Selby Town Design Statement 02 acknowledgments

The Town Design Group wish to acknowledge the support and assistance given by:

Selby Civic Society

Residents of Selby

Selby Town Council

Selby District Council

Countryside Agency

Architects and developers

Voluntary agencies representatives

Community groups

Selby schools

Selby Camera Club - Jimmy Douglas Groundwork 03 contents

Page No

Acknowledgements 2

Contents 3

The Vision 4

Selby Leads the Way 5

What Makes Selby Special 6

Character Areas 8

Selby: Now 9

Selby: The Future 15

The Way Forward 16

Design Guidelines - Supplementary Planning Guidance 23 i) Built Environment 23 ii) Scale 24 iii) Waterfront 26 iv) Formal Recreation Provision 27 v) Routeways 27 vi) Housing Residential Design Guidelines 29

Appendix A Action Plans 32 04 the vision

The aim of the Town Design Statement This guidance is intended to assist is to ensure that any future developers and members of the public development and change in Selby is when considering development based on an understanding of the opportunities. It supplements and area’s past and present. expands on policies and proposals set out in the Selby Local Plan and has It draws attention to what is special been approved as supplementary about Selby; its buildings, landscape, planning guidance. The guidance will open space, and routeways that also be useful to individuals wishing to connect the town. This document build or renovate properties, as it will reviews these aspects of the town, sets be to planners and architects out a vision for the future and details a considering new buildings. number of design guidelines. The Design Statement provides a source of ideas that respects the distinct character of Selby, raises awareness of what is special about the town and gives the community a voice in the future development of this historic market town.

Ironworks 05 Selby leads the way

Following the success of the Village The Statement seeks a deeper Design Statement Initiative, the understanding of Selby’s historic Countryside Agency proposed “to character and civic pride, which will promote improvements in design by promote and encourage investment setting up pilot projects to test the and growth for the town in the 21st feasibility of adapting the Village century. Design Statement concept to larger This document has been drawn up by settlements such as market towns.’’ a group of people representing the The aim of the study and subsequent community of Selby including publication of this document is to businesses, interest groups, and provide a design toolkit and develop individuals with an interest in a vision for Selby that people living development of the town. Supporting and working in the area will be able and providing guidance to the group The Abbey Church and Market to support. It is also a pilot document were representatives from Selby Town for other towns that may have a Town Council, Selby Design Statement in the future. It is District Council, anticipated that the statement will Countryside encourage high quality new design Agency and that reflects the local areas with its Groundwork. Benedictine Abbey - often called “the jewel of the North” and encourage sympathetic new development to the town. 06 what makes Selby special

Selby is a remarkably intact ecclesiastical remain to this day with the stone revetment market town and has an unusual claim to to the Staithe or quay still being visible at fame that takes its name far across the low tide. Atlantic. The town’s origins date from the Navigation for sea-going vessels was more establishment of a Viking settlement on the difficult above Selby and there is evidence banks of the River Ouse. Archaeological to suggest that shipbuilding was being investigations in Selby have revealed carried out in the town as early as the extensive remains, including waterlogged fifteenth century. deposits in the core of the town dating from the Roman period onwards. It is By the eighteenth century, Selby had believed that Selby originated as a become the major outlet to the sea for the settlement called Seletun which was West Riding area and turnpike roads and referred to in the Anglo Saxon Chronicle a canal cut from the enabled the of AD 779. In the year 1069 the monk movement of goods more easily. Around Benedict, from Auxerre in , 1800, there were eighteen master persuaded to give mariners living in Selby and upwards of him permission to found an Abbey at 360,000 tons of shipping used the river Selby. His successor, Hugh planned and between Selby and the sea each year. constructed the great church and the As developed as a major port, the associated domestic buildings and two construction of the Selby railway in hundred years later, a new, larger chancel 1834 helped the town to continue to was constructed. thrive. The tracks enabled goods trains to The Abbey Church is complete and larger go through the station on to jetties at the in size than many English cathedrals and riverside until the construction of the Selby has an excellent Norman Nave and to Hull railway in 1840 tended to make decorated Chancel. is this advantage redundant. believed to contain the origins of the Another economic support for the town United States stars and stripes flag and as was agriculture, which had been made such is a major feature of the American possible by the gradual draining of the Heritage Trail. The origins are found in the surrounding terrain by the monks. At the upper window of the Abbey Church, end of the eighteenth century flax was a The Abbey Church which has the coat of arms, called the very important crop in the area. In Washington Arms. Mountain’s history of Selby it is recorded Founded on such strong ecclesiastical that flax fairs were held every six weeks foundations, the dissolution of the Abbey from October to June. The continued in 1538 by the commissioners of Henry existence of Flaxley Road is a memorial to the VIII was a terrible blow and the town this industry. The town’s regional had to develop new interests in order to importance was enhanced by the weekly survive. The river was a major means of market, which has taken place for communication and transport surrounded centuries, firstly in the Abbey’s Nave and by marshy areas and the riverside in more recent times in the market place warehouses built by the Abbots of Selby, and onto Micklegate. 07

