Chignal Village Design Statement

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The Chignal Villages Design Statement

Approved Guidance September 2009 VDS_Page_Make_Up_Final 14_04_10:VDS Dummy 16/4/10 13:18 Page 2

1 | INTRODUCTION IFC The VDS and its purpose IFC 1| Introduction Scope of the VDS IFC Development of the VDS IFC Consultation IFC Status of the document 1 Planning policy context 1

Contents 2 | HISTORICAL CONTEXT 2 Settlement pattern 2 | Rural character 2 .1 The VDS and its purpose 3 | LANDSCAPE SETTING 3 The village setting 3 This Village Design Statement (VDS) Footpaths and bridleways 4 describes the special features and characteristics of the buildings and 4 | ACCESS, HIGHWAYS & rural setting of the Chignal villages INFRASTRUCTURE 5 that the community believe are Roads, lanes & verges 5 important and should be respected Road signs & markings 6 whenever any changes, such as new Traffic calming 6 development, alterations to build- Hands-on public consultation exercise Utilities 6 ings, boundaries or green spaces, roads and verges, or changes of use, fourteen properties dotted around 5 | BUILT ENVIRONMENT 7 are considered. Each section pro- narrow and winding country lanes. Settlement description 7 vides easily identifiable guidance for There are a few individual properties Buildings of local value 8 local people and property owners, between the housing clusters. There Listed buildings and sites 9 developers, utility companies, the has been no urbanisation in any of Character areas 10 highway authority, planners and the the populated areas. 1. Brickbarns 10 parish council. If followed, any alter- 2.The Three Elms 11 ation or development will enhance Development of the VDS 3.The Green 12 and protect the unique characteris- 4.Brittons Hall Landfill Site 14 tics of the villages and the country- A team of thirteen residents led the 5.Village Hall 14 side that links and surrounds them. process, which included a character 6.Chignal Chapel 16 photographic event, a questionnaire 7.St Nicholas’ Church 16 Scope of the VDS sent to every household, which 8.Woodhall 18 resulted in a 74% response, and 9.Beaumont Otes 19 The scope of this Village Design feedback from a display of the Statement includes the whole of the questionnaire responses. The final Housing & development – parish of Chignal, covering 912 public consultation period gave General Guidance 20 hectares, as shown by the area the community the opportunity to Change of use 20 defined on the coverage map. The influence the final draft. New building 20 area between Hollow Lane and the Materials & techniques 20 southern boundary with the existing Consultation Commercial buildings 20 urban area plus a potential new Empty buildings 20 junction on Chignal Road is part of The guidance that you see through- Agricultural buildings 20 the North Chelmsford Area Action out the VDS was developed from Extensions 20 Plan (NCAAP). The area is shown on community consultation during the Boundaries and parking 21 the VDS Coverage Area map, and VDS process. This guidance contains Roofs and dormers 21 also in the NCAAP Preferred Options clear statements about the kind Windows 21 Document. This area is not subject of changes that residents believe to the area covered by the VDS; the will help to prevent insensitive and 6 | QUESTIONNAIRE next round of consultation on the detrimental development. The key SUMMARY 21 final version of NCAAP will be later elements of the process were the on this year. setting up of a constituted group of 7 | APPENDICES, REFERENCES The Chignals lie approximately volunteers, the use of village events & CREDITS 22 two miles north west of Chelmsford and media as a way of keeping Appendices 22 railway station and are bounded by people informed and involved, a 1. Bethel Chapel 22 the River Can to the south west, photographic character assessment 2. Public transport 22 Mashbury to the north west, Pleshey workshop and other exhibitions 3. Roadside drainage 22 to the north, Great Waltham to the and village character analyses, a 4. Consultation: Schedule north east, Broomfield to the east questionnaire, and submitting of events 22 and Chelmsford to the south east. several drafts to the borough council References & Credits 22 There are 121 households in the to receive feedback (See Appendix 4). Chignals, which generally comprise During the five-year process practi- small, scattered hamlets of three to cal, technical and financial assistance

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was provided by the parish, borough and rural community councils. Coverage Area Map Status of the document

The Chignals VDS was approved in September 2009 as planning guidance by Chelmsford Borough Council and has been made available to every resident. At borough council level it will be taken into account when determining planning applications. This means that planning officers can make use of specific guidance in the VDS when dealing with cases and planning inspectors can refer to it for planning appeals. It will support and encourage the kind of change that will take into account the most valued aspects of the villages and their environment. However it is not a statutory planning policy document and will not replace any part of the planning N process or law. It cannot take away people’s rights to improve their property and it will not dictate what changes may or may not take place. It will influence members of the community when making changes Map - Crown Copyright. All rights reserved. to buildings and spaces that do not Chelmsford BC Licence Number need planning permission. 1000 23562 2009. . Planning Policy Context G The Chignal Villages do not form a for the visual impact of all develop- defined settlement in line with ment proposals on the landscape. Planning policy affecting the the Adopted Core Strategy. The G Land at Brittons Hall is identified in Chignals is contained in the Borough Council is preparing its Site the Waste Local Plan as a preferred Chelmsford Borough Local Develop- Allocations Document (part of the site for non-inert waste. ment Framework (LDF) the Essex LDF), which continues to support G The VDS will also complement the County Council Waste Local Plan this. Borough Council’s Supplementary 2001, and government planning G The Chignals are surrounded by Planning Documents and the policy guidance (PPG and PPS). countryside. Planning policy (DC2) residential design guidance on roof Borough planning policies direct seeks to protect the countryside and side extensions which are also development and change across the from undesirable development. taken into account during the deter- borough and the countryside. The G The design of development is mination of planning applications. below mentioned policies are from covered by core policies CP20 and the Core Strategy and Development CP21 and development control Control Polices, a key LDF document. policies DC42 and DC45. G The Chignals have 17 listed build- G Agricultural change is covered by ings and structures, a Scheduled DC56 farm diversification and DC57 Monument, and woodland, group re-use of rural buildings. and individual tree preservation G Core Policy CP14 provides a direct 1 orders, covered by specific policies link between VDS and local planning CP9, DC18 and DC19. policy. The policy also sets the scene

