Blisland Conservation Area Appraisal

Home , Blisland, Pendrift

Endorsed August 2007

Contents

1 Introduction 1

The purpose of a Conservation Area Appraisal 1

Scope and structure 1

General identity and character 1

Date of designation 1

The Conservation Area within the wider settlement 1

2 Planning Context 2

National 2

Regional 2

Local 2

3 Location and setting 3

Geology 3

4 Designations 4

5 Historic and topographic development 5

Prehistory 5

Medieval 5

Sixteenth century 6

Seventeenth century 7

Eighteenth century 7

Early Nineteenth century 8

Later Nineteenth century 9

Early Twentieth century 10

Later Twentieth century 10

6 Archaeological potential 12

7 Present settlement character 13

Blisland Conservation Area Appraisal Topography and settlement form 13

Standing fabric 13

Key Buildings 15

Local details 18

Local and traditional building materials 18

Activity and use 19

Spatial analysis 20

Streetscape and views 22

Public realm 24

Greenery and green space 26

Loss, intrusion and damage 28

General condition 30

8 Problems and pressures 31

Historic Buildings 31

Public Realm 31

New Building 33

9 Recommendations 34

Historic Buildings 34

Public Realm 34

New Building 35

10 Opportunities 36

1 Sources 37

Blisland Conservation Area Appraisal 1 Introduction

Date of designation The purpose of a Conservation Area Appraisal During the preparation of the North Cornwall Local Plan the centre of the village The purpose of this Conservation Area was identified as a potential conservation Appraisal is to clearly define the special area. It was designated as a Conservation interest, character and appearance of the Area by North Cornwall District Council on conservation area. The appraisal should 3 February 1997. then inform development control decisions and policies and act as a foundation for The Conservation Area within the further work on design guidance and wider settlement enhancement schemes. The present conservation area boundary Scope and structure reflects the extent of the historic settlement core around the green, together with the This appraisal describes and analyses the church and rectory. It also includes the character of the Blisland conservation area immediate setting of the core area, and the immediately surrounding historic approaches to it and modern development environment. The appraisal will look at the which is ultimately related to the historic historic and topographical development of features. the settlement and analyse its present character in order to identify problems and pressures and make recommendations for its future management. More detailed advice on the management of the conservation area can be found in the Blisland Conservation Area Management Plan which is designed to stand alongside this appraisal.

General identity and character

Today Blisland is a popular village both to live in and to visit. Previously an agricultural community, the village is now mainly a home for commuters and the retired. Its picturesque natural setting, historic buildings (including a nationally renowned church) and proximity to the moor with its associated leisure activities make the village a significant tourist destination.

Blisland Conservation Area Appraisal 2 Planning Context

of the built and natural environment will be National maintained in accordance with national guidance. In 1967 the concept of protecting areas of special merit, rather than individual Local buildings was first brought under legislative control with the passing of the Civil The adopted North Cornwall District Local Amenities Act. Whilst listed buildings are Plan (1999) contains detailed polices assessed nationally with lists drawn up by relating to listed buildings and conservation the government on advice from English areas. For this reason, anyone considering Heritage, conservation areas are making an application for consent for designated by local authorities. The current development or demolition within a Act governing the designation of ‘areas of conservation area or which would affect a special architectural or historic interest, the listed building should consult the Local character or appearance of which it is Plan. The document is available for desirable to preserve or enhance’ is the inspection at the Council’s offices and Planning (Listed Buildings and online at www.ncdc.gov.uk . Pre-application Conservation Areas) Act, 1990. Under this advice can also be sought from the Act local planning authorities (LPA's) are Council’s Conservation and Development required to designate conservation areas, Control Officers. to keep them under review and if appropriate to designate further areas. The The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act also requires LPA's to produce Act 2004 introduced changes to the guidance on the day to day management planning system that will result in the North of their Conservation Areas. This Cornwall District Local Plan replacement Character Appraisal and the Management by a Local Development Framework. A Plan meet that requirement. portfolio of Development Plan Documents will set out the spatial planning strategy for Designation remains the principal means North Cornwall and provided detailed by which local authorities can apply development control policies including conservation policies to a particular area. locally distinct polices relating to listed buildings and conservation areas. All Regional documents prepared as part of the North Cornwall Local Development Framework, Broad polices relating to the protection and including the Local Development Scheme enhancement of the natural and built which sets the timescale for Development environment is currently contained in the Plan Document preparation and adoption Cornwall Structure Plan (2004). The policy can be viewed at www.ncdc.gov.uk . emphasis is that development should respect and consolidate local character. In The saved polices of the North Cornwall 2008 the Structure Plan will be replaced as District Local Plan will remain part of the part of the statutory Development Plan by statutory development plan until replaced the South West Regional Spatial Strategy. by adopted Development Plan Documents. The contained policy approach in respect

Blisland Conservation Area Appraisal 3 Location and setting

Blisland lies 8 km to the north east of Geology Bodmin on the western edge of Bodmin Moor. It is approximately 5 km from the The soil is clay with a sub-soil of clay slate A30, the main arterial road through and stone. The land to the eastern side of Cornwall. The village gives the parish its the parish overlies granite which outcrops name, and is within the area of North in places. Cornwall District Council.

The village lies in a secluded position on the north side of a valley above one of the tributaries of the River Camel. To the north the land rises gently to the open moorland of Pendrift Downs. To the west the land slopes to the river valleys of the De Lank and the Camel, whilst to the east the land falls sharply toward the hamlet of Waterloo. The river valley to the south is lined by the ancient deciduous Lavethan Wood.

The site of the village itself is gently sloping and, although surrounded by rivers, is high enough to be well drained. Its position at 130m above sea level makes it relatively low compared to many of the moorland settlements, but the village still feels somewhat exposed. As a consequence the trees on the green are an important source of shelter, as are the woods to the south of the village.

Under the historic landscape characterisation survey carried out by Cornwall County Council Historic Environment Service the land around the village was identified as medieval farmland, the land south of St Protus’ Well as rough ground and Lavethan Wood as ancient woodland.

Blisland Conservation Area Appraisal 4 Designations

Scheduled Monuments There are three scheduled monuments – the medieval cross to the south east of Denham House and two crosses in the church yard which are also listed Grade II.

Historic Buildings There are 25 listed buildings and structures in Blisland including the grade I church and grade II* Mansion House.

Historic Area Designations The majority of the settlement lies within a conservation area

See townscape map

Other Designations (All policy numbers refer to North Cornwall Local Plan adopted April 1999)

Nearly all the settlement lies within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) – (ENV1) and the land on its western tip is designated an Area of Great Landscape Value (AGLV) – (ENV1)

Apart from its westernmost tip the whole settlement lies within an Area of Great Scientific Value (AGSV) – (ENV5)

The eastern end of the village is designated an Area of Great Historic Value (AGHV) – (ENV14/15)

The land to the south is a Cornwall Nature Conservation Site (CNC Site) – (ENV5)

Blisland Conservation Area Appraisal 5 Historic and topographic development

See also the surviving historic components map.

Prehistory

The landscape surrounding Blisland is rich in prehistoric remains including a late Neolithic circle called Stipple Stones Henge on Hawkstor Downs, the Trippet Stones, barrows, huts and other stone circles. Other evidence of early settlement in the area includes nearby Carwen the site of a Celtic hamlet. The layout of the village itself Picture 5.1 The Church of SS Protus and Hyacinth around a green is typical of many Saxon viewed from the Bodmin approach road. settlements, but a rare feature in Cornwall. There are no early records of the church’s Medieval dedication, however the nearby manor of Lavethan was originally known as The settlement was recorded in the Landewen which could suggest St Adwen Domesday Book in 1086 under the name was the original patron saint of the church. of Grustone. It has been suggested this During the fifteenth century the church was was a mis-spelling of the Saxon Manor of extended to include the tower, transepts, Bluston. Other suggestions for the evolution south aisle and porch. of the village’s name include Blis lan meaning happy church, Bliston meaning Although there are no surviving medieval heath town and Bliston-juxta-Montem. To domestic buildings it seems likely that they the south of the green a church was built would have fringed the central green area. during the Norman period, possibly on the There are however a number of surviving site of a Saxon structure, but there is no medieval crosses including St Protus’ cross archaeological evidence for this. It is the on the main approach road from Bodmin, only church in England to be dedicated to two crosses in the churchyard and a cross the brothers SS Protus and Hyacinth who on the small triangular green outside were martyred in Rome in the third century. Denham House.

Blisland Conservation Area Appraisal end of the green. Originally this building was called The Farmers House as it belonged to the Queen’s Steward and was used to collect farm rents.

Picture 5.4 Although extensively altered over the years, parts of the Mansion House are believed to date from the fifteenth century.

