Bredenbury, Wacton and Grendon Bishop Neighbourhood Development Plan
Characterisation Study
May 2019
Contents
Page
1.0 Introduction 1
2.0 Method 2
3.0 Desk‐based assessment 4
4.0 Rural area assessment 9
4.1 Bredenbury Parish 10 4.2 Grendon Bishop Parish 13 4.3 Wacton Parish 15
5.0 Detailed Assessment of Bredenbury settlement 21
5.1 Area A – Bredenbury Court 25 5.2 Area B – Valley View 31 5.3 Area C – St Andrews 37 5.4 Area D – Brockington House 46 5.5 Area E – Brockington Grange 50 5.6 Area F – New Wacton 57 5.7 Area G – Western fringes 66 5.8 Area H – Grendon Firs 68 5.9 Summary of Bredenbury settlement 72
6.0 Summary 74
7.0 Recommendations 75
Appendices
Appendix 1 – Listed buildings and recommended heritage assets
Bredenbury, Wacton and Grendon Bishop Neighbourhood Development Plan January 2019 Characterisation Study
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background to the Study
1.1.1 This Characterisation Study was undertaken as part of the preparation of the Bredenbury, Wacton and Grendon Bishop Neighbourhood Development Plan. The work commenced in the Summer of 2018 and from the outset the Study was conceived as a mixture of the effort of local volunteers and professional support provided by the Neighbourhood Plan consultant. The design and execution of the Study drew upon the experience of other Neighbourhood Plans.
1.1.2 The Study aims to address the historic character and local distinctiveness of the area. It also identifies buildings and places of historical significance and interest.
1.2 The Structure of the Report
1.2.1 The first part of the Report provides an outline of the principal stages of the Study and the balance between the desk‐based research and more detailed fieldwork.
1.2.2 The second part of the Report describes the overall character of the whole of the Neighbourhood Plan area using existing published evidence, based primarily on the Herefordshire Landscape Character Assessment (HLCA) and the National Character Areas project undertaken by Natural England.
1.2.3 The third part of the Report provides an assessment of the rural parts of the Neighbourhood Plan area on a Parish by Parish basis.
1.2.4 The fourth part of the Report then comprises a detailed assessment of the main settlement – Bredenbury.
1.2.5 The final parts of the Report summarise the key findings identified in the Study and a series of recommendations on how the Neighbourhood Plan can help to support proposals to address these issues. Unless otherwise stated, the photographs are by the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group.
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2.0 Method
2.1 Stages of the study
2.1.1 The Study can be broken down into four key stages which were carried out broadly in the order in which they are described here, although there was considerable overlap between the stages in some cases.
2.1.2 As a first stage, a desk‐based assessment was carried out to consult the substantial amount of information which already existed on the Group Parish area. This included consultation of the Herefordshire Landscape Character Assessment and Historic Environment Record (HER), as well as historic and modern mapping.
2.1.3 The second stage was the training of members of the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group – all local volunteers; followed by the third stage of fieldwork – the great majority of which was undertaken by the volunteers. This was based in part on a survey tool developed by Planning Aid England and subsequently used in a number of Neighbourhood Development Plans nationally.
2.1.4 The fourth and final stage was the compilation of two Reports – the first a set of draft character profiles and secondly this final Report.
2.2 Desk‐based characterisation
2.2.1 A primary purpose of the initial desk‐based element of the study was to review existing studies into the character of the area. This review was used to determine which parts of the area would benefit from a more detailed assessment. This process was used to allocate Steering Group members to each part of the area.
2.2.2 The starting point for the study was the Herefordshire Landscape Character Assessment (HLCA) published by the Council in 2004 as a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). The HLCA was started in 1997 through a funding partnership involving the previous Hereford & Worcester County Council, the District Councils, Countryside Commission, Forestry Commission, Environment Agency, English Heritage and Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE). The HLCA took account of and integrated with the Countryside Agency Countryside Character project and the English Nature Natural Areas study.
2.2.3 The HLCA covers the whole of Herefordshire and provides a sound assessment of the character of the Neighbourhood Plan area as a whole. However, the HLCA recognises that for preparation of more detailed studies such as Parish Plans and Neighbourhood Plans, the HLCA ‘must be considered an over‐view to which the local community will need to add the finer grain in detail in order to produce a meaningful and useful document’ (HLCA SPD para 6.1.3).
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2.2.4 For the purposes of the Neighbourhood Plan it was considered that this more detailed finer grain assessment would be required for the whole of the area, with an emphasis on Bredenbury which is the principal settlement in the area located at the confluence of the three constituent Parishes. While there are other settlements within the Neighbourhood Plan area, the focus on Bredenbury was adopted in response to the strategic planning framework set out in the Herefordshire Core Strategy which forms the statutory context for the Neighbourhood Plan. Policy R2 of the Core Strategy identifies Bredenbury settlement as the principal location for housing growth within the Neighbourhood Plan area and this study will provide a key part of the evidence base to determine the most appropriate locations within the settlement where new development could be directed.
2.2.5 Outside Bredenbury settlement, the Core Strategy severely restricts new development and so it was not considered that such a detailed assessment of its character would be required. Instead, a lighter touch approach was taken, based heavily on the HLCA supplemented by fieldwork.
2.3 Training of the Steering Group volunteers
2.3.1 Volunteers were recruited from the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group to contribute to the characterisation Study. Training was provided in July 2018 which included a fieldwork exercise in the nearby village of Bodenham Moor.
2.4 Fieldwork
2.4.1 Fieldwork was conducted between July and September 2018. It involved visiting the eight‐ character areas within Bredenbury settlement for intensive assessment and the rural parts of the constituent Parishes for a lighter touch assessment and completing a character assessment proforma for each. The planning consultant provided a level of objectivity and consistency in reviewing the output from the fieldwork and preparing this report.
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3.0 Desk‐based assessment
3.0.1 In this section the existing evidence base is summarised – mainly in the form of the HCLA as described in Section 2.0. The HLCA identifies 22 distinctive landscape character types within the County. Each of the landscape character types is described in detail with additional information relating to design guidelines and management issues. The landscape character types within and adjacent to the Neighbourhood Plan area are shown on Map 1 below.
Map 1 – HLCA Landscape Character Types
3.0.2 The whole of the Neighbourhood Plan area is covered by one landscape character type – Timbered Plateau Farmlands. This landscape type is described as being characterised by varied, agricultural landscapes of hedged fields, scattered farms, woods and wooded valleys associated with undulating relief. The dominant landform is one of the most prominent characteristics and variations in topography create a changing sequence of visual perspectives – ranging from wide open vistas on higher ground to more secluded views in the valley bottoms. The HLCA priority for these areas is the conservation and enhancement of existing hedgerows and woodland with a focus on replacing lost hedgerow oaks. Other key measures include conserving and restoring tree cover along dingles and stream‐sides and maintaining the existing dispersed settlement
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pattern. The HLCA recommends that new housing could be accommodated as modest additions to existing villages or hamlet clusters or as individual dwellings.
3.0.3 These landscape character types were used to classify the whole of the County into a series of 12 sub‐regional character areas which broadly correspond to the National Character Areas identified by Natural England. These sub‐regional character areas are described in detail below.
3.1 The landscape in a sub‐regional context
3.1.1 The area falls within entirely one sub‐regional character area – the Bromyard Plateau as shown on Map 2 below.
Map 2 – Regional Character Areas
3.1.2 The Bromyard Plateau (also referred to as the Herefordshire Plateau) covers an extensive area of land in north‐east Herefordshire. The Bromyard Plateau is a generally level area of land at an elevation of around 200m rising abruptly from the Herefordshire Lowlands to the west and the Teme Valley to the north.
3.1.3 The LCA describes the Bromyard Plateau as tranquil and largely undisturbed ‐ being deeply rural and largely escaping the pressures of modern development. The area has retained much of its historical built character and is sparsely populated with hamlets, isolated churches, small manor
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houses, local country houses within parks and traditional buildings. Medium to large arable fields characterise the open, flatter ground of the Bromyard Plateau with smaller and more irregular areas of pasture and mixed farming being present on the undulating and steeper valley sides of the rivers Teme, Lugg and Frome. The area contains tranquil ancient woodland with traditional orchards that support veteran trees. Most villages are dominated by buildings built using local reddish brown and grey sandstones with a number of examples of the timber frame tradition. The settlements are connected by a network of narrow, often deeply sunken lanes.
3.1.4 The LCA specifically refers to the Bredenbury Court parkland, and the associated remodelling of the whole village with a new church, vicarage and school in the 19th century.
3.1.5 The key elements of the landscape within the Neighbourhood Plan area as described in the HLCA are:
o The Plan area is characterised by the gently rolling elevated countryside of the Bromyard Plateau. The topography of the area is shown on Map 3. The highest point is at Batchley Farm at 252m on the north‐western boundary. From this point an elevated ridge of land (the line of the A44) occupies much of the central part of the area running broadly south‐ west from Batchley Farm as far as Bredenbury village. To the east of the central ridge the landscape falls gently to the broad valley of the River Frome with a number of brooks and streams separated by a series of minor spurs. The central and southern parts of the area are drained by the River Lodon and a series of watercourses which feed into the Holly Brook.
o A geology of Old Red Sandstones. The Bromyard Plateau is overlain by shallow, poor soils and heavier loams and clays in the narrow valleys where they have cut into the underlying mudstones.
o Medium to large arable fields characterise the more elevated central and western parts of the area to the north and west of Bredenbury village. As the land falls away to the east and towards the River Frome field sizes are generally smaller and irregular in shape.
o Wide and varied views over much of the area but particularly from the higher ground in the north‐east and the settlement of Bredenbury.
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Map 3 – Topography
o A variety of farmsteads and farm buildings from many periods illustrating changing agricultural trends and close associations with livestock production and mixed farming. The Herefordshire Historic Farmsteads Project identifies 18 traditional farmsteads in the Plan area and these are shown on Map 4.
o A strong sense of history and historical land use settlement. Rich evidence of historic settlement including the Westington Camp iron age hillfort, the Norman motte at Wacton, shrunken medieval villages at Wacton and Grendon Bishop and the historic parkland of Bredenbury Court and Rowden Abbey.
o A distinctive, often narrow network of sunken or hedged lanes.
o Pockets of ancient and semi natural woodland on steep slopes particularly on the eastern part of the area. as shown on Map 4. The ancient woodland is dominated by ash, oak and field maple.
o Extensive network of hedgerows with prominent hedgerow trees, and veteran trees scattered across the area including ancient oaks which form important habitats for invertebrates.
