Bath and North East Planning Services Conservation Area Character Appraisal

March 2008

Contents

Introduction 4

Summary of Special Interest 4

Assessment of Special Interest 5

Character Analysis 12

Summary of Issues and 14 Recommended Management Proposals

Planning Policy Context 15

General Guidance 15

Further Reading 16

Glossary 16

Contact Details 16 Introduction The special architectural and The appraisal identifies elements historic interest of Woollard was which contribute toward the char- recognised by its designation as a acter of the area and those that Conservation Area on 25 July 1990. detract from it. This provides a base upon which to develop proposals The Council has a duty to preserve for preservation and enhancement. and enhance the character and appearance of Conservation Areas The preparation of the statement in exercising its planning powers, also enables local residents to and to periodically reappraise the participate in the identification of boundaries. This appraisal will be a features which are important to the material consideration in the special character of the area in determination of planning which they live. applications.

Summary of Special Interest

The landscape setting in the A significant proportion of listed Remnants of Woollard’s industrial gently rolling hills of the Chew and other historic buildings heritage, particularly along the Valley forming the nucleus of the village , including mill ponds, sluices and weirs The River Chew and its tributary The prevalent use of local lias Candlestick Brook; both limestone with characteristic red The peaceful rural environment, attractive landscape features and clay roof tiles, laid at a steep with very little traffic or activity formerly the source of power for pitch disturbing the tranquillity of the mills area The particular contribution of the Narrow, sunken lanes creating natural landscape, especially The restrained use of road sequential views on the approach mature trees, hedgerows and markings, signage and other to Woollard, particularly from the well-tended private gardens paraphernalia south east Low stone and hedgerow plot The distinctive form of the village boundaries allowing frequent produced by the convergence of glimpses into and out of the five routes Conservation Area

4 Modern map of Woollard Assessment of Special Interest

Location and Setting General Character and Plan Form

The village of Woollard lies in the The area1 is The village of Woollard has a Chew Valley around six miles west characterised by rolling grassland nucleated form, clustered around a of the city of Bath and three miles and arable farmland which forms an staggered crossroad to the west of south of . The village is irregular pattern of fields bounded the River Chew. The narrowness divided between two parishes: by hedgerows. and enclosure of the routes into to the west and Compton Woollard contrasts with the open Dando to the east. views at the bridge over the river.

The village form is largely made up of generous dwelling plots, with typically low stone or hedge boundaries affording views into well-treed gardens and glimpses of the surrounding countryside. Mature trees in gardens, along the river and in the surrounding hedgerows contribute to the rural character of the village.

There is a mixture of terraced, semi-detached and detached dwellings generally built from lias limestone with red clay roof tiles.

1 Area 2 of the ‘Rural Landscapes of Bath & North East Somerset Landscape Character Assessment’ SPG which may be read in conjunction with this document. 5 Aerial photograph of Woollard showing the distinctive star-shaped layout

Landscape Setting

The distinct physical character of There are several weirs, ponds and Woollard is largely determined by other vestiges of the milling industry its landscape setting, nestled within in Woollard. They are of the rolling, wooded slopes of the considerable historic interest in Chew Valley. The village integrates themselves and important to the comfortably with the surrounding setting of the Conservation Area. countryside and the built form is considerably softened by trees and The ruined 18th century footbridge vegetation. It feels secluded and associated with Mill House is also tranquil, away from busy roads and within the setting of the village. This not visible from major built up formed part of an historic path from areas. This is enhanced by its Birchwood Lane to Mill House, an sunken position, framed by arable important route for workers farmland and the woodland of the travelling to the mills. river valley. The village is within the -Bath The landscape surrounding the Green Belt and the Forest of Avon. village has been managed and These designations indicate the cultivated over the centuries, and importance of the landscape setting the land form retains evidence of and help to prevent inappropriate medieval enclosures and field development. The River Chew and boundaries. Ancient hedgerows and nearby Catsley Wood, visible from tree groups contribute to the wider the bridge, are designated Sites of historic interest and appearance of Nature Conservation Importance the area, but can easily be lost denoting their significant role in through insensitive development. biodiversity conservation. The landscape setting of open countryside is essential to the rural character of the Conservation Area Of particular importance to Woollard’s setting is the meadow between the River Chew and Candlestick Brook, and remnants of several old orchards around the edge of the village. 6 Historic Development

