PLOMPTON Conservation Area Character Appraisal

Plompton Conservation Area Character Appraisal -approved approved 30 November 30 November 2011 2011p. a Contents Page 1. Introduction...... 1 Objectives ...... 2 2. Planning policy framework...... 2 3 Historic development & archaeology...... 3 4 Location & landscape setting...... 4 5. Landscape analysis ...... 5 6. The form & character of buildings...... 7 7. Character area analysis ...... 12 Map 1: Historic development ...... 14 Map 2: Conservation Area boundary ...... 15 Map 3: Analysis & concepts ...... 16 Map 4: Landscape analysis ...... 17

Appendix A: 1 Management strategy...... 18 2 Monitoring & review...... 18 3 Maintaining quality ...... 18 4 Conservation Area boundary review...... 18 5 The management of change...... 19 6 Opportunities for enhancement ...... 19 Checklist to manage change ...... 23

Appendix B: Public consultation...... 24

Appendix C: Further reading ...... 25

This and other Planning documents are or will be made available in large copy print, audiocassette, Braille or languages other than English. If you require the document in one of these formats, please contact us (tel. 01423 556586 or email ldf@harrogate.gov.uk ) p. b Plompton Conservation Area Character Appraisal - approved 30 November 2011 1 Introduction

1.1 Conservation Area Appraisals aim to define 1.3 The main function of the Conservation 1.5 Plompton Conservation Area was originally and analyse the special interest which Area Appraisal is to ensure that any works designated on 10th June 1993 and, constitutes the character and appearance in the Conservation Area have regard to following public consultation on the draft of of a place. It is these qualities which the special qualities of the area and to this Appraisal, it remains unchanged. warrant the designation of a Conservation devise a strategy to protect these qualities. Area. This Appraisal was approved The Appraisal will help us understand the 1.6 This Appraisal aims to describe Plompton by the Cabinet Member for Planning, impact that development proposals would as it is today and to identify the special Transport and Economic Development have on the Conservation Area character and distinctiveness of its setting, on 30 November 2011 and forms an and whether these are acceptable buildings and open spaces. Having “evidence base” for the Local Development and/or appropriate. identified those special qualities, the Framework (LDF). Consequently, it is a Appraisal examines whether opportunities material consideration when determining 1.4 The assessment of the area’s special exist to protect and enhance its character. architectural or historic interest is based applications for development, considering 1.7 By identifying what makes Plompton planning appeals or proposing works on a careful and objective analysis of the area, using a method of analysis special or distinctive it is suggested for the preservation or enhancement of that any future change, whether to the area. It also forms the basis for a recommended by English Heritage. Various qualities are reviewed including: individual buildings, building groups or the subsequent management strategy, which village as a whole, will be based on this will contain proposals and policies for historical development, building materials and relationships between built and open understanding of the past and the present the conservation and enhancement character of the settlement. In this way, of the area. spaces. Although an appraisal aims to be comprehensive, the omission of any we can manage future change to ensure 1.2 The Appraisal provides information and particular building, feature or space it makes a positive contribution towards guidance to those wishing to carry out should not be taken to imply that it preserving or enhancing its special works in the Conservation Area whether is of no interest. character. or not they require planning approval. So, it is a useful source of information for property owners, agents, applicants and members of the public who live or work in Plompton.

Plompton Conservation Area Character Appraisal - approved 30 November 2011 p. 1 2 Planning policy framework Objectives 2.1 Local authorities have a duty to designate description contained in these appraisals The principal objectives of the “areas of special architectural or historic will be an important factor in deciding Appraisal are: interest, the character or appearance whether a proposal has an adverse affect of which it is desirable to preserve or on the character and appearance of a  to define and record enhance” as conservation areas under conservation area and, therefore, whether the settlement’s special section 69 of the Planning (Listed it is contrary to saved Harrogate District character and interest; Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act Local Plan Policy HD3 (which is the key 1990. The same Act also requires local policy for the control of development in  to raise public awareness planning authorities to periodically review conservation areas). The scope of Policy of the aims and objectives conservation areas. HD3 also covers development proposals of the conservation area outside a conservation area, which would 2.2 Government guidance on all development designation and stimulate affect its setting or views into or out of the affecting conservation areas is set out in conservation area. their involvement in the Planning Policy Statement 5: Planning protection of its character; and the Historic Environment (PPS5). 2.4 Involving the community and raising  to identify what is worthy PPS5 advises local authorities to define public awareness is an integral part of of preservation to aid the elements that make up the special the appraisal process and needs to be character or appearance of conservation approached in a pro-active and innovative understanding; areas in order to provide a sound basis on way. Community involvement helps to  to assess the action that which to develop local planning policies, bring valuable public understanding and may be necessary to preservation or enhancement strategies ‘ownership’ to proposals for the area. A safeguard this special and to make development control report, included in the appendix, details interest; and decisions. how the local community was involved and the contribution it has made to this  to identify opportunities 2.3 In determining planning applications for Appraisal. 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 the context of the

p. 2 Plompton Conservation Area Character Appraisal - approved 30 November 2011 3 Historic development & archaeology

