AGENDA ITEM NO.

TO: EXECUTIVE - 26 MARCH 2007

SUBJECT: NEW RURAL CONSERVATION AREAS

FROM: PLANNING AND ENGINEERING

1. RECOMMENDATION(S)

1.1 That the Executive note the review carried out into proposed new rural conservation areas. (Appendix A)

1.2 That the Executive note the proposed new rural conservation areas (Appendix B) and the Executive agree to appropriate consultations being carried out to all areas affected and to all bodies affected by the new conservation area proposals.

1.3 That a report is brought back to the Executive following the public consultation exercise with recommendations for the proposed new conservation areas in the rural areas.

2. REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATION(S)

2.1 As part of a local authorities function it is required under the terms of the Planning (Listed Buildings in Conservation Areas) Act 1990 and the recommendations of Planning Policy Guidance Note 15 (Historic Areas) to review areas with a view to designating new conservation areas from time to time. As part of this process local authorities are also required to carry out public consultations to all bodies that may be affected by the proposed new conservation areas.

2.2 As part of the wider review of conservation areas in District which commenced in 2002, a review of rural areas not already subject to conservation area designation, is the conclusion of this process. Since 2002 all existing rural conservation areas have been reviewed and boundary changes made and all urban conservation areas have also been reviewed and boundary changes made.

2.3 In order to make proposals for new conservation areas an extensive review of all rural settlements has been carried out. Clearly all of the areas investigated were not considered suitable for conservation area designation under the terms of the Planning (Listed Buildings in Conservation Areas) Act 1990 which states that a conservation area may be designated where an area is of specific historic or architectural interest, the character and appearance of which it is important to maintain an enhance. Those areas which do fall within that criteria have been identified and are described in Appendix A, those areas where new conservation areas are proposed are described in Appendix B. A statement of their character is included together with a map showing the proposed boundaries.

From the review carried out it is proposed that and should be considered for conservation area designation.

2.4 As part of the review process significant buildings were noted which do not form part of an area worthy of conservation area status. In certain cases these buildings may warrant Listed Building status and in other cases may warrant consideration for local rural listing in the future. This would be in line with possible recommendations contained in the Inspectors report on the emerging local plan and the proposed White Paper on the Historic Environment.

2.5 In order to ensure that all those affected by the proposed designation are consulted it is proposed to carry out a public consultation exercise which will include notifying all householders and other property owners within the proposed boundary together with the Parish Councils, of all areas reviewed the County Council, English Heritage, the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England and any other interested bodies. Where appropriate Conservation Officers will meet with Parish Councils to explain further the conservation area proposals. It is proposed that the public consultation period should conclude by 4 June 2007 and a report be brought back to the Executive with proposals for new conservation areas based on the results of the public consultation.

2.6 Attached to this report as Appendix C is an information sheet giving details of the consequences of conservation area designation, a copy of which will be sent to all consultees, as part of the public consultation process.

3. ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED

Alternative settlements considered for conservation area status are set out in Appendix A.

4. POLICY AND BUDGET FRAMEWORK

4.1 The maintenance and review of conservation areas is in line with Local Plan policies to protect and enhance the historic environment. There is no direct budgetary implications although extensions to conservation areas would increase the number of buildings that may be eligible for grant aid from one of the Council’s Grant Schemes it would also increase the number of properties where conservation area consent would be required.

Alan Mayes Principal Architect/Planner

BACKGROUND PAPERS

Rural Conservation Area Review File

Areas in District Affected: Baginton and Eathorpe

Executive Portfolio Area and Holder: Cllr Mrs Margaret Begg.

Over view and Scrutiny Committee(s): Environment & Economic Policy Committee

Key Decision: Yes

Included in Forward Plan: Yes If Yes, method of consultation:

For further information about this report please contact:

Contact Officer: Alan Mayes

Tel: (01926) 456508 (Direct Line)

E-mail: [email protected]

K:\Planning & Engineering\Alan Mayes\Exec Report - New Rural Conservation Areas.doc Appendix A

Survey of Settlements not considered Appropriate for conservation Area Status

Radford Semele

Significant expansion has taken place in since the 1950s, but the historic core of the village is still discernable. The village appears to have originally developed around the church and the hall and then moved further west with the development in Southam Road between the Old White Lion and Lewis Road. It is possible that a medieval village exists around the church and hall area. Radford Hall is a 17th century building, remodelled in the 19th century encircled by historic wall, the hall has now been converted into several dwellings and some development has taken place in the grounds. The Church of St Nicholas Radford Hall and the Glebe House (the former vicarage), form an attractive group with the Hall particularly when viewed across the field, which abuts the main Southam Road. Some tree planting has taken place in Church Lane which forms the western boundary of the group. The Southern boundary is made up entirely of houses developed since the 1950s. All of the significant buildings in the historic group, Radford Hall, Glebe House, and St Nicholas Church are listed buildings, including the boundary walls to both Radford Hall and St Nicholas Church.

Moving to the residential core of the village, The White Lion Public House is a 17th century building altered in the 19th century together with 64 and 66 Southam Road are timber framed buildings all grade II listed. On the north side of the road is the Manor House now sub-divided into three dwellings, which is possibly of 18th Century origin, altered in the late 19th and early 20th century and although recommended recently for listing, was considered to have too many late 19th and early 20th century developments. To the east of this group, the gardens of modern houses in Chance Fields back, are screened by trees on the south side of the road, Hall Fields and St Andrews House are all modern developments. At the entrance into Lewis Road, there are a number of late 18th and early 19th century properties which are now being altered and at the south end of this road, Mornington Cottage is a 17th century timer framed listed building. Coming out of the village in an easterly direction are a number of attractive detached houses, but none of historic quality. Lewis Road has a number of 19th century houses together with a Methodist Church, many of which have now been altered and the majority having UPVC windows. School Lane is the other original village street running south from Southam Road and containing the original Victorian village school. This building was recently submitted for listing and not considered of sufficient quality and is to be redeveloped. There are three 19th century houses adjacent to the school which although attractive have been altered from their original character.

