Download Thame Conservation Area Management Plan

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Thame
Conservation Area
Management Plan
The conservation area character appraisal - this sets
the context for the proposals contained in Part 2.
Part 1 was adopted by Council in September and
is included for information only.
April 2006
Part 1
Introduction
The Council has a duty to draw up
proposals for the preservation and
inappropriate to the material being
pointed can promote its rapid
deterioration.
enhancement of conservation areas.
A modern window can be quite out of
These proposals seek to establish
place, especially if surrounded by
guidelines for the management of
traditional neighbours. Several
change in the conservation area to
buildings in the town could be
allow for development and alterations
enhanced by replacing unsuitable
to keep the conservation area vital
windows. Dark staining of timber is a
without losing the characteristics which
largely modern technique and can look
make it special.
out of place, especially when seen
adjacent to traditionally painted
Preservation of existing
character
windows.
The use of modern machine-made tiles
should be avoided as a replacement
The maintenance of historic
for traditional hand-made tiles and
buildings in Thame Conservation
concrete or artificial slate should be
Area
avoided at all costs.
The use of traditional materials and
Terraces are, in many ways, especially
detailing can have considerable
vulnerable to the cumulative effect of
positive effect in enhancing the
minor alteration. The very regularity of
character of Thame conservation area.
the detailing in a Victorian terrace,
The owners of historic and prominent
such as that on East St., makes a
properties are therefore encouraged to
single change all the more noticeable.
remove unsympathetic modern
The terrace of cottages on Church
materials, such as concrete tiles,
Lane is a fine example of how
plastic windows and rainwater goods
attractive a terrace with a full
and to reinstate traditional materials
complement of matching doors,
such as red clay tiles, stone or red
windows and roof materials can look.
bricks, painted timber windows and
cast iron guttering as appropriate.
Repair work should also be done in a
fashion sympathetic to the character of
the building. The Council's leaflet
Guidance on repairs to historic
buildings, 2005 gives detailed advice
on this subject.
There are many walls which make a
significant contribution to the character
of the conservation area (some of
which are marked on the attached map
of the area). Most, but not all of these
define the layout of medieval burgage
plots which are such an important part
of the town's historic character.
Re-pointing should be kept to a
Boundary walls should be cherished as
minimum and only carried out when
important parts of the town's heritage,
structurally necessary. Rubble stone
especially those relics that illustrate the
walls can easily damage a building's
remarkable survival of the medieval
appearance if not done with care.
planned town. There are many walls in
Variations in colour and the application
need of repair and the removal of
of excessive amounts of mortar can
damaging vegetation. Every case
detract from both stone and brickwork
should involve a sensitive strategy of
and obscure it whilst mortar of a mix
minimum necessary intervention and
THAME CONSERVATION AREA MANAGEMENT PLAN
South Oxfordshire District Council
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the use of matching replacement
many buildings where shopfronts do
materials and traditional lime mortar.
not conform to traditional standards,
whether in form or materials used,
Shopfronts
much to the detriment of the building
Thame is fortunate to have a large
and streetscape. A common example is
number of traditional shopfronts that
the use of plastic or painted aluminium
make a major contribution to its
for the fascia instead of timber, or of
attractive historic character. Most date
applied plastic lettering instead of
from the 19th century and although
painted lettering to the fascia. Fascias
they have often been inserted into
of artificial materials not only lack the
earlier buildings they have become part
texture characteristic of hand painted
of the established character of the
timber but also frequently appear
town. This is partly due to their
without the moulded edge to the
attractive proportions and detailing and
boarder that frames the signage in a
also because the traditional shopfront
traditional fascia. Plastic and 'Dutch'
employs traditional materials and good
style canopies, as opposed to the
quality joinery and sign writing. The key
traditional folding canvas awning, are
elements of the traditional shopfront
overly prominent and obscure much of
are the stall riser (the low wall at the
a shopfront.