3.1 The name of Plompton (or Plumpton) and associated farm buildings, the East directions all over the place. There is a fine probably means ‘the tun (homestead or and West Lodges, Plompton High Grange, lake at the foot of the rocks, forming many village) where plum trees grow’. Plompton Square and the small building to curious inlets. Seats are placed, in different the west of the Stables, previously thought situations; from whence, the inspector 3.2 The manor of Plompton was held by the to be a pigeon house or granary but now may, with the greatest advantage, mark all de Plompton family since Domesday until, thought to have been a brew house. the beauties of this romantic scene…”. after the death of Robert de Plompton without male heirs in the mid 18th century, 3.5 On acquiring the estate, Lascelles also 3.6 Painted by Turner in 1797, Plompton the entail was broken and the lordship commissioned Carr to dam the small beck Rocks was a place of popular resort now runs with the ownership of Plompton which flowed in a southerly direction to throughout the nineteenth century and Hall. A manor house (‘Plompton Toure’) the west of Plompton Rocks in order to early twentieth century but visitor numbers is shown on Saxton’s Map of 1577 and form a lake and, in conjunction with the have declined in recent years. a 1587 map of the estate shows this natural outcrops of the Rocks themselves, surrounded by ‘Plompton Parke’. to create a highly romantic pleasure ground. This was described in 1789 by 3.3 In 1755 Daniel Lascelles bought the Eli Hargrove as consisting “of about 20 estate. His first intention was to restore the acres of irregular ground, interspersed existing manor house (which had fallen with a great number of rocks, standing into decay after the Battle of Marston in detached pieces of various forms and Moor) but he subsequently decided to magnitude; in the intervals are planting demolish it and build a new mansion in of a great variety of the most beautiful the field east of Plompton Rocks. On his evergreens and flowering shrubs; through acquisition of Goldsborough Hall in 1762, which the walks are carried, in different however, this plan was also abandoned and, instead, the south range of the stable block was built as “an elegant little lodge”, the present Plompton Hall.

3.4 Records in the Harewood archive show that most of the present buildings on the estate were designed by John and/or Robert Carr and include, apart from the Hall and stables, Plompton Hall farmhouse ©Crown Copyright and database rights 2011 Ordnance Survey 100019628. ©Crown Copyright and database rights 2011

Plompton Conservation Area Character Appraisal - approved 30 November 2011 p. 3 4 Location & landscape setting

4.1 Plompton is situated midway between 4.4 The Rocks are one of several outcrops of steep changes in the main level. There Harrogate and Wetherby on the A661, one Millstone Grit in the vicinity, though by far seems to have been two ways into the mile southeast of that road’s junction with the most impressive. Concealed by the Rocks: one from Plompton Hall in the the Harrogate southern bypass. topography and by their surrounding trees north and one next to the West Lodge in and shrubs, Rocks and lake are hidden the south. Today the official entry point for 4.2 Plompton Rocks consist of an outcrop from most outside viewpoints and are the visitors is next to West Lodge. There are of Millstone Grit, situated to one side more delightful to the visitor because they no public footpaths through the pleasure of a shallow valley fed by a tributary of are so unexpected. More immediately, the grounds but there are some in the vicinity. the River Crimple. Overlooking the lake woodland is defined on the east and south The footpaths are shown on Map 4, page created by damming the valley in the by boundary walls and on the west by a 17 of this document. eighteenth century, they are surrounded by ha-ha. The approach from the A661 was woodland and set in a rolling agricultural resurfaced in the 1990s. landscape. 4.5 Various paths wind their way through the 4.3 To the north and east the land is Rocks and around the lake with stone predominantly flat whilst to the west it rises steps in some places where there are gently towards the former B6163 and A658 Harrogate to Knaresborough southern bypass. To the south it falls away towards the A661 and River Crimple.

Plompton Rocks.

p. 4 Plompton Conservation Area Character Appraisal - approved 30 November 2011 5. Landscape analysis

5.1 The historic fabric of the landscape 5.3 In addition to the inclusion of the Rocks, sluice which directs the stream through around Plompton is sensitive to change the boundary of the Conservation Area has to the lake; and the stone bridge over the from development pressures resulting been drawn to take in a visual buffer zone stream on the track to the west. These from tourism and the demand for public to protect the setting of the Rocks, given important features have been accurately access and recreation facilities and the proximity of the bypass and possible mapped and recorded. The features that pressure from changing agricultural policy pressures for development in its vicinity. are within the Conservation Area boundary and intensive farming practices. Such The boundary also includes buildings and have been identified on Map 3, page changes need to be carefully managed. features on the estate designed by father 16 of this document. Furthermore, an and son, John and Robert Carr. ancient stone-lined well, in the field west of 5.2 Plompton Rocks are listed as a grade II* Plompton Hall, has also been identified on garden in English Heritage’s Register of Map 3. Historic Parks and Gardens and are also a site of local nature conservation interest. Their essential character is romantic and Significant field boundaries picturesque and resides in the dramatic 5.5 Fields are large to accommodate modern nature of the rocky outcrops themselves, and intensive farming practices for cereal which is increased by their juxtaposition production plus some improved grassland with, and reflection in, the lake, together for grazing. The amalgamation of smaller with the enveloping woodland which fields to create these large fields has complements the Rocks to create a sense led to the dissolution of hedgerows, field of wildness and mystery. The Rocks rise Plompton enjoys a pleasant rural setting. boundaries and trees. sheer out of the water to a height of 10- 5.4 Also of significance, and directly related 12 metres and are riven by two narrow 5.6 The surviving field boundaries are to the creation and protection of the lake creeks which frame views of water, rock important to the landscape setting of at Plompton Rocks, is a masoned stone and rhododendron deep into the body of Plompton and are a valuable resource in which marks the rising of the stream to the the park. Rocks forming deep crevasses, providing physical and visual connectivity northwest of the lake; the stone culvert and concealed seats and man-made features, to the countryside. such as the dam and boathouse, all add to its extraordinary beauty. Only remnants of the eighteenth century planting survive. Today, those species “left to take their chance” and well-suited to their habitat have proliferated, creating a more natural appearance than the original ‘gardenesque’ character planned by Lascelles.

Landscape setting of Plompton Hall stables and farmstead as viewed from the north with Great Harbour Woods.

