DRAFT/02 City Design Group
Contents Preface 1. Introduction 2. Character and distinctiveness 3. Character Areas 1 Henbury Road environs 2 Commercial core 3 College and Church Road environs 4 Channell s Hill and landscape setting 5 Historic village 6 Church and setting 7 Southfield Road environs 8 Westbury Road and Waters Lane 4. Strengths and challenges Appendix 1: community mapping 2 3 7 13 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 31 32 This document has been produced by Peter Insole, Senior Archaeological Officer, No portion of this document can be reproduced without the permission of, Neighbourhoods and City Development, Bristol City Council Crown Copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey 100023406 Cover image Blom Pictometry 2012 1
Preface Understanding the context of our place... The City of Bristol is one of the most historic cities in England. Founded in about 1000AD the city has always been a place of change, economic growth and innovation. Until the First World War the fabric of the city was essentially a medieval structure centred on the cross roads of High Street, Corn Street, Broad Street and Wine Street. Even the outer structure of the city, now the inner suburbs such as St Pauls and Kingsdown, was based on medieval routes or field patterns. Despite centuries of urban growth and densification this structure remained unchanged while building forms adapted to new uses and new architectural styles. During the twentieth century Bristol has seen its most dramatic changes with the depopulation of the central core, bombing during the Second World War and the dominance of private motor car use. Although this period has continued the process of urban renewal and the replacement of built form it is the Post War highway infrastructure projects that have eroded the physical fabric of the city on a scale unlike any other period. Within this broad context, Bristol s character is defined by a variety of distinct neighbourhoods and designated Conservation Areas - areas with a distinctive character informed by their topography, landscape, views, layout, land use and social development, arhitectural style and materials. A Character Appraisal is intended to help to explain how a specific conservation area has arrived at its current state from its origins, and highlighting the key features that define the area as it exists today. This understanding provides the basis from which appropriate changes to the area can be achieved, which will enable to grow and succeed whilst still respecting its historic legacy and unique sense of place. Ultimately it will help to deliver local plan policies particularly around issues concerning local character and distinctiveness. The process encourages greater participation by communities in defining the character of their neighbourhood and planning for the future of their place. 2
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Introduction Purpose, scope and status 1.1 Planning Policy Context A Conservation Area is an area of special or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance (Planning Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas Act, 1990). There are currently 33 conservation areas in Bristol, covering approximately 30% of the city. Part of the city council s responsibilities is to set out enhancement proposals for individual conservation areas, adopting policies encouraging their preservation. Since 2008, the city council has been underway reassessing its existing conservation areas and compiling a Character Appraisal to give an up-to-date record of the character and special interest of an area, replacing the 1993 Conservation Area Enhancement Statements (PAN2). The over-arching planning policy is thew National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which sets out the Government s planning policies for England and how these are expected to be applied at a local level. Of specific relevance is Section 12: Conserving and enhancing the historic environment. The Core Strategy (June 2011) is the overall approach for planning in Bristol, guiding development and setting out key elements of the planning framework up to 2026 and beyond. The Character Appraisals form part of a suite of guidance documents referred to in Policy BCS21 of the Core Strategy and the Local Character and Distinctiveness policy in the Development Management Policy document. 1.2 Purpose and scope A character appraisal accounts for the need to make informed decisions about the special interest of conservation areas and provides a point of reference for the planning authority, architects and developers and communities in managing change appropriately. The format follows EH guidance Understanding Place: Conservation Area Designation, Appraisal and Management (2010). This approach has been widely accepted, with adopted appraisals having been referenced frequently in planning policy, development management and appeal decisions. This document provides an understanding of why is special and articulates which elements contribute to or detract from its character. To achieve this understanding, the document identifies the physical characteristics of the area defined by the local: Topography Views and