wagon roof with large bosses, are similar to those at Selworthy and Luccombe. The 19th century alterations are considered to be an over-restoration by the architectural historian, Nikolaus Pevsner. The listing details refer to two significant 20th century additions; a “good 5-bay carved rood screen of 1921, by (a) local woodworking class,” and also mentions a “painted re- redos in the north aisle by Christopher Webber, dated 1943.”

(ii) Grade II* Listed Buildings

7.2 The remains of a churchyard cross are afforded this status owing to an “unusually fine socket

Above left: The church yard cross has medieval origins and some unusual features, which merit the grade II* listing. Above right: The Manor House, recently added to the list,, dates from the early-mid 17th century and has some good interior features, including a plank-and-muntin screen, and chamfered and ovolo-moulded beams. 11 Above left: Bridge Cottage, dating from the late 17th century was probably originally two single-cell cottages with an at- tached farm building to the right. It is now a single dwelling that has been carefully restored. Above right: The Old Rec- tory, with 16th century origins, was much altered and enlarged in the early-mid 19th century.

(base)” with moulded caps and plinths to columns, and recessed panels with moulded surrounds. It is built of Ham Hill stone, and originally dates from the early 15th century, although the three-stage Calvary is a mid 19th century restoration.

(iii) Grade II Listed Buildings

7.3 In addition to the above are four other listings in this part of the village. Most prominent is the Old Rectory, which outwardly appears early-mid 19th century, but has 16th century origins, the main evidence for which is in roof timber consisting of collar beam trusses with arched braces, and chamfered purlins with wind- braces. Part of a 16th century east wing was demolished in the 20th century. It is built of red sandstone, and part roughcast rendered with slate roofs and some slate-hung frontage detail. There are several tall stone and rendered stacks, including a prominent lateral one on the north frontage. Adjoining the church yard is Manor House, a more recent addition to the list. Built of rendered stone and cob with a slate roof, it was originally a three-room and cross-passage plan dating from the early-mid 17th century, but was remodelled and extended in the 18th century with an inscription “M H 1763” under the eaves. There is an original ovolo-moulded door- frame, but the plank door with cover-moulds and iron strap hinges is later. On the first floor are early 19th cen- tury three-light casement windows with leaded panes. The interior also has some early features, including a plank-and-muntin screen.

7.4 In the lower part of the village is Bridge Cottage, dating from the late 17th-early 18th century, but altered mid 20th century. The original plan was probably two single cell dwellings and an attached farm building consisting of a loft over a stable. Built of stone rubble and cob, rendered over with a hipped thatch roof , there are two large rear lateral stacks, contributing to a strong vernacular identity. Although the casement windows, and plank doors are 20th century, they respect the timber tradition. At the southern edge of the conservation area, Highpark, another thatched and rendered stone rubble and cob cot- tage dates from the late 17th century. It was enlarged in the 18th century to two dwellings, but converted back to a single dwelling in the 20th century. The original plan was probably single cell with an attached two-bay linhay An unpublished Ve rnacular Architecture Group report dating from 1983 suggests this was originally a two-cell dwelling, with the rear wall of one unit demolished and a circular pier inserted to form the linhay Interior features include plastered reed ceilings, a wattle and daub partition, and fireplace with bread oven. The casement windows and studded plank door are probably no earlier than 19th century. Above: An increasing number of these traditional telephone kiosks are becoming 7.5 The listing details include two further items. In the church- grade II listed. yard is an early 17th century headstone, weatherworn, but described

12 The conservation area contains a substantial number of unscheduled buildings that are nevertheless of historic significance. Top left: Manor Farm is probably late 18th century with 19th century re-modelling. Top Centre: An early 20th century house with original sash windows that occupies a prominent position. Top right: This house probably has 17th-18th century origins and may have been thatched. The gables and Bridgwater tiled roof will have been added in the late 19th or early 20th century. Centre left: Rose Cottage has retained its original 18th century frontage. Again, the tiles probably replaced thatch, and the porch is a 19th century addition. Centre right: Forge Cottage, probably dating from the early 19th century, has the former Smithy adjoining. In this and the adjoining picture, the three-light timber casement windows are a traditional character feature. Below left: Another unspoiled late 18th or early 19th century cottage or former farmhouse of local red sandstone. Below centre: Entrance to the former village school in typical Victorian Gothic style and using dressed stone. Below right: A general view of the higher village, showing the informal grouping of buildings, none of which shown are listed as being of spe- cial architectural or historic character, yet which make a vital contribution made to the street scene.