In terms of consideration of Radford Semele for conservation area designation, the group around St Nicholas Church and Radford Hall is an attractive group of buildings as is the small group around the White Lion, Manor House and 64-68 Southam Road. In both cases, the majority of buildings which make up these groupings are listed and therefore adequately protected. There is very little linkage between the two groups, with the exception of School Lane, which does not contain sufficient unaltered 19th century buildings to warrant an inclusion in a conservation area. Lewis Road, being the other historic village street, has been significantly altered and the majority of buildings do not retain at least 60% of their original features. It is considered that overall, the historic elements are too scattered to warrant conservation area status. The majority of attractive historic buildings are protected by listed building status. The two unlisted buildings of significance in the village are the Manor House and the old school have already been considered for listing and not considered of significant merit.

Hunningham

Hunningham is a scattered settlement, possibly the result of a disserted medieval village. There are two significant groups of properties with other scattered dwellings and farms forming part of the parish. To the south is a grouping around School Lane and the parish church of St Margarets, which is a grade II listed building. School Lane forms two sides of a triangle around a field, contained on the third side by an unclassified lane leading northwards towards Hall Farm. Adjacent to the church is the old bakehouse which is a listed building, to the south is the old school house, a small Victorian school now converted into a house. To the south of this group in church lane, Moat Cottage, The Barn and Saddlestones are traditional buildings, one of which is a barn conversion and make an interesting gateway into the church group. Adjacent to these are more contemporary buildings including the Vicarage, the Motte, Highcote and The Dormers, together with Hunters Heights and The Bungalow. The southern end of school lane has again a grouping of Linden Lodge, and Sunrise, both of which are interesting buildings, but not listed. To the north end of School Lane, is Hall Farm which is a Grade II listed early 19th century house. These constitute a group of buildings around the triangular area of agricultural land which has some trees possibly from an orchard within it. This is an interesting collection of buildings and clearly part of the original settlement with St Margaret’s church, (a very unaltered small medieval church with a distinctive tree line approach). It has, however, had modern infill buildings and certain of the buildings have been altered which has detracted from their historic character. The three most important historic buildings are themselves listed, being St Margaret’s church, the Old Bakehouse and Hall Farm House. Of the remaining buildings, Linden Lodge and Sunrise are perhaps the most unaltered historic properties and would be worthy of consideration by English Heritage in terms of their listability. In terms of the character of the whole area, however, although it is an attractive area, it is lacking in significant historic cohesiveness and we would not recommend its inclusion as a conservation area.

In terms of the other significant part of the settlement, along the road running east, west, from Elm Farm to Hunnigham Bridge is a mixture of largely Victorian buildings, with one timber framed property on the south side, The Old Hall. Adjacent to Elm Farm at the road junction are a series of cottages known as Elm Farm cottages together with Lee Terrace. Elm Farm cottages are 19th century farm cottages all of which have now been altered with modern windows and have lost much of their historic character. Similarly, Lee Terrace, a series of semi-detached estate cottages have also been altered. Moving west along the road towards Hunningham Bridge, there road is tree lined and on the north side is Hunningham House, a large Victorian property used for a time as a temporary lunatic asylum. On the south side is the Old Hall which is a grade II listed building and adjacent to the river bridge is the Red Lion public house, an attractive timber framed building, largely of nineteenth century origin. The approach from the bridge is attractive and the approach to both the Old Hall and Hunningham House are attractive through the tree lined road. In terms of historic character, however, the buildings to the west have all been altered. The Old Hall is itself protected as a grade II listed building and the Red Lion Public House and Hunnigham House may be worthy of reconsideration for possible listing. It is therefore considered that the historic character and cohesiveness of this area are not sufficient for recommendation for conservation area status.

Western under Wetherley

Western under Wetherley is linear settlement on the Rugby Road between and Princethorpe. There is no significant historic core, however, there are a few interesting buildings along its length. At the west end there is a grouping around the medieval church of St Michael including Church Farm House, which is a grade II listed building, Glebe House, the Old Forge and Devon Cottage, which although not listed form an attractive group with the church. Moving eastwards, Bostock Terrace and the entrance to St Michaels Close are all 20th Century developments of no specific architectural character. Clearly this part of the village was open fields until the entrance to the former hospital site which has now been redeveloped into housing off Sabin Drive. Of the remaining buildings stretching eastwards along Rugby Road, Bromley cottage, The Old farmhouse Penns Cottage and Wedgewood, Timbers and Bibury Cottage at the edge of the village are all Grade II listed buildings. Between these, however, are a series of 20th century houses, which do not add to a cohesive historic character and therefore would not warrant consideration for conservation area status.

Although the area around the church is an attractive approach to the village, it is a particularly small group of buildings, the two principal ones of which are protected by listed building status. Adjacent is Bostock Terrace, which would not be suitable for consideration for conservation area status. We would therefore not consider this area of the village to warrant conservation area status. We would, however, investigate the possibility of listed building status for the other buildings which form part of this group.

Wappenbury

Wappenbury is a small settlement, with medieval earthworks around Camp Farm. The village is located off the Rugby Road between Western under Wetherley and Princethorpe, The T-junction forming the centre of the settlement has a lane leading southwards past camp farm and dividing at St John the Baptist Church to serve other dwellings and farms. The principal features of the settlement are St John the Baptist Church which is medieval grade II listed building and St Anne’s Roman Catholic Church and Presbytery, which are also of 19th century origin, but not listed. Residential properties of significance in the village are Camp Farm House which is a grade II listed building, Garden Cottage a small but attractive house opposite St Johns Church and Wappenbury Hall, a large Edwardian House set in its own grounds, opposite the t-junction road. Wappenbury Hall operates a nursery in part of the grounds. The house itself is set behind high walls and well kept hedges, and it is a distinguished property on the north side of the road. The remainder of this settlement consists of a number of late 19th and 20th century houses adjacent to the junction with Rugby Road, these are, although attractive, are not of architectural merit.

