KNARESBOROUGH Conservation Area Character Appraisal

Approved 10 December 2008 Conservation Area Character Appraisal - Approved 10 December 2008 p. 69 Contents Page Page

1. Introduction...... 1 Map CA: Area C: Analysis & Concepts/Landcape ...... 48/49

Objectives ...... 2 Map CA: Area D: Analysis & Concepts/Landcape ...... 50/51 2. Planning policy framework...... 2 Map CA: Area E: Analysis & Concepts/Landcape ...... 52/53

3 Historic development & archaeology...... 3 Map CA: Area F: Analysis & Concepts/Landcape ...... 54/55

4 Location, setting & layout...... 7 Map CA: Area G: Analysis & Concepts/Landcape ...... 56/57

5. General landscape analysis...... 10 Appendix A: 6. General form & character of buildings...... 11 1 Management strategy...... 58 7. Area A: Conyngham Hall/High Bond End ...... 13 2 Monitoring & review...... 58 8. Area B: North-West of railway line ...... 16 3 Maintaining quality ...... 58 9. Area C: The Town Centre & Place ...... 21 4 Conservation Area boundary review...... 58 10. Area D: The Precinct ...... 27 5 The management of change...... 59 11. Area E: Waterside & The Long Walk ...... 31 6 Opportunities for enhancement ...... 59 12. Area F: Briggate & Castle Ings ...... 35 Checklist to manage change ...... 64 13. Area G: Abbey Road ...... 37 Appendix B: Public consultation...... 65 Map 1: Historic development ...... 41

Map 2: Conservation Area boundary ...... 42 Appendix C: Listed Buildings...... 66

Map 3: Character Areas ...... 43

Map CA: Area A: Analysis & Concepts/Landcape ...... 44/45

Map CA: Area B: Analysis & Concepts/Landcape ...... 46/47

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p. 70 Knaresborough Conservation Area Character Appraisal - Approved 10 December 2008 1 Introduction

1.1 Conservation Area Appraisals aim to 1.4 The assessment of the area’s special defi ne and analyse the special interest architectural or historic interest is based Delineation of which constitutes the character and on a careful and objective analysis of the Character Areas appearance of a place. It is these area, using a method of analysis recomm- qualities which warrant the designation ended by English Heritage. Various Whilst any distinction between character of a Conservation Area. This Appraisal qualities are looked at including: historical areas cannot be hard and fast, there are has been adopted by Harrogate Borough development, building materials, and differences in character between differ- Council and forms an evidence base for relationships between buildings and open ent parts of the Conservation Area and the Local Development Framework (LDF). spaces. Appraisals aim to be comprehen- these form a suitable basis for individual It is, therefore, a material consideration sive but the omission of any particular description and analysis. Seven areas when determining applications for building, feature or space should not be have been identifi ed and are shown on development, defending appeals or taken to imply that it is of no interest. the Conservation Area Map. proposing works for the preservation or They are: enhancement of the area. It can also form 1.5 Knaresborough Conservation Area the basis for a subsequent Management was originally designated on 13 March A: Conyngham Hall/ Strategy, which will contain issues, 1969, and was reviewed on 3 July 1978, High Bond End proposals and policies for the conservation 20 January 1994 and 3 August 1995. B: North-West of the railway line and enhancement of the area. Following consultation of this Appraisal C: The Town Centre and another boundary amendment was York Place 1.2 The Appraisal provides information and approved on 10 December 2008 . This guidance to those wishing to carry out Appraisal aims to describe Knaresborough D: The Castle Precinct works in the Conservation Area whether as it is today and identifi es the special E: Waterside and the Long Walk or not they require planning approval. It character and distinctiveness of its F: Briggate and Castle Ings is, therefore, a useful source of information setting, buildings and open spaces. G: Abbey Road for property owners, agents, applicants Having identifi ed those special qualities, and members of the public who live or the Appraisal will examine whether and these will described in greater detail work in Knaresborough. opportunities exist to protect and after a preliminary ‘overview’ of the enhance its character. Conservation Area. 1.3 The main functions of the Conservation Area Appraisal are to ensure that any 1.6 By identifying what makes Knaresborough works in the Conservation Area have special or distinctive, it is suggested that regard to the special qualities of the area any future change, whether to individual and to devise a strategy to protect them. buildings, building groups or the town as a The Appraisal will help us to understand whole, will be based on this understanding the impact that development proposals of the past and present character of the would have on the Conservation Area town. In this way, we can manage future and whether they are acceptable change to ensure it makes a positive and/or appropriate. contribution towards preserving or enhancing its special character.

Knaresborough Conservation Area Character Appraisal - Approved 10 December 2008 p. 1 2 Planning policy framework Objectives

2.1 Local authorities have a duty to designate and therefore, whether it is contrary to The principal objectives of the ‘areas of special architectural or historic saved Local Plan Policy HD3, which is the Appraisal are: interest, the character or appearance key policy for the control of development in of which it is desirable to preserve or conservation areas. The scope of Policy  to define and record enhance’ as conservation areas under HD3 also covers development proposals the settlement’s special section 69 of the Planning (Listed Buildings outside conservation areas which would character and interest; and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. The affect its setting or views into or out same Act also requires local planning of the area.  to raise public awareness authorities to periodically of the aims and objectives review conservation areas. 2.4 Involving the community and raising of the conservation area public awareness is an integral part of 2.2 Government guidance on all development the appraisal process and needs to be designation and stimulate affecting conservation areas is set out approached in a pro-active and innovative public involvement in the in Planning Policy Guidance Note 15: way. Community involvement helps protection of its character; Planning and the Historic Environment to bring valuable public understanding  to identify what is worthy (PPG15). This advises local authorities and ‘ownership’ to proposals for the of preservation to aid to define the elements that make up area. Appendix B details how the local the special character or appearance of community has been involved and the understanding; conservation areas in order to provide contribution it has made to this Appraisal.  to assess the action that a sound basis on which to develop may be necessary to local planning policies, preservation or safeguard this special enhancement strategies and to make interest development control decisions.  to identify opportunities 2.3 In determining planning applications for for enhancement. development within conservation areas and applications for conservation area consent, the Council will give considerable weight to the content of conservation area character appraisals. The consideration of proposals in accordance with these appraisals will be an important factor in deciding whether a proposal has an adverse effect on the character and appearance of a conservation area, Knaresborough, viewed from open farmland to the East

p. 2 Knaresborough Conservation Area Character Appraisal - Approved 10 December 2008 3 Historic development & archaeology

3.1 Knaresborough owes its origin to its evidence of the Parish Church dates 3.5 After the Conquest, the Honour of natural defensive position on an elevated from 1114 and the earliest extant Knaresborough was granted to Serlo de rock overlooking the River . This fabric is Norman. Burgh and passed through the hands of is reflected in its name, the first part of a series of territorial magnates until recov- which appears to be derived either from 3.4 The castle is first mentioned in 1129, ered for the Crown by King John in 1173. Cenheard (a proper name) or from knar - although it is probable that building work He transformed the castle into one of the “a rugged rock”. The second part - burh followed the suppression of the Northum- most important military and administrative - means “a fortified settlement”. [Concise brian rebellion of 1069. After the rebellion, centres in the north. In spite (or perhaps Oxford Dictionary of English Place Names] many of the surrounding English magnates because) of falling out with Pope Innocent lost their lands which passed into the III, the king demonstrated considerable 3.2 On archaeological evidence, Knares- hands of the Crown. The castle, therefore, piety. His distribution of clothing to the borough was probably first inhabited in as well as being an important military poor during Holy Week 1210 is the origin prehistoric times. In about 500 BC it stronghold also became the administrative of the Royal Maundy. His appointee came under the control of the Brigantes. centre of the Honour (as the royal estates as Vicar of Knaresborough, Alexander In 74 AD they were defeated by the were known). The Honour comprised de Dorset, was responsible for greatly Romans who established themselves in the Manor (the town itself, together with enlarging the parish church in Early Eboracum (York) and Isurium Brigantum and Ferrensby), the Liberty (an English style and, shortly before his death (Aldborough). Excavations have indicated area lying to the north-east) and the in 1216, the king made a pilgrimage to St Roman influence in Knaresborough but Forest. The latter, which lay predominantly Robert in his cave near Grimbald Crag and it never became a fully-fledged Roman to the west, was established as a royal settlement. Following the departure of the hunting preserve after the Conquest and legions in 410, the east of was its attraction to the Norman and Angevin exposed to the depredations of Germanic kings with their passion for the chase, pirates who began to settle permanently contributed greatly to the importance of in the area in about 500, to be followed in Knaresborough as a royal residence. their turn by Scandinavian settlers. These different ethnic groups have left their mark in the street names of Knaresborough.

3.3 Christianity probably came to Knaresbor- ough some time in the seventh century, as evidenced by the name Kirkgate, the Anglo-Scandinavian Knaresborough Cross (removed to East Marton in the eighteenth century) and the holding of a Synod in 705, described by Bede as being held “near the ”. The first church must be assumed to date from around this time, although the earliest known documentary

Knaresborough Conservation Area Character Appraisal - Approved 10 December 2008 p. 3 granted him a carucate of land. 3.8 The Market Place seems to owe its In 1257 King John’s youngest son and existence both to its obvious raison d’etre successor as Lord of Knaresborough, as a place of trade and to the military Richard Plantagenet, gave this land to the necessity of having an open space beyond Trinitarian Order for the Redemption of the castle ditch in order to deny cover to Captives in the Holy Land who founded attackers. It originally covered a much Knaresborough Priory. This was of larger area than the present market place. considerable importance as the only In 1310 Edward II granted a charter branch of the Trinitarian Order in providing “That Knaresborough be a Free and the friars assiduously maintained the Burgh and that the men inhabiting the cult of St Robert until they were supp- same be Free Burgesses. They shall ressed by Henry VIII in 1538. The priory have one Market and one Fair” Eighty- survives today only in the names of six burgages were created, mainly along The river and boat landing, below The Castle. Abbey Road and of various houses and the north-west side of the Market Place The industry seems to have expanded farms, although a thorough archaeological and along the High Street, Finkle Street, up to the middle of the sixteenth century, investigation of the area may reveal the Gracious Street, Briggate and Windsor after which it was checked by an economic presence of stone from the former priory in Lane. These streets constituted the depression. In addition, Knaresborough many of the buildings of the area. nucleus of the medieval town, inhabited by had the usual trades found in a market free burgesses: the cottages of the servile town and the poll-tax returns mention 3.6 About 1408 the Chapel of Our Lady of the bondmen lay outside, in the Bond End. Crag was built on Abbey Road. Carved butchers, drapers, cobblers, brewers, out of the rock, it is believed to be the third 3.9 As a trading centre, Knaresborough tanners, blacksmiths and lorimers oldest wayside shrine in Britain. Close by enjoyed an advantageous position, not (bit and spur makers). is the House in the Rock (also known as only as the administrative centre of a great 3.10 The antiquary John Leland visited Fort Montague), excavated in 1770-71 by lordship but also by virtue of its situation Knaresborough in 1538 and was greatly a local weaver, Thomas Hill, and which between the uplands, rich in cattle, sheep impressed by the castle. He admitted that rapidly became a tourist attraction. and lead, and the corn-growing lowlands. the market was “quick” (lively) but thought There was a manorial corn mill on the river the town as a whole “meanely builded” 3.7 In 1372 the Honour of Knaresborough bank south-west of the castle and another was granted to , Duke of and indeed very few buildings go back downstream, belonging to St Robert’s to the Tudor period. Among the few are Lancaster, in exchange for the Honour of Priory (Abbey Mill). Apart from trading Richmond. In 1399 Gaunt’s son became Manor Cottage at the foot of Water Bag and corn milling, the main economic Bank (from where water was carried up to king as Henry IV and the Honour thus activity in Knaresborough was the woollen reverted to the Crown: ever since the the town in leather bags), the Old Manor industry, first mentioned in the thirteenth House on Waterside and St John’s House castle has belonged to the Duchy of century. A fulling mill stood on the north Lancaster. It was ‘sleighted’ (demolished) on the corner of Church Lane and Bond bank of the river above the High Bridge End. Important Tudor buildings which no after the parliamentary victory in the Civil and the frames on which the cloth was War and was used by the inhabitants of longer survive were Byrnand Hall in York stretched to dry after fulling or dyeing have Place (rebuilt in 1780 and now the Con- Knaresborough as a source of second given their names to Tentergate. Edward hand building stone. Today, only part of servative Club) and Coghill Hall which was III invited Flemish weavers to settle in first rebuilt in the mid-eighteenth the , the main entrance, a sallyport England in the later fourteenth century in and fragments of the barbican and century, probably by John Carr, restored order to stimulate the woollen industry, and extended by Ellen, Countess of curtain wall remain. some of whom settled in Knaresborough.

p. 4 Knaresborough Conservation Area Character Appraisal - Approved 10 December 2008 Conyngham, in 1796 (hence its name of surpassed woollen cloth as the principal firms upstream from Knaresborough as Conyngham Hall) and further enlarged product. Whereas in the sixteenth century only a limited number of mills could be built by Basil T Woodd in the mid-nineteenth little weaving took place in Knaresborough along the in or near the town. century. Knaresborough House was built itself, a century later 31 weavers with 48 Further growth required coal and here the in the late eighteenth century for the Rev. looms were recorded in Knaresborough problem was one of transport, the nearest Thomas Collins MA, the town’s longest and Scriven, of whom the majority were mines of significance being some 18 miles serving vicar who was the incumbent for linen weavers. The depression in the away in the Garforth-Kippax area. Several 53 years from 1735 until his death in 1788. woollen industry in the later seventeenth proposals were put forward during the first His descendants lived there until 1951 century, which led to its concentration in quarter of the nineteenth century for canal when it was taken over by the Knaresbor- the West Riding, caused the shift from or rail links with a navigable waterway but ough Urban District Council. woollens to linens. In 1787 it was esti- engineering difficulties and the consequent mated that 1,000 linen pieces (of 20 to 28 expense of overcoming them rendered 3.11 The turbulent events which character- yards in length) were being manufactured these proposals abortive. ised religious and political life during the weekly and, with the development of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries were mechanical spinning frame and the flying 3.14 It was not until 1848 that the railway felt in Knaresborough as elsewhere, but shuttle, the stage was set for the great reached Knaresborough in the form of the there was nevertheless a steady growth expansion of the industry which inevitably East and West Yorkshire Junction Railway of population. An important source of followed. By the beginning of the nine- from York. The first viaduct across the income for Knaresborough from this time teenth century, linen was the mainstay of Nidd collapsed shortly before completion was the discovery in 1571 by William Knaresborough’s economy. (Cotton was and the present viaduct, and the link to Slingsby of a chalybeate spring on what introduced at about this time but never the and Railway at , is now the Harrogate Stray. This was the came to rival linen). were not completed until 1851. In 1854 all first of many springs to be discovered and the lines in the area combined with many exploited in the area, both chalybeate 3.13 There were, however, a number of others to form the North Eastern Railway. (High Harrogate) and sulphurous (Low constraints on the further development of Harrogate). Although Knaresborough the industry. Dependence on water power 3.15 The railway, however, came too late to itself had only the Dropping Well which was beginning to lead to a migration of save the linen industry. Since the time had no medicinal value (though it was of the industrial revolution, cotton had already an established tourist attraction), enjoyed an advantage over linen in raw the town provided a base for visitors material costs, but now improvement in to the Harrogate (and later Starbeck) the quality of cottons was eroding the springs, until suitable accommodation advantage previously enjoyed by linens in became available closer to hand. About this respect. Though some firms adapted 1739 Sir Henry Slingsby improved the to twine and rope manufacture, many Dropping Well Estate by planting trees others went bankrupt. By the end of the and improving paths to create the Long nineteenth century, Knaresborough had Walk along the bank of the Nidd from High reverted to being essentially a market Bridge to the Dropping Well itself. town, providing trading and professional services and small-scale industries to

3.12 Textile manufacture remained the most Conyngham Hall gardens. serve the surrounding rural area. important economic activity in the town, though in the seventeenth century linen

Knaresborough Conservation Area Character Appraisal - Approved 10 December 2008 p. 5 3.16 With the coming of the railway, and later nation of the Conservation Area in 1969 in the twentieth century the motor car and and the establishment of various partner- char-a-banc, Knaresborough’s picturesque ship grant schemes brought modest public setting, its boating facilities and specific funding to assist in the repair of buildings attractions such as the Dropping Well and and helped to stem the decay of the ’s Cave gave rise to an physical fabric of the town. important tourist trade. But the economic benefits were largely limited to the owners of the attractions and the purveyors of refreshments. From the middle of the nineteenth century Knaresborough’s importance was eclipsed by the growth of Harrogate and today the historic market town continues to languish in the economic shadow of its larger neighbour.

