sea-mills-character-appraisal

CLIFTON & HOTWELLSCharacter Appraisal6.2.6 Long views are the main distant viewsof the undulating landscape of theGarden Suburb and include front and rearelevations, the roofscape and setting ofthe estate and the pockets of vegetation,both of private gardens and public greenspaces, within and surrounding theestate. The tower of St. Edyth’s Church isvisible in a great number of these views.Occasionally, the Methodists Church onSea Mills Square may be seen in distantviews.6.2.7 Local views are numerous, the precisenature of the Garden Suburb’s layouthaving been deliberately planned to allowthe best possible views and outlook bypurposely taking best advantage of thecontour lines and local topography. Manyof the key local views include views alongstreets where the siting, height and massof the houses and the means of enclosureto their front gardens frame views. Reargardens and the trees they contain areequally important as they are oftenvisible from the public realm.6.2.8 The volume and quality of views in theGarden Suburb is in large part due tothe garden suburb principle of enclosedopenness having been applied throughoutthe layout, including the streets, culde-sacs,and open spaces. A street, forexample, which may be enclosed eitherby the curve of the road itself, or by abuilding which terminates the view, isgiven openness through glimpses out viathe generous gaps between the houses.6.2.9 Other examples of local views include theviews across and along the Trym Valleyopen space, or the view from CoombeDale, looking south-west to the nearbyenclosed open space where the land risesand which also includes views of the treesin the rear gardens and the rear elevationsof houses along The Crescent.6.2.10 Glimpses are common throughout theConservation Area and add greatly toits special interest. Many are via theplanned gaps between houses. Theseinclude views across private gardensor enclosed open spaces; along therear building line which carries the eyealong and across the gardens to includeglimpses of rear elevations; or moredistant glimpsed views that include bothfront and rear elevations, the roofscape,and hills and landscape beyond.Figure 27: View of St Edyth’s Church tower©John Roberts6.2.11 The preservation of all types ofviews both within and out from theConservation Area is vital in protectingits character and special interest.Local Policy ReferenceBristol Local Plan Policy B2 (i-v)‘Development should be designed withregard to the local context. Proposalswhich would cause unacceptable harm tothe character and/or appearance of anarea, or to the visual impact of historicbuildings, views or landmarks will not bepermitted.’Figure 26: View framed by houses1. 27.