Sixteenth century Picture 5.2 St Protus’ Cross – wheelheaded cross believed to date from the Medieval period In the early to mid sixteenth century a sizeable country house, Lavethan, was built to the south west of the village, described by Norden in 1584 as being the residence of Humphrey Kemp. Norden went on to describe the fertile nature of the surrounding land, ‘there are pastures within the parishe that will kepe fatt oxen all winter, and in as good case as in some places they can be kepte with haye, and the soyle beareth as good corne’. The good quality of the land was reflected in the standard of building within the village and by the late sixteenth century, in addition to Picture 5.3 Remains of a medieval wheelheaded the humble cottages which have not cross in the churchyard. survived, there were a number of sizeable The manor of Blisland was granted to Sir houses built in stone around the green. Richard Nanfan in 1488 a supporter of These included the Manor House and Henry VII and one of the ambassadors Newton House. One of the leaders of the responsible for the marriage of Henry’s son, Prayer Book Rebellion of 1549, Thomas Arthur, to Katherine of Aragon. During the Holmes, came from Blisland, but there are fifteenth century the house now known as no records of his actual address. the Mansion House was built at the eastern

Blisland Conservation Area Appraisal Picture 5.5 Despite its modern façade the Manor Picture 5.7 Dating from the seventeenth century House has sixteenth century origins. Rectory Cottage was remodelled in the nineteenth century; its door and windows are twentieth century. Seventeenth century

The Mansion House was remodelled after 1627 for its owner Obadiah Reynolds and a stone was erected commemorating the new works dated 1636. During this period a number of detached houses and cottages were built including Ivy and Lemon Cottages, Denham House, Church Town, Lyndale, Rectory Cottage and Churchgate Cottage.

Picture 5.8 The rear of the seventeenth century Churchgate Cottage illustrates how its external stack has been incorporated into the later School building.

Most of these cottages would have been homes to agricultural workers or, in the case of Lyndale, smallholders. In 1653 Lavethan Manor was rebuilt incorporating fifteenth century features from a former building.

Eighteenth century Picture 5.6 Denham House – a seventeenth century cottage used for over a hundred years as the The village continued to expand and evolve village’s post office. with Beech Tree Cottage built adjacent to Denham House in the early eighteenth century.

Blisland Conservation Area Appraisal was now fringed by a row of detached houses with long back gardens and by 1840 a house was built at the end of the plot behind Pope Cottage. A school for the local children was built on the southern side of the green adjacent to Churchgate Cottage in 1842. The 1840 tithe map shows the road linking the western end of the village to the route north was no longer in existence and the small square had evolved into the present informal green triangle. By this date there was a building on the north Picture 5.9 Beech Tree Cottage – built in the western corner of the green, a structure eighteenth century, it has a simple slate canopy for opposite Denham House and a building on the porch characteristic of the village. the site of the current public house (the Perambulation of the Bounds of the Manor During this period the Mansion House was of Blisland of 1816 describes the parties converted into a series of cottages and the involved as meeting at the public house at Manor House divided into two dwellings. A Blisland Church Town, so it would seem carriage house, stables and garden wall reasonable to suppose this building was were constructed at Newton House. In the the inn). 1780s the rector William Pye (1782-1834) built a sizeable rectory to the west of the At its western end the village had spread churchyard. along Tregenna Road to include a building on the site now occupied by Rose Cottage The 1809 Ordnance Survey drawing shows and there were buildings to the north and by this date the main routes into and south of the Manor House. through Blisland were already in existence. In addition there was a road leading south to Lavethan Wood on a similar route to the modern track to the sewerage plant. To the west of this road there was a small development of buildings, possibly a smallholding. On the site of the present day triangle of grass with the medieval cross there was an actual square with a road crossing from its north-east corner to join the road leading north from the village. The 1801 census records the population of Blisland parish as 437. Picture 5.10 Parts of Rose Cottage date from the Early Nineteenth century late eighteenth/early nineteenth century.

The northern side of the green was further At the eastern end of the village there was developed in 1833 with the building of Pope a barn on the other side of the road Cottage. The northern side of the green opposite Newton House.

Blisland Conservation Area Appraisal of trades in the village including two blacksmiths, a farmer/shopkeeper and a publican. The second blacksmith operated from a premises to the north west of the inn. The majority of the parish’s population of 569 in 1881 however were involved in agriculture, although one of the village’s residents was a captain at a china clay works. China clay was discovered in the later nineteenth century nearby at Durfold and Carwen, where works were opened. Land surrounding the village was used for Picture 5.11 The large granite boulders at the foot both cattle, corn and sheep - wool being of the modern garden wall opposite the rear of the staple product of the parish. Sir John Newland House could be part of the early nineteenth Maclead in 1873 in his ‘Parochial and century barn that stood on this site. Family History of the Deanery of Trigg Minor’ noted that ‘wages are somewhat low’ Later Nineteenth century with the china clay workers and agricultural labourers receiving similar wages but The Ordnance Survey Map of 1880 shows supplementing their incomes with garden the building adjacent to Church Town plots attached to their properties and by operating as the Blisland Inn; the building keeping pigs. The 1880 map shows a on the green was the United Methodist number of small agricultural buildings Chapel and the structure opposite Denham including pig houses in the gardens of Pope House was a smithy. Cottage and Ivy Cottage and some stores on the northern side of Tregenna Road.

Picture 5.12 The former Smithy opposite Denham House. Now converted into a house, the large stable door indicates its former use. Picture 5.13 A former pig byre in the garden of Ivy Cottage. Denham House itself was operating as the Post Office and the census for 1873 There were 126 children at the village records that its owner was a boot and school and the church at the time was shoemaker as well as the postmaster. The referred to as St Protho or St. Pratt. During same census records the growing number this period the overall size of the village did

Blisland Conservation Area Appraisal not alter greatly, although two further Early Twentieth century buildings were constructed on the road heading north – on the site of the The village’s importance as a centre for present-day village hall. There were, local services continued into the early however, a number of developments within twentieth century. By 1910 within the village the historic core. A coach house was built there was a boot and shoemaker, a grocer to the south east of the Blisland Inn in 1869 and sub postmistress, a blacksmith, a and a further small building directly to the shopkeeper and a carpenter. In addition to north of it. By this date the buildings directly its role as service provider to the to the north and south of the Manor House agricultural community, the picturesque had been demolished and a new house nature of the village, its beautiful natural built to the east on the site of the modern setting and its proximity to the railway house The Retreat. The 1881 map shows station at Bodmin Road resulted in its the green covered in trees and the vicarage desirability as a tourist destination garden formally landscaped with new beginning to be recognised. The public stables. At some point during the house which had changed its name to Ye nineteenth century Lyndale, Rectory Royal Oak Inn was described in Kelly’s Cottage and Newton House were all Directory of 1910 as ‘good accommodation remodelled and Lyndale used as the police for cyclists and anglers’. house. By the first World War the village had In 1894 the architect Frederick Charles physically changed very little since the Eden restored the surviving medieval work Victorian period with the erection of just a in the church and designed a medieval style few further small agricultural buildings and rood screen, the high altar, the chancel small structures including one to the south ceiling and a carved beam in the south of Beech Tree Cottage and to the west of aisle. His programme of works was far the Mansion House garden. The building more sympathetic to the historic fabric of to the east of the Manor House was the church than many contemporary church demolished, a glass house built adjacent restorations. to the Rectory, and Rose Cottage extended. The churchyard was developed There is no record of the date the De Lank eastwards and a garage built on the Quarry to the north of Blisland began adjoining land. commercially extracting granite, but by the late nineteenth century it was so successful Later Twentieth century that Eddystone Lighthouse and Tower Bridge were both built from De Lank The village’s proximity to Bodmin has granite. During this period the quarry was meant that over the years its importance employing 100 local men and women and as a commercial centre has diminished and it would be reasonable to assume that several of the various small businesses some were living in Blisland. Undoubtedly have closed. However, the pub which is the quarried stone used in Blisland at this once more called the Blisland Inn is still time would have come from De Lank. highly successful and the winner of several awards. Following over a hundred years of service the Post Office in Denham House closed but has been replaced by a new

Blisland Conservation Area Appraisal amenity centre housing the Post Office, general stores and doctor’s surgery to the east of the church. The village school after it closed became the Sunday School and is now the village institute. By 1971 the population of the parish had fallen to 446, but following a number of building programmes by 2000 it had risen to 665.

During the 1960s ribbon development took place along the eastern axis of the village. At some point the barn opposite Newton House was partially demolished, and its front walls now form the front garden of a house built using the barn’s stone. The buildings on the land behind Pope Cottage were demolished and a small council estate built on the surrounding fields incorporating a new hall for the village. The coach house, chapel, smithy, Post Office and Lyndale barn have all been converted into houses. Some modern infill has taken place within the historic core including houses between the pub and the Manor House and between Rose Cottage and Denham House. During the 1980s a private residential estate and a housing association scheme were built adjacent to the council estate and ribbon development took place along Tregenna Road. Recently the former garage site has been redeveloped with large detached houses. The nearest primary school is in the neighbouring hamlet of Waterloo.