3.17 The growth of Harrogate in post-war years, however, indirectly protected the historic fabric of Knaresborough from the

comprehensive redevelopment that ruined The Working Men’s Club on Kirkgate. so many small market towns. The desig-

p. 6 Knaresborough Conservation Area Character Appraisal - Approved 10 December 2008 4 Location, setting and layout

Location 4.4 North Knaresborough Improved arable. Amalgamations of fields has 4.1 Knaresborough, a market town of some Grassland to the north-west consists led to the loss of hedgerows, other than 14,000 inhabitants, lies on the western mainly of grassland fields, managed for on roadsides. St James Business edge of the Vale of York, 4 miles north livestock and enclosed by a mixture of Park is a major feature of the area. hedges and fences. There are a lot of east of Harrogate and 18 miles west of 4.8 Plompton and South Knaresborough York. Its centre lies on a hill overlooking a trees along field boundaries and around settlements. Hedges are well tended. Arable Land is an undulating area with gorge formed by the River Nidd as it cuts blocks of woodland in an otherwise open through an exposed formation of Magnes- The area includes Scriven Park, part of Scriven Conservation Area. landscape. The amalgamation of fields ian limestone. However, the Magnesian has led to a loss of boundary trees and limestone formation is only a narrow band 4.5 Knaresborough Reclaimed Gravel Pits hedgerows. Birkham Wood, which largely between the boulder clay of the Vale of to the north-east is characterised by a equates with the Conservation Area, is an York and the carboniferous gritstone of mixture of flooded former gravel pits, now SSSI. the Pennine fringe. Consequently, used for recreation and often surrounded limestone, sandstone, gritstone and brick by woodland cover, and small fields used 4.9 To the north-east, east and south-east are walling materials commonly used in the as grassland and for root crops, together within the built-up area of Knaresborough, Conservation Area. Knaresborough thus with small industrial sites. Much of the the historic area of the town (which, marks the transition between the generally area is neglected with old signs, dilapi- apart from Abbey Road, equates with the flat vale of York and the higher and more dated fencing and overgrown hedges. Conservation Area) is bounded by inter- undulating country of the Pennine fringe. The former gravel pits at Hay-a-Park are war and post-war development. Unlike of national importance and, as such, are most village conservation areas, therefore, Setting designated as a Site of Special Scientific there is no direct relationship on these 4.2 The countryside surrounding the town Interest (SSSI) by English Nature. This sides between the Conservation Area as a whole has been described in the area supports important populations of and the open countryside. Landscape Character Assessment. Apart wintering wildfowl. 4.10 The position is different to the west and from the Nidd Gorge, much of which lies 4.6 Goldsborough and Ribston Park to south-west, where Conyngham Hall and within the Conservation Area, the country the Nidd Gorge respectively provide a surrounding Knaresborough has been the east has a gently undulating landform with large cereal fields, neglected and natural transition to the tongue of open divided into six areas, the descriptions of country (with Green Belt status) which which are summarised from the LCA: fragmented hedgerows and sparse tree cover. Views are restricted, resulting separates Harrogate from Knaresborough 4.3 The Harrogate - Knaresborough in a partially enclosed landscape. and is described above. The River Nidd Corridor to the south-west has an itself and the Long Walk on the far side undulating topog-raphy. Woodland 4.7 The Nidd Valley at Goldsborough is thus form an important rural contrast to cover is sparse, consisting of a few small characterised by meanders of the river the tightly built-up area of the town woodland blocks and clumps, generally across the flat valley floor enclosed by itself. There is considerable intervisibility associated with scattered farm-steads broad sloping sides which are sparsely between parts of the Conservation and individual houses. There are, wooded, though the land immediately Area and the countryside to the south- nevertheless, large numbers of individual adjacent to the river is well wooded. west, thus providing a number of trees and hedgerows. Land is used both as grassland and exciting views in both directions. Knaresborough Conservation Area Character Appraisal - Approved 10 December 2008 p. 7 Layout 4.12 Because of its defensive position and its significance as a river crossing, Knaresborough developed as a focus of routes - from the area which was later to become Harrogate, and from , York and . Three crossings of the Nidd - High Bridge, Low Bridge and Grimbald Bridge - developed at points where the slope of the river banks were sufficiently gentle to allow it. The present layout of main roads goes back Knaresborough Market Place at least to the early Middle Ages. 4.11 As might be expected, the Castle and rationalising the amount of car parking occupies a commanding position at the 4.13 The railway is an important feature of the and repaving the enlarged area devoted highest point of the town, from where Nidd Gorge, which its crosses on a lofty to pedestrians in natural materials - there is a precipitous descent to the river viaduct, before passing unobtrusively in principally stone flags and setts. below. It is some 80m, twice the altitude a tunnel under the High Street. Between 4.16 There is a strong visual contrast between of the river, above sea level. Between the two is the unpretentious but attractive the Market Place and the more linear High High Bridge and Castle Mill, the river is station. Street, the central section of which is the bounded on its north-eastern side by cliffs 4.14 Apart from Abbey Road and Conyngham other main retail and commercial area of (or crags) and these recur further down Hall, the historic area of the town (which the town. Unlike the Market Place, the stream in the Abbey Road area. On the forms the basis of the Conservation Area) character of short sections of the High far side of the Gorge, the land rises up to is largely contained by Bond End, High Street has been eroded by rather bland, the open country beyond, but generally Street, Gracious Street/Briggate and the post-war redevelopments which tend to less steeply than on the town side. To River Nidd, though it also comprises land be out of scale and character with the the north-east, the Market Place and the to the north-east of the High Street and the traditional buildings which make up centre of the High Street are at a similar York Place/Iles Lane/Windsor Lane area. the remainder. The other main retail/ height to the Castle, but the land slopes commercial street is Castlegate. away beyond the line of the town ditch 4.15 The Market Place, even more so than the (roughly the boundary of the Conservation Castle, is the major focus of the town. It is 4.17 Other important historic streets are Area) towards Stockwell Road and an still used for a Wednesday market, which Kirkgate, which forms the link between area of largely inter-war development. draws many visitors to Knaresborough and the Market Place and St John’s Church; To the north-west the land slopes down makes parking very difficult on that day. Gracious Street/Briggate, leading down towards Bond End and to the south-east The Market Place forms an irregular ‘L’ to Low Bridge; York Place, leading east down from Briggate and York Place. shape and is surrounded by a mixture of towards York; Bond End, leading down to two and three storey buildings of various High Bridge and Harrogate; Waterside/ shapes, sizes, architectural character and Abbey Road which form a continuous materials. Around the Millennium it was riverside route; and which made much more attractive by reducing links the Castle and Castlegate to

p. 8 Knaresborough Conservation Area Character Appraisal - Approved 10 December 2008 Gracious Street/Briggate. Jockey Lane, Steps - and a number of ginnels and yards Finkle Street, Hilton Lane and Station which provide useful links both within the Road provide links between the High Conservation Area and with the inter-war Street and Kirkgate to the north-west area to the north-east. Most lead off the of the Market Place. High Street, but there are also unnamed passageways between the Market Place 4.18 There are a number of steep links between and Fisher Street/Jockey Lane. Waterside and the town centre - Water Bag Bank, Gallons Steps, Castle Steps and Mill 4.19 The main public open spaces in the Conservation Area are the Castle precinct and Yard, the grounds of Knaresborough House and St John’s Churchyard, and

the grounds of Conyngham Hall, with a Sloping lawns behind Conyngham Hall with St John’s Church. smaller open space surrounding Holy Trinity Church. Other focal points in the in the early post-war period and important Conservation Area are the two closely buildings demolished for what now spaced road junctions at Bond End and appears to be no very obvious reason. the traffic light junction of High Street/York Place with Gracious Street/park Row. It is unfortunate that this junction was opened up as a part of a highway ‘improvement’

The top of Water Bag Bank

Knaresborough Conservation Area Character Appraisal - Approved 10 December 2008 p. 9 5. General landscape analysis

5.1 The natural landscape and open spaces form an important element in the character of the western part of the Conservation Area and along the River Nidd. In the more built-up area in and around the town centre, there are fewer open spaces of any significance. This will be discussed more fully in the analysis of individual character areas, as will other landscape compo- nents, including prominent woodlands, landmark trees and significant open spaces. View from the Castle Crag.

Views into, from & within the  From the Castle grounds, the view of Conservation Area the viaduct. 5.2 Largely due to changes in topography,  From the Castle Crag and Surprise there are a large number of views View, a wide panorama to the west which contribute to the character of the (from Castle Mill in the south to the Conservation Area and which should be rear of properties on the south side safeguarded. The more iconic are listed of Kirkgate in the north). here and are shown on the Landscape 5.3 Other views of lesser significance are Berry’s Passage leading away from the high street. Analysis Map. These are: discussed in the analysis of individual  Approaching Knaresborough along character areas and are shown on  Ginnels, alleyways and steps providing Harrogate Road, looking towards each character area map. links to and within the town centre and Waterside, Water Bag Bank, the linking the town centre and Waterside. Castle and St John’s Church. Strategic pedestrian routes 5.5 There are many such routes which are  Approaching Knaresborough along York 5.4 Strategic pedestrian routes are essentially itemised in the analysis of individual Road, where the spire of Holy Trinity of two kinds: character areas. Church stands out.  Public and informal footpaths on  Approaching Knaresborough from the periphery of the Conservation Thistle Hill, where the Castle, Holy Area giving access to and from the Trinity Church and the House in surrounding countryside. the Rock are all visible.

p. 10 Knaresborough Conservation Area Character Appraisal - Approved 10 December 2008 6. The general form & character of buildings

6.1 The form and character of buildings are tends overall to be fairly plain, though of two storeys. In the High Street discussed more fully in the analysis of some of the grander buildings have and Market Place there is a mixture individual character areas. parapets or cornices. Gable ends, where of two and three storey buildings. visible above the roofs of neighbouring 6.2 The oldest surviving building in the buildings, tend to have plain verges, Conservation Area, other than St John’s though a few have stone tabling. Where Church - parts of which go back to the buildings have parapets, the roofs are twelfth century - is St John’s House (2/4 often invisible from the street. Detached Church Lane), dating from the sixteenth buildings (or those which stand noticeably century. Other buildings date from the above their neighbours) may have hipped seventeenth century up to the twentieth roofs. century. As may readily be conceived from this variety of their dates and materials 6.3 Walls may be of Magnesian limestone, (based on the varied geology in and sandstone or gritstone, brick or render. around Knaresborough), buildings in the Roofs are of Westmorland slates, stone Conservation Area exhibit an extreme slates, Welsh slates or pantiles, though heterogeneity and this is very much part there have been some replacements Three storey buildings at the top of the High Street. of the town’s character. with modern tiles. Sometimes pantiled 6.5 Where the original fenestration remains roofs have one or more courses of stone (or has been restored in replica) windows slates at the eaves to even out the run-off are usually vertical sliding sashes on of water and avoid it overshooting the the more ‘polite’ buildings and Yorkshire gutters. Walling and roofing materials sliding sashes on the humbler and more are found in all possible combinations vern-acular buildings. Unfortunately, in and it is impossible to say that a particular some areas of the town these have been roofing material tends to be associated replaced under ‘permitted development’ with a particular walling material, other, (in the case of dwelling houses) with perhaps, than to say that Westmorland modern standard or plastic windows, slate roofs are usually found on the leading to a considerable erosion of the more ‘polite’ buildings, which are character of the Conservation Area in usually of stone. these locations. Buildings in Cheapside showing a variety of style, massing, material 6.4 The greatest concentration of three and fenestration. storey buildings is to be found in York 6.2 In the town centre and on the oldest Place, where there is a notable collection streets close to it, buildings generally form of what were grand town houses on terraces of two or three stories and front the north side of the street. Buildings directly onto the footway, in most cases in Kirkgate, Finkle Street, Castlegate, (though there are exceptions) presenting Cheapside and Briggate are mainly their eaves to the street. Eaves detailing

Knaresborough Conservation Area Character Appraisal - Approved 10 December 2008 p. 11 Listed Buildings 6.6 Knaresborough has around 280 listed buildings, the vast majority of which are situated within the Conservation Area, where they make up a high proportion of the building stock. With the exception of the following, all are listed Grade II: Chapel of Our Lady of the Crag...... Grade I Church of St John the Baptist.... Grade I

Conyngham Hall...... Grade II* Entrance to St Robert’s Cave on the riverbank, Abbey Road. Railway Viaduct ...... Grade II* Unlisted buildings which make St Robert’s Cave...... Grade II* a positive contribution to the 6.7 These, and other listed buildings of Conservation Area particular interest, are described under 6.8 Many unlisted buildings make a positive the individual character areas in which contribution to the character and appear- they are situated. All listed buildings are ance of the Conservation Area and are of shown on the Conservation Area Map and particular interest locally. These buildings, a full list is given in Appendix C. some of which were identified during the public consultation, are recorded, as rec- ommended in PPG15, on the Character Area Analysis & Concept maps as being of local interest. There is a general pre- sumption that buildings of local interest within the Conservation Area will be protected from demolition and the Borough Council will be especially vigilant when considering applications for alterations or extensions.

The Railway viaduct with St John’s Church behind.

p. 12 Knaresborough Conservation Area Character Appraisal - Approved 10 December 2008 7. Character Area Analysis - A: Conyngham Hall/High Bond End

7.1 This character area occupies the greater Windows:  Conyngham Hall Stables (Grade II) part of the Conservation Area lying to 7.4 Where original windows remain, these are Now divided into small business units the west of Bond End. It is dominated generally vertical sliding sashes (Yorkshire situated around a courtyard, these were by Conyngham Hall and its grounds, and lights in the case of 1-9 High Bond End). also built in the late eighteenth century therefore consists predominantly of open In a few cases, the original windows have and are of coursed squared gritstone space with heavily wooded areas abutting been replaced with top-opening or plastic with a Westmorland slate roof. the River Nidd, which is a dominant feature windows.  Gates, piers & flanking walls of the area. Much of the land is in public (Grade II) to Conyngham Hall ownership. Listed Buildings Double wrought-iron gates with 7.5 There are four entries in the gritstone ashlar piers and walls. Form & character of buildings Conyngham Hall character area: General form:  Conyngham Hall (Grade II*) 7.2 Buildings in this character area are This detached house, originally few in number. Apart from 4 & 6 High Coghill Hall (now the Conyngham Bond End (semi-detached), 1-9 High Bond Hall Business Centre) was largely End (terraced) and 11 & 13 High Bond rebuilt and enlarged in the late End (semi-detached), other buildings are eighteenth century by Ellen, Countess detached and the majority two storeys of Conyngham, and extended in the in height. Those on street frontages mid-nineteenth century by Basil T generally have their eaves to the street. Woodd MP. It is of coursed squared gritstone with a Westmorland and stone Materials: slate roof. The front elevation is of five 7.3 Knaresborough is characterised generally Conyngham Halls stable block - refurbished and renamed the bays with a two storey tetrastyle Ionic Innovation Centre in the late 90s. by a mix of walling and roofing materials, portico to the ground floor entrance and reflecting its location in an area of geolog- canted bays to the two side elevations.  4 & 6 High Bond End (Grade II) ical transition from the clays of the Vale of A semi-detached pair of mid-late York, through a narrow outcrop of Mag- eighteenth century three storey nesian limestone to the gritstones of the houses of Magnesian limestone Pennine fringe. The Conyngham Hall/High with stone slate roofs, these were Bond End character area is no exception. empty and neglected until restored Magnesian limestone, gritstone, render, with grant aid in the 1990s. occasional brick and, and in one case tile hanging, are all found. Roofs are Unlisted buildings of note (see para. 6.8) predominantly of Welsh slate, some with 7.6 The buildings that have been so identified stone slate courses at the eaves, though are shown on the Analysis & Concepts Westmorland slate, pantiles and, in one Map. These include Kirkman Bank, an case, plain tiles (in association with tile early nineteenth century detached house hung walls) also occur. Conyngham Hall

Knaresborough Conservation Area Character Appraisal - Approved 10 December 2008 p. 13 of Magnesian limestone and home of Landscape character, features, Area enclose the reverse S-bend of the the Collins family since they left Knares- topography & views River Nidd, principally Collins Banks, borough House in 1951. Foolish Wood and Mackintosh Park. A 7.10 A major feature of this area is the River number of footpaths in the vicinity of the 7.7 Another notable building in this part of Nidd which forms a reverse ‘S’ and from river, including the Harrogate Ringway the Conservation Area is Henshaws Arts which the land to either side rises, steeply footpath and cycleway, give access to and Crafts Centre, constructed in the late in the case of Collins Banks and Foolish them. 1990s. It is an interesting example of Wood, more gently elsewhere. The area contemporary architecture but has little is bordered to the east and north by Bond 7.13 High stone walls also make a very import- impact outside its immediate surroundings. End and High Bond End. These roads ant contribution to the Conyngham Hall form quite steep hills as they rise some character area, particularly on both sides Landmark Buildings 30m from High Bridge to the northern of High Bond End and on the western side 7.8 Conyngham Hall (dominating its former boundary of the Conservation Area on of Bond End, in many places acting as grounds) and the Lodge adjacent to High High Bond End. Bridge (a notable landmark as one enters the Conservation Area from the south- 7.11 Trees and woodlands form a predominant west) were identified during the Appraisal element in the Conyngham Hall/High Bond ‘workshop’ as Landmark Buildings. End character area. To the south and east of the main open area in front of Conyng- Buildings in need of significant repair or ham Hall (now a discreet miniature golf enhancement course with only a few bunkers to detract 7.9 The only building in need of significant from its essentially parkland appearance) repair or enhancement is Conyngham Hall are two shelter belts, that to the south of Farm. This is redundant and in a ruinous mixed broadleaved and evergreen species condition, with only portions of walls (with some good specimens of Welling- remaining. It is nevertheless of tonia) and that to the east predominantly some interest. of Beech. The latter not only enclose the Foolish Wood, across the river from Conynhgam Hall. grounds of the Hall itself but contribute retaining walls to the higher ground flank- greatly to the character of this part of ing the road. These are shown on the Bond End. Analysis and Concepts Map.

