Frampton & Coalpit Heath VILLAGE DESIGN STATEMENT · attractive, sinuous quality of the narrow...

VILLAGE

DESIGN

STATEMENT

VILLAGE

DESIGN

STATEMENT

Frampton

Cotterell

& Coalpit

Heath

ContactsFrampton CotterellParish Clerk01454 865569www.framptoncott.co.uk

Westerleigh Parish Clerk01454 864433

Acknowledgements

Frampton Cotterell &Westerleigh ParishCouncils

The CountrysideCommission

Village Design Statement(VDS) FacilitatorDave Dickson

Di Western - Drawings

All the local people andschool children whocontributed through theVillage Conference,Roadshows and other VDS activities

The VDS Team

South GloucestershireCouncil for assistance inpublishing the VDS.

Photographs

Cover: Main view towardsFrampton Cotterell fromFrampton Court

Top: Manor Hall

Middle: Brockeridge Centre

Bottom: Woodend Road

Sketch left: St. Saviour’sChurch

Design by SouthGloucestershire Council,Graphics & Mapping Unit,Kingswood 01454 86 3763

Frampton

Cotterell

& Coalpit

Heath

VILLAGE

DESIGN

STATEMENT

VILLAGE

DESIGN

STATEMENT

Contents

Frampton Cotterell & Coalpit Heath Village Design Statement

2

Contents

1SUMMARY OF

RECOMMENDATIONS PAGE 3

INTRODUCTION PAGE 4

2LANDSCAPE & WILDLIFE PAGE 7

3BUILT ENVIRONMENT

& HERITAGE PAGE 11

4SHOPS & SERVICES PAGE 25

5TRANSPORT, HIGHWAYS

& BYWAYS PAGE 28

INDEX PAGE 32

MAPS

MAP 1

1880 HISTORIC MAP PAGE 14

MAP 2

VILLAGE DESIGN AREA PAGE 15

MAP 3

BUILT AREA PAGE 16

MAP 4

GEOLOGY PAGE 18

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Landscape & Wildlife

Built environment & heritage

shops & services

transport, highways & byways

Additions to the road system should take into consideration the attractive, sinuous quality of the narrow lanes within the villages.

Walking and cycling should be encouraged.

Safer routes to schools, shops and key locations could be established.

Street Furniture needs to be appropriate to the village setting.

Unnecessary signs should be avoided.

Residential development should not be permitted outside the settlement boundary.

Existing period buildings should be preserved.

New dwellings should be of simple, unfussy design and proportions. Standard designs and urban street plans should be avoided.

Alterations, conversions, extensions and new building projects should take design cues from existing buildings in the vicinity.

Red-brown clay tiles are the commonest material in older buildings, and this colour is to be preferred in new developments.

Stone boundary walls ought to be retained and repaired.

Shop fronts should be appropriate to a village location.

It is desirable to retain and develop local employment opportunities.

The use of small local shops should be encouraged

The arrival of a large shopping facility would be undesirable.

The present Green Belt should be maintained intact.

Protection of existing green space on the village margins is a high priority.

Developers should protect and create wildlife corridors and habitats.

Water quality in the River Frome needs to be improved.

Trees which form part of the villages’ character need to be safeguarded.

Traditional hedge laying and maintenance is to be encouraged.

More sites should be considered for the local nature conservation plan.


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1.4 It has two themes runningthrough it:

A character statement whichdescribes what is individualand distinctive about the twovillages,

A series of recommendationsrelating to future developmentwhich will help to preserve andenhance their characteristics.

WHO IS THE STATEMENT FOR?

1.5 Residents, to provide guidanceto ensure that alterations andextensions are in sympathy withvillage character.

1.6 Developers, to help themunderstand what the localcommunity wants to see in thedesign of new and re-developedbuildings.

1.7 Local Planning Authority, it willbe a material consideration indetermining planningapplications. It will also provideguidance on transportation issuesand be used by the ParishCouncils in commenting onplanning applications.

Introduction

Recommendations are summarised on page 3

Introduction

Extension built in sympathywith existing cottage,

Henfield Road.

Recent development showinguse of materials as desired by

local community, Park Row.

Redeveloped barn,Perrinpit Road.

1.1 Frampton Cotterell and CoalpitHeath, once separate entities,have, in recent years, merged toform a compact settlement withno visible boundary.Consequently, although in manyrespects they still operate asseparate communities with theirown identities, local people fromboth communities decided tocreate a Village Design Statementon a joint basis.(Map 3)

1.2 The two villages have changedand developed over centuries.Change will continue. However,the residents want those changesto respect the existing characterof the villages and to follow thetraditions that have shaped thepresent community. Thisdocument identifies the specialcharacter of Frampton Cotterelland Coalpit Heath and explainssome of the steps that should betaken to ensure that newdevelopments will harmonise withwhat already exists.

WHAT IS A VILLAGE DESIGN

STATEMENT?

1.3 The Design Statement has beenwritten and developed throughconsultation with a cross-sectionof local people, a villageconference, exhibitions,questionnaires, and dialogue witha wide range of communitygroups. The steering group hasthe support of Frampton Cotterelland Westerleigh Parish Councils.


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This document aims to ensure that future developmentenhances, ratherthan destroys the things local people care about

How is the statement tobe used?

1.8 The design statement should beused in formulating designs fornew development within thevillages, regardless of scale. It isintended to encourage andstimulate the following designprocesses:-

• a survey of the relationshipbetween the site and its surroundings, working with, andrespecting, what is already there.