Woollard is thought to date back to Woollard’s location on the River a pre-Norman settlement clustered Chew made the settlement ideal for around a ford over the Chew. milling and the high mineral content of Candlestick Brook made it an The manor of Publow, within which excellent location for tanning Woollard lies, was for a long time leather. held by the Hungerfords, descendents of the original Norman In 1968 flooding devastated the lords. In the early 17th century the Chew Valley. Many houses were manor passed to the Pophams, who inundated as the river burst its held the land until the early 20th banks, and Woollard’s medieval century. bridge was destroyed. A plaque marks the height of the flood water. The Pophams resided at nearby House, although their principal residence was in Wiltshire. Throughout their estates the distinctive cast iron ‘Popham window’ can be seen.

The distinctive ‘Popham’ cottages

Historic map of Woollard (1885)

7 Woollard Conservation Area

Hillside

Mill Cottage

Publow with Parish

8 Key

Principal listed buildings*

Unlisted buildings which contribute to the character of the Conservation Area

Important views

Parish boundary

Existing Conservation Area

*This map does not show all listed walls or curtilage listed buildings

Compton Dando Parish

9 The packhorse bridge and the Tannery The centre of the village is approached by narrow lanes which meet at the crossing are important historical relicts over the River Chew

Archaeological Significance Spatial Analysis

Stone surviving from a medieval Woollard is set around a staggered Smallbrook Lane to the north east is river crossing forms a five ‘pronged’ crossroads adjacent an historic route to Chewton commemorative focal point for the to the bridge over the River Chew. Keynsham, avoiding the need to village, adjacent to the modern Approaching Woollard from all cross the Chew. However, this road bridge. directions the lanes gently wind has never been ‘made’. The winding downwards to this central area. roads, paths and waterways create The remains of the Tannery are Many of the older listed buildings a network of intriguing informal located in the garden of Tithe Barn. are clustered on this central paths and secluded spaces within This fell into disrepair at the end of crossroads. The River Chew enters and around the village. the 19th century and is the largest the village from the south and industrial ruin in the Chew Valley. leaves to the north east with the The buildings on Woollard Lane and parish boundary straddling the river. around the crossroads front directly on to the street, giving a sense of Of the five ‘prongs’, three routes are enclosure which contrasts with the surfaced roads leading to open views from the bridge. The neighbouring settlements; Publow banks of the Chew are for the most Lane to the west and Woollard Lane part cultivated gardens. This to the south east and north west. interaction between the private and Publow Lane also extends public space creates an intimate southwards as Mill Lane but only character. offers access to the residential development.

10 Key Views and Vistas

The relatively dense grain and mature vegetation of Woollard restricts views into and out of the village although the River Chew interrupts the built form and opens up vantage points from the bridge. To the north, views are open, along the river towards the gentle slopes of the surrounding countryside.

The entrance to the village along Woollard Lane from the south east reveals sequential views as the road descends, weaving between buildings set hard on to the road. Looking south towards the village from Smallbrook Lane there is a good view of the roofscape highlighting traditional clay tiles and chimney pots and the haphazard alignment of buildings.

The meadow to the east of Publow Lane provides views of the dwellings along Woollard Lane, climbing down the ridge of the hill The meadows surrounding the village provide a pastoral setting which is essential to the village centre. From the Tithe to the character of the Conservation Area Barn looking northwest, tree covering shields the village and emphasises the valley location.