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o A low density of development characterised by scattered groups of houses and farmsteads. The settlements are limited to the hamlet of the Wacton, and the village of Bredenbury.
o The majority of traditional rural buildings are of sandstone rubble construction with a limited number of timber structures. By contrast, the 19th century remodelling of Bredenbury Court has left a legacy of a planned estate village of a distinct architectural style and using a variety of materials, subsequently surrounded by more modern 20th century development. Outside Bredenbury settlement, the majority of 20th century buildings are characterised by large scale agricultural buildings are scattered across the area.
Map 4 – Historic assets
3.1.6 The National Character Area profile produced by Natural England for each of the LCAs sets out a wide‐ranging series of opportunities to maintain and strengthen the character of the Bromyard Plateau. These include:
o Protect, manage and enhance the mosaic of semi‐natural habitats including ancient woodlands, wood pasture and parkland and traditional hedgerows. o Protect and appropriately manage the distinctive character of the landscape, conserving and enhancing the historic environment and features, settlement pattern, geodiversity, tranquillity and sense of place. o Protect and manage the water environment (rivers, streams and other waterbodies) as a multifunctional resource, and conserve and protect the quality and quantity of surface water.
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4.0 Rural Area Assessment
4.0.1 This section of the Report provides an assessment of the rural parts of the three Parishes outside the settlement of Bredenbury as shown on Map 5 below.
Map 5 – Parish boundaries
.
4.0.2 The Parish boundaries are heavily influenced by the topography of the areas outlined in para 3.1.7 above. The central ridge acts as the boundary between Grendon Bishop Parish and Wacton and Bredenbury Parishes with the settlement of Bredenbury laid out along the line of the A44 at the confluence of the three Parishes. Wacton Parish and Bredenbury Parish are bounded by the minor spurs which fall eastwards from the central ridge and watercourses which feed the River Frome. Some of the boundaries run along the watercourses, while others follow the crests of spurs.
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4.1 Bredenbury Parish
4.1.1 Bredenbury is the smallest of the three Parishes and occupies the south‐eastern part of the Neighbourhood Plan area. It covers an area of 3.5 sq. km and is roughly rectangular in shape.
4.1.2 Topography & landform
4.1.3 The Parish is formed by the catchment areas of two small tributaries of the River Frome and a portion of its east bank. The outlook is rolling countryside dipping to the east. The mean slope is 100m in 2.3km.
4.1.4 Land uses
4.1.5 The dominant land use is agriculture, almost entirely mixed due to the relatively steep undulation of the land, and the Parish is home to six farms. The north‐western part of the Parish is the former parkland of Bredenbury Court which is described in more detail in Part 5 of this Report.
4.1.6 Roads, streets, routes
4.1.7 The A44 lines the southern and western sides of the Parish, along the watershed. Rowden Lane forms the northern edge, also following the watershed. Three of the farms are along the line of the former main road from Bromyard to Leominster, which in part remains as a connecting route between them. Wicton Farm and Bolter’s Close are accessed by a lane from the Bromyard to Tenbury road outside the eastern border of the Parish. A single bridle path connects the A44 at Sawbury Hill to Wicton Farm and Wacton Lane.
4.1.8 Historic features
4.1.9 The fields immediately adjacent to Bredenbury Court have been extensively re‐modelled, and bear witness to at least two farmsteads, including houses and a smithy, connected by a lane, and surrounded by strip fields, now entirely buried. The front lawn of the Court is the site of Bredenbury Church, a medieval building first restored, and then completely removed by William Henry Barneby, between 1866 and 1876, the materials being used, with those of Wacton church, also demolished, to construct the present St Andrew’s Church about halfway between the two sites.
4.1.10 The route of main road from Bromyard to Leominster (until the end of the 18th century when it was replaced by the A44), passes from the bridge near Noakes Farm, alongside the A44 for a few hundred metres (flanked by Old Road Cottage, which is just outside the Parish), in a straight line up to Sawbury Hill, down again to Orley Farm and Redhill Farm, across a small (still extant) bridge
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below Manor Farm, and up through a cutting in Bredenbury Court woods, before becoming indeterminate amongst the landscaping of the Court, and finally rejoined by the A44 at Three Gates.
4.1.11 Noakes Farm is mentioned separately from Bredenbury in the Domesday Book. It is now an extensive farmstead based on a 16th or 17th century house.
4.1.12 Wicton Farm is also mentioned separately from Bredenbury in the Domesday Book. It is a Grade II listed extensive early 16th century house and farmstead, retaining some of its original features, such as exposed black and white timber framing.
4.1.13 Sawbury Hill, another separate entry in Domesday, is a large 17th century house, also a Grade II listed building with the remains of an ancient moat forming a small pond on the south western side.
4.1.14 Redhill Farm seems to have been rebuilt by William Henry Barneby, and has many of the features of the village ‘style’ of his architect T.H. Wyatt.
4.1.15 Manor Farm is an extensive old farmstead from the 16th century, with a large barn and outbuildings. The house has been remodelled in the estate style.
4.1.16 On the west bank of the River Frome, at a slight altitude, is the track of the Bromyard‐ Leominster Railway line. It was constructed in the late 19th century and decommissioned in the 1950s. Although embanked in places, it is not as visually prominent here as it is further northwards into the parish of Wacton.
4.1.17 Settlement pattern and buildings
4.1.18 Four farms are regularly spaced above the south bank of Cockett’s Brook, with outlooks to the north, and two are above north banks, with outlooks to the south. Bredenbury Court has views over the upper third of the Area. Bolter’s Close is nestled close to the confluence, and has an enclosed feel. Almost all the residential buildings are present on the tithe map of 1837, mostly stone or brick built two‐storey farm houses. There are a few large modern agricultural barns.
4.1.19 Landmarks
4.1.20 The trees of the Bredenbury Court parkland bordering the A44 are almost on the crest of a ridge and very visible from miles away to the west and south, even, with binoculars, the Malvern Hills.
4.1.21 Green and natural features
4.1.22 The area encompassing Bredenbury and Grendon Bishop is described as Timbered Plateau Farmland in Herefordshire Council’s Landscape Character Assessment. This incorporates ‘varied,
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agricultural landscapes of hedged fields, scattered farms, woods and wooded valleys associated with undulating relief. The dominant landform is one of the most prominent characteristics and tends to override the patterns of tree cover and field shape. Variations in topography within this landscape create a changing sequence of visual perspectives, ranging from open vistas on plateau summits to more secluded scenes along valley bottoms.
4.1.23 The tree cover is essentially of ancient semi‐natural character, with oak as the dominant species. The pronounced undulating topography tends to throw the organic pattern of woodland and hedgerows into visual prominence and provides fairly open views with the scale defined by the size of both woodlands and fields. The woodland cover of varying size provides the major structure to the landscape, the hedgerow pattern defining the scale. The steeply incised wooded dingles associated with valley streams are a particular characteristic. Land usage is a patchwork of mixed farming with pasture often dominating the areas where topography limits intensive cultivation.’
4.1.24 Views
4.1.25 The Parish of Bredenbury can be viewed almost in its entirety from Bowman’s Hill, with the farms of Cockett’s Brook to the left, and Bredenbury Court on the skyline to the west. There are also good views in the other direction, south and east, from Bredenbury Court and Manor Farm, looking over the valleys of the village, and then across the Frome valley to the Malvern Hills and Knightwick, with Bredon Hill and the Cotswolds sometimes visible in the far distance. From the higher parts of the northern boundary are views of Clee Hill, and the Abberley and Shelsley Hills.
4.1.26 Summary of key defining characteristics / other observations
4.1.27 An enclosed, snug little valley around an ancient trackway. Four farmsteads mentioned in the Domesday Book and significant traces of a wealthy Victorian estate.
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4.2 Grendon Bishop Parish (excluding the portion lying to the east of A44)
4.2.1 Grendon Bishop is the largest of the three Parishes and makes up the western part of the Neighbourhood Plan area. It is 6.9 sq. km in size and irregular in shape
4.2.2 Topography & landform
4.2.3 Grendon Bishop occupies most of the top of the Bromyard Plateau, and is relatively flat, inset with a couple of gullied brooks flowing south west
4.2.4 Land uses
4.2.5 Outside the settlement described in Part 5, six widely spaced mixed farms, much larger in extant than in the rest of the Parish group, and a few isolated hamlets and cottages along the A44, including Grendon Green and Little Common.
4.2.6 Roads, streets, routes
4.2.7 The A44 runs along the north and east borders of the area, but there are no other roads. Farm tracks from the A44 lead to each of the farms. Three of these tracks are linked by public footpaths, and two footpaths extend beyond the end of farm track out of the Parish to the west and south.
4.2.8 Historic features
4.2.9 The area contains a number of historic features which provide evidence of settlement across a wide range of eras.
4.2.10 In the north western corner of the Area is Westington Camp – included in the Schedule of Monuments of nationally important archaeological sites kept by the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. It consists of an iron age hill fort, with prominent excavations in its south western corner.
4.2.11 The Church of St John the Baptist, collapsed in 1786, rebuilt in 1788, and enlarged in 1870, is isolated in the fields south of Grendon Manor. It is open for certain services a few days each year.
4.2.12 Settlement pattern and buildings
4.2.13 The farms are widely spaced and consist of an average of 100 hectares. Three are tucked into folds below the upper face of the plateau, and three are on the crests of spurs. Westington
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Court, Grendon Manor and Lower Brockington are Grade II listed buildings, and Newbury Farm has some well‐preserved hop kiln cowls. Along the A44 are the scattered little hamlets of Grendon Green (where there used to be an old forge) and Little Common.
4.2.14 Landmarks
4.2.15 The Church of St John the Baptist.
4.2.16 Westington Camp
4.2.17 A Mobile Phone tower artificially but not very successfully resembling a Scots pine tree.
4.2.18 Green and natural features
4.2.19 Fields surrounded by hedges incorporating trees (mainly oak), some isolated trees, mainly marking the sites of old hedges. A few orchards and old pieces of woodland, especially along the sides of streams, several of which are designated as Ancient Woodland by Natural England.
4.2.20 Views
4.2.21 From the higher parts of the Parish there are good views of the valleys to the west and south, with the ranges of the Brecon Beacons, Black Mountains and Radnor Hills in the distance.
4.2.22 Summary of key defining characteristics / other observations
4.2.23 A wide, open undulating landscape of large old established farms, now surrounded by extensive modern sheds.
4.2.24 Traces of an ancient hamlet at Three Gates, and the wealthy Victorian estate (Brockington Grange and Mews) adjacent to the north.
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4.3 Wacton Parish (including the portion of Grendon Bishop lying to the east of the A44)
4.3.1 Wacton Parish occupies the north‐eastern part of the Neighbourhood Plan area. It is 4.9 sq. km in size and roughly rectangular in shape.