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2 | Historical context

The history of human occupation in had a cluster of cottages around it. the Chignals can be traced back to Three substantial houses with the Middle Stone Age, through to large gardens were built for the the Iron Age and to the Roman clergy. When the two Chignal occupation, by which time much parishes were combined in 1888 woodland had been cleared to the system of outlying areas buried support agriculture and livestock. in neighbouring parishes was The site of a Romano British villa, rationalised and the boundaries farmstead and cemeteries in Chignal generally tidied up, and by the time St James has been identified and of the 1891 census there were 426 partly excavated and is protected A Roman glass vase (above) and decorative people living in the parish. as a Scheduled Monument. Many bone pin (below) on display at Chelmsford The roads were even narrower relics of the Stone Age and Roman Museum. Both were excavated from the villa then and were often made impassa- settlements are with the Essex at Chignal St James. Top left: Chignal village ble by snowdrifts and floods, a state County Council Archaeology Depart- school circa 1910 of affairs that continued well into ment or are displayed at Chelmsford the 20th century and which helped Museum. to keep the parish a ‘backwater’, The name ‘Chignal’ is of Saxon safe from over occupation and origin, the national system of most of the land was still being used developers. parishes and their boundaries agriculturally. predating the Norman Conquest The medieval settlement pattern Rural character by a considerable period. Chignal, that emerged in Chignal St James along with nearby Roxwell and showed a distinct shift away from In the mid 20th century the school, Highwood, was created from the the original site beside the river to shop and post office closed in the once-enormous royal parish of building along the roadsides around wake of government policy and Writtle. a church. Even with this notable changing lifestyle, a newly mobile

The Chignals Then and Now change neither of the villages devel- and educated population going out- Settlement pattern oped a nucleus and even today the side the villages for work and shop- pattern of dispersed sites clinging to ping. At the present time The first actual documentation the roadsides near manors (farms) Chelmsford Borough Council of the villages occurs in the Great and churches remains intact. records 308 people (254 over the Survey of 1086 (the Domesday There was little building or popu- age of eighteen) living here. It has Book), under the single name lation growth; the 1671 Hearth taken over 900 years for the number Cinguehala. This may be derived Tax records 26 households in the of households to multiply to roughly from the old English Cicca’s Healh two villages and there were still only only five and a half times the num- meaning Cicca’s nook or sheltered 31 in 1768 according to Morant’s ber in the Domesday Book. valley, perfectly describing its The History and Antiquities of the Planning policies respect the setting. The survey listed the village County of Essex. history and landscape value of as having 23 households, plus a Some further expansion of the the villages and severely restrict small area of woodland capable of villages took place in the 19th planning permissions, helping the feeding 52 pigs, which suggests that century with 346 people recorded Chignals to retain their tranquil rural as living here in 1848 in White’s character. Directory of Essex. The Chapman Key issues of the value and and Andre map of 1777 shows the sensitivity of the historic landscape village roads – the same then as now character - pre 18th century field - liberally sprinkled with cottages boundaries, the settlement pattern that housed the many farm workers and some ancient woodland and and trades people who lived here. meadow pasture - and archaeologi- The mechanisation of the farms cal character of the Chignals along and the consequent demolition of with recommendations that they old unwanted and tumbledown are conserved and enhanced are set 2 cottages means that many fewer out in The Chelmsford Borough people now live in our villages than Historic Environment Characterisa- did a century ago, when every farm tion Project.

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3 | Landscape setting KEY Road Footpath Centenary Circle Bridleway Waterway Body of water Public green space Woodland Rough grassland Marsh TPO Woodland TPO Group TPO Slope Landfill site Site of Scheduled Monument Above: south westerly view from Woodside, Chignal Smealey; top right: Grays Farm from the south.

“The rural landscape is an irreplace- able, priceless asset. It underpins every aspect of the quality of life in rural areas.’’ English Heritage in the East of England.

The village setting

The Chignals are rural villages set in an arable agricultural landscape. They lie on higher ground than most of Chelmsford, on a chalky boulder clay plateau, the soil of which is heavy but fertile, overlaying glacial N gravel deposits. The climate is normally dry, mid-Essex being one of the driest areas of the whole country. The plateau is intersected from Map - Crown Copyright. All rights reserved. north to south by the little Chignal Chelmsford BC Licence Number Brook in its shallow valley, with the 1000 23562 2009. River Can, the valley of which is designated a Special Landscape Area, forming part of the western boundary. There are Tree Preservation Orders (TPO) on various individual and groups of trees and woodland within this designated area, and some other individual TPOs in the villages. Most people think that the hedgerows, trees, verges and open North westerly view from Brick Barns Farm, Chignal St James. spaces are important to the appearance of the villages and should be The farmland that surrounds and some places, bricks having been preserved wherever possible and extends between many of the build- made for hundreds of years at the that both the villages should retain ings is a major characteristic of the brickfield, long since gone, that was substantial green areas around them villages. There are also numerous situated in Beremans Lane near St to keep them as a separate entity. natural small ponds, and the Nicholas’ church. The village was The majority of questionnaire remains of medieval moats and once known as Brick Chignal for respondents thought that the plant- woodlands. this reason. These local bricks can be ing of trees along hedgerows and There is no naturally occurring seen in several houses throughout 3 in village open spaces should be rock, except for some flint. Brick both of the villages as well as in encouraged. earth overlays the boulder clay in St Nicholas’ church.

