Conservation Area Appraisal St Mary Bourne and Stoke

Conservation Area AppraisalConservation Area AppraisalSt Mary Bourne and Stoke…making St Mary Bourne a difference and Stoke

Conservation Area AppraisalIntroductionThe St Mary Bourne and Stoke Conservation Area was designated in1985 by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council in recognition of thespecial architectural and historic interest of the area.Having designated the Conservation Area, the Local Authority has astatutory duty to ensure that those elements that form its particularcharacter or appearance should be preserved or enhanced, especiallywhen considering planning applications.View over the river valleyfrom Ricket’s Way CottageIt is therefore necessary to define and analyse those qualities or elementsthat contribute to, or detract from, the special interest of the area andto assess how they combine to justify its designation as a ConservationArea. Such factors can include:• its historic development;• the contribution of individual or groups of buildings to thestreetscene and the spaces that surround them; and• the relationship of the built environment with the landscape.The Old Plough and Bourneby the squareThey can also include the less tangible senses and experiences, suchas noise or smells, which can play a key part in forming the distinctivecharacter of an area.The Appraisal takes the form of written text and an Appraisal plan. Inboth respects every effort has been made to include or analyse thoseelements key to the special character of the area. Where buildings,structures or features have not been specifically highlighted it doesnot necessarily follow that they are of no visual or historic value to theConservation Area. The document is intended to be an overall frameworkand guide within which decisions can be made on a site-specific basis.This Appraisal of the St Mary Bourne and Stoke Conservation Areafollows its review in 2003 by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Counciland explains what its designation means for those who live and work inthe area.This document was adopted as Supplementary Planning Guidance by theBorough of Basingstoke and Deane on 17 July 2003 and complementsthe policies of the Borough Local Plan (review).It has been subject to consultation with Councillors, the Parish Counciland local amenity groups. A full list of consultees, copies of theirresponses, and details of the Council’s consideration of the issuesraised during the consultation period are available for inspection, byappointment, at the Civic Offices, during normal office hours.2St Mary Bourne and Stoke

Conservation Area AppraisalLocation and PopulationSt Mary Bourne and Stoke are situated about 4 miles north-west ofWhitchurch within the North Wessex Area of Outstanding NationalBeauty. The villages are located within a valley at the north-western endof the Bourne, which is a tributary of the River Test. The ConservationArea covers the two villages and the area of about one mile betweenthem, including the small hamlet of Swampton.The population of the St Mary Bourne and Stoke Conservation Area in1998 was approximately 922 (projection based on the Hampshire CountyCouncil Planning Department Small Area Population Forecasts 1995).Stoke House from the westHistoric DevelopmentSettlement OriginsAt the time of the Domesday Survey, the manors of St Mary Bourneand Stoke belonged to Hurstbourne Priors, along with the manors ofBinley, Egbury and Weeke. In 1565, Sir Robert Oxenbridge, owner ofHustbourne Priors, was ordered to prove by what title he held the fivemanors. A law suit began to determine whether they were manorsin their own right. They were judged to have always been hamlets ofHurstbourne Priors, and Sir Richard obtained recognition of his title tothem.Stoke House and Manor FarmhouseQueen Elizabeth I is said to have taken tea at Valley Farm in Stoke on aspringtime outing.St Peter’s Church dates from around 1157. The font a very rare blackmarble font, which is at least 800 years old was brought from Tournai inBelgium and is one of only four in Hampshire (and considered the finestin the country). An effigy of a crusader knight, recessed in the southwall of the church, may be one of the Oxenbridge family.Settlement DevelopmentThe prevailing former use of the whole Conservation Area appears tohave been agricultural, with evidence of several of the older farms stillsurviving. For example, Butler’s Farmhouse and Manor Farmhouse datefrom the 16th century whilst Berrydown Farmhouse dates from circa1500 and 1600. Other buildings retain the name ‘Farm’, examples beingValley Farmhouse, and Summerbee Farmhouse. The extensive watercressbeds to the south-east of the village are still an important local business.Other uses reflect the settlement’s development at crossing points overthe river, as for example the concentration of former inns and a malthouse around the square in St Mary Bourne.The Church of St Peter and St Peter’sCottageSt Mary Bourne and Stoke 3

Conservation Area AppraisalSt Mary BourneBourne Cottage and Swampton House,High StreetThe first settlement in St Mary Bourne may have developed in thevicinity of the church as the line of the Portway Roman Road crossesthe Bourne Rivulet close by. The settlement has since developed in anirregular linear pattern following the route of the B3048, which windsalong the bottom of the valley. The placement of buildings within thevillage was determined by access to the water table by using a lift pump,which worked only to a depth of thirty-two feet. The historic buildingsare generally irregularly placed in small groupings along this route oneither side of the road and the Bourne Rivulet. The possible exception tothis pattern is one, apparently planned, ‘regular’ row of buildings in thevicinity of, and including, the church. Where development has occurred ithas been as infill within the village. The exception is the area of modernsettlement to the north-east, ascending the valley side.SwamptonWindmill Farmhouse, StokeThe hamlet of Swampton, situated at the north-west end of St MaryBourne, is an irregular row of buildings. The Coronation Arms publichouse now stands on the site that was formerly the bakery. At thebeginning of the 20th century, the bakery caught fire. The fire spreaddown the street to the south-east, consuming the adjacent thatchedcottages. Denham Terrace was built to replace these buildings.StokeThe village of Stoke has two foci of development. The first is thecrossroads and bridge over the Bourne in the centre of the village; thesecond lies around the 16th century Manor Farmhouse. The two focihave now effectively joined along the lane running to the north-eastfollowing 19th and 20th century infill development.Between St Mary Bourne and Stoke, irregular development has takenplace, the pattern of which is closely aligned to the routes of the tworoads which run along the river valley.An Appraisal of the Conservation AreaAn OverviewThe Appraisal plan identifies those buildings, views, and key featuresconsidered essential to the special character or appearance of theConservation Area. In addition to listed buildings, it also includes unlistedbuildings of particular individual or group value, which are indicatedon the plan as notable. This is not to undermine the value of other,unmarked, buildings or structures that reflect the historic development ofthe village without detracting from its special qualities.4St Mary Bourne and Stoke