bottom of the window) and the
decorative cornice above the fascia
Buildings of local note
board sign over the window. These are
In addition to historic buildings that are
flanked by pilasters (flat columns
listed Thame contains numerous
applied to the building) and a window
buildings that have been included on
usually divided by glazing bars, as
the plan of the conservation area as
distinct from a sheer expanse of plate
buildings of local note because they
glass. This commonly results in an
make a positive contribution to the
elegant composition of the building's
character of the conservation area,
façade with attractive detailing that
although they have not yet been
does not simply leave a hole in the
considered to be of sufficient
ground floor of the building and
importance to meet the current criteria
contributes to the street scene without
for statutory listing. In Thame the
being brash or intrusive. Hanging signs
buildings of local note are mainly, but
are traditionally low key but capable of
not exclusively, constructed in the 19th
alerting the prospective customer. They
century and range from terraced
should be of traditional materials and of
houses to churches. Many of the
a scale suitable to the building. On
earlier buildings in the town are listed,
hanging signs and fascias internal
although there are examples of early
illumination is not considered
buildings which have been greatly
acceptable in the conservation area
altered (such as 39 North St.) which
and external lighting should always be
are still of local interest. There are
discrete and targeted to simply
several 19th century buildings which
illuminate the sign.
are included because they form part of
The successful traditional shopfront is
a subtle balance of elements, which
can all too easily be damaged by
relatively small changes. There are
the large groups of buildings that make
up such important parts of the town
centre but are not listed (for example
nos. 95 and 96 High St.). Other
buildings are landmarks, which make a
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THAME CONSERVATION AREA MANAGEMENT PLAN
South Oxfordshire District Council
unique contribution, such as the two
the latter position the tops of mature
churches on Upper High St. and the
trees can often be seen from public
Falcon pub. The bulk of the buildings of
areas in the town, softening the views
local note are 19th century terraced
subtly, rather than intruding into a well-
houses. These form one of the key
ordered streetscape. The loss of trees
elements in the areas of the town
from within the burgage plots
largely developed during that century
themselves can be an unfortunate
(like Park St., East St. and Nelson St.)
result of subdividing and building on
but also appear closer to the medieval
such plots and another reason to resist
town (such as in North Road). Many
it. On the fringes of the historic town
walls play a crucial part in the town's
trees play a crucial part. North St.,
character; defining burgage plots,
Aylesbury Road and (to some extent)
enclosing courtyards and placing solid
Wellington St., although all heavily
or nominal boundaries around gardens.
built-up have significant areas of
Important walls have therefore been
garden which contribute greenery to
identified on the map of the
soften the views and suggest the
conservation area.
survival of what was once the rural
fringe of the old town. Where trees are
The maintenance of trees and green
spaces
found in these areas their careful
management is essential and
Trees make a significant contribution to
opportunities should always be sought
the town and property owners should
to enhance areas of planting. On North
continue to manage existing trees
St. the Waitrose car park and Cattle
sensitively. Within the conservation
Market sites present a prime
area, consent is required to fell lop or
opportunity of this sort.
top trees.
Larger open spaces are equally
Consideration of important views into
valuable resources. The cricket pitch
and out of the conservation area
plays a major role in the setting of both
should also be borne in mind when
the church and its adjacent buildings
planting or deciding to lop trees, as
and the northern approaches to the
should the setting of historic buildings.
town. The proper maintenance of this
With the exception of the market place
site would reinforce this role. The
there are few street trees in the centre
churchyard and allotments are likewise
of the medieval town and, generally, it
a valuable part of this area and the
is not appropriate to plant them. The
recreation ground on Park St. is also
presence of inappropriate trees in front
important. Where private gardens abut
gardens, such as fast- growing
these open areas, owners can make a
conifers, may detract from the
valuable contribution to the appearance
regularity of facades and the play of
of the town by nurturing deciduous
building components elsewhere visible.
trees that will soften, but not obscure
Conifer trees, being both alien to the
views. Southern Road, in its role as a
area and capable of creating an
boundary to the historic town centre,
intense visual impact, are usually ill-
plays an important part in the character
advised in conservation areas. Trees
of the town as a whole and the
play a more valuable role on the
maintenance of green spaces and
fringes of the historic town and behind
vegetation here is vital. Keeping the
the boundary walls of burgage plots. In
playing fields as open green spaces is
THAME CONSERVATION AREA MANAGEMENT PLAN
South Oxfordshire District Council
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obviously essential but smaller, private
commercial buildings. It is based on
areas, especially on the southern
central government advice, contained
'outer' side of the road also contribute
in PPG 1 and PPG 15, the South
significantly. Deciduous trees planted in
Oxfordshire Local Plan and the South
the front gardens of houses on this
Oxfordshire Design Guide.
side of the road would certainly help to
soften the edge of the old town. In
The need for contextual design.
