Putney Heath Appraisal & Management Strategy (DRAFT)

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Putney Heath Appraisal & Management Strategy (DRAFT)
14 CONCLUSION, ASSESSMENT OF CONDITION &
RECOMMENDATIONS
14.1 Overall the condition of the conservation area is very positive, with the diverse historic
character retained and maintained, and a lack of infill development which would destroy the
open feel of the area. The historical connections in relation to plots have therefore been
upheld, with little further subdivision since the redevelopment of the great houses in the
1930s. Those that have occurred in the grounds of the former Scio House are not contained
within the conservation area, and the bungalows in Garden Close, along with the modern
development at Paddock Way (in an existing plot), though they are low-rise and set away
from the road, are neutral buildings in the context of the conservation area. It is suggested
therefore that the boundary of the conservation area be redrawn in order to omit these
properties, which do not maintain or enhance the prevailing character and are not of historic
interest.
14.2 The estates of mansion flats at Manor Fields, Highlands Heath and Wildcroft Manor
are all exemplary in their consistency and for the retention of original features and upkeep
of their grounds. The smaller development of Ullswater on Putney Hill is nearly as good but
has suffered from some insensitive replacement of doors.
14.3 Particularly special are the mews properties in Bensbury Close, as well as the large
Edwardian houses which have retained their original boundary treatments and verdant
settings. However, there have been losses of original boundaries and some arbitrary
replacements which have failed to uphold the character of the area. Some gardens have lost
a good deal of their character by being covered over for vehicle access. This has threatened
to result in sterile areas devoid of vegetation.
14.4 Two of the Modernist houses in Bowling Green Close have suffered from inappropriate
window replacements, as has Royston on Putney Hill. Wholesale window replacements on
both Oatlands and Chilworth Courts have affected the character of these good quality humanist
flat blocks. Chilworth Court in particular would benefit from a consistency of door design,
taking the appearance of the building back to the 1950s when it was first built. Many of the
doors have been changed for generic Georgian-style doors, which look out of place on a
modern flat building.
14.5 It is recommended that an Article 4 direction be placed on the Modernist houses in
Bowling Green Close to protect them from further erosion of character.
14.6 Paving materials are inconsistent, but this reflects the differing characteristics of the
sub-areas and is not too intrusive. In future repaving schemes a reversion back to natural
materials would be welcomed in order to enhance the quality of the respective areas. The
paving in Heathview Gardens should be retained and maintained.
14.7 Some buildings are of particular architectural or historic interest in the area and
therefore merit adding to the Council's local list. It is recommended that the following buildings
are locally listed: