Hordle Village Design Statement

St. Barbe Museum & Art Gallery

This village design statement has been prepared by the Hordle VDS Steering Group in collaboration with and on behalf of the local community. It has been prepared with the support of the New Forest District Council, the New Forest National Park Authority and Hordle Parish Council. There has also been input in various forms from the St Barbe Museum, the University of Southampton and the Hampshire Biodiversity Information Centre.

The Steering Group acknowledges with thanks the financial help provided by Hordle Parish Council, New Forest District Council and the New Forest National Park Authority towards the production of this document which was designed by John Fitzgerald.

Copying, sub-licencing, distributing, selling or otherwise making available the Licensed Data to third parties in any form is not permitted. © Crown copyright and database rights [2011] Ordnance Survey 100050816.

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 A Village Design Statement (VDS) is a document agreed by the local community as representing its views on how the overall character of the villages within the Parish (Tiptoe, Hordle and Everton) should be maintained through the appropriate design of any new development. The process is about managing change, not preventing it.

1.2 It’s all about democracy and community participation. The VDS is intended to help identify local knowledge and opportunities that may be created by the local distinctiveness of the built and natural environment.

1.3 New development and changes to existing properties should be carried out with sensitivity and respect to the character of the Parish. To help achieve these goals this VDS addresses the scale and diversity of the Parish, provides information about existing development, local infrastructure, other constraints and expresses the views of the community about its environment.

1.4 Reference should be made to this VDS to help ensure proposals are in harmony with their intended settings and likely to make a positive impact. To assist implementation of this the VDS explains the unique history, character and distinctiveness of each village.

1.5 From engagement with the local community Hordle Parish VDS Steering Group has produced this VDS which it considers to be representative of community aspirations.

1.6 Following a public consultation this VDS has been adopted by the New Forest District Council and the New Forest National Park Authority as a Supplementary Planning Document. As such the planning guidelines it contains will be a material consideration in determining planning applications within the whole Parish. While this document is intended to influence submissions it should not be read in isolation from agreed planning strategies.

1.7 This VDS will supplement policies in the Core Strategies of the two local planning authorities, in particular policies on Local Distinctiveness and adds detail at a local level. Therefore before embarking on development proposals, interested parties are advised to consult these planning policy documents. For policies that may be relevant see Appendix 01.

1.8 Within this VDS a Guideline identifies design principles that will normally apply based on the distinctive local character of an area. A Recommendation expresses a matter of concern that the community wishes to bring to the attention of the relevant authority with a view to influencing policy in a way that will secure appropriate action to achieve changes.

What is a Village Design Statement?

Why Produce one for Hordle Parish?

How was the Document Produced?

Status of the Document

2

2. BRIEF HISTORY

2.1 Hordle is a parish with scattered settlements grouped in hamlets and has never had a traditional centre. The Domesday Book 1086 records the estate as Herdel which was located in the south near the coast with the northern section recorded separately as the manor Arnewood (Ernemude). The book also states there were six salterns in Hordle, almost certainly sited on the marsh behind Hurst Spit, an area which remained in the Parish until 1905. In early maps the first indications of Hordle take the form of a place known as Hordwell located towards the coast.

2.2 The first recorded Church, in about 1100, was situated near the coast at Hordle Cliff, served by Augustinian canons from Christchurch Priory. This fell in to a state of disrepair by the early 19th century and had become too remote from the population indicating migration inland to the north of Downton Common. A new church was built on Downton Common in 1830/31 which within a few years was found to be faulty and replaced by the present church in 1872.

2.3 From about the mid-eighteenth century, the extent of the Parish emerges from a cluster of significant buildings around the old church including Hordle House (the manor house), Hordle Manor Farm, Taddiford Farm and an area eastwards generally known as Hordle Cliff to Hurst Spit and northward to Downton with an Inn, the Royal Oak (built in 1713) and Lea Green Farm.

2.4 To the north on the margins of Downton Common a number of cottages were built of cob with thatched roofs. These scattered dwellings stretched further north towards Vaggs Lane lying largely in Woodcock Lane, Cottagers Lane and Everton Road. Vaggs Lane led to the area now known as Tiptoe which lay in Arnewood, another area of scattered dwellings and farms.