In 1792 the swing bridge (pictured above) railway centre with its own goods yard was built across the Ouse to replace the and engine shed. These are now gone but well-used ferry. In order to gain access to in the heyday Selby was the centre of a the bridge, the Abbey gateway was communications network which made the demolished and what is now called New town attractive to industry mainly Street was constructed. A few years later concerned with the processing of the Middle Row was also removed. A row agricultural produce. of houses was built on the western side of Although the River Ouse has been so New Street. At that time these houses were The Crescent important in the development of Selby, it called Brunswick Row. also has its downside. Great floods have A decade or so later, the local merchant occurred at intervals. There are records of and shipping magnate, John Audus, and such events in 1794, 1866, 1947, 1983 later his son, James, designed and built a and 2000 which will naturally have an Crescent similar to Lansdown Crescent in effect on the development of the waterfront Bath. Associated with the Crescent was the in the future. row of houses along the turnpike to Thorne Selby still retains much of its heritage, opposite the park i.e. Park Street. This including a Monday market (pictured was completed by about 1850. Later, below). Although the economic fortunes of Brook Street, Armoury Road and other the town were more recently linked to coal streets were developed. To the north of the mining and power generation as well as Abbey is the Cholera Burial Ground, modern manu-facturing, Selby has the which is in turn, bounded by Abbey Place indefinable atmosphere and Church Avenue forming a pleasant of a market town. precinct at the centre of the town.

In the last part of the nineteenth century more railways were built and Selby became a significant 08 character areas

The history that created Selby means that any future proposals should be designed with reference to their surroundings and to this end, distinct areas within the study boundary were investigated to define the unique character of the town.

Corunna House The Abbey Chruch Millgate

0 50 100 200 300 400 500 metres

North

Reproduced from the Ordanance Survey mappng with the permission of the Proposed Development Areas Open Space Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationary Office © Crown Copyright. Unauthorsed reproduction infringes Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil Industrial Education Facilities proceedings. Council LA79294. Conservation Areas Selby Bypass 09 Selby: now

The Built Environment

Conservation Area Immediately outlying the town centre The Conservation Area provides a are Audus Street, Armoury Road and number of character zones: Brook Street which have good examples of late 19th century/early 20th The Abbey Church and its surrounds century architecture including residential comprise the whole of the original terraces. Selby settlement and is central to the identity of the town. Adjoining this area Millgate is a compact area of narrow are the market and Finkle Street which winding streets with residential have been traditionally used for trading properties characterised by features Armoury Road and market venues. such as pitched pan-tiled roofs with distinctive handmade brickwork and The main commercial and retail centre interlinked yards. of the town stretches along Gowthorpe and is dominated by traffic presenting a The town has also been influenced by noisy and often hostile environment to the Georgian period. The Crescent the visitor. (pictured below) lies adjacent to the major civic spaces of the Abbey and Armoury Road the Park and is a focal point to the town centre.

Brook Street

Mercantile Buildings

Ousegate West 10 Selby: now

Selby Waterfront

The River Ouse has played a significant defence system, fringed with willows on role in the development of the town; the waters edge. from the building of a medieval The river itself is tidal with strong riverside quay and warehouses currents and as most of the wharves associated with the Abbey, through to now stand unused, there is very little in the town becoming an active port and the way of river traffic. Flooding in centre for shipbuilding, until its closure November 2000 resulted in temporary and the subsequent arrival of the measures being taken to improve the railway. This changing history of trade existing flood defences, with permanent and commerce has resulted in a unique improvements underway. The river is and very special character along the Westmill Foods crossed by three swing bridges, the Toll town-side bank of the River, reflected in Bridge and the massive structure of the the buildings, which are of varying age railway bridge are found in the Town and quality but include the dominant Centre and a third swing bridge has towers of Westmill Foods, Corunna recently been installed on the Selby By- House, Tyson’s Ironworks and pass, which opened in spring 2004. significantly, the first railway station in . Most of the mercantile Beyond the railway bridge is the hidden buildings are brick and fronted by jewel of Basin with its Lock Keepers Cottages wharves. Occasional glimpses of the attractive Lock Keepers Cottages. The 1 Abbey can be gained through the 5 ⁄2 mile long canal provided an varying roofscape. important link between the Rivers Ouse and Aire and significantly contributed to By contrast, the opposite side of the the growth of shipping activity in the river corridor in the town has a town. relatively open and natural aspect, with

River Ouse banks of grass as part of the flood 11 Selby: now

The Holmes to Selby Dam Pumping Ousegate West of the Toll Bridge Station This area is where the ferry was taken This section of the waterfront is open in to cross the river before the Toll Bridge aspect, the bank was raised to provide was opened in 1792. The waterside flood defences and now affords garden, created following the important views both upstream and demolition of riverside cottages and Holmes Estate down due to the bend in the river. The sheds used as shops, is one of the few pumping station lifts water from the public open spaces adjacent to the river medieval drainage channel of Selby and provides good views of both the Dam into the river. The industrial site of river and Toll Bridge. Inland are the Holmes Estate behind the bank is in various brick buildings including a poor state of repair. Corunna House, described by Pevsner as ‘The handsomest house in Selby.’