vantage points (into, out of and within each area) Landmarks (positive landmarks and other notable features) Routes Spaces Urban structure and grain Scale and massing Building ages Building materials 1.3 In May 2013, a group of residents and community groups carried out an mapping exercise around the Conservation Area. The group worked with Peter Insole and Hannah Porter from Bristol City Council s and Richard Guise and James Webb from Context 4D urban design specialists. For the purposes of the mapping activities the area was divided into ten smaller areas. Using mapping worksheets (Appendix 1) the community participants defined the character of. This information will contribute to the understanding of the area that is being used to inform the update of the Conservation Area Character Appraisal. The results of this project can be used as a material planning consideration in relation to local plan policies on local character and distinctiveness. For further information about the project visit http://designbristol.ning.com/profiles/blogs/ourplace-community-context-mapping-toolkit 4
Introduction Language of the document Character/context Urban structure Urban grain Built Form The main visual characteristics of an area resulting from the influence of geology, topography, urban layout, plot form, land use, and predominant building ages, types, form and materials. Buildings and structures described using the following terms. Scale Topography The physical form of an area defined by natural features of relief and geographic elements such as rivers. Views The size of a building described in terms of the number of floors. Massing Relates to the building or group of buildings volume or perceived volume as a result of its structural form. Within the scope of this document views are discussed in terms of locations from which a view to a specific landmark, or series of features (natural or built) is possible. Landmarks Are defined as features that make a positive contribution to a view (long distant or local). The description of each character area refers to positive landmarks as well as other features within the area. This latter type are not necessarily visible in a specific view but are of historic interest or make a positive contribution to the local character. The framework of routes and spaces and the way they relate to one another as defined in Cowan, R The Dictionary of Urbanism. The pattern of development in terms of the size of street blocks, building plots and the size of building in relation to its plot as defined in Cowan, R The Dictionary of Urbanism. Materials The context study refers to materials in terms of the predominant building materials used in an area for walling, paving and roofing. Distinctive frontage A structure or series of buildings such as a terrace that has specific architectural quality, recognisable plot rhthym, consistant use of materials or a combination of the above. A distinctive frontage will make a positive contribution to local street character or even define the local character. 5
Introduction Fig 1 study area Existing conservation area boundary Proposed extensions Location and boundary review Location is a former village that now lies in the northwest area of the modern city of Bristol. It is adjacent to the suburbs of Henleaze and Southmead to the east and north, Coombe Dingle and Sea Mills lie to the west and the Downs Conservation Area lies to the south. In its current state, the Conservation Area takes within its boundaries the extended village of Westbury grouped around the River Trym, its valley and the road into Bristol from Gloucester, now High Street and Westbury Hill. Boundary Review Undertaking the project has involved consideration into where the boundaries of the conservation area should be drawn. The boundaries proposed in this draft document are the result of the community mapping activity (Appendix 1). On the basis of the mapping acvtivity it is proposed to extend the boundary to the conservation area to include the Southfield Road area and the site of Elmfield Lodge off Passage Road (fig.1). The proposed boundary changes will be consulted on through this draft document and subsequent draft conservation area character appraisal that will be drawn from this material; once finalised and approved, the document and any boundary amendments will be adopted and fromally designated. 6
Introduction Fig 2 historic development 1 2 3 1 1840s Tithe 2 1880s Epoch 3 Ordnance Survey, 1949 historic development 1840s originated in the early medieval period and is likely to have been the site of a Saxon minster. The 1840s tithe map probably shows the approximate extent and layout of the medieval village. The plan form of the centre of is largely unchanged since the medieval period. 1880s During the Victorian period the key change in the centre of Westbury was the creation of College Road and the terraced housing in the area between the Church and the High Street. The area of Southfield was also created with semi detached villas on Southfield Road and grand terraces at the top of Westbury Hill as well as smaller terraced properties at Bellevue Cottages. A few detached villas at Henbury Road on the fringe of teh historic village had also been constructed by 1880. 1949 In the early twentieth century the biggest change was the creation of Falcondale Road and the associated housing to the west of the historic core in the 1930s. 7