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Guidance

1 Ancient features such as the remains of medieval moats and woodlands should be preserved

2 Hedgerows, trees, verges and open spaces are important to the appearance of the villages and should be preserved wherever possible

3 Chignal St James and Chignal Smealey main grouping of buildings as indicated on the VDS Coverage Area map should continue to be surrounded by green areas in line with Policy DC2 of the adopted Development Control Policies document.

4 The planting of trees along hedgerows and in village open spaces should be encouraged. Native species would be preferred.

5 Improve signposting on bridleways and footpaths, including adding foot path numbers to finger posts. A community led project to create a heritage trail to enhance the villages’ amenity value could be considered; the route might be displayed on an

Features, Footpaths & Bridleways information board designed to be Footpaths and bridleways informative signage on footpaths robust and to fit appropriately into and bridleways. its sensitive setting. The Chignals are particularly well We welcome the existing design served by bridleways and footpaths, of the timber finger posts and any 6 Signage should be harmonious, which make a considerable contri- change should respect the rural set- appropriate and unobtrusive. bution towards the enjoyment of liv- ting. ing in the area and link well with 7 Concrete footpath signs should be those of the neighbouring parishes. discouraged and, when they become The footpath running northeast dilapidated, should be replaced with from the southern tip of Chignal St material more sympathetic to the rural James across open countryside into surroundings. Chignal Smealey and the Broomfield boundary forms part of the Chelms- 8 When any new development is ford Centenary Circle, a designated proposed, the definitive line of rights recreational route. This route also of way should be respected and the incorporates part of the long dis- improvement or creation of links taken tance Saffron Trail. where the opportunity arises. On some bridleways walkers and riders would benefit from improved drainage and surfaces, and also from more comprehensive and

Clockwise, from top, far left: view south from footpath 27; part of the Chelmsford Centenary Circle at Chignal Smealey; River Can; footbridge over Chignal Brook; timber footpath signs are appropriate for their rural setting; bridleway and track at the green; pond at Langleys Corner; Melbourne 4 flats to the south.

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4 | Access, Highways & Infrastructure

Roads, lanes and verges Guidance The roads within Chignal are narrow country lanes generally less than 4m 1 Footways or hard kerbing should not wide, with grass verges and no be introduced; the rural character of made up footways, with the excep- soft green verges and hedges is pre- tion of the southeastern extremity ferred. near Bethel Chapel at the junction of Mashbury Road with Chignal Road 2 The Parish Council are encouraged and at the junction of Chignal Road to pursue in conjunction with the with Copperfield Road. Ditches, Highway Authority a design solution native hedges, bushes and trees to prevent traffic damage to the grass generally define the field and high- verges in front of people’s properties. way boundaries. The planting of Physical barriers could be designed spring bulbs on some grass verges with a common theme, seeking and parts of the village green has approval of the Highway Authority. enhanced their appearance. Open to two-way traffic the 3 Provide passing places, which roads are only capable of accommo- should be kept informal on narrow dating single lane traffic in places. lanes. Developers and the Highway Authority do not have to compromise style and ambience for safety. It is possible to preserve rural styling if care is taken over materials and design. Roadside verges and ditches without kerbs or pavements contribute to the rural ambience.

4 When considering any physical change including development the protection and enhancement of grass verges should be encouraged.

An increase over the last few years in entrances or where the verge widens 5 Lanes should not be widened, as this the volume, size and weight of cars, – are being used but passing places, would diminish the rural character of delivery vehicles and farm traffic on properly surfaced but avoiding the villages.. these narrow and winding roads has concrete kerbing at their edges, resulted in the grass verges being would reduce the damage and badly damaged and eroded result- improve road safety. ing in property owners installing various protective measures such as Clockwise, from above right: Severe verge damage; protective measures installed on verges concrete bollards or small boulders. by property owners; spring bulbs enhance the Green; Chignal Smealey; informal passing Rather than this ad hoc approach place; two road users finding it difficult to pass; Mashbury Road, Chignal St James. perhaps a design with a common theme, approved by the Highways Authority, might be introduced, for example small wooden posts of varying shape and dimensions for different houses would be in keeping with the rural feel and avoid a regimented appearance. People want to see more identi- 5 fied passing places; currently some unofficial ones – generally field