• the identification of designopportunities presented byexisting views, landscaping, builtform, materials and details.

• the demonstration, in plan form,that this design process has beenobserved.

1.9 The statement is not intended tobe prescriptive or to providedesign solutions, but illustratessome distinctive features of thevillages which should be borne inmind when designing. There isscope for new and innovativedesign solutions, especially‘environmentally friendly’ design.

1.10 It will be essential that developersdemonstrate in their proposalsconsideration of this designprocess.

LOCATION

1.11 The villages are located along thenorthern end of the Frome Valley,some 8 miles from Bristol. Themajority of the built- up part of thearea is bounded by the B4058Bristol Road to the west and theA432 Badminton Road to theeast. These busy roads provideaccess to motorways, the railnetwork, Bristol, Bath and thesurrounding region.

1.12 The villages lie among open fieldsand farmlands, almost completelysurrounded by the Green Belt.

1.13 Driving through the two villagesalong the main roads gives littleindication of their specialcharacter. In order to experiencethe richness of buildings,landscapes and history, it isnecessary to get out of the carand explore the higgledy-piggledylanes, byways and ruralfootpaths.

GEOLOGY

1.14 The geology of the area, (Map 4)has had an important influence onthe development of the villagesand their appearance. The darkred Pennant Sandstone, whichunderlies much of FramptonCotterell, was the major buildingmaterial in the past and is evidentin the older buildings andboundary walls. These have sucha strong influence on thecharacter of the two villages. Therich red soil to the west of thevillage is Grade I agricultural land.Coal bearing strata underlieCoalpit Heath. Pennant Sandstone

is characteristic ofthe buildings andwalls of the area.


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HISTORY

1.15 Frampton Cotterell is mentionedin the Domesday Survey. CoalpitHeath developed later as a resultof the increasing demand forcoal. Mining, hat making, andsupporting trades developedalongside farming to create athriving and expanding industrialcommunity in a rural setting.

1.16 The earliest records of coalmining in this area go back to the14th Century. The 18th Centurybrought the introduction of steamengines enabling coal to bemined at greater depth. Thisresulted in expansion of theindustry. To improve coaltransportation, a horse drawndramway was constructed in1832 between Ram Hill and theRiver Avon. In 1881, there were 5active mines in the Coalpit Heatharea. The last, Frog Lane Pit,closed in 1949 bringing to an end600 years of coal mining.

1.17 From 1862 - 1874, iron ore wasextracted from mines,approximately 200 metres eastof St. Peter’s Church.

1.18 The West GloucestershireWaterworks Co. supplied thearea with water pumped from theabandoned iron mines from 1884to 1972.

1.19 The hatting industry developed inthe region from the middle of the16th Century. Initially a cottageindustry, it became centralised inthe early 19th Century whenMessrs Christie and Co. ofLondon constructed two hatfactories in Park Lane, producingfelt hats for about 46 years beforeclosure in 1864.

1.20 Three water mills existed on theRiver Frome in the parish ofFrampton Cotterell. Windmillswere also once a commonfeature of the village.

1.21 Farming has been and remainsan important activity in thecommunity and both villagescontain many attractivefarmhouses, barns andoutbuildings. There are some 20farmsteads within the district,although not all now primarilyinvolved with farming. Many fineexamples of late 16th Centuryand early 17th Centuryfarmhouses and ancillarybuildings exist. It is the farmingwhich maintains the green spacearound the villages. 1880 HistoricMap page 14.

1.22 Signs of our industrial heritageinclude:

• The windmill tower, boiler houseand chimney in Ryecroft Road.

• The hat factories and manager’scottage on Park Lane.

• The site of the iron mines andrailway.

• The corn mill weir on the RiverFrome.

• The Horse Whimsy alongsideChristmas Cottage at Ram Hilland the Dramway, all at CoalpitHeath.

• The Great Western RailwayViaduct crossing the BadmintonRoad and Henfield Road.

THE VILLAGES TODAY

1.23 The villages developed graduallyuntil the 1960s, when a rapidexpansion of housing took place.This resulted in the demolition ofolder cottages and the in-filling ofopen spaces previously occupiedby farms and orchards. The onceseparate villages and hamletsbecame one compact residentialarea. The new housing does notreflect traditional styles in eitherdesign or layout. Development andin-filling continues today so feweropen spaces remain. FramptonCotterell and Coalpit Heath arenow dormitory communities in arural setting, served by a rangeof shops and services. Themajority of residents work outsidethe villages.

Hat factory, Park Lane.Hatting was once a thriving

industry.

Coalpit Heath Surgery.

Woodend Road oppositeZion Church.

HISTORICAL BUILDING

SYMPATHETIC MODERNDEVELOPMENT

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Key Features from the VillageConference

The Frome Valley

Surrounding opencountryside andopen spaces within thevillages

Mature Oak and Ashhedgerow trees

Views to the CotswoldHills

‘Humpty-Dumpty or‘Tumpy’ fields-are theremains of old mineworkings anddramway

Ancient woodlands andhedges

Pennant sandstonewalls, stiles and gateposts

2.1 The two villages have distinctivedistant views to the Cotswoldescarpment and to the hills ofWales and the Forest of Dean.

2.2 Field boundaries consistprincipally of Hawthorn/Blackthornhedges both key wildlife habitatsand some low dry stone walls.There is a scattering of matureOak and Ash hedgerow trees andsmall areas of species-richancient hedging, for example atHover’s Lane and Broad Lane.

THE FROME VALLEY

2.3 The Frome Valley forms animportant wildlife corridor andprovides habitats for birds,mammals, insects, invertebratesand aquatic creatures. The FromeValley Walkway is a valuable andmuch used recreational amenity.

OPEN COUNTRYSIDE

2.4 The open countryside whichsurrounds the compact area ofthe settlement is one of the mostsignificant characteristics of thearea, and provides the inhabitantswith space for quiet recreation. Inmany areas, mature gardensmake a gentle transition betweenthe built up area and thecountryside.

BUILDINGS IN THE LANDSCAPE

2.5 The churches of St Peter’s, St.Saviour’s and Zion United areprominent landmarks. Outside thebuilt up area, farms andagricultural buildings givecharacter and colour to thelandscape. To the east, the groupof buildings around Mays HillFarm contributes to the rural view.Northwoods House is impressive

in its wooded setting.Nightingale’s Bridge is anattractive historical structure onthe River Frome.

OPEN SPACES WITHIN THEVILLAGES

2.6 Coalpit Heath Glebe, FramptonCotterell Glebe, BeesmoorPlaying Field, The Park,Centenary Field, Ridings Roadplay area and Park Farm pondand play areas provide valuablegreen spaces, sports facilities andwildlife habitats.

VIEWPOINTS

2.7 Good view points of the villagesare seen from Zion Church carpark and from the top of WoodendRoad Ram Hill, Frampton EndRoad, the top of Rockwell Woodand Ivory Hill.

STONE STILES AND GATE POSTS

2.8 Stone gate posts and stiles canbe found and enhance thelandscape.

landscape & wildlifelandscape & wildlife

Traditional hedgelaying Centenary Field


8

WILDLIFE

2.9 Linear features such aswatercourses, hedges, therailway line and the old dramwaycreate corridors for wildlife. Thearea to the North of FramptonCotterell is flat, giving rise towinter and spring ‘ ponding ‘.Newts, frogs, grass snakes andslow worms are relativelycommon. The River frome is alsohome to the indigenous white-clawed crayfish, which is knownto be under threat by the non-native signal fish

2.10 There is also evidence of shorttailed voles, shrews and badgers.Botanically there is an abundanceof varieties, including orchids,supporting butterfly and insectlife. Among the numerous birdspecies seen in the area areKestrels, Barn Owls, Little Owls,Dippers, Sky Larks, Herons,Kingfishers and GreenWoodpeckers.

2.11 Extensive tree planting of nativespecies, has taken place inCentenary Field as part of thedevelopment of the Forest ofAvon. The new village pond atPark Farm should prove an assetin encouraging wildlife to return tothat area.

RECOMMENDATIONS

2.12 The present Green Belt to bemaintained intact. The communityplaces the highest value on thisspace, especially the parts whichseparate the two villages fromneighbouring settlements.Safeguarding it, in its entirety, is atop priority.

2.13 Protection from development ofexisting green space on thevillage margins is a high priority.The area adjacent to Park Farm,

eatate and that between ChurchRoad and Frampton End Roadare important.

2,14 Open views in and around thevillages to be safeguarded.

2.15 Ridge lines in the villages to beprotected from development,especially adjacent to the FromeValley. Development should beplanned to minimise visualintrusion.

2.16 Developers should include in theirschemes protection and creationof wildlife corridors, habitats,hedgerows and trees. Hedgingis an attractive alternative tofencing for property boundaries.

2.17 Water quality in the River Fromeneeds to be improved, togetherwith sympathetic maintenance ofthe banks, footpaths and trees.Also measures need to be takento prevent the signal crayfish fromreaching the Frampton Cotterell /Coalpit Heath areas.

2.18 Ponds and open water areas area valuable wildlife resource andso would benefit fromsympathetic management andcreation.

2.19 Landowners and householdersshould be made aware of theparticular value of hedgerows.The new EnvironmentalStewardship Scheme encourageswildlife friendly management ofhedges.

2.20 Trees which form part of the villages’ character ( Yews, Oaks,Pines etc) need to besafeguarded with TreePreservation Orders. Maturetrees and hedges should beretained in new developments.Tree Tagging may be appropriatefor ancient trees.

New Pond,Park Farm Estate.

Pond, Frampton Court.

Tree PlantingCentenary Field.


9

2.21 Native species prevalent in thelocal area should be planted in gardens bordering open countryside, as a soft transitionbetween the built up area and thegreen belt and to provide wildlifehabitats.

2.22 The planting of non-nativehedgerows species, such asLeylandii, to be discouraged andexisting specimens should, wherepossible, be removed.

2.23 Orchards were once common inthis area. Those remaining areworth safeguarding andmanaging. The establishment ofnew orchards to be encouraged.

2.24 The Frampton Plum (Magnum) tobe safeguarded and increasedusing grafting methods.

2.25 Traditional hedge laying andmaintenance to be encouraged.

2.26 Land owners should be madeaware of grant aid available tosupport the maintenance andenhancement of wildlife habitats.

2.27 Consideration to be given toroadside planting of trees andhedges to reduce visual andnoise pollution and to encouragesafe flight paths for owls.

2.28 More sites to be considered fordesignation as sites of NatureConservation Interest (SNCI)under the South GloucestershireLocal Plan including Old WithyBeds, Northwoods, Shepherd’sWood, Centenary Field, IdoverWood, Ivory Hill, Burn Wood,New Plantation, Railway nearWaterworks and The Glebe.