2.5 The economy was rooted in agriculture with supporting activities such as the mills at Gordleton, Flexford and Efford. In 1814 a workhouse was established in Woodcock Lane to accommodate the very poor. From the early 19th century, much of the Parish was embraced within the Newlands estate with 11 farms, woodlands and 27 cottages from Keyhaven, north through Lymore and Everton to Hordle, then west and south to Downton and Hordle Cliff then east along the shore to Keyhaven.

2.6 The records of education in the Parish show the first school was built in 1860 where it still stands just north of the church. Better off residents sent their children to private schools in Lymington. Arnewood House became a girls’ boarding school around 1870. Secondary education came much later in 1939 with the opening of Ashley County Secondary School. The most significant growth took place after World War II when in 1950 a site for a substantial number of caravans formerly known as Woodlands Caravan Park was opened in Stopples Lane.

2.7 From about 1960, development of housing estates took place at Pinewood, Longfield, Woodcock Lane in Hordle plus Firmount and the Frys Lane area in Everton. Later another large site for Park Homes became established on the eastern fringe of Everton.

2.8 The most recent census of 2001 showed the population of the Parish to be 5095 but had grown to 5363 by 2007. The figures also revealed the percentage of people over the age of 65 was nearly twice the national average. For 2011, the population forecast is as follows:-

• Hordle village – 3480
• Everton village – 1454
• Tiptoe village in Hordle Parish – 235
• Tiptoe village in Sway Parish – 249
• Outlying areas – 162
• Parish Total – 5331

(Source: HCC Environmental Department’s 2009 Based Small Area Population Forecasts).

Hordwell - Map of Hampshire (Christopher Saxton 1575) *1

Map c.1791 (Thomas Milne) shows the development of Hordle away from the coast *3

Lea Green farm c 1920 *4

Ruins of Old Hordle church. (Print M A T Whithy, 1830) *2

Swan Cottage-(formerly Yeovilton Lodge and Everton Post Office) a traditional cob cottage (Listed grade II) *5

Tiptoe Garage c1960 *4

Farming smallholding in Sky End Lane c1920*4

Everton Post office c 1954*4

3. HORDLE PARISH BOUNDARY

3.1 Hordle Parish is 1068 hectares in total. 288 hectares and 780 hectares are within the New Forest National Park Authority and the New Forest District Council planning areas respectively. It is located to the southwest of the New Forest National Park straddling the boundary of the National Park. The approximate location of the Parish is shown in orange in the figure to the right, illustrating the majority of the Parish is located outside of the National Park and is under the jurisdiction of the New Forest District Council. However, the northern part of the Parish, in the locality of Tiptoe, can be seen to extend within the National Park boundary.

Defined boundaries of New Forest National Park *6

Defined boundaries of Hordle Parish *6

4. SETTLEMENT PATTERN

4.1 Only the principal villages and in particular the main built up areas have been investigated to establish the historic settlement pattern of the Parish. Starting with the 1843 Tithe Map and subsequently various editions of OS maps it is possible to see that the peripheral and through roads of the Parish are those that follow the historic routes. It is along these routes which have established the configuration of the villages that the dwellings which formed the original character and distinctiveness of the Parish can still be seen. The earliest signs of development can be traced back to interchanges including Inns along these routes, farms associated with the major land owners and church buildings.

Historic settlement pattern-Tiptoe

4.2 The village is by some way the smallest of the three villages in the Parish. With no defined boundaries there are long stretches of ribbon development leading away from its approximate centre, the junction of Wootton Road and Tiptoe Road with Middle Road. This development is generally by way of small farms, small-holdings, country cottages and more substantial properties. The map below demonstrates clearly how the more rural nature of the village has influenced the ribbon pattern of development that has evolved.

4.3 The earliest development of the village extends from Tiptoe Cross which formed the hub around which the original buildings such as the Plough Inn, Ye Olde Forge cottage and Orchard cottage were established. While there were various brick built New Forest style cottages constructed in the early twentieth century the majority of development has arisen since World War ll with the infilling of larger plots and/or expansion of the existing dwellings.

Tiptoe settlement pattern *7

Historic settlement pattern-Hordle

4.3 Along the principal routes of Everton Road and Ashley Lane together with Cottagers and Woodcock Lanes signs may still be seen of historic buildings. With no distinct centre the village has evolved with two developed areas.