Blisland Conservation Area Appraisal 6 Archaeological potential

There is one nationally recognised archaeological site of importance in Blisland, the medieval wayside cross opposite Denham House. However, the long and many layered evolution of the settlement gives the whole area developed up to the early twentieth century potential for standing or buried archaeological features. The earliest centres of development – the areas around the green and the church - are of particular archaeological interest and sensitivity. Here the deposits are likely to provide valuable information on the settlement’s early form and development. The urban archaeological remains are likely to be more complex in these areas.

Blisland Conservation Area Appraisal 7 Present settlement character

Although most were remodelled during the Topography and settlement form nineteenth century there is still a notable survival of projecting stone rubble chimney Blisland’s sheltered position on the side of stacks, granite lintels (some moulded) and a river valley on the western edge of granite rubble walls many composed from Bodmin Moor made it an attractive early massive boulders. The larger houses, site for settlement. The arrangement of Mansion House and Newton House, houses around a central green suggests incorporate carved granite detailing. Most that as early as Saxon times the desirability now have regular window arrangements, of a well drained site not far from a stream, but the early seventeenth century below the more exposed heathland and at Churchgate Cottage has an asymmetrical the junction of a number of routes had been two window front. recognised. Subsequent development until modern times centred on the green with the surrounding land used for agriculture. In recent years the village has extended on its northern side where the land rises gently to Pendrift Downs and along the roads to the east and west on its northern side. The steeply sloping land to the south and south east of the village discourages further development and the land to the south west has remained undeveloped as it was part of the Lavethan estate.

Standing fabric Picture 7.1 An early asymmetrical window arrangement on the façade of Churchgate Cottage. There is a great sense of homogeneity in Blisland as the majority of buildings have Polite architectural design is confined to stone walls and slate roofs, are two stories the church, the Old Rectory, the Mansion high and are either detached or House, Newton House, the old school and semi-detached. The village is far from the large country houses which surround bland, however, as a number of the the village. The majority of the buildings buildings have architectural are simple vernacular stone structures, with embellishments, or individual features plain facades and slate roofs. resulting from conversion from former uses. The charm of the settlement was noted by A L Rowse who described Blisland as a ‘grey granite village around a green’ with ‘not one ugly building in it’.

Blisland is of particular interest for the number of sixteenth and seventeenth century buildings which still survive.

Blisland Conservation Area Appraisal massive stone trough. The old school is now the village institute and this change of use has resulted in little external alteration.

Over the years many of the buildings have been sub-divided and in some cases restored to single occupancy. The Manor House, a row of three cottages in the late nineteenth century, is now a single dwelling. The Mansion House was also in multiple occupancy for a time but has reverted to its original form. Pope’s Cottage was built as a pair of cottages with two Picture 7.2 The Mansion House with Newton House beyond – fine examples of polite architecture on the round arched doorways but is now a single eastern side of the village. home, whereas Ivy Cottage and Lemon Cottage were originally built as a single Although the majority of buildings are now house. houses many had previous incarnations which can still be observed within their fabric. The Coach House has large pointed windows with red brick surrounds and a central two storey former hay loft.

Picture 7.4 Pope Cottage was originally two cottages and the round headed windows were two doorways.

Churchtown Cottage was built in the seventeenth century as a house and a Picture 7.3 The Old Coach House has retained cottage was added in the mid eighteenth much of its former character despite its conversion century. They now form one building. to domestic use. An essential part of the historic character The tall east end windows on the former of the settlement is its former agricultural Methodist Chapel on the green have been buildings. Although some structures have filled in with stone at first floor level. Despite been lost to subsequent development or, the addition of domestic gable dormer like Lyndale Barn converted into domestic windows the former life of the Old Smithy use, the nineteenth century piggeries with is discernible from its stable door and the their simple granite walls and slate roofs

Blisland Conservation Area Appraisal still survive, as do a number of stores such including the three stage tower, is a as those adjacent to Denham House and mixture of granite ashlar and the Old Smithy. rubblestone walls, Early English and Perpendicular tracery and seventeenth century internal joinery. Sensitively restored in the nineteenth century its original medieval features were conserved and Ecclesiological features such as the rood screen were added. The church is of national importance and its tower is both the principal landmark in the village and the surrounding countryside.

Picture 7.5 Lyndale Barn - on the right – has been converted into domestic use.

Picture 7.7 SS Protus and Hyacinth church – the three stage tower dates from the fifteenth century.

Mansion House – grade II*. This granite rubble building with large Picture 7.6 Solidly constructed from slatestone and granite quoins dates from the fifteenth granite, with a slate roof, the former piggery still century. Its scantle slate roof is not survives at Pope Cottage. original and over the years the whole building has been subject to various Key Buildings schemes of renovation and subdivision. It represents, however, a Church of St Protus and St Hyacinth substantial gentleman’s residence and – grade I. John Betjeman was some-time estate house. As a particularly attached to this building consequence the building has a wealth and described how ‘Of all the country of decorative features including an churches of the West I have seen I imposing two storey porch (partially think the church of St Protus and St demolished but rebuilt to the original Hyacinth, Blisland, in Cornwall, is the design in 1970s), mullion windows, most beautiful’. This Norman building hood moulds and carved scroll with fifteenth century additions, kneelers.

Blisland Conservation Area Appraisal Picture 7.8 The grade II* Mansion House is a strong Picture 7.10 Carved decorative scroll work on the feature on the north eastern side of the green. kneelers at Mansion House.

Newton House – grade II. A stone rubble building rendered on its east front elevation and part slate hung on the rear elevation. The main eastern façade has two projecting bays and a seventeenth century entrance with a chamfered granite basket arch. Adjoining the house on its north western side are the grade II eighteenth century stables built from stone rubble with granite quoins.

Picture 7.9 Pevsner has suggested this doorway arch on the north elevation of the Mansion House could be Norman. Picture 7.11 Eighteenth century stables adjoining Newton House.

Other listed buildings in the village :-

Blisland Conservation Area Appraisal Medieval – The cross opposite Denham House, the churchyard cross and three headstones 16th Century – Manor House (remodelled in the mid twentieth century) 17th Century – Ivy Cottage, Lemon Cottage, Denham House, Church Town, Lyndale, Rectory Cottage, Churchgate Cottage 18th Century – Beech Tree Cottage, Lyndale Barn 19th Century – The Old Smithy, The Picture 7.13 The façade of the Old Rectory glimpsed Old Coach House, the piggery at Ivy through trees from the churchyard. Cottage, the old School, Pope Cottage and piggery. The Blisland Inn – a mid-nineteenth century structure with quasi medieval detailing such as the stone mullion windows, three centred arch above the doorway and stone canopy on carved brackets.

Picture 7.12 Church Town one of the seventeenth century buildings on the northern side of the green, with a mid eighteenth century attached cottage.

Other unlisted but historic buildings :- Picture 7.14 Its Gothic embellishments single out Rose Cottage – although partially the Blisland Inn from the domestic buildings in the rebuilt in the early twentieth century village. the rear elevation of this structure dates from the late eighteenth/early The Cottage on the Green – originally nineteenth century. the Methodist Chapel. The Rectory – this sizeable eighteenth century villa has been extended over the years but still retains its polite rendered façade with canted bay windows and decorative mouldings.

Blisland Conservation Area Appraisal Local details

There are both hipped and gabled roofs throughout the village. Most have plain ridges and hips, but the later Blisland Inn has decorative crested ridge tiles.

There is a pleasing variety of window treatments throughout the village including both casement and vertically hung sash windows. Early nineteenth century two light casements survive at Ivy Cottage and early nineteenth century sashes at Newton Picture 7.16 The façade of Churchtown Cottage House and the Mansion House. The with late nineteenth century canted bay windows. majority of the timber windows are painted white. There are original mullion windows Similarly most of the rooflines are plain at the Mansion House and nineteenth except for the Old Forge which has gable century versions at Blisland Inn. There are dormers, presumably added when the pointed window openings on the Old Coach building was converted into domestic use. House and trefoil headed windows with diamond leaded panes on the Old School. One of the features of the village are simple slabs of slate held in place with iron brackets to form door canopies. These can be found at Churchgate, Beech Tree House, Denham House and Rose Cottage.