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Traffic calming Utilities

The Chignal Road in Chignal Smealey There is no mains drainage in the between Breeds Road and Copper- Chignals and, as a result, most of the field Road is used as an alternative sewage is discharged into cesspools, route to the main roads in northwest or into septic tanks of various ages Chelmsford in the rush hour and the and effectiveness, before flowing into volume of traffic has created a prob- the soil and eventually, to the ditches lem from this junction through to and watercourses. Some properties Road signs and markings Woodside. Although speeding traffic have more sophisticated systems, is a matter of concern, residents particularly those more recently built. Road markings are generally would like any measures taken to Most, if not all, dwellings in the restricted to white lines at the edges restrict speed not to detract from the villages are connected to mains of the carriageways and at road rural character of the villages. Any water, telephone and electricity junctions; some central white lining road widening would be unfortu- services, the latter two mostly by and warning markings exist, mainly nate, as this would have the effect of overhead cables. Wooden poles gen- in Chignal Smealey. Signage mainly increasing the speed of traffic. Speed erally support the cables although a comprises village and road names, humps, build-outs or other such few concrete ones remain. warning and compulsory signs, measures, with their associated sig- Two large gas mains pass through brown tourist information signs and nage, would similarly be regarded as the Chignals. They do not provide a black and white chevrons. Occasion- inappropriate. supply to any of the properties. ally two or three signs are accommo- Rainwater generally discharges dated on one post to minimise into field and roadside ditches but clutter and some telegraph poles Guidance these are inadequate during periods have road signs attached. Direction of heavy or prolonged rainfall, signs are usually small finger posts Speeding traffic remains a problem resulting in excessive water flow that are in keeping with their rural but any measures taken should be along the roads. setting. The highway authority has appropriate for the rural context. There are no streetlights in the agreed to install replacement and Chignals and the residents support extra warning signs denoting horse this. riders and wild animals. Both the Three Elms and the Pig and Whistle Clockwise, from above: flooding at Chignal public houses have their own road- Smealey; destination and speed signs share side signs. a post to avoid clutter; these small finger The existing finger posts and tim- posts are in keeping with their setting; ber non-reflective sign plates help to clutter of road signs at the junction of add to the character of the villages. Chignal Road and Hollow Lane; the junction There is a plethora of road signs of Mashbury Road with Chignal Road. on and near the grass triangle at the junction of Chignal Road and Hol- low Lane, which looks messy and Guidance confusing, detracting from the rustic charm of this area. 1 New electricity and telephone services should be installed below ground whenever the opportunity Guidance arises. When replacement becomes necessary and if this is unavoidably 1 Avoid clutter of road signs; remove above ground, uprights should be of unnecessary or redundant signs and a material more sympathetic to the their poles. existing surroundings, such as timber.

6 2 Any road signs should be harmo- 2 Sreet lighting should not be intro- nious to the rural character. duced to the Chignals.

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5 | Built environment

Settlement description

Two major factors characterise the Chignal villages - its farms and small clusters of houses that still largely occupy the original medieval settlement pattern on narrow and winding roads, and their verdant rural landscape setting of fields, hedgerows, trees, ancient woodland and open spaces. There are a few remote outlying properties that are only accessible by unmade tracks. There is no village centre, but the church and chapel, two pubs, village hall and public green spaces provide important areas of social focus. New developments have been extensions, changes of use, and a few new builds replacing existing properties. The residential properties are mainly two storey detached or semi detached in a variety of sizes and period styles. There are a few bungalows, one small development of three storey houses built on a former commercial use site, and only one example of terraced housing. Almost without exception the residential properties have chimneys, which are an important feature of the roofscape. Those houses not built entirely houses are a key characteristic of the from brick employ other materials Chignals, providing good views of typical of the area such as timber the surrounding countryside, (weather boarding), and render that emphasising the rural nature of the is sometimes decorated with parget- villages. ting, with tiles and slate for the There are two traditional K6 roofs. Only two thatched buildings telephone kiosks, one of which is remain. listed. There is a desire that both Most houses are set back from these items of street furniture should the road in large gardens with drives be retained in their present style for and garages and are separated from visual character and heritage rea- the verges and very narrow roads by sons. Similarly small red post boxes a mixture of boundary treatments within the villages should be mainly comprising low brick or ren- retained. dered walls, a variety of wooden fencing styles, some railings, and Top to bottom: Chignal St James; Chignal hedges that are either neatly Smealey; view of farmland at Chobbings trimmed or of native trees left to Farmhouse; view from St Nicholas’ church grow to their full height. Wide tower; the post boxes and K6 telephone 7 spaces where fields extend between kiosks have heritage value and add to the many of the individual or groups of character of the villages.

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Buildings of local value

Many buildings within the parish do not meet the national criteria for list- ing but are of local importance by virtue of their positive contribution to the architectural or historic character of the locality. Policy CP9 of the LDF Core Strategy provides the pol- 15 icy context for identifying buildings of local value.

Chelmsford Borough Council Register of buildings of local value in Chignal 1 Bethel Baptist Chapel N 2 Brittons Hall Farmhouse 3 Three Elms 4 The Old Rectory 5 Pengy Mill Map - Crown Copyright. All rights reserved. 6 Pitt Cottages Chelmsford BC Licence Number 7 K6 Telephone kiosk (at The Green) 1000 23562 2009. 8 Old School & School House 9 Langleys Farm 10 The Bells 11 United Reform Church (Chignal Chapel) 12 Chignal Grange 13 Beadles Hall 14 Pig & Whistle 15 Thatched Cottage 16 Wood Hall Farmhouse and Barn Listed Buildings & of Local Value 17 Broomwood Manor 6 18 Blue House and Barn

8 5

Guidance

Any physical change to listed buildings and buildings of local value (on the register) along with their setting should ensure that their special 8 character and features are protected. 14

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Listed buildings and sites

Scheduled Monument Roman Villa, Chignal St James

Listed buildings Grade II* Chobbings Farmhouse (d) St James Church (b) St Nicholas’ Church (j)

Grade II Barn with gable dovecots at Brickbarns Farm Brickbarns Farmhouse (a) Chancellor’s Barns and range of farm buildings (l) Chignal Hall (c) Chopyns Barn (k) Church Cottage (e) b Church End Church House (i) Granary at Chignal Hall (g) Granary, Chobbings Farm Gray’s Farmhouse (h) Jacobs Cottage (f) Stevens Farmhouse Type K6 Telephone kiosk, Chignal Smealey

Guidance

Demolition of these buildings should be avoided, as should unsympathetic alteration, extension or harm to their setting.

e & f g

h i

9 jlk

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Character Areas: There are nine main areas within the village which have been set out as numbered character areas with accompanying maps and photographs showing their special features and individual characteristics. Buildings and structures on the maps are colour coded as follows:

G Listed buildings and structures G Buildings of local value G Barns/Outbuildings G Houses and community buildings