Westmill Foods/Abbot’s Staithe Nearby buildings were cut through to The Quay The mill is one of the few remaining create New Street to give access to the commercial users of the river for the Toll Bridge. delivery of its raw materials. It stands Ousegate East to the Railway adjacent to the Abbot’s Staithe, a late 15th century or early 16th century There are several fine mercantile brick limestone building which is the sole built buildings including Tyson’s survivor of the Abbey complex. It is Ironworks, built in the 19th century, but largely hidden from public view by 18th also some recent development that Abbots Staithe century and 19th century brick detracts from the overall appearance of buildings. The current mill tower this area. On the river’s edge, the juxtaposed with the Abbey tower is a derelict filling station adjacent to the Toll Selby landmark. The mill site is Bridge is presently an eyesore. Much industrial in nature and as such has no of the rest of the riverbank is privately public access. The overall appearance owned wharf and is unused. of this area is neglected.

Corunna House

Ousegate 12 Selby: now

Railway to the Canal Selby West off the A63 Leeds Road and A19 Road is typically brick The underpass below the railway line built, well-maintained 1960s semi- (pictured below) is dark, damp, detached estates with gardens. This is unattractive and an informal car a desirable area for house buyers, parking nearby adds to the feeling of which has resulted in some modern Flaxley Road neglect. Just beyond stands Yorkshire’s executive development further out from first railway station, a private building the town. containing some fine cast iron work. More unused wharves and overgrown Ribbon Development banks obscure views of the river. They lead to a former industrial area, Examples of residential ribbon currently being developed for housing. development along the radial roads out of town include late 19th century and th Abbots Road Suburban Development early 20 century terraces along the A63 and A19. Gowthorpe Hall built in Major estates have been built to the the early 19th century closer to the town North, West and South of the town. centre, has been much added to and Flaxley Road to the North has a number now forms the premises of Selby High of rows of late nineteenth century School. Various large houses of the late terrace housing; a large pre-war council nineteenth century and more recent estate of semi-detached properties; a times have also been built, often with

Doncaster Road later council development of bungalows closes of smaller more recent for the elderly and more semi-detached developments now standing in the houses. Most properties are of brick grounds of the demolished larger houses. and tile with small gardens and small The styles of houses vary from Georgian pockets of public open space. to mock-Tudor and inter war suburban. Similarly, Abbots Road Estate to the south has a number of late nineteenth century terraces around which a large Monk Lane post- war council estate, of mainly semi- detached properties, bungalows and some more recent flats have been built. Properties are mostly of brick and tile. The gardens are larger and verges and grassed areas help create a more open aspect. 13 Selby: now

Open Space

The Design Guidelines of this document Waterfront outline specific recommendations for The Waterfront, including Selby Canal treatment of open spaces. However, it is (pictured above), has potential to considered that open spaces should be develop as a major civic amenity for protected and enhanced. Any future the town. With the development of the developments in the town should identify flood defence scheme, a series of open links between spaces to enable their spaces along the wharfside and beyond function to fulfil the potential for will enable the river to become connectivity and visual amenity. connected to the town. The following character areas were defined for the town and should be Green Corridors considered in future development Running South from the railway station opportunities for Selby. is a green corridor of derelict and vacant land which, with the allotments Formal Parks lying adjacent to the canal and railway

The Park is a major civic space lines, provide valuable resources for Finkle Street connecting the railway and bus stations wildlife. A second corridor runs east- to the Abbey and provides a gateway west along the floodplain of the Selby to the town for visitors and residents. Dam including the Community Fields within the town. Streetscape

The streetscape of the retail centre should compliment the distinct architecture and the civic spaces of the Bus Station town such as Micklegate and Market Place.

Recreational Open Space

The majority of recreational open space lies within the residential areas and provides play and sports facilities. The Selby Park town has several allotments which have wildlife and recreational value.

Selby Lock 14 Selby: now

Routeways and Links.

The linkage of the built environment and Key access points of the railway and bus open spaces through the many streets, stations need to be promoted to ensure a yards and snickets are the life blood of the warm welcome to all visitors to the town. town centre. These distinctive features are The use of the cycle within the town can the pedestrian routes and it is essential to grow should safe routes be identified and maintain and enhance the safety of opportunities exist to create linkages with pedestrians and prioritise these routes over the which passes Station Car Park car use and associated traffic. through the town.

Ironworks 15 Selby: the future

Selby has changed tremendously over the last 1000 years but its core attributes are still its markets, Abbey, history and its people. Selby needs to change, meet current challenges and develop to its full potential.

Some areas of the town require funding to aid this change. However, regeneration of the town must be respectful of its dynamic history, its fine buildings, and the people of Selby.

Significantly, various opportunities are now in place for Selby to move forward. These include the economic rise of neighbouring and Leeds, Yorkshire Forward’s Urban Renaissance Initiative and the construction and recent opening of the Selby bypass. The Council’s emerging local plan Gowthorpe promotes further development and regeneration including new housing on the periphery of the town.