4.4 One lies at the northwest corner between Ashley Lane, Everton Road, Dudley Avenue, Danecrest Road and Lavender Road. This encompasses the large Pinewood estate, developed during the 1960s, the estates of Charnock /Yerville Gardens, Wisbech Way and Acacia Road developed in the 1980s and the Woodlands Park Homes estate originally evolved in the 1950s. More recently it includes the Sidney Street development.

4.5 Constructed largely during the 1960s the other area of concentrated development is at the southern end situated between Everton Road, Sky End Lane, Vicarage Lane and Hordle Lane with developments also in Longfield Road, Pegasus Avenue and Turners Farm. Everton Road connects these two areas with housing along its length from Pennys Corner at the north to the south-east boundary of the village. Other notable development exists close to the cross-roads of Everton Road, Woodcock Lane and Hordle Lane. Off Woodcock Lane Shelldrake Gardens was developed during the 1960s and more recently Whitebarn Crescent and the Ostlers developments. Cottagers Lane includes the small development of Slades Close.

4.6 Housing is accessed off Hordle Lane and the primary school and church are situated near the cross-roads. To the south, green-belt agricultural land is prevalent towards Yeatton and Downton. Further ribbon development, including some farms, continues in Vaggs Lane leading to Tiptoe and along Silver Street to the eastern boundary at Gordleton.

Hordle settlement pattern showing defined boundaries *7

Historic settlement pattern-Everton

4.7 Before World War II the main concentrations of dwellings was opposite the church in Christchurch Road (formerly the A337), in the lanes between the Crown Inn and the Post Office, west to parts of Frys Lane and Harts Farm, north along Wainsford Road and Greenmead Avenue with a number of larger country homes in Farmers Walk (also formerly the A337). Four small farms and Everton Nurseries lie to the west; south of the A337 was Everton Grange Estate.

4.8 The map below emphasises the historic core of the village around the lanes and demonstrates the significant expansion of the village in the later part of the twentieth century. Since the 1950s the village has developed in a fairly uniform fashion with the demise of small farms making way for housing developments, notably those of Golden Crescent and Harts Way with Buckstone Close and Firmount Close with Roberts Close.

4.9 The re-routing of the A337 to the south of Christchurch Road and Farmers Walk, allowed building land to be gained from within the Newlands Manor Estate. The map below allows an understanding of the impact of this southerly realignment of the A337 and how development spilled over the line of Christchurch Road which had been the historic boundary of the village to the south. To the eastern outskirts of the village Knightcrest Park was developed in the 1970s.

4.10 In more recent years new developments within the village have been constructed on either infill sites or land at the edge of the built up area of the village. This has included Shepherds Way and Honeysuckle Gardens.

Everton settlement pattern showing defined boundaries *7

5. HORDLE PARISH TODAY

5.1 The present day Parish consists of the villages of Hordle with Everton lying to the south and Tiptoe to the north, with outlying hamlets of Downton, Leagreen, Efford and Broadmead. The neighbouring parishes are those of Lymington & Pennington to the east, Milford-on-Sea to the south, New Milton to the west and Sway to the north-east plus a small boundary length at the northern tip with Brockenhurst.

5.2 The Parish currently supports a population of approximately 5300 throughout its three villages and outlying hamlets. The village of Tiptoe is totally within the boundaries of the New Forest National Park and part of the village falls within Sway Parish. Hordle and Everton are villages having clearly defined boundaries and are administered by NFDC.

5.3 The Parish environment is predominantly rural with settlements outside the National Park lying within swathes of Green-Belt land devoted mainly to agricultural or horticultural use and also containing significant woodland areas. The more densely populated areas are in Hordle and Everton whilst Tiptoe is situated in a totally rural environment. Outside the settlement areas, several lanes and roads have ribbon development. The southern edge of the Parish is about one mile from the coast at Hordle Cliff.

5.5 Within each village, there are some designated areas of green space: the newly created Tiptoe Green, the recreation grounds off Vaggs Lane, Dudley Avenue, The Rough and Golden Hill Woodland in Hordle and the recreation ground at Everton. Private fishing lakes at Golden Hill are popular with anglers.