N 1 Brickbarns 5 Village Hall 9 Beaumont Otes 2 The Three Elms 6 Chignal Chapel I NCAAP Map - Crown Copyright. All rights reserved. 3 The Green 7 St Nicholas’ Church Chelmsford BC Licence Number 1000 23562 2009. 4 Brittons Hall Farm landfill site 8 Woodhall

Area 1: Brickbarns, Chignal Bethel Chapel, a local landmark, St James stands on one corner of the junction with open fields behind and oppo- On turning in to Mashbury Road site. These “tin tabernacles” are fast from the built up outskirts of disappearing even though they are Chelmsford and the parish of St of historical interest. (See Appendix 1) Andrews in the southwest, one is Brickbarns farm sits on the brow instantly in the countryside. The of a small hill past the chapel and road has no footpaths and is gener- can be seen clearly from Copperfield ally flanked by high grass banks. Road and Chignal Road in the east. The listed barn and farmhouse Map - Crown Copyright. All rights reserved. Chelmsford BC Licence Number occupy a medieval site and derives selling through the Internet. The 1000 23562 2009. its name from the unusual brick built gateway to this field is on a corner barn that houses dove cotes in both and is currently the only delivery gables. The boundary has retained access. some brick walls. Tall wooden footpath signs are The road passes more open fields used generally in this area and with far reaching views to the south- display the Queen’s head Centenary west. The field behind a two-storey Circle symbol and/or the yellow cottage contains a plants nursery butterfly symbol.

Clockwise from top left: View to the west from Brickbarns cottages; Poplar Cottage in Chignal Road; a section of the S bends; Chelmsford Centenary Circle footpath sign; Brickbarns farmhouse and barns.

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Area 2: The Three Elms, Chignal St James

Centred round the Three Elms public house which has its origins in the 17th century, this area has a broad mix of buildings including the timber agricultural barns at Brittons Hall Farm, where one has permission for change of use to residential. Oppo- site the Three Elms is a relatively new house similar in design to the listed Clockwise, from top right: 16th century Gray’s Farmhouse in brick and timber barns edge Chignal Smealey that has a jettied the road; approaching the upper floor, and is a good example Three Elms; Brittons Hall of how new buildings can reflect farmhouse has retained its local historic building style. Similarly, original metal signpost; a cottage has been part weather Braddocks; the Three Elms; boarded reflecting the style of some houses are hidden from the of the older buildings in the villages. road by tall hedging and This is the only area with three storey trees. houses. Notable features of the street Map - Crown Copyright. All rights scene are the number of boundaries reserved. Chelmsford BC Licence comprising tall native trees, bushes Number 1000 23562 2009. and shrubs, and an original white painted metal finger post in the garden at Brittons Hall farmhouse. There is a tree preservation order in place near the Old Rectory where there is also one of the few remain- ing examples of a flint wall. There is a 1.21hectare parcel of private land, part of which is currently being used as allotment gardens.

Guidance

1 Materials and decorative finishes should be selected from the traditional N range already in use.

2 Original street furniture of heritage value adds character to the area and should be retained wherever possible.

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Area 3: The Green, Chignal St James

A small tree edged open space bequeathed by a local farmer is a valued tranquil open space. Flanked by a mixed group of two storey houses, a pair of small, Essex clap boarded cottages and the former 13th/early 14th century St James Church which has some Roman brick and tile in the fabric. This page, top and above: general views; below left: A red K6 telephone kiosk sits at architectural and street furniture details. Opposite page, the entrance to the Green clockwise from top: general views show the clap board A bridleway leads from the Green cottages, church and timber seating; Stevens Farm; with past the Lafarge gravel workings to a original metal signpost; view towards Stevens Farm; timber 17th century mill that sits on the signage; architectural detail; K6 telephone kiosk and water banks of the river Can. pump at the entrance to The Green; looking towards the There is a small meadow used for bridle path. grazing horses opposite the Green with a row of small 19th century cottages behind it. Beyond the meadow on the west side of the road an early Victorian farmhouse has 19th century barns that were converted into dwellings in the latter part of the 20th century. Both the house and barns are listed.

Guidance

1 The Green should be retained as an open space for use by villagers and visitors alike

2 Since a recent application to English Heritage to list the telephone kiosk was refused, the Parish Council is to ‘adopt’ the kiosk, enabling the structure to be retained; the Parish Council is encouraged to retain 12 ownership of the kiosk and to keep it in a good state N Map - Crown Copyright. All rights reserved. of repair. Chelmsford BC Licence Number 1000 23562 2009.

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Area 5: Village Hall, Chignal St James

Enjoying a slightly elevated position this area contains agricultural and community buildings, medieval moated sites, residential properties and the site of an important Roman villa and farmstead, which is a Scheduled Monument. The village hall, the old school and the playing field are at its hub and make it an area of important social focus. Several properties were built as social housing. The old school has been converted for residential use and both it and the schoolhouse retain their original facades and brick N boundary walls and railings. Large, Map - Crown Copyright. All rights reserved. modern agricultural barns and a Chelmsford BC Licence Number 1000 23562 2009. listed house and granary of medieval origin can also be found here. The playing field is the only large, level grassed amenity space of its type in either village and is an essential element of the landscape character. The last known use of the parcel of land opposite Howletts Corner and owned by Chelmsford Borough Council was for grazing. It is currently underused and offers opportunities for higher levels of community use, perhaps as allot- ments, a community fruit orchard, or a wild garden area with seating for residents and walkers.

Clockwise from top right: View west from Langleys Corner; playing field; Chignal Hall Chase cottages; Chignal Hall; School View; Langleys Farm; village hall; the old school with its original brick wall.