Conservation Area AppraisalIndividual hedgerows have not been included on the Appraisal plan.However, their contribution to the character of the Conservation Areashould not be underestimated and their significance is implicit in theAppraisal.This Appraisal has divided the Conservation Area into the five areas thatcharacterise its unique qualities: the three areas of settlement (St MaryBourne, Swampton, and Stoke); the river valley, which forms the mostsoutherly part of the Conservation Area; and the middle section, lyingbetween Swampton and Stoke.Area 1: St Mary BourneThe special appearance of this sub-area is derived from the combinationof the gently curving linear development of buildings along the levelriver valley floor, and a varied mix of properties - the front buildinglines of these properties are generally tight to the back edge of thepavement. They form distinctive groups interspersed with key spaces.This combination creates a continually changing and varied streetscenebeyond each curve in the road.Although the village comprises many individual buildings of intrinsicarchitectural or historic interest, the appearance of the Conservation Areahas a cohesive quality. This is due to the similarity in scale, form, andvernacular building traditions, particular to this part of Hampshire, andnotably the contribution made by thatched roofs.Church Cottage, Church StreetSpring Cottage and riverside settingPredominantly residential in character, St Mary Bourne still retains a semiruralquality given its narrow plan form. The immediate presence of thesurrounding landscape being evident in glimpses between or behind thebuildings. The interwoven nature of the river through the settlement isalso a distinctive and defining characteristic of the village.Area 2: Swampton and environsThe special appearance of this sub-area is derived from the distinctivespatial arrangement of the Bourne Rivulet and its environs. It hasmeadows to the east and a linear development of historic buildingsalong the B3048 to the west. The loose grain of the settlement iscomplemented by the pastoral qualities of the natural environment,giving a semi-rural character.The Round HouseArea 3: StokeStoke has a varied mix of building types and ages, loosely clusteredaround, and between, two road junctions. The special historic and visualinterest of this sub-area is derived from this historic development patternand the contribution of a few key buildings.Butlers FarmSt Mary Bourne and Stoke 5

Conservation Area AppraisalThe special appearance of Stoke is also inherently related to its opencountryside setting and river valley topography. In addition, there arelong range views of the buildings across the valley as seen from thenorth and south of the village. The penetrating landscape views betweenbuildings, reinforces the traditional rural character.Area 4: Area between Stoke and SwamptonOrchard Cottage from Bourne Valley InnThe special interest of this sub-area is based on the divergence of tworoads either side of the river valley, and the sporadic arrangement ofsmall clusters of buildings here. This arrangement creates intimate shortrange views of the buildings along the verdant hedge-lined roads. Thebuildings also act as focal points for strategic long-range views acrossthe low lying pasture. The character strongly reflects the traditional ruralqualities and minimal development of this area.Area 5: Area to the south of St Mary BourneThe special interest of this area is based on the long-range views to afew isolated groups of buildings, which punctuate the otherwise flat anduninterrupted flood plain of the river valley. The character is based onthe farmed or natural appearance of the landscape, that dominates thebuildings.Summerhaugh CottageSt Peter’s CottageBuilt FormThere are 64 buildings in the St Mary Bourne and Stoke ConservationArea included in the Statutory List of Buildings of Special Architecturalor Historic Interest. St Peter’s Church is listed as being of outstandingnational importance (Grade I). The others are listed as being of nationalor regional interest (Grade II).There are a variety of building types, mainly dating from the 17th and18th centuries dispersed throughout the settlements. Often locatedat key visual points within the streetscene, they make a significantcontribution to the special qualities of the Conservation Area. There areseveral buildings containing elements of structures dating back to circa1500. The Cottage, Hansdale and Langley in the High Street date fromthe 14th century, and Mundays from the 16th century.Some of the older listed buildings have been altered over successiveperiods to accommodate changes in their use or contemporaryarchitectural fashions. The re-fronting in brick of existing timber-framedbuildings produce a polite elevation. They were particularly common inthe 18th century. Examples of this practice include the Post Office onHigh Street, and Summerhaugh Cottage on The Square, both of whichhave early 19th century symmetrical façades to 17th century timberframes.St Mary Bourne, Swampton and Stoke are, however, notable for thenumber of listed buildings that have retained more completely theirvernacular form and materials. St Peter’s Cottage in Church Street dates6St Mary Bourne and Stoke