7.12 There are, additionally, some notable 7.14 There are a number of notable views ornamental trees directly to the south which are shown on the Landscape and south-west of Conyngham Hall. Analysis Map. Containing the miniature golf course and separating it from Henshaws is Landmark trees an important hedge. There are also 7.15 Large mature trees generally make a very significant treed areas in the open land important contribution to the Conyngham between Henshaws and High Bond End, Hall character area. Some are individually Entrance to Henshaws Arts and Crafts Centre. particularly in the grounds of Kirkman identified as Landmark Trees on the Bank. Important areas of woodland at Landscape Analysis Map, others are this western extremity of the Conservation

p. 14 Knaresborough Conservation Area Character Appraisal - Approved 10 December 2008 Hard spaces in need of Space between and around buildings/ repair or enhancement surface treatment and materials 7.16 The car park situated between the 7.18 Footways on Bond End and High Bond carriage drive to Conyngham Hall and the End, where they exist at all, are narrow River Nidd performs a valuable function and surfaced in bitmac. On both Bond but is inevitably something of a visual End (west side) and High Bond End intrusion into an otherwise green area. (both sides) they are frequently non- existent. The high stone walls in Green spaces in need both cases constrain, both physically of repair or enhancement and visually, the approaches to the 7.17 The area formerly occupied by Conservation Area along Trees round Conyngham Hall and the ‘parkland’ pitch ‘n’ putt course. Knaresborough Zoo currently presents a these streets. rather derelict appearance but is in the shown simply as part of a group, belt or process of being converted to a sensory woodland. The group of tall Beech trees garden by Henshaws. between Bond End and the footpath linking Henshaws with the car park, which greatly enhances this approach to the Conserv- ation Area and complements the buildings on the eastern side of Bond End, is of particular importance. There is a similar large tree in the very southern corner of the grounds of the Dower House but, strictly speaking, this is just outside the Conyngham Hall/High Bond End character area.

Henshaws evolving Sensory Garden.

Knaresborough Conservation Area Character Appraisal - Approved 10 December 2008 p. 15 8. Character Area Analysis - B: North-West of the railway line

8.1 This character area includes the lower Roof details: century with late twelfth century section of the High Street (from Pump 8.4 Roofs generally have plain eaves and remains. Major restoration c.1879. of Hill to Bond End), Bond End (including verges, though more polite buildings may Magnesian limestone with roof of lead the section leading to High Bond End), have dentil or moulded eaves cornices. and Westmorland slate. Tower with Boroughbridge Road, Station Road, Pantiled roofs often have one or more small spire above. Vicarage Lane and The Parsonage and courses of stone slates to ensure a more  the areas of open space related to St even run off. The pitch of roofs reflects the St Mary’s Church and John’s Church and Knaresborough House. roofing materials employed. Presbytery (Grade II) Unlike the Town Centre/York Place Built in 1831 of coursed squared character area to the south-east, it is in Windows: gritstone with a Westmorland slate predominantly residential use. 8.5 Generally speaking, vernacular cottages roof, this was one of the first Roman tend to have Yorkshire sliding sashes Catholic churches to built following Emancipation in 1829 and (to avoid Form & character of buildings whilst taller, more polite buildings have vertical sliding sashes. There has been upsetting the Established Church) was General form: relatively little refenestration with modern designed to look like a private house. 8.2 The majority of buildings in the area are standard or plastic windows in this area.  Knaresborough House (Grade II) listed and consist generally of rows of An imposing town house of Magnesian houses fronting directly onto the main limestone with a stone slate roof, built thoroughfares. Most are two storey and in the late eighteenth century for the vernacular in character, though these are Collins family. They sold it in 1951 to interspersed with more polite, generally Knaresborough Urban District Council three storey, buildings. Most are located and moved to Kirkman Bank. On at the back of the footpath and have reorganisation in 1974, it passed to their eaves fronting the street. Notable Harrogate Borough Council and is now detached buildings are St John’s Church, used for meetings of Knaresborough St Mary’s RC Church, Knaresborough Town Council, whilst the upper floors House, the Dower House Hotel, Byards are commercially tenanted. Lodge and 14/16 Boroughbridge Road. St John’s House is an important timber-  St John’s House framed building dating from the Buildings on Lower High Street seen from the elevated frontage of (2/4 Church Lane)(Grade II) sixteenth century. Knaresborough House. One of the oldest surviving houses Listed Buildings in Knaresborough, dating from the Materials: sixteenth century, with stone and 8.3 The majority of buildings in this area are 8.6 There are some 75 listed buildings and timber framing and a pantiled roof. rendered, though sandstone, Magnesian artefacts in the character area, of which limestone and brick are also found. Roofs the principal ones are: may be of stone slates, Welsh slates,  St John’s Church (Grade I) Westmorland slates or pantiles. Knaresborough’s original parish church, mainly dating from the mid fifteenth

p. 16 Knaresborough Conservation Area Character Appraisal - Approved 10 December 2008  The Dower House (Grade II) great interest per se, but may be important Originally built in the mid eighteenth by virtue of providing containment of space century as a dower house for the or continuity of the street frontage. Some Slingsby family and of red brick with of the more important are: a modern pantiled roof and stone 138 High Street/ slate eaves, this building was greatly 2-10 Boroughbridge Road extended in the 1970s, following its a terrace of late nineteenth century conversion into an hotel. houses which have a dominant  Knaresborough Station (Grade II) presence on this important corner of the (including all buildings and structures) High Street and Boroughbridge Road. Listed railway buildings and structures 91/93 High Street (excluding the Viaduct which is desc- Although in very poor condition, it is St John’s House, Church Lane. ribed in the Waterside character area) of a scale which matches the listed 89 Landmark Buildings include the station building fronting onto High Street on the opposite corner of 8.9 The following must be considered Station Road, the railings in front of it, Station Road. Landmark Buildings in view of their interest platform canopies on both sides of the and prominent location in the townscape: tracks, the signal box, the water tank 96 High Street and the north and south portals of the An interesting former chapel in an Arts St John’s House (2/4 Church Lane) tunnel under the High Street. & Crafts manner, now a furniture shop. See description under Listed Buildings. The building is notable in the street Former Royal Oak PH scene and is highly prominent from A fairly modest building which Boroughbridge Road. terminates the view down the High 2 Station Road Street from Pump Hill. A large and imposing sandstone house, 96 High Street formerly the vicarage to St John’s See description under Unlisted Church, which, together with its high Buildings. stone wall, has a notable presence at the top of Station Road. Knaresborough House A large town house which dominates 1 & 2 Church View the lower part of the High Street. This was the former King James Grammar School until 1901, when it St John’s Church moved to its present location. Now Knaresborough’s original parish church Knaresborough railway station. divided into two flats, it helps to contain which enjoys an isolated location, surr- 8.7 A full list of Buildings of Special Architect- the view across St John’s Churchyard ounded by green space on three sides, ural or Historic Interest is given in from The Parsonage. and is the focus of views from The Parsonage, Church Lane, Knaresbor- Appendix C. The Mitre Hotel ough House and Vicarage Lane. Recently refurbished, this building helps Unlisted buildings of note (see para. 6.8) 8.10 A development that is very prominent, 8.8 40 buildings have been so identified and to close views looking east along The but which is not considered a Landmark are shown on the Analysis & Consepts Parsonage and south down Station Building, as it is neither of historic interest Map. These are not all necessarily of Road.

Knaresborough Conservation Area Character Appraisal - Approved 10 December 2008 p. 17 8.12 91/93 High Street This building has been occupied for some time and has deteriorated structurally. Schemes have been put forward for this property and hopefully work will commence in the near future.

8.13 There are no other buildings in the character area in noticeably poor condition.

Landscape character, features, topography & views Entrance to St John’s Church with part of graveyard with retained chest 8.14 Unlike the Conyngham Hall character tombs behind. area, which mainly consists of individual to lawn and removing most of the head- or small groups of buildings set within a stones of the churchyard to form a paved green matrix, the heart of this character area to the south of the church and a path area takes the form of an annulus with along the south side of the churchyard buildings surrounding the green space adjacent to The Parsonage, though many formed by St John’s churchyard and the of the chest tombs remain - have resulted grounds of Knaresborough House. The in a greater visual unity, though stone walls High Street slopes down from Pump Hill Knaresborough House entrance. still define the periphery of the area and to Bond End, which itself slopes down to mark its internal boundaries. nor great architectural merit, is Vale Court, High Bridge. Apart from The Parsonage, Bond End - this is a large block of elderly links to Waterside - via Water Bag Bank 8.16 The original kitchen garden to Knaresbor- persons’ flats which dominates the road or the steps adjacent to Church Cottage - ough House was sensitively redeveloped junction at the corner of Bond End. are steep. in the late twentieth century to provide elderly persons’ housing (Collins Court) Buildings in need of significant 8.15 As with the Castle precinct, the grounds but the high and predominantly brick wall repair or enhancement of Knaresborough House and St John’s to the south side of the development has 8.11 124-134 High Street and 2-10 Churchyard provide valuable open space been retained. Boroughbridge Road close to the town centre. The grounds of These have been empty and/or neglected Knaresborough House may always have 8.17 Small areas of open space to the north- for many years, though their actual state been parkland or may at one time have west of 16 Bond End and between Red of disrepair varies. They have now been been laid out in a more gardenesque House and Bond End also make a visual acquired by a developer, which it is hoped manner, whilst the churchyard consisted contribution to the character area. will result in their sensitive repair and of chest tombs, graves and headstones. reoccupation. Changes in more recent years - laying the Knaresborough House grounds down

p. 18 Knaresborough Conservation Area Character Appraisal - Approved 10 December 2008 8.18 Stone walls are particularly important to this character area are: many flags are cracked or not very level. the character of this area, particularly on  From High Bond End at the top of the Elsewhere paving is generally in bitmac, the High Street (that to the north-east hill at the entrance to Kirkman Bank though there is a short length of York side of Pump Hill retaining an elevated towards Knaresborough House and stone flags and double stone kerbs to the footway); to the front of Knaresborough Holy Trinity Church; front of 16-22 Bond End. Many entrances to individual properties retain their original  North-westward from Pump Hill stone setts. (High Street) towards the Bond End/ Borough-bridge Road junction, where 8.25 The two closely related road junctions of 2 Bond End (the former Royal Oak PH) High Street/Boroughbridge Road/Bond terminates the vista; End and, particularly, Bond End/Bond End (High Bond End) are afflicted by the usual  North-eastwards from Bond End (but necessary) impedimenta of lighting towards the High Street/Boroughbridge columns, traffic signals, road signs and Road junction where the terrace of 138 markings, and, in the case of the latter High Street/2-10 Boroughbridge Road junction, by a CCTV camera mounted is a dominant group; on a high and thick-sectioned pole.  From the sitting/viewing area immed- High wall adjacent the footway on Bond End. iately south of The Parsonage in a wide sweep upstream from the Viaduct. House; along and between Station Road and Vicarage Lane; and along Church 8.22 These features and views are shown on Lane and The Parsonage. They are the Landscape Analysis Map. shown on the Analysis & Concepts Map. Landmark Trees 8.19 The listed 14/16 Boroughbridge Road 8.23 A number of Landmark Trees have been retains its original front railings, whilst the identified and are shown on the Land- heavy Victorian railings fronting the north- scape Analysis Map. The most important west side of the railway station on Station are those which contribute to the central Road are particularly impressive. open space. Trees in this area are almost entirely broadleaved, the majority of them 8.20 In conjunction with the resurfacing of being Beech. the eastern (pedestrian) section of The Parsonage, the small sitting/viewing area Hard spaces in need constructed in recent years has created an of repair or enhancement attractive viewpoint and helped tidy up an 8.24 Footways on Bond End and the High unkempt and overgrown triangle of land Street are predominantly of pre-cast between The Parsonage and Water concrete slabs, though there is a short Bag Bank. stretch of small unit paving to the south- west side of the High Street between 8.21 The most iconic views of Knaresborough Station Road and Vicarage Lane. Much Despite bright, decorative planting this junction, unfortunately, is dominated by insensitive and intrusive highway infrastructure. have already been identified in the of the concrete paving is fairly old and Appraisal of the Conservation Area overall. Other important views within, to and from

Knaresborough Conservation Area Character Appraisal - Approved 10 December 2008 p. 19 8.26 The area to the rear of 104/106 High to this are Knaresborough House and St Street and Stead’s Yard, consists of very John’s Church. These are seen to good decayed bitmac or simply stones laid on advantage in their generally green setting, earth or hoggin, though the stone build- particularly the rear view of Knaresborough ings surrounding the Yard have been House from Church Lane. St John’s smartened up in recent years. Church is also bordered to the south by an attractive area of reused headstones which 8.27 Two further neglected areas are the provides a worthy setting to the Church on area surrounding the public conveniences this side. between the entrance to Collins Court and 115 High Street and the small area on the 8.30 1 Boroughbridge Road is one of the few corner of the High Street and Bond End houses with a front garden and frontage between 121 High Street and 1 Bond End. trees. Sadly, the setting of Byard’s Lodge has been impaired by the construction Green spaces in need of the Byard’s Park development to the of repair or enhancement south-east, though the latter’s impact 8.28 Green spaces in the area are generally on the public domain is mitigated by the well-maintained and no requirements retention of the stone wall to the frontage The area off the Hight Street, above the railway tunnel. for enhancement have been identified, and of the mature trees behind it. though the rear of Knaresborough Tyre Space between and around buildings/ Services building, which fronts onto surface treatment and materials Station Road, provides (compared with 8.29 Generally, the majority of buildings in the the Mitre Hotel and 1 & 2 Church View to area front the highway and have private either side) a less than ideal enclosure to rear gardens. The two principal exceptions St John’s Churchyard.

p. 20 Knaresborough Conservation Area Character Appraisal - Approved 10 December 2008 9. Character Area Analysis - C: The Town Centre & York Place

9.1 The Town Centre and York Place character As well as being important features of Materials: area is the largest in terms of buildings the Conservation Area in their own right, 9.4 As usual in Knaresborough, the range and occupies the north-eastern part of they afford attrac-tive glimpses as one and combinations of building materials is the Conservation Area. The area has two approaches the High Street and Market so great that it is impossible to generalise distinct focuses: the linear High Street (and Place along them. about them. The predominant finish is its eastern prolongation as York Place) render, though there are many buildings of and the Market Place. The vast majority of Form & character of buildings Magnesian limestone and some of brick or buildings form continuous informal terraces gritstone. In the case of roofing materials, (generally for a whole street block), though General form: Welsh slates, stone slates and pantiles few buildings are identical. West of the 9.3 The vast majority of buildings front directly are all common, together with some Market Place, the High Street is paralleled onto the street. Those on the High Street Westmorland slates. by Kirkgate (which links the Market Place and in the Market Place are a mixture of with St John’s Church) and the two are two and three storey buildings. Those in Roof details: connected by Jockey Lane, Finkle Street York Place are mainly three storeys, whilst 9.5 Roofs are generally of a normal pitch and Hilton Lane. To the east of the area, those elsewhere are mainly two storeys. range (depending on the roofing material) the principal streets are Castlegate, Most buildings present their eaves to the and most buildings, if of a different height Cheapside, Gracious Street/Briggate and street, though there are some notable from their neighbours, are gable ended York Place. exceptions, mainly in the Market Place, with plain verges, though a few have e.g. 12 (Thomas the Baker), 14 (Oxfam), stone copings. Most have plain eaves or 9.2 North of the High Street, a number of 16 (The Oldest Chemist Shop) and the simple dentil or modillion eaves cornices, ginnels or yards either connect with the Royal Oak PH which are important to the though some of the grander buildings have more recently developed areas beyond character of the space. more elaborate cornice or parapet details. or give access to houses or commercial Where there are parapets and where premises. From west to east, these are the building is tall in relation to the width Raw Gap, Whiteley’s Yard, Commercial of the street, roofs are often invisible Yard, Bank Court, Park Square, Berry’s behind them. Passage, Park Place, Marshall’s Court and Anchor Yard. Either side of Chapel Street, Windows: cleared areas have for many years been 9.6 As a high proportion of buildings are listed, used as car parks. Holy Trinity Church these (and many others) have retained occupies its own secluded precinct with traditional vertical or horizontal sliding access from beneath an archway at the sash windows. Many dwelling houses, point where Gracious Street becomes particularly in Iles Lane, Windsor Lane, Briggate. There are also pedestrian links Briggate and Hilton Lane, and the upper between the Market Place and High Street floors of many retail/commercial buildings The . (Butter Lane) and with Fisher Street and have lost their original fenestration. Jockey Lane. Some of these ginnels have recently been resurfaced in traditional materials (Berry’s Passage, Anchor Yard).

