4.3 Wickwar Road and Somerset Close

I. Related to the very local landscape: Wickwar Road (B 4060) runs from the main crossroads

junction at The Chipping to the southerly parish boundary where it becomes Station Road in

Wickwar. This has a junction with Chase Lane just south of the parish boundary. Wickwar

Road represents a winding through route for traffic travelling to the south out of the

village. The development has been built over time and on an ad-hoc basis. This has resulted

in nno uniform design style.

Somerset Close is a cul-de-sac. Detached houses built in the mid 1980’s located between

Hillesley Road and Wickwar Road. The access is from Wickwar Road. Some of the houses

border onto open fields. Somerset Close was built on a brownfield site which was formerly a

haulage yard The. therethat such ishere landscape is no risk of flooding.

There branch one just is off the roadway connecting to Wickwar Road, which ensures that

the de-sac cul- pleasant character is evident throughout the development.

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Somerset Close - Views to fields Somerset Close Houses

Pattern and Shape: Beyond the entrance to Somerset Close on the south-east side of the road and

for the whole length of the other side of the road, open fields lie behind properties emphasising the

rural nature and character of the area.

Beyond the Kingswood village road sign the settlement continues as Wickwar road runs through

agricultural land with just a small number of properties located close to the road. A number of

existing farms, or farmhouses and barns converted for residential use, are accessed by driveways on

either side of the road. See table of farms in section 1.5

The pattern of property development can be generalised as representing ribbon development along

Wickwar Road.

Progressive infill development of properties that took place over most of the 20th century has

resulted in no dominating pattern of building style or design.

Vehicular access to the properties in Squaws Lake is from the Wickwar Road and this access

continues as a footpath to link pedestrians with Hillesley Road. This footpath is used to access the

village hall.

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The driveway to the Village Hall and Playing Field runs off the north-west side of Wickwar Road.

Beyond the village sign, marking the extent of the built settlement, a high proportion of the farms

and converted farmhouses and barns to the south of the village access the public road system via

Wickwar Road. These include Trench Farm, Neathwood Farm, Day House Farm, Highwood Farm and

Cherryrock Farm. See table of Farms in section 1.5.

For much of its length Wickwar Road provides spectacular views of the sweep of the Cotswold

escarpment from Nibley Knoll and Tyndale Monument in the north to Hawkesbury Knoll and the

Somerset Monument in the south-south-east.

The road is a prominent feature and is used as a main commuter route linking Kingswood with the

towns of Chipping Sodbury and Yate and Junction 18 on the M4 motorway. There is a pavement on

both sides but this extends only to the furthest properties of the continuous built settlement.

Notably it does not extend around a bend in the road immediately beyond which are the residential

properties, “Chimneys” and Trench Farmhouse. The majority of the properties have driveways so

vehicles are parked off the road. The road narrows as it gets further into the village and there are

more vehicles parked on this stretch of road particularly at the intersection with Hillesley Road.

For virtually the whole length beyond the built settlement, approximately two miles, the road has

hedges on both sides. Where light industrial activities are conducted there are screening conifers

(see section 1.5) but the majority of the hedging comprises native trees and provides a habitat for

wildlife.

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Somerset Close represents the only development of housing that is accessed from Wickwar Road.

There are 39 houses in total. The estate has pavements and one area of traffic calming. The gardens

are unfenced and open to the pavement. The houses have paved drives and garages. The width of

the driveways and associated dropped kerbs, combined with the close spacing between properties,

results in relatively limited locations for on-street parking. The gardens at the front are laid to lawn

and there are mature shrubs, all houses have a reasonable sized garden at the rear.

Only the first houses on the road have chimneys, properties built subsequently have internal flues.

Solar panels have been installed retrospectively on the south-facing roof elevations of some

properties.

II. Nature of Buildings: There is a wide range of property types and architectural designs,

mostly dating from the 20th century.

With the exception of a small red-brick terrace and the four pairs of semi-detached houses

built by the local council in 1927, properties in Wickwar Road were largely designed and

built on an individual basis. Most properties were initially intended to be surrounded on all

sides by large areas put down to gardens, but this character has been lo ,st to a considerable

exten ,t due to infill development of later properties and/or substantial extensions to existing

properties.

Wickwar Road provides the majority of bungalows to be found in the village.

As the residential properties on Wickwar Road were not designed as part of a development

there is a wide range of building types and materials, and the resulting buildings include a

number of substantial, individual properties.

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Fairview, formerly of Fairview Farm, is a substantial white rendered house, one of the very few built

before the 20th century, in this case early in the 1800s. A stone-built barn converted to a residence,

Cloverlea Barn, along with its small-holding, is accessed by an adjacent track off Wickwar Road.

Nearby, Westfield House is an example of the substantial, individual properties developed towards

the end of the 20th century.

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Whereas this property has a facade of mixed materials, many of the most recent developments

have favoured the use of reconstituted stone blocks.

Lower Trench House is a rare example of a house built in natural stone.

White rendering is favoured in many of the older properties, in this case also showing a sympathetic

modern extension to the cottage at the far end of the terrace. The windows and roof line are in

keeping with the original building.

The four pairs of semi-detached inter-war council houses were by the built local council in 1927.

These were originally built to meet a chronic housing shortage, having a large garden to enable the

occupiers to grow their own food. They are white-rendered and in most cases have undergone

extensions or have had garages or sheds built on the surrounding land, that was once garden.

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The red-brick terrace that formerly housed the ironmongery and hardware business of

T. J. Hignell and sons retains some stylish features, including the tile-brick decorations

around doorways and bay windows and the stained glass panels in some of the upper

windows. It still houses business premises in the shape of a hairdressing salon. The provision

of services is important to the village and this should be retained for business use and not

converted to residential.

III. Building Materials:

White rendering

Local stone

Various shades of red brick.

The houses in the initial development off Wickwar Road have dark wood window frames,

the remainder are white.

The window style on Somerset Close is a small-paned Georgian design

Chimneys only on the first houses coming on Somerset Close

IV. Distinctive Features:

Individually designed and built houses (Wickwar Road)

Bungalows

Kingswood Village H all - See community section

Kingswood Playing F ield - See community section

Open, rural aspect affording spectacular views of Cotswold escarpment

Fairview House

Red-brick terrace

Well-maintained operating and converted farmhouses

White rendering on houses

Working farms

Views through to open countryside Haroldsfield Farm, Alderley and Wotton

Views through to the older properties on Hillesley Road

Open aspect (Somerset Close)

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Opens gardens (Somerset Close)

Green verges ( Somerset Close)

Safe environment for children to play (Somerset Close)

4.4 Charfield Road and Tyndale View

I. Related to the very local landscape:

There is a mixture of properties along Charfield Road. Some of the older properties are terraced

rendered-brick cottages while others are large detached houses. There are also some c.1970

semi-detached properties.

What is distinctive about the Charfield Road is the mixture of industry and residential

property along with open countryside. To one end, at the junction with Wotton Road, there

is even a set of multi-sport and tennis courts established on land purchased by the Parish

Council and developed through a village community initiative.

Tyndale View is a cul-de-sac of 41 houses built from 2008. It has a more closed-in feel at the

entrance as the road is narrow. The first part of this development is a block of flats which

forms part of the affordable housing for this development. The first part of the road is of

terraced housing. The estate then opens out into a wide grassed area with large detached

houses. There is a small Local Area for Play (LAP) and an area left as grass meadow. This

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area joins on to the new community areas that form part of the new Chestnut Park Estate.

There is a footpath which joins this estate to Chestnut Park.

II. Pattern and shape: Charfield Road (B 4062) extends from the New Mills roundabout

junction with New Road (B 4058) near the boundary of the Parish of Kingswood, to the

junction with Old Rectory Road (B 4060), effectively forming a cross-roads junction with

Wotton Road and Abbey Street. Various traffic controls along the Charfield Road consist of

50mph and 30mph speed restrictions and a traffic calming priority section at the Old

Rectory Road end.