In the light of these opportunities our vision is:

“To retain and promote Selby’s identity as an historic town and to embrace opportunities for change in order to regenerate many areas of the town in a sympathetic manner that will strengthen the cohesion between old and new. At the same time, to create a town that is Abbey Place economically healthy and attractive to visitors that reflects the need of the community and improves the quality of life for its inhabitants.” 16 the way forward

Wren Lane - Awarded a Civic Society plaque for sympathetic architecture

Architectural Heritage

I Many parts of the town are covered by I A policy to improve the “vitality” and Conservation Area status and work has “viability” of Selby Town Centre will been done to retain many parts of the contribute to the protection of the town’s historic core. This must be maintained. historic building and conservation area, finding uses for historic industrial I The town’s historic traditions and quality premises when their original functions buildings have to be respected. The can no longer be sustained. combination of modern and traditional architecture with a sensitive approach I Areas of particular interest have been through the regeneration of redundant identified as: Abbey Place, The buildings, neglected properties and Waterfront and Canal, Micklegate, derelict sites is desirable, as is the Finkle Street, Park Street, Armoury creation of landmark buildings at key Road, Audus Street, Gowthorpe, points. Millgate and The Crescent. These areas, which have been identified as I Owners and potential developers of having elements which require specific property may feel that buildings cannot treatment, should be considered be improved or amended because of separately. strict conservation policies and better building guidelines need to be introduced.

I Changes in the use of Selby’s historic buildings has to be carefully considered and change-of-use should be encouraged to support the upkeep of buildings. 17 the way forward

RECOMMENDATIONS: Town Centre Issues

I To develop better guidance and The town is a centre of diverse attractions - examples of good practice for the commerce, culture, history and tradition. conservation of buildings through a The town centre where people congregate, continual review of Conservation Area shop, work and spend leisure time should Policies and the developing District be attractive and have variety. Council’s Conservation Strategy. Selby has fine buildings and open spaces I A review of the listing status of but comments have been passed about the buildings should be undertaken and lack of maintenance of footpaths, grassed those which appear to have little areas, and parks and especially litter. architectural or historic interest should There is an urgent need for these areas to be requested to be removed from the be managed in a co-ordinated manner. list. A newly formed partnership offering a co- I A guide for the conversion of buildings, ordinated Town Centre Management the treatments and specification of would achieve this and also encourage co- materials that would be acceptable in operation among those agencies with a planning terms should be made remit for the provision of a range of available to developers. services in the town. This would help to Improve maintenance achieve a co-ordinated approach to I To aid owners and developers in seeking funding for town centre preparing applications, a list of improvements. companies able to supply permitted materials should be prepared.

I Special policies need to be drawn up for the areas of particular interest including building materials, windows, shop fronts and colour pallets. 18 the way forward

Principal concerns include: Business Facilities and I Safety in the town. Business Development I After hours life and viability. In order to attract new businesses more I Appropriate parking provision. high quality office and business space I Traffic management taking into account needs to be provided. It is believed the the impact of the Selby Bypass. town centre could support a good quality business centre exploiting its excellent I Quality of streetscape motorway and other transport links to York, Hull and Leeds. Improved office and Objectives of Town Centre Management commercial space, either close to or within should: the town, would certainly help the I Offer a wide range of shopping economic diversity of the area. opportunities to which people have easy access particularly those without Selby currently lacks good quality hotel their own transport. and conference facilities to serve the needs of business and tourism. The new Selby I Encourage the town centre to play a full Bypass will open up opportunities for such part in the life of the community. a development. I Encourage tourism. I See that full advantage is made of town RECOMMENDATIONS: centre locations for new developments. I To identify sites and buildings for I Encourage facilities for shopping leisure development or conversion in or close to activities, tourism and measure the the town facilities for improved office vitality and viability of the town. and commercial space.

I To identify opportunities for hotel and Benefits of Town Centre Management conference facilities within Selby should include: I Building up civic pride I Developing partnerships and trust I Encouraging people to make return visits to the town I Building on the town’s uniqueness.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

I Establishment of a town centre partnership to ensure a co-ordinated approach to the strategic development, management and maintenance of the town centre.

I Appointment of a Town Centre Manager. 19 the way forward

Town Centre Streetscape.

With the opening of the Selby Bypass and Selby Market Place and Micklegate can be changes in employment there is a great very effective in creating good publicity opportunity to improve the environment of and providing a major stepping-stone in the town centre, especially the core lifting the vibrancy of the town for traders. shopping streets where trade and tourism could be encouraged. Existing footpaths in RECOMMENDATIONS: the town and facilities for cyclists are poor I Investigate the possibility of introducing and need improvement. a revised traffic and pedestrian scheme A vital element in the town centre is the that offers a more pedestrian orientated Selby Market, the Abbey, the shops and streetscape. public houses and these must retain their I Gowthorpe and adjacent streets should accessibility and diversity and can be be narrowed with mainly short stay enhanced by improving the quality of the parking bays and some loading bays streetscape. adjacent to both sides of the There is need to improve the major carriageway in association with shopping areas such as Gowthorpe widened footways, trees and (picture below) ensuring that they are not appropriate street furniture. dominated by cars and through traffic and that they become more pedestrian orientated. 20 the way forward

Green Corridors.