5.6 There are no purpose built industrial estates but several small businesses have located to disused farm buildings notably at Kings Farm, Lea Green Farm and along Silver Street. There is limited scope for direct employment within the Parish apart from that which is offered by local farms, nurseries, equestrianism and a small number of shops. The allowable diversified use of farm buildings has given employment opportunities from offices to retail enterprises. Tourism is supported by hotels, bed & breakfast and camping facilities. Several self-employment enterprises are home based, otherwise commuting beyond the Parish for employment is the norm, road and rail links making it relatively easy to reach Southampton, Bournemouth or beyond.

The Parish is only one mile from the coast

The countryside is a significant feature of the Parish

Tourism is an important source of employment in the Parish

6. NATURAL ENVIRONMENT & LANDSCAPE

6.1 Geologically, the Parish sits on a broadly flat plateau with shallow inclined gullies which are the natural water courses draining to the Danes Stream in the west and Avon Water to the east. The highest point of the plateau occurs to the north of Tiptoe at Broadley Farm, approximately 55m above sea level sloping fairly steeply to lower levels at the streams and more gently southward towards Everton. The Avon Water defines the boundary with Lymington and Pennington, Danes Stream defines the boundary with New Milton. The Parish is situated in an area of underlying gravel substrata. With gravel extracted from neighbouring parishes approvals exist to extract gravel from sites adjoining the Parish.

Geological Map in local area

Legend to Maps

Geological Map in area of Parish

6.2 The landscape has been formed from either later medieval or early post medieval field patterns with contemporary woodland copses whilst significant areas of Parliamentary-type enclosures reflect reorganisation in 17th - 18th century. The area lies on the southern edge of the Southern Heathland and Forest landscape and is crossed by a number of minor routes, most notably the B3055 from Brockenhurst whilst the A337 forms part of the southern boundary. The Weymouth to London mainline railway also runs through the area. The landscape is underlain by clays and sands giving rise to brown forest soils which promote good tree growth.

6.3 The present day land uses are varied having mixed agricultural fields, paddocks, nurseries, garden centres, poultry houses and private gardens scattered throughout the area contributing to the urban fringe character. The area is important for providing back-up grazing land for Commoners*8 livestock in the event of extreme conditions prevailing upon the forest commons. A strong sense of enclosure is provided by remnants of ancient woodland alongside watercourses and lush hedgerows with hedgerow oaks.

6.4 A large proportion of the Parish is open fields enclosed by some woodland and hedgerows with trees. Although developments which border the greenbelt areas will enjoy the adjacent openness the vistas are best appreciated by walking any of the network of footpaths or byways which cross the Parish, some of which provide access to the National Park.

6.5 Trees feature prominently in the Parish landscape. Most hedge-rows bordering the carriageways and field divisions contain trees, mostly oaks but also ash and sycamore. The copses at Downton Common and Batchley contain an even greater variation including yew, beech, birch and pines and the copse known locally as “The Rough” in Hordle is mainly planted with oaks. On the west side of Stopples Lane in the front gardens of some of the houses are pine trees which once formed the boundary of the nineteenth century Pinewood Estate.

6.6 Many of the hedge-rows are in excess of 200 years old and unlike some areas, damaging hedgerow removal has not been prevalent here. However, where there have been field use changes from traditional farming to equine use there has been a tendency to sub-divide fields with wire or ranchstyle fencing to create horse paddocks and this may threaten the biodiversity of hedged fields. The hedge-rows themselves are mainly common shrub varieties, hawthorn, blackthorn, hazel and holly.

6.7 Avon Water and Danes Stream, the east and west boundaries for the Parish, are the primary water courses taking excessive rain water from the Parish lands. Natural drainage to the streams is dependent on the existence of ditches and other water courses into which they run.

Landscape setting

Trees and Hedgerows

Rivers and streams

Vista showing enclosure of hedgerows and trees

Avon water marking the eastern boundary of the Parish

6.8 The soil throughout the Parish is underlain with thick highly absorbent clays which hinder percolation to the gravels beneath, hence the importance of keeping the ditches and water courses free of all debris and vegetation.

6.9 In times of prolonged or heavy rainfall, flooding on some carriageways occurs mainly caused by run-off from adjacent fields. Extensive flooding in the built up areas has been generally averted due to run off from buildings being effectively drained through soak-aways; any flooding occurrences are usually on low lying carriageways or due to blockages in the drain-pipe system. Springs are in evidence in Tiptoe and the man-made Hordle Lakes are fed from a spring.