Nelson St. the forecourt of the fire
All development, but particularly in the
station is especially noticeable as a
Thame Conservation Area, must
hard-surfaced area; trees and shrubs
respond to its immediate environment,
planted on the adjacent roadside could
its "context", in terms of scale, density,
help to soften this. Large open spaces
form, materials and detailing.
that frame the historic town are also to
Applicants for planning permission
be found on Oxford Road, where it
must provide a "Design Statement", to
crosses the Cuttle Brook, and between
justify the design decisions that have
the River Thame and the Prebendal.
been made as the scheme was
These areas should not only be kept
developed and to show how the
as open green spaces but the
building relates to its context.
appearance of rough pastureland they
presently possess should be
maintained, although trees and hedges
should not of course be neglected in
these areas. Overgrown hedges in the
Cuttle Brook valley could certainly be
better managed so that they do not
block views into this area from the road
during the summer. The view out into
the fields from the eastern end of
Most development opportunities within
the Thame Conservation Areas will be
on small, enclosed sites where the
"context" - the surrounding buildings
and the form of historic plot
development - may be obvious but still
needs to be acknowledged. The
following are general principles which
should be adopted for all development
in all parts of the conservation area.
Priest End could also be improved by
the replacement of the concrete and
steel fence, plastic litterbin and
redundant signpost. Thame Bridge
itself is marred by an electricity junction
box.
Urban grain.
The "urban grain", or form, of historic
development, is particularly important
in Thame and is based on the medieval
layout of the town, which has remained
largely unaltered. This provides a
Design Guidance for New
Development
In the conservation area, where the
quality of the general environment is
already acknowledged by designation,
new development should be of quality
which responds positively to its historic
setting.
characterised by a mixture of narrow
and wide streets, with long terraces of
varied brick or timber-frame properties
on either side. The roofscape is also
particularly important, with handmade
clay tiles, laid on steeply pitched roofs,
being an important local feature. Paved
courtyards, glimpsed through narrow
The following guidance will apply to
openings in the street frontages are a
most schemes, including the creation
characteristic feature of the town. This
of parking areas, extensions to existing
"urban grain" is an important part of the
properties and new houses or
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townscape of great individuality,
THAME CONSERVATION AREA MANAGEMENT PLAN
South Oxfordshire District Council
character of the conservation area and
chosen and sensitively sited, can make
should be protected. Proposals for new
good use of land and in principle the
development must include a detailed
Council supports such schemes, where
analysis of the locality and
appropriate, in existing settlements.
demonstrate that there is a full
However, where the proposal lies
appreciation of the local townscape
within a conservation area such as
and how it has developed, including
Thame, a careful balance must be
prevailing building forms, materials and
sought between the sensitivity of the
plot ratios. This is particularly important
environment and the requirements of
on "backland" sites where new
the developer. In taking account of
development potential is very limited
existing densities within the
and must always be secondary in
conservation area, care must be taken
character to the more important
to ensure sites are not overdeveloped.
primary buildings facing the main
Developments which have a
street. The amalgamation of burgage
detrimental effect on the character of
plots into larger plots to enable
the conservation area will be resisted.
redevelopment and the consequential
It is especially important to consider
loss of the historic "urban grain",
how the area has developed over time
should be resisted.
and to recognise the differences in
building form which can be attributed to
Scale and density.
different periods.