Conservation Area Appraisalfrom the 17th century and is a good example of a building representativeof the Conservation Area. It has one-storey and attic, and exposedtimber-frame with later brick infill, a hipped thatched roof and anirregular arrangement of casement windows. Yew Tree Cottage in Stokeis another such example. Dating from the 18th century it characteristicallyutilises the vernacular building materials of flint, brickwork and thatch.There are also a number of unlisted buildings that contribute positivelyto the special character of the Conservation Area. These date mainlyfrom the 19th and early 20th centuries, and are scattered aroundthe settlements representing their expansion. They are predominantlyconstructed of vernacular materials and reinforce the local road pattern.Church of St PeterHistoric buildings of particular individual or group value are indicatedas notable on the Appraisal plan. This should not undermine the valueof other unmarked buildings or structures that reflect the historicdevelopment of the village without detracting from its special qualities.Key Individual and Significant Groups ofBuildingsArea 1: St Mary BourneSt Peter’s Church is both the historic and physical focus of the settlementof St Mary Bourne.The church dates from 1157, although its present form and appearanceis a product of many periods of addition and alteration. This includes achancel of circa 1300 (restored 1855), and a 16th century parapet tothe plain tower. The external walls are of flint with stone dressings. Asteep 19th century red clay tile roof over the chancel contrasts with alower pitched lead roof over the aisles and nave. The scale and formof the building is best appreciated from the immediate setting of thechurchyard. However the tower is an extremely prominent streetscapeelement, punctuating views northwards and southwards along ChurchStreet. Given both the domestic scale and level topography of thevillage, the tower is also a landmark feature in many longer views acrossthe settlement (for example, from the recreation ground to the northwest,or from the Bourne Valley Inn to the south-east).Springhill LodgeCurvilinear elevations of The Cottage,Hansdale and LangleyThe most notable areas of historic streetscape in St Mary Bourne looselyfall into three sections running in a north/south sequence. These are thebuildings forming High Street, those clustered around The Square, andthose along Church Street.St Mary Bourne and Stoke 7

Conservation Area AppraisalHigh StreetHoldway CottagesSummerhaugh CottageThe George InnSpringhill Lodge (Grade II) defines the start of this grouping along theeastern side of the road. Dating from the 19th century, it has featuressuch as the half-hexagonal east side and verandah. The distinctiveappearance reinforces its prominent position at the change in characterof the High Street to the north. Opposite Springhill Lodge is a small openarea containing the War Memorial. Immediately beyond are the L-shapedelevations of Wayfarers Cottage and Diplands Cottage (Grade II). Thesymmetrical south-east elevation acts as a focal point, arresting the longviews north-eastwards along the High Street. This again marks a changein the character of the Conservation Area to the north.Further to the south is a varied group of listed buildings, forming astaggered pattern that defines the curve in the road. The variety ofbuilding types, materials and ages make this progression of viewsmore pronounced. They are of significant value to the special interestof the Conservation Area. Crow Cottage (formerly Hillview Cottage),The Cottage, Hansdale and Langley are notable in the group. CrowCottage dates from the 18th century with its sweeping thatchedcatslide roofslope to the rear (north-west) and a distinctive front andhip end elevation of exposed timber-frame with brick infill in part, innarrow horizontal bands with flint. The Cottage, Hansdale and Langleyform a long, low range of cottages, dating from the 15th, 17th and18th centuries. The continuous sweep of the uninterrupted thatchedroofslopes around the curving street pattern is a significant and specialfeature of the streetscape, particularly when viewed from the north. Alsoof note are the range of 18th and 19th century outbuildings adjacentto the Post Office, running perpendicular to the road. This range setapart from the others and projecting forward, punctuates the long viewsouthwards along the High Street. Adjacent are Holdway Cottages,alms houses constructed in 1862. The flint and red brick elevations,with gables at each side, help create a strong spatial qualities of thelower High Street and The Square, enclosing the view north-eastwards.Positioned at an angle to the roadside, they allude to the next group ofbuildings, to be revealed around the bend.The Lower High Street and The SquareThe essence of this area are the two linked spaces created at the crossingpoint of the river and the meeting point of three roads. These spaces aredefined by a number of key individual buildings. The sequence of spacesforms a pivotal focus to the village, and is of significant streetscape merit.Fourways and Church StreetThe smaller space is the southerly end of the High Street. It is enclosedby The Old Plough to the west, the adjacent ancillary building to theVicarage; Holdway Cottages to the north; the curved walls of theoutbuildings to Summerhaugh Cottage; and the red brick walls of thebridge to the south-east, where the space blends into The Square and8St Mary Bourne and Stoke

Conservation Area Appraisalthe river forms a key element of the streetscape as it crosses from thewest to the eastern side of the settlement. A distinctive feature of thisspace is the long, low elevations of The Old Plough and the rangeopposite. The Old Plough, formerly an inn, dates from 17th and 18thcentury. Although only of one-storey and attic, the significant lengthof the building is emphasised by its steeply pitched, long thatched roofslopes, and simple elevational treatment. Of intrinsic architectural merit,its location at the river crossing, and its dominance of views through thespace, makes it a key building in the Conservation Area. Opposite arethe curving walls of the buildings situated to the west of SummerhaughCottage. Defining the river’s edge, the prominent chimney stacks anddecorative flint and brick walling provide a simple but strong sense ofenclosure to the space, and focus attention on the river. The chimneystacks and their tall pots are also interesting features in views northwardsfrom The Square.Church StreetThe Square is defined by Summerhaugh Cottage (17th and 19thcenturies), The George Inn (18th and early 19th centuries) and Fourwaysand Fourways Cottage (18th century). These listed buildings aredominant in scale and have a more formal, ordered appearance thanthe surrounding vernacular cottages. Fourways and Fourways Cottagehave symmetrical fronts, with large sash windows. The walling hassquare knapped flint panels, with brick dentil eaves and brick rubbedflat arches. The north elevation is also particularly prominent in viewswestwards along Egbury Road, combining with the flank elevation andrear gable end of The George, to provide a focused approach into theThe Square. The front elevation of The George Inn has high qualityred brick walling in Flemish bond with blue headers. Although lessformal in nature than the others, the original timber-framed structureto Summerhaugh Cottage was refronted in brickwork (now painted) inthe 19th century and the windows symmetrically placed. However, thesteeply pitched, sweeping thatched roof to eyebrow dormers is the mostdistinctive feature. The Cottage is of key significance to the streetscape,terminating the long intricate views northwards along Church Street. Thestrong sense of individuality of each of the these buildings is reinforcedby their separation from adjacent buildings by roads on each of theirprincipal and flank elevations. The view south-westwards down ChurchStreet from the crossroads is punctuated by the crenelated upper sectionof the church tower. This rises above the roof slopes, suggesting furthervisual and historic interest to the south. The village stocks and whippingpost were originally positioned on the grass in front of SummerhaughCottage.Church CottageChurch StreetThe intimate winding characteristic of St Mary Bourne is accentuatedalong Church Street, with buildings tightly grouped along the narrowroadside. This tight grain, and the enclosed, short range views, giveSt Mary Bourne and Stoke 9