Alongside Charfield Road there is little by way of trees and grass in the built settlement area

of the village in marked contrast to the open countryside immediately beyond. However a

naturalised area of what was once a field boundary has been left in front of the newly

developed flats in Tyndale View and will soon be transferred to parish council ownership.

This area is a small woodland and home to many birds and wildlife. A footpath, CKD 6, runs

from Charfield Road to Monkham Thorns and the Charfield Parish boundary via Elbury Hill.

Charfield Road is a single residential road, Tyndale View, joining it along its length, along

with the access to the Abbey Mil sl industrial site almost opposite Tyndale View.

Charfield Road looking towards the War Memorial and Old Rectory Road. The traffic calming

initiative can be seen here

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Charfield Road looking in the direction of New Mills

Tyndale View is a development of properties to the left hand side of the section of Charfield Road in

this picture.

This picture also shows the extent of the pavement on the left hand side when heading out of the

village. On the right hand side the pavement stops at the side of the row of terraced cottages.

Pedestrians coming from the properties further along on this side of the road have no pavement on

either side and must cross the road to safety the get fo a pavement, then cross back over if wishing

to walk towards Wotton or to get to the school in Abbey Street.

Charfield Road has a very open feel to it when near to the junction with Old Rectory and Wotton

Roads because of the landscaped area provided by the Tubbs Turf facilities on one side, the widening

of the road at the junction and the distance that the frontage of Boundary House is set back on the

other side of the road. The road narrows considerably at the brow of the small incline at the edge of

the built settlement and village sign.

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The entrance to Tyndale View

Tyndale View shown to the North of Charfield Road in this picture

III. Nature of buildings: The Tubbs Turf multisport and tennis facility and associated landscaped

gard ,ens with disabled access, is located between Charfield Road and Wotton Road. This site

is bordered by a ragstone wall.

Charfield Road as it nears Old Rectory Road has some properties which are located in the

Conservation Area. It ends at the cross-roads junction described above with a view of the

Village War Memorial directly opposite. See conservation Area Statement

Row of terraced cottages on Charfield Road adjacent to the traffic calming

Terraced properties built 1851 running immediately alongside Charfield Road

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Properties are a mixture of terraced weaver and mill cottages and rendered properties. There is a

more modern brick development of houses and some individual detached houses.

The Abbey Mil sl estate is set back from the road and comprises of mill buildings used for industrial

purposes and modern warehouse type buildings.

Tyndale View is a a mixture of Residential housing, terraced, detached and a block of flats.

IV. Building Material:

Render

Ragstone

Reconstituted stone

Render

Red brick

V. Distinctive features

Mill Buildings

Open countryside

Tubbs Turf multi sports complex

The R oad

Grass verge and wooded area

Limited pavements

Grass meadow

Play area (Tyndale View)

3 storey town houses (Tyndale View)

An industrial building by the entrance to others

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Further industrial buildings on the Charfield Road

Open Countryside running along Charfield Road

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4.5 Wotton Road and Dyehouse Yard

II. Geographical setting:

Wotton Road runs due north from its junction at a cross-roads with Old Rectory Road, Charfield

Road and Abbey Street. As the name indicates, it is the route to Wotton-under-Edge. It is a vital

pedestrian as well as vehicular route into and from the village, in particular because of the presence

of Katherine Lady Berkeley’s (KLB) School just beyond the village boundary. The southerly section of

Wotton Road lies within the Conservation Area, delineated by its junction with Dye House Yard, and

is described in the Conservation Area Statement. Similarly, the southerly side of Dye House Yard

itself lies within the Conservation Area. This description deals only with the parts of these

roads outwith the Conservation Area

II. Distinctive character

Wotton Road

The most distinctive aspect of the northerly part of Wotton Road derives from the tradition of

building cottages fronting immediately onto the highway.

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The highway crosses the leat that once provided water power to Abbey Mill by a narrow bridge that

is possibly medieval. It has only been possible to widen it to a small extent, due to restrictions

presented by adjacent houses and the leat itself. There is a narrow pavement on the westerly side

of the road (right-hand photograph above) and none on the easterly side (left-hand photograph).

The need to provide this pavement for the many pupils walking to KLB has meant that a priority

traffic flow operates over and on either side of the bridge. Increased traffic of both pedestrians and

vehicles is an issue of concern at this point.

Dye House Yard

This is the lowest point in the village; it is situated between the mill leat and the course of the main

river and has suffered from flooding from time to time. There are six properties located here

altogether but only one, Aston Cottage, lies outside the Conservation Area on the northerly side.

III. Settlemen st in their landscape setting

The built environment of the northerly part of Wotton Road is mainly small cottages. As noted

above, they nearly all date from periods when it was normal to build close to the road.

Nevertheless, the presence of adjacent open spaces along the road means that there is no sense of

oppressive enclosure that can occur when such development has occurred on both sides of the

road.

The views outwards from Wotton Road are limited, partly because of the buildings being linked and

close to the road. Nevertheless there is a pleasing view north to Wotton Hill.

The important visual impact is of looking into the village on approaching it from outside. The town

houses of Wotton Road, viewed , across Tubbs Turf, from Charfield Road, present a very fine and

coherent entrance to the village. The view of the Old Rectory, coming into Kingswood along Wotton

Road is as good or better. The crossroads formed by Wotton Road with Charfield Road, Abbey

Street and Old Rectory Road (where the War Memorial is situated) is one of the key nodes that

defines the core village (the others being the crossroads at the Chipping and by the Abbey

Gatehouse).

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IV. Nature of building and space

The northerly part of Wotton Road, outside the Conservation Area, largely comprises the cluster of

small cottages immediately to the north of the bridge over the mill leat. These have facades of

render over local ragstone.

Lying between the junction with Dye House Yard and Vineyard Lane is Kingswood Car Clinic, a

thriving car maintenance and repair business that provides a valued service to many car-owners in

the community. This is adjoined by a renovated house, Nut Tree House, with a stone facade. The

house is immediately to the north of Dye House Yard and backs onto Aston Cottage.

A Georgian-era listed building, Penn House, lies to the north of the junction with Vineyard lane and

on the parish boundary with Wotton-under-Edge Parish. Its conversion from a private home formed

the initial establishment of Pennwood Lodge, a care home for the elderly.

The stylish facade onto Wotton Road is now largely obscured by trees, probably to provide privacy

for residents. The side elevation shows infilled windows, almost certainly for the historical avoidance

of window tax.

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The only building to the northerly side of Dye House Yard, lying outside the Conservation Area, is

Aston Cottage. Its garden, extending to the bank of Ozleworth Brook, provides a pleasant vista to the

northerly side of the open yard area of Dye House Yard.

Aston Cottage has a double gable end with relatively high roofs for a two-storey building of its

period.

The elevations of Aston Cottage are largely in stone but there are interesting red-brick sections

which may derive from original walls which have been concealed by extensions or renovations.

V. Building materials

The great majority is render, over local ragstone.

VI. Key features

Former Georgian Town House

Important and attractive views on entering the village

A key gateway to the village with restricted pedestrian and vehicular access

Immediate link to open countryside on the western side

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4.6 Kingswood Playing Field

I. Related to the very local landscape: The playing field lies on the north-west side of the

Wickwar Road and provides a continuation of the green space adjoining Wickwar Road and

Chestnut Park. This local amenity area is positioned at the highest ground level within the

village and commands the most complete views of the Cotswolds AONB.

It offers important visual amenity. From the North round to the East, there are clear, unobstructed

views to Nibley Knoll with the Tyndale (Nibley) Monument; Wotton Hill with the Jubilee Trees

(planted to mark Queen Victoria's Jubilee); Cotswold Escarpment and Wotton-under-Edge.