In terms of the core of the village, the most significant buildings are protected by listed building status, St John’s Church and Camp Farm. St Ann’s Church and Wappenbury Hall, which are the other two significant buildings, could be considered by English Heritage for listing status.

In terms of the general cohesiveness of the area, and the overall historic character, it is difficult to justify conservation area status for this very small settlement. The Two of the principle buildings have listed building protection and the other two may also warrant that level of protection, however as a group, the character and architectural quality is insufficient to recommend conservation area status.

Honiley

Honiley is a small settlement no visible village centre. The area has most likely always been a series of farms. Honiley Hall and Church is the historic central feature. Of the original Honiley Hall, only the ‘outbuildings’ remain, in the form of north and south lodge and the malthouse, both of which are grade II listed and form the setting for the church of St John the Baptist. This was originally the private chapel to Honiley Hall built in 1723 and therefore never traditionally serving a village. This is also listed together with the gates. The present Honiley Hall is an Edwardian House set away from the original hall grouping and is not a listed building. This is a significant house which it may be worth investigating architecturally with a view to possible listing by English Heritage. Of the other buildings in the settlement, Church Farm House is a fine 17th century farm house which is grade II listed together with Grove Farm House which is also a listed building, with listed barns adjacent, but some way from the main settlement. Of the remaining dwellings there is nothing of architectural merit although an attractive and quiet area of . This area is all green belt and is ideally protected by this status rather than conservation area status, for which there is insufficient architectural or historic character, particularly as the three principal buildings, being the remnant of Honiley Hall, are already protected as listed buildings.

Beausale

Beausale is a similar settlement to Honiley, being a series of dwellings grouped around attractive Warwickshire lanes. There is no distinct village centre, there is no church and the majority of buildings of significance are farmhouses. Of the listed properties in Beausale, eight are farmhouses including Beausale House and Kites Nest, an attractive classical building built in 1788/9 by Francis Hiron. None of these buildings form a cohesive group with any other properties (they are all isolated). The Old Smithy, which is the only other listed property, built as a dwelling, with 19th century forge buildings adjacent, bounds the main route through Beausale and is adjacent to other 20th century properties. This is currently being restored, but does not form any cohesive link with other historic properties in the village. This area is protected by green belt status which is the most appropriate form of protection at present, given that there is no cohesive link between the properties and that all the historic buildings including farmhouses and farm barns are protected adequately by listed building status.

Haseley Knob

Haseley Knob is a similar settlement to Honiley and Beausale; being largely made up of scattered dwellings with village core around the cross roads. There are no significant buildings of architectural interest in the central core of the village with. As an area it has the protection of green belt status, and does not have sufficient architectural or historic interest to be recommended for conservation area status.

Baddesley Clinton

Baddesley Clinton is a relatively small settlement off the Birmingham Road. The village itself is set away from Baddesley Clinton House, the National Trust property, where the Parish Church is located. The most significant building in Baddesley Clinton is the Poor Clares Convent and Roman Catholic Church. These are Victorian buildings located off Rising Lane. Manor Park Farm and Haywood Barn off the south western end of Rising Lane are also 19th farm century buildings, now converted as residential properties but not of particular architectural significance. The remaining part of Rising Lane to its junction with Birmingham Road and Birmingham Road itself is dominated by a range of 20th century houses with some 19th century buildings now significantly altered. Although an interesting area this would not warrant conservation area status.

In terms of the Poor Clares Convent, this is an interesting group of Victorian buildings purpose built as a Convent, with the attached Roman Catholic Church. They may be worthy of consideration by English Heritage for listing status, (although modernisations have been carried out to the buildings which may detract from their overall quality).

It is not considered there is sufficient historic or architectural character at Baddesley Clinton Village to warrant conservation area status.

In terms of Baddesley Clinton House, and associated grounds, the house is grade I listed and all the attached or associated buildings are also listed, together with the Parish Church. The grounds are a registered garden and the whole property is within greenbelt. It is therefore considered that there would be little merit in designating the grounds and property as conservation area, particularly as these do not in any way group with the village of Baddesley Clinton or any other settlement.

Chessetts Wood

Chessetts Wood is part of Parish and consists of two principle roads, Chesswood Road and Chapel Lane, with Valley Lane leading off to some isolated settlements. There are no listed properties within Chessits Wood; a millhouse in Mill Lane, off Chessetts Wood Road, being the only listed property in that part of Lapworth. This area has developed, most possibly as clearings in the Forest of Arden, with isolated cottages, which may have now been replaced by the present late 19th century and 20th century properties which make up this area. It is a scattered residential area within the greenbelt and protected as such by greenbelt status. There is little of historic architectural character and as such it is felt not to merit conservation area status.

Kingswood

Kingswood is part of Lapworth parish. There is no significant village centre although there are a number of older developments along Old Warwick Road, including 1-5 Kingswood, and the Kingswood Farm House and the Navigation Inn, which is adjacent to the canal. The coming of both the canal and the railway obviously had a significant impact on Kingswood as they run parallel with each other. There is still a railway station in Station Road which clearly fostered the larger Victorian houses evident along parts of Station Road. Kingswood House which is opposite the Station is an earlier house, which appears to have developed with stabling probably to serve the station opposite. Within Station Lane there are a number of significant Victorian houses together with a Victorian non- conformist chapel, which are in some ways incongruous in the countryside, however, clearly relate to the development of a station in this area.

Kingswood, Lapworth and Chessits Wood are all former clearings in the Forest of Arden and other developments probably replaced earlier timber framed forest dwellings. Moving out of Station Lane to Rising Road, which links back into Lapworth, there are a number of large properties set in their own grounds dating from the early part of the 20th century and some of a later date,. Clearly this area developed as a significant residential location within the greenbelt, in easy reach of the station and the urban areas of Coventry and Birmingham.