Conservation Area Appraisalcohesion to the varied mix of building types and materials. It produces astreetscene of outstanding historic and visual interest.Swampton House, High StreetThe ForgeSwampton House and WurrageThis quality is especially evident in the group of buildings to the southof the church. These are all Grade II listed and include The Malt House(early 19th century), Little Thatch (18th century), Pioneer House (early19th century), Flower Pot and Queen Anne Cottage (18th century), onthe eastern side and on the western side - Oak Beams (17th and 18thcenturies) April Cottage (18th century), Eyles Cottage (early to mid19th century), and The Nest. Situated on the apex of the bend, AprilCottage and Eyles Cottage are focal points, enclosing the views alongthe streetscene from the north and south. Also of intrinsic architecturalinterest is Oak Beams. It has a long sweeping catslide roofslope overthe outshot rising to the two-storey thatched slopes and timber-framedelevations of the main building. It is of particular prominence at thebeginning of the western grouping with glimpsed views westwards tothe open countryside.In the vicinity of the St Peter’s Church are three cottages that, in additionto their individual historic and architectural interest, are importantin defining the context and historic setting to the church. St Peter’sCottage and Gable Cottage have elevations running parallel to thechurchyard boundary, unusually perpendicular to the street pattern. StPeter’s Cottage dates from the 17th century. The half-hipped gableto the thatched roof abuts the roadside, whilst the two main timberframedelevations project forward of the adjacent buildings, (includingthe church tower). This makes it very prominent in views along ChurchStreet. Although set further back from the road, Gable Cottage withits progression of thatched roof slopes of varying heights, contributessignificantly to the appearance of the churchyard as an intimate andhistoric space. Opposite the Church is Church Cottage. This parttimber-framed building of one-storey and attic dates from the17th and18th centuries. The long thatched roof slope is of particular note, onlypunctuated by two eyebrow dormers and brick chimney stacks at ridgeheight. Set slightly apart from adjacent buildings, it deflects the viewssouthwards along Church Street, and dominates views westwards acrossthe churchyard, visually enclosing the space.Area 2: Swampton and EnvironsBetween Springhill Lodge and Ricket’s Way, situated at the fork of theB3048 and Gangbridge Lane, is a linear group of buildings, one plotdeep. The group is situated mainly along the west of the High Streetand river course. The inter-relationship of built and natural environmentis a key element of the special character of this part of the ConservationArea. A notable example is the section around, and including Lowick,Spring House, Spring Cottage, The Forge, Homefield, Chapel Cottage,Wurrage, and Swampton House. The comparatively straight length ofroad gives significant axial views north-west and south-eastwards of10St Mary Bourne and Stoke

Conservation Area Appraisalthese cottages in their immediate riverside setting. Longer range viewswestwards of the landscape punctuate the streetscape between thebuildings. Spring House, Spring Cottage, and The Forge all date fromthe 17th century with later additions, and are of timber-frame and brickconstruction. All have large hipped or half-hipped thatched roofs. Theseare both individual and of streetscape merit as a group, especially whenframed by the mature vegetation in views across the river from the northeast.Spring Cottage is the most prominent of the buildings in generalviews along the High Street. The associated outbuildings to The Forge arean integral part of the historic development and semi-rural character ofthe settlement.One of the most prominent buildings is Swampton House. It is situatedat right angles to the High Street and diverts the Bourne Rivulet to itseastern side. Dating from the early 18th century, the red brickwork anddominant clay tile roof slopes terminate the long views north-west and,together with the flank elevation of Chapel Cottages, punctuate viewsto the south-east, forming an important visual pinch point before viewsopen out to the south. Adjacent to Swampton House is Wurrage, asingle-storey cottage with thatched roof slopes, mainly constructed of redbrickwork with some exposed timber-framing in the gables. The southerngable defines the extent of the area of open landscape to the south,whilst its riverside setting, in conjunction with Swampton House, is ofsignificant historic and visual interest.Old School Cottages, and theMethodist Church Hall, Ricket’s WayStokeTo the north-west of Swampton House is an eclectic group of buildingsreflecting the historic development of the village. These include BourneHouse (Grade II), St Mary Bourne County Primary School (built in 1860as a National School providing elementary education), and Haven Hill, adetached 19th century villa overlooking the village.Ricket’s Way, Old School Cottage and the Methodist Church Hall presenta staggered progression of elevations defining the point where theB3048 and Gangbridge Lane meet. The combination of historic buildingtypes, materials, and their arrangement at this prominent node makethem a landmark grouping.White Hart CottageTo the east of the main area of settlement is a small group of largehouses along Spring Hill Lane. These form prominent focal points in longrangeviews eastwards from the High Street across the river valley.Area 3: StokeSituated on the north-eastern periphery of the main area of settlementis Stoke House. It is a substantial three-storey red brick building in cubeform, with a low pitched slate roof dating from the early 19th century.The symmetrical south front and western flank elevations are significantlandmark features in long range views across the pasture land and rivervalley to the south. The building forms an intimate grouping with itsassociated stable block and neighbouring Manor Farmhouse. They areSt Mary Bourne and Stoke 11