6.10 The geographical position of the Parish represents a transitional area from the expanses of grazed woodlands and open heaths of the adjoining New Forest into one where the historically developed enclosure system has resulted in pockets of habitats formed particularly from former coppiced woodlands and species rich meadows which now support a wide variety of flora and fauna.

6.11 There are an unusually large number of ‘Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs), in the Parish and along its boundaries (see map page18). Many of the SINCs are accessed through a network of ‘rights of way’ (see map page 16), this unique array which together with the rural terrain outside the defined village areas, are distinctive features which contribute importantly to the rural character and tranquility of the Parish.

6.12 The Parish hosts a wide variety of flora and fauna characteristic of its main habitat types. The key habitat types are (roughly in order of predominance) arable / horticultural land, broadleaved woodland, neutral grassland, bracken, acid grassland and coniferous woodland. The village is well-loved for its wildlife-rich hedgerows, and tree-lined roads.

6.13 Most of the nineteen Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs) are characterised by broadleaved woodland classified as ancient or semi-natural. These include Golden Hill Woods, also recognised for its social value. Efford Wood, and Wainsford Copse are known to contain notable species: the great butterfly orchid has been recorded at Efford Wood and the narrow leaved lungwort at both locations. The latter is a New Forest speciality and is often found in the same habitat as the Parish blue-bell copses. Breakhill Copse, to the south west of the Parish, contains both semi-natural woodland and a marsh environment, supporting a range of flora and fauna able to flourish in waterlogged settings.

6.14 Typical of south Hampshire semi-natural woodlands, Golden Hill woods has, according to a Hampshire Biodiversity Information Centre site survey in 2008, 58 plant species and 7 bird species (including birds of Conservation Concern: the red listed Bullfinch), and 17 ancient woodland vascular plants – strongly indicating elements of ancient woodland.

6.15 The other SINCs in the Parish are marshland, other woodland and meadow land. Breakhill Copse incorporates an area of heathland recognised for biodiversity value and Icehouse Plantation is valued for its plantation woodlands. Lymore Meadow, Wainsford Bridge Marsh and Wainsford Copse are SINCs because of their valued grassland habitats. The notable Slender Spike Rush has been recorded at Lymore Meadow. Finally, Wainsford Bridge Meadows and Efford Avon Meadows have SINC status because, although degraded by agriculture, they could have high biodiversity value if well-managed.

Flora and Fauna

Grey Heron photographed in the Parish

6.16 There are no nationally recognised sites of conservation value within the Parish, except for a small area in Sway, on the edge of the New Forest. The Botanical Society of the British Isles vascular plant data-base, the Butterfly Conservation’s butterfly and moth database, Hampshire Ornithology Society Bird Records and records of Hampshire Bat Group, the Hampshire Amphibian and Reptile Group, Hampshire Invertebrate Network, Hampshire Mammal Group and the UK Bees, Wasps and Ants Recording Society has been used by Hampshire Biodiversity Information Centre to put together an inventory of notable and protected species in the Parish. This list includes 44 species of birds, 15 higher (flowering) plants, 44 invertebrates and four mammals. The Peregrine Falcon and Kingfisher are amongst the nine birds in the Parish covered by Annex 1 of the European Wild Birds Directive. As such, they are subject to special conservation measures to ensure their survival. Kingfishers have been identified in Hordle village, at Wainsford Farm and on the edge of Pennington Village.

6.17 Site specific information on peregrine falcons is deemed ‘sensitive’ due to their threatened status, and is therefore unknown. Six of the Parish’s notable bird species are on the Birds of Conservation Concern Red List - a list of 40 species that, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, IUCN, are globally threatened. These include the House Sparrow and the Linnet (at Downton), the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (at Newlands Manor Farm and Efford) the Marsh Tit (at Hordle village and Efford) and the Bullfinch (Golden Hill Woodlands). Six of the notable bird species in the Parish are county rare, including the Rock Pipit (sighted at Efford) and four are county scarce, including the Grey Heron (at Efford and Pennington Common).

6.18 Of the 15 notable flowering plant species, four are classified as vulnerable by the IUCN, including Corn Marigold (in Pennington) and Dodder (in Everton); and five are classified as ‘near threatened’ amongst which is the Green Winged Orchid (recorded in Pennington). A further three are classified as county scarce, including the Cut-leaved Dead nettle (found on the A337 near Everton Nurseries).