More local views to the North East, over two open fields with mature trees and hedgerows, are of

the old Chestnut Park local authority estate and the new Taylor Wimpey Chestnut Park estate.

Two of the Village's Listed Buildings are also clearly visible from the Playing Field to the North East:

Boundary House and Chestnut Park Farm.

Further views beyond the gardens and the properties in Wickwar Road to the South East and South,

take in the Southern Cotswold Escarpment including Somerset (Hawkesbury) Monument and

Alderley’s Tower Folly on Winner Hill.

Views to the South West round to the North West are of further open fields, towards Charfield.

The Playing Fields are surrounded on 4 sides by mature hedgerows (ranging in depth from 5-8 feet

deep - obviously of some age - multiple species) and tree ,s plus in excess of 200 new saplings

planted under a Woodland Trust initiative.

II. Settlement pattern and shape: The Playing Field has a full-size football pitch with a spectator

stand at its north-western end, junior football goal nets and a cricket square in the centre of the

field.

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III. Nature of Buildings and space: The only building on the playing field is the village hall. This

comprises a single storey community area with a bar and kitchen, completed in 1975; a high-

ceilinged hall with a stage, opened in 1982; and sports changing rooms added later to the north-

western end nearest the sports pitches.

The access driveway is between pre-existing properties on the Wickwar Road: a large detached

private house with rendered finish to the right-hand side of the entrance and former Local

Authority semi-detached properties, also with rendered finish, to the left of the entrance. These

properties have rear gardens backing onto and views over, the Playing Field. Various memorial

benches are placed around the edge of the field.

To the side of the access driveway there is a children's play area including equipment for very

young children and for older children/teenagers. This is served by an adjacent area with seating

and tables.

The village hall is at the south-eastern corner of the field at the end of the access driveway.

There is parking space for hall-users on two sides.

A Viewing Point with seat (commemorating the Queen's Jubilee in 2012) is positioned to view

the Cotswold Escarpment.

IV. Distinctive Features:

Open aspect affording spectacular views of Cotswold Escarpment

Natural hedgerow on all sides

Brick faced timber framed village hall

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Sports pitches

Play equipment

Valued Community space

74. Chestnut Park

I. Relates to the very local landscape: The original houses on Chestnut Park were built by the local

authority in three stages between 1948 and 1954 in response to a housing shortage after the

Second World War.

It was designed as a cul-de-sac and the original houses are all two storey.

The original houses have large gardens; there are now lawns and hedges in most.

Chestnut Park has been substantially expanded through the Taylor Wimpey housing

development carried out over 2012-2014 on what was open countryside to its rear. The new

houses are of variable design and building materia ,ls comprising a mixture of 2, 3, 4 and 5

bedroom properties over 2 or 3 floors. All 4 and 5 bedroom houses are detached with 1 or 2

garages each. To the far northern corner are 3 x 3 bedroom terraced houses; 2 x 2 bedroom

semi-detached houses lie next to these, with a further 3 x terraced 2 bedroom houses and a 3

bedroom end of terrace adjacent.

At the front of Chestnut Park, bordering onto Rectory Road, there is a grassed area. To the south

of the road junction with Old Rectory Road this is a wide expanse which formerly provided a

75

children’s play area but now provides a decorative amenity with flower beds, maintained by the

Parish Council and flowering cherry trees.

At the northerly end of the estate on Old Rectory Road stand the Public Toilets, which are kept open and serviceable by the Parish Council.

II. Pattern and shape:

III. The houses are set back from the road and the estate has a spacious feel to it.

Open green space in front of Chestnut Park

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The houses at the front of the estate are set back from Old Rectory Road and separated from it by a

green space before another pavement. They are accessed by a paved footpath and have the use of

parking areas integral to the overall layout of the original estate.

The above picture which showing the flower beds demonstrates the connection between Chestnut

Park and the Chipping in the conservation area.

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A double row of houses at the rear of the southerly side of the estate are accessed by a paved

footpath.

By contrast, there are no pavements in the new development area of Chestnut Park. Front gardens

end at the road side to encourage pedestrian right of way, children to play in the streets and a

community feel in respect of the open spaces. Gardens have been defined using hedges. Side verges

and path edges have been planted with medium size shrubs and flowering hedges. Feature trees are

planted at regular intervals.

A footpath leads from Chestnut Park to The Chipping over open fields and, in the other direction,

around to Tyndale View.

The settlement pattern of the new development is relatively complicated and warrants a detailed,

illustrated description as follow :-s

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1.

At the T-junction immediately beyond these houses, the road to the left leads to one 5 bedroom

house on the left facing directly onto the road (Picture 2) and one 5 bedroom house lying adjacent to

the road.

Beyond this house lies access to a double garage and another 5 bedroom property (Picture 3).

2. 3.

ThisvillageTyndaleorchard5&6)

(Pictures East South the to countryside open and Park Chestnut between planted been has new A shrubs. medium-sized containing bed a by road the from divided is path The View.

into leading 5) & 4 (Pictures path foot and cycle a contains also road of section This hall. the and Park Chestnut between land his to access farmer a allows Park Chestnut of section

On right. the on bedroom 5 a by followed bedroom 4

one and left the on houses bedroom 4 x 2 houses, 4 are there 1) (Picture development new the entering

4.

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5.

Turning right at the T-junction (Picture 6) Chestnut Park sweeps to the left. A further mixture of 4

and 5 bed-room homes sit on either side of the road (Picture 7).

After the second house there is a left turn with access to a further 2 properties and their garages

and original orchard with newly built pond (Picture 8).

6. 7.

8.

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The road then turns slightly to the right and the 2 and 3 bedroom houses are found here (Picture 9).

9.

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IV. Nature of buildings and spaces

The original Chestnut Park Estate has a lot of green spaces. The roadway into the estate has a grass

verge before the ro .ad

The houses alongside the roadway into the estate have driveways and hedges.

There are pavements all around the original estate and good street lighting throughout. As noted above, the new development has been designed without pavements to create shared access for vehicles and pedestrians. The large green space which fronts the original houses has flower beds and trees. There is a concrete bus shelter in front of Chestnut Park on Old Rectory Road. No public bus services use this.

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V. Building materials

Many of the original houses are built from red brick. When these houses were renovated in the late

1990’s, the first concrete and tile semi-detached houses, which front on to Old Rectory Road were

demolished, and new rendered ones built.

The Cornish-style houses, which were of reinforced concrete construction and prone to “concrete cancer”, were renovated in 2000. Houses in the new development are a mixture of stone (honey-coloured to replicate Cotswold

stone), red brick and rendering.

Building materials

Red brick

Tiles

Render

VI. Distinctive Features

Distinctive red brick housing associated with original local authority housing

Cornish-Style Housing

Open green space with trees , flower borders and spring planting

New housing estate of 27 houses, having a wide variety of styles, built to the rear of the

original estate

Open Countryside to the south west (although open countryside to the north west of the

original estate has been lost to the new development)

. “Sharedencourage street in play to children

to development, new in vehicles and pedestrians both for roads access” ��

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4 8. Outlying Settlements of Monkham Thorns, New Mills, Chase Lane and Nind

84. a: Nind

Map of Nind showing Link to Kingswood via Hillesley Road and Baldwins Green, The Cemetery,

Nind Nature Reserve and the Ash Path

I. Related to the very local community : A small rural hamlet which borders the parishes of

Wotton-under-Edge and Alderley. A small residential settlement based immediately on

either side of the narrow Nind Lane.

The settlement borders the Ozleworth Brook, a tributary of the Little Avon. Some of the properties

have gardens down to the water.

There is a footpath which joins the hamlet to Kingswood via the Ash Path and in the other direction

to a Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve.

