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Main Heading 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 1 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 2 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 3 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 4 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 5 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. 6 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 7 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 8 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 9 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. 10 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.