wiveliscombe conservation area appraisal · 2019-10-16 · this appraisal has been prepared for...

Taunton Deane Borough Council September 2007 Page 1 of 31

Contents List of Figures.................................................................................................................. 2 List of Maps..................................................................................................................... 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

2. Summary of Special Interest ...................................................................................... 6

2.1 Special Historic Interest ........................................................................................ 6 2.2 Special Architectural Interest ................................................................................ 6

3. Site, Situation and Zoning .......................................................................................... 7

3.1 Location and Setting ............................................................................................. 7 3.2 Economic and Social Profile ................................................................................. 7 3.3 Study Zones.......................................................................................................... 7

4. Historic Morphology and Archaeology........................................................................ 9

4.1 Historic Morphology .............................................................................................. 9 4.2 Archaeology........................................................................................................ 11

5. Spatial Analysis and Built Form................................................................................ 12

5.1 Urban Structure .................................................................................................. 12 5.2 Open Space........................................................................................................ 12 5.3 Views .................................................................................................................. 12 5.4 Plan-Form, Height and Massing ......................................................................... 13 5.5 Building Density .................................................................................................. 13 5.6 Edges and Enclosure.......................................................................................... 13

6. Architecture .............................................................................................................. 14

6.1 Architectural Style............................................................................................... 14 6.2 Listed Buildings and Important Unlisted Buildings .............................................. 14 6.3 Facades.............................................................................................................. 15 6.4 Roofs .................................................................................................................. 15 6.5 Windows ............................................................................................................. 16 6.6 Other Features of Interest................................................................................... 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 8.4 Threats and Pressures ....................................................................................... 21

9. Recommendations ................................................................................................... 22

9.1 Boundary Changes ............................................................................................. 22 9.2 Management & Enhancement ............................................................................ 23

Appendix ....................................................................................................................... 25

Appendix A – Further Information and Advice ........................................................... 25 Appendix B – Conservation Areas: General Guidance .............................................. 26 Appendix C – Listed Buildings ................................................................................... 28 Appendix D – Important Unlisted Buildings................................................................ 30

List of Figures FIG. 1: Fragments of the Bishop’s Palace. FIG. 2: Part of Hancock’s Brewery. FIG. 3: High Street. FIG. 4: Silver Street-Golden Hill. FIG. 5: Attractive pairing of two houses built to take advantage of open space and views along West Road. FIG. 6: Facades. FIG. 7: Contrasts. FIG. 8: Street Scene. FIG. 9: Trees and open space. FIG. 10: Street furniture clutter. FIG. 11: Plastic windows in North Street. FIG. 12: Jones’s Garage. List of Maps Map 1: Boundaries Map 2: Zones Map 3: Townscape Appraisal


1. Introduction

1.1 Background This Appraisal has been prepared for Wiveliscombe Conservation Area which was designated by Taunton Deane Borough Council in 1975 and last reviewed in 1993. Conservation Areas are defined as: “areas of special architectural or historic interest the character or appearance of

which it is desirable to preserve or enhance”. They are designated to cover the streets and places in our towns and villages that are considered ‘special’ and to thereby warrant greater protection. While bringing some added controls the object of designation is not to prohibit change but rather to manage its quality. The purpose of this appraisal is to provide an in depth analysis of character in order to assist the planning process.

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 15 Planning and the Historic Environment provides the statutory guidance for their administration, while specific Local Authority policies also apply (see Taunton Deane Local Development Framework). Further guidance regarding the legal implications of designation can be found in Appendix B.

1.3 Development Within a Conservation Area If you are considering undertaking works to a property, or developing land that lies within a conservation area you are advised to contact a Conservation Officer and the responsible Development Control 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). Please note that it is an offence to carry out unauthorised works.

1.4 Preparation and Survey Limitations

This Appraisal was researched and written by Benjamin Webb, Conservation Officer at Taunton Deane Borough Council, during February 2007. It was revised following public consultation during August 2007, and formally adopted in September 2007.


When reading or using an Appraisal it is important to note the document can never be fully comprehensive. For instance, some aspects of the survey information are limited to those areas which can be reasonably recorded from the public highway and other accessible land. Failure to mention a particular element or detail must not be taken to imply that it is of no importance to an appreciation of the character or appearance of the Area and thus of no relevance in the consideration of planning applications.