Local and traditional building materials

The historic building walls throughout the village are constructed from granite - the majority being rubblestone with cut granite detailing such as quoins and lintels. Granite would have been the obvious choice of Picture 7.15 Gothic style windows on the façade of building material with early builders using the Old School. surface moorstone before the De Lank quarries opened to the north of the Most of the cottages have plain facades, settlement. On the larger houses the but the Blisland Inn has projecting bays and granite features are carved and chamfered. canted bays were added to the façade of Some of the earlier buildings include Church Town in the nineteenth century. massive boulders in their lower courses. Pope’s Cottage, the Blisland Inn and the northern elevation of Newton House are built from ashlar granite blocks. On most of the houses the stone walls are untreated, but Lyndale, the Manor House, the Rectory

Blisland Conservation Area Appraisal and the eastern façade of Newton House but over the years some have been are all rendered, and the walls of rendered and others replaced with brick Churchgate, Denham House and Lemon stacks. Cottage have been painted.

Picture 7.19 Nineteenth century brick chimney Picture 7.17 The rendered façade of Lyndale – stacks on Pope Cottage. originally seventeenth century the door and windows date from its remodelling in the early twentieth The roofs throughout the village are slate century. - both scantle and rag slate.

Activity and use

Originally an agricultural settlement Blisland, due to its close proximity to Bodmin and the A30, is now mainly a dormitory village for people who work elsewhere and the retired (the parish plan identified that 33% of the parish were retired). Its picturesque nature, famous church and proximity to Bodmin Moor and the River Camel (popular for fishing and its cycle route the Camel Trail) make it a Picture 7.18 Although the stone walls of Lemon significant tourist destination. As a result Cottage have been painted it is still apparent that it during the summer the village is busy with once formed a single dwelling with the adjacent Ivy visitors and the pub becomes an important Cottage. focus of activity. Most of the houses have stone or slate cills There is a strong sense of community and, and there are small areas of slate hanging in addition to the pub, amenities in the - on the southern elevation of Beech Tree village include the church, village hall Cottage and the western elevation of (where a doctor’s surgery is held) and Newton House. The early chimneys in the village institute. The post office and village were stone with slate drip courses, general stores that had been run from Denham House for over 100 years recently

Blisland Conservation Area Appraisal closed, but has been replaced by a purpose-built amenity centre to the east of the church. There is no longer a school within the village, but the green provides an important amenity for the children and includes an area with swings. There is a local bus service from the village to Bodmin once a week.

Spatial analysis

The central green area bordered only by granite boulders and slabs gives the village Picture 7.21 From the western end of the green a spacious and open plan feeling. Such is during the summer the eastern side is virtually the size of the green the buildings that hidden. surround it are often too far apart to relate to one another, a situation which is further As a result the village is experienced as a exacerbated in summer when the trees are sequence of areas all united by the same in leaf. common central space. To the south of the green the church, Churchgate Cottage, the village institute, the Rectory and its associated buildings and walls form an area of their own - a miniature church town with the landscape of the green to the north and the fields above Lavethan Wood to the south.

The buildings bordering the northern side of the green form an area of ribbon development, neatly enclosed by the Old Coach House set at an angle at its western end. The green on its southern side gives the row an edge of settlement feeling which Picture 7.20 Simple granite boulders form a boundary to the green. has been increased in recent years by the further development of the village to the north.

The western end of the village forms its own tiny neighbourhood around the medieval cross on the triangular green. This area has a far greater sense of enclosure than the rest of the village as there are buildings on two of its three sides and the open vista of the main green to the east is blocked by the former Methodist Chapel. The sense of enclosure is intensified on its

Blisland Conservation Area Appraisal northern side where the road curves round towards Lemon and Ivy Cottages bordered on both sides by high walls sited directly onto the street.

Picture 7.24 The garden of the Mansion House is highly visible and is an intrinsic part of the character of the eastern end of the green.

The siting of these two sizeable buildings with south facings gardens adds greatly to Picture 7.22 Cottages grouped around the triangular green at the western end of the village. the sense of enclosure along Moor Common Road, whilst their large gardens At the eastern end of the village the high allow for important views across the walls enclosing the Mansion House and south-eastern corner of the green. Along Newton House give a sense of a small Manor Common Road where the wall of enclosed community like a medieval manor the former barn faces the rear wall of farm complex, quite separate from the Newton House the sense of enclosure is village. even more intense marking the boundary between the streets of the village and the country lane beyond.

Picture 7.23 High granite walls to the north of Newton House add to the sense of enclosure. Picture 7.25 There is a strong sense of enclosure at the western end of Manor Common Road.

Blisland Conservation Area Appraisal Streetscape and views The unenclosed green gives the impression of parkland at the centre of the settlement The streets of Blisland are informal with but the roads leading off from the centre simple tarmac surfaces and no pavements. are more enclosed. Here walls are an Road markings are confined to ‘give way’ important feature, marking boundaries and lines and information about the cycle route. enclosing gardens. The southern side of Some areas of historic paving still survive the road on the south and eastern side of including the granite cobbles outside the green is bordered by high granite walls Denham House and the slate paving stones enclosing the churchyard and the Rectory. bordered by a granite kerb in front of Granite walls also surround the Mansion Churchgate Cottage. House, Newton House, and are adjacent to the Old Smithy and Denham House. Elsewhere there are low granite and rubblestone garden walls with granite copings. The boundary between Ivy and Lemon Cottages is formed by large vertical slate slabs – a common feature of early cottage gardens. In addition to the solid granite and rubblestone domestic walls, dry stone walls can be found throughout the village – some plain and some in the form of Cornish hedges with planting above.

Picture 7.26 Granite cobbles in front of Denham House.

In front of the garden walls of Lyndale and Rectory Cottage the historic slate gutter still exists.

Picture 7.28 A Cornish hedge bordering the Merry Meeting Road.

To the east of Newton House there is an area of drystone walling built in the distinctive style of diagonal courses known as kersey way popular in areas of slatestone. Picture 7.27 Slate gutter in front of Lyndale.

Blisland Conservation Area Appraisal The green dominates the views within the The village’s positioning on a hillside village itself softening the impact of the affords a number of imposing vistas imposing grey surrounding granite walls including the view from the Pen Tor Estate and buildings. The views in the centre of on the northern side of the village the village change with the seasons as the southwards over the roofs of the Mansion leaf fall allows further visual connections to House and Newton House towards the be made across the green. There are, church tower. At the south western corner however, other more intimate views within of the green there is a long vista across the the village such as the view from below the Horsepit field towards the River Camel. triangular green looking north west as the road curves round towards Lemon Cottage.

Picture 7.31 The far reaching vista across Horsepit Field connects the centre of the village to its surrounding landscape.

Picture 7.29 A late summer view across the green From the churchyard there are charming showing only glimpses of the buildings on its northern edge. views south across the river valley and north over the green towards Mansion House and Newton House.

Many of the lanes into the village are tree lined and provide a charming pastoral approach.

Picture 7.30 From the green there are views to the church and the hillside beyond.

Blisland Conservation Area Appraisal from the local granite. In and around the village there are a number of medieval crosses the most prominent of which is sited on the green outside Denham House. This granite cross has a Greek cross head in shallow relief on both sides and is a scheduled monument as well as listed grade II.

Picture 7.32 The leafy approach into Blisland from the south east of the village.

The steep cut lane that enters Blisland from the south western side, the Merry Meeting Road, forms a narrow enclosed wooded approach as it climbs to the village centre from the valley below.

Picture 7.34 The Medieval cross on the green in front of Denham House is a listed building and a scheduled monument. Picture 7.33 The intensely rural and enclosed approach to Blisland along the Merry Meeting Road. Outside the village on the south eastern side is the medieval St Protus’ Cross – In contrast as it reaches the summit it listed grade II – which retains its original opens out into the small green with views wheelhead. There is a further listed cross of the large open village green beyond. in the churchyard.

Public realm Granite boulders and pieces of cut granite provide a simple but effective boundary to In addition to the historic buildings there the green itself. Outside the Old Smithy is are number of features in the village that a large granite water trough a reminder of help to enhance its character. Unsurprisingly many of these are formed

Blisland Conservation Area Appraisal the building’s former use. The sound and in the form of a mounting block in front of sight of running water is also an attractive the old stable block (listed grade II) next to feature in its own right. Newton House.

Picture 7.35 A granite trough outside the Old Smithy Picture 7.37 Granite mounting block outside the indicates the building’s former use. stables at Newton House.

Other granite troughs can be found There is a small tethering post with iron throughout the village including outside rings on the green in front of Denham Denham House and the Old Coach House House and in recent years a granite monolith has been erected on the grass outside Horsepit field to commemorate the Millennium and the centenary of the Queen Mother.

Picture 7.36 Although re-sited this granite trough is a reminder of the former use of the Old Coach House.

Granite steps are another feature of the village – these mainly take the form of Picture 7.38 Small historic survivals such as the tethering post on the green outside Denham House doorsteps but there is a flight of steps all add to the village’s historic interest. leading up to the Manor House, on the outbuilding adjacent to Denham House and

Blisland Conservation Area Appraisal Picture 7.39 The green verge in front of Horsepit Field and the Millennium commemorative stone.

Other non-granite features of note include the original cast iron finger sign posts and the telephone box which is a K6 designed in 1935 by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott and listed grade II.