Within Selby town there are a number of provide a safe, pollution free way of travel green spaces including; Selby Park, the and provide a ‘green link’ to main Community Fields, The Dam (pictured attractions and open spaces. above), Selby Canal and the water front Pedestrian and cycle routes could be each with its own inherent biodiversity and developed with appropriate landscaping special environmental interests. Monk Park to enhance the local environment and Selby Park has been identified as requiring should reflect established routes such as particular attention. It is in need of a Trans Pennine Trail and the Selby rethink, providing a major civic space and Horseshoe Walk. meeting place with improved public and leisure facilities. There is a need physically RECOMMENDATIONS: to link the Abbey’s setting into the Park. I To produce detailed design proposals By the same token, Selby’s rail and bus for the Park and its environs. Community Fields stations on the other side of the Park are not currently integrated hence failing to I To produce detailed design proposals maximise the impact of this area to for the Community Fields. visitors. I To encourage the creation of a linear The Community Fields is a large and walkway along the riverside as part of important site on the northern edge of the the flood defence proposals for the town centre that is currently not fully town linking the waterfront and the utilised. Much more can be made of this canal. site to make it more accessible and I To encourage the provision of attractive to residents and visitors alike. pedestrian and cycle routes into the Selby Waterfront and Selby Canal offer town. excellent opportunities for the creation of a I To protect and enhance the existing connected linear walkway along the green corridors. riverside that will allow visitors to enjoy I To ensure the on-going management some of the more attractive and historical and maintenance of green corridors. aspects of the town. Current discussions regarding the flood defences within the town and new development by Selby Lock offer opportunities for this to be created.

There is very little opportunity to cycle or walk into and around the town centre without using narrow footways. There are many potential routes such as along The Dam, the River Ouse and connections to and over the Selby Canal. These could 21 the way forward

Outlying Areas

There are three principal outlying areas in RECOMMENDATIONS: Selby town: Selby North, Selby South and I Seek funding to improve the quality of Selby West. life for residents of the Flaxley Road Selby West, off the Leeds Road and and Abbots Road estates through the Doncaster Road is an affluent, largely provision of community facilities, youth residential area with a comparatively open facilities, play areas and open spaces. Flaxley Road Estate and attractive aspect thanks to the I Look to create linkages to and maximise presence of large, mature gardens and the benefits offered through new wide roads. developments for the existing areas of By contrast, the Flaxley Road and Abbots Selby town. Road estates in Selby North and Selby I Seek to ensure new developments in the South respectively are less prosperous. outlying areas provide adequate open Both would benefit from community space provision and good connections facilities, shops, play areas and facilities with the town centre. for youth. Abbots Road enjoys larger gardens and more open spaces than Flaxley Road, which has virtually no public open space.

With the opening of the bypass and the anticipated adoption of the Local Plan, there is potential for new development areas and businesses within the outlying areas. It is therefore essential to ensure that with these new developments comes all the infrastructure, facilities and quality environmental provision that the Flaxley Road and Abbots Road estates currently lack. 22 the way forward

Town Centre Nodes, Gateways and Approaches

The environment of many of the gateways RECOMMENDATIONS: into the town and at major road junctions I Create a more attractive approach to within the town leaves much to be desired the town over the swing bridge as a and landscaped treatment of these should priority, including the design and be considered. construction of the flood defences Selby Town Centre has a number of Junction of Brook Street and I Produce a strategy and design Gowthorpe transport nodes that form the major access guidelines/briefs for improvements for points into the town centre. For example, all gateway sites. entering the town from , the swing bridge spanning the River Ouse creates a I Adoption of a “percentage for art” unique visual entrance to the town, but policy associated with all new currently fails to impress (pictured below). development in the town. Similarly, the intersection of Gowthorpe, I Encourage the construction of buildings Scott Road and Brook Street is an with architectural merit at key points important visual hinge and entrance to the within the town. town but is unattractive at present. The junction of the River Ouse and Selby Canal should also be considered as an Action Plans important gateway for boaters. For detailed Action Plans showing how the There is the possibility of public art recommendations are to be implemented installations and the development of and the initiatives and the partners landmark buildings of architectural involved, see the attached Appendix A, importance which would help to make a page 32. visual statement as visitors arrive in the town. The plans link future initiatives and potential partners for the strategic regeneration of Selby. 23 design guidelines

Supplementary Planning Guidance i. Built Environment

The following section outlines a number of I New development within the town specific elements to be considered within should respect and utilise existing focal the design and layout of new points and vistas, and create where developments. appropriate new landmarks to act as points of reference.

I Views and vistas of the town must be protected and continue to utilise a close relationship between the countryside and the town. The use of mounding and combined planting to soften the transition between the built-form and open-countryside (particularly within the context of development within the by- pass) should be incorporated where possible.

I New development should provide a mix of spatial effects, with priority given to the pedestrian, and the creation of interesting street patterns.

I New roads and footpaths need to be carefully orientated in order to capitalise upon vistas and focal points, views towards river, church or urban spaces should be integrated.

I The incorporation of tightly knit groups of built-form should be created to reflect the existing character and street patterns found within Selby.

I A variety of open courtyard spaces to reflect existing character and pattern found within Selby’s walks and yards, should be aimed for, and created within new residential development.