Knaresborough Conservation Area Character Appraisal - Approved 10 December 2008 p. 21 Listed Buildings the Market Place. 9.7 There are some 150 listed buildings in the  70 High Street Town Centre/York Place character area, (The Borough Bailiff PH)(Grade II) over half the total number of listed build- This long building, of Magnesian ings in the Conservation Area. Among limestone with a roughcast rendered the more significant are: front elevation and a Westmorland slate  Holy Trinity Church (Grade II) roof, dates back to the late seventeenth Built of gritstone with a Westmorland century but was re-fronted in the eight- slate roof in 1866 in a fourteenth eenth century. Has internal remains of century Gothic style. The tall broach timber-framing and a fine late seven- spire with lucarnes makes the church teenth century staircase with turned a notable landmark from several balusters and moulded handrail. The viewpoints. interior was refurbished in the late twentieth century.  Fysche Hall (Grade II) Dating from the late eighteenth century  16 Market Place and late nineteenth century, this large (The Oldest Chemist Shop)(Grade II) house of Magnesian limestone with a Timber-framed with a brick façade and Westmorland slate roof was built for pantiled roof, this picturesque building Francis Isles and is now a Masonic was sensitively restored in the late Lodge. twentieth century when it became a The Working Men’s Club on Kirkgate. sweet shop and café. The eighteenth  Unlisted buildings of note (see para. 6.8) 3-9 York Place (Grade II) century shopfittings are a particular 9.9 In the case of the Town Centre/York Built in the mid- to late eighteenth feature of the ground floor. century, these mansions of gritstone Place character area, the great majority of (No. 3), Magnesian limestone (Nos.  25-31 Market Place (The Old Town unlisted buildings on street frontages have 5 & 7), and rendered (No. 9), now Hall)(Grade II) been identified as making a positive con- respectively a Conservative Club, Built as the Town Hall in 1862 by John tribution to the Conservation Area and are hotel and commercial offices, form Child, this imposing building of gritstone shown on the Analysis & Concepts Map. an imposing row of town houses ashlar with a hipped Westmorland They complement the listed buildings to characteristic of York Place. slate roof was converted to a shopping make up the overall street scene. In some arcade with nightclub above in the late cases, it is not always easy to tell from a  42 High Street twentieth century. casual glance why some buildings have (NatWest Bank)(Grade II) been listed and others not. However,  25 Kirkgate (Knaresborough Working A robust, decorated building of gritstone many of them may have suffered con- Men’s Club)(Grade II) ashlar, built in 1858 as the Knaresbor- siderably from inappropriate Permitted This 3 storey rendered building, dating ough & Claro Bank. Development (in the case of dwelling from the early to mid-eighteenth  houses) or unauthorised alterations (in 37 High Street century, dominates this part of Kirkgate the case of retail/commercial buildings). (Barclays Bank)(Grade II) but is in need of some refurbishment. Built in 1881 as the Bradford Old Nevertheless, in most cases this can be Bank, this imposing brick and terracotta 9.8 A full list of Buildings of Special Architect- rectified and it is felt, overall, that even building with Arts & Crafts details turns ural or Historic Interest is given in quite badly altered buildings have a group the corner between the High Street and Appendix C.

p. 22 Knaresborough Conservation Area Character Appraisal - Approved 10 December 2008 value and make a contribution to the is much loved by Knaresborians and character of the Conservation Area. provides a focus to the north side of the Market Place. 9.10 Buildings fronting onto or enclosing ginnels or yards may in some cases be of lesser 25-31 Market Place (Old Town Hall) merit, but nevertheless contribute to the This imposing building dominates the character of the ginnel or yard by virtue south-west corner of the Market Place of the enclosure that they provide. These by virtue of its bulk. have also generally been included. Gracious Street Methodist Church Hall (original church building) 9.11 Mention should also be made of the This was the original Methodist Church two-storey, elderly persons flats at 21-33 in Knaresborough before it was Gracious Street and 1-27 Windsor Lane. Buildings at the top of High Street. replaced by the Victorian Methodist These, although they do not strictly follow Church in Gracious Street, itself sadly the street frontage or the form of surr- 42 High Street (NatWest Bank) replaced in the post-war period. ounding buildings, are nevertheless of This highly decorated mid-nineteenth a sympathetic scale and materials and, century stone building, set slightly back United Reformed Church (Gracious unlike Fisher Gardens, fit well into the from the street frontage, stands out by Street/Windsor Lane) adjoining street scene. reason of its contrast with the much Trinity Church plainer, mainly rendered, buildings This provides a focus to the corner of Landmark Buildings around it. Briggate and Windsor Lane and has 9.12 Buildings in the Town Centre/York Place group value with the archway marking 37 High Street (Barclays Bank) character area may qualify as Landmark the entrance to Holy Trinity Church. Buildings for one or more of three reasons: This tall late nineteenth century corner building of brick and terracotta, in a Holy Trinity Church  By virtue of their size or dominating classical Jacobean style with some Though almost hidden from view close position in the townscape, and/or Arts and Crafts detailing, is a dominant to, Holy Trinity Church is an important  By virtue of their particular architectural building in the High Street and turns the landmark and the focal point of several interest and detailing, and/or corner between the High Street and the views into the Conservation Area. Market Place.  Even if modest in scale, by virtue of Buildings in need of significant their historic significance. 15 Kirkgate (former mill/warehouse) repair or enhancement This predominantly brick building 9.14 A small number of buildings in the Town 9.13 The following have been identified as dominates the eastern end of Kirkgate Centre/York Place character area are in Landmark Buildings and are shown on and Bowling Green Yard. need of repair or enhancement. Those the Analysis & Concepts Map: specifically in need of repair, mainly 25 Kirkgate (Knaresborough WMC) 1 Iles Lane (Fysche Hall) because they have been partially or fully This large early-mid eighteenth century This imposing detached town house, unoccupied for some time, are as follows: rendered building dominates the central though set back from the roadside, section of Kirgate. 14-24 Cheapside signifies that one has entered the A row of unoccupied Magnesian historic core of Knaresborough when 16 Market Place (Old Chemist Shop) limestone cottages. approaching from the east. This timber-framed building with a brick façade, although of modest height,

Knaresborough Conservation Area Character Appraisal - Approved 10 December 2008 p. 23 82/82a High Street soft landscape features in the area or trees Though structural repairs have been of note - the latter are dealt with under undertaken and a new, well-designed Landmark Trees. shopfront installed, no action has been taken to bring the ground floor shop into 9.19 The Town Centre/York Place character use or to implement consents for the area is generally flat but elevated slightly conversion of the upper floors to flats. above adjacent character areas (apart from the Castle Precinct). The only 19 Finkle Street significant slopes within the character area (the former Station Hotel) are of Kirkgate and Hilton Lane towards This building makes a notable con- the level crossing. tribution to the corner of Finkle Street and Kirkgate and it hoped that a new use will be found and a scheme of refurbishment implemented in the near Former Station Hotel, Finkle Street future to prevent the further deterior- High Street) and/or over-large signage; ation of the building. A sympathetic  unauthorised, pre-listing or Permitted extension of the building along Kirkgate Development alterations (mainly to (as proposed in previous proposals) doors and windows); would fill an unsightly gap in the street frontage.  and/or a general lack of maintenance and decoration. The latter is partic- Lastly, the area to the north-east of the ularly characteristic of some of the High Street above the railway tunnel buildings in the block 51-69 High Street Used for car parking and although between Jockey Lane and Finkle York Place somewhat smartened up in recent Street. years this area still presents an 9.20 There are two notable (positive) spaces: unsightly gap in the High Street 9.17 Much has been achieved over the past 1. The irregularly shaped Market Place frontage. 30 years by means of grants and, in recent (including Silver Street and the two years, the economy of Knaresborough short streets connecting the Market 9.15 There are buildings which detract by virtue appears to have become somewhat more Place with the High Street and Castle- of their form, proportion or materials from buoyant, but many town centre businesses gate/Kirkgate which form part if it). It the character of the Conservation Area still do not seem to be sufficiently profit- is surrounded by a variety of two and and would benefit (should the opportunity able to generate surplus funds for proper three storey buildings of various ages, arise) from sensitive development. These building maintenance. styles and materials. The group of two include 69 High Street and the post-war storey gabled buildings on the north infill buildings 30-34 High Street. Landscape character, side are particularly noteworthy, as is 9.16 A much greater number of buildings features & topography the imposing, if somewhat overbear- are let down by: ing, Old Town Hall at the south-west 9.18 The character of this part of the Conserv- corner. There are also two trees and,  poorly designed shopfronts; ation Area subsists primarily in its buildings at the western end, three listed K6  over-deep or garish fascia signs and their concentration to form largely telephone kiosks. (notably, but not exclusively, on 30-34 unbroken street frontages. There are few

p. 24 Knaresborough Conservation Area Character Appraisal - Approved 10 December 2008 The Market Place has been greatly  The Bus Station. Although this has enhanced in recent years by a been greatly improved in recent years reduction (but not the total elimination) by the construction of the new super- of car parking and its repaving in market and flats to the south of the natural materials, principally York stone space, it still forms a substantial visual flags and setts. Seats between the two break in the street frontage. parking area around the Market Cross  Bowling Green Yard. This is a prom- makes for a focus of pedestrian activity. inent area of bitmac and breaks the Widened footways allow some of the frontage of Kirkgate at this point. cafés fronting the Market Place to put out chairs and tables in the summer  The areas at the junctions of Gracious Green Dragon Yard, off Cheapside. and this also adds to the general Street and Park Row with the High animation of the space. Street. Buildings here (including the 9.24 Notable views to, from and within the Town notable Byrnand Hall) were demolished Centre/York Place character area are 2. Holy Trinity Church, approached from many years ago, presumably for a road indicated on the Landscape Analysis Map. Gracious Street/Briggate under a stone ‘improvement’ which never happened archway along a setted path bordered Landmark Trees or merely to provide improved visibility. by stone walls, is set within its own 9.25 The only trees which can be considered They have been attractively laid out as precinct, bounded by walls, trees, the to be Landmark Trees are: garden areas, but the visual character Old Vicarage and the church hall. of this part of the Conservation Area At the north-east corner of Fysche Hall would be improved if they were to be and bordering the southern side of York sensitively redeveloped with sympath- Place, fronting the public open space, etic new buildings. where the Conservation Area boundary was drawn to include them. (They 9.22 Of the many yards and ginnels which extend further along York Place to King lead off the High Street, Market Place James Road and beyond, but these are and Castlegate, three - Berry’s Passage, outside the Conservation Area.) Anchor Yard and Green Dragon Yard - have recently been greatly enhanced by Surrounding Holy Trinity Church. repaving in traditional materials. Park In the curtilage of 5 Gracious Street, Place has also been surfaced, albeit adjacent to the front boundary wall. mainly in bitmac, and presents a much improved appearance over its previous 9.26 These are identified on the Landscape Dining ‘al fresco’ in the Market Place unmade state. Others, still requiring Analysis Map. 9.21 Spaces which have a negative impact on improvement, are dealt with below Hard spaces in need of repair or the Conservation Area are: under Hard spaces in need of repair and enhancement  Chapel Street and Fisher Street Car enhancement. 9.27 The most notable spaces in need of Parks. There is a perceived shortage 9.23 Some walls are of significance and are repair or enhancement are: of car parking in Knaresborough and so shown on the Analysis & Concepts Map. Fisher Street & Chapel Street Car these areas are likely to have to remain These are mainly in the area of Holy Parks in their present use for the foreseeable Trinity Church. future.

Knaresborough Conservation Area Character Appraisal - Approved 10 December 2008 p. 25 These spaces have been in existence Green spaces in need for a long time and probably derive of repair or enhancement from slum clearance in the immediate 9.28 There are few green spaces in the Town post-war period. Whilst they serve a Centre/York Place character area. The valuable purpose, they detract very only one identified as needing enhance- considerably from this part of the ment is the grassed area surrounding Conservation Area and destroy the Holy Trinity Church, where there has been character of Chapel Street as a street. some erosion to bare earth by car parking.

Bowling Green Yard Space between and around buildings/ Slum clearance to the front of Bowling surface treatment and materials Green Yard has introduced a large gap 9.29 As previously stated, most buildings front in the Kirkgate frontage and exposed directly onto the street and form informal Patchy bitmac pavement on Finkle Street. parked cars to view. terraces. There are, therefore, few spaces areas paved in traditional materials include Park Square around them, other than private gardens the garden area at the junction of the High The surface of the Park Square and yards to the rear. Street and York Place (York stone flags), consists principally of cobbles whose 9.30 The majority of footways along the High Green Dragon Yard (York stone flags and decay detracts from this pleasant Street and Kirkgate are surfaced in small, cobbles) and around the former Primitive courtyard of nineteenth century red, concrete blocks, in imitation of brick Methodist Chapel off Briggate, now stone cottages. paviours. More recently, some footways converted to flats (granite setts). have been repaved in ‘Tegula’. Whilst neither is as attractive or convincing as 9.33 At the junctions of many side roads, yards, traditional materials, it is considered that ginnels and entrances from the High ‘Tegula’ presents a better appearance Street, stone setts have survived. than the earlier concrete paviours.

9.31 Some older pre-cast concrete paving slabs are found on Castlegate, Cheapside, the north side of Kirkgate (between Finkle Street and Hilton Lane) and on parts of Briggate. Elsewhere, apart from Car park with backdrop of recent development at the bus station. the Market Place (already mentioned), footways are of bitmac. Many of the older Entrance to Holy Trinity Church concrete slabs are broken and many areas This forms a generally very attractive of bitmac have deteriorated as a result of setted approach to the Church between digging up by statutory undertakers. high stone walls, but it slightly let down by the presence of a V-shaped area of 9.32 In addition to the drive to Holy Trinity Recent resurfacing in Green Dragon Yard. in-situ concrete immediately adjacent Church, Berry’s Passage and Anchor Yard to the archway. (previously mentioned), other substantial

p. 26 Knaresborough Conservation Area Character Appraisal - Approved 10 December 2008 10. Character Area Analysis - D: The Castle Precinct

10.1 This character area consists primarily inner ward. The perimeter wall was punc- of open space and, as might be expected tuated at intervals by a number of towers, of a site chosen for its defensive possi- the most important being a northern tower, bilities, is the most elevated part of the which, with the keep, oversaw the north Conservation Area. From the Castle Crag gate, and the two towers which framed the there are views over much of the Conserv- east gate. Other ‘hollow’ towers, which ation Area and of the open country to the could be accessed for defensive purposes, south-west. Most of the area is owned were the Blanche Tower at the south-west by the Crown in right of the Duchy of corner and, further east, a corner tower (at Lancaster but is leased to, and admin- the junction of the inner and outer wards) istered by, Harrogate Borough Council. and a southern postern. In addition, there The Courthouse (now a museum) and bowling green. were a number of ‘massy’ or solid towers Form & character of buildings which served to strengthen the perimeter Materials: wall at regular intervals and changes of 10.5 The remains of the Castle, the Court- General form: direction. house Museum, the Castle Boys’ and Girls’ 10.2 The area is dominated by what remains Schools, Castle Cliffe and 2-8 Brewerton of the Castle (a Scheduled Ancient 10.3 Following the surrender of the Castle Street are all of Magnesian limestone. 8 & Monument). The Castle consisted of two in 1644 after a five-month siege it was 9 Castle Yard, 10 & 12 Brewerton Street, courtyards - the inner ward to the west and ‘sleighted’ (demolished). Knaresborians the front elevations of the outer ward to the east. In addition to removed much stone for building 1-4 Foundry Gardens and the adjacent the overall perimeter wall of the Castle, a purposes, particularly in the eighteenth cottage (in front of No. 4) are of gritstone. wall divided the two wards with an inner century, and, apart from first two storeys Other buildings are predominantly gatehouse giving access between them. of the keep and most of the towers which rendered. The keep was situated at the north-west framed the east gate, little of the Castle corner of the castle, with access from the survives much above ground level. Roof details: 10.6 The Court House Museum, Castle Cliffe 10.4 The other main buildings in the Castle and Castle Close have stone slate roofs; Precinct are the Courthouse Museum the Boys’ and Girls’ Schools and 8 Castle (partly built on the remains of the wall of Yard (the Dispensary) have Westmorland the Inner Ward) and the former Castle slate roofs; 2-8 Brewerton Street have tiled Boys’ and Girl’s Schools. The only real roofs with an eaves course of stone slates. terrace of houses is 2-10 Brewerton Street Most other buildings have Welsh slate (of which 2-8 are listed). Other houses are roofs. generally detached or semi-detached, few of which front directly onto a street.