The River Chew interrupts the built Pitched roofs with traditional clay tiles create a distinctive roofscape form and opens up vantage points from the bridge

11 Character Analysis

Activity and Former Uses

The River Chew was the source of Bell Farm is one of the oldest power for various industries, buildings, dating from the 15th including three mills. Woollard Mill century. It has a distinctive hooded and Woodborough Mill originally doorway and a blank cinquefoil processed corn and wool before three-light stone mullioned window progressing to production of metals with ornate carved spandrels in the using revolutionary new rolling eastern gable. Bell Farm has techniques. Woodborough Mill variously been a Tannery office, produced brass and Woollard Mill Priest’s house, bakery and inn tin. Woollard Mill later converted to before its present use. copper production which ended in 1860. New Mill, which produced Newbridge House and Chew wire, was located by Birchwood Cottage were originally a single Lane and Candlestick Brook. building, a bridge chapel. The west Remains of the mills’ complex gable displays remains of a water-supply systems are still decorative ashlar cill band of shields visible. within trefoils on the exterior; the moulding of a fine medieval window Tanning has been carried out in is preserved on the interior. Woollard since the Norman era, when monks from Keynsham Abbey Paradise Row was built as part of ran the Tannery. The Tannery closed the Popham estate to house mill in1883. workers. The buildings still have the characteristic ‘Popham’ window. Although two buildings have These are a distinctive feature of formerly been Inns, the village now villages within the Popham Estate has no such facilities. There is no and should be retained. church, pub, shop, or large area of public open space and as a result Red clay pantiles or double roman the village lacks a focal point or roof tiles laid at a steep pitch are meeting place. characteristic and should be retained wherever possible to help Architectural and Historic maintain Woollard’s rural charm. Old Qualities of the Buildings photographs and paintings suggest that many older dwellings were Woollard Conservation Area has once thatched which would have thirteen listed buildings, and presented a softer appearance than numerous unlisted buildings of the replacement tiles. merit. Most of the older buildings are around the crossroads. South of the crossroads on Publow Lane, building materials are more Most of the buildings are variable, including stone, brick, constructed from local lias rubble and modern rendered limestone which unifies the village, façades. The use of non-local creating a distinct sense of place. materials dilutes the unity of the Dwellings are predominantly modest village and should be resisted in cottages, with a few larger future developments. buildings. Plot boundaries are generally marked by low stone walls or hedges, enhancing the role of private gardens as the setting for Most of the buildings are built from the buildings. local lias stone which creates a distinct sense of place

12 Unlisted Buildings of Merit

There are several notable but unlisted buildings that contribute to the character of the village. A number of these could be considered for inclusion in the Council’s List of Locally Important Buildings.

The Mill House dates back to the mid to late 17th century and was connected with Woollard Mill. Adjacent to Mill House is River Cottage, built of red brick, where the rents for the Popham Estate Trees and Green Spaces were collected. The mill, set in a large garden, is an important Within the Woollard Conservation The meadow between Publow Lane feature of the Conservation Area. Area most of the notable green and Woollard Lane is outside the spaces are private gardens. Fields Conservation Area but its A ruined 18th century stone and woodland surround the village, importance to the setting of the packhorse bridge crosses the Chew emphasising the rural setting, even village should be noted. Numerous just south of Mill House next to a though public green space is footpaths, including the ‘Two Rivers mill pond. The bridge was an minimal. Wildflowers and shrubs Way’ national route, cross the meadow. important pedestrian thoroughfare along the riverbank and brook, for mill workers but is sadly hedgerows and mature trees all Small orchards can be found at a neglected now. The ruined Tannery contribute to the attractive number of sites around Woollard. is another significant remnant of appearance of the village. Orchards where historically Woollard’s industrial heritage. Both commonplace in the area and their the bridge and the Tannery could importance to the setting of the be considered for inclusion on the village is recognised. Council’s List of Locally Important Buildings.

Woollard Place is the only three storey dwelling in the village. The house was remodelled in 1889 by the last tanner to celebrate his marriage, including the addition of a red brick façade. The remainder of the house is stone and may date back as far as the 15th century.

Bramley Cottage and Hillside are an attractive pair of semi-detached cottages built from the local lias rubble stone. Only one retains its original Popham windows. Restoration of the traditional cast iron windows in estate cottages throughout the village would greatly enhance the character of the Conservation Area.