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Character and distinctiveness Fig 3 Character areas 1 Henbury Road envrons 2 Commercial core 3 College and Church Road environs Local character 4 Channells Hill and Landscape setting 5 Historic village 6 Church and setting 7 Southfield Road environs 8 Westbury Road and Waters Lane 2.3 Summary of local character The original settlement is located along the River Trym and is made up of small vernacular cottages on rural lanes such as Chock Lane and Channels Hill which wind up the steep valley on its eastern boundaries. There are two major early buildings which dominate the character of the area; Westbury Church and Canon s College. A defining character found within the entire area is that of early walls and openings which survived from the medieval developments. There are also unspoilt natural landscapes and features in the area, including the Westbury Wildlife Park, whilst the urban areas consistently have a green appearance due to the large numbers of trees and soft landscaping. The village centre is a busy shopping focus to the Conservation Area and is a strong contrast to the surrounding area. To the west, High Street is a traditional village shopping street with many buildings of townscape merit while a more unified group of Victorian shops runs up Westbury Hill. Beyond this the road becomes flanked by many Georgian and Regency villas set within larger gardens on irregular plots. Within this broad context there are tangable changes depending on the specific locality, the character of which is determined as much by its locality as by built form. The character of each area refers to the predominant physical characteristics within each area. The boundaries are an attempt to define where these physical characteristics notably change, although there will be design influences within neighbouring areas. Therefore adjoining character should be considered in any response to context. 1 2 7 3 6 8 5 4 Contained in a triangle formed by Waters Lane, Westbury Hill and Eastfield Road is a much more densely defined area of Victorian cottages which also extends into Regency plots to the east and along Albert Place. 10
Fig 4 Local character 1 2 3 1 Village centre and war memmorial 2 College Road 3 Drawing character area boundaries at the event local character 11
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Character areas Fig 5 Henbury Road environs View to landmark Distinctive frontage Green space Henbury Road environs Tree Stone walls Pedestrian route Heritage asset Poorly defined area 2.4 Summary description The River Trym runs east to west through the southern section of this character area and can be viewed at various points. It forms a positive feature to the residential units in the area. The majority of the properties on Henbury Road are Victoran villas. Historic stone boundary walls fronting the highway are a significant character feature. The southside of Henbury Road is largely post war infill. There is a key pedestrian route across the Trym joining Henbury Road, although this junction has been identified as a poorly defined area lacking legibility. Trym Lodge and the associated private green area and trees on Passage Road are identified as being a distinctive feature making a positive contribution to the local character. Combined with the west corner of the Henbury Road, Passage Road junction and the bridge over the Trym this area is a significant piece of townscape. 2.5 Positive Context Green space and tree coverage in front of Trym Lodge Heritage assets Stone rubble boundary walls Victorian villas on Henbury Road Riverside setting 14
1 2 3 Fig 6 Henbury Road environs 1 Notation map from activity 2 Finger post at Passage Road junction 3 Notation map from activity 15
Character areas Fig 7 Comercial Core Wide Vista View to landmark Distinctive frontage Commercial core Green space Tree Landmark (major/local) Stone walls Pedestrian route Heritage asset 2.6 Summary description One of the main roads through central Westbury-on- Trym, High Street, runs from north to south through the area. It is bounded by a number of significant frontages and rubble stone walls. Much of the buildings on High Street have residential upper floors and commercial units at ground level in a mix of two and three storey units. 2.8 Positive Context Distinctive frontages particularly surviving historic plot rhythms and traditional shopfronts Heritage assets Views into, through and out of area particularly to church and from High Street up Passage Road to green backdrop 2.7 Landmarks There are a number of community-identified heritage assets in the area, such as the White Horse public house. The post-office was also identified as a major landmark in the area due to its significant frontage, historic railing features and dominating setting. There are a number of landmarks in and around this character area which are evident in views at multiple locations. Holy Trinity Church (and cemetery) Methodist Church War Memorial Ironmonger works College Foresters public house Men s Club Post office 16