4.3.2 Topography
4.3.3 The majority of the area consists of timbered uplands with small streams, all of which are either direct or indirect tributaries of the River Frome, running along a series of valleys in a mainly easterly or south easterly direction until they join the River Frome itself. Batchley, which is located adjacent to the watershed, represents the highest point being some 252 metres above sea level with the lowest point being the adjacent to the River Frome at Rowden Mill being approximately 140 metres above sea level. The mean slope is 100m in 3.4km.
4.3.4 Land uses
4.3.5 Outside the principal settlement (reviewed above) the Parish is almost entirely agricultural, of mixed farmland, although there is a small collection of dwellings at Wacton Green and at Butterley
4.3.6 Roads, streets, routes
4.3.7 Apart from the A44, formerly part of the Bromyard to Leominster turnpike, which runs along the south and south western edge of the area there are only three roads running through the Parish. Firstly Wacton Lane, which runs from the A44 down to the small hamlet of Wacton itself. Formerly this route continued in an easterly direction until it left the Parish at its crossing of the River Frome south of Ganderland Farm. The second is a lane running to the north and roughly parallel to Butterley Brook after its confluence with the River Frome and leading to Butterley Court. This lane starts at the Thornbury road after it leaves the B4214. From Butterley Court an ancient lane continues in a north westerly direction until it meets the Hatfield lane north of the parish. Finally, Harp or Rowden lane (C1062) links Bredenbury with the B4214 from Bromyard to Tenbury, running along the southern boundary of the parish. This lane, which has branches leading to Upper Wacton and Great Wacton, leaves the Parish as it crosses the River Frome at Rowden Mill.
4.3.8 One major feature of the area is the old Worcester to Leominster railway line which enters the Parish at a point just to the west of Rowden Mill and leaves to the north west of Butterley. The line, which was never profitable, was opened in sections with the section which passed through the area between Bromyard and Steens Bridge opening in 1897. The line was closed to regular transport in September 1952, with a last “special” train running in April 1958 prior to the removal of the railway tracks. Although now dismantled, it remains effectively cut off a third of
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the land area of the Parish and apart from three narrow tunnels at Butterley, Wacton and Great Wacton respectively, there is no direct access between the areas of the Parish on either side. The hamlets of Wacton and Butterley Court lie only a few hundred metres apart “as the crow flies” but the route by road exceeds five miles!
Image 1 – Rowden Mill Station
4.3.9 Rowden Mill Station, (image 1) which lies within the Parish boundary, was neglected and became derelict from the closure of the line until 1984 when it was purchased by the Wilkinson family and restored to a very high standard with both the building and a few hundred metres of track and rolling stock. These can be seen from the railway bridge carrying Rowden Lane over the old line.
4.3.10 A bridleway now runs from the foot of Wacton Lane, passing under the old railway and joining the Butterley Lane as it crosses Butterley Brook. There it joins the Three Rivers Ride bridleway, which passes just inside the northern border of the parish. A second network of footpaths links Upper Wacton, Wacton Green and Wacton itself, while a path which starts at Great Wacton passes under the railway line and across three footbridges to Butterley Mill, but has no further access ‐ truly a road to nowhere!
4.3.11 Historic features
4.3.12 The area has. Wacton, whose name means “a lone hamlet” is a sparsely populated parish yet in 1875 Wacton had more than twice as many residents as Bredenbury which is now often seen as the parent village. It was in that year that the two parishes were united and in 1881 the church at Wacton was demolished having been declared unsafe.
4.3.13 There are a number of Grade II listed properties in the area as well as some other features of historical interest which are set out below.
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4.3.14 Batchley is a hill top farm house with associated farm buildings situated in the small portion of the Parish of Grendon Bishop which extends to the north of the main A44. At 252 metres above sea level, this is the highest holding in the area. The farm, one of the earlier adopters of organic farming principles also boasts a corn mill. A flint axe head, thought to be from the Neolithic period was found in a field to the north east of Batchley farm and the site of a Romano‐British kiln has also been identified nearby.
4.3.15 Butterley Court is a Grade II listed building with associated farm buildings sitting on a low ridge above the valleys of Butterley and Batchley brooks which join below Butterley and then flow into the River Frome above Butterley Mill.
4.3.16 Butterley Brook Cottage is a Grade II listed timber framed house. On the 1837 tithe map it is shown as Lower House.
4.3.17 Butterley Mill, which was situated on the eastern boundary of the area is thought to have been a 16th century corn mill powered by a mill stream flowing from a weir across the River Frome. Much of the original building has now been destroyed with only some rubble and old mill stones. These are on private property and not readily accessible.
4.3.18 Great Wacton is also a Grade II listed building with surrounding farm buildings. Former hop kilns have been converted to domestic use but their exterior remains intact.
4.3.19 Batchley, Butterley Court and Great Wacton are recorded in the Herefordshire Historic Farmsteads Characterisation Project. In addition, farms at Lower Butterly and Upper Wacton are also recorded.
Image 2 – Wacton Court showing the moat
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4.3.20 Wacton Court, (image 2) which lies at the foot of Wacton Lane, is a Grade II listed building and an example of evolutionary development, as parts of it appear to be mediaeval in origin. Formerly a farmstead, it is partially surrounded by a moat which acted as a defensive barrier.
Image 3 – the motte, Wacton Court
4.3.21 In addition, a mound (image 3), thought to be the remains of an 11th century defensive Motte and Bailey lies in a field adjacent to the north of the Court and now part of Wacton Farm. This mound is included in the Schedule of Monument of nationally important archaeological sites kept by the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. Remains of a curtain wall linking the Court with the mound have been identified and it is reported that their position can be seen in periods of dry weather. In this period, there was great civil unrest with supporters of the Empress Maud and King Steven fighting to gain the upper hand; a truly lawless time when the need to provide strong defences were paramount even in such isolated spots.
4.3.22 To the east of Wacton Court, the remains of Wacton Church (dedication unknown) which was decommissioned in 1875 and demolished to a greater extent in 1881, can be seen from the lane. This church is believed to have originated as early as the 13th century. The font from the church was removed and relocated to the parish church of St Andrew in Bredenbury where it remains. It is also believed that the remains of a mediaeval settlement are nearby but their exact location is not known. Pottery from the 12th to 14th centuries has been found in the vicinity.
4.3.23 Settlement pattern and Buildings
4.3.24 The 1837 tithe map shows the principal holdings as Batchley, Butterley, Wacton and Great Wacton. Of these four, only Wacton has been broken down into smaller holdings in recent times with the remaining three retaining their significance. Most of the holdings in the area are somewhat smaller than those on the western side of the A44 but the land is fertile and
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productive nevertheless as evidenced by their continuity of tenure and usage. The land is used for grazing animals as well as arable cropping. In the past, some farms in the area had hopyards and the drying kilns remain features at Great Wacton although they are no longer in use. There were also orchards in the area and these can be seen on Ordnance Survey maps from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, but many of these have been removed since that time.
4.3.25 Later individual dwellings have been added at several places but these have not affected the essentially rural nature of the area with no particular concentration of such developments outside the settlement of New Wacton which abuts Bredenbury village.
4.3.26 Landmarks
4.3.27 The Norman motte and bailey at Wacton Court.
4.3.28 The embankment of the disused railway line is a distinctive feature across much of the parish.
4.3.29 Green and natural features
4.3.30 The principal natural features are the extensive network of hedgerows and associated hedgerow trees. While average field sizes have increased over the years to allow increasing mechanisation most of the hedgerows in the Parish are ancient comprising typical native species such as blackthorn, elder, field maple, hawthorn, hazel and holly interspersed with mainly oak and ash trees. Mistletoe is a familiar parasitic feature of many of the trees in the area. Some of the older settlements also boast the presence of other species such as yew.
4.3.31 The landscape is well wooded with a range of native tree species including oak, ash, damson, wild cherry, willow, beech, hornbeam and rowan amongst others. These stretches of woodland provide food and shelter for wildlife as well as managed species of game birds such as pheasant and partridge.
4.3.32 Two ponds appear on the 1837 tithe map adjacent to Wacton Lane, both of which are still in existence. The first, a few hundred metres from the top of the Lane acts as a natural catchment from the surrounding fields. This pond overflows in periods of heavy rainfall the water flowing all the way along Wacton Lane and then via a field ditch until it joins the stream emerging from Batchley. The second pond is at the foot of Wacton Lane and it may be a man‐made feature resulting from excavations for local building, possibly the old church at Wacton or Wacton Court itself. Another pond appears on the tithe map to the north east of Batchley Farm acting as a natural catchment in that area. Some of these ponds may also be the source for a number of natural springs in the area.
4.3.33 Many different species of birds can be found in the area with the recent re‐emergence of the red kite being a notable addition. These majestic birds can be seen soaring on the thermal currents above the valleys.
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4.3.34 Views
4.3.35 Distant views can be had from the higher points of the area ranging from Clee and Abberley Hills in the north and east, and to Bromyard Downs and the Malverns to the south and south east whereas westerly views are precluded by the rising land in that direction. On descending to the lower parts of the area, the distant views are more restricted but the main geographical features above remain in view as well as fine views across the Frome valley up to Wall Hills fort above Thornbury.
4.3.36 Summary of key defining characteristics / other observations
4.3.37 Wacton is a largely undisturbed group of separate hamlets, each with its own slightly different identity.
4.4 Summary of key features – the rural area
4.4.1 The fieldwork has confirmed the overall findings of the HCLA summarized in Section 3.0 of this Report – a deeply tranquil and peaceful area with a landscape that has largely survived the pressures of the modern world. The work has also added a much finer grain understanding foe each of the three constituent parishes – identifying the key buildings, views, historic and natural features which all combine to create a special and distinctive character.
4.4.2 The elevated topography of the area and its role in defining the boundaries of the three Parishes is the dominant element of its character and sets the framework within which the landscape has evolved.
4.4.3 The countryside is well‐treed, particularly on the lower lying land off the central ridge, and enclosed by an extensive network of hedgerows, in addition to their aesthetic value, hedgerows provide important habitats for a number of species, particularly mammals.
4.4.4 Settlement is generally of a low density and dispersed, made up of small hamlets, farmsteads, converted rural buildings and free‐standing dwelling houses. New development is therefore best accommodated through modest additions to the existing settlement of Bredenbury consistent with the strategic planning framework set out in the Herefordshire Core Strategy.
4.4.5 The area contains a rich legacy of historic buildings and has a strong sense of continuity evidenced in the Westington Camp Hillfort, the Norman motte and bailey castle at Wacton and a number of shrunken settlements – a legacy of the de‐population of the area from the late middle ages. The Victorian era also had an important impact on the area – in particular through the evolution of the Bredenbury Court estate.