The Castle keep.

Knaresborough Conservation Area Character Appraisal - Approved 10 December 2008 p. 27 Windows: Westmorland slate roof and is Doors and windows have Gibbs 10.7 Most buildings have vertical sliding now used as offices. surrounds with triple keystones. sash windows, though the Court House  Castle Girls’ School (Grade II)  Castle Close (Grade II) Museum has Yorkshire sliding sash and Dating from c.1837 and of Magnesian Also dating from the mid-eighteenth stone mullioned windows, whilst 8 Castle limestone with a Westmorland slate century, of Magnesian limestone, Yard (the Dispensary) has casements. roof, when the National School girls though with rendered additions to the The original sash windows to the Boys’ were moved from a room adjoining principal elevation, and a stone slate School have been replaced with pivoting the vicarage, the second storey roof, this house was possibly built windows. was probably added c.1850. originally as a folly. Both Castle Close and Castle Cliffe were restored in 1927 Listed Buildings by a local builder. 10.8 There are seven entries in the Castle Unlisted buildings of note (see para. 6.8) Precinct character area: 10.9 The buildings so identified are shown on  Court House Museum (Grade II) the Analysis & Concepts Map. Dating from the early fourteenth cent- ury with late sixteenth and eighteenth 10.10 Although of a different character and century additions, the Court House was constructed of different materials, 10 restored in 1830 and in the twentieth Brewerton Street continues the line of the century, and is now a museum. It listed 2-8 Brewerton Street and contributes is constructed of coursed, squared to the whole group. Other buildings are Magnesian limestone with a 8 Castle Yard perhaps of less interest but nevertheless make some contribution to the character stone slate roof.  8 Castle Yard (Grade II) of this part of the Conservation Area. Built as a dispensary in 1853, in millstone grit with a Westmorland slate Landmark Buildings roof, ‘in memory of the late vicar the 10.11 The keep must be singled out as the Rev. A Cheap LLB’, and now a house. principal building and focus of the Castle The building was restored at the end of Precinct. The Court House Museum and the twentieth century and the railings the Castle Boys’ and Girls’ Schools must reinstated. also be considered Landmark Buildings.  2-8 Brewerton Street (Grade II) Buildings in need of A plain terrace of four, three storey significant repair or enhancement The Courthouse Museum and bowling green. houses in Magnesian limestone with a 10.12 All the buildings in the Castle Precinct tiled roof and an eaves course of stone character area are generally well main-  Castle Boys’ School (Grade II) slates, dating from the late eighteenth/ tained and no buildings in need of repair The first school in the district, dating early nineteenth century, and similar to or enhancement have been identified from 1814, to be erected by the others found elsewhere in the town. although the former National Boys School National Society for the Education  Castle Cliffe (Grade II) buiding would benefit from repair and of the Poor in the Principles of the Of coursed squared Magnesian a new use. The Police Station, whilst Established Church, it is constructed limestone with a stone slate roof and constructed of stone and well maintained, of Magnesian limestone with a dating from the mid-eighteenth century. is visually intrusive and out of character

p. 28 Knaresborough Conservation Area Character Appraisal - Approved 10 December 2008 with the centre of Knaresborough but, in the War Memorial which overlooks short of redevelopment, it is difficult to see the River Nidd and is the focal point that much could be done to improve it. for Knaresborough’s Remembrance ceremonies. Landscape character, 3. The Moat features & topography This was excavated to improve defence 10.13 The area of the Castle itself and its links to in an area where the Castle was only a the Market Place and Castlegate/Cheap- little elevated above the adjoining land. side are generally flat and level. However, A central bitmac path runs between immediately below the Castle on its west- rocky or grassy banks from the Castle ern side there is an almost vertical drop to Yard to the ‘Surprise View’, overlooking the River Nidd. Dog-leg paths lead up Waterside below. On the northern (Castle View from the Castle with former Castle Boys School on the left. Bank) and southern (moat) sides the land to the Castle whilst, on the other side, a also slopes steeply away, though it rises railings to the Dispensary and the single flight of stone steps gives access up again from the moat to Gardens. repaving/repair of the entrance to the to Bebra Gardens. The moat, Brewerton Street and Bebra Yard from the Market Place have also 4. Bebra Gardens Gardens also slope down from the town enhanced this area. These pleasant, well-treed (principally centre in the east to Waterside in the west. 2. The Castle with evergreens) and planted public gardens, which include a paddling 10.14 In landscape terms, the character area This area consists mainly of grass, pool and lie between the Moat and the may be divided into seven sub-areas: with a perimeter and various other paths. In recent years a yew hedge ginnel leading down from Brewerton 1. The Castle Yard, north of the Castle. in a timber trough (to avoid damage Street towards Mill Steps and Water- Though most of the area remains to below ground archaeology) was side, are named after Knaresborough’s surfaced in bitmac, some of which is planted along the north-east side of German twin town. Unfortunately, their rather decayed, significant resurfacing the perimeter to provide enclosure on somewhat obscure location in relation in traditional or improved materials this side and to re-establish the line of to the town centre appears a deterrent has been undertaken in recent years, the outer wall. Stone flags were also to their greater enjoyment by the public. notably in the area between the Boys’ laid to mark the site of the north gate, School and the Castle perimeter and 5. Castle Bank whilst the paths were rationalised to at the entrance to the Yard between The well-treed Castle Bank to the west reflect the plan and functioning of the the Police Station and the Dispensary. side of the Castle is traversed by zig- Castle and resurfaced in Breedon Whilst it is unfortunate that an area zag paths leading from the Castle down gravel in place of bitmac. Some years directly adjacent to the Castle should to Waterside. One or two dead-end previously, a sallyport was opened up. have to be used for car parking, this spurs from the main path lead to small The presence of the bowling green has at least been relocated into marked sitting areas from where spectacular in the area of what was originally the bays and generally rationalised. A views of the river, the viaduct and Inner Ward represents something of a Magnesian limestone wall was recently the land beyond may be enjoyed. municipal intrusion into area, though built to the east side of the Boys’ School However, the climb is quite an arduous no doubt a much-enjoyed facility. The to conceal the on site parking which one, which tends to discourage use by Castle culminates at the south-west takes place here. The refurbish-ment the elderly or the unfit. of the Girls’ School, the reinstated

Knaresborough Conservation Area Character Appraisal - Approved 10 December 2008 p. 29 10.15 Significant views to and from this character Hard spaces in need area are: of repair or enhancement  From the west side of the Castle and 10.18 Some of the bitmac area of the Castle Yard the ‘Surprise View’ westwards towards is rather decayed and generally presents the viaduct, High Bridge and Conyng- a rather drab and uninviting appearance ham Hall and southwards towards in comparison to the areas between the Castle Mills, the Long Walk and (in Castle and the Boys’ School where hard winter) the open country beyond. From landscape improvements were carried out above Castle Bank the view extends around the Millennium. further to include St John’s Church and Green spaces in need the rear of properties fronting the south of repair or enhancement side of Kirkgate. 10.19 The bitmac path running through the moat  From Harrogate Road (A.59) and High and the zig-zag paths leading off it are Bridge towards the Castle. This a part- rather hard and unsympathetic features icularly iconic view as one approaches in the context of what is predominantly Knaresborough from Harrogate, as the a green space. Castle, St John’s Church, the Viaduct, Water Bag Bank and Waterside are all Space between and around buildings/ visible. surface treatment and materials 10.20 Hard spaces, paths and footways outside 10.16 All significant views are shown on the the Castle perimeter are generally of Castle seen from one of the zig zag paths down to Waterside. Landscape Analysis Map. bitmac, though, in addition to the areas of recent enhancement adjacent to the 6. Land to the NW of Castle Bank Landmark Trees Castle and the Boy’s School, there are This well-treed land to the north-west 10.17 Apart from a single coniferous tree just some York stone footways at the entrance of Castle Bank, which also slopes outside the East Gate of the Castle, these to Castle Yard from Castlegate and adj- steeply down to Waterside and is are all Limes within (or just outside) its acent to 1-10 Brewerton Street. At the private ownership, is traversed by the perimeter. They generally follow the inside entrance to the Castle Yard from the vehicular access to 26/27 Waterside. of the perimeter wall or are adjacent to Market Place, between the Dispensary internal paths through the Castle. They 7. ‘Dr Stead’s Yard’ and the Police Station, there is a cobbled are identified on the Landscape Analysis This yard, so named in the nineteenth area with a level footpath of stone setts. Map. There are other significant trees in century but not to be confused with The front garden and recently reinstated or on the Moat, Bebra Gardens, Castle the present Stead’s Yard off the High railings of the Dispensary make a signific- Bank and the land to the north-west, Street, gives pedestrian and vehicular ant contribution to the area’s character. access from Kirkgate, and pedestrian but they are not of sufficient individual access from Castle Yard, to the importance to merit Landmark status properties knows as Castle Cliffe, in relation to the Castle character area. Castle Close, Castle Lodge and Elm Some trees at the southern corner of Court. It is surfaced in bitmac and is Bebra Gardens, however, have been gated at both ends. identified as Landmark Trees in relation to the Waterside/Long Walk character area.

p. 30 Knaresborough Conservation Area Character Appraisal - Approved 10 December 2008 11. Character Area Analysis - E: Waterside & The Long Walk

Bridge) and the Mother Shipton PH at the eastern end (in the vicinity of Low Bridge), the entire area is undeveloped.

Form & character of buildings General form: 11.3 At the western end of Waterside and on Water Bag Bank, most houses (or the cliff) adjoin the highway, giving Waterside west of Water Bag Bank a very narrow and enclosed character. Beyond the Viaduct

it becomes more open and accessible to Waterside seen from across the river on Long Walk. the river. South-east of Castle Mill, it takes on a much more spacious and suburban Windows: character, with modern houses to the north 11.6 Again, it is difficult to generalise about of Waterside and, to the south, a car park, window types, other than to say that more the meadow/pastureland to 20 Waterside ‘polite’ buildings are likely to have vertical Waterside and the Viaduct seen from the Castle. and two open fields. At the eastern end, sliding sashes, whilst other buildings are towards Low Bridge, a combination of likely to have a variety of window types - 11.1 Waterside is one of the most picturesque early and late twentieth century develop- Yorkshire sliding sashes, casements and and visited parts of Knaresborough by ment again makes for a more built-up feel. modern replacement windows in both virtue of its proximity to the River Nidd timber and plastic. and its cafés and boating facilities. The Materials: general heterogeneity of buildings in 11.4 There are some buildings of brick and Listed Buildings Knaresborough Conservation Area applies of gritstone and Magnesian limestone 11.7 There are 16 listed buildings, together particularly in this case where, apart from but most are rendered and painted. Of with High Bridge (Low Bridge is considered one or two short terraces, almost every particular note, the Manor House is painted within the Abbey Road character area), building differs from its neighbours in in a black and white chequer-board pattern form or materials. Gallons Steps and the weir at Castle Mill. Roof details: The most notable are: 11.2 On the opposite side of the river, the 11.5 The majority of buildings have Westmor-  The Viaduct (Grade II*) Long Walk gives access to the tourist land or stone slate roofs, but Welsh slates The original viaduct, built in 1848 by attractions of the Dropping Well and and pantiles are also found. 9 Water Bag the East & West Yorkshire Junction Mother Shipton’s Cave and is on English Bank (Manor Cottage) is notable for its Railway (EWYJR), collapsed the Heritage’s Register of Historic Parks and thatched roof. Most buildings present their following year. The present viaduct, Gardens. Apart from the entrance build- eaves to the street, but a notable except- with the Castle Knaresborough’s most ings to the Dropping Well Estate and some ion is 11 Waterside, whose prominent iconic ‘building’, was completed in cabins providing holiday accommo-dation gable dominates the junction of Waterside 1851 by Thomas Grainger and allowed at the western end (in the vicinity of High and Water Bag Bank.

Knaresborough Conservation Area Character Appraisal - Approved 10 December 2008 p. 31 house, roofed predominantly in stone 11.8 A full list of Buildings of Special Architect- slates, probably dates from the mid to ural or Historic Interest is given in late seventeenth century and has fine Appendix C. interior panelling and a fireplace of 1661. Unlisted buildings of note (see para. 6.8) 11.9 A number of buildings have been so  Manor Cottage, identified and are shown on the Analysis Water Bag Bank (Grade II) & Concepts Map. Most of the more Picturesque timber and stone rendered important buildings are listed, but cottage with a gableted thatched roof, among unlisted buildings of note are: dating from the sixteenth - seventeenth Former da Mario’s Restaurant century and restored after a fire in This recent, long, low range of buildings 1965. Prominent when viewed The Viaduct seen from Waterside. with exposed timber framing replaced from the west along Waterside. a previous restaurant building on the the EWYJR to link up with the Leeds  Castle Mills (Grade II) site. Following the recent closure of & Thirsk Railway at Starbeck. The A group of mill buildings, the first dating the restaurant, it has been converted four-arched viaduct, of gritstone, is from c.1770. Mixed gritstone and brick. to a private house. Whilst bearing little some 100m long and 30m high with an Originally a paper mill, it first became a direct relationship to other buildings in embattled parapet paying respect cotton mill (c.1790) and then (c.1811) a Knaresborough, its contribution can be to the Castle. linen mill. It continued in use as a linen considered to be a positive one.  High Bridge (Grade II) mill until 1972, but then fell into decay. The Boat House Rebuilt in 1773 (probably as part Rather over-zealously restored and Although of no particular architectural of a network of turnpike roads) with converted to residential use in the distinction, this recently restored nineteenth and twentieth century late twentieth century. building encloses the bottom of Gallons widening and restoration. Coursed  Bridge (or March) House (Grade II) Steps and helps to create a distinct squared gritstone. Of two segmental An imposing early nineteenth century space at the junction of Gallons Steps arches with rock faced voussoirs and house of Magnesian limestone with a with Waterside. pointed cutwaters to both sides. High Westmorland slate roof. The principal Bridge is also a Scheduled Ancient 11.10 The rear of St John’s Church Hall is elevation faces Abbey Road. Monument. also a dominant building viewed from Waterside, though located within the West  1 (Tenter Lodge) & of the Railway Line character area, as are 3 Waterside (Grade II) many of the buildings on the south side A curious, castellated, red brick build- of Kirkgate, within the Town Centre/York ing with a square tower (now divided Place character area. into two). Built in the early nineteenth century for William Ibbetson, with 11.11 Two other unlisted buildings, whose impact later nineteenth century additions and is more neutral but which are nevertheless alterations. Westmorland slate roof. of note, are:  The Old Manor House, 11 Waterside Waterside(Grade II) This tall, four-storey, rendered and This stone and timber framed, rendered painted house occupies a very prom- Castle Mills from across the river. p. 32 Knaresborough Conservation Area Character Appraisal - Approved 10 December 2008 inent position and dominates the the most scenic area of Knaresborough constructed houses (on the site of the junction of Waterside with Water Bag and one which attracts many tourists. former gas retort house and abattoir). Bank. The balconies and heavy barge- The river itself and the café and boating Between the south-west side and the boards to the gable of the prominently facilities are the major attractions, as well river, the land remains largely open, apart projecting roof are unfortunate details as the generally constricted nature of from one or two isolated dwellings and the which detract from this picturesque waterside as it runs between buildings, holiday cottages of Uncle Tom’s Cabin. part of the Conservation Area. walls and cliff. Particularly picturesque is Two fields remain, one of which is in the the steep Water Bag Bank with its cobbles ownership of 20 Waterside. Another field 20 Waterside and stone flagged footway and the space is used as a public car park. Beyond the This originally quite modest house formed at its junction with Waterside. A last field, the former gas works has been was greatly extended at the end of the similarly focal point is at the junction of redeveloped with modern semi-detached twentieth century by the importation Gallons Steps (a feature of interest in or terraced housing. and re-erection of a timber framed itself) with Waterside. building, reputedly from Shropshire. 11.18 At the west end of Waterside, important Nevertheless, because of the wide 11.15 Where the carriageway is not directly open spaces are the garden area between variety of building styles and materials enclosed by buildings, gritstone walls are 2 Waterside and the Printing Works and in Knaresborough, it does not appear an important feature of the area. The the small public sitting area at river level unduly alien or intrusive. tall, stepped, retaining wall in front of 1-3 between the Viaduct and the house to the Landmark Buildings Waterside is particularly noteworthy. east, both adjacent to the river. Further 11.12 Buildings which have been identified downstream, the open spaces already 11.16 The cliff, an important feature along much as Landmark Buildings in view of their referred to are important to the character of Waterside, is especially dominating prominent location in the townscape are of this part of Waterside. below the Castle, just north of Castle Mills. shown on the Analysis & Concepts Map. 11.19 The other side of the River Nidd, between 11.17 South of Castle Mills, Waterside changes Buildings in need of significant the entrance buildings to the Dropping character, becoming much more open repair or enhancement Well Estate and the Badger’s Hill holiday and less enclosed. The north-east side 11.13 2 Waterside cottages at the western end and the consists mainly of detached post-war These buildings at the junction with High Mother Shipton Inn at the eastern end, houses, giving way to terraces of recently Bridge present a neglected appearance. is entirely undeveloped. A footpath, the Whilst they could be refurbished and Long Walk, enables paying visitors to walk superfluous signage removed, it is between Harrogate Road and Blands Hill understood that they have been sold and to access the tourist attractions of for redevelopment. If redeveloped, any Mother Shipton’s Cave and the Dropping building which takes their place should (or Petrifying) Well. be of appropriate scale and to the highest 11.20 The Long Walk developed as a means of standard of contextual design in this very accessing the Dropping Well and enabling prominent location. visitors to enjoy views of the river gorge and the Castle ruins. In about 1739, the Landscape character, landowner Sir Henry Slingsby improved features & topography 11.14 The western end of Waterside between High Bridge and Castle Mills is perhaps