Area 4: Brittons Hall Farm resulting void again being consid- landfill site, Chignal St James ered for agricultural reservoir, waste Guidance . disposal or processing. There is A gravel pit that has been worked genuine concern that any extension 1 The playing field should be retained out continues to be used as a landfill of gravel working will continue to be in its present form as level open green site. There is bunding and some tree detrimental to the landscape value space as part of the essential physical planting to screen it from view in of Chignal St James and the quality character of this place and as amenity parts of the village but from the of life of the residents. The commu- space for residents. entrance and along the track all the nity and Parish Council should be signage, relocatable offices, surveil- encouraged to actively participate 2 If the opportunity arises Chelmsford lance equipment and vehicles are in the consultation of the ECC waste Borough Council (parks) are encouraged highly visible. plan in terms of waste use and to work with the Parish Council to There are several individual and after-use. promote a higher level of recreational groups of trees that are protected by use of land opposite Howletts Corner as preservation orders as well as an indicated on the character area plan. area of protected woodland that flanks an agricultural reservoir. 3 Any development proposals should There are other sand and gravel Clockwise, from above: an agricultural respect the historic environment 14 deposits within the parish bound- reservoir created on the site of old workings; character of the area, especially in those aries for which extraction planning approach to the site; protected woodland parts that have not been quarried. consent could be applied, with the behind the reservoir; site entrance.

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4 The Chignal St James part of the parish has suffered considerably from gravel extraction and backfill of domestic rubbish over an extended period of time and if funding should ever become Map - Crown Copyright. All rights reserved. available for improvements to the Chelmsford BC Licence Number villages this is one area which should 1000 23562 2009. receive consideration. N 5 If in the longer term the opportunity arises to replace the village hall with a new building, linked to the more recent extensions and complying with current energy conservation requirements, the trustees are encouraged to provide appropriate facilities. The new building should take into account the rural character of the village setting. 15

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Area 6: Chignal Chapel, Area 7: St Nicholas’ Church, Chignal Smealey Chignal Smealey

This area is characterised by a row of This area owes much of its character widely spaced properties of mixed to the mature trees studded along ages and styles and the 19th century the road sides and in gardens and chapel along one side of the road, which, in places, form a high arch with a high hedge of native species above the road creating a feeling of opposite, all in a setting of arable enclosure. farmland. The cricket ground is an impor- The hedges, trees and shrubs in tant amenity space and lends a great the large gardens help to blend the deal of visual character to this place. houses in to the countryside while Guidance Twenty five per cent of the build- the wide spaces between the prop- ings and structures here are listed, erties allow views through across the The wide spaces between the creating a distinctive period feel with fields beyond, emphasising the rural properties are important to the visual several of the properties owing setting. character of this road and should be much to this village’s brick making respected in any new development. heritage. The cricket ground, a Tudor brick church, two former rectories and a timber framed property with its origins in the 15th century com- bine to provide this area with an abundance of tranquil rural charm. Architecturally St Nicholas’ Church is a rarity, built entirely of brick (even the font) – a few fitments of the previous structure, the bell and some fragments of medieval glass, all of the thirteenth century, are included in the present church. Also adding to the character of the area are the remains of two moats, and Hoddock’s Wood, a non-coniferous woodland and cop- pice that helps to preserve the rural character of the area and contributes towards Biodiversity Action Plan and Climate Change objectives. Traffic damage to the grass verges is of great concern particularly between St Nicholas Church and Beadles Corner.

Clockwise, from top left: view west from the chapel; The Bells; view between two gardens to the surrounding countryside; The Manse; The Tudors; the chapel in its street setting.

Guidance

N Care should be taken to preserve the rural ambience if a designated passing place is introduced to protect the grass verges in this very narrow lane. 16 Map - Crown Copyright. All rights reserved. Chelmsford BC Licence Number 1000 23562 2009.

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Clockwise, from top right: listed building set among mature specimen trees; view across the cricket field; Chignal Road from Beadles Corner; Chignal Grange, formerly the rectory; Victorian semis; the much used cricket field; St Nicholas’ Church is a gem of Tudor brickwork and is Grade II* listed. 17

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Area 8: Woodhall, Chignal Smealey

The period houses near the Pig & Whistle pub form a very appealing group; Thatched Cottage is 18th century or earlier in origin and dis- tinctly sets the character at the entrance to the village from Great Waltham and Broads Green. Proper- ties of varying styles and periods continue mainly along one side of emphasise the rural location by the road to Grays Lodge where the showing there are no buildings road starts to rise towards Wood behind. Bushy Wood, ancient non- Hall; the extensive views of the fields coniferous woodland, contributes to to the west create an impression of the rural character of this area. spaciousness. Woodhall and Grays Farm are The trees and hedges in and both ancient sites; Grays Farm is a around the good sized housing plots Grade II listed 16th century house. It help to maintain the rural feel and is one of the village’s oldest build- the gaps between the properties ings and is a lived-in working farm.

Clockwise, from top left: View west from Pig & Whistle; the ‘new’ Woodhall; Pig & Whistle; Grays Lodge Cottages from Woodhall; the small postbox adds character to the street scene; houses in Ash Rise.

Guidance

Features such as copses and the remains of ancient woods should be preserved wherever possible, both to help maintain the rural character of the area and also further contribute towards Biodiversity Action Plan and Capital Climate Change objectives.

18 N

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Area 9: Beaumont Otes, Chignal St James

This area is characterised by a group of attractive period properties including farm buildings that have been granted permission for change of use. The period styles here vary but the colours and textures of the natural building materials such as brick, timber, flint, clay pantiles and thatch, and distinctive traditional decorative techniques such as pargetting, create a pleasing visual unity. The area contains three of the parish’s seventeen listed buildings. The fields surrounding Beaumont Otes farm and Broom Wood, a small ancient non-coniferous woodland, were essentially the same in 1599 as they are today.