1.5 Community Involvement Consultation materials were made available at Wiveliscombe Library, the Community Office and at the Deane House, and a consultation day held at the Community Centre in order to enable local residents and other interested parties to make representations and to ask questions. All consultation materials were available online. Views were invited from local amenity groups, and the Parish Council was provided with an extended period for comment. Consultation responses have been taken into account in preparation of the final version of this document.


2. Summary of Special Interest

2.1 Special Historic Interest The Conservation Area incorporates much of the historic extent of Wiveliscombe. For centuries the property of the Bishops of Bath and Wells, the townscape form has evolved through a process of both planned and organic growth and often retains a spatial character lost elsewhere as a consequence of highways ‘improvement’. The blending of Victorian industrial buildings into the small town matrix provides a texture strongly evocative of that period.

2.2 Special Architectural Interest Given the compactness of the town the Conservation Area contains an interesting variety of both polite and more vernacular architectural forms. A broad time span is represented with buildings or structures present from most periods between medieval to present day.


3. Site, Situation and Zoning

3.1 Location and Setting Wiveliscombe lies within a south facing vale on the eastern edge of the Brendon Hills. Landscape, topography and views all play an important role in providing a sense of place, hillside vistas opening at the head of streets or glimpsed between buildings providing a strong connection with the broader setting. In terms of the latter the close proximity of farmland and the extensive wooded grounds of Abbotsfield provide the north, west and south western parts of the Conservation Area with an attractive setting. Elsewhere large scale modern housing development has compromised this setting, often replacing orchards.

3.2 Economic and Social Profile Wiveliscombe provides a focus for employment and basic services within the surrounding rural area. Quarrying, textiles and brewing have all played a role historically though only the latter remains an important activity following revival outside the Conservation Area. The local population is small but has seen some increase during recent years. The Conservation Area contains a broad range of housing types.

3.3 Study Zones While the Conservation Area is united by a closely connected developmental history, for ease of analysis and clarity it will be split between character ‘zones’. These are shown on Map 2 and comprise:

Zone 1: High Street, The Square, North Street, the western end of Church Street and the eastern end of West Street. The commercial centre of the town characterised by buildings of greater height and massing than elsewhere.

Zone 2: Silver Street, Golden Hill and subsidiary closes and accesses. Chiefly comprising small houses and cottages characterised generally by a lower scale of development than in Zone 1, and its apparently high spatial density.

Zone 3: The east end of Church Street, St. Andrew’s Church, South Street, Rotten Row

and Russell’s. Characterised by irregular groupings of small houses and cottages the interplay of development and open space here provide a more ‘village’ like quality than is seen elsewhere.

Zone 4: The western part of West Street and West Road. Characterised by a more discontinuous and spacious pattern of development comprising on the whole detached and semi-detached houses.


4. Historic Morphology and Archaeology

4.1 Historic Morphology

Background Landscape in the vicinity appears to have found favour as an area of settlement from prehistoric times as is indicated by the presence of a hill fort to the east of the town. At what point settlement shifted to the current site of Wiveliscombe or indeed if any such continuity can be assumed, is unknown. Medieval Development: Wiveliscombe may have held early prominence as a royal estate with Minster (mother) church during the Saxon period. Settlement during this period may have been focused to the south-west and west of the church, while a site to the south-east of the church was chosen for the manor house and later palace of the Bishops of Bath and Wells, who held land in Wiveliscombe between the eleventh and nineteenth centuries. Various fragments of this building survive incorporated into later structures (see FIG. 1 below).

FIG. 1: Fragments of the Bishop’s Palace. Left: windows incorporated into a later building on Rotten Row. Right: of the gateway into the Palace (now housed within later buildings). A second arch has been incorporated into the Courthouse on The

Square.


The town was granted a weekly market during the thirteenth century perhaps leading to the planned ‘extension’ of the settlement to the north, with market place provided at what is today The Square. Similar occurred in Wellington, though here the northward shift may have been reasoned to provide distance between the market activities and the manor house. Whether or not this was so Cheapside may in any case have formed a secondary market place, while the broad width of the High Street suggests further capacity here also. The odd shape of The Square is a likely product of encroachment of buildings upon the market place over time. As is common, Wiveliscombe’s principal streets probably found precursors in pre-existing tracks across the landscape. Thus the Silver Street-Golden Hill route today finds an abrupt terminus from which it is picked up by footpaths. Post Medieval Development: A few of buildings of post-medieval date survive in much modified form, these chiefly in the vicinity of St Andrew’s. A brief involvement in the textile trade may have occasioned some growth of the town at this time. 18-19th Century Development: The eighteenth to nineteenth centuries represent the principal periods of surviving development within the Conservation Area. These saw some industrial expansion with the opening of a brewery on Golden Hill (see FIG. 2) and quarries within the general locality. One (Alp’s Quarry) located on the western edge of Zone 4 was later adapted as a landscaped setting for houses. Extensive orchards existed around Wiveliscombe at this time and probably supplied the brewery. St Andrew’s was demolished and rebuilt during the 1820s – earlier than most such reconstructions – while the town hall was built during the 1840s. Some larger houses and villas were developed on the outskirts of the town where they have become partly encompassed by more modern suburban housing.