There are three principal areas of Kingswood: Warwick Road, Station Lane and Rising Road. Warwick Road, although containing some listed buildings has been largely infilled by 20th century housing and is not of any significant architectural character to warrant conservation area status. Station Lane which contains the Victorian developments is an attractive residential road of significant length with the station at a mid-point. Whilst the Victorian properties are of interest, there are insufficient of them to form a cohesive group to warrant conservation area status, however, a number would possibly warrant consideration by English Heritage for listing. Rising Road leads out into the open countryside and has a number of large houses set in their own grounds, some with lodge gates which make for an attractive area, but without any significant historic character to warrant conservation area designation.

This area is within the greenbelt, and as such is well protected. It is not considered that there are any areas within Kingswood which would warrant designation as a conservation area.

Lapworth Village Centre

Lapworth Village Centre comprises Old Warwick Road and the junction with Mill Lane. The only listed building in the vicinity is the Tan house, which is a 16th and 17th century house set in its own grounds. The junction with Mill Lane and Warwick Road is defined by early 20th century shops, one of which is currently the Post Office and some Victorian Houses in Old Warwick Road, (not unlike those in Station Lane, Kingswood). This part of Lapworth has developed similarly to Station Lane with the coming of the railways and the provision of some larger Victorian houses, which have a semi-urban feel to them. Whilst Warwick Road is an attractive road, it is largely made up of 20th century properties. To the rear of the properties is the canal which forms a significant element of Lapworth. In Mill Lane is the Mill House which is a grade II listed building, set in its own grounds.

As with Kingswood, this part of Lapworth is a residential area, however it does not have a strong historic character or predominance of historic buildings and as such does not qualify as an area of special architectural or historic interest, and therefore does not justify conservation area status.

High Cross

High Cross is within Parish and consists of High Cross Lane, Back Lane and Narrow Lane. There are listed buildings in each of these lanes, however, the dwellings are particularly scattered and there is no cohesive centre or grouping of buildings. It is a pleasant, tranquil area, within the greenbelt, however, the significant buildings with any historic merit, which include High Cross House, Barns at High Cross Farm and Pitts Farm and Brook Furlong Farm are all listed buildings and therefore have their own level of protection. It is not considered that conservation area status would be appropriate when there is already green belt protection in this area.

Wroxall Abbey Grounds

Wroxall Abbey was built in 1866 by the Dugdale family, within its grounds are the ruins of Wroxhall Priory together with other remnants of the former house at one stage owned by Christopher Wren’s family. The village of Wroxall which is the estate village to the Abbey is already a conservation area. Wroxall Abbey was listed in 1990 when a thorough survey of all the parts of the Abbey was carried out and almost all the features of interest are separately listed, including the Abbey Buildings, the Priory remains and the Church of St Leonard’s, the forecourt walls, entrance lodge, entrance gate, formal garden walls and gate piers and stable block. The grounds are also on the register of historic parks and gardens and within greenbelt.

The Abbey has been converted into a hotel from its former use as a school. With the exception of certain pieces of work carried out without consent, this has been a successful conversion dealt with within the existing levels of protection which cover the Abbey buildings and grounds. As this is a single entity, it already has a significant level of protection. And it is not considered that conservation area status would be appropriate. The principle unlisted elements relating to Wroxall Abbey which are of historic interest are the village itself and this has already been recognised in the designation of the village as a conservation area some years ago.

Hampton on the Hill

Hampton on the Hill is part of Parish. The village centres around the road junction, one of which is Old School Lane, containing the old house which is a 17th century timber framed building. Listed buildings in Hampton on the Hill are St Charles Roman Catholic Church and Presbytery and nos. 10 and 11 Main Street which are brick fronted 17th century cottages. There are interesting views to the old house across a piece of open green and main street adjacent to and into the grounds of St Charles Roman Catholic Church. Some recent development has continued the theme of brick fronted buildings at the back of the pavement which fits in well with the context of the village. There are, however, a significant number of mid 20th century infill properties which do not add to the historic character of the village. Whilst there are interesting views, there is a little cohesiveness between the historic properties although there is an interesting mixture of old and 20th century buildings, there is insufficient historic character or cohesiveness to the village to warrant consideration for conservation area status. Those buildings which are of specific historic or architectural merit are already protected by listed building status.

Budbrook & Hampton Magna

There is no historic village core to Budbrook as the church is isolated from the majority of the village. The church is listed and adjacent to it is a farmhouse and the church hall which was built in the last 15 to 20 years. There is nothing of significance to warrant conservation area status, as the church itself is already protected as a listed building. The former barrack site in Budbrook has now been completely redeveloped for housing with the former Victorian buildings reflected in the form of a commemorative plaque and odd sections of wall. There is therefore nothing of interest to warrant conservation area designation in this area.

Hatton Hospital

Hatton hospital was the former county mental hospital with its Central Building and Lodge House as a grade II listed buildings. There were other significant buildings on the site which were not listed, but treated as buildings within the curtilage of a listed property. In order to conserve the historic elements of the hospital and to give it a new use, a plan for the conversion of part of the hospital for residential use and redevelopment in the grounds for residential use was eventually approved about 15 years ago. The plan entailed removing later editions and some outlying wings of the hospital together with demolition of some of the non-listed curtilage buildings retaining most significantly the former Nurses Home and Lea House, both of which are now converted into residential use. The site is now fully developed and the historic core building converted into flats.

Under the legislation available at the time of the closure of the hospital, a successful transition and conversion has been carried out to this very large listed building, the original use of which was no longer applicable. It is therefore considered that conservation area status would not benefit the hospital buildings, as the main historic buildings are listed or have the protection of curtilage status at the time they were converted (which still remains) there are no other significant historic elements which would benefit from conservation area status. It is therefore considered that it would not be appropriate to consider conservation area designation for the former Hatton hospital site. All of the significant trees on the site are covered by TPO’s

Hatton Station

Hatton Station is a small community within which developed around the station which is still operating. There are some 19th century buildings and the canal running alongside. Station house is a grade 2 listed building. There has, been significant 20th century infill on various pieces of ground and the station area. There is no particular historic character or architectural interest to this small residential area, which is already protected by greenbelt status. It is therefore not proposed that this should be put forward for conservation area status.