Knaresborough Conservation Area Character Appraisal - Approved 10 December 2008 p. 33 the path and planted trees along the river Hard spaces in need 1. The public car park to the south of bank. It was described as a ‘beautiful and of repair or enhancement Castle Mills is very open to view and romantic walk’ in 1807 and its popularity 11.24 Apart from Water Bag Bank and Gallon the area where cars park has been continues. In 1994 the Long Walk, defined Steps, the whole of the carriageway considerably eroded. as the area between the two bridges and (and the footway where it exists) is of 2. The other area is the small field to the between the river and the open fields bitmac. The stretch of Waterside between north side of Waterside between 41 beyond, was included in English Heritage’s High Bridge and Water Bag Bank has a Waterside and the house on the site Register of Historic Parks and Gardens. particularly picturesque character and it of the former gas retort house. In 2000 the boundary was extended to would desirable, if funds could be found, include the river itself. to pave this area in traditional materials to 3. Viaduct Terrace provide continuity of surface with Water Spaces between and around buildings/ 11.21 The main feature of the area is its mature Bag Bank. A second stage could be to deciduous trees, which can be readily surface treatment and materials extend this as far as Gallons Steps and 19 11.26 Upstream of Castle Mills, most houses enjoyed from the north-east bank of the Waterside, where there are already some river itself and from viewpoints such as the abut the highway and, in many cases, cobbles and where it would enhance the rear garden space is also limited by the Castle and the ‘Surprise View’, as well as setting of adjacent listed buildings. The from within the area itself. It forms a visual constraints of the river and the cliff, though area to the north of Waterside between 1 Waterside (Tenter Lodge), 8 Waterside boundary to the Conservation Area on this the Viaduct and 17 Waterside, formerly side. Part of the area between the Viaduct and the Old Manor House have quite the car park for da Mario’s restaurant, has extensive curtilages to the rear or side of and Castle Mills Weir is used for visitor planning permission for the construction parking, but this is not overly intrusive. the house. Downstream, 31-41 Waterside of two houses. It is hoped that these will are raised above the level of the road and 11.22 Notable views within, into and out of the enhance the appearance of this are set well back from it behind hedges. Waterside/Long Walk character area are section of Waterside. 20 Waterside has an enormous area of shown on the Landscape Analysis Map. land extending to the river, the domest- In some locations, pruning and crown ication of which, to a degree, impacts thinning of riverside trees would improve adversely on this part of the Conservation views of the river. Area. Apart from Bridge House, both new and old houses at the extreme east end of Landmark Trees Waterside have very small curtilages. 11.23 The majority of important trees in the Waterside & Long Walk character area are 11.27 The triangular spaces formed at the junc- located within the Historic Park/Garden tions of Waterside and Water Bag Bank, and it would be impossible to identify these and Waterside and Gallons Steps are individually. On the more open stretch of particularly focal. Buildings and/or walls Waterside below Castle Mills, Landmark are complemented by cobbles. The whole Trees have been specifically identified of Water Bag Bank is cobbled, apart from a and are shown on the Landscape Analysis Waterside’s bitmac surface. broad York stone footway at the same level Map. (Physically, some of these lie within as the cobbles on the south side. Green spaces in need Bebra Gardens in the Castle Precinct of repair or enhancement character area but their main impact 11.25 Particular green spaces requiring is on Waterside.) enhancement have been identified:

p. 34 Knaresborough Conservation Area Character Appraisal - Approved 10 December 2008 12. Character Area Analysis - F: Briggate & Castle Ings

12.1 This area is perhaps the least interesting Materials: with twentieth century restoration, this part of the Conservation Area and was 12.5 Terraced Cottages on Briggate are timber framed, rendered cottage is included principally to provide continuity generally of brick or render, though there partly cut out of the bedrock and retains along Briggate between Gracious Street is some Magnesian limestone. Roofs of many original internal features. and Low Bridge, and to avoid what would traditional cottages are mainly of Welsh  108 Briggate (Grade II) otherwise have been a ‘hole’ in the slates or pantiles, though some have Dating from the early nineteenth Conservation Area. modern concrete roof tiles. century and constructed of coursed Roof details: Magnesian limestone with a Form & character of buildings 12.6 Roofs are generally of normal pitch for the Westmorland slate roof, this two storey General form: materials employed and mainly have plain house is built into the steep slope 12.2 Whilst the lower section of Briggate has a eaves and verges. of Briggate at this point. The house number of two storey cottages, dating to retains its sash windows. Windows: the nineteenth or early twentieth centuries,  110 & 112 Briggate (Grade II) 12.7 Whilst most windows would originally have many of these have been spoiled by Dating from the mid to late eighteenth been vertical sliding sashes, the majority permitted development which has resulted century, this pair of three storey brick of these have been replaced over time in many undesirable alterations to doors houses (110 with a stone slate roof, 112 with casement, top-opening or ‘EJMA’* and windows. with a Westmorland slate roof) retains type windows, often in plastic. (* EJMA sash windows. 108, 110 and 112 were 12.3 On the west side of Briggate, Fisher stands for English Joinery Manufacturers’ all restored in the late twentieth century. Gardens, enclosed by Wellington Street, Association and is used to describe Brewerton Street, Castle Ings Road, Union their standard post-war designs. These  1 & 2 Castle Ings Gardens (Grade II) Street and Briggate, was redeveloped were often horizontally proportioned with Originally a row of three cottages, as three storey flats in the early post-war side-hung casements and with centrally dating from the eighteenth century with period. Their general form and materials - or asymmetrically located top-opening early nineteenth and twentieth century uncoursed sandstone walls, timber board- lights, depending on the overall design. alterations, now combined into a single ing and concrete tiled roofs - bear little They bore little resemblance to traditional house. Roughcast rendered, with part relation to the surrounding area or to the vertical or horizontal sliding sashes or stone slate, part Welsh slate roof. character of the Conservation Area as to traditional casements. Top-opening The house fronts on to the garden but a whole. windows which pretend, very unconvinc- presents some sash windows to the ingly, to be vertical sliding sashes, have ginnel leading from Brewerton 12.4 At the southern end of Castle Ings Road, largely superseded them. Street to Mill Steps. there are more recent brick houses and flats, as well as older houses, including Unlisted buildings of note (see para. 6.8) five former Council houses. Castle Ings Listed Buildings 12.9 The buildings so identified are shown on Close and the adjoining west side of 12.8 There are five listed buildings in the the Analysis & Conepts Map. A high prop- Castle Ings Road were developed around Briggate/Castle Ings character area: ortion of the traditional cottages which front the mid-twentieth with a mix of fairly  35 Briggate (Kirkness Cottage) onto Briggate or Wellington Street have ordinary detached and semi-detached (Grade II) lost much of their character through the houses. Dating from the late sixteenth century exercise of ‘permitted development’ rights, Knaresborough Conservation Area Character Appraisal - Approved 10 December 2008 p. 35 Landscape character, features & topography 12.12 Stone walls make a particularly important contribution to the Briggate/Castle Ings character area on Briggate, Brewerton Street and Castle Ings Road, often as retaining walls to footways or front gard- ens. Other features of interest are the highly ornamented cast-iron gates and gate piers at the entrance to Bebra Gardens and the bracketed lantern

The top of Briggate. fixed to the corner of 1 & 2 Castle Ings Across the road from Fisher Gardens, the houses front an Gardens. These features are shown elevated pavement. mainly as a result of re-roofing in concrete on the Analysis & Concepts Map. Green spaces in need of repair or tiles, and the replacement of the original enhancement doors and windows, frequently in PVCu. 12.13 The views from Thistle Hill and Blands 12.16 No particular green spaces in need However, it would be possible to restore Hill towards Holy Trinity Church are of repair or enhancement have these original features and, in spite of this particularly iconic ones. These and other been identified. erosion of character, these houses and views are also shown on the Landscape cottages continue to provide enclos-ure to Analysis Map. Space between and around buildings/ Briggate and therefore to contribute to the surface treatment and materials Landmark Trees character of the Conservation Area. 12.17 Most buildings on Briggate directly 12.14 It is difficult to identify more than a front the street or have small forecourts. Landmark Buildings few specific trees as being of particular 1-6 Briggate and the houses between 12.10 No individual buildings in the Briggate/ importance in the Briggate/Castle Ings 63 and 77 Briggate are set back from the Castle Ings character area stand out character area and these are shown on frontage, the former with extensive front sufficiently to be considered Landmark the Landscape Analysis Map. The Silver gardens. More recent houses off Castle Buildings. Birches planted within the curtilage of Ings Road have gardens to front and rear. Fisher Gardens, whilst hardly constituting The space surrounding the Fisher Gard- Buildings in need of significant repair or Landmark Trees, nevertheless help to ens development is generally grassed, enhancement soften the impact of these buildings except where hard standings are provided 12.11 No buildings in need of repair have been on Briggate. identified, but it would be highly desirable for car parking. Footways in the area are to discourage further alterations under Hard spaces in need of repair or of bitmac. permitted development to the unlisted enhancement terraces fronting Briggate and to encour- 12.15 No particular hard spaces in need of repair age the reinstatement of original features or enhancement have been identified, where these have been lost. though some bitmac footways are a little decayed.

p. 36 Knaresborough Conservation Area Character Appraisal - Approved 10 December 2008 13. Character Area Analysis - G: Abbey Road

13.1 The River Nidd and Abbey Road form a ‘V’ age of space between the crag and the  St Robert’s Cave (Grade II*) between Low Bridge and Grimbald Bridge. River Nidd. Further east where the land This cave and the foundations of an For convenience, therefore, the inner flattens out and space permits, buildings adjoining chapel (or outbuilding) have side of the ‘V’ will be described as ‘north’ are set well back from the road. long been associated with St Robert and the outer side as ‘south’. Similarly, of Knaresborough (1160-1218). It upstream will be described as ‘west’ and Materials: became a popular tourist attraction downstream as ‘east’, though this may not 13.4 The older buildings are generally cons- in the eighteenth century. In the late strictly be the direction at any particular tructed of gritstone with pantiled roofs. twentieth century Harrogate Borough location. Later houses may be of stone, render or Council carried out works to clear brick with varied roofing materials. vegetation and improve access to, and 13.2 Most of the western part of the character interpretation of, the site. St Robert’s area was developed sporadically in the Roof details: 13.5 Traditional buildings generally have simple Cave is also a Scheduled Ancient inter-war period with detached houses in Monument. large plots. East of 51 Abbey Road (north plain eaves and verges. It is difficult to side) and Thistle Cottage (south side), make any generalisation about the apart from some post-war development, more recent buildings. the area has a predominantly rural Windows: character. 13.6 In traditional buildings, windows are generally Yorkshire sliding sashes or Form & character of buildings casements. The Abbey, a more polite General form: building, has vertical sliding sashes. More 13.3 Buildings in this area are of two types - a recent buildings mainly have casements or number of old stone houses and cottages, top-opening windows, many having been generally dating back to the eighteenth or renewed in plastic. early nineteenth centuries, and twentieth century houses of a suburban character, Listed buildings 13.7 There are six listed buildings or structures The House in the Rock those closer to the town centre dating in the Abbey Road character area:  mainly from the inter-war period, whilst The House in the Rock (Fort those downstream date from the late  Chapel of Our Lady Montague) with attached wall to west

twentieth century. Apart from The Abbey, of the Crag (Grade I) (Grade II) This unusual house, of Magnesian a more ‘polite’ house, the older buildings This chapel, excavated from the cliff limestone, of four storeys but only one are typical of their date, being mainly two and dating from the early fifteenth room deep, cut into the face of the cliff, storeys, long and shallow. The ‘suburban’ century with late seventeenth and was built by Thomas Hill, a weaver, houses are usually more square and box- early eighteenth century alterations, between 1770 and 1786. It became like in proportion. Eaves generally, though was probably used as an oratory by one of Knaresborough’s tourist attract- not invariably, face the street. Buildings workers at the nearby quarry. Its best ions and was, until recently, still lived in nearer the town centre are generally set known feature is the figure of a knight by his descendents. close to the road as a result of the short- to the right of the door, probably made between 1695 and 1739.