Plompton Conservation Area Character Appraisal - approved 30 November 2011 p. 5 Prominent woodland within The Royal Forest of Knaresborough, Strategic pedestrian routes 5.7 The undulating landform is scattered with a former medieval hunting park. Great 5.9 Several public footpaths and bridleways various blocks of woodland, particularly on Harbour Woods to the north west of provide links to the wider countryside but higher ground, that disperse views across Plompton Hall are important to the setting this network is not extensive. an otherwise open landscape. The area is of the conservation area and the listed buildings. Geology, soils and drainage Landmark trees 5.9 The area is characterised by Magnesium limestone and glacial till drift geology. 5.8 Mature trees are integral to the There is a combination of deep and picturesque character and appearance of shallow soils, fine to coarse loamy, some the settlement and serve to soften the built over clayey, slowly permeable and well- form, reinforcing the settlement’s rurality. drained, seasonally-waterlogged brown soils. The agricultural land in the wider area is intensively managed for arable production. The landscape is a flat to undulating landform. The watercourse linking Crimple Beck with the River Nidd contributes to the undulating landform as it crosses the area in a south to north direction from Newsome Bridge near Spofforth to Ribston. Paths between the Rocks invite exploration.

Links with the wider countryside.

p. 6 Plompton Conservation Area Character Appraisal - approved 30 November 2011 6. The form & character of buildings

6.1 There are 14 listed buildings and features ground for Daniel Lascelles when he rustication- the outer pair have large within the Plompton Conservation Area: was constructing Plompton Hall. The banded ball finials; walling; circular Grade II*: Boathouse is a rectangular structure recesses with projecting keystones and Plompton Hall and flanking walls approximately two and a half metres wide voussoirs and the remains of a low parapet and seven metres long. The entrance with flat coping. Several stone lined Stables to Plompton Hall is a narrow opening with large lintel channels carry water away from the south Grade II: and rebates. The wall is composed of side of the dam and much of the parapet, Small building approximately 30 metres very large boulders and is built between including at least one ball finial, has fallen west of stables at Plompton Hall natural rock outcrops. The shallow arched down into this area. The dam is thickly entrance has rockfaced rustication to the overgrown with creepers and trees. Wall attached to south of Plompton Hall keystones and voussoirs. Internally the stables, west range side walls are formed by the cut-back faces 6.4 Plompton High Grange was formerly a farmhouse and barn and is now a house Pier attached to north end of stables of the rock outcrops and the roof is a barrel and offices. The property dates back to west range vault of dressed gritstone blocks. 1760 with nineteenth and mid-twentieth Wall between Plompton Hall stables century extensions and conversions. It is and farmhouse constructed of coursed pink gritstone with Plompton Hall farmhouse a stone slate roof. This group of buildings was designed by John Carr, for Daniel Cart shed approximately 30 metres Lascelles, as a landscape feature and is a north of Plompton Hall Farmhouse rare example of Carr’s Gothick style. The Barn and outbuildings to north-east of barn and flanking wall to the south of the Plompton Hall farmhouse house were demolished in 1966. West and East Lodges to Plompton 6.5 The stile and attached wall probably date Hall, with gate piers back to the late eighteenth century. The wall is constructed of coursed squared Stile and 5 metre length of walling The Boathouse entrance. gritstone, approximately 1.2 metres high approximately 30 metres north of with flat copings. The stile comprises Plompton Square 6.3 The dam is circa 1760 and was built four steps and a square platform, built was by Daniel Lascelles, probably Plompton High Grange into both sides of the wall; a thin stone designed by John Carr. It is constructed slab set on edge blocks the break through Boathouse on east side of lake of coursed gritstone with extensive rock- the wall. The wall forms the southern faced rustication. The dam measures Dam at south end of lake boundary of the pleasure grounds laid out approximately 70 metres, five metres high for Daniel Lascelles circa 1760, as part of and six metres wide. The symmetrical 6.2 The Boathouse is circa 1760. It is one the Plompton Hall estate. The stile steps south facing façade is composed of: of several rock-cut features, which are are heavily worn but do not form part of an contemporary with the laying out and a central round arched recess flanked planting of the Rocks as a pleasure by large buttresses with heavy banded

Plompton Conservation Area Character Appraisal - approved 30 November 2011 p. 7 existing public footpath. The stile probably chimneystacks and carved eaves brackets dates from the period when Plompton support guttering to the right bay. The gate Square was occupied by the employees of piers are square in section with shallow Plompton Hall and is provides a short cut pyramidal caps and are linked to the to the house and farms, avoiding the lodge lodges by short sections of wall. gates. 6.7 The barn and two ranges of outbuildings to the northeast of Plompton Hall farmhouse are circa 1760. These buildings are thought to have been designed by John Carr as part of the scheme for Daniel Lascelles’ Plompton Estate. Constructed employed after Daniel Lascelles decided of red brick in English bond and gritstone to abandon work at Plompton, circa 1762. with a Westmorland slate, shallow hipped The layout of this farm group is typical of roof. The buildings form a U-shaped plan, mid to late eighteenth century planned composed of a two-storey range to the farms. north with single storey west and east ranges enclosing a south facing yard. 6.8 The north, east and south walls to the The barn comprises seven bays, the tall Stone stile former garden to the east of Plompton Hall central bay of which has a segmental cart date back to the late eighteenth century 6.6 West and East Lodges form a pair and, door with voussoirs and drip mould. There and were built for Daniel Lascelles as part together with the gate piers, flank the is a circular blocked window above, and of the Plompton Estate. The walls are entrance drive to Plompton Hall. They above that is a dove-cote in a semicircular constructed of red brick in English bond date to circa 1760 and were probably with ashlar copings. There are some designed by John Carr for Daniel buttresses and a brick arched gateway Lascelles. They are constructed of links the west end of the north wall to coursed gritstone with Westmorland slate the south end of the east range of farm hipped roofs and comprise small single- buildings. bay, single storey houses with later single- bay extensions. The lodges have 16-pane 6.9 The cart shed to the north of Plompton sash windows with plain sills and lintels, Hall farmhouse is circa 1760 and is likely to have been built as part of the planned farm scheme for Daniel Lascelles’ estate. Former farmstead at Plompton Hall. It is constructed of coursed gritstone with a recess. Brick piers support the roof Westmorland slate shallow hipped roof. It structure and panels between are filled is two-storeys in height and five bays wide. with coursed stone in the upper storey. In a planned farm of this date it was usual The central block has a sandstone eaves for the cart sheds to face north, to protect cornice and the flanking bays have deep the woodwork from the damaging effects of eaves with wooden boarding and paired sun and rain. There is no evidence for an brackets to flanking bays. The north facing external stair to the upper floor, therefore range is very similar to the stable range at the north door may have been for loading East and West Lodges. Goldsborough Hall, where John Carr was only and the room used as a granary.