Fields and woodland surround the village emphasising the rural setting, although public green space is minimal 13 Opportunities for Enhancement Neutral Areas Summary of Issues

The crossroads has a number of Some more recent residential and Recommended items of modern signage and street development deviates from the Management furniture which creates a cluttered local vernacular in siting and use of appearance. Modern signage materials. However most modern Proposals contrasts unfavourably with the development is set back from the Some alterations to traditional traditional materials found road within mature gardens and buildings have not been elsewhere in the village. Painted does not significantly detract from sympathetic to the character of cast iron fingerposts are typically the character of the area. the village, such as additions of found in this area and reinstatement porches. Applications for of traditional signage in the village Some older buildings are development of this type will be would considerably enhance its constructed of the local materials carefully assessed and rural character. but have suffered from inappropriate proposals will be unsympathetic replacement refused. Enforcement action is The modern bridge crossing the windows and alterations. This is recommended in cases of Chew is utilitarian in appearance particularly noticeable in the village unauthorised works which with painted green metal railings centre. adversely affect the character of which give a hard, urban feel. More the Conservation Area. sympathetic use of materials could General Condition help reduce its visual impact and Plastic windows and doors on improve the appearance of the river There are no buildings in Woollard historic buildings are crossing. on the Council’s Buildings at Risk unsustainable and detract from Register, and generally buildings are their character. It is Orchards were historically common in good condition. recommended that an Article 4 in this area, but many of have been Direction be considered to lost during the past century. The ruins of the Tannery and control alterations to doors and Reinstatement and management of packhorse bridge are important windows in unlisted buildings. historic orchards where appropriate historical remnants, and should be This would help prevent loss of would enhance the Conservation conserved. Both are threatened by traditional details which cannot Area and its setting. further deterioration from always be prevented at present. encroachment by vegetation upon Protection of stone boundary the structures and would benefit walls is a high priority and from basic maintenance and traditional lime mortar repair consolidation. should be encouraged. Enforcement action should be considered in cases of unauthorised works to boundary walls which adversely affect the character of the Conservation Area. An Article 4 Direction is recommended to control demolition of walls under 1m high (walls over 1m are protected under the Conservation Area designation) The unmarked, rural character of the roads and traditional boundary markers can contribute Softening the hard urban detail of the The ruins of the Tannery would benefit significantly to the character of a bridge could enhance the rural from continued maintenance village. However the use of character of Woollard modern materials and designs in road signage detracts from the character of the area. When works are carried out to the highway or streetscape the opportunity should be taken to reinstate traditional signage and,