II. Pattern and shape: The residential properties are based on both sides of the single

carriageway lane, as shown in the example below, and many border onto the Ozleworth

Brook.

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The majority of the residential properties are located around a small track leading off Nind Lane, as

shown below.

85

Nind Lane links from Hillesley Road in Kingswood to Wortley Road, below Little Tor Hill in Wotton-

under-Edge.

III. Nature of buildings and spaces:

There is a working farm, Nind Farm, on the lane and the views are to fields used for agriculture,

mainly grazing pasture. The fields are bordered by hedgerows.

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There is an industrial site owned by Wotton Tarpaving immediately next to Nind Lane, close to its

crossing over Ozleworth Brook

The views are out towards Wotton and Alderley and are of an open rural aspect backed by the

Cotswold Escarpment.

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Immediately on the junction of Nind Lane and Hillesley Road is a single residential property and

smallholding, “Baldwins Green”.

Close to the junction on the opposite side of Hillesley Road, a public footpath leads towards Upper

Barns Farm.

IV. Building Material: Render and reconstituted stone. A relatively high proportion of residential properties have solar panels fitted on their roofs, as shown below.

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V. Distinctive Features: The Ozleworth Brook and footpaths alongside.

Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve - Both the Nind Nature Reserve and the

Ozleworth Brook (from the upstream boundary of the reserve down as far as Kingswood

itself) form a Key Wildlife Site due to the water vole population which is legally protected.

The Ash Path riverside walk

Open public views

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84. b: Monkham Thorns, Charfield borders and New Mills

I. Related to the very local landscape:

The Monkham Thorns settlement runs from the County boundary with South Gloucestershire to The New Mills roundabout and is located either side of the B4058.

New Mills is a small settlement of 4 houses and the head office of the international

engineering company Renishaw. New Mills is on the parish border with Wotton-under-Edge

as depicted by the blue line on the map.

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II. Pattern and shape

A small residential settlement and a large, high-technology, industrial site.

A busy winding road linking Wotton with Charfield and the M5, connecting with traffic from

Kingswood at a roundabout junction with Charfield Road.

Open green fields to the side of the road.

Extensive view of the Cotswold Escarpment, including Nibley Knoll and Wotton Hill.

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The Roundhouse near the parish boundary in the foreground.

New Mills is based around a significant S-bend in the road. The residential settlement is on the right,

when travelling towards Wotton, with the Renishaw business and industrial site on the left.

Bushford Bridge and the stream mark the parish boundary.

III. Nature of buildings and spaces

The New Mills building is a large red brick mill building set in extensive grounds with ponds.

The grounds have been landscaped with trees and planting and a line of Cedar/Spruce trees border

the road. Currently under construction is a large factory building for Renishaw.

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The residential properties include two semi-detached, rendered cottages set in their own ground.

These properties have a substantial wooden railway sleeper fence to protect them from the vehicles

on the road.

Alongside these cottages is a track leading to another property, set well off the road, and to the

sewage treatment works. This forms a section of the footpath connecting to Wotton Road close to

the centre of Kingswood.

There is a large detached property, Bushford Bridge Cottage, which is largely hidden from view by a

high fence and conifer screen.

A large roundabout marks the entry road to Renishaw. This is quite urban in its design and has 11

street lamps. The lights are on continually from dusk until dawn giving rise to light pollution.

There is a line of telegraph poles from New Mills crossing the fields to Kingswood.

There is no pavement along the frontage of the Renishaw site, although a public footpath protected

from the road by a metal-railing fence runs alongside the road on the grassed area maintained by

Renishaw.

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The Monkham Thorns settlement is a mixture of agricultural, residential, commercial and

workshops.

It is rural with a mixture of employment areas and is dominated by the B4058 which is a main

commuting route to and from the M5 and leads to Wotton-under-Edge and the village of Kingswood.

Traffic on this road has a significant impact on the area.

Monkham Thorns is predominantly agricultural in character and is a mixture of residential and

commercial.

The residential settlement is very small consisting of six properties: Grange Farm, Watsome Farm,

Lower Barns Farm, Rose Cottage, and two cottages at Monkham Thorns Lane.

The Commercial settlement: Factory Building Renishaw, Offices and Workshops at Watsome Farm.

The facades of the new commercial buildings at Watsome Farm are green metal cladding. The

Renishaw factory building is surfaced by grey cladding.

94

Monkham Thorns is affected visually by developments such as the new factory building at

Renishaw’s New Mills site within the parish, and the floodlit Wotton Community Sports Foundation’s

sports facilities adjacent to Katharine Lady Berkeley’s School (in the parish of Wotton-under-Edge).

The community is a mix of agricultural and residential.

As Monkham Thorns is on the parish border and is much closer to the centre of Charfield Village

than Kingswood Village it has a paved footpath leading into Charfield but none through to

Kingswood. Although this potentially could result in the community’s having a greater relationship

with Charfield Parish than Kingswood, this was not reflected in consultation responses.

IV. Building Material

Residential - render and stone Georgian windows Red brick mill

Prefabricated industrial unit

V. Distinctive features:

Mill Building (now a head office) Black metal railings Winding, busy Road Cedar trees bordering the engineering works The roundabout Hedging to one side Substantial railway sleeper fencing to protect housing from vehicles Cedar/spruce trees

95

84. c: Chase Lane

I. Related to the very local landscape: This settlement sits on the border with Wickwar and

Hawkesbury parishes, coincident with the boundary of South Gloucestershire County. The

county boundary is marked by two bridges over a water course. It is rural and agricultural

with wide-ranging views. Irregular-shaped fields with many footpaths leading from the road.

96

II. Pattern and shape: The settlement is linear along the single track road and comprises a

mixture of farms and outlying buildings.

The settlement is bordered by open space in the form of irregular-shaped agricultural fields.

III. Nature of Building and Space: At one end of Chase Lane on the Wickwar border the road is

bordered by a stone wall and high banks. The trees provide a leafy canopy in the summer.

The road from Wickwar towards Inglestone Common is winding and runs up hill. The road

here is often wet and running with water. A bridge over the water course marks the parish

boundary. There are no long views through the trees and the lane is quite shaded and dark

at this point.

Once at the top of the hill, leading away from Wickwar, the road opens out and is bordered by a

green verge, hedges and drainage ditches.

Two rows of telegraph poles stretch across the field to Kingswood and Charfield.

On the other side of the road the field slopes down towards ancient woodland nature reserve and an

SSI (outside of the parish).

97

The views from here are far-reaching towards Wickwar. Wickwar Church, Charfield, Wotton Hill, the

Tyndale Monument at North Nibley and the Somerset Monument at Hawkesbury Upton can all be

easily seen.

The county and parish border with Hawkesbury is marked with a bridge and the water course.

IV. Building materials: The walls of the houses are mostly rendered. The farm buildings are

predominantly stone, with clay tiles. Some modern metal-sheet barns are also in evidence.

There is one large stone-built house with two red-brick chimneys and steps up onto the roof

with metal railings around. There is also one bungalow.

V. Distinctive features

A mixture of stone and rendered farm buildings with clay tiles.

Stone- built house

98

Far-reaching public views from all sides

Canopy of trees

Stone walls

Watercourse

Steep-sided banks

Running water

Open fields

99

94. Special Considerations

94. .1 Flooding

The extent of waterways and Flood Zon se P the affecting arish

100

Waterways and central Flood zone main village

Map of Parish Designations

Kingswood is ta risk from flooding from 2 sources from the water way and from the risk of ground

source flooding in relation to the type of soil that Kingswood is built on. The potential from flooding

from the second source should not be underestimated. This has the potential to affect many

properties in the parish particularly in the winter. The parish council has commissioned drainage

surveys at two locations in the village along with a soil analysis see appendix 12.