FIG. 2: Part of Hancock’sBrewery. Important landmarkssymbolic of the town’s past andnow resurgent brewing industry.


20th Century Development: Activity during this period found focus in road works. Widening took place in West Street removing the buildings which formerly stood on the current site of the public garden and front curtilage of No 5. Widening also took place on Church Street with the untidy removal of terraced houses adjoining No 24, while in 1980 Croft Way was pushed through Cheapside as a bypass. Unfortunate developments include Wyndam’s on part of the brewery site, the latter having closed during the 1950s.

4.2 Archaeology All of Zones 1 and 2, most of Zone 3 and the eastern part of Zone 4 fall within a defined area of High Archaeological Potential within which sub-surface investigation will be required either ahead of or during development work.


5. Spatial Analysis and Built Form

5.1 Urban Structure A staggered arrangement of three route intersections to which all other principal routes connect is formed at the centre of the Conservation Area. At and between each of these nodes focal points and spaces are created, these comprising The Square, Cheapside and the broad High Street. Within Zones 1 and 2 the townscape has depth, closes, narrow alleyways or lanes opening off the street frontage providing access to houses which form either linear extensions to the rear of frontage properties, or stand detached in backland space.

5.2 Open Space The Square, recreation ground and churchyard represent the principal public open

spaces. Cheapside and High Street now form lesser spaces within the urban structure given dominance here of traffic. The definition and constriction of street spaces by buildings at the head of Silver Street moving on into Golden Hill (see FIG. 4) and also at the top end of Rotten Row is crucial in providing character. These are aspects of urban form commonly removed by road widening. Private open spaces are particularly important in Zones 3 and 4 where gardens play an important role in the street scene. Within Zone 2 garden spaces in the backlands west of Golden Hill provide a buffer between the historic townscape and modern housing developments.

5.3 Views Views both into and out of the Conservation Area are especially important. Approaching from Milverton the higher ground of Golden Hill and the old brewery sited thereupon stand out clearly. Within the Conservation Area the view from properties across the recreation ground plays a crucial role in their composition, while clear views into open country are afforded from both Golden Hill and the High Street. Elsewhere occasional glimpsed views of the surrounding hills provide an important link to the landscape setting.

FIG. 3: High Street. Heightsrise and fall with groundlevel, a characteristic seen inall Zones. Plan form appearsfairly linear from the streetthough many plots here aredeveloped at depth intobackland space.


5.4 Plan-Form, Height and Massing Within Zone 1 heights reach a maximum of three-four stories on street frontages. Elsewhere the overwhelming impression is given of irregular two storey development of squat proportion often punctuated by taller buildings along the main streets (see FIG. 7 for general contrast). The effect of topography accentuates minor differences in height causing a rise and fall in the rooflines of adjoining properties that is of particular visual interest. Plan form as viewed from the public realm is generally simple rectilinear, though visible elaboration occurs on some larger detached properties. Massing is appreciably greatest within Zone 1 where generally larger buildings are extended deeply into backland space.

5.5 Building Density Zones 1 and 2 show greatest density along the street frontage though backland space within the former is more limited than in Zone 2 and a greater proportion of it has been developed. Development within Zones 3 and 4 has a more open appearance characteristic of the urban fringe, buildings usually standing in some visible open space.

5.6 Edges and Enclosure

Within Zones 1 and 2 buildings are constructed with direct and often continuous frontage on the pavement providing a very strong definition to the street edge, and on Golden Hill a striking vertical enclosure. Where the pattern opens up within Zones 3 and 4 gardens are most commonly enclosed using walls, hedging or a combination of both.

FIG. 4: Silver Street-Golden Hill. Tight enclosure by buildings. Constriction of streets by encroaching buildings is a historic feature often removed through road

widening; survival here provides great interest.