Picture 7.41 The grade II listed telephone box adjacent to the Old Coach House.

There is a certain amount of original wrought iron work still surviving in the village the most notable of which is the churchyard gates supported by two granite posts.

Greenery and green space

The most significant open space in Blisland is the green - the focus of the settlement and the point where the five lanes meet. The importance of the green in not only determining the plan of the village, but also informing its whole character has long been recognised - Polsue in ‘Lake’s Parochial History of Cornwall’ in 1867 described Blisland as a ‘park-like church village’.

Picture 7.40 The cast-iron finger posts are an important feature in the village and greatly enhance its character.

Blisland Conservation Area Appraisal Picture 7.42 Polsue’s description of a ‘park-like’ Picture 7.44 Swings on the green where local village is still applicable. children can still play as they have done for centuries. Although essentially an informal space the green lends an impression of grandeur and Further green areas include the grassy spaciousness, complementing and bank outside the Blisland Inn which is used enhancing the stature of the surrounding in the summer for outside dining, and the buildings. Many of the old elm trees were small green in front of Denham House. This destroyed by Dutch Elm disease but have green with its medieval cross forms a been replanted with ash, oak, elm, chestnut miniature village green for the surrounding and rowan. houses. Large grass verges can be found in front of Horsepit field, bordering the Rectory wall and in front of the eastern garden wall of Mansion House and Newton House. These areas relate to the central green, continuing the sense of informal open space.

The lanes approaching Blisland are lined with trees and these provide a green backdrop to many of the views, as does the woodland to the south of the village.

Gardens also make an important contribution to the character and quality of Picture 7.43 After the elms on the green were the village; these range from the destroyed by Dutch Elm disease they were replaced by a mix of species. exceptional gardens of the Rectory, Mansion House and Newton House to the In addition to its obvious visual benefits the charming front gardens on the northern side green also plays an import amenity role of the green and the cottage gardens at the providing a children’s play area, and the western end. Silver Jubilee wrought iron seats for the use of both locals and visitors.

Blisland Conservation Area Appraisal Picture 7.45 The sizeable Mansion House and Picture 7.46 The former Rectory stables have been Newton House gardens are amongst the most converted into a house. exceptional gardens in the village. Less easy to interpret is the House on the Loss, intrusion and damage Green, the former Methodist chapel, where the modern bow window and domestic front The survival of historic buildings in Blisland door give no clues to the building’s former is generally very high and the settlement identity. has some of the oldest surviving domestic houses in Cornwall, albeit that many have been remodelled over the years. Historically; a real loss to the village was the removal in the eighteenth century of the great embattled gateway which formed the approach to the Mansion House and was subsequently moved to Lavethan. Otherwise nearly all the significant historic buildings survive, although many have been adapted to different uses. In the main these conversions have been successful and have ensured the buildings’ survival whilst retaining much of their former character. Picture 7.47 The former use of the House on the Green as a chapel is not apparent from its domestic western façade.

As the nature of the village has evolved the type of buildings required has necessarily changed and as a consequence some of the small agricultural buildings have disappeared and with them some of the informal character of the settlement.

Blisland Conservation Area Appraisal Recently the Post Office has closed changing the character of the small green area from a place of public congregation to an entirely residential area.

As the majority of new build has been confined to the northern side of the village the degree of intrusion in the historic core is slight. The bus shelter, whilst having a natural slate roof, (at an oddly low pitch) has inappropriate concrete walls and is of an unsympathetic design, especially given its sensitive location. Picture 7.49 New houses to the west of the pub.

The use of modern slate roofs, non-local stone, and inappropriate polite detailing all sound jarring notes in such a harmonious setting. Similarly the new development to the east of the church includes detailing such as round windows, gable dormer windows, over-scale classical style porches and non-local stone garden walls all of which are alien to Blisland’s historic character, but are sited next to its most prestigious historic building.

Picture 7.48 The bus shelter could be better One of the defining characteristics of the designed in recognition of its sensitive historic area around the Manor House is the sense location. of enclosure, but this unfortunately is lost where the front gardens between Denham The ‘infill’ buildings to the west of the pub, House and Rose Cottage do not follow the whilst not unattractive, could have been road line. better designed given the sensitivity of their setting.

Blisland Conservation Area Appraisal Picture 7.50 Along Tregenna Road the historic road line and sense of enclosure has been lost.

There have been a number of alterations and extensions in Blisland over the years which not only impact on the character of the individual buildings involved but on the wider character of the village. The substitution of original windows, doors and roofs with modern replacements that do not replicate the original materials or style and the addition of porches, shutters and new wall finishes all have a detrimental effect.

General condition

The buildings in Blisland are generally well maintained and in good condition and there are no buildings at risk. The Rectory wall, however, has areas that require repair.

Blisland Conservation Area Appraisal 8 Problems and pressures

It is important for a village such as Blisland where its main traditional industry (agriculture) is in decline to adapt in order to survive. However, where the quality of the existing building stock and natural landscape is so high change needs to be very carefully managed, in order that these features are valued and maintained.

Historic Buildings

For the size of the village there is a large number of listed and historic buildings which in the main are well maintained and Picture 8.1 Natural slate roofs are an important in good condition. Over the years however feature of the village and should be preserved in there has been a certain amount of their original form. adaptation and alteration that is beginning to impact on the character of the settlement Wall painting and slatehanging – stone and could compromise the village’s historic is the traditional wall material in the integrity if it were to continue unchecked. village and all the walls would originally have been plain and uncoated. Replacement windows and doors –a However, over the years a number of number of historic buildings have walls have been painted, rendered and windows and doors in non-traditional slatehung. materials or of inappropriate design There are a number of important and finish. These features not only historic buildings in the village which diminish the historic integrity and contribute significantly to its character aesthetic value of the building but are unlisted. involved, but also have a detrimental impact on the historic character of the Public Realm village as a whole. Dormers and roof lights –the majority Signage - although signage in the of historic buildings in the village still village is generally low key and not have original scantle and rag slate over intrusive it is fairly utilitarian, not roofs. The importance of these roofs always carefully sited and does not as characteristic of the village should take account of the quality of the be recognised and any moves to insert surrounding built and natural dormers should be resisted. Roof lights environment. There is also a tendency should only be considered on rear to place informal notices on trees and elevations. poles which are not then subsequently removed.

Blisland Conservation Area Appraisal Picture 8.2 Over zealous road marking can have a Picture 8.3 The historic plot boundaries are an detrimental effect on the surrounding environment important part of the village’s character. - particularly in sensitive locations such as outside the Mansion House. Overhead cables – there are areas in the village where the prevalence of Lighting – the street lights in the village overhead cables, such as the corner are attached by brackets to existing of the Old Coach House, has a poles. This is an excellent idea as it detrimental effect on the historic reduces the visual impact of a plethora character. of poles. However, the design of the lights is very utilitarian of a type more suited to a town bypass than a historic village. Garden walls and hedges - at present the majority of the village’s historic plot boundaries are still in place, apart from the houses along Tregenna Road between Denham House and Rose Cottage. Increasingly however, these unifying and historic features are under threat in order to create off road parking spaces. Picture 8.4 The plethora of overhead cables has a detrimental effect on views of the church.

Parking – the Blisland Village Plan highlighted the problem of parking around the green, particularly during the height of the visitors’ season.

Blisland Conservation Area Appraisal New Building developments have a suburban character that does not reflect the In recent years there has been a certain traditional development forms. amount of development with the historic core of the village in the form of both infill and redevelopment. Whilst there is nothing wrong with both in principle, in such a sensitive location it is essential they should be of the highest standard. Furthermore within the village centre many of the original historic plots still survive and are fundamental to the village’s charm and historic integrity - every effort should be made to preserve these historic plots. The scope for further infill is considered to be very limited.

Materials – part of the essential character of the village is the ubiquitous local granite, rubblestone and slate. Recent development in the village centre however has included rendered and non-local stone walls, and artificial slate roofs. These materials sound a jarring note drawing attention to the new buildings, rather than allowing them to merge into the surrounding historic landscape. Pastiche and inappropriate detailing – some of the recently built houses display a lack of understanding of the surrounding historic environment. The addition of dormers, slate hanging, round windows and classical style porches none of which are traditional to Blisland again prevent the buildings’ comfortable assimilation. The attractive nature of Blisland and its proximity to Bodmin and the A30 has resulted in its gradual expansion since the 1960s. However, if the village is overdeveloped it risks losing its unique historic value and special natural character. Form and layout are an important consideration as cul-de-sac

Blisland Conservation Area Appraisal 9 Recommendations

More guidance is available in the Conservation Area Management Plan

Historic Buildings

Windows and doors in the historic core should be of traditional materials and design. Historic windows should be repaired where possible or replaced to match originals. Blisland has an admirable survival of original slate roofs which contribute greatly to the village’s character. In order to preserve this asset the Picture 9.1 Locally significant structures such as the insertion of dormer windows and the trough outside the Old Smithy wararnt preservation. replacement of natural slate coverings should be discouraged. On unobtrusive rear elevations good quality small scale rooflights could be considered, but an Article 4 direction ought to be considered to control these works. Whilst painted walls and slate hanging can appear charming, adding interest and accent they should not be allowed to become dominant otherwise the traditional aesthetic of Blisland as a granite moorside village will be lost. Other structures contribute to the Picture 9.2 Blisland’s historic cast-iron finger posts character and deserve to be retained are another example of distinctive character and cherished. features. Public Realm

Signage – given the historic sensitivity of the village core more thought could be given to the placing of signs and the use of better quality materials and design. The informal pasting of signs on trees and poles should be avoided, but if this does take place they should be removed as soon as the event advertised has taken place.