Conservation Area Appraisaldrawn together by the mature trees and established hedgerows of thelane.View of Stoke fromnorth of the villageValley FarmhouseBridge CottageButlers FarmManor Farmhouse (Grade II), is a key building in the historic developmentof the settlement. Dating from the 16th, 17th, 18th and 20th centuries,the core of the building is a later medieval timber-framed hall. Theunobtrusive appearance of the building in the streetscene belies itshistoric and architectural significance in the Conservation Area. WindmillFarmhouse lies to the north-east of this group, and is situated on higherground at the junction of the two lanes. This 18th and early 19th centuryL-shaped brick building dominates the road junction and, in associationwith the adjacent farm buildings, reinforce the rural traditions of theConservation Area.To the south-west of Windmill Farmhouse is an irregular mix of buildingsand structures. These form an important linear pattern of development,linking the two historic nodes of the settlement. Of particular note is theoctagonal thatched building, formerly the Lodge to Stoke House, but isnow known as Round House (The remains of the long drive can still betraced by the side of the house). This building, and the thatched cobwalls immediately to the west, make a picturesque contribution to thecharacter of the Conservation Area, particularly when viewed from theeast with the rising valley sides as a backdrop.Kembak, Winterbourne Cottage (Grade II), Stable House, and the mainhouse and associated outbuildings of Valley Farm form an importantgroup of buildings on the northern side of the lane. The assortment ofroof slopes, and the range of buildings running perpendicular to theroad, provide a strongly rural and informal character to the ConservationArea when viewed as a group across the fields from the north. Althoughunlisted, Valley Farm is a substantial building, that contributes to thevisual interest of the lane. The steeply pitched red clay tile roofs, and tallchimney stacks of the two principle ranges, are the most visible elementabove the front boundary wall and pleached line of trees.White Hart Cottage and Fourhomes are at the south-west end of thelane. These unlisted buildings are of artisan character and reflect thephases of historic development of settlement along the lane. In addition,they have strong group value with Valley Farmhouse and the cobthatched walls to their east.The main core of Stoke is formed around the meeting of the B3408, andthe lane that runs to the east. This is bisected by the Bourne Rivulet toform a small triangular focus to the development. The settlement patternis of a loose collection and mixture of buildings radiating away from thisfocus.12St Mary Bourne and Stoke

Conservation Area AppraisalBridge Cottage, Riverside Cottages, and Yew Tree Cottage, are ofparticular note and are all Grade II listed. Bridge Cottage, and RiversideCottages date from the 17th century with later alterations. They aretimber-framed buildings with brick infill and thatched roofs. Yew TreeCottage dates from the 18th century, with flint and brick walling and athatched roof. Set back from the roadside in well spaced plots, theseare prominent buildings which form a distinctive group. Together theydefine the historic and communal focus for this part of the village aroundthe river crossing. Reinforcing this focus to the east and south-eastof Riverside Cottages are The White House (Grade II), and The WhiteHart Public House (unlisted). The former dates from the 17th and 18thcenturies. The single-storey extension was also formerly a public house.To the west of this main grouping is Chapel Cottage, a narrow singlestoreybuilding. It has a steep thatched roof, the gable ends of whichpunctuate views along Chapel Lane. Other buildings reinforcing thehistoric appearance and character of the village are: The Old Farmhouseand outbuilding on Drove Side, The Cottage, The Old Post Office,Roadside, The Hall, and Brooklands along the B3048.Little Thatch and Myrtle CottageArea 4: Area between Stoke and SwamptonThere are several buildings of individual note situated along GangbridgeLane. They are mainly found in groups of two or three to the northeasternside of the road, and mostly date from the 17th century. ButlersFarmhouse dates from the 16th, 18th and early 19th centuries. Ithas an exposed timber-frame with red brick nogging and half hippedthatch roof with catslide to the rear. The visually dominant roof slopesare punctuated by a massive chimney stack. Immediately to the west,forming an L-shaped yard in front of the farmhouse, are an 18th centurytimber-framed barn and granary. The barn is in two parts, each withthree bays, and a hipped thatch roof. The granary is on nine staddlestones with a hipped thatched roof, sweeping down to lower eaveson the east side. A brick wall encloses the south-eastern side to thecomplex. The completeness of this historic farmyard grouping (all GradeII listed), in addition to their intimate arrangement, is of inherent historicand architectural value. Particularly notable are views into the courtyardfrom the south-east along Gangbridge Lane, and of the farm complex inits wider landscape setting from the B3048 to the north-west.Squirrel Cottage and Yew Trees date from the 17th century. Both havepartly exposed timber-frames with painted or rendered brick workinfill. However, it is their thatched roof slopes which are noticeable,punctuating views over the verdant hedgerows of the lane. The thatchedroofslopes and part timber-framed elevations of Myrtle Cottage and LittleThatch (formerly Gangbridge Cottage) make a similar contribution tothis peaceful rural setting. The long low south-eastern elevation of LittleThatch is situated at right angles onto the roadside as it bends aroundthe building. This makes the thatched roof a very prominent focus alongGangbridge HouseHilliers Lodge and April Cottagefrom Gangbridge LaneBourne HouseSt Mary Bourne and Stoke 13