6. Architecture 6.1 Architectural Style

The Conservation Area contains a mixture of ‘polite’ and more ‘vernacular’ architectural styles. Polite forms comprise townhouses and villas, of which the former are concentrated around the Square and High Street and the latter on West Road and east end of Church Street. A simply proportioned Georgian/Regency style characterises many of these, though more standard later Victorian models are also present. A more ‘vernacular’ tradition is characteristic of the smaller houses chiefly concentrated within Zones 2 and 3. These show a crude variation and inconsistency of configuration which provides much texture to the townscape alongside which later pattern book terraced housing stands out somewhat. Arts and crafts is well represented in the Reading Rooms, Culverhead Lodge and The Courthouse, the latter incorporating an arch from the former Bishop’s Palace.

FIG. 5: Attractive pairing of two houses built to take advantage of open space and views along West Road. The contrast in spatial character between

neighbouring Zones 1 and 4 is striking.

6.2 Listed Buildings and Important Unlisted Buildings Schedules of listed buildings and important unlisted buildings are set out in Appendices C and D, and identified on Map 3.


6.3 Facades Brick or local breccia and sandstone rubble represent the usual construction materials, with some buildings roughly constructed or patched using a combination. The oldest properties within the Conservation Area may contain elements of timber framing, and a rudimentary studwork is evident on the frontage of 16 Church Street. The majority of buildings have either been painted directly or carry painted render. Smooth stucco is used on several properties within Zones 1 and 4 where it is most likely an original feature and is often combined with decorated window heads and quoining. Elsewhere modern renders have a crispness which stands out awkwardly alongside the more textured roughcast or wet dash of historic properties. The tile hung façade of the Courthouse/Library is a striking and unusual feature (see FIG. 6), while hung slates have been introduced to the flank walls of some properties apparently to improve weatherproofing. Settlement of facades along Church Street gives an irregularity which adds greatly to their visual character.

It is important to note that an Article 4 Direction prohibiting the painting of previously unpainted facades under normal ‘permitted’ development was made in March 1977. This is applicable to the Conservation Area as then constituted.

FIG. 6: Facades. Left: Church Street, showing irregular rendered facades. These are amongst the oldest buildings in Wiveliscombe with some concealing timber framing. Right: An arts and crafts fantasy in The Square makes striking use of

hanging tiles.

6.4 Roofs

Roofing is predominantly slate a proportion of which has been replaced using synthetic products. Slate was historically quarried locally this having a silvery grey colour and chunky profile, and may be seen in various parts of the Conservation Area. Clay tiles appear as either a more modern introduction or feature of buildings in arts and crafts style. Roofs are on the whole pitched, these directly abutting one another above the street frontages in Zones 1, 2 and 3. Some larger eighteenth-


nineteenth century properties carry double pitched roofs with central valley, while one or two detached houses of the same period carry hipped roofs. With the exception of a striking cat slide on Old Cottage in Church Street, roofs generally have a shallow to moderate pitch and are not given a dominant architectural role; this said the rise and fall of topography brings them an added visual importance.

6.5 Windows

The nature of historic window form and style separates along architectural lines and thus shows some correspondence to Zonal boundaries (see FIG. 7). A strong vertical emphasis is particularly evident within Zone 1 and parts of Zones 3 and 4 where more substantial high status eighteenth-nineteenth century properties are present. Sash windows would have been the norm here historically and many multi-pane examples survive on listed properties, while openings sometimes carry ornamental stucco surrounds. Zones 2 and 3 comprise dwellings of predominantly lower status which generally carry squatter window proportions. Casements may have been more common here during the past though few buildings now retain historic glazing. Indeed the extent to which UPVC windows have come to dominate and so harm the appearance of the Conservation Area is most unfortunate.

FIG. 7: Contrasts. The strong vertical emphasis of many properties within Zone 1 (High Street Pictured left) contrasts sharply with the squat profile of majority within Zones 2 and 3 (Russel’s pictured right). Reflective of status this is emphasised in

window detailing - tall double hung sashes on the one hand, more square casements on the other.

6.6 Other Features of Interest

The Conservation Area contains blue and white enamelled road name plates

similar to those found in Taunton and Milverton.


7. Street Scene

7.1 Walls, Railings and Gates Rubble stone walls are strongly evident as enclosure and boundary features

in Zone 3 and to a lesser extent in Zone 4. Walls form a more hidden feature within Zone 2 where they are employed along accesses and paths, and in closing the back end of burgage plots on the west side of Golden Hill. Along the lower section of Russell’s a half-round coping of local slate laid on edge has been used to cap the rubble stone walls.

Park railings enclose part of the recreation ground; while a more remarkable set exist at St.Andrew’s Church. The Congregational Church on Silver Street retains two interesting gates. Historic railings and gates are otherwise scarce with some remaining in use to enclose steps up to High Street properties. Some evidence exists on West Street and elsewhere for their removal though given the narrowness of streets they were probably never a common feature.

7.2 Trees, Hedges and Green Space

Green space provided by the churchyard, allotments and recreation ground each contribute greatly to the character of the Zones within which they fall. While the churchyard and allotments provide an open, semi-rural feel on passing along Russell’s and Rotten Row, the recreation ground provides a viewshed which dignifies the houses along West Road. Trees enhance the western approach into the town and contribute to the quality of setting provided by Abbotsfield, while St. Andrew’s churchyard contains several fine specimens (see FIG. 9). Orchards were once common around Wiveliscombe, though only fragments now survive (for example to the rear of 17, 19, and 23 Golden Hill).

FIG. 8: Streetscene. Left: steps,cobbles and railings combine tocreate an attractive edge to HighStreet. Below: decorative pavingscheme at St Andrew’s.


FIG. 9: Trees and open space. Left: the semi-rural quality of Russell’s. Right: churchyard tree group. Telegraph wires are particularly noticeable within Zone 3.

7.3 Public Realm

a) Groundscape

Stone kerbing survives along parts of Rotten Row. Old photographs indicate that both stone kerbing and stone lined gutters were more widespread historically. Areas of pebble paving survive along the frontages of some properties along High Street and Church Street, and a particularly good decorative scheme exists at St Andrew’s Church (see FIG. 8). Pebble paving is otherwise visible in various private side entrances and accesses. Public pavements are on the whole surfaced with tarmac, while an uninspired and dated scheme using brick pavers occurs in The Square. While a welcome improvement when completed this scheme lacks local distinctiveness in terms of its use of materials.

b) Lighting

No historic lighting columns or lamps were identified, and both columns and lamps vary depending upon the street concerned. Along Church Street and parts of West Road tall highways standards are employed; in the minor streets shorter concrete or metal angle lamps occur, while in The Square globe lamps have been installed which noticeably ‘date’ the enhancement scheme of which they form a part. On the whole street lighting does little to enhance the character of the Conservation Area.

c) Street Furniture

Street furniture is concentrated in The Square where it forms three cluttered groupings. These are neither visually attractive nor practical as given limited pavement space they cause obstruction to pedestrians. By contrast the gate


to the West Street public garden stands out as a unique piece of public art furniture. Plastic bollards are in use outside St Andrew’s, these standing out poorly alongside the historic ironwork present here.

FIG. 10: Street furniture clutter. Oneof three groupings in the vicinity ofThe Square. The six items here dolittle to enhance the scene, but intaking up a large area of pavementdo cause significant obstruction topedestrians. Rationalisation orreorganisation would be beneficial.


8. Damage & Deterioration

8.1 Principal Negative Features Aspects which have a negative impact upon the character and appearance of the Area include:

a) Plastic Windows: the historic and architectural character of the

Conservation Area has been greatly harmed by the insertion of plastic windows which now appear dominant in many locations.

b) Wires and Aerials: reception in Wiveliscombe is poor. This has the unfortunate consequence that television aerials on Golden hill are several feet higher than usual which spoils a roofscape so visible from the street. Undergrounding of overhead wires took place in part of Wiveliscombe some years ago however cables are still a visual nuisance in Zone 3.

c) Wyndam’s Development: the striking sense of enclosure on passing

up Silver Street to Golden Hill is completely destroyed on reaching Wyndam’s. This development relates in no way to the pattern of townscape around it, thus greatly harming the character and appearance of the area.

d) Condition of The Square: As a civic focus The Square disappoints.

This has been subject to uninspired ‘enhancement’ and overloaded with street furniture. The town hall appears a bleak and somewhat defaced structure at its centre, while the plastic windows fitted into some of the

FIG. 11: Plastic windows inNorth Street. Sliding sashwindows have here beenreplaced with top hung plasticversions with ‘stick on’ glazingbars. While lacking theaesthetic appeal of theoriginals these causedisruption to the lines of thebuilding when opened.


neighbouring buildings spoil the scene further. Traffic remains a hazard here.

e) Traffic Generally: Traffic is a problem in those parts of the Conservation

Area with narrow pavements. Fast traffic traversing Church Street-Croft Way together with the very broad junction at Cheapside act as a bar to connectivity across the area. Buildings and pavements in Church Street suffer considerable soiling due to their position on the road.