Blisland Conservation Area Appraisal Lighting – the practice of using existing particularly important that Horsepit poles to carry the street lighting should Field should be preserved as it continue. The lights themselves represents a connection between the should be of a design and materials historic core and the surrounding more suitable to their sensitive landscape which has been lost in so surroundings and the question of their many villages. Further development need may be revisited. within historic plots should be avoided. Garden walls – consideration should In order to ensure the contribution be given to the creation of Article 4 made by existing trees to the character Directions in order to control the of Blisland (especially in the green demolition of walls and hedges, area) is recognised and protected especially for the creation of hard where necessary a full survey of the standings. existing trees, hedgerows and Overhead cables – consideration ornamental landscapes should be should be given to the feasibility of carried out. under-grounding cables. Otherwise they should be appropriately sited in order to impact less on the surrounding historic and natural environment. Parking - if a suitable site for a car park is found and the decision is taken to prevent parking around the green this should be indicated by discreet, well designed signs and not by yellow road markings which would have a significant negative impact on the character of the area.

New Building

Design guidance specific to the village should be produced based on a detailed audit of the materials, designs, details and character of the historic buildings in order that any future development (including extensions) preserves and enhances the character of the settlement. Detailed site appraisals should be required for specific development sites. Further development should be limited to meeting the needs of those who require affordable housing and to those sites within the village development limit set by North Cornwall District Council. It is

Blisland Conservation Area Appraisal 10 Opportunities

In order to further promote Blisland as an historic settlement further information on its development and architecture could be provided by interpretation boards or by an exhibition in the Village Institute. A village trail could be produced not just for Blisland itself, but linking it with the surrounding historic settlements. This could present Blisland’s heritage to a wider audience and help attract new visitors. A village notice board, possibly sited by the Village Institute or the new post office would avoid the need for pasting signs on lamp posts. The village children have indicated the need for a village clock. This should be well designed and of good quality materials, and could be sited on the Village Institute. Although the grassy area in front of the pub already provides a popular amenity, this area could be further enhanced by a more attractive surface on the access road. This would distinguish the area from the road, whilst still providing the necessary vehicular access to the pub.

Blisland Conservation Area Appraisal 1 Sources

Published sources

Betjeman, J, 1984, Betjeman’s Cornwall Bird, S, 1988, The Book of Cornish Villages Darby, H, C, and Welldon Finn, R, 1967, The Domesday Geography of South-West England Henderson, C, 1964, The Cornish Church Guide Maclean, J, 1873, The Parochial and Family History of the Deanery of Trigg Minor in the County of Cornwall, Volume 1 North Cornwall District Council, 1997, Blisland Conservation Area Character Statement Payton, P, 1996, Cornwall Pevsner, N, 1996, The Buildings of England Cornwall Polsue, J, 1867, Lake’s Parochial History of the County of Cornwall, Volume 1 Rowse, A, L, 1941, Tudor Cornwall

Trade Directories

Kelly’s Directory 1873 Kelly’ Directory 1910 Symon’s Gazetteer of Cornwall, 1884

Strategic, policy and programme documents

North Cornwall District Local Plan 1999

Historic maps

Ordnance Survey Surveyor’s Drawing c1809 Tithe Map (1843) Ordnance Survey 1st edn 1:2500 (1884) Ordnance Survey 2nd edn 1:2500 (1907)

Websites www.cornish-ancestors.co.uk/Blisland www.southpenquite.co.uk/quarries

Cornwall County Council Historic Environment Record

Sites, Monuments and Buildings Record 1994 Historic Landscape Characterisation

Blisland Conservation Area Appraisal

Blisland Conservation Area Management Plan

Endorsed August 2007

Contents

1 Introduction 1

2 General guidance 3

3 Roofs 4

4 Walls 7

5 Joinery 9

6 Enclosure and space 12

7 Townscape features 14

Blisland Conservation Area Management Plan Blisland Conservation Area Management Plan 1 Introduction

What is the Conservation Area Management Plan

This Conservation Area Management Plan (CAMP) is intended to stand alongside the Blisland Character Appraisal. Firstly there is general guidance on the conservation and enhancement of the key elements that contribute to the quality of the townscape. At the end of key sections is a list of best practice bullet points to aid retention of historic character and architectural quality.

It is hoped that the document will act as a reference for all who make decisions which may impact on the special character of Blisland– property owners, planners, developers, designers, local authorities and statutory undertakers. To this end it will be available via the internet and in print form through the library, Parish Council etc.

The policy context is set by the Planning Acts – especially the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 and the Planning (Listed Building and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. National policy is supplemented by the Cornwall County Structure Plan and the North Cornwall District Council Local Plan. Some of the ideas in this CAMP may influence the future policy development for the village.

Special character is derived from the overall effect of many components and is dependent for its survival on a great number of individuals making informed choices about the management of their own piece of the jigsaw. Some control may be applied by the Local Planning Authority through Article 4(2) directions – these bring certain types of permitted development, such as replacement of windows or roofs, under Council jurisdiction.

It is of fundamental importance that owners and contractors recognise that their actions can and do have a significant impact on the quality of Blisland. Good decisions and sympathetic works take more thought and often cost more; but the rewards are great and will be appreciated in decades to come by future generations.

Article 4(2) directions

Under Article 4 of the General Permitted Development Order 1995, a local authority may bring certain permitted development rights under their control. There are two routes to serving such notice – the more usual relates specifically to conservation areas and is covered by Article 4(2).

There are a range of works that may need to be the subject of an application after as Article 4(2) direction – the most usual are alterations to windows, doors, roofs, chimneys and the like. Controlling the removal of enclosure that may otherwise be vulnerable to alteration, or the painting of certain buildings, are other examples which may be relevant in Blisland.

Blisland Conservation Area Management Plan If a Local Planning Authority (LPA) is minded to serve such notice they must specify the buildings that have frontages facing an identified location. That application needs to have been assessed and reasons for the Article 4 direction identified. This document and the Appraisal go some way to identifying issues and locations where Article 4(2) could be usefully employed to protect the special character of Blisland. It is, however, beyond the scope of this document to actually specify exact buildings and areas that need to be covered.

Blisland Conservation Area Management Plan 2 General guidance

General Guidance

This guidance must be considered in conjunction with the NCDC Design Guide, which may be viewed at Council offices. The guidance contained in Planning Policy Guidance Note: Planning and the Historic Environment (PPG15), is also useful.

Archaeology

The history and nature of Blisland means that there is archaeological potential virtually everywhere. Consequently any works that involve excavation may reveal interesting finds. Where work is subject to the planning process it will be considered within the context of the PPG 16 and may be subject to relevant conditions.

If work is being carried out by private owners they should be alert to pieces of artefacts, wall footings and changes in the colour of the earth. If such finds are made they should contact the Council for advice. Significant finds ought to be recorded to add to our understanding of historic Blisland.

Statutory undertakers carrying out trench work ought to seek advice before starting and agree a watching brief where appropriate – for example if cable undergrounding is carried out.

Where there are conditions attached to any planning, listed building or conservation area approval or any other relevant approval requiring archaeological investigation and recording then this work shall be funded by the applicant as it is not supplied by the local planning authority or County Council. Similarly outside the planning system any investigation will require funding.

Blisland Conservation Area Management Plan 3 Roofs

Roofs

Roofs play an important part in the character of Blisland as the use of local slate lends great homogenity to the village. The attractive roofscape is based on the quality and patina of the materials and the variety of form. There are both hipped and gabled roofs of varying pitch and orientation. Some are rag slate and others scantle.

Chimneys punctuate the roofscape and other quality details, in the form of rainwater goods etc, add richness on closer inspection.

Slate

Slate is the prevailing roofing material and a good deal of locally sourced historic roofing slate is in evidence.