1 2 3 4 6 5 Fig 8 Commercial core 1 The High Street 2 postoffice building 3 Village centre and view to church 4 Rubble wall on Passage Road approach to village 5 Former police station 6 Example of an intrusive frontage to shopfronts on High Street, as identified by the community 17
Character areas Fig 9 College and Church Road environs Wide Vista View to landmark Distinctive frontage College and Church Road environs Green space Tree Landmark (major/local) Stone walls Pedestrian route Heritage asset 2.9 Summary description The College and Church Road area represents part of the historic core of the conservation area. The Westbury College site is a highly significant heritage asset (Listed Grade I) and the terraces of Victorian dwelling houses provide a strong sense of street enclosure. There are various historic features throughout including distinctive roof lines and traditional surfacing materials. The Trym provides a strong sense of character in this area with a tree lined and rubble stone riverside. Most of the properties on the southside of Trym Road are Listed two storey buildings. On the north side of Trym Road is a group of two storey semi-detached 1930s dwellings on Walton Rise. This cul-de-sac offers one of the best views of the church. 2.11 Positive Context Distinctive frontages particularly surviving historic plot rhythms along the historic roads Heritage assets Views of the church 2.10 Landmarks The church is visible in many views from across the area (and the rest of ). The college buildings on College Road and the rear walls and tower on the south side of the Trym are significant local landmarks. 18
1 2 3 4 6 5 Fig 10 College and Church Road environs 1 College Road 2 View of church from Trym Road 3 View to church from Walton Rise 4 Trym Road, Church Road, College Road junction 5 Rear of college from Trym Road 6 Church Road 19
Character areas Fig 11 Channell s Hill and landscape setting Wide Vista View to landmark Distinctive frontage Channell s Hill and landscape setting Green space Tree Landmark (major/local) Stone walls Pedestrian route Heritage asset 2.12 Summary description The Channell s Hill area is characterised by a large area of green space with community-identified heritage assets located throughout. Contrasting this, a 1990s development, brick or stoned faced, borders the character area to the northest. individual garden plots and planting of trees within this modern residential area helps to maintain a relatively green and natural environment. Throughout the whole area stone boundary walls predominate along with traditional building styles and street surfaces and add to the overall character of the area and. 2.14 Positive Context Green space and treelined routes Heritage assets Rubble walls lining routes Views to water tower 2.13 Landmarks The local community identified the Tower as a major landmark and it is evident in many views across the area. 20
Fig 12 College and Church Road environs 1 2 4 3 1 Elmfield Lodge 2 Channell s Hill 3 Channell s Hill/Passage Road junction 4 Water Tower 21
Character areas Fig 13 Historic village Wide Vista View to landmark Distinctive frontage Historic village Green space Tree Landmark (major/local) Stone walls Pedestrian route Heritage asset 2.15 Summary description This area is centred on Chock Lane and the junction of Trym Road and Channell s Hill. All these routes are historic probably relating to the lanes on the eastern side of the medieval village of. Chock Lane itself is a narrow road, country lane in style, although it has become a heavily trafficked route. This is at a detriment to the overall character of this area which is otherwise relatively scenic and peaceful. The northern portion of the area is characterised by more natural forms with the River Trym and areas with significant green space or trees. The area has many heritage assets, rubble boundary walls and distinctive frontages. 2.17 Positive Context Green space and treelined routes Heritage assets Rubble walls lining routes Riverside setting 2.16 Landmarks There are no identified landmarks in this area other than local heritage assets, stone walls and trees. 22
1 2 3 5 4 Fig 14 College and Church Road environs 1 Two Post-Medieval limekilms in Chock Lane which are currently utilised as storage areas 2 Intrusive frontage of Westbury Court 3 Chock Lane 4 Country lane nature character 5 Trymside setting 23
Character areas Fig 15 Church and setting Wide Vista View to landmark Distinctive frontage Church and setting Green space Tree Landmark (major/local) Stone walls Pedestrian route Heritage asset 2.18 Summary description This area is characterised by two different features which are both centrally located in the area. The Holy Trinity Church and its grounds, along with a neighbouring area of green parkland. The church is visible in many views from across the area (and the rest of ) whilst its grounds offer a network of footpaths bounded by stone walls. In this area of central, the topography becomes obviously apparent providing wide vistas toward Henbury. 2.20 Positive Context Green space of churchyard and surrounding open space Views of church and wide vistas Rubble walls lining routes 2.19 Landmarks There are a number of landmarks in the area which are evident in views at multiple locations. Holy Trinity Church (and cemetery) Methodist Church Village Hall 24