8.2 General Condition The general condition of buildings within the Conservation Area appears good. There is one obvious case of dereliction on North Street while parts of the old brewery awaiting redevelopment stand in very poor repair.

8.3 Buildings at Risk

Listed buildings and important unlisted buildings, whose special interest may be considered ‘at risk’ from factors of neglect, vacancy or deferred maintenance etc find prominent representation in the form of the old Town Hall building which has been partially vacant for many years (see front cover). Derelict buildings on the Golden Hill Brewery site await clearance.

8.4 Threats and Pressures The principal threat to Wiveliscombe is perhaps that of over development. Erosion of the spacious character of Zones 3 and 4 could easily occur through excessive infill, while backland development within Zones 1 and 2 needs careful handling in order to integrate schemes into the pattern of historic boundaries and more understated development present here.


9. Recommendations 9.1 Boundary Changes

The following are included:

The Recreation Ground: An open space which forms part of the public

realm, this provides an important component of the architectural arrangement of buildings along West Road. The grounds also contain a range of interesting and locally important structures such as the war memorial.

Jones Garage Site, West Road: In spatial terms forms a logical part of the

Conservation Area. The façade of the main garage building itself is of an interesting and attractive design.

17 Golden Hill and adjacent garden spaces: Golden Hill has value in

depth with buildings located in the backland space far to the rear of the main street frontage. Such backlands are an historically important component of historic townscape and inclusion brings some integrity to this part of the Conservation Area. This area also apparently contains some of the few surviving fragments of orchard in Wiveliscombe.

FIG. 12: Jones’s Garage. A functional but visually interesting facade. Small garages currently play an important role in the townscape mix and this one

occupies an important site in West Road.


The following are removed:

Abbotsfield and grounds/Culverhead and grounds with adjacent properties (excluding Culverhead Lodge): These sites were attached to the Conservation Area in 1993 in conjunction with now defunct Plan Policies covering views. This section of the existing designation represents a major discontinuity both of development type and character as contrasted with the rest of the Conservation Area. Peripheral in location, the site did not play an integral role in the historic development of the townscape which otherwise constitutes the designated Area. It is relevant to note that except in specific circumstances the designation of gardens or landscapes brings little benefit given that Conservation Area controls are specifically designed to apply to buildings and townscapes (see PPG15 4.6). The principal contribution currently made by Abbotsfield to the townscape may be viewed in terms of setting – in other words it is a part of that which surrounds while not being intrinsically a part of. As impact of proposed development upon the setting of a Conservation Area - including impact upon quality of views into the setting - is a material consideration in decision making (see PPG15 4.14) maintenance of the visual contribution made by Abbotsfield will remain a priority regardless of change in boundary. At the same time removal leaves the remainder of Conservation Area more homogenous, meaning that stronger statements can be made about its ‘character’ – useful in appraisal and development control terms. In the cases of Abbotsfield and Culverhead removal should not have significant consequences given that the sites fall outside the settlement boundary (see Local Plan Policy S7), are designated as a County Wildlife Site (see Local Plan Policy EN3), and enjoy extensive coverage by TPOs. Abbotsfield is itself listed meaning that structures within the curtilage are protected and any proposal for development would be considered in terms of impact upon the setting of the property. In other words Abbotsfield and the grounds of Culverhead enjoy a range of direct and indirect forms of ‘protection’ which are more extensive than any provided by continued appendage to the Conservation Area.

Various peripheral elements (Community Centre, Lamplighters and

properties adjacent and opposite, 19 and 21 Church Street, Lamberts and Thornescroft): minor deletions are proposed where detrimental development has occurred on the fringes of the Conservation Area.

9.2 Management & Enhancement Through positive proactive management and focused and appropriate enhancement works, the character and appearance of the Conservation Area may be both preserved and enhanced for the future. Analysis contained within this appraisal should assist in both the formulation and evaluation of development proposals thus helping to ensure that objectives are partially achieved through everyday planning. More broadly the following potentials may be identified and suggestions made. Implementation will depend entirely upon opportunity, priorities and funding, and may involve or be achieved by either the public or private sectors.


Rehabilitation of the old Town Hall has the greatest potential to enhance perception of Wiveliscombe. Even greater benefits would be derived if this were to be combined with a sympathetic and distinctive scheme of streetscape enhancement in The Square.

Important parts of the old brewery (pictured FIG. 2) remain in a dilapidated condition. Encouragement should be given to secure a sustainable and sympathetic future use for these landmark buildings.

Repainting of the railings at St Andrew’s would improve the contribution these make to the character and appearance of the area.


Appendix

Appendix A – Further Information and Advice

Legislation, Guidance and Policy: Town and Country Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.

(www.opsi.gov.uk). Taunton Deane Borough Council Local Plan 2004. Planning Policy Guidance Note 15: Planning and the Historic Environment. 1994.

(www.communities.gov.uk). DETR Circular 01/2001. 2001. (www.communities.gov.uk). Guidance on the Management of Conservation Areas. English Heritage 2005.

(www.english-heritage.org.uk) Guidance on Conservation Area Appraisals. English Heritage 2005.

Design Planning Policy Statement 1: Delivering Sustainable Development. ODPM 2005.

(www.communities.gov.uk). Planning Policy Statement 3: Housing. DCLG 2006. (www.communities.gov.uk). Design and Access Statements: How to write, read and use them. CABE 2006.

(www.cabe.org.uk). By Design. Urban Design in the Planning System. Towards Better Practice.

CABE/DETR 2000. (www.cabe.org.uk).

Historical Development, Archaeology and Geology: Wiveliscombe Book Group 2005: The Book of Wiveliscombe. Gathercole, C. 1996: Som. Extensive Urban Survey: Wiveliscombe. Unpublished

Somerset County Council Report. Somerset Historic Environment Record. Maps: Local Studies Library and Somerset County Records Office, Taunton. Prudden, 2001: Geology and Landscape of Taunton Deane.

Architecture: Statutory List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest. Somerset Historic Environment Record Listed buildings in the local area Pevsner, N. 2002: The Buildings of England: South and West Somerset.

Further Enquires Enquiries regarding this Appraisal and for advice should be addressed to:

Conservation Officer Taunton Deane Borough Council

Belvedere Road Taunton

Tel: 01823 356356


Appendix B – Conservation Areas: General Guidance What is a Conservation Area? A Conservation Area is defined as: 'an area of special architectural or historic interest, the character and appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance'. - Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. Taunton Deane has 41 Conservation Areas which have been designated to cover the most historically and architecturally important and interesting parts of the Borough's towns and villages. Various factors contribute to the special character of a Conservation Area. These include: the quality of buildings, the historic layout of roads, paths and boundaries, boundary treatments and patterns of enclosure, characteristic building and paving materials, uses and associations, the quality of the public realm and contribution made by trees and green spaces. A strong 'sense of place' is often associated with Conservation Areas. It is the function of Conservation Area Appraisals to assess and evaluate 'character' as a means of assisting the planning process. Owning and Developing Land and Property within a Conservation Area PPG15, Planning and the Historic Environment, provides a principal point of general guidance on the conservation areas. In order to assist in the preservation and enhancement of conservation areas various additional planning controls exist within them: The substantial demolition of unlisted buildings and structures requires Conservation Area Consent. Proposals will not normally be looked upon favourably where affected buildings or structures are deemed to make a positive contribution to the character and appearance of the area. An approved scheme for redevelopment will normally be required before consent to demolish will be granted. Exceptions to the rule include:

Small buildings of less than 115 cubic metres. Walls, fences and railings less than one metre high abutting to highway

(including footpaths and bridleways) or less than two metres elsewhere. Agricultural and forestry buildings erected since 1914. Certain buildings used for industry.

Where demolition is being considered early consultation with local Planning and Conservation Officers should be sought. It is a criminal offence to carry out unauthorised works.

Within a Conservation Area permitted development rights are subject to some restriction. Planning Permission will be required for:

Insertion of a dormer window or other alteration to the roof. Positioning of a satellite dish or antennae in certain locations. Application of external stone, artificial stone, plastic or timber cladding. Erection of an extension exceeding 50 cubic metres volume or 10% of the

existing volume (whichever is greater).


Erection of a building exceeding 10 cubic metres volume within the curtilage of a property.