p. 8 Plompton Conservation Area Character Appraisal - approved 30 November 2011 6.10 Plompton Hall farmhouse is a large lengths of wall suggest that the main ceased. The walls to the left and right of house thought to have been designed approach to the stables (from the west) the Hall each has four ball and cushion by John Carr for Daniel Lascelles in was flanked by high walls with piers and finials. circa 1760. The house is constructed probably ball finials above the pilasters. of coursed sandstone with ashlar and a 6.14 The small building to the west of the stone slate roof, which is pyramidal with 6.12 The pier attached to the north end of stables at Plompton Hall is circa 1757 large lateral stacks to the centre and the stables’ west range is circa 1760. probably designed by John Carr for Daniel hipped to the wings. The form comprises Constructed in ashlar, the pier is square Lascelles. It is constructed of ashlar with a tall three-storey central block flanked in section and approximately 4m high. It a stone slate pyramidal roof with central by lower two-storey, single-bay wings. has a slight plinth, a deep cornice and stack or roof. The building is square in Fenestration includes circular windows, ball finial. The pier was formerly attached plan and approximately 4.5m across. The diocletian windows, large, multipaned to the wall, which flanked the stables building has a projecting band, moulded sashes with glazing bars and keyed lintels. entrance range, but was broken through cornice and dentilled, moulded eaves Stringcourse bands are evident at first floor for farm access - the remainder now forms cornice with low parapet. The interior is and eaves height. the garden wall to the farmhouse. lined in red brick with a fine, groined vault which springs from the external cornice 6.13 Plompton Hall is a country house, circa level. There is a beam oven and iron bowl 1760 and likely to have been designed for heating mash that has been inserted by John Carr for Daniel Lascelles. The at a later date. The building has been property is constructed of ashlar with described as a pigeon house, granary or rusticated quoins and a stone slate hipped brew house, but its use cannot be proven roof with deep eaves cornice. It is two - for example, there is no evidence for storeys high and three bays wide. The any nesting boxes against the existing wide central bay, with triangular pediment, brick walling, and the central chimney or projects forward slightly. The house ventilator could not have served as an appears to have been converted from the entrance for birds. The building was used south range of the stables when Daniel in the late nineteenth century or early Lascelles moved to Goldsborough Hall in twentieth century for butchering but its Plompton Hall farmhouse viewed through the archway. 1762 and building work to the much larger original purpose in not known. house to the south west of the stables 6.11 The wall between Plompton Hall stables and the farmhouse (and attached to the south of Plompton Hall stables’ west range) is circa 1760 and probably formed part of the stables scheme by John Carr for Daniel Lascelles. It is constructed of ashlar with a slight plinth, a pier at the north end and six plain pilasters and measures 2.5m high and 30 metres long. The wall has a deep cornice and ball finial to the pier with flat copings. The surviving

The original purpose of this building has been lost - there are suggestions that it may have been a pigeon house, a granary or even a brew house.

Plompton Conservation Area Character Appraisal - approved 30 November 2011 p. 9 around the north, west and east sides of Map 4. There is a general presumption a square courtyard, and linked by high that buildings of local interest within the walls. The west range, which is the main Conservation Area will be protected from entrance block, comprises seven bays. demolition, and the Borough Council will It has rusticated quoins and a central bay be especially vigilant when considering that projects forward slightly with a tall applications for alteration or extension. rusticated archway and open triangular pediment surmounted by an octagonal 6.17 Plompton Square is located some 500 cupola. metres south of Plompton Hall and Plompton Hall stables, surmounted by an octagonal cupola. originally formed a group of farm cottages 6.16 There are also some unlisted historic for estate workers. At one time the Square 6.15 The stables at Plompton Hall, now in buildings and features, which make a would have been an attractive range of residential use, are circa 1757 by John positive contribution to the character and buildings but, regrettably, their character Carr for Daniel Lascelles, who bought appearance of the Conservation Area and has largely been eroded in recent years by Plompton Estate in 1755. Work on the are of particular interest locally. These the insertion of inappropriate windows and stable block began circa 1757 and John buildings have been identified during the doors and unsympathetic extensions. Carr may have followed the design of public consultation and are shown on 6.18 The pedimented building forming the Colen Campbell’s stables at Houghton. centerpiece of Plompton Square, which John Carr began work on a new house was built in the eighteenth century to to the south-west of the stables in circa house workers on the estate, was formerly 1760, but in 1762, Daniel Lascelles bought listed. This property was delisted at the Goldsborough Hall and work stopped at 1985 resurvey, presumably because of Plompton. It is likely that when the new inappropriate alterations. It nevertheless house was demolished the south range remains of interest for its layout and as of the stables was converted to make the an example of planned housing for estate present hall. The stables are constructed workers. The building was used as a of ashlar with a stone slate roof and dining area for the estate workers. comprise three two-storey ranges grouped

Cement render at first floor indicates that the ridge and eaves have been raised in height.

Principal building at Plompton Square - formerly the dining hall for estate workers.