4.4.6 There is a huge variety of views – from long distance expansive vistas from the elevated centre and west, to the more intimate and sheltered setting of the wooded streamside corridors around Rowden Mill
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5.0 Detailed Assessment of Bredenbury settlement
5.0.1 This section of the Report provides a detailed assessment of Bredenbury settlement.
5.0.2 Parish boundaries
5.0.3 The modern settlement of Bredenbury is located at the convergence of the boundaries of the three Parishes of Bredenbury, Grendon Bishop and Wacton as shown on Map 6. The majority of the existing buildings including Bredenbury Court, the Church of St Andrew, the Primary School and Village Hall are within Bredenbury Parish, with the northern part of the settlement (known as New Wacton) and including the Barneby Public House within Wacton Parish. That part of the settlement on the western side of the A44 is mainly within Grendon Bishop Parish. The term ‘settlement’ is used to describe the main built up area to ensure consistency with the terminology used in the Herefordshire Core Strategy and to avoid any confusion with the individual Parishes.
5.0.4 History and evolution
5.0.5 The 1997 ‘History of Bredenbury’ by Jennifer Weale suggests that looking at the village today, ‘one might be forgiven for thinking that it has no history, for these buildings all appear to date from the 19th century onwards’. The text goes on to explain that this is far from the case and although Bredenbury has changed significantly over time, the existing settlement contains many layers of human activity dating back many centuries.
5.0.6 The first known reference to the manor of Bredenbury was in the Domesday Survey of 1086. ‘Brideneberie’, as it was spelt, was amongst the lands held by Roger de Lacy. The medieval settlement was centered around the Church and Manor House located in the parkland to the immediate south‐east of the Victorian mansion of Bredenbury Court. The original London to Aberystwyth road ran through the parkland and medieval village, continuing eastwards to Red Hill and westwards up the steep slopes in front of Bredenbury Court before levelling out on the broad ridge upon which the modern settlement is located.
5.0.7 By the late 18th century, with the exception of the Church, the medieval village had largely disappeared and the road relocated to its present course. The Church remained until the late 19th century when it was relocated to its present site. The ten‐year period from 1873‐83 were transformational in the history of the settlement, starting with the enlargement of the Court in 1873 into the Italianate Mansion that we see today. To the north of the Court and clustered around the junction of the A44 and Harp Lane, the new school was built in 1875, the Church completed in 1876 and the rectory in 1883 – the school and rectory at the expense of the Barneby family.
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5.0.8 The origins of New Wacton, the northern part of the existing settlement around the junction of the A44 and Wacton Lane are uncertain, but buildings (including ‘New Inn’ (now the Barneby), are shown on the 1786 Isaac Taylor Map of Herefordshire, and in more detail on the 1839 Tithe Map.
Map 6 – building age in the main settlement
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5.0.9 The settlement retained its late 19th century structure and broad character until the mid‐late 20th century. Between 1964‐72 a period of infilling occurred on the former Orchards in New Wacton and along Harp Lane – almost exclusively for bungalows. The Grendon Firs municipal housing development was also built out at this time on land to the west of New Wacton. The process of piecemeal small‐scale infill within the main settlement continued to the present day, the exception being Valley View – a development of 28 bungalows constructed in the 1980s on the site of the walled kitchen gardens of Bredenbury Court. The evolution of the settlement is shown on Map 6 above.
5.0.10 Defining the Character Areas
5.0.11 The settlement was divided into eight‐character areas as shown on Map 7 for the purposes of the fieldwork. The areas were identified on the basis of a desk‐top review of existing and historic mapping, aerial photography and local knowledge
Map 7 – Bredenbury settlement character areas
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5.0.12 In summary, Areas C, D and F form the ‘linear’ part of the settlement along the line of the A44 road. Area A is the Victorian and Edwardian Country Estate of Bredenbury Court marking the southern edge of the settlement and Areas F and G the western and south‐western edges. Areas B (Valley View) and H (Grendon Firs) are the distinctive areas of post‐war housing development described above. These eight Character Areas are shown on Map 7 and described in detail below.
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5.1 Area A – Bredenbury Court
5.1.1 Area A forms the south easternmost part of the settlement and consists of the northern parts of the Victorian Country estate of Bredenbury Court including the Court itself, the principal service buildings and areas of parkland.
5.1.2 Topography
5.1.3 The area is situated on the eastern slopes of the broad ridge upon which the settlement of Bredenbury is located. The northern part of the area within which the principal buildings are located is generally flat with the ground falling quite steeply downwards to the south and east. Levelled terraced lawns surround Bredenbury Court.
5.1.4 Land‐uses
5.1.5 The Victorian country estate of Bredenbury Court, its stables and a roadside lodge. The buildings are currently being refurbished for use as a wedding venue.
5.1.6 Layout
5.1.7 The Court itself surmounts the slope facing approximately south, presenting its main façade to travellers coming up the A44, with terraced lawns in front. The West Drive provides access behind it. The Stables block is set back to the north‐west of the house, largely dug into the slope rising behind it, and the West Lodge borders the road, with a small garden adjacent behind a hedge.
5.1.8 Roads, streets, routes
5.1.9 The A44 borders the west side, off which extends the west Drive of the Court, past the West Lodge, and sunk between low walls topped by holly hedges on either side.
5.1.10 Spaces
5.1.11 There are no public ‘spaces’ in this area, though the whole of the area forms part of the parkland and former pleasure gardens associated with Bredenbury Court.
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5.1.12 Buildings and historic features
Image 4 – Bredenbury Court main front
5.1.13 The front of Bredenbury Court (image 4) is a red stone three storey 1876 Italianate rebuilding with balustraded roofline (architect Thomas Wyatt), of an early 19th century development involving the uniting of three or four individual buildings into a single large mansion; with some substantial additions from around 1900 (the dining‐room on the south east‐corner, architect Guy Dauber); around 1920 (the classroom block extending out to the west, now a ceremony hall, by Cheltenham Ladies College), and 2018 (the timber‐frame dining hall on the west end of the ceremony block, by Simon Steel).
5.1.14 Behind and almost adjoining to the east are sundry outbuildings of stone or timber from the early 19th to the late 20th century (by Richard Coghlan, St Richard's School), now being converted into a major wedding venue and function facility. Bredenbury Court is a Grade II listed building of considerable architectural value as an example of Thomas Wyatt’s grander architectural style, as an example of Guy Dauber’s work, and, in combination with other buildings in the village, as part of an example of a whole ‘set’ of different village buildings by the same architect.
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Image 5 – the Stable Block, Bredenbury Court
5.1.15 The Stables block (image 5) is an early 20th century example of an enclosed set of stalls opening onto an interior ambulatory, built around a central courtyard, with a cupola over the entrance said to be modelled on the Royal Stables at Sandringham, built for Francis Greswolde‐Williams.
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Image 6 – West Lodge, Bredenbury Court
5.1.16 West Lodge (image 6) is a quaint little stone cottage of complex floorplan, with a steep roof of distinctive featured tiling and decorative ridge, typical of Thomas Wyatt’s rustic style.
5.1.17 Preserved within the parkland to the south‐east of Bredenbury Court are earthworks relating to the church and houses of the original settlement of Bredenbury. It is likely that the settlement had shrunken significantly by the mid‐19th century, and what remained was acquired or displaced by the Court in order to establish the Estate parkland. Also, within the landscape are the remains of historic field systems, trackways and a likely farmstead, as well as platforms associated with the settlement. It is also suggested that the original manor house was located in this area. The last significant remnant of the original settlement, the Parish Church, was demolished in 1876 with the stone removed to construct the current Parish Church.
5.1.18 Landmarks
5.1.19 Highly visible from the road from Worcester, on the uppermost slope of Bredenbury valley and backed by tall evergreens, the Court is in itself a landmark, although its treeline is visible, and distinctive, from even further away.
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5.1.20 Green and natural features
Image 7 – the Parkland from Bredenbury Court showing the ha‐ha and ornamental trees
5.1.21 The grounds of Bredenbury Court were laid out by Edward Milner, and included a number of trees newly popular in the late 19th century, including wellingtonias, various larches and pines, many of which still survive, although the same cannot be said of the shrubberies and flower beds of the gardens, now almost entirely laid to grass. However, the landscaping of the terraces, ha‐ ha and deer park are still evident, including two ornamental lakes and an area of woodland.
5.1.22 The northern and western boundaries of the area are marked by an extensive belt of trees which largely hide the Court buildings from the A44 and from the rest of the settlement to the north and west.
5.1.23 Streetscape
5.1.24 The road alongside the court is hedged on the west side, but has a wide grass verge on the east side, sown with daffodils in the spring, and a rather dilapidated paling fence.
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5.1.25 Views
Image 8 – view east from Bredenbury Court with the Malvern Hills in the distance
5.1.26 From the Court there are splendid views as shown on image 8 to the east and south across the Frome Valley to the Abberley and Shelsley Hills, the Bromyard Downs and the Malverns as shown on Image 8.
5.1.27 Summary of key defining characteristics / other observations
5.1.28 A quintessential Victorian/Edwardian country estate, built regardless of expense, retaining most of its distinctive architectural and landscaping features. The Parkland has largely retained its original character with the exception of the formal gardens and flower beds which surrounded the house.
5.1.29 The landscaping, topography and location of the key buildings has given the Estate a designed and self‐contained character which is physically and functionally separated from the built‐up part of the settlement to the north and west. The evolution of the estate into its current form has also had a significant influence on the character of the whole of the settlement of Bredenbury as we see it today. The sweeping away of the medieval village with its manor house and church created an opportunity to lay out a largely new settlement along the line of the A44 with a distinctive set of late 19th century buildings.
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5.2 Area B – Valley View
5.2.1 Area B forms the eastern part of the settlement and consists of two areas of post‐war houses separated by Harp Lane.
5.2.2 Topography
5.2.3 The area is gently sloping on the eastern side of the ridge upon which the settlement of Bredenbury is located.
5.2.4 Land uses
5.2.5 Two secluded housing estates (St Andrews Close and the much larger Valley View), of the 1980s and 1990s, with two earlier post‐war houses along Harp Lane. A field and small area of woodland are located on the southern side of Harp Lane.
5.2.6 Layout
5.2.7 Valley View is a group of 28 bungalows of rectangular floor‐plan set in their own open plan gardens on either side of a cul‐de‐sac extending southwards from an entrance in Harp Lane (Rowden Lane). The plots are large – the majority being at between 1,000‐1,500sqm and the density of development correspondingly low at 7 dwellings per hectare.
