5: victorian villages - The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

14A: Kennel Avenue and Burleigh Road,
North Ascot
14C: Kier Park and Queens Hill, Ascot
14E: Brockenhurst Road, South Ascot
Forces for Change
The Villas in a Woodland Setting seem to be
relatively stable in terms of change, however
forces for change which were evident on the
site visit are as follows:
Replacement of older dwellings and
development intensification including
flatted development on larger plots, and
resultant loss of mature trees.
Larger and more modern housing
designs, often accompanied by open or
‘urbanised’ frontages.
Loss of hedgerows along garden
frontages.
Maturing vegetation – trees will
eventually come to the end of their life.
Presence of and reference to private
security systems introduces an
unwelcoming element to the
environment.
Replacement of gravel driveways with
block paving.
Guidance/Opportunities
It is recommended that the following
principles are taken into account in the
development design process and in public
realm improvement projects:
Consider the planting of larger trees at
key locations.
Conserve the use of hedging, trees and
other shrubs for boundaries, in
preference to other forms of boundary
treatment, such as walls, fences, gates
and railings.
Design development proposals to allow
for significant planted areas, particularly
those fronting roads, and allow space for
planting to mature.
Development should be designed to
maintain the pre-eminence of mature
trees and shrubs when viewed from
public areas.
Use of gravel surfacing for driveways in
preference to tarmac and block paving.
Retain remaining Victorian and
Edwardian buildings. Renovations
should be sensitive, retaining period
details such as fenestration and
doorways, and using a muted colour
palette for paint finishes. Particular
regard should be given to roof heights,
pitches, materials and detailing.
Sensitive contemporary design
responding to its immediate context will
be appropriate, where it makes
reference to existing building heights,
massing and proportion, or stylistic
references. Reference to existing
materials may also be appropriate.
Signage should be discreet and low key
in character..
Retain mature trees and woodland belts.
The active management of woodlands
and other treed areas is encouraged,
including planning for future planting.
RBWM Townscape Assessment 85 Final Report 2010: Volume 3