Guidance

1 The Highway Authority is encouraged to give consideration to reducing the number and visual impact of road signs at the junction of Hollow Lane with Chignal Road.

2 Period farm buildings are an integral part of the Chignals’ strong agricultural identity and their retention is considered important for both visual character and heritage reasons.

Clockwise from top right: open arable land on both sides of the road; attractive listed period properties; traditional farm buildings at Beaumont Oats; the thatched barn at the Blue House; staddle stone; brick barn at Map - Crown Copyright. All rights reserved. Beaumont Otes; road view north from Beau- Chelmsford BC Licence Number mont Otes with Bushy Wood in the distance. 1000 23562 2009.

N 19

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Brick, timber, flint, render and clay pantiles are used in both agricultural and residential properties as they blend well with the local environment and contribute to the character of the Chignals.

A redundant timber grain store converted to residential use. Housing & Development

Modern brick houses built on a former commercial site have gravel drives and plenty of Door on the old school parking provision. house.

General guidance buildings and should be respected in Agricultural buildings Building any future development. Re-thatch- owners should be encouraged to Change of use The conversion of ing should be encouraged. take into account the appearance redundant buildings to either resi- and impact upon the surrounding dential or low key commercial use Commercial buildings From the countryside by using materials, is preferable to them lapsing into questionnaire results there was a which will blend in to the surround- decay. An overwhelming majority majority view that the design and ings and provide adequate screen- of people felt that when agricultur- character of existing light industry ing. New buildings should al buildings are converted they development is acceptable. There preferably be sited as part of an should retain their original ‘barn’ was an overwhelming objection to existing building group rather than character. purpose built, new, industrial or isolated and should be of a scale commercial developments. The that does not dominate the adjacent New building NCAAP covers the impact of planning proposals on structures. Demolition of redundant southeastern corner of the Parish. rural roads should be considered. agricultural buildings should be Other than this there is little scope The community encourages the pro- avoided whenever possible and for further development within vision of a village farm shop. Most comply with Policy DC 56 and 57. the Chignals and the parish is not people wanted any further industrial considered suitable for any signifi- units to be provided from converted Extensions Changes in living cant changes as shown by the Local agricultural or industrial buildings. standards and restrictions on the Development Framework and the A number of former farm build- provision of new housing in rural questionnaire respondents. ings are now being used for other areas have had the effect of increas- Consultation on an important non-agricultural purposes. Semi per- ing the requirement for extensions policy document, the Site Alloca- manent structures have been to existing properties. Many people tions Document, will be taking place erected for commercial use. prefer to see an increase in size later on this year to existing rather than new buildings Empty buildings There are very as long as complying with planning Materials and techniques Build- few unoccupied or disused buildings policy (See Development Control ing materials that blend with the and if there were any proposals for Policies DC47). Extensions should local environment, in particular redevelopment to a more intense be sympathetic to the property and 20 brick, timber, flint and clay pantiles, form it should only be permitted in harmony with the surroundings. should be used. Pargetting gives a where it does not have an adverse Site context will lead in determin- regional and local identity to our impact on the character of the area. ing what design would be most

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6 | Questionnaire Summary

These traditional farm buildings have permission for change of use but will retain their original ‘barn’ character.

The rural character of the two Chignal villages, Decorative Victorian door. with their narrow and winding country lanes and small scattered hamlets nestled within a verdant agricultural landscape, should be preserved, and it is considered essential that no development in the adjoining parishes of A listed barn conversion successfully incorporating contem- St. Andrews in Chelmsford, Broomfield, Great porary design elements. Waltham, Roxwell and Writtle should encroach on the Chignals. The majority of residents agree that there is a strong community spirit within the Chignals that could be damaged by substantial development. Most residents value the two villages being separate and would like the open farmland in the middle of the road loop formed by Chignal Road and Mashbury Original windows in the An original dormer window and, above right, a dormer Victorian former rectory. installed during the conversion of the former church. Road to be retained for that reason. It is seen as inevitable that there will be appropriate, this does not mean retained wherever possible and new some measure of change within the Chignals. extensions should always copy the boundary walls or fences should existing structure, although a reflect the essentially rural character This should be done sensitively and in keeping relationship should exist, this could of the area. High brick boundary with local characteristics. be rhythm, materials, form. walls with metal gates, or high front The existing absence of street lighting in It is advisable to contact the local fences, are generally inappropriate the parish is welcome and should continue. planning authority at an early stage in a rural setting, and should be dis- when considering any development. couraged. Any traffic calming measures should be In any new development it is impor- Adequate provision should appropriate for the rural context. tant to promote good design. The remain for off street parking as the The existing footpaths and bridleway borough council publishes a number ownership and popularity of cars is network are very important to the community of guidance documents covering side unlikely to diminish as the services to and roof extensions and other forms rural communities continue to and any change should be for the benefit of of development and these are listed decline. the network. on under References and Credits. The community would welcome any Extensions should not unduly Roofs and dormers Conversion of affect adjoining residents and roof spaces frequently results in planning application for a shop or farm shop. should not completely fill the avail- inappropriate dormer windows. able space, as it is important in a Dormer windows should be of mod- rural community to provide views of est proportions, set well clear of the the countryside beyond and thus hips or verges, and should not avoid urbanization of the street extend above the ridge or hip line. scene. Windows Although there is a pref- Boundaries and parking The use erence for the use of traditional tim- of large areas of concrete, tarmac ber windows when existing units are or block paving are not well suited replaced the use of modern double to rural settings where traditional glazed upvc units need not have a materials such as shingle are more detrimental effect if they are well appropriate, and assist with rainwa- designed and proportioned to 21 ter drainage. reflect the age and character of the Existing hedges should be building.

