City of London Foster Lane Conservation Area Draft Character Summary and Management Strategy SPD Foster Lane CA Draft Character Summary and Management Strategy SPD – July 2015 1 Introduction ........................................................................................ 3 Character Summary .......................................................................... 4 1. Location and context ........................................................................................... 4 2. Designation history ................................................................................................ 5 3. Summary of character ......................................................................................... 5 4. Historical development ........................................................................................ 6 5. Spatial analysis ..................................................................................................... 11 6. Character analysis .............................................................................................. 14 7. Land uses and related activity .......................................................................... 19 8. Architectural character ..................................................................................... 19 9. Local details ......................................................................................................... 20 10. Building materials ................................................................................................ 21 11. Open spaces and trees ..................................................................................... 21 12. Public realm ......................................................................................................... 22 13 Cultural Associations .................................................................. 22 Management Strategy .................................................................... 23 14. Planning Policy .................................................................................................... 23 15. Access and an Inclusive Environment ............................................................. 25 16. Environmental Enhancement ............................................................................ 26 17. Transport ............................................................................................................... 26 18. Management of Open Spaces and Trees ...................................................... 27 19. Archaeology ........................................................................................................ 27 20. Enforcement ........................................................................................................ 28 21. Condition of the Conservation Area ................................................................ 28 Further reading and references ..................................................... 29 Appendix.......................................................................................... 30 Designated Heritage Assets........................................................................................ 30 Contacts ........................................................................................... 32 Foster Lane CA Draft Character Summary and Management Strategy SPD – July 2015 2 Introduction The present urban form and character of the City of London has evolved over many centuries and reflects numerous influences and interventions: hence the character and sense of place is unique to that area, contributing at the same time to the wider character of the City. This character summary and management strategy provides an understanding of the significance of the conservation area by identifying and analysing its principal characteristics. It does not include specific detail about every building and feature within the area, and any omission from the text should not be interpreted as an indication of lesser significance. The character summary and management strategy has been prepared in line with the Historic England document Understanding Place: Conservation Area Designation, Appraisal and Management (2011). This document is proposed to be adopted as a Supplementary Planning Document. It should be read in conjunction with the City of London Local Plan and other guidance, including ‘Conservation Areas in the City of London, A General Introduction to their Character’ (1994) which has more information on the history and character of the City. Wax Chandlers’ and Goldsmiths’ Halls Foster Lane CA Draft Character Summary and Management Strategy SPD – July 2015 3 Character Summary 1. Location and context Foster Lane Conservation Area is in the centre of the City of London. It is situated to the west of the Guildhall. Foster Lane Conservation Area is located between St Paul’s Cathedral and the Guildhall, bound by Aldersgate Street, Noble Street, Staining Lane, Gresham Street, Gutter Lane and Foster Lane. It covers an area of 11,246 sq. metres and is located within Cheap, Bassishaw and Aldersgate Wards. Foster Lane Conservation Area shares a boundary with Postman’s Park Conservation Area on its western side. St Paul’s Conservation Area lies a short distance to the south, with Bow Lane Conservation Area to the south and Guildhall Conservation Area to the east. Boundary Map Foster Lane CA Draft Character Summary and Management Strategy SPD – July 2015 4 2. Designation history 16 June 2007 Foster Lane Conservation Area was a new designation as part of the Conservation Area Boundary Review. 3. Summary of character The characteristics which contribute to the special interest of Foster Lane Conservation Area can be summarised as follows: A small linear area, based on medieval Foster Lane and comprising a gently curving street, alleyways and open spaces; The massing, rhythm, material and architectural detailing reflect the neo-classical style which is a vital element of the City’s character and appearance; The intimacy of scale is maintained by the relationship of a narrow street plan with open spaces and buildings that respect it; The concentration of Livery Halls in the area reflects a use that is unique to the City and its character. Together with churches, churchyards, open spaces and new buildings, the area reflect both the historic evolution of the City and its role as the financial centre of London. Details of features and characteristics which help to define the special interest of the conservation area are described below. Foster Lane CA Draft Character Summary and Management Strategy SPD – July 2015 5 4. Historical development Early history The area lies within the bounds of the Roman City of Londinium where the first Roman occupation dates to approximately AD 49-52. Extensive evidence of Roman activity has been recorded in the area including the Roman City wall and ditch; roads, surfaces, bridges, a well and other structures. At Foster Lane evidence has been recorded of buildings and quarrying. A Roman road linking the main west road with the southern gate to the Roman fort has been recorded beneath the east side of Foster Lane. Massive masonry footings seen in 1830 beneath Goldsmiths’ Hall may have been part of a podium for a Roman temple or shrine; a 2nd century altar from the site is preserved in the Hall. At Gutter lane, buildings from the Roman period were identified, as well as a road and a 1st century mosaic which was found during sewer digging in the 1840s. All of this evidence indicates the importance of the City during this early Roman period. By the middle of the 5th century, London’s role as an administrative centre and port had ceased. Although the defensive wall of the City may have remained in good repair, the layers of dark earth found overlying Roman remains on many City sites suggests that much of the area had either been cultivated or lain waste. There is little evidence in the area for continuity of urban life between the demise of Roman Londinium and the Saxon re-establishment in the 9th Century. Road layers and stake holes have been identified at Foster Lane, and at Noble Street. Dark earth and pottery have been recorded in archaeological work. Medieval The first large-scale resettlement of the City dates to the 9th and 10th centuries, after the re-foundation of the walled town by Alfred the Great, utilising the defensible area within the Roman City walls. At this time street plans were laid out in the Queenhithe area between the river and the market at Cheapside. In the Medieval period the majority of the population of London resided within the walls, and the City became increasingly important in terms of both its economic and political status. The Roman walls were maintained and re-built during this period, and the street plan developed. Gutter Lane, a corruption of the 12th century family name (Goudren, Guthurum or Godrune), was originally known as Goudron and later as Gutheran Lane. Saddlers Hall was on the west side and the Broderers’ Hall (The Worshipful Company of Broderers’ [Embroiderers]) is known to have stood at Gutter Lane from circa. 1520. Of the several churches in the area, St Vedast-alias-Foster was first mentioned in 1170 (re-built in 1519, further repaired in 1614, with interior reconstruction in 1953-63). St Anne and St Agnes dates from1137, when it was known as St Agnes and was granted to the Dean and Chapter of St Martins-le-Grand. In a will from the later 13th Foster Lane CA Draft Character Summary and Management