Scale is the combination of a building's
height and bulk when related to its
Height and massing.
surroundings. The scale of any
Within the conservation area, a number
development should respect
of buildings are already prominent
surrounding development. However,
because of their height - St. Mary's
some modest changes in scale may
Church and the Town Hall for instance.
actually be advantageous, as this
Domestic and commercial buildings are
reflects the variety of form in the town
historically of lesser importance within
centre of Thame where the buildings
the townscape and new development
have developed individually for a
should reflect this hierarchy. Generally,
variety of functions over a long period
the height of new development should
of time. For such schemes, the
match the adjoining buildings, although
applicant must provide accurate
allowing for the inevitable variations in
elevations of the surrounding buildings,
height and bulk which are natural to
showing how the new development will
historic towns. For Thame, this
relate to them.
generally means two or three storeys,
Density is the amount of development
with lower heights in backland sites.
(measured in terms of floorspace or
Massing is the combination of the scale
number of housing units) related to the
of the development, its layout and its
site area it occupies. In practice, it is
site coverage. For larger schemes,
the combination of density with layout,
poor massing and over-intensive
landscaping and other factors which
development leads to the creation of
determine the quality and "feel" of new
over-shadowed areas, with poor quality
developments. As set out in
spaces between the buildings. These
government guidance in PPG 6, high
create a threatening environment for
density development, if carefully
pedestrians and reduce the
THAME CONSERVATION AREA MANAGEMENT PLAN
South Oxfordshire District Council
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opportunities for good quality
Traditionally walls were brick, tile-hung
landscaping. However, the majority of
or weather-boarded with traditional
redevelopment sites in the Thame
feather-edged boarding (not modern
Conservation Area will be modest in
ship-lap). This can be painted or
size, perhaps only large enough to
stained an appropriate colour. Painted
accommodate one or two buildings at
brick or render are more modern
the most and the issue of massing is
alternatives which are rarely
less relevant than scale, density and
appropriate. The inclusion of small
height.
decorative details, such as string
courses, shaped cills or lintels,
Appearance, materials and detailing
recessed panels and other features
The emphasis in any new development
can add interest and a sense of place
or alterations must always be on the
but must be based on local precedent
need to provide a high quality of
and used correctly.
design. This can be innovative modern
design, providing a dramatic
contemporary statement, or in some
locations, a more traditional design.
Positive change in historic towns can
provide vitality and interest to the
streetscape and designation as a
conservation area and the presence of
listed buildings should not stifle well
thought out, modern design. However,
all new development in the Thame
Conservation Area should carefully
consider the prevailing form of existing
development, taking into account scale,
density, height and massing. These
elements may be used to set out the
basic form of new building, including
roof shape, roof pitch, height, depth of
plan and, most importantly, the
relationship of the new buildings to
existing surrounding buildings and to
the street. Natural materials and high
quality detailing should be used.
Windows should be timber, painted not
stained. Their design should reflect
local styles, usually simple side-hung
casements or vertically sliding sashes.
If windows are to be double glazed,
then these must be carefully designed.
Avoidance of glazing bars can assist in
achieving a satisfactory solution. 'Stickon' glazing bars should be avoided at
all costs. Consideration should be
given to alternative ways of complying
with Building Regulations if traditional
windows are to be used. In all cases
joinery details must be submitted with
planning applications. Modern top-hung
lights and modern materials, such a
uPVC or aluminium, are generally
unacceptable in the Thame
Conservation Area, particularly where
the new building abuts a listed building
or faces a principal street. Front doors
should also be painted timber, again
reflecting local historic styles.
Where a more traditional approach is
appropriate, the Council will expect
new buildings which are designed in a
Traditionally, most boundaries in the
traditional form within the conservation
conservation area are defined by brick
area to be detailed in a manner
or stone walls, with trees, soft hedging
appropriate to the historic setting.
and timber fencing being more
Roofs should be pitched and covered
prevalent in the residential areas
in handmade clay tiles, or natural slate.
outside the town centre. For new
Dormers and rooflights should be
development in Thame, it is important
avoided, unless modestly sized and
that local materials and detailing are
away from the public viewpoint.