13 in the listing details as “a handsome design, and a rare survival from this period in this area.” Ad- joining Manor House is a traditional cast iron red painted telephone kiosk to the 1935 design by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott.

(iv) Other Key Buildings

7.6 Wootton Courtenay has a number of significant unlisted buildings, which in several Instances if more fully researched, could well justify addition to the statutory list. In the upper village Pound Cottage and Stag Cottage, are slightly angled to the road, and probably date from the late 17th to 18th century. The Above: a restored former farm group in the lower village former is rendered with steps up, the latter has built of local red sandstone. The large front lateral stack sug- exposed stone with a brick relieving arch and gests early 17th century date. wrought iron railings, and there are timber casement windows to both. The Village Shop re- tains original fascia detail with timber casement windows above, one with segmental arched head. It forms part of a group that includes a garage workshop, providing a visible focal point to the village.

7.7 Towards the eastern edge of the conservation area is Manor Farm, built of exposed stone and slate, is defined as an “Historic Farmstead” in the Exmoor Local Plan, and probably dates from the 17th cen- tury with tall squared stone front lateral stack. The large timber casement windows are probably 19th cen- tury, as is the walled garden with crenellated gate piers. Adjoining is a good group of 19th century stone and slate outbuildings, unobtrusively converted to residential use. Beyond is Rose Cottage, rendered with a slate roof, and again a tall square-section lateral stack, but to the rear. Again, it is probably of 17th century origin, but has 19th century embellishments, for example the gabled trellised porch, and casement windows.

7.8 Close to the junction is the L-plan former village school, built mid-late 19th century, and mainly single-storey with a first-floor flat roofed dormer. The style is neo-Gothic with a steeply gabled entrance and pointed arch triple windows to the right gable. Construction is a mix of ashlared and squared stone. Neighbouring buildings, for example brick and slate outbuildings to the Old Rectory, and facing the corner, an early 20th century gabled house with exposed stone ground floor, rendered upper floors, and mainly sash windows, are included for group value.

7.9 In the lower village are two good cottage groups. The first, on the east side of the street, probably dates from the 17th century, possibly earlier, and includes a front projecting stack with rounded shaft, small casement windows with timber lintels, two with Venetian shutters. The cobbled pavement and a hipped porch on timber brackets enhance the understated vernacular detail. Immediately opposite, Apple Garth, is probably 18th century, slate and rendered with typical three-light timber casements. The second composite group, part single storey, includes Forge Cottage, and is mostly 18th-19th century with a mix of frontages of stone or render. There are two double-door former carriage entrances, one the former Smithy, and the cot- tage frontages have typical three or six-light casement windows with timber lintels. Between these groups, Wheddon’s Cottage, built in an estate cottage style of worked stone, central stone stack with linked triple brick flues, and ornamental barge-board, is probably mid-late 19th century as it is not shown on the Tithe Map.

7.10 Further south and attractively fronted by the stream, is a 17th-18th century cottage with shoul- dered lateral stack and renewed brick shaft, embedded in a largely 20th century extension, larger than the original building. Some 70 metres west, set well behind the main frontage is a restored L plan group converted to residential use including a former thatched farmhouse built of red sandstone rubble with thatched roof and large front lateral stack, indicating 17th century or earlier origins. The adjoining former long barn, is probably 18th century.

14 8 LANDSCAPE AND TREES

8.1 Most guide-books mention the views towards Dunkery Bea- con from the village, and these are indeed remarkable and emphasise the strong link between the built and the natural environment that is a characteristic of many Exmoor villages. These strong landscape ele- ments add to the character of the conservation area, which is summa- rised as follows:

(i) the setting at the edge of Porlock Vale with closed views to- wards the sheltering Grabbist Hill range to the north and east and open views towards the high moors including Dunkery Beacon to the south west.

(ii) the inherent quality of the built environment, including distinc- tive vernacular detail, extensive walled and banked boundary features, and use of natural stone surfaces. There is an inti- macy of scale with cottages informally juxtaposed, but mostly There are extensive views from within parts of the conservation area of the directly fronting the carriageway. surrounding countryside, including to- wards Dunkery Beacon. (iii) the more formal landscape setting of buildings in the vicinity of the church yard with its noteworthy yew trees.