Eclectic rear extensions at Plompton Square have eroded the character Architectural features of note and some of the former character of and appearance of the group. Plompton Square is still evident.

p. 10 Plompton Conservation Area Character Appraisal - approved 30 November 2011 6.19 In addition to the Conservation Area General form of buildings Windows designation and the statutorily listed 6.20 There is a strong unity of massing, form 6.24 Windows are generally vertical sliding buildings referred to above, Plumpton and detailing in Plompton, which comprises sashes with glazing bars and small panes. Rocks appears on the Register of Historic two main groups of buildings based at Fortunately, many traditional examples Parks and Gardens, graded as II* - which Plompton Hall and Plompton Square. remain. is defined as ‘parks and gardens whose historic layout, features and architectural 6.25 The installation of PVCu windows (and ornaments considered together make Materials doors) or modern timber casements, often them, if not of exceptional interest, 6.21 Traditional building materials are mixed, with unfortunate effects on the character nevertheless of great quality’. Historic including Magnesium limestone and and appearance of the Conservation Area parks and gardens constitute an important gritstone with slate and some pantile roofs. should be strongly resisted in the interests part of England’s cultural heritage - it has of maintaining the traditional character and been remarked that the landscape garden Architectural detailing appearance of the settlement. is England’s most distinctive contribution to European art. The acceptance of 6.22 Architectural detailing is that which is England’s parks and gardens as being stylistic of John Carr and is evident part of the nation’s heritage brings throughout this planned estate. responsibility for their protection. In 1983 the National Heritage Act enabled English Roof detailing Heritage to compile a Register of Parks 6.23 Roofing materials are either stone slates or and Gardens of Special Historic Interest. Westmorland slates. Pantiles are evident There are 12 such parks and gardens on properties in Plompton Square. in Harrogate district, including Plompton Rocks. The purpose of the Register is to identify historic parks and gardens, to raise public awareness and to encourage their protection and conservation.

Plompton Conservation Area Character Appraisal - approved 30 November 2011 p. 11 7. Character area analysis

Principal building 7.4 A track leads from the West Lodge, 7.1 Plompton Hall is an ashlar-built country through the enclosing drystone wall, into house, of two storeys and three bays gardens. A band of huge rocks borders under a stone slate roof. Short flanking the east side of a circa three hectare lake, walls, approximately 3m high, link the some towering 10-12m above the level of house to the stable buildings, forming the the water. The lake was created from an south façade of the stable courtyard (listed existing fishpond which was enlarged by grade II*). The stables were completed means of a substantial dam with an arched in 1757 by John Carr for Daniel Lascelles and rusticated masonry front, designed and work began in circa 1760 on a new by Carr who was also responsible for the mansion to the southwest to accompany design of the Boathouse with its rusticated them. However, when Lascelles changed stone surround, hewn out of the rock his plans and bought Goldsborough Hall, Plompton Hall. towards the south end of the lake. the new house was demolished and the south range of the completed stables was converted into Plompton Hall. Immediately to the north of the Hall and stables is a model farm complex (all listed grade II) built for Daniel Lascelles as part of the planned scheme for the Plompton estate.

7.2 The stables remained in agricultural use until it was sympathetically converted into a number of residential units in the later twentieth century. The south front of the stables, used as the banqueting Cobbled courtyard serving the former stables. house, retained its function for around The Boathouse. two centuries. In the second half of the Garden and pleasure grounds 7.5 Several rock outcrops have been given nineteenth century, when the Lascelles 7.3 The pleasure grounds developed from the names based on their shape: ‘Lion’s family had ceased to use the building, it mid-1970s by Daniel Lascelles, possibly Paw’; ‘Lion’s Den’; ‘Needle’s Eye’- or their became the tearoom serving refreshments with the help of John Carr, are based unique properties, such as the acoustics to tourists. Tourists could also admire around a dramatic outcrop of millstone grit, at Echo Rock. The chasm between two the formal gardens in the former kitchen part natural and part quarried, which runs rocks gained romantic fame as ‘Lover’s garden by the stables. north/south through the site circa 300m to Leap’, supposedly after the sad demise of the southwest of the Hall.

p. 12 Plompton Conservation Area Character Appraisal - approved 30 November 2011 a young man attempting to demonstrate Park his love by jumping across it. From an 7.8 The pleasure grounds are set in the alcove, cut out of the rock to house a remains of a park, which dates back to the seat, there are views southwest over time of the Plumpton family’s ownership. Stank Bridge to the country beyond. Part The Hall stands in the northeast corner of the network of paths and steps which with open parkland lying to the northeast ran through the rocks can be traced. The and southwest of the lake and rocks, major path leads around the lake, over which are otherwise enclosed by dense the dam and along the west bank through woodland, defined to the south and east by Nanpie Plump. The path offers fine views a stone and brick wall and to the west by over the water to the rocks of the east a ha-ha. The area to the southwest of the bank lake, formerly the park, has been mostly ploughed and put into agricultural use (certainly as of the late twentieth century).

Dramatic view of rock outcrop rising up out of the lake.

couples strolling amongst the romantic rocks, geologists studying the composition Pleasing tranquility of Plomton Rocks. of the rocks and artists inspired by the 7.6 The garden was originally planted, romance of art and nature. The appeal from 1755 to 1760, with a great variety of Plompton Rocks continues to the of trees and shrubs as reflected in the present day. Former parkland setting to Plompton Hall - now in agricultural use. correspondence between Lascelles and his steward, Samuel Popplewell, and in Kitchen garden the bills from Telford’s Nursery in York. 7.9 The brick-walled kitchen garden lies to A number of the early plantings have the east of the Hall and stables. It was survived, particularly yews and pines. designed as an integral part of the mid eighteenth century layout. 7.7 The garden, known as Plompton Rocks has continued to attract tourists since it was first created over 250 years ago. The Victorian era saw an increase in visitor numbers with the arrival of the railway in Knaresborough. The pleasure grounds became the rendezvous for courting Plompton Rocks.