Knaresborough Conservation Area Character Appraisal - Approved 10 December 2008 p. 37  The Abbey (Grade II) Conservation Area and these are shown Landscape character, Built in the early eighteenth century on the Analysis & Concepts Map. features & topography with late eighteenth and nineteenth 13.13 Landscape rather than buildings is century additions and twentieth century 13.9 The great majority of these are all principally what accounts for the inclusion alterations, of coursed rubble and brick traditional pre-twentieth century buildings, of the Abbey Road area in Knaresborough with stone dressings and quoins, this though some have suffered from a degree Conservation Area. The Abbey Road is the most impressive house in the of modernisation. A notable exception character area which takes in land on both Abbey Road character area. is Spitalcroft, a large, well-proportioned, inter-war house with unusual gables sides of the River Nidd is tightly constr-  Low Bridge (Grade II) in a ‘Cape Dutch’ manner. ained at its western end by the cliff or Rebuilt in 1779 in Magnesian limestone crag to the north and by less precipitous, with two segmental arches and Landmark Buildings but still rising, land to the south. The cutwaters (pointed upstream and 13.10 The following have been identified as Con-servation Area boundary generally rounded downstream). Landmark Buildings and are indicated follows these natural features. Proceeding on the Analysis & Concepts Map: downstream, in the vicinity of The Abbey The House in the Rock and The Priory, the land begins to flatten Prominent from Abbey Road itself out and the valley bottom expands, mainly and from Blands Hill to the north of the river. To the south, the land retains its steep slope, with Grimbald The Abbey Crag providing the last outcrop of Magnes- The most prestigious house in the ian Limestone before the Nidd Gorge Abbey Road character area peters out into the Vale of York. The Priory, Priory Farmhouse & Priory Cottage 13.14 In developmental terms, proceeding from Prominent at the bend where Abbey west to east, the section of Abbey Road Road changes direction. (and Spitalcroft to the south of the river) is essentially suburban in character, with Low Bridge from Abbey Road 13.11 Similarly, the principal elevation of Bridge individual detached houses set in fairly  Grimbald Bridge (Grade II) House, though the building lies west of large plots (except where constrained by Built in the late eighteenth/early Low Bridge and is therefore part of the the river or the cliff). Although the majority nineteenth century of coursed squared Waterside character area, is seen to best of houses are undistinguished, the area gritstone with two round arches and advantage when looking west along the has a pleasant residential quality to it pointed cutwaters to both sides. westernmost section of Abbey Road. with many garden trees and hedges. Immediately to the east of Low Bridge, an Unlisted buildings of note (see para. 6.8) Buildings in need of attractive grassed area has been created 13.8 There are relatively few buildings overall significant repair or enhancement on the site of former public lavatories. in this predominantly unbuilt-up area, 13.12 The Abbey Road area is one of Knaresbor- On the south side of the road, between 22 apart from at its western end. However, ough’s most affluent residential areas and and 26 Abbey Road, there is an extensive there are a number of unlisted buildings no buildings in need of significant repair or grassed verge. which make a positive contribution to enhancement were identified. the character and appearance of the

p. 38 Knaresborough Conservation Area Character Appraisal - Approved 10 December 2008 (Abbots Knoll to Netherlands on the north 13.18 On the southern side of the Conservation and Abbey Court to Abbey Mill on the Area boundary, between Wetherby Road south). Although this is undoubtedly an and Plompton Mill Farm, a tall screen of attractive area in which to live, particularly Cupressus leylandii (not normally a plant in the case of those properties to the to be encouraged) obscures much of the south of Abbey Road with their gardens caravan park behind it. However, a new extending down to the river and enjoying office building on the St James’s Park the view of the open land beyond, these development is visible from Abbey Road developments as a whole cannot be said in the vicinity of Plompton Mill Farm. to contribute positively to the character of Caravans are readily visible from Abbey this part of the Conservation Area, though Road across the river in the space their setting generally in extensive well- between Plompton Mill Farm and Grimbald Abbey Road. treed grounds diminishes their impact, as Crag. It is not easy to obtain a good view do walls and hedges fronting the road. of Grimbald Crag itself due to the late 13.15 Beyond the new house under construction twentieth development along the south immediately east of 51 Abbey Road, 13.17 From Netherlands and Abbey Mill the side of Abbey Road (Cedar Shingles to the character changes to become more rural area continues to Grimbald Bridge, Abbey Mill). genuinely rural. The few, but attractive, though there is some adverse impact from properties in this area have extensive twentieth century development adjoining gardens bounded by trees, hedges and Abbey Road, as well as from the newer stone walls of varying height. The steeply ‘Abbey/Rievaulx’ development beyond. sloping land between Abbey Road and Some screening is provided by trees at the Abbey Crags is generally covered in edge of this development and by an imp- natural woodland and there is an extensive ortant hedge fronting the field immediately network of footpaths connecting Abbey west of Larchwood, whilst, on its western Road with the footpath running along the side, an area of scrubby woodland effect- crag top and the new development. Two ively obscures the new development from broader tracks, some 200m apart on Abbey Road. Abbey Road, connect the latter with Abbey Crags Way and Abbey Mill Gardens in the new development. Upstream of The Abbey, under mature beeches, is Shaffey 13.19 Stone boundary walls add much to the Dam - one of the few places where views character of the Abbey Road character of the river can be glimpsed. South of the area, particularly east of The Abbey. river, beyond Thistle Cottage, there are no Hedges are also a prominent feature further buildings until Plompton Mill Farm and do much to screen less appropriate is reached, but a footpath links Spitalcroft recent development. with Grimbald Bridge and Plompton. 13.20 These features, together with notable 13.16 Beyond Abbey Mill Farm on the north views, are shown on the Analysis & side of Abbey Road and opposite Priory Concepts and the Landscape Maps. Farmhouse on the south side, there is an Grimbald Bridge area of late twentieth century development

Knaresborough Conservation Area Character Appraisal - Approved 10 December 2008 p. 39 13.21 Particularly important green spaces are all Hard spaces in need across Abbey Road adjacent to Priory those to the south of the river and those of repair or enhancement Farmhouse, when locked, prevents use fields between Abbey Road and the river, 13.23 Apart from a small derelict area used for of the road by through traffic. Abbey and between the Priory and Abbey Court. car parking at the westernmost end of Road is surfaced in bitmac throughout. The field to the south side of Abbey Road Abbey Road (north side), there are no between Abbey Court and Cedar Shingles hard spaces in obvious need of repair is of less importance, as the land falls or enhancement. away to the river and is largely invisible behind high hedges. Green spaces in need of repair or enhancement Landmark trees 13.24 There might be scope for making more of 13.22 The character of the Abbey Road character a feature of the quarried area of the cliff area depends much more on areas of between The Abbey and The Priory by woodland than on specific trees. However, improving the surface, but no other a number of Landmark Trees have been areas were identified. identified and are shown on Map LG. Space between and around buildings/ surface treatment and materials A public footpath leads steeply up the crag from Abbey Road. 13.25 Most buildings are domestic and are surrounded by private gardens which are generally well maintained. There are few raised footways in the area. At one part- icular pinch point near the western end of Abbey Road, a white line painted on the carriageway provides for the segregation of pedestrians and vehicles whilst a barrier

Much of Abbey Road is well-wooded.

p. 40 Knaresborough Conservation Area Character Appraisal - Approved 10 December 2008 Map 1: Historical development of Knaresborough (n.b. individual buildings in these broad areas may be of a different era) s Stationery Office. ©Crown copyright. Unauthorised reproduction may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Harrogate Borough Council 1000 19628 2008 Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey Mapping with permission of Controller Her Majesty’

Knaresborough Conservation Area Character Appraisal - Approved 10 December 2008 p. 41 Map 2: Knaresborough Conservation Area boundary s Stationery Office. ©Crown copyright. Unauthorised reproduction may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Harrogate Borough Council 1000 19628 2008 Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey Mapping with permission of Controller Her Majesty’

p. 42 Knaresborough Conservation Area Character Appraisal - Approved 10 December 2008 Map 3: Character Areas

Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey Mapping with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. ©Crown copyright. Unauthorised reproduction may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Harrogate Borough Council 1000 19628 2008

Knaresborough Conservation Area Character Appraisal - Approved 10 December 2008 p. 43 Map CA: Character Area A: Conyngham Hall/High Bond End - Analysis & Concepts

Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey Mapping with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. ©Crown copyright. Unauthorised reproduction may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Harrogate Borough Council 1000 19628 2008

p. 44 Knaresborough Conservation Area Character Appraisal - Approved 10 December 2008 Map LA: Character Area A: Conyngham Hall/High Bond End - Landscape

Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey Mapping with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. ©Crown copyright. Unauthorised reproduction may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Harrogate Borough Council 1000 19628 2008

Knaresborough Conservation Area Character Appraisal - Approved 10 December 2008 p. 45 Map CB: Character Area B: North-West of the railway line - Analysis & Concepts

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p. 46 Knaresborough Conservation Area Character Appraisal - Approved 10 December 2008 Map LB: Character Area B: North-West of the railway line - Landscape

Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey Mapping with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. ©Crown copyright. Unauthorised reproduction may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Harrogate Borough Council 1000 19628 2008

Knaresborough Conservation Area Character Appraisal - Approved 10 December 2008 p. 47 Map CC: Character Area C: The Town Centre & York Place - Analysis & Concepts

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p. 48 Knaresborough Conservation Area Character Appraisal - Approved 10 December 2008 Map LC: Character Area C: The Town Centre & York Place - Landscape

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Knaresborough Conservation Area Character Appraisal - Approved 10 December 2008 p. 49 Map CD: Character Area D: The Castle Precinct - Analysis & Concepts

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p. 50 Knaresborough Conservation Area Character Appraisal - Approved 10 December 2008 Map LD: Character Area D: The Castle Precinct - Landscape

Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey Mapping with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. ©Crown copyright. Unauthorised reproduction may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Harrogate Borough Council 1000 19628 2008

Knaresborough Conservation Area Character Appraisal - Approved 10 December 2008 p. 51 Map CE: Character Area E: Waterside & The Long Walk - Analysis & Concepts

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p. 52 Knaresborough Conservation Area Character Appraisal - Approved 10 December 2008 Map LE: Character Area E: Waterside & The Long Walk - Landscape

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Knaresborough Conservation Area Character Appraisal - Approved 10 December 2008 p. 53 Map CF: Character Area F: Briggate & Castle Ings - Analysis & Concepts

Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey Mapping with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. ©Crown copyright. Unauthorised reproduction may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Harrogate Borough Council 1000 19628 2008

p. 54 Knaresborough Conservation Area Character Appraisal - Approved 10 December 2008 Map LF: Character Area F: Briggate & Castle Ings - Landscape

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Knaresborough Conservation Area Character Appraisal - Approved 10 December 2008 p. 55 Map CG: Character Area G: - Analysis & Concepts

Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey Mapping with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. ©Crown copyright. Unauthorised reproduction may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Harrogate Borough Council 1000 19628 2008

p. 56 Knaresborough Conservation Area Character Appraisal - Approved 10 December 2008 Map LG: Character Area G: - Landscape

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Knaresborough Conservation Area Character Appraisal - Approved 10 December 2008 p. 57 Appendix A

1. Management strategy 3. Maintaining Quality The purpose of the Conservation Area Appraisal and Management To maintain the recognisable quality of the Knaresborough Conservation Strategy is to provide a clear and structured approach to development and Area and to ensure the highest quality of design, the Council will: alterations which impact on the Knaresborough Conservation Area. The  From time to time review the character appraisal and special qualities, which “it is desirable to preserve or enhance”, have been management strategy, which will act as a basis for development identified in the Appraisal. control decisions and the preparation of design briefs; Although Knaresborough is an attractive town, it does not follow that all  Require all applications to include appropriate written information buildings and spaces within the Conservation Area necessarily contribute to and legible, accurate and up to date, fully annotated scale that attractiveness. Ultimately the aim is to drawings; (a) explore whether there are any buildings or areas which are at  Keep under review a list of buildings of local interest, that odds with or spoil the character of the Conservation Area, and positively contribute to the character and appearance of the (b) consider how the special character or distinctiveness, as defined Conservation Area; in earlier sections of this document, might be best preserved or  Where appropriate prepare supplementary planning documents enhanced. including design guidance and development briefs; Clearly some of the ideas or suggestions will relate to buildings or land  Expect the historic elements which are essential part of the in private ownership. It is important to note that individual owners and/or special architectural character of the Conservation Area to be the local community will not be under any obligation to make the changes preserved, repaired and reinstated where appropriate. or improvements suggested. However, they may be encouraged to think about suggestions made, and once the Appraisal has been adopted, the 4. Conservation Area Boundary Review findings and recommendations will be considered by the Borough Council in response to any applications for planning permission, listed building As part of the process of producing the appraisal, the existing Conservation consent, Conservation Area consent or requests for grant aid. Area boundary was reviewed. The outcome of the public consultation event identified adjoining areas as being of positive interest in ways which directly relate to the special character of the existing conservation area. 2. Monitoring & Review The inclusion of these areas was determined on the basis of their having The Borough Council is required to review its conservation areas on “special architectural or historic interest the character or appearance of a regular basis, this may involve the designation of new Conservation which it is desirable to preserve and enhance”. Areas, the de-designation of areas that have lost their special character, or the extension of existing Conservation Areas. The special character of It was suggested by residents at the workshop to extend the north-west of Knaresborough has been re-evaluated as part of the process of preparing the Conservation Area to take in all or most of Bond End up to the Scriven the character appraisal and this contributes to the overall review. Conservation Area boundary. This area includes a long straight tree and/or hedge lined approach to the town. Most of the houses are of no particular Part of the review process involves the maintenance of a comprehensive interest though they are set back and well concealed. The trees, which are and up to date photographic record to establish a visual survey of buildings in the private gardens, are protected by a Tree Preservation Order helping of local interest in the Conservation Area. This record was compiled with to preserve the character of this road into Knaresborough. For these involvement of the community at the public consultation event. reasons, inclusion of this area of Bond End up to the Scriven Conservation Area boundary was not supported.

p. 58 Knaresborough Conservation Area Character Appraisal - Approved 10 December 2008 Some residents at the workshop suggested the exclusion of an area north 5. The Management of Change of Horseshoe Field. This land is designated as Special Landscape Area The special character and appearance of Knaresborough Conservation (SLA). However, the designations are for entirely different reasons. On Area is vulnerable to erosion and significant harm through often well- further consideration, it was concluded that the boundary of the Conser- intentioned, but misguided alterations and inappropriate change. vation Area should remain as existing. Exclusion of this area was, therefore, not supported. There are sites that have a negative impact on the conservation area. Sensitive development of Bowling Green Yard (a prominent area of bitmac Residents suggested extending the Conservation Area boundary to include that breaks up the frontage of Kirkgate) and on the wide gap in High Street Mackintosh Park. The existing boundary appears to have been drawn to north-east side of the railway tunnel would infill these uncharacteristic include the wooded slopes to the south and west of the River Nidd that spaces on streets with a strong sense of enclosure. The main sites that contribute to its setting. Although the land is in public ownership, it was are detrimental to the town are Chapel Street and Fisher Street car parks. agreed that it would be logical to take in the whole of the wooded area of However, it is accepted that convenient car parking supports retail busi- Mackintosh Park. For this reason, inclusion of this site was supported. nesses in town and therefore these are likely to remain as car parks in the A further extension proposed by residents is one to take in properties foreseeable future. There is also scope for enhancement by redevelop- fronting Stockdale Walk up to King James Road, thereby taking in a ment of certain buildings, which do not positively contribute to the character detached stone house “Eddystone” on the corner of King James Road. or appearance of the conservation area, although these are not considered Eddystone is a pleasant house, which might merit inclusion in the to have a wholly negative impact on the character of the Conservation Area. Conservation Area if adjacent to the existing boundary, however despite the attractive stone boundary wall on the southern side of Stockwell Walk 6. Opportunities for Enhancement and some trees that offer some amenity value, it is not felt that there is Most of the buildings in Knaresborough are in good condition. However any justification for taking into the Conservation Area a number of perfectly there are buildings that have been unoccupied for sometime and have an ordinary semi-detached inter-war houses merely in order to protect unkempt appearance, which is detrimental to the appearance of the town Eddystone, which is not of special historic or architectural interest . centre. There are a number of opportunities for building enhancement as For these reasons, inclusion of this area was not supported. follows: A final site suggested by residents for inclusion within the Conservation  Repair roofs and external walling (including render repairs, Area boundary is the area of public open space between the Rievaulx/ repointing and the replacement of eroding brick or stonework), Abbey housing estate and the top of the Crag (which reduces in influence  Repair and enhancement of traditional shopfronts towards the east) in order to give protection to the trees that screen the housing from view. It is agreed that the trees do contribute to the setting of  Replacement of whole or part of shopfronts that are inappropriate the Conservation Area and are particularly important because their screen- to the building on which they are a part, and that hence are ing effect protects the rural character of this part of the Conservation Area. detrimental to the street-scene. Inclusion of this area of public open space behind the housing estate  Reinstate windows to their former pattern and detail where use was supported. of standardised factory made joinery and PVCu windows has undermined the character of historic areas. One group proposed that Spitalcroft, which forms part of a walk on the south of the river should be included. There appears to have been some slight confusion as this is already within the Conservation Area. Therefore, the boundary will remain unchanged here.