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Boundary treatments
THAME CONSERVATION AREA MANAGEMENT PLAN
South Oxfordshire District Council
used and new boundaries following the
can clutter the street scene and detract
historic precedent of brick or stone will
from the attractive qualities of buildings
help development to fit in to its context.
and spaces. Although many such items
Modern alternatives, such as concrete
may be necessary, duplication often
blocks, ranch-style timber fencing, or
occurs and neither the best positions
post-and-rail type fencing are not
nor the best design are always
acceptable. Simple, close-boarded
selected. There is already room to
fencing, with timber posts, may be an
rationalise road signs and other items.
alternative to brick in certain locations
For instance, Stribblehills at the
away from the public viewpoint but
western end of High St. is a major
such fencing should be simply detailed,
landmark but on closer inspection the
without any decoration such as a
unattractive pedestrian barrier in front
curved top.
of the house detracts from this
attractive building and obscures its iron
Extensions to existing buildings
railings. At the same place there are
Extensions to existing buildings require
very prominent lamp standards, which
a similar approach to more major
do nothing to enhance the street
schemes in that they must take into
scene. Indeed, in general it might be
account the prevailing forms of
better to provide fewer lamps
development, complement the form
strategically placed on buildings as
and character of the original house and
elsewhere in High St.
use high quality materials and detailing.
For listed buildings this is particularly
important. Design should be of high
quality, whether modern or traditional.
Roof lines, roof shape, eaves details,
verge details and the creation of new
chimneys are important considerations.
Extensions should not overlook
Traffic management systems appear at
several points in the town and there will
inevitably be more. Where renewal of
existing schemes takes place or new
systems are installed in the
conservation area the advice in The
English Heritage publication Streets for
All, 2005 should be followed.
neighbouring properties, lead to an
unacceptable loss of garden space, or
Other elements of Thame's street
result in the loss of historic plot
furniture are attractive and contribute to
boundaries. Nor should they dominate
the interest of the area and must be
the original building.
maintained. The kissing gate at the
cricket pitch edge of the churchyard is
an old wrought iron one but is in need
Public realm works
of proper repair; sadly some wrought
Whilst suggestions are made below for
iron components have already been
the enhancement of several sites, it
replaced in tubular steel. Also in need
must be stressed that there are
of repair are the railings between
currently no proposals for these sites
Aylesbury Road and the drive to
nor funding allocated.
Lashlake House where the original
gateposts remain. A gate to match
Street furniture
could be placed in the north-east
As a busy town Thame inevitably has a
corner of the cricket pitch where the
large number of road signs and other
estate fencing is routinely damaged by
street furniture. Whilst these items may
people using this point for access to
not be harmful individually, too many
and from Aylesbury Road. It is perhaps
THAME CONSERVATION AREA MANAGEMENT PLAN
South Oxfordshire District Council
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better to acknowledge this as a
by vertical stone retaining walls at the
convenient gateway rather than to
pavement edge. Not only would this be
block it off or allow the fence (which
more attractive than the present tarmac
needs repair elsewhere) to be
but also it would allow safer and more
damaged further.
orderly parking, which would utilise the
space better. The need for safety
Surfacing
In addition to the surfacing of the
railings and their design would have to
be carefully considered.
market place itself, the pavements on
Upper High St. are black tarmac
although in places stone setts that
underlie the tarmac are visible. It would
certainly be welcome if this surface,
The purpose of this section is to
and the others that doubtless exist
identify potential schemes and, if there
elsewhere in Thame, were restored.
is public support for some of the works,
Buttermarket is a very attractive street
then these could be progressed should
that would also benefit from re-
funding become available.
surfacing in traditional materials. The
use of stone setts, kerbs and paving
Market Place, Upper High St.
could make a great difference to the
The market place has granite setts in
street, as it could to the parking area in
some areas but black tarmac where
front of the Town Hall. The eastern side
vehicles park. The area around the
of Church Road is presently a mixture
Market House is especially prominent
of materials but the replacement of the
and has benefited from a paving
tarmac element with stone or brick and
scheme using a combination of granite
the rebuilding of the western path to
setts and York Stone paving. The
match would greatly enhance this
market place as a whole, however, is
street. Another area that would benefit
still in need of improvement. Natural
greatly from the use of stone setts is
materials would benefit the whole
the path towards the Prebendal on
space with parking bays delineated in
Priest End, where some old setts can
contrasting but traditional, materials,
in fact be seen built into the churchyard
rather than by painted lines. The
wall.
setting of the Market House could be
Raised pavements are a significant
part of the character of the southern
part of North St. However, they could
be greatly improved by stone paving
replacing the concrete slabs and an
alternative being found for the tarmac
that slopes down to the road. The
pavements are edged in Victorian blue
brick and there are some stone setts at
the road edge but the overall
appearance is quite shabby. This is not
improved by the way parked cars are
scattered along the embankments.