Above left: Wootton Courtenay has a good example of a typical ancient church yard yew tree. Above centre: A Monterey cypress dominates the western edge of the conservation area. Although not a native species, it thrives in relatively sheltered coastal locations. Above right: A eucalyptus is another fast growing tree that is not native and somewhat inappropriate in a historic setting, although this example is associated with late 20th century infill.

8.2 There is very wide variety of tree species represented, for example, oak, sycamore, silver birch, Lombardy poplar, and several lime trees border the church yard. There are few signs of the once extensive orchards shown on the early edition Ordnance Survey maps, although a few old fruit trees survive. Conifers within the conservation area, are mainly confined to gardens, partly to provide shelter. As well as the churchyard yews, there is a large Monterey cypress just beyond the conservation area boundary, although this is a prominent feature looking east from the village centre.

15

9 DETRACTIONS AND VULNERABILITY

9.1 There is little that can be said to currently detract from the character of the conservation area, although the removal of remaining overhead lines would be beneficial. However, there are aspects of char- acter that remain vulnerable, and these can be summarised as follows:

(1) the introduction of unsuitably proportioned doors and windows, and their frames in non- traditional materials.

(ii) the loss of natural slate roofing

(iii) pressure for further infilling.

(iv) pressure to breach historic stone walls or hedgerow banks to provide additional access.

(v) potential for removal of minor historic features not subject to existing planning controls.

10 KEY LOCAL FACTORS AND GUIDING PRINCIPLES

10.1 Sections 3.1 to 3.4 of the Exmoor National Park Local Plan Draft Deposit (published October 2001) contain important principles concerning the conservation of buildings and settlements. Proposals for new development, restoration of existing buildings or features, and enhancement projects, should include con- sideration of these principles, which are expanded upon in the following sections.

(i) Buildings in the Conservation Area

10.2 Most 19th century and earlier buildings in the conservation area have retained their original fea- tures with many representing the local vernacular style. In addition to the listed buildings, there is a large proportion of non-listed buildings of character, especially cottages and existing and former agricultural buildings. While most are appropriately cared for and maintained, a few have been updated in a manner that have largely ignored traditional building skills, for example the use of lime-wash or lime mortar, and in using historic joinery or stone masonry in the context of building updating and maintenance.

10.3 The following guidelines should be followed when considering any alterations, repair or restora- tion to buildings within the conservation area:

· In considering proposals for new development or redevelopment involving existing buildings or structures, it should be borne in mind that stricter safeguards against any form of demolition in con- servation areas have recently been introduced. Historic signage should be maintained, as far as pos- sible, in its original state. Any new signs should respect the original forms including use of tradi- tional sign-writing

· Existing features of quality that typify the historic built environment should be retained. Any new development within the conservation area is likely to be very limited but where it does occur, it should echo the existing in terms of scale, height, proportion and use of traditional methods of con- struction, including openings and any boundary features.

· Existing stone boundary and retaining walls, and existing banks, and footpath only access should be safeguarded, where possible, especially those that identify the historic street and plot layout pattern of the earlier settlement.

16 Above left: Some sections of wall need repair or rebuilding Above centre: A further example of steps, walls and rail- ings. Although these may date from the mid 19th-mid 20th century and be unspectacular, they impart an important sense of continuity Above right: Part of the wall of the Parish Church where local red sandstone is combined with liassic limestone, probably from Ham Hill near Yeovil. It will be noted that minimal mortar is used, and such as there is should always be repaired using soft lime-based mortars. Otherwise deterioration of such stone, always vulnerable to rapid weathering, will simply be aggravated.

(ii) Visual Integrity

· It is advisable to consider introduction of an Article 4(2) Direction. This has the potential to effect con- trol over further installation of UPVC windows and doors, inappropriate roof materials, external clad- ding, and use of exposed block-work. Such a measure would also include greater protection of bound- ary features, for example, stone or brick walls, and openings.

(iii) Use of Traditional Materials

· Encourage re-pointing of stonework using suitable mortar mixes, ideally with a lime base. Cement rich mortars and raised or “ribbon pointing should be avoided. This is especially the case for some of the softer types of sandstone, where this form of pointing can greatly accelerate weathering.

· Where appropriate, steps should be taken to re-discover supplies of natural stone, preferably from their historic source or equivalent, and to encourage the development of skills in their use.