Flooding from Waterways

The parish has an active team of waterway wardens who monitor and take action to prevent

flooding on the water ways. The parish council keeps a stock of sand bags to hand out to vulnerable

residents. The main areas of potential flooding are:

101

Nind Lane

Vineyard lane

New Mills

The local authority properties in Vineyard Lane are built to allow the water to pass through below

mthe . The residents have equipment to block up the air bricks and electrical sockets.

Flooding in these areas was extensive in these areas in 2012/13 see pictures below depicting

flooding at the outlying settlement of Nind. Viney Lard ane also flooded at this time.

102

The water ways need to be managed throughout the area with changes taking in place at areas

higher up the stream such as Kilcot and downstream at New Mills inghav a devastating effect on

Kingswood. This is especially true with regard to the management of the weir gates and the opening

and closing of them. This needs to be managed dan co- ordinated so as not to cause extensive

flooding and damage to resid sent on the water way in Kingswood. The weir at new Mills is electronic

and automated and acts on water pressure and should open and close the weir gates as requ ,ired

therefore managing the flow of water.

Ground source Flooding

The main settlement of the parish is built on clay which is impermeable to water. The ground is

often saturated especially in winter as the water does not drain away. There is evidence of many

springs within the parish. Changes in the landscape results in capping of the springs and eventually

leads to the springs forming in other locations.

The ditch system within the parish needs to be managed and cleaned regularly of undergrowth. This

is to ensure that there is the capacity within the ditch system to accommodate the water that will be

standing for most of the winter. Once the ditches get full beyond capacity, flooding on the roads and

on the land occurs. The following areas are particularly vulnerable:

Hillesley Road

Charfield Road

B4058 New Mills

B4058 Charfield Borders

Nind

Vineyard Lane

The P layin Fg ield

103

Chestnut Park

Wickwar Road

This problem has been made worse by ditches at the rear of Chestnut Park being filled in by current

landowners when the properties were sold by the local authority in to private ownership. The

ditches that form part of the field and highway system regularly overflow on to the highways. This is

in the main due to lack of maintenance and cleaning of the ditch system by land owners.

Land Drainage

Generally the topography has an overall slope, but at a low angle, dropping away to the north-west.

The village lies on clay, which absorbs water but does not let it pass through so it can become

saturated, especially where slopes level out. Springs appear over a wide area of the parish. The main

drains are inadequate and cannot sustain the amount of water flowing into them with heavy rain.

Septic tanks are found particularly in the outlying hamlets, but also in parts of the village.

Consultation responses indicate that the drainage system is not able to cope, leading to floodin ;g

this may also be due to some deterioration of the drainage system.

94. .2 Highway Drains Highway drains are full to capacity and frequently over flow especially if they are required to take

the excess water flooding from the field ditch system. Currently the drain at Chestnut Park/Rectory

Road has been overflowing for the last 4/5 years. This has caused extensive road flooding and

flooding to properties on Rectory Road. Highways have carried out surveys and it is due to be

repaired in 2014. The drain on the junction to Hillesley Road and Wickwar Road is frequently unable

to cope causing extensive flooding and difficulty to pedestrians crossing the road at this point. The

drains on Walkmill Lane along its length frequently flood and there is an issue with standing water at

the top of this road with the junction with Hillesley Road. The drains on Wickwar Road with the

junction of the playing field also seem unable to cope with th quantie ty of rainwater.

Overflowing Rectory Road in drain

104

Summary

When considering development within the parish the following matters are important to the community. The design of any development should take the following into account.

Public views into and out of the village towards the Cotswold Escarpment and Tyndale

Monument

Preserve and enhance the environment specially hedges and trees

The community areas such as Tubbs Turf and the P laying F ield, the importance of the amenity use and the value of the public views to the whole community

The importance of the history of Kingswood and the need to carry out archaelogical surveys to uncover a potential Roman Villa and the whereabouts of the Abbey ruins

The importance of balancing the needs of modern day living such as the need for a car does not detract from the distinctive historic and rural nature of the parish as defined by the subareas

.

To ensure the easy access through the parish for all pedestrains with particular consideration to be given to the elderly and disab .led population Ageing

To ensure consideration is given in the design of any devlopm ;ent the risk of ground source

flooding.

The following are issues within the parish and the design of any devlopments should aim to minimise the impact on the following concern :s

.

.

.

Parking

issues the relieve to greater be should homes new for provision the therefore and Road Wickwar and Lane Mill Walk Road, Rectory Park, Chestnut at especially mimimal is provision

Level village. the through traffic of

Speed village. the through traffic of

Type lorries. heavy and vehicles commercial buses, large as such village though traffic of

Environmental concerns: environmental and water of reuse and drainage for buildings

on measures following the encompass should designs and important are concerns

Decrease pollution. light

Brown used. re be to water

Bat boxes.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

105

5.0 Draft Policies and Guidelines

NATURAL ENVIRONMENT (KNE)

Key objective

The village of Kingswood and the surrounding parish is rural with a distinctive natural environment which

abuts the Cotswold AONB, and from which Kingswood gains, and adds to the distinctive character (see

Section 2.1 and Kingswood Environmental Character Assessment within the Supplementary Information

Document for this VDS). This naturally distinctive character varies more in certain subareas and these micro-

landscapes particularly need to be conserved.

Issues

The views out toward the Cotswold Hills and the Vale are important locally, as is the view of Kingswood from

the Hills and inappropriate development would have an impact in both directions which would diminish the

rural landscape.

At a subarea level (Section 4) Nind has status and a mature biodiversity and shape which is very distinctive

and related strongly to the clay and water bodies. New Mills is a possible new Key Wildlife Site currently

under consideration by Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust; this gives particular sensitivity to change.

The flooding regime also needs to be considered (see Section 4.6)

Within the parish the following are of great value, so mitigation is of great importance

• open green spaces within the village and gaps where the views can be seen between buildings (see

Photos)

• remaining orchards (See Map 8, Kingswood Environmental Character Assessment, (see Kingswood

Village Design Statement Supplementary Information)

• boundaries and ways between houses which are hedges/paths providing wildlife corridors

•

NATURAL ENVIRONMENT Guidelines, justification and reference to policies

Guideline Evidence/Justification Policy/Reference

KNE1 The high quality views from the AONB,

which give it its character along the

escarpment edge, should be conserved.

Any new development should include

sympathetic design and landscaping to

mitigate the visual impact to views from

the Cotswold AONB and blend with the

distinctive character of the existing

settlement and landscape.

Protecting and enhancing

valued landscapes

Conserving landscape and

scenic beauty in AONB.

See Kingswood Environmental

Character Assessment (within

Supplementary Information

Document)

NPPF 109,115

SDLP NE8

SO6

Stroud District

Landscape

Assessment, 2000

106

KNE2 Views from the village centre to the

escarpment and surrounding landscapes

should be maintained to preserve the

unique character of the settlement in its

setting.

Wotton Hill, Tyndale Monument, and open

views of Kingswood Vale should be

conserved when viewed from public areas

in the village centre, village hall and playing

fields, Charfield Road, Wotton Road,

Hillesley Road and Wickwar Road. Views

should also be conserved from public

footpaths including the Ash Path and from

New Mills and Nind.

Protecting and enhancing

valued landscapes

See Kingswood Environmental

Character Assessment,

Appendix 2 for locations of

important views.

See photo album, VDS and

Kingswood Environmental

Character Assessment within

Supplementary Information

Document for important public

views.