Plompton Conservation Area Character Appraisal - approved 30 November 2011 p. 13 Map 1: Historical development of Plompton ©Crown copyright and database rights 2011. Ordnance Survey 100019628 ©Crown copyright and database rights 2011.

p. 14 Plompton Conservation Area Character Appraisal - approved 30 November 2011 Map 2: Plompton Conservation Area boundary ©Crown copyright and database rights 2011. Ordnance Survey 100019628 ©Crown copyright and database rights 2011.

Plompton Conservation Area Character Appraisal - approved 30 November 2011 p. 15 Map 3: Analysis & concepts ©Crown copyright and database rights 2011. Ordnance Survey 100019628 ©Crown copyright and database rights 2011.

p. 16 Plompton Conservation Area Character Appraisal - approved 30 November 2011 Map 4: Landscape analysis ©Crown copyright and database rights 2011. Ordnance Survey 100019628 ©Crown copyright and database rights 2011.

Plompton Conservation Area Character Appraisal - approved 30 November 2011 p. 17 Appendix A

1. Management strategy 3. Maintaining quality The purpose of the Conservation Area Appraisal and management To maintain the recognisable quality of the Plompton Conservation Area strategy is to provide a clear and structured approach to development and to ensure the highest quality of design, the Borough Council will: and alterations which impact on the Plompton Conservation Area. The l From time to time review the Appraisal and management strategy, special qualities, which “it is desirable to preserve or enhance”, have been which will act as a basis for development control decisions and identified in the Appraisal. the preparation of design briefs; Although Plompton is an attractive settlement, it does not follow that all l 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 that are at odds l Keep under review a list of buildings of local interest that positively with or spoil the character of the Conservation Area; and contribute to the character and appearance of the Conservation (b) to consider how the special character or distinctiveness, as Area; defined in earlier sections of this document, might be best l Where appropriate prepare supplementary planning documents preserved or enhanced. including design guidance and development briefs; Clearly some of the ideas or suggestions will relate to buildings or land l Expect the historic elements that are an 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 an adjoining area to the north west of the current conservation area boundary as being of positive interest in ways that directly relate to the 2. Monitoring & review special character of the existing Conservation Area. The Borough Council is required to review its conservation areas on a regular basis; this may involve the designation of new conservation The proposed expansion was suggested in order to include the spring, areas, the de-designation of areas that have lost their special character, which feeds the pleasure gardens of Plompton Rocks. Attendees at the or the extension of existing conservation areas. The special character of public workshop expressed concern that the watercourse appeared to have Plompton has been re-evaluated as part of the process of preparing the been interrupted, or diverted, and is no longer feeding the lake. This is a Appraisal and this contributes to the overall review. matter of concern and one that needs to be investigated. However, it is a private matter - outside of planning controls - for the owner of the lake to Part of the review process involves the maintenance of a comprehensive pursue. Whilst it is important that the watercourse continues to feed the and up to date photographic record to establish a visual survey of buildings lake, it is considered that inclusion of the spring within the Conservation and areas of local interest in the Conservation Area. This record was Area boundary would not afford the spring, or indeed the lake, the desired compiled with involvement of the community at the public consultation protection. event.

p. 18 Plompton Conservation Area Character Appraisal - approved 30 November 2011 Furthermore, it is considered that the Conservation Area, the boundary of in Conservation which is wider than that of the Registered Historic Park and Garden, would Areas have a degree be devalued by the inclusion of additional agricultural land. Therefore, the of protection); original Conservation Area boundary remains unchanged. Notwithstanding l Repair and maintain this, the significance of the following features, related to the lake, are outbuildings; recognised: the stone culvert and sluice which directs the stream through to the lake; the stone lined well in the field to the west of Plompton Hall; and l Re-seed and re-turf the masoned stone marking the rise of the stream to the northwest. These verges badly eroded features are marked on Map 3 on page 16. by the overrunning of vehicles and parking 5. Management of change of cars;

The special character and appearance of Plompton Conservation Area is l Restore the dam; Positive management of trees is necessary in the interests of the vulnerable to erosion and significant harm through often well intentioned, l De-silting of the lake; character and appearance of the Pleasure Grounds. but misguided alterations and inappropriate change. l Reinstate footpaths; Whilst there is scope for enhancement, there are no sites in the l Plan long term landscape Conservation Area that could be considered to have a wholly negative enhancement; impact on the character of the Conservation Area. l Restore West and 6. Opportunities for enhancement East Lodge; Plompton is an attractive settlement, and most of the buildings are in l Works to enhance good condition. There are, however, a number of opportunities for the Plompton Square; enhancement of some areas as follows: l Solve the parking l Dissuade householders from the installation of PVCu windows problem of visitors to and doors in place of timber ones; Plompton Rocks; l Reinstate windows to their former pattern and detail where use l Plan the long-term of standardised factory made joinery and PVCu windows has maintenance of the undermined the character of the historic areas; setting of Plompton l Retain the grassed verges in their present unkerbed state, thereby Rocks; and maintaining their rurality; l Remove unauthor- l Repair and maintain boundary walls; ised fly tipping to the west of the former l Manage existing trees e.g. the growth of self-seeded trees at the stables and within foot of the Rocks obscures the view across the water; Great Harbour Woods. l Protect trees that make a particular contribution to the The lake needs dredging to remove the build up of silt. Conservation Area by the use of Tree Preservation Orders (trees