Conservation Area Appraisalthe narrow lane, interrupting views beyond. The effect is enhanced fromthe south-east by the views across the gardens of Myrtle Cottage.Gangbridge House is situated where the B3048 meets GangbridgeLane and the Bourne Rivulet. It has a polite character which reflects itsprominent visual and strategic position. The house mainly dates from theearly 19th century, and is of high quality red brickwork with a steep slateroof (under which an earlier thatched roof survives). The most public,south elevation has high quality brickwork detailing around the windowopenings. It has flat arches to the first floor, and Dutch arches to theground floor.The Bourne RivuletOn the western side of the valley there is sporadic development alongthe B3084, reflecting more modern phases of development. Of these,Hilliers Lodge and April Cottage are the most prominent in the widerlandscape setting of the Conservation Area. Situated on the rising slopesof the valley side, Hilliers Lodge is a substantial red brick building datingfrom the 19th century. It is a focal point in long views westwards fromGangbridge Lane across the valley floor.Area 5: Area to South of St Mary BourneOpen area to the west of theHigh Street and The BourneThe special appearance of this area is characterised by long views toisolated buildings of simple character rising up from the valley floor.These include Derrydown Farm, South View Terrace, the Bourne ValleyInn and Orchard Cottage.Derrydown Farm is of particular visual and historic interest, dating fromcirca 1500 and is a late medieval timber-framed hall of four bays, withinsertion of floors and fireplaces (circa 1600) and extensions at each endof the 18th and 19th centuries. The external appearance has a stronglylinear emphasis, characterised by the extensive uninterrupted roof slopesover single-storey brick and timber-frame walls. To the north-west is alate 17th century seven-bay barn with a central wagon entrance. To thenorth, a late 18th century timber-framed cartshed with open frontedaisle.Overlooking the river plain from the foot of the eastern valley side isBourne House. Its form and appearance reflects the interest in vernacularbuilding traditions fashionable at the turn of the 20th century. The variedarrangement of roof slopes, plan form and architectural detailing createan interesting and picturesque focus for views across the ConservationArea. The irregular roofline and chimneys are particularly attractivefeatures, enhanced by a mature landscaped setting.14St Mary Bourne and Stoke

Conservation Area AppraisalThe Character and Importance of Publicand Private Spaces, Trees, Hedges, andOther Natural or Cultivated FeaturesThe single most important feature of the Conservation Area is theBourne Rivulet and its topography. The river course, and its unique interrelationshipwith the buildings, and the spaces associated with it providesthe essential character of the Conservation Area. Trees and grasses alongthe river bank provide a verdant and picturesque setting, also supportingvaried wildlife.Settlement in the area has developed along the meandering course ofthis water around fords, and latterly bridges. Where settlement has nottaken place, large open spaces remain between the river and the lanesjoining the village and hamlets. These low-lying spaces provide extensiveviews throughout the valley. They are a key part of the special interest ofthe Conservation Area, providing a distinctive pastoral setting to the richsurvival of vernacular buildings. The steeply rising valley slopes, with openagricultural land and dense belts of trees, are integral in many views andserve to define the area.The recreation ground behind the village shop is a key public space andadds to the setting of the Conservation Area. The adjacent lake alsohas an intrinsic landscape value which adds to the rural character of theConservation Area.To the south of Gangbridge House, the large ‘lozenge’ shaped open area,between Gangbridge Lane and the B3048, makes a major contributionto the special qualities of the Conservation Area. The unusual formof the space and topography allows extensive and varied views of theimmediate river course and its environs, of the wider landscape setting ofthe valley, and of the interspersed historic buildings such as Butlers Farm.The watermeadows within and surrounding the Conservation Area arealso of landscape significance.Other examples include the field between the Bourne Rivulet and StokeHouse - a parkland area. This provides views across to the village ofStoke in the north-east. The farmland to the north of Stoke, allows viewssouthwards of the settlement.Views of St Mary Bourne fromthe south-westMature trees and grazed pasture to thewest of High Street and the Bourne RivuletBrick abutments over the rivercrossing at StokeThe landscaped area opposite Pound Cottages on the side of the roadfrom Swampton to Stoke is the site of The Pound, historically used forthe occasional imprisonment of stray cattle.To the north of Swampton Lodge is an area of notable visual interest.Here each of the distinctive characteristics of the Conservation Area(namely the historic streetscape, the Bourne Rivulet and its environs, andthe open pasture and parkland) are at their most integrated and mutuallyThe Bourne Rivulet, one of thepedestrian bridges, SwamptonSt Mary Bourne and Stoke 15

Conservation Area Appraisalenhancing. The area of open space also serves to reinforce the changein settlement pattern and character from the tighter grain of St MaryBourne to the south.To the south-west of the village of St Mary Bourne is a large open areawhich includes the recreation ground and a lake beside the BourneRivulet streams. Extensive farmland still remains in this part of theConservation Area, retaining its essential rural character and appropriatecontext for buildings such as Derrydown Farm. There are also importantviews of St Mary Bourne and the church tower across this open area,enabling the appreciation of the settlement in its wider setting.Vernacular building materials includinglong straw thatch at Gable CottageChurch Street, west sideRecreation GroundSmaller cultivated areas are important in defining the grain and density ofthe settlements, and are an essential part of their differing characteristics.They afford important glimpses between buildings of the immediatelandscape beyond. An example is the space between The Round Houseand Windmill Cottages in Stoke. Some areas are of key streetscapesignificance in providing appropriate settings to, or views of, historicbuildings. The churchyard is one example and so is the space, includingthe river, between Swampton House and Wurrage.Trees play an extremely important part in the river valley landscape. Theycan be found scattered around the open spaces, in mature clumps on thevalley sides and along the banks of the Bourne Rivulet (waterside treessuch as alder and willow). Some trees are of key streetscape importance,examples include the fir in the garden of Spring Cottage; the line ofpollarded willows along the river opposite; the large ash tree to the rearof Summerhaugh Cottage; and the trees in the churchyard, which formsuch an important setting to the church. Roadside hedges can still befound throughout the Conservation Area, especially along the back lanes.They contribute to the special verdant character of this landscape.The integral contribution of trees, hedges and other natural features thatform the uniqueness of this Conservation Area cannot be over-estimated.The seasonal variations are a continuing source of variety and richness.Other Features of Architectural or HistoricInterestView across lakeBrick and flint walls define and contain several historic curtilages inthe Conservation Area. Significant examples include the brick andflint churchyard walls, the walls associated with Butlers Farm, and theextensive chalk cob and thatched walls surrounding Thatched Walls inStoke. Several other walls and railings noted on the Appraisal plan greatlycontribute to the texture and grain of the area (for example, a chalk cobwall that forms the boundary to the Vicarage).16St Mary Bourne and Stoke