2.29 The value of the area surroundingthe villages to the aspirations ofthe Forest of Avon should berecognised.

2.30 More information is also availablein the South Gloucestershireplanning and design guide SPG;‘Biodiversity and the PlanningProcess’ adopted November2005

Bee Orchid

Tawny Owl

Wood Anemones abound in Spring, Rockwell Wood (Ancient Woodland)


10

2.31 Acquisition of land to createopen spaces, would helpprotect the Green Belt.

2.32 Another access point to theFrome Valley Walkway fromPark Lane is desirable besideRockwell Wood. A view pointand picnic area could becreated.

2.33 Improving access of FromeValley Walkway for people withrestricted mobility.

2.34 Opportunities to create andmanage new ponds are to beencouraged. The monitoring ofwater quality throughout thearea should be maintained

2.35 The setting up of a protectedhabitat should be consideredfor endangered species eg.bats, birds and bluebells.

2.36 Wildlife corridors such as theRiver Frome, Bradley Brook,Ladden Brook and Folly Brookwould benefit from managementto enhance the biodiversityvisual impact and recreation.

ENHANCEMENTS

Nightingale’s Bridge

Wildlife Corridor along River Frome


11

Key Features from the VillageConference

Pennant Sandstone

Dressed stone walls

Distinctive yellow brickquoins

Steep pitched roofs

Sash windows

Individual porches

Rows of cottages at right angles to the roads

Historic industrialbuildings

Dressed stone gate posts

Stone kerbs and stiles

THE PATTERN OF DEVELOPMENT

3.1 The villages began as separatesmall settlements. (Map 1)

3.2 In Frampton Cotterell the principalsettlement was Brockridge,together with Harris Barton,Frampton End, North Corner and Adams Land. St Peter’s Church, apart from themedieval tower, was rebuilt in the19th Century on the site of anearlier church. Harris Barton andRam Hill retain the feel of theoriginal character of the earlysettlements.

3.3 Coalpit Heath developed laterastride the present BadmintonRoad, as a result of coal mining inthe vicinity. Ram Hill, Henfield andFrog Lane comprised theindustrial area. The ecclesiasticalparish of Coalpit Heath, with StSaviour’s church and vicarage ( designed by William Butterfield,an emminent victorian architect)was established by Order inCouncil in 1845.

3.4 There are 400 surviving individual properties that werebuilt prior to 1920. The majority ofthese were constructed in the 18thand 19th Centuries.

Built environment

& Heritage

Built Environment

& Heritage

St Peter’s Church


12

3.5 The older buildings which remainare built of locally quarriedPennant stone. Some have beenrendered. There is a great varietyof building styles, which is animportant distinguishing feature ofthe villages.

3.6 Some recent developments haveused building design and materials which are not in keepingwith the character of the villages.The styles employed are indanger of changing the visualcharacter of the villages from arural to an urban one.

3.7 Modern development has diluted, but not yet destroyed, thevisual character of the villages.

VILLAGE FORM

Brockridge3.8 This is Frampton Cotterell’s heart

and historic core which developedon the high ground above theriver. It is set along and amongsttrees and the ancient road andlane patterns, a development ofthe old bridle ways and footpaths.

Many 18th and 19th CenturyPennant stone cottages remain inRyecroft Road, Brockridge Lane,Gladstone Lane, Hillside Lane,Upper and Lower Stone Close,Woodend Road, Upper ChapelLane and Footes Lane. Victorianstone built properties, with yellowbrick quoins, are also prominentin this area. Subsequentdevelopment of Brockridgeincludes the construction ofindividual houses on small plots ofland, making an interesting and varied environment. There arenumerous secret, private housesand cottages producing diversityof housing. The Windmill Tower,the “Rising Sun” Inn, Zion Churchand Brockeridge School (built1846) are significant landmarks inthe area.

Harris Barton3.9 This small hamlet straddles an

originally pitched stone bridle-waylinking Frampton Cotterell withWinterbourne via Nightingale’sBridge and the Hilly Fields. Thenarrowness of the bridgesuggests use by pack horses andpedestrians only. Terracedcottages of red PennantSandstone, some dating back tothe 18th Century, are seen here.There is also a variety of oldoutbuildings along the lane. Thehousing style, narrow windinglane and stone walls are typicalof Frampton Cotterell.

Cottages alongside bridleway atHarris Barton

Zion United Church Woodend Road

Significant landmark, The Windmill Tower


13

Frampton End3.10 This old road leads from

Frampton Cotterell to Iron Actonand to Latteridge across the fordvia Hover’s Lane. The olderdwellings comprise former hatters’cottages and farm-houses, suchas Frampton End Farm and TheRidge. Bungalows and detachedhouses on individual plots aremore recent. This road is mostlywithout pavements and retains arural character.

Perrinpit Road3.11 Perrinpit Road consists mainly of

17th Century farmhouses andassociated buildings and 19thCentury cottages, built of localPennant Sandstone and render.Other individual properties havebeen constructed since the1950s. Challacombe House, builtin 1995, is one example ofmodern sympathetic design. “TheWestern Coach House”, built oflocal rubble stone, has dominatedthe corner of Perrinpit and BristolRoad for over 150 years.

Northwoods3.12 Set in 40 acres, the Listed

building, Northwoods House withits fountain, to the North of OldGloucester Road, is the mostimpressive building in the area.Built in 1832 as a private asylum, it has now been converted to residential apartments. Together with theGrange Hotel and other 19thCentury buildings, the area isarchitecturally and historicallyimportant.