Hatton

The village centre of Hatton is known as Hatton Green and lies between the Birmingham Road and Hockley Road and is known as The Green or Hatton Green. It is a single roadway with no particular village centre. The Church of the Holy Trinity, which is the parish church for Hatton is actually fronted onto Birmingham Road with a footpath back into Hatton Green. There is no particular centre point to Hatton Green, however, there are two district groupings, one around the junction of Hockley Road, the other centres around the old vicarage, the Fernicumbe C of E School and the village hall. The area between the two is infilled with mid 20th century housing, which was presumably open fields previously. At the junction of Hockley Road and Hatton Green there is a forge which is still a working building of 19th century origins, with gardener’s cottage on the diagonally opposite corner which is a listed building. On the south east corner is Hatton House, also listed, is a large house set in its own grounds, largely hidden from the road by the treebelt around the outside of the estate. Whilst the junction of Hockley Road and Hatton Green is an attractive area, there is insufficient of cohesive l interest to warrant designating this area as a conservation area. The principle buildings at the intersection with Hockley Road are already protected by listed building status. The other building of local interest at this junction is the Forge.

Moving to the other section of the village, at the junction of The Green with Birmingham Road, there are a number of interesting properties, some of which are already listed. Listed properties include the Old Rectory, the Old Post Office, No. 3 and Arden Cottage. Also in the grouping is the Fernicumbe primary school and the village hall, another interesting Victorian building. This is located on the north side of Birmingham Road. The road through these buildings is characterised by a t-junction leading off to the old Rectory, which now also comprises The Old Stables and Old Bakery, together with the new Rectory and Bearcott Lodge. This group compromises a small collection of interesting buildings but not with significant cohesiveness. The principal historic buildings are listed and these which are not, including the village hall should probably be put forward for consideration by English Heritage for listing. It is therefore considered that this small area does not warrant conservation are status.

Shrewley

Shrewley lies to the south of Hockley Road, the main part of the settlement being known as Shrewley Common with Hughes Hill being a linkage between Shrewley Common and Hockley Road.

Shrewley House is the only listed building within Shrewley Common itself with the Gatehouse being set away from the village. The other buildings of historic character are the Old Forge at the junction of Shrewley Common with Hockley Road which has now been converted into a residential property. There are a number of interesting Edwardian houses at 32 and 34 Shrewley Common, 19th century cottages at 79 Shrewley Common and an old conformist chapel now converted into a dwelling. The remaining properties are 20th century infill and, whilst an attractive residential area, not of any historic character. Shrewley House itself does not relate cohesively to the remainder of the settlement and has had a number of changes carried out under the benefit of listed building legislation. It is therefore not considered appropriate to recommend Shrewley for conservation area status.

Pinley Green

Pinley Green is formed around two road junctions, an attractive area of the greenbelt. The Abbey farmhouse itself is a listed building together with various associated Abbey remains some of which are grade II star listed.

There are no listed buildings in Pinley Green itself. The buildings of the late 19th century together with attractive 20th century buildings and mature gardens. There is nothing however of significant architectural or historic interest to warrant consideration of this area for designation as a conservation area. It does have the benefit of greenbelt status which is adequate protection for this area.

Fiveways

Fiveways junction on the Birmingham Road, is partly in Haseley Parish. There are no listed buildings in the vicinity of fiveways and the most significant building is Haseley Hall, a 19th century property now converted into houses and flats. This is not a listed building and has been satisfactorily converted. There are a number of other attractive properties in Fiveways Road and Shaws Lane, Haseley Grange and Throckmoreton Close are infill developments off the main road and are of no architectural significance. There is no real cohesiveness to this area or historical significance to warrant consideration for conservation area status.

Hampton Magna

Hampton Magna has already been described as part of Budbrooke. This is a redevelopment of the former Barracks site with little or no remnants of the Barracks remaining, save a plaque and a few walls. There is a variety of 1960s and 1970s housing with no historical remnants or buildings of this period which would warrant any form of protection. It is an interesting residential development of its time but not worthy of consideration for conservation area status.

Stareton

Stareton is a hamlet located between Stoneleigh Abbey grounds, the National Agricultural Centre and Stoneleigh Deer Park (Stoneleigh Park Business Centre). The hamlet originally was part of the Stoneleigh Abbey estate and would have been a small agricultural community associated with the Stoneleigh Abbey Estate. The Hamlet is spaced out along a single road consisting in its entirety of 11 dwellings. The core of the settlement is around Stareton House, Park Farm, Rose Cottage, and Nos. 1 and 2 Stareton. Nos. 4 and 5 Stareton are set away from the main grouping and the other dwellings are isolated from it. There are 3 listed buildings Nos. 1 and 2 Stareton which are timber framed cottages with bricked fronts. Number 4 and 5 Stareton which are 2 timber framed houses, and Yew Tree Cottage, a timber framed house with 20th Century additions set away from the main settlement. Stareton House is a substantial house probably of 18th century origins with some large Victorian bay windows and porch added to it. Opposite Stareton House is Park Farm, another significant late 18th century building with some later additions and associated barns.

The approach to the village is tree lined and with the buildings forms a pleasant view into the settlement. The group however is very small and in many ways the buildings offer more individually than the actual significance of the group. It is interesting that only one building Nos. 1 and 2 are listed buildings. We would suggest that Rose Cottage, Stareton House and Park Farm are reassessed for listing by English Heritage. Some years ago The Beehive, a small lodge cottage set away from the village was assessed for listing and was considered not to be listable. It is considered that there is insufficient cohesiveness between the properties to consider conservation area status, however the settlement has the protection of greenbelt status. The previously mentioned 3 buildings of individual interest should warrant some further investigation in terms of possible list ability.