NPPF 109

SDLP NE8

SO6, ES6-9

Stroud District

Landscape

Assessment, 2000

KNE3

Important habitats must be conserved and

enhancement opportunities should be

sought:

1. Rivers, streams, brooks (Strategic

Nature Areas)

2. Nind Key Wildlife Site

3. New Mills Unconfirmed Wildlife

site

4. Priority Habitats:

• Arable field margin

• Hedgerow

• Traditional Orchards

• Wet Woodland

• Lowland Mixed Deciduous

Woodland

• Ponds

• Rivers

Landscape scale features must

be protected for their

importance in the countywide

strategy to create ecological

networks and provide

ecosystem services for the

future.

Key Wildlife Sites (KWSs) are

specifically recognised to enable

protection through the planning

system as they receive no legal

protection.

Priority Habitats provide

historical, distinct, diverse and

characteristic landscape

features. Conserving them

minimises biodiversity impacts

and provides net gains in

biodiversity.

Ensure no further deterioration

of aquatic ecosystems.

NPPF 109,117

SDLP NE3, NE5, NE6,

NE7, NE11, NE12, RL4,

RL5

ES4, ES6-9,

especiallyES7

Stroud District

Landscape

Assessment, 2000

NERC Act Section 41

England

Biodiversity/English

List

Gloucestershire

Nature Map Initiative

of Gloucestershire

LNP. Gloucestershire

Priority Habitat List,

2008

Water Frame Directive

KNE4

Any development in the more rural,

patchwork, agricultural landscape would

need to respect and fit in with that

distinctive character and conserve the

green elements of the landscape habitat

within the design.

The patchwork quality of the

landscape, hedgerows and

agriculture around and between

settlements, which is valued by

local people, is to be

maintained, conserving a

natural buffer around priority

habitats and between

settlements.

NPPF 109, 114, 117

SDLP NE5, NE10

ES 6-9

Stroud District

Landscape Character

Assessment 2000

Gloucestershire

Landscape Assessment

2006

107

To maintain wildlife corridors

To conserve green

infrastructure

To protect valued landscapes

and minimise impacts on

biodiversity

A Strategic Framework

for Green

Infrastructure in

Gloucestershire 2014

KNE5

Where opportunities arise,

maintenance/enhancement of existing

orchards and creation of new orchards will

be encouraged.

Re-establishment of this

regionally characteristic feature.

Protecting and enhancing

valued landscapes.

Preservation, restoration and

re-creation of

Gloucestershire/UK priority

habitat.

Loss of aged trees.

Creation of Green

Infrastructure.

NPPF 109, 114, 117,

118

SDLP NE6, NE11

ES8

Stroud District

Landscape

Assessment, 2000

A Strategic Framework

for Green

Infrastructure in

Gloucestershire 2014

KNE6

Any development should note and

incorporate the good practice in

Kingswood’s Habitat Management for

Wildlife.

These plans are being prepared

by the local community /Parish

Council with guidance from

Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust.

Minimising impacts on

biodiversity and providing net

gains in biodiversity

Mitigating ecological harm

associated with development

NPPF 109,117

SDLP NE5,NE6,NE7,

NE11,NE12,RL4, RL5

ES3

KNE7

The following must be considered where

there is a need to provide drainage as flood

mitigation:

• Manage and maintain ditches,

• SUDS, and/or other mitigation

should be undertaken to mitigate

impact on any existing or new

development

• Sustainable drainage techniques to

include the following; soakaways,

infiltration trenches, permeable

pavements, green roofs, grassed

swales, ponds and wetlands.

• Include above-ground attenuation

systems, such as balancing ponds

and swales in preference to below

ground attenuation.

Protecting and enhancing

valued landscapes.

Techniques should reduce flood

risk by attenuating the rate and

quantity of surface water run-

off, promoting groundwater

recharge and improving water

quality. Above ground

attenuation offers, biodiversity

and amenity benefits while

culverts have detrimental

effects including potential to

become blocked and difficulty

of maintenance/repair.

NPPF109

SDLP GE4,NE5,NE6,

NE7

CP14

PPS 1 PPS 25

Environment Agency

policy and Flood Risk

Objective 3 of the

Stroud District Council

SFRA

108

• Ensure ordinary watercourses

remain open and are not culverted

and that existing culverts are not

built over.

KNE8 Foul sewerage disposal must use the first

feasible method in the following list:

• Mains sewerage

• A package sewerage treatment

plant incorporating a combination

of treatment processes

• Septic tanks

Protecting and enhancing

valued landscapes.

Protecting water quality and

preventing pollution

NPPF109, 120

SDLP GE2,NE7,

PPS 1 PPS 25

KNE9 Features must be incorporated into

development schemes to reduce protected

species fatalities associated with roads,

drainage and other new infrastructure

where fatalities/injuries are a risk.

Measures such as offset gully pots and

underpasses for wildlife should be

encouraged.

Mitigation for development

affecting legally protected

species.

Minimising impacts on

biodiversity

Recovery of protected species

populations

NPPF109, 117, 118

SDLP NE4

ES6

BUILT ENVIRONMENT (KBE)

Key objective

To assist in helping any future development in the parish of Kingswood enhance the locality and contribute

positively to the distinctive, rural character and heritage. This rural character of Kingswood is valued by

residents who feel it makes the settlement such a good place to live and work in (See response to

consultation events).

Future developments to reflect the scale and identity of the parish and its subareas as identified in the

Village Design Statement (and Conservation Area Statement, as appropriate). It must also pay attention to

the public views in and out of the parish. (For building materials see KBM later).

Any development should enhance this inclusive community, be of high quality design, and take into

consideration environmental aspects such as the natural environment of note; including valued green

spaces, cycle/foot paths and energy efficiency.

It is essential that consideration is given to the principles and practices of designing out crime, disorder and

antisocial behaviour (ASB) and community conflict within the built environment as laid out in the crime and

Disorder Act (1998) Section 17.

109

However the inclusion of innovative designs and materials may be incorporated to keep up with

evolving trends and policies to provide sustainable, ecological and carbon neutral homes in line with

the Stroud District Council Environment Strategy 2007-2027

http://www.stroud.gov.uk/docs/environment/environment.asp#s=sectioncontent6&p=carbon

Issue

Kingswood is rural, varying within the parish from the village to differing subareas such as the

outlying settlement of Nind and the scattered surrounding farms. As more people have come into

the parish in various developments, to live in a rural parish, so the impact of development has been

to alter the balance of that rural-ness. Yet this distinctive character remains, and is valued by all.

(See response to consultation events)

There are still local needs to address, and a desire to keep the vitality of the village as well as the

distinctive character of that, and the parish as a whole. Recent developments have brought a

different look and impact on this settlement. This Design Statement sets out the distinctive

character so that any future development can take it into consideration.

The Conservation Area is a key focal point but has issues relating to modern use, especially by cars,

in an area built prior to the car’s existence. Getting the right balance here is essential to manage the

balance of modern life and preserving the historic character.

Guidelines, justification and reference to policies

Guideline Evidence/Justification Policy/Reference

KBE1 Any new development should be of

appropriate design and scale for

Kingswood and to reflect the Character

Areas in that location. The design of any

new development should help to address

the needs of the community.

In order to maintain the

characteristic rural and

agricultural character of the

area.

NPPF 58,59,60,64

109

SDLP HN8;RL5

HC1

Stroud District

Landscape Assessment

KBE2 Development should reflect, conserve

and enhance the distinctive architectural

styles of existing buildings in Character

Area, and adjacent properties.

For any new development, or

improvements in the Conservation

Area, please also see specific

guidelines in the Conservation Area

Statement as well as these for the

parish as a whole.

See section 4.0 Key Design

Characteristics of subareas

within the parish.

See Conservation Area

Statement

HN8 HC1

NPPF 58,59,60,64

Code for Sustainable

Homes Level 3

Conservation Area

Statement

Conservation Area

Statement

BE4,BE5,BE6,BE7,BE9,

BE10,BE11,BE12

110

KBE2a For any new development, or

improvements in the Conservation Area,

please also see specific guidelines in the

Conservation Area Statement as well as

these for the parish as a whole.