These embankments could be replaced
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Specific sites with
enhancement potential
THAME CONSERVATION AREA MANAGEMENT PLAN
South Oxfordshire District Council
improved by designing street furniture
and if possible replacing the utilitarian
modern telephone boxes with the
classic red telephone box. The market
place is also blighted by a clutter of
road signs which are made all the
more prominent by the open aspect of
the area.
The Shambles
The Shambles is at present a rather
forlorn area largely given over to car
parking. Only 1A Cornmarket has an
active shop front that looks onto the
courtyard and brings light and activity
to the scene. This area should be seen
by a more sympathetic use of the
as an asset to the town centre and
frontage.
enhanced accordingly. The removal of
parked cars and re-surfacing of the
Town Centre Alleyways.
whole area would be an important first
The narrow alleyways between houses
step. A different use for the rear portion
in the centre of Thame are an
of 3 Pump Lane, encouraging
important part of its historic character.
pedestrians to linger and bringing
Interesting elements of many historic
activity to the courtyard would also
buildings and the plots behind them are
make a great impact. The presence of
often to be glimpsed through the
several unsightly rubbish bins, whilst
entrances to these alleyways and
they may be a necessity of the area,
where these are open to public view, if
could certainly be rationalised and
not public access, they should remain
perhaps screened to reduce their
so. Where gates already exist they
unfortunate impact.
should be kept in good order and
replaced, if necessary, in traditional
Park St.
style and material. Inappropriate
Park St. is a narrow street with a high
forms of gate are discouraged, such as
density of residential dwellings, several
the unpleasant steel roller shutter on
shops, a school and entrance to the
98 High St. and traditional designs
playing fields. The frontage of the John
should be used wherever possible.
Hampden School is an extremely
There may well be opportunities to
important element within the street. If
improve the surfacing in such cases as
funding was available, the original
well. Where stone setts survive it would
railings, which have been removed,
enhance the conservation area to
should be reinstated in a suitable cast
expose these and repair them as
iron design, whilst the tubular steel
necessary.
railings to the car park and playground
entrances could also be improved by
using a matching style. Front garden
boundary walls are important parts of
The cattle market (not in the
conservation area but it clearly has
an impact on it)
Park St.'s character, helping to define
The cattle market on North St. is at
public and private spaces. These
present a relatively benign presence on
should be maintained and enhanced
the edge of the conservation area.
and their removal or the creation of
Although an area of concrete and
hard standings for car parking will be
tarmac with wholly functional modern
discouraged. Well-tended front gardens
buildings it does not have a totally
can soften the buildings and add colour
overbearing impact on North St. and
and warmth to the street scene whilst
importantly lends a lively, bustling air to
trees and shrubs can absorb traffic
this part of the town on market days. If
noise. The cluster of commercial
the livestock market should cease to
premises opposite the garage could be
operate the future re-use of the site
improved by better signage in
should seek to retain this character,
traditional materials. Also at that end of
perhaps with an increased green
the street The Falcon, an interesting
border between the road and any new
and attractive building, is often partly
development. In this way it would
obscured by cars parked in front of it.
reinforce the idea of the rural fringe of
The building would be greatly improved
the historic town centre persisting. The
THAME CONSERVATION AREA MANAGEMENT PLAN
South Oxfordshire District Council
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archaeological potential of the site
should be fully investigated when the
opportunity arises.
Conclusion
The success of a conservation area
depends on the joint commitment of
the local authorities and those living
and working in the conservation area
working to preserve and enhance its
character. All have a part to play in this.
This document seeks to set out some
ways in which this can be achieved.
The Conservation and Design Team
will be happy to give advice on any
aspects of the conservation area and
to receive further ideas for the
preservation and enhancement of its
special character.