14 where relevant, should be Planning Policy General Guidance considered with reference to the adopted Streetscape Manual2 and Context Bath & North East Somerset Local Manual for Streets3. Plan 2007 A Conservation Area is designated Bath & North East Somerset Trees provide a significant under the provisions of Section 69 Council, Rural Landscapes of Bath contribution to the special of the Planning (Listed Buildings & North East Somerset (2003) character of the Conservation and Conservation Areas) Act (1990) Bath & North East Somerset, Living Area and there are special and is defined as ‘an area of special in a Conservation Area, 2003 provisions under the Town and architectural or historic interest, the Country Planning Act (1990) for character or appearance of which it Bath & North East Somerset their protection. Where is desirable to preserve or enhance’. Streetscape Manual, (April 2005) appropriate the Council will use The quality and interest of the area Manual for Streets, DoT, 2007 its powers to make Tree as a whole, rather than individual Avon Historic Landscape Preservation Orders to protect buildings, is the main consideration Characterisation Methodology, trees that are under threat. when designating such areas. Chapman, 1997 Planting new specimen trees Guidance on Conservation Area Section 71 of the Act requires the should be encouraged to provide Appraisals, English Heritage, 2005 and maintain a varied age range local planning authority to Guidance on Conservation Area of trees and sustain the periodically formulate and publish Management Plans, English appearance of the area in the proposals for the preservation and Heritage, 2005 future. This is particularly relevant enhancement of Conservation Areas to orchards around the village. within the district. Section 72 The Conversion of Traditional Farm requires that in considering Buildings: A Guide to Good The use of underground cables applications for development in a Practice, English Heritage, 2006 for services would help prevent Conservation Area, attention shall Planning Policy Guidance 15: the streetscape and wider be paid to the desirability of Planning and the Historic landscape being interrupted by conserving or enhancing the Environment overhead wires. character of that area. Planning Policy Statement 22: The replacement of hedgerows Renewable Energy within the village with hard Conservation Area appraisals are boundaries such as railings or considered by English Heritage to fences can detract from the rural be vital to the conservation of these Community character of the area. The special areas. The content of this Involvement retention of hedgerows should be statement is based on the encouraged and, where suggested approach set out by Public support and involvement is 4 appropriate, enforced under the English Heritage essential to the successful Hedgerows Regulations (1997). management of Conservation Areas. Regional Planning Guidance 10 Following the production of a first Woollard has historically relied on (2001) and the saved policies from draft by Bath & North East the River Chew to produce the Joint Replacement Structure Somerset Council, copies of this renewable energy to power its Plan (2002) (to be replaced in 2008 appraisal were provided for local mills. There may be an by the Regional Spatial Strategy for amenity groups, Councillors and opportunity to investigate the use the South West) contain broad Local Libraries and posted onto the of small scale hydro power policies regarding the built and Council’s website. Six weeks were systems in the village to generate historic environment and Green Belt. allowed for comments to be renewable energy without submitted, after which the final draft detracting from the area’s More detailed policies are to be was completed. This appraisal was character. found in the Bath and North East approved by the Council on [insert The policies that govern Somerset Local Plan. This date]. development in Conservation was adopted in October 2007 Areas in the Bath and North East and will be ‘saved’ for three years in Bath and North East Somerset Somerset Local Plan 2007 should the Council’s Local Development Council thank Publow with Pensford be carried forward into any Framework. and Parish replacement Local Development Councils, local residents, and Document. especially local historian Barbara Bowes for their invaluable contribution of local knowledge and 2 ‘Streetscape Manual, A guide to the selection , design installation and care of the District’s support during the production of streetscape and its historical preservation’, Bath & North East Somerset Council, adopted April 2005 this document. 3 Manual for Streets, DCLG et al. 2007 4 ‘Guidance on Conservation Area Appraisals’, English Heritage, 2005. 15 Further Reading

The Buildings of : and Bristol, Pevsner N. (1958)

Pensford, Publow and Woollard: A Topographical History, Rowland Janes, (1989) www.pensford.com is a local history site with further information on Pensford and the surrounding areas

Glossary

Listed Buildings: Buildings on the Statutory List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest compiled by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.

Conservation Area: Defined by English Heritage as ‘areas of special architectural or historic interest, the character of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance’. Some permitted development rights are removed for owners of buildings in a Conservation Area and special planning controls may apply.

Article 4 Direction: A direction under Article 4 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995. Article 4 Directions remove specified permitted development rights and can be made to cover parts of a Conservation Area where there is a clear and immediate threat to the amenity of the area.

Locally Important Buildings: Buildings of particular local importance for their architectural interest, their contribution to the local environment or for their historical associations. Although these buildings do not benefit from the same statutory protection as listed buildings, their inclusion on the local list will be a material consideration in determining applications for planning permission. The council is currently in the process of drawing up a list of Locally Important Buildings.

Tree Preservation Order (TPO): An order made by a Local Planning Authority in respect of trees or woodlands to prohibit works to trees without consent (part VIII of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and the Town and Country Planning (Trees) Regulations 1999)

Contact Details

Contact Planning Services for advice regarding Listed Buildings and Listed Building Consent: 01225 477632 Unlisted Buildings and Conservation Area Consent: 01225 477632 Works to trees within Conservation Areas: 01225 477520 Planning Permission: 01225 477722 Archaeology: 01225 477651 Planning Policy: 01225 477548

Email: [email protected]

All the above teams are located at Planning Services, Trimbridge House, Trim Street, Bath, BA1 2DP

This document about the Woollard Conservation Area can be made available in a range of community languages, large print, Braille, on tape, electronic and accessible formats from Planning Services on 01225 394100 Prepared by Bath & North East Somerset Council Planning Services.

16