West of the River Frome3.13 This area was characterised by

small cottage encroachmentsalong the toll road to Bristol.Much of this land remains openfields but large areas have beendeveloped within recent years.

Many older cottages still existalong Church Road, together withmore modern buildings. On thesouth west edge of the village boundary is sitedFrampton Court. This is one ofthe most historically importanthouses in South Gloucestershire,being a former residence of pastLords of the Manor. 418 ChurchRoad is an excellent example ofmodern design blendingsympathetically with 18th and19th Century buildings. The oldChurch of England School, built1842, in School Road is now thepremises of The CommunityAssociation. School Roadcontains examples of dwellings ofdiverse style and period ranging from 18th Century cottages to 20th Century houses. Mill Lane contains anumber of splendid 18th Centurybuildings, one being the former“New Inn”. “The Globe Inn” stillstands to the west of St. Peter’s.Beaufort Road, WinchcombeRoad and Brookside Drive,predominantly bungalows, wereconstructed between ChurchRoad and Rectory Road. RobelAvenue and Western Avenue arealso modern developments.

Open fields between River Frome and Frampton Court.

Cottage, The Land

Good recent use of Pennant Sandstone, Church Road

14

Map 1 1880 Historic map – orchards galore!

scale 1: 7500

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© Crown Copyright and Landmark Information Group

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Goose Green3.14 Within the area may be found

Step House, a fine GeorgianHouse with a shell porch. Furtheralong Park Lane are two formerhat factories, now converted intohousing, and the factorymanager’s cottage. “The Live andLet Live” public house stands onthe corner of Park Lane andClyde Road. Numerous workers’cottages survive along Park Lane.The majority of houses within thisarea are semi-detached, of brickand pebble dash, and of 1960’s origin. The exception to this is thenorth side of Clyde Road, wherecan be seen houses with yellowbrick quoins and window revealswith dressed stone infills andsliding sash windows. This was astyle common during the earlyyears of the 20th Century. Otherexamples can also be seen inRyecroft Road.

Watermore3.15 This area, centred on Watermore

Close, Meadow View andGledemoor Drive, consists mainlyof 2 storey houses built in the1960s which are typical of thatperiod.

Adams Land3,16 This is the area where Coalpit

Heath and Frampton Cotterellmerge. A few of the old miners’cottages still exist. The Landcontains period stone cottages,as does Church Lane. There aremany narrow lanes in the areawith traditional stone walls. Somerecent infill development hasused standard design of brick orblock and render.

Park Farm Estate3.17 This recent large development

comprises a range of house typesfrom smaller properties to 5bedroomed houses. A degree ofvariety has been achieved usingstandard designs, but with amixed layout and by ringing thechanges with materials anddetails. Some of the original openspace has been retained as playspace and a pond has beencreated.

Coalpit Heath 3.18 Apart from Heath Cottage, very

little evidence remains of theoriginal settlement. A fineexample of early medievial open-cast coal workings exists atBlackberry Brake. The remainingareas are mainly composed ofbungalows and semi-detachedproperties. The former VictorianNational School, now the ManorHall, is a Listed Building with aprominient bell tower. Built mainlyof Pennant stone with adecorative slate roof, it faces St.Saviour’s Church and vicarageacross the playing field. Togetherwith the “Ring O’Bells” andoriginal Vicarage, this area is thenearest the two villages have to atypical village green.

Ram Hill3.19 This was a centre of the mining

industry and has a range ofPennant stone miners’ cottages.A small industrial park nowoccupies the site of Coalpit Heathrailway station

Henfield3,20 A small settlement which

provided pit props for the mines. Athriving golf course now occupiesmuch of the Henfield area.

Railway houses oppositethe dramway terminus.

Local Authority built Wheatley Housesof unfussy design and proportion, Woodend Road.

Cottage, Park Lane(built in 1800s)

20


MATERIALSPennant Sandstone.

3.21 This features prominently in olderbuildings in the villages. It shouldstill be considered as a buildingmaterial. If excavated during sitepreparation it should, whereverpossible, be re- used for thesepurposes and not removed fromthe villages. It may be particularly relevant for garages,extensions, outbuildings andwalls, where it would be desirable and necessary to blendwith existing structures. Bath andPortland stone are notcharacteristic of the area. Wherestone details are desired, theyshould be of Pennant stone.

3.22 A number of recently built houseshave been constructed with a re-constituted stone whichresembles the colour of PennantSandstone.

3,23 Some older stone buildings havebeen rendered, and this nowforms part of the village character.

3,24 Bright red brick looks harsh anddoes not weather to a softercolour. A good example of thesympathetic use of brick is foundin the bungalows on the corner ofWoodend Road and OldlandsAvenue. The mixed brownbrindled colours, together withyellow brick quoins, harmonizewith other stone buildings in thevicinity.

Building Styles3.25 The design of most older

dwellings is simple and functional.Most cottages are built of rubble stone, but some are ofdressed stone.

Roofs3.26 They are usually gable ended with

plain verges. They are steeperthan normal pitch ( 45o - 65o ) andcovered with clay tiles, (pan orDouble Roman). Some havelower courses in stone. Slateroofing is uncommon.

Walls3.27 Boundary walls were traditionally

dry stone with a hen and chickencoping.

Perrinpit Road Recently built farmhouse.

Rear of houses,.Badminton RoadStonework, roof tiles and

chimneys using characteristicmaterials.

Woodend Road, Steep pitched roof.