Today there are a much wider variety of products available. Artificial slates should always be avoided as they inevitably cause serious harm to the quality of the roofscape. With natural slate being imported from Spain, South America and China, great care is needed when specifying real slate. Some of these are suitable replacements on non-prominent buildings or new-build, but they are never a satisfactory replacement for historic slate roofing. New slate ought to be fixed using nails – clips are usually specified to compensate for poor slate that splits when holed as using a correct lap will prevent windlift.

Owners of buildings with rag or scantle slate must be aware that the slate may actually have a lot of life left in it but could be suffering from nail rot. Opportunistic contractors will often offer such owners an amazingly cheap price to re-roof in artificial or imported slate, knowing that the rag or random slate they reclaim can be sold on or re-used on much more lucrative work elsewhere. It is worth considering the positive financial value of traditional roofing in terms of property value when making roofing decisions.

Chimneys

Loss of chimneys is nearly always detrimental to the character of the roofscape. It is seldom necessary and ought to be resisted. Repair or reconstruction must be the first aim unless there are extenuating circumstances such as serious structural concerns. If there are such worries, seek structural advice from a sympathetic and suitably experienced engineer.

Alterations can rob chimneys of their distinctive character by the application of smooth, crisp render that hides stonework or flattens a pleasingly uneven substrate. Removal of drip slates and historic pots also detracts from the area.

Blisland Conservation Area Management Plan Rainwater goods

Most of the historic rainwater goods in the village are cast iron. Traditional gutter profiles – mostly half round or ogee add to the appearance of individual buildings and collectively enrich whole streetscenes. With proper maintenance these items can offer good service for well over a hundred years. When replacement is needed there are plenty of suppliers of historic profiles - many are available factory finished and some in cast aluminium. Plastic is an inferior product which will not last as well or look as good – especially if it has a modern box profile. It doesn’t take paint well but unpainted it soon develops a coating of algae. Like other plastic building products, when it is replaced it has to go to landfill where it will not break down for centuries, so the environmental costs deserve consideration. Extruded aluminium also has aesthetic limitations and the profiles available seldom match historic patterns.

Ridges, hips, eaves and verges

Traditional ways of edging roofs are easily lost when roofing work is undertaken. Clay ridge tiles may be replaced by concrete, mitred slate or mortar fillet hips covered by tiles, box soffits replace open eaves or moulded fascias and slated or mortared verges can be lost to boards. All of these apparently slight changes have a far greater cumulative impact.

Lead details such as hips ought to be retained and where lead flashings have never existed they should only be added if that can be executed with subtlety. All new leadwork must be treated with patination oil to prevent oxidisation and leaching.

Dormers and rooflights

Apart from the Old Smithy there is no tradition of dormers in Blisland and they should be avoided.

Rooflights can allow the use of valuable roofspace and there are good modern interpretations of low profile metal units available. Where they can be inserted with little impact to townscape views, especially on screened or rear roofslopes, this is acceptable. The smallest unit needed should be used and it ought to be a quality metal unit with a slender frame. In groups or terraces neighbours should try to use rooflights that are complementary in their size, type and location.

Solar Panels

Whilst the District Council clearly would wish to promote sound, sustainable energy systems, the choice of such systems can seriously erode the historic integrity of listed and unlisted buildings in conservation areas. Therefore careful consideration should be given to their positioning to avoid compromising the character of the historic environment. Very often there are alternative locations away from the historic building where solar panels can be fitted. This may indeed result in such equipment being fixed to less sensitive buildings

Blisland Conservation Area Management Plan which are part of the curtilage. Alternatively, there are less obtrusive energy saving solutions available. Although solar panels can be reversible they can be most damaging to historic roofscapes and that harm often outweighs any benefits they offer.

Roofing: A summary

Note and record detailing before starting works to enable reinstatement. If traditional details are missing look to similar buildings for inspiration. Repair local historic rag and random slate roofs or re-use in situ. Maintain or recreate authentic details to ridges, hips, eaves and verges. Repair chimneys and retain historic pot or cowl details. Repair or reinstate metal rainwater goods in traditional profiles. Avoid dormers Only use rooflights and solar panels sensitively and consider impact on views.

Blisland Conservation Area Management Plan 4 Walls

Walls

The historic building walls throughout the village are constructed from granite the majority being rubblestone with granite detailing such as quoins and lintels. On the larger houses the granite features are carved and chamfered. Some of the earlier buildings include massive boulders in their lower courses. Pope’s Cottage, the Blisland Inn and the northern elevation of Newton House are built from ashlar granite blocks. On most of the houses the stone walls are untreated, but Lyndale, the Manor House, the Rectory and the eastern façade of Newton House are all rendered, and the walls of Churchgate, Denham House and Lemon Cottage have been painted.

Great care and understanding is needed in the repair of all traditional materials in order to prolong their useful life and protect them from decay. Careful appraisal of prevalent materials in a particular locality ought to inform and inspire the designers of new buildings so that contemporary additions enrich the area.

Choice of colour is a matter of taste, but it is worth remembering that plain limewash was the common finish in the past and only natural pigments were available. Bolder colours like blues and greens were beyond the reach of all but the most wealthy; consequently these colours often seem unsuitable on humbler dwellings.

Stonework

Although most of the stone used in Blisland is durable, these walls are still vulnerable to damage if poorly treated. All stonework must be pointed using lime mortar that flexes with the walls and allows them to breathe. Pointing should also be flush or slightly recessed, especially on wider joints, and should never project in front of the faces. A well-graded sand free of ‘soft’ (or fine clayey) particles is best for most work and some coarse grit may often help to match original mortars.

Render

Render covers rubble stone on a variety of buildings as noted above. Traditionally this render was always lime based and that remains the only sensible choice as cement based renders are incompatible with these building types.

The coating of lime renders with modern masonry paint will trap moisture over time and can cause failure of the render. This is often interpreted as the failure of an inferior old fashioned product, but it is in fact the result of conflicting technologies. Where possible historic renders ought to be repaired and retained, with masonry paint removed using specialist stripping products. Limewash remains by far the best and most effective surface coating on old buildings, but it is pointless applying it over paint.

Blisland Conservation Area Management Plan Slate hanging

Slate hanging is not common in the village but does exist on exposed locations where penetrating damp has been a problem. It is not, however, a dominant historic feature in the village and its application as a decorative feature or as part of the design of new build should be discouraged.

Brickwork

Such was the plentiful local supply of granite that the historic use of brick in Blisland is confined to chimneys and the window surrounds of the Old Coach House. The use of lime mortars for repair is equally important for brickwork.

Walls: A summary

Surviving uncoated granite walls should be retained and appropriately maintained Traditional finishes should be repaired whenever possible, not replaced. Compatible materials and finishes are essential on historic walls. Authentic finishes should not be removed or covered. Where traditional finishes have been lost, sympathetic reinstatement is desirable. Limewash allows old walls to breathe; masonry paint traps moisture. The choice of aggregate needs careful consideration to properly compliment historic mortars. Try to ensure that historic mortar is being replicated, not 20th century re-pointing.

Blisland Conservation Area Management Plan 5 Joinery

Joinery

Authentic joinery adds to the historic character and visual quality of any Conservation Area. The extent of survival is often indicative of the percentage of listed buildings; but also of the value local people place on the historic fabric of their town. Like many other places Blisland has a mix of original joinery and replacements, some sensitive but some that is poorly detailed.

At present the replacement of windows and doors is not controlled on unlisted buildings. The Local Planning Authority (LPA) will consider Article 4(2)* directions to prevent harmful alterations in the future. It is always preferable, however, for owners to recognise that sensitive maintenance adds value to their own property and contributes to the sense of place.

Historic joinery ought to be seen as antique furniture that changes hands as part of a larger deal and can easily be overlooked. It only takes one inconsiderate owner to destroy the historic appearance of a building by ill-considered renovation; with property changing hands as frequently as it does today there is a steady stream of buildings whose luck has run out. There are few people who would throw a 200 year old chair or table in a skip – their potential value is usually appreciated – yet it happens to windows and doors regularly. These artefacts are a finite resource that embodies the craftsmanship of earlier generations and records the materials and techniques they used.

Unless badly neglected over a long period of time, traditional joinery is rarely beyond repair. In many cases the timber used was so well sourced and seasoned that it is far more durable than any modern alternative. Detail may have been lost by years of painting but great care needs to be taken when stripping paint though as historic paints contained lead. If repair is not possible, replica replacement is the next best thing; though replacement requires the use of primary resources and energy that makes it a less sustainable option. The use of imported hardwood from unsustainable sources ought to be avoided and PVCu has significant ecological issues in production and disposal - it cannot be recycled.

There is no product that is maintenance free. Timber needs painting every few years, but each time the result looks fresh and new. After a hundred years or more sash cords or hinges may need renewal; this is quite easily done and gives the unit a new lease of life. When modern opening mechanisms or double glazed units breakdown the answer is replacement of the whole unit – hence the piles of PVCu windows accumulating at recycling centres in the absence of satisfactory means of disposal.