Burton Green

Burton Green is located along Red Lane, Hob Lane and Cromwell Lane and is to the north west of , forming a suburb of Coventry. There is one listed building Long Meadow Farm which is 17th century origins altered in the 18th century. Close by is the small late Victorian school. The other significant buildings are a late 19th / early 20th century group of houses at the junction of Red Lane, Hob Lane and Cromwell Lane which are in the 17th century style of the large estate cottages which do form a distinctive group at this road junction. The remaining houses are of ribbon development of the inter war and later periods. There appears to be no natural core to the development. The small school originally served a collection of farms and isolated buildings which were eventually linked into Coventry by the ribbon development which now dominates the settlement. Although this is a pleasant residential area and an interesting piece of ribbon development, there appears to be little of historic or architectural interest (over the fact that it is ribbon development) to warrant conservation area status.

Lapworth Street

Lapworth Street runs in a North South direction from the core area of Lapworth/Kingswood in a Southerly direction to Lowsonford. The northern part of Lapworth Street is the most populated with isolated dwellings and farms after the intersection of the M40, through Lapworth Street. North from the M40 is an interesting collection of houses set in their own grounds all with mature gardens. The quality of the buildings varies architecturally with a number of listed buildings including Tudor Farm House, Catesby Farm House, and High Chimneys, the remaining houses are largely early to late 20th century large houses set in their own grounds. None are particularly significant architecturally although may warrant further investigation to check if any are by noted architects and therefore possibly worthy of consideration for listing. As an entity, however, this section of Lapworth Street, although an attractive part of Lapworth, does not have sufficient historic or architectural character to warrant conservation area status. Those buildings which are of historic interest are already listed and a further investigation may warrant possibly a further two or three properties being considered for listing. This area is in many ways similar to the rest of Lapworth and Kingswood, with the whole area protected by greenbelt. Catesby Lane which loops back to the main road opposite the Boot Public House is of a similar character with very large houses.

Bushwood

Bushwood is made up entirely of isolated Farm Houses with Bushwood Hall, a moated house being the building of most interest. There are also two sections of ancient woodland within Bushwood. It is a very attractive area of countryside but with no significant groupings of buildings to warrant conservation area status. Bushwood Hall itself is a listed building and the whole area is protected by greenbelt status together with sections of ancient woodland designation.

Mouseley End

Mousley End is a collection of isolated buildings in an attractive countryside located between Fiveways and Rowington Green. Case Lane forms part of Mousley End; there are some listed cottages within Case Lane, although these are isolated buildings. Within Mousley End is also the Old Farmhouse, a fascinating 16th and 17th century listed building. And a further listed barn at Mousley Hill Farm. Although this is attractive countryside, there is no cohesion of buildings of historic interest. The whole area is covered by greenbelt status and therefore is protected as such.

Hollywell

Hollywell a very small settlement is reached from Shrewley Common and Pinley Green. The centre of the settlement is a junction of three roads with a small triangular green in the centre. Hollywell Farm House and Hollywell Manor Farm, are two listed buildings in Hollywell, and Hollywell House is a significant late 19th century three story red brick house, on the approach road into the green. On the east side of the green, the grade II listed building is very evident, however the other two sides of the green have less evidence of built development; whilst a pleasant area has insufficient historic or architectural cohesiveness to warrant conservation area status. Hollywell House is somewhat detached from this grouping with another small 19th century house adjacent to it. Hollywell House is a significant Victorian house which may be worthy of further investigation in terms of possible Listing.

Appendix B

Survey of Settlements Proposed for Conservation Area Status

Eathorpe

Eathorpe is situated off the Fosse Way which at some stage was diverted to avoid part of the village. The village itself is situated around four roads which form a square around a section of agricultural land which is integral to the composition of the village. To the south of the village is Eathorpe Hall, set in its own grounds. The core of the village is situated along Main Street which contains the principal residential properties to both sides of the road. To the east, the original section of the Fosse Way contains the Plough Public House and Eathorpe Park Lodge, originally the Lodge House to Eathorpe Park, now intersected from the original driveway by the relocated main road. This section of road links back down Pens Lane to the Main Street and another section of lane down past Ivy Cottage to the other end of Main Street. In terms of listed buildings, Myrtle Cottage and Thyme Cottage are a pair of 17th century timber framed cottages and are the only listed buildings in the main part of the village. Eathorpe Hall is grade II listed with a number of buildings in the grounds which have been dealt with as curtilage properties. There is also gardeners cottage within the grounds which is separately listed, this being a late 18th century range of three cottages.

The Main Street consists of a series of brick and rendered cottages on the west side. This is a good run of 19th century brick cottages containing largely their original windows. Following on, Rose Dale, The Cottage, and Forge Cottage are all traditional buildings with 20th century alterations, largely not detracting from the overall character. On the east side of the road, Park Cottages are a series of cottages probably built in the late 1920s and retaining much of their original character. Fosse Cottage is a former small non-conformist chapel now converted and extended into a dwelling, but still retaining some of its original character. Adjacent to the junction with Pens Lane is a bus shelter and recreation ground. The section of Main Street running out of the village towards the river contains a number of significant buildings. The Gables is a good Victorian house and Poplars Farm is a good 18th century house with later additions which may be worthy of consideration for listing by English Heritage. To the rear of Poplars Farm the Farm Barns are now all converted into a series of dwellings without impinging on the character of the main house. Mill House is the last dwelling before the river. This is adjacent to is the former mill which still retains the mill race and is a gateway building into Main Street. On the opposite side of the river is a light industrial enclosure.

Pens Lane running east west is characterised by a very good box hedge originally around the garden of Poplars Farm but now forming a boundary to the dwellings in the grounds of Poplars Farm together with the Farm House itself. This has been penetrated by the construction of Pens Lane Cottage, a rather large residence with a detached garage which is, although a good house, rather out of character and dependent on the landscaping and recreation of the box hedge developing to help integrate it back into the village character. Views down Pens Lane on both sides are characterised by high hedges and some overhanging trees.