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THAME CONSERVATION AREA MANAGEMENT PLAN
South Oxfordshire District Council
Appendix
South Oxfordshire Local Plan
2011 Adopted Plan
January 2006
Proposals affecting a
conservation area
Policy CON6
Consent to demolish a building in a
Demolition of Listed Buildings
conservation area will be granted only
if the loss of the building would not
Policy CON1
adversely affect the character of the
Proposals for the demolition of any
area and, where appropriate, if there
listed building will not be permitted.
are detailed and acceptable plans for
the redevelopment of the site.
Alterations and extensions to
listed buildings
Policy CON7
Planning permission will not be granted
Policy CON2
for development which would harm the
Any extension to a listed building must
character or appearance of a
be appropriate to its character, must be
conservation area.
sympathetic to the original structure in
The following will be required when
design, scale and materials and must
considering proposals for development
not dominate or overwhelm it.
in conservation areas:
Policy CON3
(i) the design and scale of new work to
Any alteration to a listed building must
be in sympathy with the established
respect its established character and
character of the area; and
not diminish the special historical or
architectural qualities which make it
worthy of inclusion on the statutory list.
(ii) the use of traditional materials,
whenever this is appropriate to the
character of the area.
The contribution made to a
Use and changes of use of listed
buildings
conservation area by existing walls,
Policy CON4
and important views will be taken into
A change of use of part or the whole of
account. Proposals for development
a listed building will be permitted only if
outside a conservation area which
its character and features of special
would have a harmful effect on the
architectural or historic interest would
conservation area will not be permitted.
buildings, trees, hedges, open spaces
be protected. Proposals for a change
intended alterations to the building and
Advertisements in conservation
areas and on listed buildings
its curtilage, to demonstrate their
Policy CON8
impact on its appearance, character
Consent will not be granted for the
and setting.
display of signs on a listed building or
of use should incorporate details of all
in a conservation area which are in any
The setting of listed buildings
way harmful to the character and
Policy CON5
appearance of the building or area.
Proposals for development which
Where it is accepted that a sign is
would adversely affect the setting of a
needed, it should generally be non-
listed building will be refused.
illuminated, made of natural materials
and to a design and scale reflecting the
best traditional practice.
THAME CONSERVATION AREA MANAGEMENT PLAN
South Oxfordshire District Council
11
Blinds and canopies in
conservation areas
Policy CON9
Permission will not be granted for the
installation of blinds or canopies of
non-traditional form or materials on
buildings within conservation areas.
on planning permissions, or planning
obligations sought, which will require
the developer to provide an appropriate
programme of archaeological
investigation, recording and publication
by a professionally-qualified body.
Policy CON14
Before the determination of an
Burgage plots
Policy CON10
In the historic towns of Henley, Thame
and Wallingford the burgage plots to
the rear of the principal streets will
generally be protected from
amalgamation and from development
which by its nature would detract from
their historic interest, amenity and
nature conservation value.
Archaeology and historic
building analysis and recording
Policy CON11
There will be a presumption in favour
of physically preserving nationally
important archaeological remains,
whether scheduled or not, and their
settings.
Policy CON12
Before the determination of an
application for development which may
affect a site of archaeological interest
or potentially of archaeological
importance, prospective developers will
be required, where necessary, to make
provision for an archaeological field
evaluation, in order to enable an
informed and reasoned planning
decision to be made.
Policy CON13
Wherever practicable and desirable,
developments affecting sites of
archaeological interest should be
designed to achieve physical
preservation in situ of archaeological
deposits. Where this is not practicable
or desirable, conditions will be imposed
12
THAME CONSERVATION AREA MANAGEMENT PLAN
South Oxfordshire District Council
application which affects a building of
archaeological or historic interest,
applicants will be required, where
necessary, to submit a detailed record
survey and analysis of the building. In
some circumstances, further survey
and analysis will be made a condition
of consent.
Historic battlefields, parks,
gardens and landscapes
Policy CON15
Proposals which would damage the
character, setting or amenities of a
battlefield, park or garden of special
historic interest, contained in the
English Heritage Registers, will not be
permitted.
Common land
Policy CON16
Proposals for development on or
affecting common land, village greens
and other important spaces within
settlements will not be permitted.