I New development on the approaches to the town should achieve an attractive entrance to the town through a combination of well designed buildings and high quality landscaping. 24 design guidelines

ii. Scale a. Superstructure and Roofline

I The height and vertical scale of each I Elevation detailing is to be expressed scheme design, should be related to its within large scale and fully specified location in relation to existing built-form, drawing detailed design information landscape features and physical setting. submitted with Planning Applications. Mixed historical styles should be I Designs should avoid uniformity of scale avoided in the same building, unless throughout new housing clusters and broken by sympathetic links between developments. Broken-form of existing and proposed extensions. superstructures and imaginative variance in height of building shape I Rooflines generally are to be varied, should be strived for, in preference to at both ridge and eaves, and where relentlessly repeated built-form and appropriate punctuated with dormer height. windows to conform with the historic appearance of Selby. I Housing schemes should where appropriate, give clear priority to I New roofs within the Conservation pedestrians and cyclists over motor Area should be of the same variety, vehicles, and contain a range of house steep and pitch as existing building types and forms to create a mixed and roofs. balanced community. This approach will I Fenestration treatment, doors, reflect the need to help build a decorative detailing, string courses community feel, reduce crime and etc., should relate to each other. create intimate and individual Equally, it is important to introduce personality into new residential diversity within detailing. The development. proportion of openings and masonry I The use of well-detailed, larger scale panels between openings should be individual buildings within smaller balanced. Within the conservation groups, will help provide focus, identity areas a larger proportion of solid to and visual interest to groupings of void is desirable in order to echo dwellings, and should where traditional styles of architecture, appropriate be incorporated within although different approaches will be new-build residential development. needed for different building types, such as apartment blocks. 25 design guidelines

b. Materials

I The style and detailing of I Care must be taken to select brick replacement windows and doors colours and textures which are should be in keeping with the period compatible to the conservation area. and architectural detailing of the Contrasting stone and brick sills and original building. It is recognised that lintels around doors and windows buildings will change over time, and are a traditional mix of materials in that modern changes are inevitable. Selby. Equally, brickwork heads and However, such changes should be sills are also a common detail. carried out sympathetically and pay I Natural slate and pantile roof careful regard to the quality, style coverings are generally used and age of the property concerned. extensively throughout the traditional I A variety of scale within built fabric of the Selby district. superstructure design, in the Whilst alternative materials can be continuity of a single streetscape is appropriate, particularly outside the very important to add visual interest town centre, such materials must be and mix to the community. selected to be respectful of natural pattern, texture and which are I Architectural detailing of shopfronts sympathetic to natural colour. should be in accordance with guidelines provided in Selby District I Hard ground surfaces must be Council’s Supplementary Planning visually compatible with adjacent Guidance for shop frontages. surroundings and built-form, and appropriate materials should be I Planning Applications must chosen where they can aid mobility. accurately illustrate the proposals in context, in relation to surrounding existing buildings and space. This will help the assessment of the character and form of all the new development related to each area. 26 design guidelines

iii. Waterfront

I The key features of the waterfront are I Pedestrian access to the town-side diverse and include; the architectural bank of the river should be increased merits of the existing mercantile and views of the river retained and buildings with glimpses of the Abbey. enhanced. The massive nature of the riverside I The open and natural aspect of the wharves and views of the river; the opposite bank should be retained. busy, commercial nature of the town- side bank in contrast with the open and b. The Holmes to Selby Dam natural aspect of the opposite bank. Eighteenth and early nineteenth century I Upgrade the environment of the buildings, including current and former former Holmes Industrial Estate housing also make an important through sympathetic development contribution to the character of the and quality landscaping. area. I Retain open views of the river. I Design recommendations are: c. Westmill Foods

a. General: I Upgrade the boundary treatment to I Architectural treatment of the the Mill. Ousegate frontage should be d. Ousegate West of Toll Bridge consistent with the scale, variety and mass of the existing mercantile I Retain open views of the river from buildings. the garden and Ousegate East to the Railway. I A mix of residential and commercial activity along Ousegate should be I Seek to preserve the open encouraged to maintain the vibrancy appearance of the riverbank. of this area. I Create public open space along this I Views of the Abbey should be length of the riverbank. retained and preferably enhanced. e. Railway to the Canal I It is envisaged that the existing wharfage should remain open in I Rationalise car parking provision. character in order to retain the open I Improve the appearance of the aspect of this part of the subway by, for example, maintaining conservation area and to preserve the existing iron railings. views of existing buildings from across the river. This is also I Create further public open space on important from a flood defence point the river bank. of view. I Improve pedestrian access to the canal basin. 27 design guidelines

iv. Formal Recreation Provision v. Routeways

Development proposals should comply with a. Linkage & Access Selby District Council’s Supplementary I Wherever possible, opportunities Planning Guidance for recreation and should be found to link existing open open space. spaces, footpaths and bridleways I Where play provision is being including public rights of way in the considered for existing sites, every effort surrounding countryside to help should be made to engage the intended create a strong network of publicly site users in the decision-making accessible land. process. This will assist in creating a I Design of access routes to sites sense of ownership and ensure should take into account community appropriate proposals are developed. safety and fear of crime. Entrances I Biodiversity; The wildlife and the should have an appropriate width recreational value of the three green and good visibility. Planting in these corridors that run into the heart of Selby areas should be avoided. Ease of Town should be protected and pedestrian access to sites across enhanced. These include the railway busy highways should be and canal corridor from the south, considered. Selby Dam (parallel with Leeds Road) and the River corridor.