Blisland Conservation Area Management Plan Windows

The size, type and design of the windows in an historic building reveal much about its age or development, its use and the status of its occupants in the past. Humbler buildings often have casement windows that vary in design according to age, use and local custom. Sash windows also vary in size and detail according to age and use. The enduring popularity of sash windows reflects their versatility in providing controlled ventilation.

The intrinsic value of the view through an historic window is appreciated by many sympathetic owners. They enjoy the elegance of the glazing bars and enthuse about the distortion and play of light in imperfect historic glass. With care, old glass can be salvaged and re-used; where it has been lost, modern equivalents can be sourced from specialist suppliers.

When new windows are needed there are a number of issues to consider:-

Proportion and subdivision – The glazing pattern of the original windows ought to be retained, (or restored if lost), as that is a critical part of the whole building. It indicates the size of glass available or affordable at the time of construction. Mode of opening – The introduction of top hung or tilt-and-turn opening lights is always visually jarring and harmful to historic character. Overlapping ‘storm-seal’ type details are an entirely modern introduction and are unnecessary if flush units are properly made. Spring loaded sashes are an inferior replacement mechanism compared with properly weighted double-hung sashes. Glazing – Traditional glazing bar profiles, properly jointed and glazed with putty, (or glazing compound), rather than beading, will give a genuine appearance. Thermal insulation – Double glazing cannot be achieved within traditional multiple pane designs without bars being either much too thick or fake. Beading is nearly always added which further detracts from the appearance. Attempting to introduce double glazing into a traditional design usually means a small air gap that hugely reduces the insulation properties anyway. The use of shutters and/or insulated curtains can greatly reduce heat loss without the need for window replacement. Draught-proofing – The most significant heat loss through old windows is due to poor fitting and lack of draught-stripping. There are proprietary systems that retro-fit draught excluders and greatly reduce the amount of air changes and so heat loss. Sills – Traditional sills should be retained unless beyond repair.

Doors

Doors are just as vulnerable to insensitive replacement as windows. The conservation principles summarized above can be applied equally to doors. Most traditional door types allow for individual expression by painting and attractive ironmongery etc. Unfortunately many owners choose to express their individuality by replacing a serviceable vintage door with an off-the-peg unit in stained hardwood or PVCu. The application of gratuitous cosmetic ironmongery and other paraphernalia does not make a new door look old, or make an historic door more attractive.

Blisland Conservation Area Management Plan Joinery : A summary

Historic joinery items add character and quality to the village and ought to be retained and repaired if at all possible. When replacement is necessary, this ought to be in exact replica. Where joinery has been lost in the past and reinstatement is desirable, look at similar properties in the vicinity for inspiration. Design, mode of opening and colour of finish are the most important considerations on unlisted buildings. Authentic, functional door furniture adds interest; but unnecessary and poor quality items do not.

Blisland Conservation Area Management Plan 6 Enclosure and space

Enclosure and space

In the past enclosure was about demarcation and also keeping out passing animals. The spaces generated by enclosure can be of considerable historic interest in their own right, especially where they have a strong association with a particular use such as allotment gardens behind cottages or the landscaped gardens of larger houses. Although the planning system rightly encourages the use of brownfield land and infill sites there are gaps and spaces which deserve protection from development. Sometimes this may be due to specific historical associations such as with religious groups in other cases it may simply be the contribution a green space or garden makes to the streetscene and the setting of significant buildings. The potential significance of any space must be fully considered if development proposals are made. The desirability of preserving or enhancing the conservation area is the fundamental judgment that must be applied; in many cases this will mean that a space is integral to the special character of the place and there should be a strong presumption in favour of protection.

Historic enclosure is threatened with change by the desire for greater privacy – leading to the addition of timber fence panels for example. Alternatively it may be removed to provide parking. Walls or other means of enclosure more than 1m high fronting a highway (and 2m elsewhere) cannot be demolished without Conservation Area Consent. New walls of those dimensions cannot be erected without Planning Permission.

The tendency towards close-boarded fencing is one that is having a very tangible visual impact. Apart from being a characteristically modern approach, these fences are quite expensive, require regular maintenance over the years and make it difficult to establish planting due to overshadowing and wind damage. Timber fences also tend to be stained in eye-catching colours that are often unsympathetic to an historic setting.

Garden structures can also be jarring elements if poorly located, badly designed or brightly coloured.

Walls

Granite walls are the most common means of enclosure in the village. Appearance varies with age and function but the consistency of material gives a unity to the streetscape that can be easily taken for granted. Dry stone banks with slate laid in vertical or chevron patterns also features. Mortared rubble stone walls are more commonplace and usually have a simple coping.

For new enclosure in much of the village granite stone walling is likely to be the most suitable option, provided the height and style relates to any established local trend.

There are no historic brick walls and brick should not be used on new work.

Blisland Conservation Area Management Plan Hedges

In the more rural parts of the village and where property adjoins farmland, hedges are characteristic. A mixed deciduous planting of hawthorn, field maple, hazel, holly, beech and other indigenous species is most traditional. Within a few years such a hedge can be laid to form a dense and effective boundary that is a wildlife resource that can draw insects, birds and small mammals into gardens.

Single species plantings of beech, yew, laurel or box may be appropriate in some circumstances but are not a practical solution for most places and they demand more maintenance than a rustic mixed hedge.

Modern coniferous hedges support little wildlife and can often be unattractive and not very neighbourly.

Hurdles

The traditional approach to fencing is making something of a comeback in recent years. Hazel hurdles would have been a familiar sight in the past and can now be purchased in ready-made panels for quick and effective enclosure. Hazel and willow can also be bought bundled for the more enthusiastic person to weave their own fence.

As well as being made of more sustainable materials without chemical treatment and keeping an old craft alive, these fences are more permeable to wind making them less likely to blow over and allowing plants to establish more readily.

Garden structures

The siting of sheds, summerhouses, decking, gazebos or other structures should be sensitively located. If visible locations are unavoidable, good design and naturally painted materials should be used to make the structures less jarring.

Garden structures nearly always need planing permission within the curtilage of a listed building. There are also size restrictions for permitted development within the conservation area so it is wise to consult the LPA when considering such works.

Enclosure : A summary

Spaces, gardens and yards add to the special character of Blisland and ought to be retained if development would mean the loss of an historic and/or attractive element of the townscape. Retain historic enclosure wherever possible. If enclosure has been lost, consider the locality and use an appropriate replacement.

Blisland Conservation Area Management Plan 7 Townscape features

Townscape features

In addition to the buildings and walls that give Blisland its special character there are other items that make a significant contribution to the overall appearance. There are attractive items that need to be cherished and retained and in some cases repaired or enhanced.

Floorscape

In keeping with its rural ambience there is very little paving in Blisland. There are however a few areas of traditional paving, cobblestones and granite gullies. Where these survive they should be left uncovered and well maintained.

Carriageways are blacktop and it is better to use this honest and established surfacing rather than introduce manufactured paviours or other surface treatments. The area of blacktop directly outside the Blisland Inn ,however, could benefit from a more sympathetic surface treatment.

Seating

There are some thoughtfully located seats throughout the village where the pedestrian can stop a while and enjoy the place. The benches should continue to be maintained.

Signage

In order to avoid clutter and a down-at-heel atmosphere more thought could be given to the placing of signs and the use of better quality materials and design. This said the fingerposts in the village are a huge asset. The informal pasting of signs on trees and poles should be avoided and flyposters confined to a village information board.

Lighting

The practice of using existing poles to carry the street lighting should continue. However, the lights themselves should be of a design and materials more suitable to their sensitive surroundings. The Parish Council may wish to consider whether removal or reduction in night lighting would restore traditional rural character.

Overhead Cables

Consideration should be given to the feasibility of under-grounding cables. Otherwise they should be appropriately sited in order to impact less on the surrounding historic and natural environment.

Blisland Conservation Area Management Plan Planting

Trees and hedges are an important element of many significant views and their retention is often of considerable importance. Work to trees in conservation areas is controlled and owners or contractors must contact the LPA for advice before embarking on felling, topping or lopping works. A formal notice will usually be needed before any significant works are undertaken.

Decorative planting has its place in the public realm, but needs to be well planned and maintained to be a positive feature. On private land owners can enhance their little bit of the village with suitable planting – it can often be the finishing touch that makes a location really special. Traditional cottage planting at the base of walls can help to remove unwanted moisture from the footings of an old building.

Street ephemera

The informal elements of the townscape such as the troughs, the granite boulders which fringe the green, the tethering post and telephone box whilst small features in themselves greatly enhance the character of the village. Any attempts at their removal or replacement should be strenuously opposed.

Any new additions or ornaments should be carefully considered as an abundance of introduced replica items such as post boxes, fake water pumps and the like can diminish the value of the real heritage.

Blisland Conservation Area Management Plan