Plompton Conservation Area Character Appraisal - approved 30 November 2011 p. 19 Existing buildings by the Secretary of State. Article 4 Directions could be introduced The survey of the existing throughout the Conservation Area or just to individual buildings whose buildings within Plompton special interest is considered to be at risk from incremental change. clearly identified that a Reinstatement of architectural detail distinctive character exists, Some buildings have been altered, which has changed their architectural although to some extent form in a way which conflicts with the settlement’s distinctive character. this has been eroded by The introduction of standardised twentieth century door patterns and PVCu subsequent alterations, which windows and porches has undermined the character of many historic areas. have not always recognised The use of non-traditional finishes such as staining for joinery is detrimental that distinctiveness. Over to the character and appearance of the village and controls or guidance to the past 30 years, public encourage painted timber and traditional details and materials should be awareness and expectation introduced. Non-sympathetic alterations should be resisted. of the planning system to pro- Unsightly fly-tipping on the estate. tect the “familiar and cherished scene” has increased substantially. Grant schemes Additionally, there now exists a greater understanding of the impact which From time to time the Borough Council operates grant schemes to incremental change can have upon the distinctive character of historic help maintain and enhance the character and appearance of the areas. Options to safeguard and enhance the architectural character of Conservation Area. Plompton could include some or all of the following: Design guidance Quality erosion and loss of architectural detail Additional design guidance, which is more specific to the Conservation The character and appearance of buildings in the Conservation Area is Area, could be considered for future alterations to direct change towards harmed by the removal or loss of original architectural features and the use materials and design detailing which complements the defined local of inappropriate materials, for example, the loss of original joinery, windows architectural character. This would be in the form of non-statutory planning and front doors can have considerable negative impact on the appearance guidance. If adopted, this guidance would act as a yardstick against which of an historic building and the area. Insensitive re-pointing, painting or proposals could be assessed and could assist both existing and future inappropriate render will harm the long term durability of brick residents in understanding what is desirable. and stone work.

Article 4 Directions In all cases, the Borough Council will expect original historic features and Formal control over future alterations of buildings could be introduced detailing to be retained, preserved and refurbished in the appropriate through what is known as an Article 4 Direction which removes permitted manner, and only replaced where it can be demonstrated that it development rights. These are rights granted by Statute, within strict is beyond repair. limitations, to alter dwellings without the need for planning permission. Article 4 Directions can be designed to be specific to particular types of development relating, for example, only to roof covering or front elevations. Roof alterations and extensions They cannot place an embargo on change but, rather, bring certain types of The Conservation Area contains many historic rooflines, which it is development within the scope of planning control. Article 4 Directions are important to preserve. Fundamental changes to the roofline, insensitive made by the Borough Council and, in some cases, would need confirmation alterations, poor materials, intrusive dormers or inappropriate roof windows

p. 20 Plompton Conservation Area Character Appraisal - approved 30 November 2011 can all harm the character of the historic roofscape and will not be Outdoor acceptable. advertisements and street furniture Gardens and front boundary treatments Street furniture and Front and rear gardens make an important contribution to the streetscape advertisements in this rural and character of the area. The Borough Council will resist the loss of soft settlement should be resisted. landscaping and original boundary walls and railings. If considered to be necessary, proposals need to be carefully Telecommunications considered and well designed equipment, satellite to avoid adding to street clutter and to visually enhance the and cable dishes character and appearance of Overhead wires at Plompton Square. External telecommunications the area. apparatus including cable runs can harm the appearance New development of historic buildings. The Borough Council can provide A key consideration is the impact that future development proposals guidance on the installation of (whether in the form of new buildings or through the extension of existing telecommunication equipment buildings) might have on the distinctive including satellite dishes. form and character of the Conservation Area.

Attractive garden associated with garden cottage, within the high walls New buildings will only be permitted where they respect, rather than Overhead wires are intrusive of the former kitchen garden. throughout the Conservation compete with the historic skyline, respect landform and landscape pattern Area and undergrounding of cables would considerably enhance the and are accompanied by a comprehensive landscape scheme that is character of the settlement, specifically at Plompton Cottage and in integral to the design. New development must be of a suitable quality Plompton Square. This should be a longterm aim in the interests of the of design and execution and should relate to its context and respect the character and appearance of the Conservation Area. established values identified in the appraisal. The Council will encourage new development that complements the establish grain or settlement pattern, whilst representing the time in which it is built and the culture it Important trees accommodates. New development should respect and not impact on the The existing mature trees within and bordering the Conservation Area, add existing spaces between buildings. to its picturesque charm and character. In accordance with the council’s Landscape Design Guide, the existing pattern of hedgerows, hedgerow A further key consideration for new development is the appropriateness of trees, trees and shrubs should be preserved and repaired through managed the overall mass or volume of the building and its scale. A new building planting and maintenance. In considering both of these areas, guidance should be in harmony with, or complementary to, its neighbours. It is should be geared towards tree/shrub planting and management methods important that the materials generally match or complement those that that improve wildlife habitats. are historically dominant in the area. Within the above criteria, new development should aim to achieve creative design solutions, whether contemporary or traditional in style.

Plompton Conservation Area Character Appraisal - approved 30 November 2011 p. 21 Neutral buildings and spaces Settlement edges Neutral elements or buildings may have no special historic or architectural The gently rolling landform and open nature of the wider landscape quality in their own right, but nonetheless provide a setting for listed combined with uniform land use in random, large fields have resulted in a buildings and unlisted buildings of special character or interest. This landscape which is sensitive to change from inappropriate development. backcloth is important and needs careful management as a setting for the special elements. The setting of the historic park and garden must be protected from intrusive development and enhanced where possible to improve links with the surrounding countryside. Landscape project areas These project area guidelines have been developed in recognition of The reinstatement of hedges should be encouraged, particularly in areas of the landscape sensitivities and pressures, which exist within the pre-parliamentary enclosure. A hedgerow register for the area identifying Conservation Area. important hedges should be set up.