I Opportunities should be taken to enhance the nature conservation value of all open spaces in Selby Town through design improvements and management practices. 28 design guidelines

b. Green Transport Routes - Cycleways and Footways

I All aspects of design of cycleways schemes using suitably approved and footways should consider the materials. importance of the surroundings Footways especially the green rural nature of some areas and the urban content of I Street furniture should reflect that others. used previously in Selby in Finkle Street, Market Place and Church Hill. I Similarly access, and safety for all Bollards should be used sparingly members of the community should be and footways designed to be paramount in any design. overrun. Where bollards have to be I In Rural Settings ie. in green corridors used, they should be urban black or the top of embankments, it would with cast iron embellishments as used be preferable to have a rural feel to elsewhere in the town. the cycleway/footway similar to that I Great care and attention to design which already exists on the Canal needs to be taken around important Bank or Selby Horseshoe. nodes in the town centre, such as Brook Street/Leeds c. Highways and Connections Road/Gowthorpe/Scott Road, Park New Estate Roads Street/ New Street and New I All new lighting should comply with Street/Ousegate. These should be the Design Guide. designed in accordance with the However there is flexibility in new gateway treatments and designs. Preference should be given environmental improvement to include traffic calming and speed described earlier. New Street is an reduction measures, wherever this area that currently presents a poor would avoid creating nuisance for quality environment however it is an existing residents. important link to the town centre.

I Proposed layouts should conform to I Planning applications should show current Highway Authority standards how new buildings will relate to the and give priority to pedestrians and surroundings and vice versa. cyclists in accordance with the Home I Selby’s market brings life and Zone concept, wherever possible. character to the centre and is Environmental Improvements focussed on Wide Street and . This feeling should be I Highway environment improvements retained, and not only connections in Selby Town have occurred at between the market areas should be Finkle Street and Church Hill, and extended, but also the connections to any further improvements should the market areas along the footway empathise with these existing designs indicated above. 29 design guidelines

vi. Housing Residential Design Guidelines

I New developments on the approaches I To some extent, a variety of dwelling to the town and to the urban edge sizes and ‘forward/backward’ sitting should include areas of tree within the community of a single street planting/landscaping/hedging between is important to add both visual interest clusters of buildings. and bring a mix of community.

I Urban edge and principal approach I Local traditional materials such as brick developments should be well walling with clay pantalets or natural landscaped to soften their impact and slate roofing, and painted timber should wherever possible avoid a windows/doors should be used within uniformity of design so that back the conservation areas. gardens/fencing/outbuildings do not I Spatial proportion requires special care always face onto countryside and and need to be considered in approach roads. relationship with site levels, orientation, I New road/street layouts should create prospect and privacy a mixture of spatial effects and not to be determined by standard road layouts a. Materials - retain existing large tree planting and I New walling should preferably be in provide additional landscaping. brickwork. The colour and pattern of I Every effort should be made to reduce brickwork should reflect the location the numbers and impact of garaging and character of the building. Use and parking areas. of ‘feature’ panels of boarding /rendering/tiling etc should be I Avoid uniformity of scale in large-scale discouraged within the conservation housing estates and break-up impact by areas. landscaping belts/play-areas etc. I Window/door heads and cills in I Provide a mix of densities and dwelling brick or stone to be encouraged. types, and mix of different spatial effects for contrast. I Window/doors etc should preferably be of timber construction - painted in I Provide a mix and variety of rooflines muted earth colours. and punctuate with features such as chimneys/dormers/projections etc, as I Roofing should be preferably in red appropriate. clay pantiles or natural slate roofing but thro-colour concrete pantiles or I Recognise the importance of reconstituted slates coping with local outbuildings/walling/projections/street- appearance and with ability to furniture. ‘weather’ can be acceptable. Artificial materials however are not acceptable in designated conservation areas. 30 design guidelines

b. Elevations and Rooflines

I Painted timber eaves/soffits or brick I Elevations should achieve feature corbelling with o-gee or deep individuality with simplicity section UPVc or aluminium I Gabled roofs are generally more gutters/down pipes should be acceptable but hipped roofs can be acceptable. UPVc is not acceptable successful as features and at corner in conservation areas. situations I Free-standing walls and I Vary the height of rooflines and outbuildings/garages should punctuate with features such as preferably be in brickwork with chimneys/dormers or roof roofing to match adjacent houses. projections of gables/hips I Boundaries abutting public areas or I New rooflines should follow variety urban edges should preferably be of of pitches as suitable for the timber post and rail, hurdles, native traditional pantiles/slated - roof or brick walling. Boundary treatment pitches generally to be 35 degrees should respect the historic settings of and steeper. buildings etc. I Eaves and gables to follow local I Restraint should be shown in the use traditional characteristics - flush or of block paviors etc to avoid projecting fascias, boarded soffits or complicated layouts/contrasts-muted exposed rafter ends, corbelled earthy colours would be preferable feature brickwork with flush gutters I Plants and vegetation in gardens are etc to eaves - overhanging tile/slate preferable to over - exuberance of gable verges or parapet gables ‘hard-landscaping’ and garden brickwork with stone slab design features’. coping/corbels.

I Provide variety to balance of window to wall (solid to void) - overall, greater proportion of solid to void is required within conservation areas, to give suitable local character, although different approaches will be needed for different building types such as apartment blocks.