KBE3 The design of any development should

not make changes capable of adversely

affecting the significance of a heritage

asset or people’s experience of such a

heritage asset, particularly in and around

Kingswood’s Conservation Area.

See Conservation Area

Statement

PPS5 Historic

Environment Planning

Practice Guide

NPPF 58,59,60,64

Conservation Area

Statement.

BE4,BE5,BE6,BE9,BE10

BE11,BE12

CP8 including

HC1,HC3,HC5,HC6and

HC8

KBE4 Where any new 3 Storey properties are

proposed, especially in the Conservation

Area, they should reflect the terraced 3

storey mill cottages which are in the

parish and not an urban design such as a

Townhouse .

To fit with distinctive character

of subareas.

Conservation Area

Statement

BE5

KBE5 Gardens and green infrastructure can

play a role in supporting wildlife in

association with built environments and

should be incorporated wherever

possible, and to harmonise with the

Character A reas and adjacent properties

The following represents significant green

infrastructure within Kingswood

The Chipping & Land between Chestnut

Park and Old Rectory Road.

• Land between Tyndale View and

Charfield Road,

• Traditional Village Centre and

focal point.

Developments should facilitate

wildlife movement and strongly

support habitat connectivity,

particularly in regard to priority

habitats. Well planned

landscaping can also provide

and conserve connectivity for

wildlife with the wider

landscape.

NPPF 117

SDLP RL5

ES6-8

111

• Playing fields

• Ash Path & buffer

• Community Orchard

• Allotment area

• Wild Life (Great Crested Newt

area)

KBE6 The design of any development should

include features that seek to reduce the

carbon footprint of the development and

the day-to-day energy requirements of

the residents. Potential features which

such a development should be providing

include:

• Solar roof panels

• Air or ground source heat pumps

• Rainwater harvesting systems

• Combined heat and power

system (CHP)

CHP important due to the

pressure on the exiting

electricity capacity for the

parish.

Discussed and agreed with SDC

land Drainage Officer

KBE7 Sympathetic conversion of farm and

other buildings should be encouraged

both to maintain focal points in the

landscape and to preserve historical

properties.

Proportions of windows, doors &

roofline should be reflected in any new

design.

SDLP HN16, BE17

CP11, CP14,CP15

Stroud District

Landscape Assessment

CONSERVATION AREA (KCA)

Key objectives

To prevent the destruction of the inherent character of the area through neglect or indifference and

to ensure that any redevelopment or alterations do not detract from its appearance.

To ensure that any new development is designed not as a separate entity but as a part of the

Conservation Area in sympathy with and enhancing its character.

To heighten where possible and desirable, the character of the area by improvement and emphasis

of the features of merit.

To protect the significant views through the Conservation Area.

To encourage the removal or lessen the impact of eyesores within the area which at present detract

from its character.

112

ISSSUE

The Conservation Area lies at the heart of the built settlement and contributes strongly to the

distinctive character of Kingswood. Many well-frequented public and religious buildings lie within its

boundaries leading to heightened issues in relation to modern use and infrastructure, most notably

concerning the use and parking of cars in an area built prior to the car’s existence. Getting the right

balance here is essential to support the needs of modern life while conserving the distinctive,

historic character.

Guidelines, justification and reference to policies

Guideline Evidence/Justification Policy/Reference

KCA1

Any new buildings or infilling should be in

sympathy with the character of the area,

and should reflect this through appropriate

siting, form, height (number of storeys),

design, scale and materials. Maintaining

the building line fronting onto a road or

footpath is particularly important. This

does not mean that old styles must be

copied or that new materials should not be

used, but that any new development

should reflect and continue the existing

character of the area.

NPPF 58,59,60,64

KCA2 The replacement of buildings in the

Conservation Area will only be permitted if

it cannot be converted for a suitable

alternative use. In particular if they are of

individual merit or part of an important

group.

NPPF 58,59,60,64

KCA3 When considering proposals for

development in the Conservation Area,

particular attention should be given to the

amount and type of vehicular traffic which

that use generates to ensure that it does

not exacerbate the current problems.

Industrial development and other

inappropriate uses should be precluded.

Any uses which generate unreasonable

noise, nuisance or untidiness should be

precluded and any existing uses

of this nature should not normally be

allowed to expand.

KCA4 The contribution made to the Conservation

Area by private gardens should be

protected by control of development.

113

KCA5 Open areas and significant natural features

forming an essential part of the character

of the Conservation Area should not be

subject to development.

KCA6 Advertisements, signs and notice boards

should only be permitted if they are

considered to be essential and are well-

sited and designed to harmonise within the

area generally.

KCA7 In order to protect the Abbey Gateway and

its setting, no significant changes should

take place in High Street, Abbey Street and

The Walk. These three roads make up the

prime part of the Conservation Area. In

particular no development should take

place which would be to the detriment of

established views of the Abbey Gateway

and the Parish Church.

KCA8 Extensions should only be made to existing

buildings when demonstrated to be

absolutely necessary (e.g. for domestic

care arrangements), suitably located

(typically to the rear of properties)

and of good design.

KCA9 The walls defining a) the High Street, b) the

southern side of Golden Lane, and c) the

eastern side of Old Rectory Road are very

important to the distinctive character and

should not be demolished, breached or

altered in any way. All repairs and

restorations should be carried out in

matching brick or stone and to a suitable

form.

KCA10 The comprehensive footpath system

traversing the Conservation Area should be

maintained and improved where possible.

KCA11 Subject to practicability and financial

provision, the overhead wirescape in the

Conservation Area should be removed and

replaced by buried transmission cables.

COMMUNITY and FACILITIES (KCF)

Key Objectives

The historical and archaeological value of Kingswood is central to the distinctive character and to the

cohesive nature of that community. The settlement may have limited services, but people care

114

about the place and their neighbours. This self-sufficiency – apart from employment- is what makes

people feel part of the place, and what they want retained or enhanced

Issues

With recent development, the parish has extended its community facilities, particularly green spaces

for increased leisure activities: recreational land; planned allotments and community orchard. These

add to the existing green space at the playing field and The Chipping. Further development in the

parish will mean increased roll for Kingswood Primary School, yet it is an important building in the

Conservation Area, where there is no space to extend further.( At some point, there will be a need

for a new school.) As and when that happens, the existing building must be treated with great care

in its redesign – see also Conservation area Statement.

The Chipping is focus for services, but given its road layout and green areas, it is also the heart of the

community. As part of the Conservation Area, it is a vital area, where any surrounding new

development is likely to impact, especially with regard to parking, it is also a very sensitive micro-

landscape.

One of the key aspects in the settlement, and not just in the Conservation Area, is the Abbey. The

exact position of the Abbey is not known, and wherever development occurs it is vital that

archaeological surveys are undertaken, in accord with Gloucestershire Archaeology and local people

to ascertain the archaeological record in those positions. One might reveal the original Abbey

location, but such recording will give extra information toward that end.

Recent excavations have already uncovered other significant finds.

Guideline Evidence/Justification Policy/Reference

KCF1 Prior to any new development, applicants

should be encouraged to partake in the

Stroud pre-application protocol and discuss

community priorities with the Parish

Council.

KCF2 Any new development to recognise the

need to consider an environmental and

archaeological assessment. This could be

inside and outside the Conservation Area,

with reference to the potential of finding

the Kingswood Abbey site and Roman

settlements.

The Abbey Gateways and

important Roman finds at CHP

Refer to

Gloucestershire

County Archaeology

KCF3 The design of any new development should

take into account its character and setting.

Any new developments to aim to enhance

the community enjoyment of the land.

Consideration to use of

community space and the

importance of public views to

the community.

Consultation events.