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Porches3.28 The porch, as a non-standard

feature, adds interest to manydwellings. A small, pointed,sheltering roof provides a similar visual focal point. Even thesupports of such a simple sheltercan be treated in interestingly different ways.

Windows and Doors3.29 The windows are conventional

box sashes or casements. Theseoriginal features contribute greatlyto the character of the buildingand should be retained duringrenovation. Dressed stone wasused for mullions and quoins. Inlater years, some of the stonedetails were replaced with locallyfired yellow brick.

22


3.30 Replacement windows and doorsshould retain the scale and detailof original openings. Designers ofnew buildings should takeaccount of these proportions.

3.31 UPVC windows and doors areinappropriate on historicbuildings. Elsewhere, they shouldonly be used in circumstanceswhere they fully match the colour,form and proportions of theoriginals.

3.32 Stone gate posts should beretained.

3.33 Scheduled ancient monumentsand Listed Buildings must beprotected and preserved.

3.34 In order to protect the character ofthe villages, residential development should not be permitted outside the settlementboundary.

3.35 Existing period buildings to bepreserved, taking care not todestroy original features. Thisapplies to barns, outhouses andutility buildings as well asdwellings. These buildings shouldnot be allowed to decay beyondrepair. Local Listing to be considered where appropriate.

New Buildings3.36 New buildings to blend in with

neighbouring properties withoutobvious discontinuity.

3.37 New dwellings to be of simple,unfussy design and proportions,be appropriate to the villagesetting and pay careful attentionto detail. Standard designs andurban street plans should beavoided.

3.38 Groups of houses should bedesigned as a whole. Perspectivedrawings or models are essentialand should be made available tocommunicate the overall view.

3.39 There is a need for more housingspecifically designed for youngpeople, the elderly and those withdisabilities.

Extensions , Alterations,Conversions

3.40 Alterations, conversions andextensions to take design cuesfrom existing buildings in thevicinity in respect of scale,materials and locality. Detailingshould be complementary.Extensions should respect thecharacter of the main building.

3.41 Adaptations of larger buildings tobe carried out in a manner whichpreserves their character.

3.42 It is important that architecturaldetailing is well proportioned andan intrinsic part of the wholebuilding.

Roofs3.43 The design should be simple.

Large areas can be interruptedwith chimneys, small dormers or gable ends as exist ona number of older properties. Theroof pitch is an important element and should be in keeping with older buildings.Roofs should be in proportion tothe bulk of the building.

3.44 Red-brown clay tiles are the mostcommon material in olderbuildings, and this colour is preferred in new developments.

3.45 Replacement roof coverings tomatch the originals orneighbouring properties,especially in a terrace.

Park Lane,Doorway to Step House,

(Built 1733)

Old barn at Perrinpit Road, (circa 1700)

RECOMMENDATIONS

23


3.46 Roof lights are preferred installednot on the street side of buildings.

3.47 Existing chimneys to be retained,rather than being shortened orremoved and building newchimneys to be encouraged.

Walls3.48 It is preferable for worn brick

or stone to be re-instated, particularly on terraced properties. Where this is tooexpensive, appropriate renderingor pebble dashing may be a suitable alternative.

3.49 Stone boundary walls to beretained and repaired, incorporating matching stone,including where a newdevelopment adjoins existingstone walls. Walls are preferred tofences and should be aligned toexisting buildings and walls.

Ram Hill,Red-brown clay tiles are the most common.

Mill Lane, Stone boundary wall, retained and repaired.

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Frampton Cotterell & Coalpit Heath Village Design Statementt

Landscaping

3.50 Landscaping to be an integral partof all development plans.

3.51 The planting of local nativespecies of trees and shrubs toenhance future developments.Adequate growing space andarrangements for their care are important.

3.52 Archaeology has potential foreducational and recreational use.Developers and land-owners tobe made aware of the possiblearchaeological importance of their

sites. Any ground breakingactivity may have an impact onareas of archaeologicalimportance, these to be taken intoaccount when development isundertaken. Local access shouldbe encouraged whereappropriate.

3.53 The medieval open cast coalworkings at Blackberry Brake areunique to this area and worthsafeguarding.

Park Farm,play areas

Protected trees and hedgesPark Farm estate

Village Green, Park Farm estate

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Key Features

Local shops and services

Sports facilities withinand close to the villages

Needs

Better access for people withdisabilities, impairedmobility, and parentswith pushchairs

Additional sportsfacilities

Additional children’splay areas


4.1 Dispersed across the villages is amixture of small shops, a PostOffice, pubs, local businessesand community facilities whichoffer a range of services,providing for local needs. Thereare limited local employmentopportunities. The proximity oflarge supermarkets and shoppingcentres has an impact on thevillage economy resulting in theloss of some shops

4.2 Rural amenities include a farmshop with P.Y.O, livery yards,nurseries and garden centres.Working farms are evident aroundthe villages, their presenceshould be respected and theircontribution to village charactersafeguarded.

4.3 There are two doctors’ surgeries,a dentist and a dispensingchemist.

4.4 Nurseries, playgroups and toddlergroups meet some pre-schoolneeds. Four local primary schoolsprovide education for the under-11s in the villages, many of whomprogress to the Ridings HighSchool in Winterbourne.

4.5 The Brockeridge Centre, in acentral location has added manyfacilities for all ages, including acommunity café, an InformationTechnology Suite and publictoilets.