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The Chignal Villages Design Statement 7 Chelmsford BoroughCouncil. Chignal Parish Counciland Community CouncilofEssex, financial supportoftheRural community withthepracticaland Graham AndrewsandtheChignal Linda Nelson,HelenTowns, T Kate Middleditch,JuliaSmart, Ann Salmon,SpencerBridge, David Fincham,CherryScott, John Gill,SandraBailey, Statement wasproducedby: The ChignalsVillageDesign ony W Rural CommunityCouncilofEssexand arranged forrepresentativesfromthe December 2004 Consultation: ScheduleofEvents APPENDIX 4: and fillingofroadsideditchesshould need toresortpiping.Thepiping drainage sothattherewouldbeno landowners willmaintainproper of theditchesandwatercoursesby Roadside drainage:Regularclearance APPENDIX 3: transport linksareexcellent. our narrowandwindinglanes,road transport.However poor. Mostresidentsrelyontheirown East Anglia,althoughthebusserviceis regular fastconnectionstoLondonand Chelmsford railwaystation,giving B) Chignal RoadandMashburyRoad. around atleastthevillageloopof the southofvillageinChignalRoad one oftheservicesthatpassesacross tation totheserviceproviderreroute The parishcouncilcouldmakerepresen- employment wouldbewelcomed. times toenableresidentsaccess the morningandeveningpeaktravel A) APPENDIX 2: www 9, thescriptforwhichcanbereadat programme entitled‘InsideOut’Series the subjectofaBB Bethel Chapel:‘Tintabernacles’was APPENDIX 1 council toconsider. draw attentionfortheparish for interesttothereaderand documented below a VillageDesignStatementandare to thecommunitydonotbelongin nity, whileinterestingandrelevant comments, madebythecommu- A numberofsuggestionsand be avoided. | Chignal isincloseproximityto Public transport:Busesoperatingin .bbc.co.uk/insideout/ archive. ilkins, SteveSmart, Appendices, References&Credits The Parish Council C Easttelevision , onceawayfrom Apnie 3) (Appendices 1– March 2006 guidance. to developtherecommendeddesign and theaddedcommentswereused displayed thequestionnaireresponses December 2005 resulted ina74%response. and distributedtoallhouseholds this aquestionnairewasdeveloped invited toaworkshopdayandfrom October 2005 character event. participation inthephotographic the villagefetetoencouragepublic June 2005 Photographic Event. logo andtoattendtheVillageCharacter residents tosubmitdesignsforagroup used twicetoextendinvitationsall Spring 2005 was formallyelected. Association andthesteeringgroup Chignal VillagesDesignStatement villages wasformedandnamedThe made upofeveryresidentboth April 2005 volunteered toformasteeringgroup. RCCE washeldwhenthirteenresidents chaired byarepresentativefromthe January 2005 VDS, towhichallresidentswereinvited. public exhibitionaboutproducinga Chelmsford BoroughCounciltoholda ted asApprovedGuidance September 2009 P was followedbyconsultationwiththe June 2009 Council withcommentsreceived. drafts weresubmittedtotheBorough September 06–August08 progress onadedicatedpage. website carriednewsoftheVDS resulted inthreeresponses.Thevillage information aboutBethelChapel,which to askifanyresidentscouldprovide arish Council. ° Steve MiddleditchatTheLayoutP Document designedby W School photo,page2,courtesyof Steve Middleditch.ChignalVillage Gerald Brackpool,SandraBailey, Additional photographsby T photography), Kate Middleditch(mapsand Ann Salmon(photography) David Fincham, Editorial group: © ony W endy Steele. All rightsreserved ilkins. An exhibitionwassetupat The finalpublicconsultation A constitutedorganisation The newsletterwasused The villagenewsletterwas A fullpublicmeeting Every residentwas A publicexhibition The VDSwasadop- . Several ad References Chris Blandford Associates, for CBC 2006 Chris BlandfordAssociates,forCBC technical documenttoLDF, Chelmsford LandscapeCharacterAssessment, August 2007 CBC SiteAllocationsDocument, February 2008 CBC AdoptedCoreStrategy, Essex CountyCouncilWaste LocalPlan, December2008 CBC Options Document, North ChelmsfordAreaActionPlanPreferred policies, LDF CoreStrategyandDevelopmentControl ECC 2005 Essex DesignGuide, April2009 CBC in Chignal, Register ofbuildingslocalvalue 2006 CBC Environment CharacterisationProject, The ChelmsfordBoroughHistoric Document), June2008 (Supplementary Planning Sustainable Development CB Places SPD Planning; aGuideforHouseholdersMaking CB extensions androofextensions, Residential DesignGuidance;side and include: on theChelmsfordBoroughCouncilwebsite, guidance documentsareavailable A numberofplanninganddesign English HeritageintheEastofEngland www.chelmsford. gov.uk/ Chelmsford BoroughCouncil. Chignal Parish Profile, 2nd edition,Tony 1998 Wilkins The Chignals1898–1998, Archaeology Section,EssexCountyCouncil Essex 1977-81, Excavations SouthofChignallRomanVilla, (01245) 440498 Essex CM14AS 42 BerwickAvenue,Chelmsford, Mrs PMacDonald,Clerk, Chignals P (01245) 606826 Essex CM11JE Duke Street,Chelmsford, Civic Centre, Communities, Directorate ofSustainable Chelmsford BoroughCouncil, are availablefrom: Further copiesofthisdocument C 2008 C 2004 CBC, adoptedFebruaryCBC, 2008. , arish Council, ECC for 2003-5 2001