5.2.8 St Andrews Close is a smaller group of four bungalows of individual floor‐plans and separated by hedges, on the north side of a little access road alongside Harp Lane. The plot sizes of the St Andrews Close development are smaller than that of Valley View at around 650sqm and the development density slightly higher at 10 dwellings per hectare. Long Acre and The Beeches are just to the east and have individual access from the lane.
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5.2.9 Roads, streets, routes
Image 9 ‐ Valley View looking south near the entrance from Harp Lane
5.2.10 The Valley View access road meanders slightly both side to side and up and down but is generally due south. It is wide, and bordered with wide pavements on either side adjoining grass lawns with no hedges, fences or walls.
5.2.11 St Andrews Close road runs east/west and is separated from the lane by high hedges.
5.2.12 There is a narrow path running from the southern end of Valley View into the Bredenbury Court Estate. The entrance to this path is blocked.
5.2.13 Spaces
5.2.14 There are no ‘spaces’ in this area.
5.2.15 Buildings and historic features
5.2.16 The Valley View houses are nearly all large identical brick bungalows with pan‐tile roofs, although with individual distinguishing characteristics, mostly in the windows and doors, due to alterations by the owners. They have distinctive brick corbels over their front bays, and built‐in garages on one side or the other. There are a few exceptions to this overall uniformity. The houses on the western side of the road are a few metres higher, and those on the left a few metres lower, than the road surface, which could have given them all a view of the Frome Valley, had there not been a thick stand of tall trees bordering the whole east side of the estate.
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Image 10 ‐ Property on St Andrews Close showing brick detailing and roof design
5.2.17 The houses of St Andrews Close (image 10) have been more carefully and individually designed, with varied roof designs and some regard to the architecture of the adjoining school, in their barge boards, and in the fact that two have brick walls with stone corners, most closely resembling the school, while the others have stone walls and brick corners, for difference.
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Image 11 – passageway at the southern end of Valley View with remains of Bredenbury Court kitchen garden wall on the right
5.2.18 Valley View is built on the site of the walled kitchen gardens associated with Bredenbury Court. The high brick wall which forms the southern boundary of Valley View (image 11) is a remnant of the walled garden and the now blocked gateway a former entrance.
5.2.19 Landmarks
5.2.20 The wall and former entrance of the kitchen gardens associated with Bredenbury Court.
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5.2.21 Green and natural features
5.2.22 Harp Lane is bordered by thick old hedgerow of numerous species especially on its southern side. Valley View is enclosed by mature planting on all but its northern side which largely hides it from the A44 to the west and the open countryside to the east. The belt of planting on the eastern side of Valley View and the wooded area to the east of The Beeches forms a very strong boundary to the eastern side of the settlement as a whole.
5.2.23 The field on the southern side of Harp Lane is enclosed by a well‐treed hedge on its southern side and a post and wire fence to the east.
5.2.24 Gardens are largely characterised by small trees, bushes, grasses and other shrubbery although there are a few herbaceous borders. A few front gardens have been unfortunately neglected.
5.2.25 Streetscape
5.2.26 Harp Lane is narrow and bordered by thick hedgerow. The Valley View road is wide and open, with continuous pavement fronting lawns unobstructed by fences or vegetation. The continuous curb is only sporadically kept clear of weeds. The St Andrews Close road is hidden from the lane by tall hedgerow, but is open to the lawns and drives of the houses on the other side, which have numerous specimen bushes and plants, some set‐in gravel forecourts.
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5.2.27 Views
Image 12 – view east along Harp Lane from near the entrance to Valley View
5.2.28 The principal views are from Harp Lane as it leaves the built‐up part of the settlement at Long Acre as shown on image 12. Long distance views open up to the east and south‐east at this point, with more intimate but attractive views along Harp Lane itself and across the field on its southern side.
5.2.29 Summary of key defining characteristics / other observations
5.2.30 Two low‐density self‐contained housing estates, one of which (Valley View) is distinctly different to the character of rest of the village. The area is well‐treed, and forms a strong natural boundary to the eastern side of the settlement.
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5.3 Area C – St Andrews
5.3.1 Area C forms the central part of the settlement and contains an important cluster of buildings associated with the late 19th century remodeling of the Bredenbury Court Estate.
5.3.2 Topography, roads, layout and spaces
5.3.3 An almost flat part of the crest of a rounded ridge running approximately north‐north‐ west/south‐south‐east, bordered on the west by the A44, and to the east after 200m or so, dipping towards the east.
I 5.3.4 Land use
5.3.5 A small paddock and a group of large traditional community‐use buildings ‐ village hall, two rectories (old and new), church, school (including its playing field) and police house (now a private residence).
5.3.6 Layout
5.3.7 The buildings all front on to the A44, in order as listed above, each in its own fairly extensive grounds.
5.3.8 Roads, Streets and routes
5.3.9 The A44, narrowed by undergrowth and thick hedges on the west and a narrow pavement on the east, runs north‐north‐west/south‐south‐east. Harp Lane (Rowden Lane) adjoins the main road at the southern end of this stretch, leading eastwards towards Rowden and Edwin Ralph. A Public Footpath runs diagonally from the north‐western to the south‐eastern corners of this area, connecting the A44 and Harp Lane.
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5.3.10 Spaces
Image 13 – the paddock and Village Hall from the north
5.3.11 The small paddock shown on image 13 is often used by permission for community activities such as fêtes, and for car parking for events being held in the village hall. It is marked as a playing field on the 1972 Ordnance Survey map and contains a pond of significant biological interest.
5.3.12 The churchyard is well tended and still used for local interments. It contains graves from the 19th to the 21st century, including those of many of the Barneby family, Victorian owners of the village, two official war‐graves, and a war memorial to local fallen in the World Wars and Afghanistan. There are various specimen yew trees and two benches.
5.3.13 The school has a large tarmac playground and an extensive climbing‐frame/activity area with safety flooring, and a purpose‐built playing field marked for soccer and athletics, bordered by a sinuous dragon‐shaped bank, a pond for ecological study, and some entwined willow ‘living buildings’.
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5.3.14 Buildings and historic features
Image 14 – the Village Hall
5.3.15 The Village Hall (image 14) is a distinctive Edwardian black‐and‐white wooden hall provided for the village in 1910 by Mrs Greswolde Williams of Bredenbury Court. Until the 1960s it was always called the Reading Room and has dark wooden panelling and exposed roof‐timbers inside. Slightly more modern, brick outbuildings adjoin, containing a kitchen, toilets and store‐ rooms.
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Image 15 – The Old Rectory
5.3.16 The modern rectory is a substantial two storey brick house. The Old Rectory (image 15) was built in 1882‐3 on land gifted by the Bredenbury Court Estate. It is an imposing Victorian building of a Thomas Henry Wyatt design typical of rectories of the time. It is built of laid rubble with cut stone dressings around doors and windows with a tile roof. Behind it are converted brick stables linked by a glass atrium. The Old Rectory sits in a large plot of 0.4ha which was the subject of a withdrawn planning application (DCNC2006/3305/F) for three dwellings.
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Image 16 – St Andrew’s Church
5.3.17 St Andrew’s (image 16) is a typical Victorian stone church, consisting only of a nave and chancel, with a bell tower at the west end, and a black wooden porch about halfway along the south side. It was built in about 1877, architect T. H. Wyatt, at the instigation (and expense) of William Henry Barneby, using stone from the collapsed church at the bottom of Wacton Lane and the demolished church below the front lawn of Bredenbury Court. The Church is Grade II listed.
Image 17 – Bredenbury Primary School
5.3.18 Bredenbury Primary School (image 17) is another Barneby gift to the village, again in T.H. Wyatt’s distinctive style (rough cut local stone walls with cut stone dressings, irregular floor plan, steeply‐sloping roofs with decorative tiling and ornamental ridges and individual barge‐boards). The Primary School is particularly prominent at the junction of the A44 and Harp Lane.
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Image 18 – the School House, Bredenbury Primary School
5.3.19 The original school house, (image 18) complete with exposed belfry and original bell, has been extensively enlarged, rather plainly in grey pebble‐dash, although some attempt has been made to reflect the original architecture in the barge‐boards.
5.3.20 The Police House is a 1960s brick building with some individual features.
5.3.21 Landmarks, views and natural features
5.3.22 The three buildings by Thomas Wyatt themselves constitute an interesting and significant example both of the ‘village architecture’ (rather than grand buildings) of Thomas Henry Wyatt (President of the RIBA), and also of the beneficence of some major Victorian landowners towards their village responsibilities. There are three or four other buildings by the same architect around the village, as well as the Italianate mansion Bredenbury Court.
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Image 19 – the War Memorial
5.3.23 The War Memorial and an individual lamp post in the churchyard (image 19), a cast‐iron mouse on the lych‐gate, the church clock, and the belfry of the school, are individual landmarks in this area.
5.3.24 Green and natural features
5.3.25 The overall aspect of the area is of overlarge trees providing a slightly foreboding wall on the western side. This is exacerbated by the high hedges and stands of trees on the eastern side of the A44 which partly screens views of the Churchyard and New Rectory from public view. By contrast, the paddock and its pond provide an important open vista on the eastern side of the A44.
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Image 20 – the School Playing Field from the southern corner showing the line of trees
5.3.26 The School playing field (image 20) in enclosed on its northern side by a line of mature trees which extend south‐eastwards to Harp Lane and to the north‐west to the Village Hall. This line of trees forms a strong natural boundary to the eastern side of the settlement.
5.3.27 Streetscape
Image 21 – view south along the A44 with the Primary School left showing the trees on the western side of the road
5.3.28 The footpath along the eastern side of the A44 is narrow and bordered by low stone walls. The high planting on both sides of the A44 give this section of the road a dark character. There are three public noticeboards at the Village Hall, Church and School.
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5.3.29 Views
Image 22 – panoramic view from the Paddock looking east
5.3.30 The only view is from the paddock, but that gives a spectacular vista from the Abberley and Shelsley Hills to Bromyard Downs, with Droitwich and Worcester nestling in the gaps between.
5.3.31 Summary of key defining characteristics / other observations
5.3.32 A well‐spaced collection of formal village buildings designed by a leading Victorian architectural practice, bearing tribute to, and still closely reminiscent of, the improvements of the 19th century. These buildings all front onto the road with the School and Church in particular prominent to it, giving the first real sense of entering the village when moving north along the A44.
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5.4 Area D – Brockington House
5.4.1 Area D forms the central part of the settlement on the western side of the A44.
5.4.2 Topography
5.4.3 A narrow strip of woodland bordering the west side of the A44, winding gradually upwards along the road from south to north.
5.4.4 Land uses
Image 23 – the pasture field to the north of Brockington House
5.4.5 The A44, and its western border formed by a belt of semi‐neglected woodland 10‐20m in width, with two houses (Harp Cottage and Brockington House) set among it. To the north of Brockington House is a 0.7ha pasture field fully enclosed by a well‐treed mature hedgerow (image 23). .