4.6 Fromeside Youth Centre, inWinterbourne, is supported byyoung people from all the villages.

4.7 Crossbow House CommunityCentre and the Manor Hall,Coalpit Heath ( both formerSchools ) are assets to thecommunity. The Royal BritishLegion and Coalpit Heath VillageHall (previously the Miners’Institute) and three church hallsare also valued meeting places.

4.8 Sports fields and recreationgrounds provide for a wide rangeof activities and are usedextensively. The Park at SchoolRoad, Beesmoor Road playingfield, Manor playing field,Serridge Cricket Field and anextensive golf course providefacilities for the numerous sportsrequirements. Rugby and netballfacilities exist at Trench Lane aswell as a water sports lake.Existing amenities are highlyvalued but there is an urgentneed for further sports facilities toaccommodate considerable un-met local demand.

shops & servicesshops & services

The new Manor School

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SAFEGUARDING VILLAGECHARACTER

4.11 A feature of both villages is thenumber of people seen walking tothe shops, schools and otherservices. Many residents workoutside the immediate area, and agrowing number of people workfrom home.

4.12 Most housing is within walkingdistance of at least one shop.Lower Stone Close, leading intoWoodend Road, is ourcommercial centre. There areseveral shops and smallbusinesses on these two roadswhich link Frampton Cotterell toCoalpit Heath.

SHOP FRONT STYLE

4.13 With several fine old buildings inuse for shops and services, thedesign of their shop fronts is veryimportant as they help to definethe character of the villages. Improving access forpeople with restricted mobility tothese buildings, whilst retainingtheir essential character, is ataxing problem.


4.9 Coalpit Heath has playgroundprovision for young children.

4.10 Play areas and a Village Greenwere created in the new ParkFarm housing development.

The Horseshoe Inn (late 1700s) now

converted intodwellings

Church Road, Shop fronts help to define

the character of thevillages.


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4.20 Additional leisure areas areneeded to meet theincreasing demand of localsports clubs.

4.21 Another childrens play areais needed in Coalpit Heath.Existing and future playareas would benefit from safe all-weather surfaceswith effective dog-proofing.

4.14 Shop fronts to be appropriate to avillage, as suggested by SouthGloucestershire Council.

4.15 Lattice type security grilles arepreferable to steel roller shutters.

4.16 Commercial and industrial activityto be of appropriate type andscale for the villages,encouraging local employmentopportunities.

4.17 A large shopping facility wouldradically change the fragileeconomic balance of localbusiness and should bediscouraged.

4.18 The access needs of residents tobe considered when providing orup- grading shops or services.

4.19 Plans involving the creation offacilities which would serve thewhole community should besympathetically considered.

ENHANCEMENTSRECOMMENDATIONS

Church Road. A mix of shops which

offer a range of services.

Manor Playing fieldUnder 8s team in action


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Key Features

Heavy traffic on mainthrough routes

Narrow lanes in the oldparts of the villages, some with grass vergesinstead of footways

Country lanes enable access to thegreen belt from thebuilt up area.

Network of footpaths and bridle-ways

PRINCIPAL ROADS

5.1 The A432 Badminton Roadthrough Coalpit Heath links withYate and the M4 to the north, andto the M32, Bristol and the AvonRing Road to the south. TheB4058 Bristol Road runs to thewest of Frampton Cotterell andlinks Yate, Winterbourne and theRing road. Both roads carryheavy volumes of commercialand commuter traffic. ChurchRoad and other minor routescarry commuter traffic betweenthe Badminton and Bristol Roads.At peak times, traffic backs upfrom the Ring Road along themain routes and into the villages.This is a factor to be consideredwhen future development isplanned. Noise pollution is anoticeable feature, with the droneof traffic, its volume varying withthe strength and direction of thewind, an irritant for someinhabitants. Another contributionto noise pollution comes fromincoming aircraft on the flight pathto Filton Airfield.

MINOR ROADS

5.2 A considerable volume ofcommuter traffic uses narrowlanes like Perrinpit Road and OldGloucester Road. This is causingerosion of verges and collapse ofstone walls in places.

5.3 The old roads of West Ridge,Brockridge Lane, Woodend Road,Hillside Lane and Gladstone Lanehave retained their meanderings,twisting between propertyboundaries, opening new vistas.

5.4 Narrow country lanes are bordered by verges andhedgerows as they turn sharplyaround field perimeters as inFrampton End Road and RuffettRoad.

5.5 Many developments are built ascul-de-sacs around a wideexpanse of tarmac comprising aroad and two footways, withoutgrass verges and with little spacefor trees. At Park Farm, plannershave provided an area of grassedopen space to protect some of itsoriginal amenity value, and haveretained a public footpath skirting Blackberry Brake wooden-route to Kendleshire.

transport, highways &

byways

transport,highways &

Byways

Narrow winding lanes restrict traffic speeds

Grass verges maintain a rural atmosphere


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TRAFFIC CALMING

5.6 The narrow lanes in the old parts of the villages naturally restrict traffic speed. Inthe 1960s, roads like ChurchRoad were widened to improveaccess and traffic flow, but nowhave traffic calming. Suchmeasures on the Badminton roadhave been largely successful inreducing vehicle speed throughCoalpit Heath; thus joining ratherthan dividing the villages.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

5.7 The nearest railway stations areat Yate and Bristol Parkway. Thevillages benefit from a range ofbus routes: to Bristol, Yate,Kingswood, Emersons Green,Bristol Parkway, UWE and CribbsCauseway. The ‘dial a ride’scheme has been a welcomeinnovation.