Further restrictions may be applied by the Local Authority or Secretary of State through use of ‘Article 4’ designations where a good case can be made (e.g. covering aspects such as change of windows). High standards of design are expected for new development within Conservation Areas. Sensitive proposals which pay special regard to prevailing patterns of height, massing, articulation, use of materials and enclosure will be encouraged and have been given renewed emphasis in new statutory guidance notes PPS1 and PPS3. Early consultation should be sought with local Development Control and Conservation Officers. Various types of advertisement including those which are illuminated will require Advertisement Consent. Advertisements must be sympathetic to the character and appearance of the area. All trees and shrubs with trunks 75mm or more in diameter at 1.2 metres above ground level are protected from felling, lopping and pruning. Six weeks' written notice must be provided to the Borough Council's Tree Officer in each instance during which time a Tree Preservation Order may be served. Implications for the Local Authority The 1990 Act makes it a duty for Local Authorities to:

In exercising their planning powers, pay special attention to the desirability of preserving or enhancing the character or appearance of a conservation area.

Formulate and publish proposals for the preservation and enhancement of the Conservation Area.

Review designations from time to time. The Government’s Best Value initiative (Indicators BV219a-c) also requires the production of Appraisals and Management Strategies, and places an onus upon Local Authorities to consult the public during their production.


Appendix C – Listed Buildings Below is a table of listed Buildings within the Conservation Area. For further information on these buildings see the Statutory List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest, the TDBC website or Somerset Historic Environment Record. Please note: The table does not include ancillary structures or those within the curtilage of named buildings. These are also covered by the listing. Names of properties given below are those recorded at the time of listing and thus under which they are officially listed. It is possible that some names may have changed. This does not affect the listing itself.

Address Grade English Heritage Reference No. Somerset HER Reference No.

Congregational Church, Silver Street II 270161 45085

Congregational Church Hall and School II 270159 45083

7 and 9 Silver Street II 270157 45081 11 Silver Street II 270158 45082 10 Silver Street II 270155 45079 2A Silver Street II 270154 45078 5 and 7 The Square II* 270167 45091 1 The Square II 270164 45088 Three cottages east of Castle Cottage II 270166 45090

Castle Cottage II 270165 45089 2 The Square II 270151 45073 The Town Hall II 270163 45087 London House II 270162 45086 No 2 High Street II 270139 45061 No 1 High Street II 270144 45066 No 3 High Street II 270145 45067 No 5 High Street II 270146 45068 The Dispensary (No 7 High Street) II 270147 45069

No 9 High Street and railings II 270148 45070 No 4 High Street II 270140 45062 No 6 High Street II 270141 45063 Nos 8, 10 and 12 High Street II 270142 45064 No 14 High Street II 270143 45065 No 15 High Street and railings II 270149 45071 No 17 High Street II 270150 45072 Nos 2-8 (even) Church Street II 270130 45052 Nos 10-14 (even) Church Street II 270131 45053

No 11 Church Street II 270133 45055


No 27 and 29 Church Street II 270134 45056 Bournes, Church Street II 270135 45057 Masonic Hall, Church Street II 270132 45054 Church of St.Andrew, Church Street II* 270127 45049

Old Church Hall and School, Rotten Row II 431786 45076

Archway between 8 and 9 Palace Gardens II 270153 45075

Nos 1 and 3 Russell’s and attached workshop II 431788 45077

No 8 West Street II 270168 45092 No 5 West Street II 270169 45093 No 2 and Westwayne II 270171 45095 Lyndale, boundary walls and gatepiers, West Road II 270172 45096

No 17, Golden Hill II 270137 45059


Appendix D – Important Unlisted Buildings Below is a table of notable unlisted buildings within the Conservation Area (it does not include all those which may be considered to make a ‘positive’ contribution to character and appearance). These are buildings or structures which, whilst perhaps not of special interest in the national context, are nevertheless of local interest by nature of their date, design, materials, historical association, etc. This is not a statutory designation and confers no protection, but does highlight the importance of a building for general planning purposes. It is quite possible that some of these buildings may be of listable quality though they have previously been overlooked. Address Notes Former Hancock’s Brewery buildings, Golden Hill

Some of these buildings have been converted; some others are scheduled for demolition. The principal buildings form a distinctive component of the skyline viewed from outside the town.

10 The Square Defaced by extension to the front but largely intact to the rear. Of contemporary date and style to other buildings around the square.

12 and 14 West Road Attractive pair of houses with iron verandah forms part of a group. Changes to windows have caused some harm.

wiveliscombe conservation area appraisal · 2019-10-16 · this appraisal has been prepared for...

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