Conservation Area AppraisalAn integral feature of the streetscape and setting to the church are thenine Grade II listed table-tombs in the churchyard. The Diamond JubileeLamp situated in The Square is also listed.A feature intrinsic to the area is the number of small bridges crossing theBourne Rivulet.Building MaterialsThe St Mary Bourne and Stoke Conservation Area is characterised bya variety of vernacular building materials and traditions. These includemellow red brick, timber-frame, flint, chalk cob, rendered or paintedfacades, orange/red roof tiles, and thatched roofs. These follow nosingle pattern throughout the area and are often found together, or incombinations, on many properties.The extensive survival of thatch is of particular historic and visual interest.The continued use of long straw thatch, a traditional type and methodof thatching, is especially notable. It has a distinctively simple and rusticappearance, emphasising the large sweeping roofslopes and vernacularcharacter of the buildings. Forty buildings within the Conservation Areaare thatched, comprising the largest concentration of thatched buildingsin the Borough of Basingstoke and Deane.Much timber-framing is still apparent with brick and flint nogging. Theuse of flint as a vernacular building material in conjunction with brickincreased in the Victorian period. This is demonstrated on the villageschool and the alms houses.Given the domestic scale and simple vernacular architecture of thebuildings in the Conservation Area, historic joinery (such as timbercasement windows, doors and door hoods) are often the features thatdefine the appearance of properties. Where buildings are close-knit incontinuous street frontages the relationship of these features and theirhistoric arrangement becomes a significant factor in the overall specialcharacter of the area. Although some groups of buildings have beenmodernised, the use and overall effect of inappropriate replacementwindows and doors is limited.South View TerraceView over Conservation Areafrom Round House, StokeThe High Street, south-westwardsfrom Springhill LodgeThe Setting of the Conservation AreaThe Conservation Area is set within the highly picturesque Upper TestValley. It has a typical flat river valley floor landscape defined by abruptlyrising valley sides of open arable farmland on chalk and clay.St Mary Bourne and Stoke 17

Conservation Area AppraisalThe approach to the Conservation Area from the south is given dramaticemphasis by the massive brick viaduct. This was constructed in the 19thcentury to take the railway through this part of the Bourne Valley. Itremains in use and is an imposing structure and a well-known landmarkin the area. It defines the northern boundary of the Hurstbourne PriorsConservation Area and visually ends the southern view out of the StMary Bourne Conservation Area.Areas of Archaeological SignificanceEvery settlement contains within it archaeological evidence of its originsand development, the economy and industry of the community and ofthe lives and lifestyles of past inhabitants.It is in the Areas of High Archaeological Potential (AHAP) that it is mostlikely that such archaeological remains will be encountered.Where a development is proposed, the impact that it might have onthese remains is a material consideration within the planning process.This may occasionally result in the need for archaeological recording inthe case of some developments.Within St Mary Bourne, there is an AHAP that covers the building linealong both sides of the main street and around the village centre. Theriver forms the rear boundary to the irregular blocks of buildings and thewestern side, of the southern part of the AHAP. The row of buildingsin the vicinity of the church is very important as it appears to be aplanned unit, unlike the irregular building pattern found throughout therest of the village. The church has visible evidence of its 12th centuryconstruction and there may have been an earlier structure on this site. Itis therefore possible that this area of the village could contain evidenceof the earliest settlement. This AHAP also includes the south side of theroad towards Swampton and continues to the road junction at the southwest.This area may include evidence of the shrinkage of other earliersettlements.An Area of Archaeological Potential (AAP) exists on the south side ofthe road in the northern part of St Mary Bourne, behind the AHAP. Itcontains evidence of possible plots running to the footpath, which mayhave originally been a back lane.In the small settlement of Swampton, an AHAP covers the line ofbuildings on both sides of the road, and extends to the south-east tocover the area between the hamlet and St Mary Bourne. The AHAP alsoextends up the western side of Baptist Hill to include earthworks east ofBourne Farm, crop marks further to the north-east, and earthworks onthe northern side of the road at the north end.18St Mary Bourne and Stoke