CYCLING

5.8 Cycling is a healthy and non-polluting means of transportaround the villages. Deterrents toan increase in cycling include thedanger posed by road traffic anda lack of secure cycle parking.The Avon Cycleway passesthrough Henfield Road, ParkLane, Woodend Road andFrampton End Road en-route toChipping Sodbury. Busy roadsrestrict its use to experiencedcyclists.

WALKING

5.9 Walking to shops, schools and otherservices helps reduce car use.Traffic calming measures encouragemore people to make local journeyson foot. Problems with dog foulingon pavements have reduced sincethe introduction of ‘dog bins’

PUBLIC FOOTPATHS

5.10 A network of public footpathsgives pedestrian access andshort-cuts within the villages.Other footpaths penetrate into thecountryside, with links to thesurrounding villages of Iron Acton,Winterbourne, Latteridge andWesterleigh. The Dramway, aformer horse drawn railway, runsfrom Ram Hill via Bitterwell Laketo Keynsham. An illustratedbooklet is available.

THE FROME VALLEY WALKWAY

5.11 This highly valued leisure facilitylinks Bristol to the Cotswold Wayby following the River Frome. Anillustrative booklet of the route isavailable.

BRIDLE-WAYS

5.12 These ancient drovers’ roads donot inter-connect, so horse ridersare forced to use busy roads. Apopular ride is Hover’s Lane fromFrampton End to the Bristol Road.Another is from Ram Hill toWesterleigh, via Broad Lane.Horses are a part of the characterof village life. A large number arekept in and around the villagesand many fields provide grazingfor them.

5.13 Bridlepaths are scarce and thereis some concern about the safetyof riders and horses.

Old Gloucester Road,Parish Boundary Sign.

The number of horses hassignificantly increased inrecent years.


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UNSIGHTLY FEATURES

5.14 Overhead wires and the postswhich support them.

5.15 Cable boxes installed withoutplanning control - their prominenceand large surface make themvulnerable as sites for advertisingposters and graffiti.

5.16 Concrete lamp standards which,although functional, areinappropriate.

5.17 Mobile phone masts and aproliferation of street signs

RECOMMENDATIONS

5.18 Additions to the road system in new developments to take intoconsideration the attractive,winding quality of the narrowlanes within the villages, whichunobtrusively restricts trafficspeed. The informal charactershould be encouraged.

5,19 Traffic calming should beextended to other areas whereappropriate, but should be sensitive to local views aboutvisual intrusion.

5.20 Grass verges and roads withoutfootpaths avoid urbanisation ofthe street scene and should beconsidered.

5,21 To encourage walking andcycling. Pedestrians and cyclistsshould be given priority over other forms of traffic, by nominatingsome roads as “Quiet Roads“anddeveloping “Home Zones.”

5.22 Provision of additional securecycle parking.

5.23 Safer routes to schools, shopsand key locations should beestablished across the villagesand children actively encouragedto walk or cycle to school. Theuse of Walk Buses should beencouraged and supported.

5.24 Improve accessibility on busy pedestrian routes and footpaths,for wheelchairs, pushchairs andthose with limited mobility.

5.25 Existing stone kerbs should beretained.

5.26 Stone stiles should be safeguarded.

Heavy traffic divides communities.

RECOMMENDATIONS


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5.27 Lamp standards for new developments and for routinereplacement of existing onesshould be consistent with thevillage setting. The Heritage andMetro Borough patterns areappropriate.

5.28 Street Furniture should be kept toa minimum and needs to beappropriate in design and materials to the village setting.Any urban road features are to beresisted with the exception ofspeed limits and warning signs.

5.29 Service cables should be routedunderground.

5.30 Unnecessary signs should beavoided.

5.31 Good quality bus shelters withseating and local bus serviceinformation should beencouraged.

5.32 Road names in newdevelopments should be takenfrom old field names or have localsignificance.

5.33 Vehicle parking areas should beprovided within the curtilage ofproperties. Parking should bescreened and landscaped andlarge areas of hard standingavoided.

Cycle routesshould be established.

Church Road.Stone stilesshould be safeguarded.

New road names with local significance


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accessibility 2.32, 4.13, 4.18, 5.24

archaeology 3.52, 3.53

boundaries

walls & hedgerows 2.16, 3.21, 3.27, 3.49

bridleways 5.12, 5.13

buses and cycleways 5.8,5.21-5.22,5.31

doors 3.28-3.31

extensions

and porches 3.28, 3.40, 3.42

footpaths & stiles 2.3, 2.17, 5.9-5.11, 5.20-5.21, 5.25-5.26

gate posts 2.8, 3.32

grant aid 2.19, 2.26

green belt &

open spaces 2.4, 2.12-2.15, 3.34

hedging 2.16, 2.19, 2.25-2.27

landscaping 2.16, 2.21-2.22, 2.27, 3.50-3.53

listed buildings 3.18, 3.33

parking 5.33

play areas 4.8-4.10, 4.20-4.21

ponds & rivers 2.17-2.18, 2.33

road names 5.32

roofs & skyline 3.26, 3.43-3.47

safer routes

to schools 5.9,5.23

shop fronts 4.13-4.15

stone kerbs 2.18, 5.25

street furniture 5.14-5.17, 5.27-5.30

traffic calming 5.6, 5.18-5.19

trees 2.19-2.24, 2.27, 2.29, 3.51

walls of buildings 3.21, 3.24-3.48

windows 3.29-3.31

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