5.4.6 Layout
5.4.7 Brockington House is a large house and outbuildings within its own grounds, set in a deep re‐ entrant (and ancient disused quarry) amongst the woodland. Harp Cottage is alongside the road and orientated at right angles to it.
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5.4.8 Roads, streets and routes
5.4.9 The A44 largely defines the structure of the village, and is the main route via which the transient experience the village. Approaching from the south, the grand vista of Bredenbury Court changes suddenly to a tunnel‐like aspect, enclosed by dense evergreen wood and shrubland to the west, and embankment, trees and fences to the east. About halfway up the eastern side opens to views of the buildings and houses of Areas C and F, while the western side continues largely wooded until the crest of the hill almost opposite The Barneby Inn.
5.4.10 Spaces
5.4.11 There are no ‘spaces’ in this area.
5.4.12 Buildings and historic features
Image 24 – Harp Cottage showing the roof detailing and substantial chimney stack
5.4.13 Brockington House was built by Henry Meysey Barneby as a substantial family house in the 1930s and is set in an extensive plot. Harp Cottage (image 24) is a narrow two‐storey house of render with a roof in Thomas Wyatt’s distinctive style of alternating bands of straight‐edged and scalloped tiles. However, the large chimney stack on the gable, rather functional elevations with a lack of the detailing typical of the late 19th century buildings in the settlement suggests that that this is at least in part a much earlier building and perhaps that shown on the 1839 Tithe Map on this site. If this is the case, then Harp Cottage is one of the few remaining buildings in the settlement that date from before the late 19th century remodelling.
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Image 25 – The boundary stone
5.4.14 In the woodland to the immediate north of the pasture field is a boundary stone (image 25) marking the confluence of the three Parishes.
5.4.15 Landmarks
5.4.16 There are no distinctive landmarks.
5.4.17 Green and natural features
5.4.18 The woodland and shrubbery are described above.
5.4.19 Streetscape
5.4.20 The main road is bordered on the west by untended verge, itself edged in places by old iron estate fencing, and on the east by an unrealistically narrow footpath, made more inaccessible in places by overhanging trees and outgrowing hedges, and the fences of Valley View housing estate. Dilapidated lengths of old estate fencing are also present.
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5.4.21 Views
5.4.22 There are no views from the road in this section due to the dense nature of the woodland on the western side of the A44. This woodland also masks views of the settlement from the west, and forms a very strong natural boundary to this section of the settlement. On the western edge of the woodland border there are mostly fields whose own hedges obscure the near view, but the blue hills of the Brecon Beacons and Black Mountains are distantly discernible.
5.4.23 Summary of key defining characteristics / other observations
5.4.24 A strip of semi‐neglected woodland looming over the west side of the A44 forming a strong natural boundary to the western side of the settlement.
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5.5 Area E – Brockington Grange
5.5.1 Area E forms the southernmost part of the settlement and is adjacent to the Bredenbury Court Estate (Area A) to the west.
5.5.2 Topography
5.5.3 Flat land to the west of the A44, slightly rising to the west before dropping down quite steeply to Lower Brockington Farm.
5.5.4 Land uses
5.5.5 A number of individual houses from various periods and in various styles, set amongst pasture and at a right angle to the road.
5.5.6 Layout
5.5.7 The A44 forms the eastern boundary with a track running west from it. To the north of this track is Oak Tree Farm and the Brockington Grange complex and to the south are four dwellings in their own grounds, surrounded by pasture.
5.5.8 Roads, streets, routes
5.5.9 The A44 runs north/south on the east side of the area, and the unpaved farm track to Lower Brockington leads off it to the west. The track is privately owned, but is a public bridle‐path, and there is access from it to the northern properties. The current stretch of the A44 to the south of its junction with the track was constructed in the late 18th century – a diversion of the original route which ran through the Bredenbury Court parkland and up the steep slope from the site of the medieval Church.
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5.5.10 Buildings and historic features
Image 26 – the Old Smithy
5.5.11 Adjacent to the farm track, contains the old stone village smithy (image 26), now a shed and rather dilapidated. The smithy is shown on the 1839 Tithe Map and is located at the point where the original London to Aberystwyth road levelled out from the steep climb through the Bredenbury Court parkland.
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Image 27 – Threegates Cottages
5.5.12 The adjoining two‐storey semi‐detached houses (Threegates Cottages) (image 27) stand on the site of an earlier dwelling shown on the Tithe Map. They are of a functional late Victorian design built of brick with a slate roof. The other two are modern (1950s and 1960s) farm cottages, low‐ rise and painted white, the older hidden behind a stand of trees.
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Image 28 – Brockington Grange from the south
5.5.13 The more imposing building is Brockington Grange (image 28), which has a distinctively monastic character, with arched porch and windows, some with stained glass inclusions; and may have been built as a rectory in the mid‐19th century for the Rev. Charles Bridges. It has been recently extensively re‐landscaped, and is now chiefly approached along an elegant cherry‐tree lined gravel drive off the farm track, rather than via the direct access off the main road, which accesses the east side of the Grange under some large yew trees.
Image 29 – Brockington Mews
5.5.14 Next to the Grange are the ‘Mews (image 29)’, originally a stable block built by William Henry Barneby after he moved across the road after selling the Court in 1898. It is similar in design to the Court stables, albeit only occupying three sides of a square, in having had stalls connected to an indoor ambulatory from which three or doors led to the courtyard. Although now converted into flats, traces of the ambulatory can still be seen, and the front doors are wider than
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expected, showing their equestrian origins. The ends of the two wings were the coachman’s house, and the coach house itself, originally, and one end still has a stone inscribed WHB in the gable. Near the house is a modern three‐bay garage, which nevertheless respects local architectural tradition in having alternating bands of straight and scalloped tiles on its roof.
5.5.15 Oak Tree Farm is a modern brick‐built practical farm house, with a matching adjacent vehicle barn and gravel access.
5.5.16 Landmarks
5.5.17 Brockington Grange is distinctive, but not easily visible. Near Brockington Mews is a hugely waisted beech‐tree which must be over a hundred years old. The Paddocks has a couple of interesting cast‐iron gate posts. Opposite is an historic post box.
5.5.18 Green and natural features
Image 30 – the high trees and planting at the entrance to the settlement
5.5.19 The lane to Lower Brockington is attractively tree‐lined, mostly with sycamore, and the cherry‐ tree drive to the Grange is distinctive. Within the grounds of the Grange is a small birch grove, and there is a tall windbreak protecting the southernmost cottage. Otherwise the evergreen lining of the main road is a little oppressive particularly as it enters the settlement to the north of the 30mph signs.
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5.5.20 Streetscape
Image 31 – the Post Box
5.5.21 The original entrances to Bredenbury Court (north) and Brockington Grange were bordered by low stone walls terminating in short pillars, three of which are still in position. Opposite the farm lane is a (disused) historic post box (embossed GR) (image 31) set in an even older brick pillar, engraved 1871. There is a single isolated lamp post near the cherry‐tree drive of Brockington Grange.
5.5.22 Views
5.5.23 The views within the area are not extensive, as the ground rises slightly towards the west before it dips, but the distant prospect of the Brecon Beacons and Black Mountains is visible from some of the upper rooms of the Mews. However, from the entrance drive from the A44 into The
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Paddocks, much wider views to the south and south‐west open up, marking a sharp break between the settlement and the open countryside.
5.5.24 Summary of key defining characteristics / other observations
5.5.25 A group of very different dwellings of different periods and styles marking the southern edge of the settlement. The layout of the area and secluded nature of the buildings gives the area a semi‐natural character with the trees on either side of the A44 having a tunnel‐like effect, especially that section to the north of West Lodge.
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5.6 Area F – New Wacton
5.6.1 Area F forms the northernmost part of the main part of the settlement and is named as ‘New Wacton’ on the 1886 Ordnance Survey Map. The fields in the eastern part of the area form an important part of the setting of the settlement.
5.6.2 Topography, land use and layout
5.6.3 The crest of a rounded ridge running approximately north‐west/south‐east, sloping away to the east, south and west. At about 220m, the next highest point eastwards is in Poland.
5.6.4 Land uses
5.6.5 A group of 16 detached houses, the majority of which are set back from the main road along a cul‐de‐sac and narrow lane on the north side of the A44. Some commercial activity in the form of the Barneby Inn and the Three Pines Garage.
5.6.6 Layout
5.6.7 The older properties in this area are laid out in a linear form fronting onto the A44 – the exception being Laurel Bank Farm which is accessed from a private road. The more recent dwellings and which make up the majority of buildings in the area are set in large plots and accessed off the cul‐de‐sac lane to Laurel Bank Farm, or on Wacton Lane – a rural lane which links the settlement with Wacton. Along the side of the A44 are the two commercial buildings and some older residential housing.
5.6.8 Roads, streets, routes ’ 5.6.9 The wide A44 runs north‐west/south‐east, with a single footpath along the north‐west side and an overgrown grass verge and tall hedgerow along the other. Wacton Lane is a snug little rural lane enclosed by substantial old hedges, exemplified by their multitude of plant species, with openings into secluded houses, mostly bungalows in their own large gardens, and gateways into fields (arable and grazing) with wide distant views. Laurel Bank Lane is a short open communal driveway serving Laurel Bank Farm and its adjoining houses, with gardens open to the road or behind walls or small hedges.
5.6.10 Spaces
5.6.11 There are no communal spaces, although The Barneby Inn has a large carpark and a small beer‐ garden with tables and benches.
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5.6.12 Settlement form and buildings
5.6.13 The 1886 Ordnance Survey Map identifies a number of the existing buildings – the Barneby (formerly New Inn), Cape House, West Winds, Stone House and the Old Post Office fronting onto the current A44, with Laurel Bank Farm accessed off its own lane. The fields between these buildings were mainly planted for orchards, and over time a process of gradual infilling predominantly of bungalows has taken place.
Image 32 – view along Wacton Lane with bungalows right set in large well‐maintained plots
5.6.14 The houses around Wacton Lane are mostly fairly recent bungalows, individually designed but not inharmonious, largely of brick, with distinctive detailing and tiled roofs, and some timber cladding, set in large plots of 1,000‐1,500sqm.
5.6.15 The properties on the Laurel Bank Farm lane are also predominantly bungalows set in large plots of a similar size to those on Wacton Lane. Planning permission was granted in May 2018 for an additional dwelling off Laurel Bank Drive (ref 181164).
5.6.16 The most prominent and significant buildings in the area are Laurel Bank Farm, and those which front directly on to the A44. These are described in more detail below.