1 2 Fig 16 College and Church Road environs 1 The village hall 2 Aerial view of church and setting Blom Pictometry 2012 25
Character areas Fig 17 Southfield Road environs Wide Vista View to landmark Distinctive frontage Southfield Road environs Green space Tree Landmark (major/local) Stone walls Pedestrian route Heritage asset 2.21 Summary description This area is defined by parts of three distinctive predominantly residential streets. Southfield Road has a strong character consisting of semi-detached dwelling houses with large private gardens. Street trees and private gardens create an avenue setting bordered by rubble stone walls. The northwest portion of that area is made up of tighter terrace blocks with low brick boundary walls. 2.23 Positive Context Avenue type character along Southfield Road Distionctive plot rythm along terraced streets Rubble walls lining routes Victorian villas on Southfield Road set back behind rubble walls and large front gardens 2.22 Landmarks There are no defined landmarks in the area. 26
Fig 18 Southfield Road 1 1 View along Stoke Lane towards the village centre 27
Character areas Fig 19 Southfield Road environs Wide Vista View to landmark Distinctive frontage Westbury Road and Waters Lane Green space Tree Landmark (major/local) Stone walls Pedestrian route Heritage asset 2.27 Summary description The Westbury Road/Waters Lane area is characterised by the local topography and historic routes into the village from the south. There are wide vistas from various locations as well as direct views through to landmarks. The built form of the area is made up of small residential terraces and semi-detached units, some with positive or distinctive frontages. 2.29 Positive Context Wide vistas Historic routes Heritage assets Rubble walls Distinctive frontages and plot rythms. 2.28 Landmarks A few landmarks were identified within or adjacent to the northern part of the area. Methodist Church Village Hall Old school building 28
1 2 3 5 4 Fig 20 Westbury Road and Waters Lane 1 Terrace forms on Eastfield Road 2 Architectural details on Eastfield Road 3 Old school building 4 View across from the Easfield Road / Water s Lane junction 5 Topography differences around Waters Lane, Westbury Hill and Eastfield Road 29
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Character and distinctiveness Strengths and challenges During the mapping event a number of strengths that define were identified by the community. In addition to these positive elements a number of particular challenges to the maintenance of the area s character were also identified. These strengths and challenges have been corrolated in the adjoining table. Strength Description Challenges Ancient historic centre around church Historic routes This is particularly evident in how dominant the church is in views in and around Particularly new passage link to former Severn crossing, but also many other routes within the area date to medieval origins of the village Maintain views of church Reducing the impact of traffic particularly in areas like Chock Lane Risk of knock on effect caused by Resident Parking Schemes elsewhere Topography and green spaces Defines the character and enables views and vistas Improve routes to and through existing green spaces especially from Westbury Hill River Trym Boundary walls The village character is striongest in many riverside locations Almost all the character areas retain historic boundaries consisting of rubble stone walls Opportunities to enhance riverside setting Design of new developments should retain historic fabric and use appropriate material palette Village atmosphere Despite the traffic thoroughfare of the centre of Maintain a sustainable community Westbury the area has a good social mix and is human in scale Architectural variety Westbury s rich history has contributed to the diversity and quality of the built environment Design of new developments should retain historic fabric and use appropriate material palette Shopping mix retains a range of independent shops that contributes to the village character with support of Business Association Maintain balance of shopping offer and coherent shopfronts along High Street without increase of street clutter 31
1 2 Fig 21 mapping 1 Notation worksheet 2 Areas mapped during the event Appendix 1: community mapping is a character mapping toolkit that enables communities to identify and map the character of their local area. During an event, such as that undertaken at in May 2013, the community map the distinctive features of their neighbourhood using a worksheet based on urban design notation. This mapped character definition aligns with urban design terminology in policy documents such as the Development Management policy on Local Character and Distinctiveness. 32
Fig 22 mapping 1 2 3 33
1 2 Fig 23 Examples of maps 1 Area 1 2 Area 2 34
1 2 Fig 24 Examples of maps 1 Area 3 2 Area 4 35
1 2 Fig 25 Examples of maps 1 Area 5 2 Area 6 36
1 2 Fig 26 Examples of maps 1 Area 7 2 Area 8 37
1 2 Fig 27 Examples of maps 1 Area 9 2 Area 10 38