Built form Tree planting The settlement at Plompton Rocks is compact, consisting of Plompton In order to secure the longterm future of individual trees in boundaries and Hall, now converted into several residential units, Plompton High Grange to contribute to the setting of the settlement in the agricultural landscape, Farm, Plompton Square and East and West Lodges. Pressure to expand the planting of hedgerow trees to replace existing trees over time should be will impact upon the settlement’s compact nature in this rural setting. encouraged. Development pressure may lead to loss of character and impact on the Neglect of hedges resulting in their loss, will impact negatively upon setting of the settlement in the area. In order to conserve the character historic field patterns. Traditional management of hedgerows should be of this settlement, intrusive development should be discouraged and new encouraged to preserve the field pattern around the edge of the settlement, development must respect vernacular and landscape pattern and should which positively contributes to its setting. be kept to a minimum, should be appropriate in location, layout, scale, materials and design. New development should relate to the existing Tree planting and small woodland blocks can be used to complement the building groups and take account of the value of spaces between buildings, rolling landform by avoiding skyline locations and following contours. openness and views in contributing to the character of the settlement and should not impact upon these valued characteristics. Wildlife and nature conservation Where new farm buildings are required they should be linked to existing The Registered Historic Park and Garden of Plompton Rocks also has farmsteads and take account of views of vernacular buildings. natural history value.

Possibilities should be explored for the creation of wildlife corridors particularly along existing hedgerows to improve diversity and enhance landscape pattern around the settlement.

p. 22 Plompton Conservation Area Character Appraisal - approved 30 November 2011 Checklist to manage change

In managing change in the Conservation Area, regard should be paid to the following:

 The primary objective is to preserve and enhance the character  Design should reflect the distinctive local architectural style of Plompton Conservation Area, in particular to safeguard both in terms of overall form and detailed design as the outcrops of Millstone Grit, the romantic character of the appropriate to the context; vegetation, buildings and other man-made features;  The repair and reuse of older buildings should be  Maintaining the historic relationship between buildings and encouraged, rather than their redevelopment; their rural landscape setting;  Positive management of older trees should be undertaken;  The council will seek the highest standards of materials and design when considering proposals for the alteration or  Boundary walls, railings and outbuildings should be extension of buildings in the Conservation Area. There is likely repaired and retained. to be little scope for the erection of new buildings, other than those associated with agriculture;  The council will seek to preserve and enhance the character of Plompton Rocks as a romantic pleasure ground;  Development proposals, which would adversely affect Plompton Rocks or their setting, will be strenuously resisted;  Development should not impinge on the form and character of Plompton;  Buildings should be constructed of materials which match or complement local traditional materials;

Plompton’s rural setting.

Plompton Conservation Area Character Appraisal - approved 30 November 2011 p. 23 Appendix B

Public consultation The outcome of the consultation event and the information gathered The Borough Council’s Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) sets out directly contributed to producing this Appraisal. Key issues raised the requirements for public consultation. To meet these requirements, and at the event included: to inform a review of the Conservation Area, a public consultation event was l the preservation of important views; held at Plompton Hall on the 10 June 2010. This consultation took the form l identifying buildings of local interest; of a public meeting including a walkabout and a workshop session. Prior to the event residents were notified via a leaflet. l suggestions for changes to the extent of the Conservation Area; l the retention of important boundary walls; The format of the workshop included a short presentation on why the Conservation Area is being reviewed, the purpose of the Appraisal and l the retention and management of trees. management plans and a brief resumé on the changes that have taken place since the original designation. Every effort has been made to take into account and give due consideration to the views of the local residents (and to represent those views in this The main activity was a walkabout, which involved dividing into groups to Appraisal document). walk around part of the Conservation Area. The groups were encouraged to make notes and take photographs to identify what makes Plompton Local involvement is an essential aspect of the consultation process and special to them. On return to the school, the workshop session enabled local residents were encouraged to comment on the draft document. the groups to share the information gathered on the walkabout by Following public consultation between 31 May and 13 July 2011 appropriate annotating large maps of the settlement and the Rocks with text, symbols amendments were made to the Appraisal which was then approved on and photographs. The maps then facilitated a feedback session, mainly 30 November 2011 by the Cabinet Member for Planning, Transport and focusing on identifying potential areas within the Conservation Area Economic Development and published on the council’s website. in need of enhancement.

p. 24 Plompton Conservation Area Character Appraisal - approved 30 November 2011 Appendix C

Further reading K, Lynch (Assoc. Ed.)(2009) ‘Extraordinary Convulsions of Nature’: The Romantic Landscape of Plompton Rocks’ (2009), pp123-141 With Abundance and Variety, Yorkshire Gardens and Gardeners Across Five Centuries, The Yorkshire Gardens Trust.

E Hargrove, ‘The History of the Castle Town and Forest of Knaresborough’ 1798, pp256-61, Transactions of the Ancient Monuments Society 24, (1980), p39.

Country Life, no.7 (13 February 1992), pp30-3

Plumpton Rocks (Martin Stancliffe Architects Report, 1992).

Maps: Saxton Map of Yorkshire, 1577

The Manor of Plompton, estate map, 1587 (Leeds City Archives)

Plan of the Pleasure Garden drawn up for the Lascelles, 1787 (Leeds City Archives)

C. Greenwood, County Map of Yorkshire, 1818

Plan of the Plompton Estate belonging to the Earl of Harewood, 1848 (Leeds City Archive)

OS 6” to 1 mile: 1st edition surveyed 1846-7

OS 25” to 1 mile: 3rd edition published 1932

Illustrations: JMW Turner, Plumpton Rocks, 1798

Archival Items: Correspondence between Daniel Lascelles and Samuel Popplewell, 1755-60 (Harewood Papers), (Leeds City Archive)

Journal of a tour by Edward Witts, 1777 (Witts family papers) (Gloucester Records Office)

Travel journal of Rev. Samuel Viner, 1794 (D227/30) (Gloucestershire Record Office)

Plompton Conservation Area Character Appraisal - approved 30 November 2011 p. 25 p. 26 Plompton Conservation Area Character Appraisal - approved 30 November 2011