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Image 33 – The Barneby Inn
5.6.17 The Barneby Inn (image 33) is a large, three‐gabled purpose built late 19th century public house very prominent from the A44 in spite of being set back some way from the carriageway. It has very old rubble‐stone stables (image 34) fronting Wacton Lane and incorporates a much older timber structure to the rear.
Image 34 – the former Stables at the rear of the Barneby
5.6.18 The Three Pines Garage to its north‐west has a flat‐roofed administration building with a flat shelter over the forecourt and disused petrol pumps supported by two pillars. The building is of
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a functional design and its underused nature does not make a positive contribution to the character of the settlement.
Image 35 – Cape House and Westwinds
5.6.19 Along the A44 are a pair of well‐proportioned semi‐detached houses built in 1906 (Cape House and Westwinds) (image 35) showing strong Arts and Crafts movement influences, with individual decoration (such as fretworked gables above a brick ground floor, and distinctive barge boards) and irregular floor plans.
Image 36 – Stone House
5.6.20 To the south of Cape House and Westwinds is Stone House (image 36), also built in 1906. Stone House is built of laid rubble with brick and dressed stone detailing. Being set on a minor bend and slightly higher than the level of the A44, Cape House, Westwinds and Stone House in particular impose themselves on this part of the settlement and make a significant contribution to its character. These dwellings are all built on the site of a row of cottages shown on the tithe map.
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Image 37 – The Old Post Office with the single storey former Carpenter’s Shop to the left
5.6.21 To the south of Stone House is the Old Post Office (image 37), a two storey rubble stone building with an attached single storey brick former Carpenter’s shop. The building has been much extended to the rear, but is a rare surviving building from the 18th century settlement.
Image 38 – Laurel Bank Farm showing the distinctive roof tiles
5.6.22 Laurel Bank Farm (image 38) is two‐storey built of brick with a tiled roof similar in style to the Wyatt buildings in the southern part of the settlement. It is shown on the 1886 Ordnance Survey Map with an L shaped range of ancillary buildings to the north‐west (image 39). These buildings have survived, albeit in a much‐altered state and have been converted to residential in Laurel Bank Court.
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Image 39 ‐ Laurel Bank Court ‐ the former range of service buildings associated with Laurel Bank Farm
5.6.23 A number of sheds and garages have been built on the opposite (south‐west) side of the road, tucked into the hedge.
5.6.24 Landmarks and historic features
5.6.25 The Barneby Inn is a distinctive and historic 19th century building, and has a pair of flagpoles bordering the road, and opposite is the (rather neglected) Jubilee Oak, planted in 2012, which should be more of a landmark than it is.
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5.6.26 Green and natural features
Image 40 – the line of trees on the south‐western side of the A44 (left) with Stone House prominent on the bend in the road (right)
5.6.27 Apart from the high hedges mentioned above, there is a long line of tall mature trees along the south‐western side of the A44, including broadleaves and firs. This line of trees gradually thins, eventually ending at the point opposite The Barneby Inn. All the gardens along the north‐eastern side are typified by fairly densely planted, carefully selected small trees, shrubs, bushes and flowers of different heights, foliage and colours providing a continuous display of interesting horticulture all the way along.
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5.6.28 Streetscape
’ Image 41 – Wacton Lane as it leaves the built‐up part of the settlement near Chafton Hop
5.6.29 The north‐eastern verge of the A44 is a pavement flanked by low walls and herbaceous borders, and the other side by an overgrown verge and hedge, intermittently cut with drainage channels. Wacton Lane passes between the high walls of the Inn and the buildings opposite before becoming a rural lane. The change in character of Wacton Lane at this point is a sharp one, making a strong impression of entering the open countryside which surrounds the settlement.
5.6.30 Views
Image 42 – view from Wacton Lane towards Titterstone Clee in the distance
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5.6.31 From the main road the hedges and trees obscure the views, although Hay Bluff and the line of the Black Hill is visible from the upper storeys of the higher houses, but from the Wacton Lane there are wide views from Clee Hill in the north round to the north end of the Malvern Hills in the south‐east. Where the trees end at The Barneby Inn, long‐distance views open up from the A44 giving a strong sense of openness.
5.6.32 Within the area itself, the bend of the A44 provides a pleasing view of Stone House, and the Laurel Bank Drive is a surprisingly sheltered lane with an intimate and welcoming character.
5.6.33 Summary of key defining characteristics / other observations
5.6.34 A dense cluster of houses on the crest of a hill around a 19th century coaching inn with an attractive greenscape along the side of the road. The area contains an individual variety of ages and building styles giving an impression of continuous development. The orientation and position of the key buildings fronting onto the A44 gives this area a strong ‘village’ character upon immediately entering the settlement from the north.
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5.7 Area G – Western fringes
5.7.1 Area G forms the western rural setting of the settlement.
5.7.2 Topography
5.7.3 Farmland to the west of the A44, forming the western slopes of the broad ridge upon which the settlement is located.
5.7.4 Layout
5.7.5 These fields adjoin the built‐up section of the village area, occupying roughly the same area to the west of the A44 (with Areas D and E) as the other areas do to the east. They are accessible by gateways and short tracks through the woodland of Area D, or from the two lanes westward at the north and south of the area, to Upper and Lower Brockington respectively.
5.7.6 Roads, streets, routes
5.7.7 There are no roads or rights of way to or through these fields.
5.7.8 Spaces
5.7.9 There are no public ‘spaces’ in this area.
5.7.10 Buildings and historic features
5.7.11 The only buildings are the recent agricultural barns in the south‐west corner.
5.7.12 Landmarks
5.7.13 The field opposite The Barneby Inn contains the Jubilee Oak, planted in commemoration of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897.
5.7.14 Green and natural features
5.7.15 The fields are largely defined by old hedgerows dating at least as far back as the Tithe Map of 1845. The two fields in the northern part of the area adjacent to Upper Brockington are larger
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and more regular in shape than those to the south. The eastern boundary of Area G is marked by the belt of planting which fronts onto the A44 running through the settlement.
5.7.16 Streetscape
5.7.17 None.
5.7.18 Views
5.7.19 Westwards towards Wales, although the hedges and lie of the land do not permit much except the distant skyline. The belt of trees and hedgerows on the eastern side of the area also hide the buildings in the central part of the settlement from views from the west. This planting provides a strong natural boundary to the western side of the settlement.
5.7.20 Summary of key defining characteristics / other observations
5.7.21 Agricultural fields occupying the equivalent area to the west of the A44 as most of the village occupies to the east.
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5.8 Area H – Grendon Firs
5.8.1 Area H forms an outlying part of the settlement to the north of New Wacton.
5.8.2 Topography, land use and layout
Image 43‐ the view north from Grendon Firs with the Black Mountains in the distance
5.8.3 The level top of a rounded ridge running approximately east/west, almost flat but sloping gently away to the north and south. At about 240m, the next highest point eastwards is in Poland.
5.8.4 Land uses
5.8.5 The A44 main road, with a small, isolated residential estate, originally council houses, called Grendon Firs.
5.8.6 Layout
5.8.7 A terrace of six two‐storey houses, each with a small front garden, flanked by detached bungalows, surrounds an area communal grass, tarmac, off‐road parking and a slightly raised grassy border separating it from the road. There are two narrow vehicular access points at either end of the border.
5.8.8 Roads, streets, routes
5.8.9 The A44 runs past Grendon Firs, outside the 40mph village speed limit. It is a wide road, with a single footpath along the north side, flanked by tall hedgerows including sporadic trees, mostly
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chestnut and sycamore. A little beyond Grendon Firs is a patch of calcined bauxite leading to a sharp right‐hand bend, and there are SLOW signs painted on the road.
5.8.10 Settlement form and buildings
Image 44 – Grendon Firs showing the main terrace of houses with brick detailing above the doors
5.8.11 The terrace shown on image 44 is of two‐storey redbrick, with pan‐tile roofs, from about the 1950s. There is decorative circular brick wreath above each front‐door. Originally identical windows have been variously replaced, but the overall symmetry has been maintained. Each house has a front garden with a substantial hedge, and a larger back garden. There is some chain‐link fencing around the bungalow properties on either side. The whole estate has its own communal sewage works on the other side of the main road. From the upstairs windows there are long rural views over the countryside to the north, over Tenbury to Clee Hill and the Abberley Hills, and to the south and west, towards Ross‐on‐Wye and May Hill, and Hay Bluff and the Black Mountains. The whole area, being separated from the rest of the village, has an individual, atmosphere.
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5.8.12 Landmarks and historic features
Image 45 – the entrance to Upper Brockington with Scots Pines and sandstone slab
5.8.13 Along the main road are a few Scots pines (image 45), originally planted to signify areas welcome to drovers. In front of one of these is a substantial flat slab of rough sandstone. The Tithe map and 1886 Ordnance Survey Map both show a building on the northern side of the A44 mid‐way between Grendon Firs and New Wacton. This had disappeared by the time of the 1928 Ordnance Survey map.
5.8.14 Green and natural features
5.8.15 Enclosed by the buildings of Grendon Firs is a strip of communal grassy area behind a strip of tarmac parking.
5.8.16 Hedges and trees, as mentioned in context above.
5.8.17 Streetscape
5.8.18 The raised border between the road and the parking area of Grendon Firs is planted with a line of mature trees, chestnut and sycamore. Where one has been cut down there is a square raised bed (with a small unique animal feature attached to it). There is a sign saying Grendon Firs (and Elgar Housing Association), a post box on a wooden post, and a communal notice‐board. Telegraph poles carry overhead cables.
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5.8.19 Views
Image 46‐ the view south from Grendon Firs showing the western slopes of the broad ridge left
5.8.20 There are wide, distant views in all directions to the north and south of the road, and from the group of houses themselves. A combination of this sense of spaciousness, separation and elevation, coupled with functional and perhaps rather ‘dated’ post‐war architectural form of the houses, is integral to the setting and attractiveness of the Grendon Firs development. These assets along with the views that they afford are crucial when considering the overall character of Grendon Firs. The views at Grendon Firs are also visible sporadically along the road, through gateways and gaps in the hedges on both sides of the road.
5.8.21 Summary of key defining characteristics / other observations
5.8.22 A small symmetrical self‐contained housing estate with a strong unified character detached from the main part of the settlement. Spectacular views across Herefordshire and South Shropshire.
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5.9 Summary of key features – Bredenbury village
5.9.1 The analysis identifies Bredenbury as a distinctive settlement containing an important group of late 19th century buildings. The defining features are the topography, the relationship of the settlement to the A44, and the extensive areas of woodland and planting. The current built form and evolution of the settlement is strongly linked with the development of the Bredenbury Court Estate. The key features are shown on Map 8 below.