115

KCF4 Existing allotments and land already

designated for this purpose must be

protected or converted to another form of

green infrastructure/community use if

there is a significant surplus of allotment

space.

Protection of allotment land SDLP RL9

KCF5 Where opportunities arise through

CIL/Section 106/private agreements and

there is local demand, further allotment

provision should be considered through

discussion with the Parish Council and the

community.

Protection of allotment land

SDLP RL9

KCF6 Where opportunities arise,

maintenance/enhancement of existing

orchards and creation of new orchards

should be encouraged to re-establish this

regionally characteristic feature and

Gloucestershire/UK priority habitat.

Protecting and enhancing

valued landscapes

Preservation, restoration and

re-creation of priority habitat

Loss of aged trees

NPPF 109, 117, 118

SDLP NE6, NE11

Stroud District

Landscape

Assessment, 2000

BUILDING MATERIALS (KBM)

Key objective

To ensure any future development in and about the parish of Kingswood enhances the locality and

contributes positively to the distinctive character and heritage. Future developments must reflect

the identity of local and surrounding materials as identified in the Village Design Statement.

However the inclusion of innovative designs and materials may be incorporated to keep up with

evolving trends and policies to provide sustainable, ecological and carbon neutral homes in line with

the Stroud District Council Environment Strategy 2007-2027

http://www.stroud.gov.uk/docs/environment/environment.asp#s=sectioncontent6&p=carbon

Any developments should promote an inclusive community, be of high quality design, and take into

consideration environmental aspects such as valued green spaces, cycle/foot paths and energy

efficiency.

It is essential that consideration is given to the principles and practices of designing out crime,

disorder and antisocial behaviour(ASB) and community conflict within the built environment as laid

out in the crime and Disorder Act (1998) Section 17.

Issue

In recent years there has been a diversity of building styles and alterations throughout the Parish

with little consideration to the appropriateness of the rural setting and local character of the

subarea.

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Guidelines, justification and reference to policies

Guideline Evidence/Justification Policy/Reference

KBM1 Appropriate materials, textures and

colours should be used to blend with

existing buildings and to enhance the

distinctive character of the settlement.

KBM2 Bricks, render and the local ragstone are

the main materials used to reflect the

distinctive character in different subareas

of the parish. New development should

aim to use similar materials to enhance the

character of the very local settlement.

KBM3 Roofing materials vary according to

subarea (and within the Conservation Area

in particular). Materials, textures and

colours should be used to blend in with

existing buildings/roof scapes.

KBM4 Dropped kerbs and tactile paving to be

used to ensure all pedestrian have easy

access to cross roads.

KBM5 Low level lighting on a Passive Infrared

(PIR) system to be used but good visibility

to be maintained

Lighting should be on a timer and only on

when required.

Kingswood Environmental

Character Assessment. Dark skies

are an important part of the

parish. See consultation

comments.

Crime and Disorder Act (1998)

Section 17

ROADS AND PATHS (KRP)

Key Objective

To improve the highways provision and to lessen the impact on the rural character and quality of life

of the local community by the traffic that travels through the parish.

To improve the provision provided for the pedestrian and to improve the safety of all members of

the community especially children, the elderly and the disable .d

To improve the parking provision within the parish particularly in the central village and the

conservation area.

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Issue

Traffic speeds and parking issues are already a major part of Kingswood’s Parish Council work. It is

critical to mitigate the impact which would arise from further development by careful consideration

to the design of any development, especially at key nodes.

Speeding traffic on the B4058, B4060 Wotton Road, Charfield Road, Wickwar Road, Hillesley Road.

Lack of parking provisions within the parish

It is vital that Gloucestershire Highways and the Parish Council are consulted on the design of those

key junctions to ensure that the design of any new development does not worsen the existing

situation.

Vehicles causing an obstruction to pedestrians when parked on the pavement due to lack of parking

within the main village. Pedestrians forced to walk in the road in conflict with speeding traffic.

Especially an issue to children the elderly and the disabled

Guidelines, justification and reference to policies

Guideline Evidence/Justification Policy/Reference

KRP1 The design of new development should

provide access to a wide variety of transport.

The design should encourage cycling and

walking. The design of the development to

take into account the needs of both the cyclist

and the pedestrian and to ensure safe access.

Consulted with

Gloucestershire Highway

officer 4/08/14

Local Plan policies TR1

and TR2. Policy TR1

Home Zone, TR6

KRP2 The design of any new development should

include ways to manage traffic speed

throughout the layout and design.

Kingswood Parish Plan 2010

Crime and Disorder Act

(1998) Section 17

KRP3 The design of any new development should

ensure adequate parking and not have a

negative impact on adjacent access roads

spoiling the rural and historic quality of the

settlement.

Kingswood Parish Plan 2010

Crime and Disorder Act

(1998) Section 17

KRP4

The design of parking provision on any new

development to take into account the reliance

on vehicles within the parish.

Kingswood Parish Plan 2010

Due to lack of public

transport and jobs being

distant from place of

residents.

KRP5 To maintain the rural character of the parish

the inclusion of Highways and traffic

management plans should be critical aspects

of the design of any development which might

increase traffic especially HGVs throughout

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the parish.

KRP6 Urbanising features such as kerbstones, road

markings & other street furniture should be

kept to a minimum & be sensitive to their

specific location.

KRP7 Road shape and size should be in keeping with

the rural nature of the parish.

KRP8 To maintain and enhance the rural nature of

the parish footpaths for the whole community

access to green areas and natural

environments should be maintained and

improved to be more accessible to

wheelchair/pushchair/bike/bridle routes stiles

to be replaced where possible with gates

Maintaining Public Rights of

Way and access for all

NPPF 75

SDLP RL6

SO1

EMPLOYMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE (KEI)

Key objective

To protect existing employment within the parish thus maintaining the economic sustainability of

the parish.

Issue

To balance the needs of employment with the needs of the natural and rural environment . To take

into account the general effectiveness, of the infrastructure, including road safety.

Guidelines, justification and reference to policies

Guideline Evidence/Justification Policy/Reference

KE1

The effects on the existing infrastructure

should be considered when considering

any upgrades to employment sites. In

particular the increase of vehicle

movements and the provision of traffic

calming and parking.

See consultation responses.

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Bibliography British Listed Buildings accessed online July 2014

http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/england/gloucestershire/kingswood

Gloucestershire Centre for Environmental Records, Gloucestershire Key Wildlife Sites Handbook Part

1 v3.1 final, September 2010

Gloucestershire LNP, A Strategic Framework for Green Infrastructure in Gloucestershire 2014

http://gloucestershirebiodiversity.net/publications/index.php

Gloucestershire LNP, Biodiversity Gloucestershire Website accessed on 24 July 2014

http://www.gloucestershirebiodiversity.net/actionplan/nature-map.php

Gloucestershire LNP, Priority Habitat List for Gloucestershire, 2008 Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust

website accessed on 22 February 2014a

http://www.gloucestershirewildlifetrust.co.uk/reserves/nind

Water Framework Directive, Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of

23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/water/water-framework/index_en.html

Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006, Section 41

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/16/section/41

Kingswood Village Association (KVA) accessed on line July 2014

www.k-v-a.org

Kingswood Village Cricket Club (KVCC) accessed online July 2014

www.kvcc.btck.co.uk/Gallery/2014Tour

Kingswood Football Club (KFC) accessed online July 2014

www.clubwebsite.co.uk/kingswoodafc/News

Kingswood Village Hall (KVH) accessed online July 2014

www.k-v-h.org

LDA Design, Gloucestershire Landscape Character Assessment, January 2006

St Marys Tour of the Church available from St Mary’s Kingswood (see Audit Trail)

Stroud District Council, Stroud District Landscape Assessment, Supplementary Planning Guidance,

November 2000

Tubbs Turf accessed online July 2014

www.tubbsturf.co.uk

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