conservation area statement - Stroud District Council

CONSERVATION AREA STATEMENT – CONSERVATION AREA NO. 16 – TOP OF TOWNPART III: STRATEGYA REVIEW OF THE CONSERVATIONAREA BOUNDARYThe character appraisal has revealed that theboundary of the Stroud Top of TownConservation Area would benefit by someconsiderable changes. The Planning Authorityproposes to redefine the boundary toincorporate the modifications shown on map6.Some minor additions and deletions arenecessary in terms of realignment of theboundary because of physical changes thathave occurred, or because the originalboundary was indecisive.However, some more substantial changes arealso considered necessary. It has been foundthat an extensive area to the east of the originalStroud Top of the Town Conservation Area ifhistorically important to the evolution of thetown.Additions:1. A major addition is to the east of theexisting boundary incorporating LowerChurchfield Road, Churchfield Road,Horns Road, Bisley Road, Belmont Roadand Mount Pleasant. These parts arehistorically important tot he evolution ofthe town and give an indication of a pastperiod of economic prosperity and rapiddevelopment. The area is compatible withthe buildings of the same period within theexisting limits of the boundary. While insome areas, such as in the vicinity ofMount Pleasant, many of the buildingshave undergone extensive alterationindividually, as a group they still conformto the pattern and scale of developmentwhich characterises the extensive buildingphase of the late 19th century in this part oftown.2. Hall to the north of Field Road – this is alate Victorian building the nature of whichconforms to the identified character.Adjustments:1. Land to the south of Corbett House – theoriginal line here was indecisive.Deletions:1. Land to the south of The Castle – this areahas been subject to infill development inrecent years. This historic setting to TheCastle has been lost and is no longer ofvalue to the conservation area.2. Acre Street and Chapel Street to the northof the Area – this area has been subject toan almost total redevelopment in recentyears. The historic and conformingcharacter has been substantially lost. Theimportant buildings remaining in this areaare mostly listed and therefore have theirown statutory protection. The area istherefore no longer of value to theconservation area.DEFINING ISSUES AND PRESSURESIn order to formulate effective conservationpolicies, which will preserve and enhance theprevailing character of the Conservation Area,it is important to assess the sorts of pressures towhich it is subject. Many of the commontrends in development or use can havenegative implications for the retention ofimportant aspects of character and architecturalintegrity.♦ The creation of hard standing and privateparking, especially in the vicinity of HornsRoad is leading to the erosion of enclosedareas and yards, the loss of gardens andtheir railings or walls. The terraces ofHorns Road are distinctive in theConservation Area, being set back from theroad, behind enclosed private areas andwith rear enclosed private areas. This is animportant feature, bridging the divisionbetween public and private space.♦ Traffic congestion and on-street parkingare problematic at times in the whole ofthe area. Problems resulting from thePage - 34 -