Map 8 – Characterisation Assessment of main settlement‐ key findings
5.9.2 The settlement is laid on along the summit and upper slopes of a broad ridge rising gently from south to north. This location provides far reaching views from within the settlement across the
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surrounding countryside and far beyond, particularly to the south, east and west. This ridge‐top location also makes the immediate setting of the settlement very sensitive to new development.
5.9.3 The A44 is a historic route which runs through the centre of the settlement and provides the principal link to surrounding towns with associated employment and higher order services. It is a busy and wide road with traffic volumes and associated noise having a significant detrimental impact on the rural ambience and the amenity of the properties which front on to it.
5.9.4 The settlement is enclosed by a substantial belt of planting on its eastern and western sides, visually separating much of the main built up area from the countryside beyond. There are substantial groups of trees and planting within the settlement itself which in the main make a positive contribution but have created an oppressive and tunnel‐like effect along the southern section of the A44.
5.9.5 The built form of the settlement reflects its historic evolution with the late 19th century remodeling and period of mid to late 20th century growth particularly significant. Buildings are generally well maintained and set in large well landscaped plots. As a result, the density and intensity of development is relatively low, and not typical of villages in this part of Herefordshire which are associated with a more nucleated core of key buildings.
5.9.6 Bredenbury Court and the contemporary development of the Church, Rectory and School provide an unusually complete set of well‐preserved buildings designed by a leading 19th century architect. The collection of 19th century and early 20th century buildings in New Wacton also make an important positive contribution, with the section of the settlement between Harp Lane and Wacton Lane having the strongest historic and traditional harmonious ‘village’ like character.
5.9.7 Post‐war development has taken the form of infill and two larger schemes – Grendon Firs and Valley View. These developments are typical of their time, but of a scale and uniformity of design inconsistent with the organic way in which the rest of the settlement has evolved.
5.9.8 In summary, new development is most appropriately accommodated through either the sub‐ division of existing plots or the use vacant land within the enclosing belt of woodland to the east and west of the main built up area. Large scale development on the northern and southern edges of the settlement, or on the ‘outside’ of the tree belt would have a significant and potentially highly detrimental impact on its character and setting. The analysis has also identified a number of non‐listed heritage assets which the Neighbourhood Plan should seek to protect.
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6.0 Summary
6.0.1 The Group Parish of Bredenbury, Wacton and Grendon Bishop is a diverse and, in the main, a deeply tranquil rural area which retains much of its traditional character.
6.0.2 The elevated central ridge and series of minor spurs which fall from it are the dominant elements of the physical character and sets the framework within which the landscape has evolved. This also results in a huge variety of views – from long distance expansive vistas from the elevated north‐west, to the more intimate and sheltered setting of the wooded streamside corridors for example around Rowden Mill in the valley of the River Frome.
6.0.3 The countryside is well‐treed, particularly on the lower lying land off the central ridge, and enclosed by an extensive network of hedgerows. In addition to their aesthetic value, hedgerows provide important habitats for a number of species, particularly small mammals including birds.
6.0.4 Settlement is generally of a low density, and with the exception of the settlement of Bredenbury, of a dispersed nature made up of small hamlets, farmsteads, and a limited number of free‐standing dwelling houses.
6.0.5 The area contains a rich legacy of historic buildings and has a strong sense of continuity over an extensive time period. This is evidenced in the Westington Camp Hillfort, the Norman motte and bailey castle at Wacton and a number of shrunken settlements – a legacy of the de‐ population of the area from the late middle ages. The Victorian and Edwardian era also had an important impact on the area – in particular through the evolution of the Bredenbury Court estate and the former Worcester to Leominster railway line.
6.0.6 Bredenbury as a distinctive settlement containing an important group of late 19th century buildings. The defining features are the topography, the relationship of the settlement to the A44, and the extensive areas of woodland and planting. The current built form and evolution of the settlement is strongly linked with the development of the Bredenbury Court Estate.
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7.0 Recommendations
7.0.1 The Neighbourhood Plan should seek to maximise the following opportunities to maintain the distinctive character of the Plan area, and thus:
• Support proposals which protect and enhance the traditional rural landscape of the area while recognising the varied and distinctive character of specific sub‐areas.
• Encourage the management and enhancement of the landscape by supporting proposals which maintain or restore hedgerow boundaries particularly where they reinforce historic field patterns.
• Support the expansion, restoration and creation of ancient and broadleaf woodland, so that extensive connected wildlife habitats are created in accordance with the landscape character.
• Conserve and enhance our understanding of key historic features and assets.
• Conserve and manage the rich architectural legacy and distinct pattern of historic dispersed settlement. This Report should form the starting point for the identification of heritage assets for inclusion in the Neighbourhood Plan and potential inclusion in a ‘Local List’.
• To protect and enhance the distinctive character and setting of the settlement of Bredenbury and supporting appropriate new development which meets the housing, employment, commercial, recreational and day‐to‐day service needs of the community.
• The Neighbourhood Plan should contain policies which require planning applications and other development proposals and projects to consider how they contribute to the above issues, including consideration of the findings of this Study.
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Appendix 1 – Heritage assets
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Rural Area
Bredenbury Parish
Asset name Type Significance Source
Noakes Farm Historic farmstead based on a 16th or Historical – Historic Farmsteads 17th century house. historic Characterisation farmstead. Project.
Herefordshire Historic Environment Record (SMR number 46591).
Characterisation Assessment Redhill Farm Historic farmstead which may have Historical – Historic Farmsteads been rebuilt by William Henry Barneby, historic Characterisation and has many of the features of the farmstead and Project. village ‘style’ of his architect T.H. association with Wyatt. the Barneby Herefordshire family. Historic Environment Record (SMR number 48337).
Characterisation Assessment Manor Farm Extensive old farmstead from the 16th Historical – Historic Farmsteads century, with a large barn and historic Characterisation outbuildings. The house has been farmstead. Project. remodelled in the estate style. Herefordshire Historic Environment Record (SMR number 24871).
Characterisation Assessment
This in addition to the following statutorily listed buildings: • Sawbury Hill Farmhouse (Grade II) • Wicton Farmhouse (Grade II)
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Grendon Bishop Parish
Asset name Type Significance Source
Batchley Hilltop farm house and buildings round Historical – Historic Farmsteads three sides of yard. historic Characterisation farmstead. Project.
Herefordshire Historic Environment Record (SMR number 31473).
Characterisation Assessment
This in addition to the following statutorily listed buildings: • Grendon Manor (Grade II) • Church of St John the Baptist (Grade II) • Lower Brockington Farmhouse (Grade II) • The Old Forge (Grade II) • Westington Court (Grade II)
Wacton Parish
Asset name Type Significance Source
Butterley Mill Weir and mill race running south to Historical Herefordshire Butterley Mill. Evidential. Historic Environment Record (SMR number 11212)
Characterisation Assessment
Rowden Mill Station Former station on the disused Historical Herefordshire Worcester to Leominster railway line. Aesthetic Historic Restored and received British Rail Environment Heritage Award in 1989. Record (SMR number 30874)
Characterisation Assessment
This in addition to the following statutorily listed buildings: • Wacton Court (Grade II)
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• Great Wacton (Grade II) • Butterley Court (Grade II) • Outbuilding adjoining south‐east of Butterley Court (Grade II)
Bredenbury settlement
Area A – Bredenbury Court Character Area, Bredenbury settlement
Asset name Type Significance Source
Bredenbury Court Stables Early 20th century large ornate Stable Aesthetic Characterisation block associated with Bredenbury Assessment Historical – Court association with Bredenbury Court
West Lodge, Bredenbury Thomas Wyatt lodge building Aesthetic Characterisation Court associated with the late 19th century Assessment Historical – remodelling of Bredenbury Court association with Bredenbury Court
Bredenbury Court Parkland Parkland associated with Bredenbury Aesthetic Herefordshire Court containing site of medieval Historic Historical – village including Church. Environment association with Record (SMR Bredenbury number 31140) Court
Evidential – site of medieval settlement.
This in addition to the following statutorily listed buildings: • Bredenbury Court (Grade II)
Area B – Valley View Character Area, Bredenbury settlement
Asset name Type Significance Source
Bredenbury Court Kitchen Remains of walled kitchen garden Historical – Characterisation Garden wall and entrance. associated with Bredenbury Court. association with Assessment Bredenbury Court
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Area C – St Andrews Character Area, Bredenbury settlement
Asset name Type Significance Source
Village Hall Early 20th century Civic timber building Historical – link Characterisation provided by the Barneby Estate to the to the Barneby Assessment community. family.
The Old Rectory Late 19th century Thomas Wyatt Aesthetic Characterisation designed building provided by the Assessment. Historical – Barneby Estate. association with Herefordshire Bredenbury Historic Court Environment Record (SMR number 35381)
Bredenbury Primary School Late 19th century Thomas Wyatt Aesthetic Characterisation designed building provided by the Assessment Historical – Barneby Estate. association with Bredenbury Court
Communal – village primary school
This in addition to the following statutorily listed building: • Church of St Andrew (Grade II) including war memorial
Area D – Brockington House Character Area, Bredenbury settlement
Asset name Type Significance Source
Boundary stone One of few remaining Historic Historical Characterisation boundary stone marking the assessment. Communal convergence of the Parish boundaries
Area E – Brockington Grange Character Area, Bredenbury settlement
Asset name Type Significance Source
Brockington Grange Imposing 19th century dwelling former Aesthetic Characterisation rectory. Assessment
Brockington Grange Mews Purpose built former stable block in Aesthetic Characterisation similar design and materials to the late
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Asset name Type Significance Source
19th century buildings associated with Assessment the Barneby family.
The Smithy Historic Smithy Historical Characterisation Assessment
Area F – New Wacton Character Area, Bredenbury settlement
Asset name Type Significance Source
The Barneby Inn Historic public house Historical – Characterisation association with Assessment the Barneby family
Communal – village pub.
Westwinds One of a pair of early 20th century Aesthetic Characterisation semi‐detached dwellings with strong Assessment Arts and Crafts influences.
Cape House One of a pair of early 20th century Aesthetic Characterisation semi‐detached dwellings with strong Assessment Arts and Crafts influences.
Stone House Visually prominent Early 20th century Aesthetic Characterisation detached house with distinctive assessment. detailing.
The Old Post Office Stone cottage and adjoining former Historical – Characterisation Carpenter’s shop. Cottage likely to be legacy of pre‐19th Assessment a legacy from pre‐19th century century settlement. settlement.
Area G – Western fringes Character Area, Bredenbury settlement
Asset name Type Significance Source
No assets
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Area H – Grendon Firs Character Area, Bredenbury settlement
Asset name Type Significance Source
No assets
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