The original section of the main road containing The Plough Public House, has significant views back across the open farmland to the dwellings in Main Street. Eathorpe Park Lodge is a small Victorian lodge house and The Plough Inn a small rendered village public house with 20th century windows but retaining much of the character of a village public house. To the rear of the public house are 2 dwellings which are modern infill. Past the Plough Inn, the road turns sharply back towards Main Street. There is a third modern house at the corner, at this point. The road at this point is a deep lane with banking on the south side and high hedges also set on a bank on the north side. This forms a very attractive village lane with no dwellings with the exception of Ivy Cottage at the bottom, which opens out into Main Street. To the south of Ivy Cottage the grounds of Eathorpe Hall are lightly wooded.

Eathorpe Hall is a grade II listed building with gardners cottages in the grounds which are also grade II listed. The house itself is an 18th century with 19th century additions with further 19th century buildings in the grounds including extensive stables converted into houses and The Lodge which has also been extended. Generally the Hall and its setting have remained relatively unaltered although additional dwellings have been created.

The village of Eathorpe generally does contain quite a number of buildings, which although not listed, are of historic character and have retained their character. There are a number of modern buildings in the village including the Village Hall, the house next to the Village Hall, Pens Lane Cottage together with the various barn conversions and additions to the farmyard complex at Poplars Farm. This however, does not adversely intrude into the village or detract from the overall quality. The views around the village do maintain a consistent character. With significant views across the road adjacent to The Plough Public House to Main Street and the cottages there. From the village itself there are few views into open countryside as the village to the south is contained by the Hall grounds and to the north largely enclosed by hedges which form part of the character of Pens Lane.

In terms of judging this village against the criteria for conservation area designation, there would appear to be sufficient architectural and historic interest that has remained unspoiled or has been conserved in a consistent way as to suggest that this village should be recommended for conservation area designation.

Appendix D contains a plan of the village with the proposed boundary drawn around it. It is proposed that the boundary should encompass the majority of the village to the east the road containing The Plough Public House and the lodge to Eathorpe Park and to the south the Hall and its grounds, excluding certain large farm structures and an area of farmland to the east. To the west it is proposed that all of Main Street should be included. The boundary should then be drawn alongside the road to The Hall excluding the modern pumping station to the south west. To the north west end of the village, the attractive grouping around Poplars Farm and The Gables should be included and The Mill House and the section of river forming the Mill Race, and one nineteenth Century building on the west side of the river but excluding the light industrial site to the west side of the river. To the north, Pens Lane with its high hedges should be included, but possibly not Pen Lane Cottage which is a modern building, with the exception of the line of the hedge. The boundary takes in the majority of the village including the agricultural land in the centre, which is an important element in terms of the views across the village and the general structure of this village.

Baginton

Baginton is situated to the south of Coventry and is itself in easy access of Coventry. Baginton village has now developed along the main roads into Coventry although the original village core is around Church Road. The village is on an elevated position looking towards Coventry. The village is also renowned for the Roman earthworks which have been recreated into the Lunt Fort which is now open to the public on a regular basis. The village also has the remnants of a medieval castle at Bagots Castle which is also a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

The village also originally had a small country house, Baginton Hall, which was demolished after the First World War and the grounds developed to housing, presumably attract people out of Coventry. The location of the Hall has had some influence on the way in which the village developed historically and also the way in which it has now developed as a residential area associated with Coventry. Considering the original village core there is an area known as The Green, at the junction of Coventry Road and Church Road which to the east is linked to a terrace of late 18th century cottages known as The Row. To the south west is an extension of the Green with a pond and a series of trees. Church Lane then continues to the junction with Kimberley Road. At this junction there is a good group of buildings including Home Farm, Oak Farm, Lucy Price House, and the Old School House. There are also a series of barn conversions now known as Stable Yard, Mill House, The Hovel, The Stables, The Mews, The Granary and The Coach House. In Church Road there are a series of listed buildings including, Lucy Price House, Oak Farm, No. 2 Church Road and the Old Rectory, together with Church of St John the Baptist. These together with a barn conversions and the Old School House, which is unlisted, form an interesting group. The Old Rectory is set back in its own grounds and has on either side of it the Glebe Barn, which is an early barn conversion and New House which is an interesting house of the 1960s/70s set in its own grounds. Beyond the end of Church Road are the grounds containing Bagots Castle, which is the foundations and low walls of a 14th century building which is protected as a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

The church which is a grade I listed building of 13th century origin is set in an attractive church yard with some old yew trees and an 18th century brick wall to the north side. This would appear to be a remnant of the grounds of Baginton Hall.

Kimberley Road leads back towards Coventry Road and is typified by a series of bungalows which are common also in other parts of the village which appear to have been built during the interwar period, probably within the grounds of Baginton Hall after it had been demolished. These do have some significance as early brick and concrete block dwellings which may have been associated with the development of Coventry Airport in 1935, which is partly within Baginton Parish.

Following the line of Coventry Road, past The Row which faces The Green, Bromleigh Villas are a series of mid to late 20th century houses of little architectural interest which overlook the triangular area of agricultural land towards Home Farm and its associated barns which have now all been converted into dwellings. There are some interesting open views from this point across to the buildings in Church Road, including the small timber framed building known as The Forge, which is at the edge of The Green. Continuing along Coventry Road, Edinburgh Villas are a series of similar houses and there are a number of detached houses between Bromleigh Villas and Edinburgh Villas and on the west side of the road a series of semi-detached houses of interwar period. There is an open area of recreation ground formed between Coventry Road and Francis Road with 20th century housing facing onto the open space. Coventry Road then continues in a westerly direction towards the river crossing. To the north, there is the Lunt Fort and its cottages which are a pair of 18th century to 19th century cottages which are grade II listed buildings. Coventry Road is then dominated by 20th century housing, some of which must date from the original development of the area following the demolition of Baginton Hall with a pair of 19th century gate piers, which must be the remnant of the entrance into the Hall. Rose Cottage and Ivy Cottage are samples of earlier settlements along Coventry Road and in the grounds of Rose Cottage is a grade II listed barn. Coventry Road at the junction with Hall Drive becomes Mill Hill running down towards the river at the Old Mill Hotel. Mill Hill is typified by detached and semi-detached dwellings set in their own grounds, all of mid to late 20th century origin and although an attractive residential area not of particular architectural interest.