Knaresborough Conservation Area Character Appraisal - Approved 10 December 2008 p. 59 There are a number of opportunities to enhance green spaces and hard architectural character. Such design guidance would be in the form of spaces between and about buildings as follows (see Character Area non-statutory planning guidance. If adopted, this guidance would act as a Analysis for detail): yardstick against which proposals could be assessed and could assist both  Resurfacing areas in traditional materials, for example at Park existing and future residents in understanding what is desirable. Square, areas of Castle Yard, along parts of Waterside and at the Article 4 Directions entrance to Holy Trinity Church. Formal control over future alterations of buildings could be introduced  Rationalisation of street furniture and where the appearance of through what is known as an Article 4 Direction, which removes permitted street furniture is at odds with the character of the area, replace development rights. These are the rights granted by Statute to alter with street furniture, including light fittings, of more appropriate dwellings, within strict limitations, without the need for planning permission. design. Article 4 Directions can be designed to be specific to particular types of development, relating, for example, only to roof covering or front elevations.  Trees which make a particular contribution to the conservation It cannot place an embargo on change, but rather brings certain types of area should be protected by Tree Preservation Orders (trees in development within the within the scope of planning control, so the impact conservation areas have a degree of protection). of any proposed change can be properly assessed. Article 4 Directions,  Management of existing trees and additional native tree planting which are drawn up by the local planning authority, namely the Borough to enhance areas or to screen unattractive elements. For Council, is the only means of applying equal control to all buildings within example, improve the screening between the car park and the Conservation Area. Without such a Direction, alterations will only be Conyngham Hall drive. subject to control where planning permission or listed building consent is  Deterring casual parking that causes erosion of grass, for required. Equally, any non-statutory planning guidance will only be capable example in the grounds of Holy Trinity Church. of being applied in those cases where applications are necessary. Article 4 Directions could be introduced throughout the Conservation Area or just to Existing Buildings individual buildings whose special interest is considered to be at risk from incremental change. The survey of the existing buildings within Conservation Area clearly identified that a distinctive character exists, although to some extent Reinstatement of architectural details this has been eroded by subsequent alterations, which have not always Promotion of schemes that seek to restore the architectural character of recognised that distinctiveness. Over the past 30 years, public awareness altered buildings. Some buildings have been altered, which has changed and expectation of the planning system to protect the ‘familiar and their architectural form in a way which conflicts with the distinctive character cherished scene’ has increased substantially. Additionally, there now exists of Knaresborough - some, to such an extent that the original form and a greater understanding of the impact which incremental change can have character is no longer recognisable. The introduction of standardised upon the distinctive character of historic areas. Options to safeguard and twentieth century door patterns and PVCu windows is extensive, but much enhance the architectural character of the Conservation Area could include original fabric remains. Non-sympathetic alterations should be resisted. some or all of the following: Grant Schemes Design Guidance From time to time the Borough Council operates grant schemes to help Additional design guidance, which is more specific to the Conservation maintain and enhance the character and appearance of the Conservation Area, could be considered for future alterations to direct change towards Area. materials and design detailing which complements the defined local

p. 60 Knaresborough Conservation Area Character Appraisal - Approved 10 December 2008 Quality erosion & loss of architectural detail Gardens & front boundary treatments The character and appearance of buildings in the Conservation Area is Front and rear gardens and particularly boundary walls make an harmed by the removal or loss of original architectural features and the use important contribution to the streetscape and character of certain parts of inappropriate materials. For example the loss of original joinery, sash of Knaresborough Conservation Area. The Borough Council will resist windows and front doors can have considerable negative impact on the the loss of soft landscaping and original boundary walls and railings. For appearance of an historic building and the area. Insensitive re-pointing, example the construction of new openings and the consequent breaking up painting or inappropriate render will harm the long-term durability of brick of the continuous walls flanking the main streets would be detrimental to the and stone work. character and appearance of Conservation Area.

In all cases, the Borough Council will expect original historic features and detailing to be retained, preserved and refurbished in the appropriate Telecommunications equipment, satellite manner, and only replaced where it can be demonstrated that it is beyond & cable dishes repair. External telecommunications apparatus including cable runs can harm the appearance of historic buildings. The Borough Council can provide Roof alterations & extensions guidance on the installation of telecommunication equipment including satellite dishes. The Conservation Area contains many historic rooflines, which it is important to preserve. Fundamental changes to the roofline, insensitive Overhead Wires are intrusive throughout the Conservation Area and alterations, poor materials, intrusive dormers, or inappropriate roof undergrounding of cables would considerably enhance the character of the windows can all harm the character of the historic roofscape and will not be town. This should be a long term aim in the interests of the character and acceptable. appearance of the Conservation Area.

Shopfronts, outdoor advertisements & street furniture Important trees Shopfronts represent an important element in the town’s built environment The existing mature trees throughout the Conservation Area, add to its and as such should be to a high standard of design. High quality traditional charm and character. The loss, for example, of trees along the river shopfronts should be retained and new shopfronts should be well related corridor would significantly erode the character. In accordance with the to the building of which it forms part, being of good proportions, appropriate Council’s Landscape Design Guide, the existing pattern of trees and detailing and traditional materials. Existing shopfronts with over-deep woodland should be preserved and repaired through managed planting fascias, plate-glass windows and unsympathetic materials, or indeed, poorly and maintenance. In considering both of these areas, guidance should detailed contemporary shopfronts should be redesigned. The design and be geared towards tree planting and management methods that improve appearance of street furniture and advertisements in the town adds to street wildlife habitats. clutter and needs improvement in order to visually enhance the character and appearance of the area without damaging the viability of shops. The New development size, design and number of any advertisements should respect the scale, character, design and location of the building and/or shopfront on which it is A key consideration is the impact that future development proposals displayed, as well as the overall streetscene. (whether in the form of new buildings or through the extension of existing buildings) might have on the distinctive form and character of the Conservation Area.

Knaresborough Conservation Area Character Appraisal - Approved 10 December 2008 p. 61 New buildings will only be permitted where they respect, rather than Neutral Buildings & spaces compete with the historic skyline, respect landform and landscape pattern Neutral elements or buildings may have no special historic or architectural and are accompanied by a comprehensive landscape scheme that is quality in their own right, but nonetheless provide a setting for listed integral to the design. New development must be of a suitable quality buildings and unlisted building of special character or interest. This back- of design and execution and should relate to its context and respect the cloth is important and needs careful management as a setting for the established values identified in the appraisal. The Council will encourage special elements. new development that complements the establish grain or settlement pattern, whilst representing the time in which it is built and the culture it accommodates. New development should respect and not impact on Registered Park & Garden the existing spaces between buildings. Inclusion of Long Walk on the Register does not confer statutory protection, however the Borough Council will not allow development where it would A further key consideration for new development is the appropriateness of adversely affect the character or setting of this important area. the overall mass or volume of the building and its scale. A new building should be in harmony with, or complementary to, its neighbours. It is important that the materials generally match or complement those that Scheduled Ancient Monument are historically dominant in the area. Within the above criteria, new The area of the Castle is protected under the Ancient Monuments and development should aim to achieve creative design solutions, Archaeological Areas Act 1979. Any works to the monument requires whether contemporary or traditional in style. consent from the Secretary of State, who is given specialist advice from English Heritage. Employment & commercial activity Knaresborough is a historic market town that faces many of the same Landscape issues issues common to market towns and rural areas across the country. The There are a number of self-seeded trees along the riverside that intrude town has suffered from poor investment, both public and private, over a upon important views of and across the river. Removal of such trees, number of years. Since the early twentieth century, Knaresborough has provided that they are not high amenity value in their own right, is proposed become increasingly reliant on its visitor economy. following a comprehensive study. Additionally projects are proposed to improve accessibility between Waterside and the town via the Castle Waterside, the Castle and Market Place are the main focal areas for the grounds and also between the Castle Grounds and Bebra Gardens. The tourists. Whilst there are tearooms and gift shops that cater for tourists, former would enhance commercial activity by encouraging day-trippers commercial activity also provides a focus for the community and contributes into the town, and the latter would encourage more use of the attractive to the character of the town. Efforts should be made to encourage and gardens. support businesses and to protect and enhance existing commercial activity and the town’s role as a local service centre for rural communities. Such The River’s influence efforts will benefit visitors by making the town more attractive and improving the quality of their stay as well as improving businesses competitiveness The influence of the River Nidd on the landscape needs to be conserved and arresting the decline of physical and enhanced. The influence of the urban edge of Knaresborough and fabric in the town. related development pressures will further impact upon the character of the river corridor.

p. 62 Knaresborough Conservation Area Character Appraisal - Approved 10 December 2008 Extension of the river’s influence needs to be promoted through Floodplain diversification of the corridor and its immediate environs. Tree planting and Built development should be avoided, or where necessary, development wetland creation will help to extend its influence in this landscape. The river should be located outside the existing floodplain and associated with channel and banks may require appropriate maintenance to protect their existing buildings. If necessary, any flood defence works should respect character but engineered structures should be avoided unless necessary landscape character and avoid earthworks. Opportunities to enhance the and they must respect the rural characteristics of the river corridor. wildlife value of the area should be exploited, allowing for seasonal flooding and the possible reintroduction of water meadow management. Urban edges New development on the edge of Knaresborough should be of appropriate Footpaths scale and take account of the existing landscape pattern and setting on Examine ways of improving the footpath network around the town and the edge of the town. Harsh lines of built development should be avoided, improving linkages across the landscape. The condition of the existing rather development at the urban edge should be designed to maintain footpath network in the area should be investigated and maintained. the distinctiveness of place. Wildlife & nature conservation Tree planting The wooded areas and the more inaccessible river banks contain diverse There is a lack of new planting to succeed existing mature planting. New wildlife. Possibilities for the creation of wildlife corridors should be explored, tree planting at the urban edges of the town will help to integrate existing particularly along existing hedgerows to improve diversity development, improve the setting of the town and help to diversify the age and enhance the landscape pattern on the edge of the town. structure of trees. Care should be taken not to isolate the town from its surroundings taking account of characteristic patterns of tree and woodland cover.

Knaresborough Conservation Area Character Appraisal - Approved 10 December 2008 p. 63 Checklist to manage change

In managing future change in the Conservation Area, the following will be important:

 Development should not impinge on the form and character  New development should not adversely impact on the historic of Knaresborough. skyline, in particular on the Castle, St John’s Church and Holy Trinity Church. There is variety of eaves levels, which is  The repair and reuse of older buildings should be encouraged important to the street-scene, and new development should in the first instance rather than redevelopment, except maintain this interest without creating disharmony. where the existing building detracts from the character of the Conservation Area.  Retain important gaps between buildings to ensure glimpses of trees and important views are maintained.  The proper maintenance of older buildings is encouraged, together with the restoration of original features.  Where buildings are set back from the street, front boundaries (walls, hedges or railings) should reflect existing traditional  Rationalisation of intrusive shop signage. boundaries in the immediate vicinity.  New development should avoid further sprawl into the  Development should not impact upon tree cover. countryside and respect the scattered nature of settlement beyond the urban edges.  Positive management of the ageing stock of mature trees.  Buildings should be constructed of materials which match  Boundary walls (usually of stone) are an important feature of or complement local traditional materials. many parts of the Conservation Area and should be repaired and retained.  Design should respect the distinctive local architectural style both in terms of overall form and detailed design as appropriate  Minimise clutter of street furniture, road signage and markings. to the context.  Existing historic paving should be kept in good repair and  In general new buildings should follow the established traditional materials extended to the most sensitive locations. building line.

p. 64 Knaresborough Conservation Area Character Appraisal - Approved 10 December 2008 Appendix B

Public Consultation  the retention and management of trees. The Borough Council’s Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) sets  the retention and enhancement of green spaces including out the requirements for public consultation. To meet these requirements, Conyngham Hall and areas alongside the River Nidd. and to inform a review of the Conservation Area, a public consultation event was held on Saturday 15th September 2007. This consultation took  the restoration and refurbishment of historic buildings the format of a public meeting and included a walkabout and a workshop swhich are in poor condition. session. Prior to the event residents were notified via a leaflet. In addition,  Improvement in design, condition and decoration of shopfronts a press release appeared in the local newspaper informing residents and (with possible restricted palette). consultees that a review of the Conservation Area was taking place and that a workshop had been arranged.  resurfacing of important yards in traditional materials.

The format of the workshop included a short presentation on why the Every effort has been made to take into account and give due Conservation Area is being reviewed, the purpose of the Appraisal and consideration to the views of the local residents and to represent management plans and a brief resumé on the changes that have those views in this Appraisal document. happened since the original designation. Local involvement is an essential aspect of the consultation process and The main activity was a walkabout, which involved dividing into groups local residents were encouraged to comment on the draft documents walking around part of the Conservation Area. The groups were during the consultation period from 25 April to 6 June 2008. Further, encouraged to make notes and take photographs to identify what makes minimal amendments to the text were made following this consultation Knaresborough special to them. On return to the hall, the workshop and the Conservation Area Appraisal adopted by the Council and session enabled the groups to share the information gathered on the published on its website. walkabout by annotating large maps of the town with text, symbols and photographs. The maps then facilitated a feedback session, mainly focusing on identifying potential areas within the Conservation Area in need of enhancement.

The outcome of the consultation event and the information gathered directly contributed to producing this Appraisal. Key issues raised at the event included:  the preservation of important views.  identifying buildings of local interest, and Landmark Buildings.  suggestions for changes to the extent of the Conservation Area.  the retention of important boundary walls.

Knaresborough Conservation Area Character Appraisal - Approved 10 December 2008 p. 65 Appendix C

Listed Buildings

Listed buildings within Knaresbrough Conservation Area (all buildings are Grade II unless otherwise indicated in brackets) Street Name Property Street Name Property General Knaresborough Station (including platform Cheapside 2, 2a, 3, 6, 8, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 canopies and water tower), Signal Box, North and The Parsonage St John’s Church (I), Memorial to Ely Hargrove, South Tunnel Portals Lamp Post Abbey Road Chapel of Our Lady of the Crag (I), St Robert’s Church Lane 7, 2 (St John’s House) Cave (II*), The Abbey Bond End 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 21a, 23, 25 (St Mary’s Presbytery), St Mary’s Church, 39, Crag Lane House in the Rock (Fort Montague) and attached 41, 43, 45, 47, 55, 57, 57a, Former Royal Oak wall PH, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 22, 48 (The Dower Finkle Street 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 House), Conyngham Hall (II*), Stable Block to Conyngham Hall, Gates, piers and flanking walls Gracious Street 3, 5, 38 to Conyngham Hall High Bond End 4, 6 Boroughbridge Road 2 & 3 (Byards Lodge and Cottage), 14 & 16, High Bridge High Bridge (High Bridge is also a Scheduled Railings, gates, overthrow and lamp to 14 & 16 Ancient Monument) Brewerton Street 2, 4, 6, 8 High Street 23, 25, 35, 37, 45, 47, 57, 59, 61, 63, 65, 85, 87, Briggate Holy Trinity Church, 9 (George & Dragon PH), 11, 89, 95, 97, 99, 101, 103, 107 (Knaresborough 13, 15, 17, 19, 21 (Wellington Inn), 35 (Kirkness House), 115, 117, 14, 16, 18 (with railings to front), Cottage), former Primitive Methodist Chapel to 20, 22 40, 42, 48, 54, 60, 62 (Beech House), 70 rear of 20 & 22, 108, 110, 112, 122/124 (Bridge (Borough Bailiff PH), 72, 74, 76, 78, 80, 82, 86, House/March House) 98, 100, 102 (Old School House), 104, 106, 112, 114, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132 Castlegate 1, 1a, 7, 11a, 13, 15, 23 (Castle Vaults PH), 25, 2a, 2, 4, 10 Iles Lane Rose Cottage to rear of 5, 2, 10, 16, 18 Castle Ings Gardens 1/2 Kirkgate 1, 3, 5, 15, Castle Cliffe (to rear of 19-23), Castle Close (to rear of 19-23), 19, 21, 23, 25, 49, 51 Castle Yard 3 (Moat Café), Castle Boys’ School, 8 (with rear garden wall), 53/55 (with forecourt (Dispensary), Castle Girls’ School, Court House railings), 57, 59, 61, 2, 4 Museum, Prison attached to N end of Courthouse

p. 66 Knaresborough Conservation Area Character Appraisal - Approved 10 December 2008 Street Name Property Street Name Property Low Bridge Low Bridge, Mother Shipton Inn Waterside Railway Viaduct (II*), 1 (Tenter Lodge), 3, 19 (Richmond House), The Old Dye House, Gallons Market Place Steps to market cross, 1,3a, 3, 7, Old Royal Oak Steps with 2 lamp posts and walls, 6a, 10, 12 PH, 13, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25/27/29/31 (Old Town (Manor House), Castle Mill (five separate listings Hall), 33a, 33, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 (Oldest for individual buildings), Weir at Castle Mill, 18 Chemist Shop), 30, 32, 34, 44, 46, Group of three (Castle Mill Cottage) K6 telephone kiosks Wetherby Road Grimbald Bridge Park Row Row of three stone troughs with stone walls Windsor Lane 41, 43, 45 The Parsonage Lamp post, Old Hearse House York Place 3 (Conservative Club), 5/7 (Newton House Silver Street Harts Horns PH Hotel, 9 (York House), 27, 8, 10, 14, 16, 24, 26, Vicarage Lane 1 (Hunter’s Lodge) , The Beeches Fysche Hall Water Bag Bank Wall with stone pier supporting lamp bracket, 9 (Manor Cottage)

Knaresborough Conservation Area Character Appraisal - Approved 10 December 2008 p. 67 p. 68 Knaresborough Conservation Area Character Appraisal - Approved 10 December 2008