Conservation Area AppraisalIntroductionAn AAP covers the area behind the rows of buildings, on both sidesof the road. Archaeological evidence may survive to show the originaldivision of Lorem land into ipsum strips that dolor had sit disappeared amet, consectetuer by the time of adipiscing elit, sedproduction diam of 19th nonummy century maps. nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet doloremagna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam,quis nostrud exerci tation ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nislut aliquip ex commodo consequat. Duis autem vel eumConservation Area Planning Controlsiriure dolor in hendrerit in vulputate velit esse molestieThe following consequat, controls apply vel illum within dolore the Conservation eu feugiat Area nulla in addition facilisis at veroto normal planning eros et accumsan controls: et iusto odio dignissim qui blandit praesentluptatum zzril delenit augue duis dolore te feugait nulla• Conservation Area Consent is normally required for the demolitionfacilisi neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum, quiaof buildings or structures over a certain size within a Conservationdolor sit, amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia nonArea.numquam eius modi tempora incidunt, ut labore et dolore• The Council magnam must aliquam be given six quaerat weeks notice voluptatem. of any intention toundertake works to cut down or uproot any trees over a certainLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sedsize in the Conservation Area.diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore• Planning magna applications aliquam which, erat in volutpat. the opinion Ut of the wisi Borough enim ad minim veniam,Council, quis would nostrud affect the exerci special tation character ullamcorper of the Conservation suscipit lobortis nislArea must ut aliquip be advertised ex ea and commodo the opportunity consequat. given for Duis public autem vel eumcomment. iriure This dolor may include hendrerit proposals in outside vulputate the Conservation velit esse molestieArea which consequat, nevertheless vel illum affect dolore its setting. eu feugiat nulla facilisis at veroeros et accumsan et iusto odio dignissim qui blandit praesentStatutory policies luptatum relating zzril to delenit Conservation augue Areas duis and dolore listed buildings te feugait nullaare set out facilisi. in the adopted Basingstoke and Deane Borough LocalPlan. These policies reflect the statutory duty on the Local PlanningAuthority to Pleff have lorem regard monaq for the preservation morel plaff of lerom historic baple buildings merol and pliff ipsumtheir setting, ponaq and to mipsu the enhancement ploff pimsu of caple areas designated supim pluff as being sumip of qonaqspecial interest. issum These daple policies ussum seek ronaq to ensure ossom that fap25 particular abcde attention tonaq fghijwill be paid gaple to the klmno scale, height, vonaq form, pqrst materials, haple uvwxy and detailing nonaq of zzzz. Lapleproposals including pleff lorem boundary monaq treatments morel plaff and other sumip features qonaq of note. issum dapleIn order to ussum consider ponaq the implications gaple klm50 of development, lore. and given thedetail required, the Borough Council will normally require proposalswithin the Conservation Area to be submitted in the form of a full,and not outline, application. The Borough Council’s ConservationOfficers are available for advise and information on all matters relatingto development proposals in the Conservation Area.Picture TextPicture TextPicture TextGrantsThe Borough Council provides grants for various types of work. Theseinclude Historic Buildings Grants, Environment and RegenerationGrants and Village and Community Hall Grants. Leaflets are availableexplaining the purpose and criteria for each grant and an approach tothe Council is recommended for further information on any grant.Picture TextSt Mary Bourne and Stoke 19

Conservation Area Appraisal - Areas of Archaeological SignificancePicture TextPicture TextIntroductionLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, seddiam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet doloremagna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam,quis nostrud exerci tation ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nislut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis autem vel eumiriure dolor in hendrerit in vulputate velit esse molestieconsequat, vel illum dolore eu feugiat nulla facilisis at veroeros et accumsan et iusto odio dignissim qui blandit praesentluptatum zzril delenit augue duis dolore te feugait nullafacilisi neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum, quiadolor sit, amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia nonnumquam eius modi tempora incidunt, ut labore et doloremagnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, seddiam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet doloremagna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam,quis nostrud exerci tation ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nislut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis autem vel eumiriure dolor in hendrerit in vulputate velit esse molestieconsequat, vel illum dolore eu feugiat nulla facilisis at veroeros et accumsan et iusto odio dignissim qui blandit praesentluptatum zzril delenit augue duis dolore te feugait nullafacilisi.Pleff lorem monaq morel plaff lerom baple merol pliff ipsumponaq mipsu ploff pimsu caple supim pluff sumip qonaqissum daple ussum ronaq ossom fap25 abcde tonaq fghijgaple klmno vonaq pqrst haple uvwxy nonaq zzzz. Laplepleff lorem monaq morel plaff sumip qonaq issum dapleussum ponaq gaple klm50 lore.Picture TextCourtesy of Hampshire County CouncilPicture Text20St Mary Bourne and Stoke

Conservation Area Appraisal - Tithe MapIntroductionLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, seddiam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet doloremagna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam,quis nostrud exerci tation ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nislut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis autem vel eumiriure dolor in hendrerit in vulputate velit esse molestieconsequat, vel illum dolore eu feugiat nulla facilisis at veroeros et accumsan et iusto odio dignissim qui blandit praesentluptatum zzril delenit augue duis dolore te feugait nullafacilisi neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum, quiadolor sit, amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia nonnumquam eius modi tempora incidunt, ut labore et doloremagnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, seddiam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet doloremagna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam,quis nostrud exerci tation ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nislut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis autem vel eumiriure dolor in hendrerit in vulputate velit esse molestieconsequat, vel illum dolore eu feugiat nulla facilisis at veroeros et accumsan et iusto odio dignissim qui blandit praesentluptatum zzril delenit augue duis dolore te feugait nullafacilisi.Pleff lorem monaq morel plaff lerom baple merol pliff ipsumponaq mipsu ploff pimsu caple supim pluff sumip qonaqissum daple ussum ronaq ossom fap25 abcde tonaq fghijgaple klmno vonaq pqrst haple uvwxy nonaq zzzz. Laplepleff lorem monaq morel plaff sumip qonaq issum dapleussum ponaq gaple klm50 lore.Picture TextPicture TextPicture TextPicture TextSt Mary Bourne and Stoke 21

Conservation Area AppraisalSt Mary Bourne and Stoke…making a differenceBasingstoke and Deane Borough CouncilCivic Offices London Road Basingstoke Hants RG21 4AHTelephone 01256 844844 Fax 01256 844706www.basingstoke.gov.ukProduced by Graphics/Corporate Information Division4761