Baginton as a village does fall into a series of parts, the historic core around Church Road Green which does still retain much of the character of the original village, with the church at the end, adjacent to the site of Baggotts Castle. Clearly the original village was then dominated by Baginton Hall grounds which extended up to Coventry Road and the settlement continued with odd dwellings which remain as the Lunt Cottages and Rose Cottage. The original road then descended to the river and to the Old Mill which has now been extended extensively, as the Old Mill Hotel. From the historic core there is an interwar development of bungalows which does represent interesting development of that period within the former hall grounds. Many of these properties are now altered and there are no unaltered groups that could be classed as being of specific architectural interest. Lunt Fort clearly forms another part of the village, although of historic interest and educationally an extremely good facility, is not of particular architectural interest in terms of its association with the rest of the village. Mill Hill is a typical piece of ribbon development outside of the original village core leading down to the river.

In terms of conservation area consideration, the historic core around Church Road and The Green does contain much of the original fabric of this part of the village. There is a particular cohesiveness around the junction of Church Road with Kimberly Road and the stretch of Church Road running up to the church. There is also a secondary attractive group around The Green with The Row forming a backcloth to the east with the small timber framed forge building (which is unlisted) to the north of The Green and the pond to the east. Moving out from this grouping towards Bromleigh Villas and Kimberley Road, there is little of historic or architectural survival to warrant the inclusion of these buildings, although the area of agricultural land bounded by Coventry Road/Bromleigh Villas and Kimberley Road, is important to the setting of the historic core and The Green. It is therefore proposed that a boundary could be drawn for conservation area status around The Green to include The Row and the pond. and the agricultural land bounded by Coventry Road and Kimberley Road and then to include the core of the village and Home Farm, Oak Farm, Lucy Price House, the Old Rectory, and the Church. This would also include the village hall which, although not particularly attractive should but not be excluded and also New house and the new Rectory which are not incongruous in terms of the conservation area status and do have mature gardens which add to their quality.

As Baggotts Castle is protected as a scheduled ancient monument and there is little built heritage associated with the core of the village, it is not proposed at this stage to include the site of Baggotts Castle in the conservation area. The boundary would thus be drawn to the east of the new house enclosing the grounds of the old Rectory and Stable Yard, returning back to the lodge adjacent to The Green. It is therefore proposed that a new conservation area could be designated within these boundaries. In terms of the remainder of the village there is insufficient historic architectural survival or historic cohesiveness to warrant designating any other parts of the village.

Appendix C

CONSERVATION AREAS – A BRIEF GUIDE

Conservation Areas: Are designated under Section 69 of the 1990 Planning Act which defines Conservation Areas as “Areas of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance.”

There are many different kinds ranging from whole town centres to squares, terraces and village centres as is evident from the different characteristics of each conservation area within .

Conservation areas may be designated by Local Authorities, the Secretary of State and in London – English Heritage. Local residents can apply to local planning authorities to have their areas designated.

The designation of a conservation area has several formal consequences as set out below. These are designed to protect the best qualities of the Conservation Area for the benefit and enjoyment of everyone.

ƒ The demolition of most buildings is controlled, requiring conservation area consent from the local authority. It is always preferable to consult the Local Authority before carrying out demolition in a Conservation Area. Partial demolition is not always controlled and advice can be given on this by a Planning Officer at the local authority.

ƒ Notification of Trees Works. Notification must be made to a local authority if works are proposed on a tree with a trunk of 75 mm diameter, or greater, at a height of 1.5 metres from the ground. If tree removal for thinning purposes is proposed then the diameter raises to 100 mm. The Act does refer to trees and not shrubs as this applies to timber which is 1.5 metres high with the requisite diameter trunks. All shrubs and hedges lower than 1.5 metres can be cut back without the requirement to make a notification. Any overhanging branches or hedges onto a highway can be cut back under the Highway Act without the requirement for notification. Pruning fruit trees within the bounds of good horticultural practice is permitted without the need for notification.

Once notification has been made the Local Planning Authority may do one of three things, make a tree preservation order in the interests of the amenity of the area, decide to do nothing within a six week period after which the proposed works may be carried out or decide not to make a tree preservation order and inform the applicant.

It is an offence to carry out works to trees which fall within the category of notification without first going through this process.

ƒ The amount of “Permitted Development” which can be built without Planning Permission is more limited, although some minor extensions are still permissible without planning approval. The Local Authority Planning Department should always be contacted before carrying out any development. Article 4 Directions gives the local planning authority the power to restrict, selectively, certain permitted development rights in conservation areas and could cover:- the painting of external facades, replacement of roofs, replacement of rainwater goods, replacement of windows, replacement of doors, external boundary treatment. Where Article 4 Directions have been designated Planning Permission will be required to carry out works covered by the designation.

ƒ A Local Authority may apply to the Secretary of State, to designate a conservation area as an area of special control of advertisements. Which largely effects commercial properties in the conservation areas.

ƒ A Local Authority Planning Department must give special consideration to any new developments or alterations to existing buildings or requests to demolish a building, to ensure that the proposal will enhance and not detract from the quality of the Conservation Area.

Various guidance leaflets relating to Conservation Areas are available on request from Warwick District Council and some are available on the Council's website www.warwickdc.gov.uk and Planning Officers at the District Council are always happy to discuss any issues relating to Conservation Areas in the District.

In due course a character statement will be published by the District Council for the urban conservation areas in Warwick District, which will include any newly designated areas.