· More fully research the development of the early settlement, the sources of natural roofing materials used in building construction, and whether former sources of slate or the traditional types of thatching material might become re-established.

· Encourage the reinstatement of historic features that have been lost. This is especially important where later adaptations, by virtue of a now redundant use or ephemeral fashion, have caused harm to the overall appearance of the original building. Future building work, where possible, should provide an opportunity for such faults to be partially or fully rectified. This is particularly the case with some doors, windows, and where re-pointing, rendering, or other forms of wall cladding can result in the re- instatement of traditional methods and materials.

(iv) Historic Setting and Landscape

· Before any demolition or redevelopment takes place, consideration should be given to the historic im- portance of any existing building, including outbuildings and non-residential uses. This includes the previous history and present significance of any rear extensions or outbuildings located to the rear of the main street frontages.

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· Although existing trees within the conservation area appear to be healthy, older specimens would benefit from periodic health checks. Where limited further life is detected, measures may need to be taken to plant young trees using native species, as far as possible. These could be gradually introduced to replace older specimens. Some fast growing garden species, such as Eucalyptus or Lawson’s Cypress, can strike a discordant note in a historic setting and should be avoided.

· There is an important relationship between the slopes of Grabbist Hill and the setting of buildings within the conservation area. Attention is drawn to the Local Plan Objectives for Woodland, one of which is “to gain a deeper understanding of Exmoor’s trees and woodlands through a comprehensive programme of research and survey work derived from the Exmoor Woodland Research Strategy.” In this context the Section 3 woodland forms a dominant backdrop to the conservation area and is consid- ered especially important.

11 IMPORTANT POLICY CONSIDERATIONS

11.1 Although clearly subject to development pressures, much of the historic heart of Wootton Cour- tenay within the conservation area retains the character of a relatively remote Exmoor village. The informal grouping of modest vernacular buildings that for the most part have been appropriately conserved, collec- tively add enormous visual character to the broader landscape setting.

11.2 It is considered that in the light of several significant unlisted vernacular buildings, further re- search should be encouraged in this context with a view to making a case for some additions to the statu- tory list.

11.3 Ideas put forward at the “Planning for Real” event and by the Parish Council have identified prospective enhancement projects for the village. These are as follows:

Wootton Courtenay is a relatively remote settlement closely related to the broader landscape setting of Exmoor, and the conservation area retains a largely unchanging and unpretentious quality that is an integral part of its character.

18 - undergrounding of overhead cables. - replacement of the plastic bollards with an alternative more “in keeping.”* - re-establishment of the water flowing pipe adjoining the telephone kiosk.

11.4 There appears to be potential for further modest enhancement schemes, for example re-introduction of cast iron finger-posts, some improvement to paved or cobbled areas, and to boundary walls. Encouragement should also be given to re-establish orchards where these have historic precedent.

* These appear to have been removed, and not replaced (August 2003)

BIBLIOGRAPHY & REFERENCES

J.L.Warden Page Exploration of Exmoor Seeley & Co. London 1890

Charles E.H. Chadwyck-Healy History of Part of West Somerset Henry Sotheran & Company 1901

Charles G. Harper The Somerset Coast Chapman & Hall London 1909

Nikolaus Pevsner Buildings of England – South & West Somerset Penguin Books 1958

Paul Newman Somerset Villages Robert Hale London 1986

Russell Lillford & Robert Croft Protecting the Historic and Architectural Heritage of Somerset Somerset County Council 1989

Robin Bush Somerset - The Complete Guide The Dovecote Press Wimborne Dorset 1994

What Listing Means – A Guide for Owners and Occupiers Department of National Heritage (Listing Branch) October 1994

Revised Schedule of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest – Civil Parish of Wootton Courtenay Secretary of State for the Environment

Planning Policy Guidance Notes 15 & 16 HMSO 1994

The Exmoor National Park Design Guide Exmoor National Park Authority 1995

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Power of Place – The Future of the Historic Environment English Heritage December 2000

Exmoor National Park Local Plan Draft Deposit – First Alteration October 2001

Building Regulations and Historic Buildings English Heritage September 2002

A Stitch in Time – Advice for Building Owners Institute of Historic Building Conservation In association with the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings November 2002

State of the Historic Environment Report 2002 English Heritage November 2002

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