Contents List of Figures.................................................................................................................. 2 1. Introduction .................................................................................................................3 1.1 Background....................................................................................................... 3 1.2 Planning Policy Framework............................................................................... 3 1.3 Development Within a Conservation Area ........................................................ 3 1.4 Preparation and Survey Limitations .................................................................. 3 1.5 Community Involvement ................................................................................... 4 1.6 Acknowledgement…................................................................................................... 4 2. Summary of Special Interest ...................................................................................... 5 2.1 Special Historic Interest .................................................................................... 5 2.2 Special Architectural Interest ............................................................................ 5 3. Site and Situation ....................................................................................................... 6 3.1 Location and Setting ......................................................................................... 6 3.2 Economic and Social Profile ............................................................................. 6 4. Historic Morphology and Archaeology........................................................................ 7 4.1 Historic Morphology .......................................................................................... 7 4.2 Archaeology...................................................................................................... 8 5. Spatial Analysis and Built Form.................................................................................. 9 5.1 Urban Structure................................................................................................. 9 5.2 Open Space...................................................................................................... 9 5.3 Views .............................................................................................................. 10 5.4 Plan-Form, Height and Massing ..................................................................... 10 5.5 Building Density .............................................................................................. 11 5.6 Edges and Enclosure...................................................................................... 11 6. Architecture .............................................................................................................. 13 6.1 Architectural Style............................................................................................. 13 6.2 Listed Buildings and Important Unlisted Buildings ............................................ 14 6.3 Facades............................................................................................................ 14 6.4 Roofs ................................................................................................................ 15 6.5 Windows ........................................................................................................... 16 7. Street Scene ............................................................................................................ 17 7.1 Walls, Railings and Gates................................................................................. 17 7.2 Trees, Hedges and Green Space ..................................................................... 17 7.3 Public Realm..................................................................................................... 18 8. Damage & Deterioration........................................................................................... 20 8.1 Principal Negative Features.............................................................................. 20 8.2 General Condition............................................................................................. 21 8.3 Buildings at Risk ............................................................................................... 21 Taunton Deane Borough Council Page 1 of 31 February 2010 8.4 Threats and Pressures ..................................................................................... 21 9. Recommendations ................................................................................................... 23 9.1 Boundary Changes ............................................................................................ 23 9.2 Management & Enhancement ......................................................................... 233 Appendices ................................................................................................................... 24 Appendix A – Bibliography, Further Information and Advice...................................... 24 Appendix B – Conservation Areas: General Guidance.............................................. 25 Appendix C – Listed Buildings ................................................................................. 277 Appendix D – Important Unlisted Buildings.............................................................. 277 Appendix E – Maps………….…………………………………………………………….. 27 List of Figures Fig.1: Church and the Ashbrittle Yew. Fig.2: Former school, now the Village Hall Fig.3: The Ashbrittle Yew - planted on top of a possible Bronze Age burial mound. Fig.4: The green, open to north but enclosed at south end. Fig.5: Open area north of Court Fig.6: Typical housing east side of green, looking east. Fig.7: Modern bungalow with garaging set in large individual plot. Fig.8: Closely spaced houses along principal road looking west. Fig.9: Less dense settlement, south west of the green. Fig.10: Rowcliffe Cottages, typical of vernacular cottages in the village. Fig.11: Greywells House. c.1875. Fig.12: Court Place Farm – late-19th-century ‘makeover’ of 15th-century hall house. Fig.13: Removed render reveals construction materials at The Old House. Fig.14: Slate hanging, the slate roof has been sealed with bituminous paint. Fig.15: Thatched roof at Myrtle Cottage. Fig.16: Mixture of PVCu and timber windows at Parson’s Cottage/Galilee. Fig.17: Typical stone walls and hedges marking front boundaries Fig.18: The Ashbrittle Yew. Fig.19: Solar lamp housed in sculpture. Fig.20: Spring south of the green. Fig.21: Erosion caused by vehicles on western edge of the green. Fig.22: Garages on south end of the green. Fig.23: Pedestal tomb - in urgent need of remedial attention. Taunton Deane Borough Council Page 2 of 31 February 2010 1. Introduction 1.1 Background A Conservation Area is an area designated by a local authority as one of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance. The object of designation is not to prohibit change but to manage it in ways that maintain or strengthen the area’s special qualities. Once designated, the Local Authority in encouraged to undertake periodic appraisals to evaluate and record the special interest of the area and provide a framework for development control and the creation of initiatives to improve the area. Ashbrittle Conservation Area was designated by Taunton Deane Borough Council in 1993. The area was last reviewed in 2005 and public consultation was carried out but the Appraisal and proposed boundary revision were not adopted. This Appraisal updates and incorporates elements, including the proposed boundary changes, of the 2005 review. 1.2 Planning Policy Framework Conservation Areas are designated by Local Authorities in fulfilment of Section 69 of the Planning (Listed Building and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. Planning Policy Guidance Note 15 (PPG15) Planning and the Historic Environment (1994) highlights the need for Local Planning Authorities to define and record the special interest, character and appearance of all Conservation Areas in their districts. A clear definition of those elements which contribute to the special architectural or historic interest of a place will also inform the local policy framework (see Taunton Deane Local Development Framework), which in accordance with The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, planning applications must be considered against. Further guidance regarding the legal implications of designation is given in Appendix B. 1.3 Development within a Conservation Area Conservation Areas give broader protection than listing individual buildings and all the elements within the area are recognised as contributing in some degree to its character. Anyone considering undertaking works to a property, or developing land that lies within a Conservation Area is advised to contact a Conservation Officer and the responsible Development Management Officer at Taunton Deane Borough Council for assistance. This Appraisal will assist in the formulation of appropriate design strategies for new development, which should be fully articulated within a Design and Access Statement accompanying any planning application. CABE has produced useful guidance (see Appendix A). It is an offence to carry out unauthorised works. 1.4 Preparation and Survey Limitations This document