I Avoid duality of features and make use of extensions, projections/porches etc to form façade features which consider scale and roof projection profile. This is only acceptable outside conservation areas. 31 design guidelines

I Elements within a façade, such as doors, windows, features etc must be related to one another - diversity of interest must not be confused with variety that does not naturally link together.

I Outbuilding and their linkages can be as important as the main building

I Windows and doors should preferably be set back ‘in reveal’ and have traditional type of head (generally brick segment arch or ‘soldier’ arch) with projecting sub-cill (generally brick or stone). Flush glazing is considered more appropriate for the conservation area.

I Window/door patterns to be of types preferably sub-divided symmetrically about the horizontal or vertical axis (i.e. not a mixture of both) for the simplest and best effect - square windows to be avoided

I Design should not slavishly copy traditional features - modern and innovative design should be encouraged as long as respect is given to local character, tradition and the site surroundings. 32 appendix A

ACTION PLANS TOWN CENTRE

Description Description

“The towns historic tradition and quality To develop the economic vibrancy of the buildings have to be respected” town centre for mixed business and commercial: I Review of conservation area policies and listing status of buildings. I Establishment of Town Centre Partnership I Design guides for the redevelopment of buildings. I Appointment of Town Centre Manager

I Special policies for area of particular I Improved office/commercial space interest. I Identify opportunities for hotel and/or conference facilities Opportunities/Initiatives

I Selby District Council’s review of Opportunities/Initiatives conservation area policies. I Selby District Council – Economic I Urban Renaissance Programme Strategy

I Publication of specific guidelines. I Urban Renaissance

I Selby Civic Society Awards I Community Safety Partnership

Partners Partners

I Selby District Council – Planning I Yorkshire Forward Department I Selby District Council I English Heritage I Private Developers I Selby Civic Society I Town Centre Partnership I British Waterways I Chamber of Trade I Local professional architectural I Selby Town Council practices. I Community Safety Partnership Timescales I Selby District Council Review – ongoing I Groundwork Selby Urban Renaissance – September 2004 I British Waterways Design Guidelines – September 2004 I Yorkshire Tourist Board 33 appendix A

Timescale Description

Urban Renaissance – September 2004 Creation of pedestrian orientated streetscape for town centre within central Selby Bypass – Spring 2004 shopping area. Streetscape – October 2004 Opportunities/Initiatives

I North Yorkshire County Council - Highways Traffic Management Scheme

I Selby Bypass

I Urban Renaissance

I Integrated Transport Plan

I Traffic calming

Partners

I North Yorkshire Council Council

I Selby MRI – traders

I Access and disability groups

I Cycling Groups

I Commercial business

I Public Transport operators

I Sustrans

I Chamber of Trade

I Selby District Council

I Selby Town Council

I Groundwork Selby

I Yorkshire Forward

Timescales

Highway Management Scheme – 2003/2004

Urban Renaissance – September 2004 34 appendix A

ACTION PLANS GREEN CORRIDORS

Description Timescales

To preserve and develop new green Waterfront flood defence scheme 2004 – corridors, pedestrian ways and parkland 2007 linking the existing parkland/open spaces. Community Field Developments 2004 – 2006 Opportunities/Initiatives Urban Renaissance – September 2004 I Selby Park

I Community Field

I Bowling Green

I Waterfront and Canal

I Selby Biodiversity Action Plan

I Urban Renaissance

Partners

I Selby Town Council

I Selby District Council

I Selby Community Trust

I Selby Civic Society

I Selby Waterfront Partnership

I British Waterways

I English Nature

I Environment Agency

I Groundwork Selby

I Yorkshire Forward

I North Yorkshire County Council

I Urban Renaissance

I Community and Voluntary Sector Groups 35 appendix A

ACTION PLANS ACTION PLANS SELBY NORTH, SELBY SOUTH AND TOWN CENTRE GATEWAYS AND SELBY WEST APPROACHES

Description Description

To develop the infrastructure facilities and To enhance the gateways of the town quality environmental provision of existing linking the transport nodes and creating an and new residential areas of the town. identity.

Opportunities/Initiatives Opportunities/Initiatives

I Flaxley Road Tenant and Residents I Swing Bridge Association I New Street I Abbots Road Tenant and Residents I Railway and bus station Association I Public Art I New housing development I Landmark Buildings Partners Partners I Selby District Council I Yorkshire Forward Urban Renaissance I Landowners I Selby District Council I Residents I Environment Agency I Community Groups I Selby Town Council I Groundwork Selby I Passenger Transport Executive I Developers I Yorkshire Arts I Selby Town Council I Heritage Group I North Yorkshire County Council I North Yorkshire County Council I I Developers Timescales Timescale Abbots Road Estate – on-going Urban Renaissance – September 2004 Flaxley Road Estate – on-going Selby Bypass – Spring 2004 Staynor Hall Housing development – subject to planning permission Traffic Management Study – 2003/04 Flood Defences – 2004/07 Selby Town Design Statement

Groundwork Selby Selby Civic Centre Portholme Road Selby North Yorkshire YO8 4SB

Tel: 01757 703758 e-mail: [email protected] web site: www.groundwork.org.uk