6.19 Bluebells – protected from intentional picking under the Wildlife and Countryside Act – are relatively common in the Parish, and can be found at Breakhill Copse, Arne Wood, Wainsford Copse (East), Newbridge Copse, also in pockets throughout the villages.

6.20 The Stag Beetle is the only notable species of coleoptera to have been recorded in the village. Stag Beetles are protected under EU legislation and have been sighted at various locations throughout the Parish. Forty-three notable species of moths and butterflies have been recorded in the Parish, most of which are on the UK Biodiversity Action Plan due to their rapidly declining populations or their status as globally endangered. Examples include the Silver-washed Fritillary found in Everton Woodlands, the Ghost Moth recorded at Hillcrest Tiptoe and the Cinnabar found at Hillcrest Tiptoe and Avon Water Treatment Works Pond.

6.21 Notable mammals in the Parish are bats (Chiroptera, Pipistrelle and Long-eared) and Otters. These are European Protected Species and are therefore accorded additional protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981). As such, it is an offence to damage or destroy their breeding or resting places, or to capture, injure or kill them. Exact locations within the Parish are deemed sensitive.

Local Bluebell wood

Recreation

6.22 Recreation facilities across the Parish range from facilities provided by the Parish and District Councils to those provided by private enterprises. This is supplemented by additional amenities available in adjacent towns.

6.23 A former grazing field was purchased by the community in 2010 for the purpose of providing a focal point for the village. Managed by the trustees, their stated aim is “to conserve in perpetuity the open space known as Tiptoe Green as amenity land for the benefit of the community of Tiptoe”. Tiptoe Green has provided a much needed amenity for the residents of Tiptoe, with now maturing planting created to a plan agreed with the Park Authority, and enthusiastic volunteers driving it forward; is now an established focal point for people of all ages.

6.24 Located at the northern corner of the village at the western side of Vaggs Lane, the main recreation ground provides good quality sports and recreation facilities including a home for the Hordle Village Cricket Club, football, boules, a hard surface multi-use games area (MUGA), outdoor fitness equipment /zip wire and pavilion with changing rooms. The recently re-vamped children’s play area is situated between the pavilion and Ashley Lane. A second, more informal, recreation ground is provided at the end of Dudley Avenue which has a kick-about, children’s play area and a “dog-trail”.

6.25 On the south side of Ashley Lane at Golden Hill, a wooded area and pond have been made into a “nature area”. On the opposite side of Golden Hill are the Hordle Fishing Lakes which provide a natural outlook.

6.26 Everton has its own recreation ground located to the north side of Frys Lane which is also accessible from the Greenmead Avenue cul-de-sac. The recreation ground and pavilion provides football pitches, outdoor fitness equipment /zip wire and a children’s play-ground.

6.27 In recent years informal recreation space has been created as part of two residential developments at Shepherds Way and Honeysuckle Gardens. The recreation areas described in this section including these informal areas are owned/managed by the Parish Council.

Recreation-Tiptoe

Recreation-Hordle

Recreation-Everton

Tiptoe Green

Hordle recreation ground

Childrens play area at Hordle Recreation Ground

Hordle Lakes

Footpaths and Rights of Way

6.28 The Parish of Hordle has 18 Public Rights of Way (ROW). Although it is evident that some of the paths within the Parish lead worshipers to the site of All Saints Church in the village of Hordle, it is also clear that many evolved simply as `short-cuts` between diverging or parallel roads or tracks. Others would have been created by agricultural workers on their journeys to or from their places of work.

6.29 With a perimeter of around 18 kilometres (11.25 miles), which includes significant areas of land within the villages of Everton and Tiptoe, it is inevitable that many of the ROW extend into neighbouring Parishes. Indeed, of the 8 ROW that are entirely within the Parish boundary, one is a Bridleway (a path open to pedestrians and horse riders) and a second is a BOAT (Bridleway Open to All Traffic). In total, there are 8.55 km (5.34 miles) of footpaths within the Parish boundary which, when extended into neighbouring parishes provide 14.1 km (8.81 miles) of access. Apart from a few exceptions, paths are regularly used by dog walkers and those engaged in healthy exercise in a valued rural setting. ROW leading beyond the Parish provide walking routes to adjoining villages and towns, as well as giving access to the coast and to the heath land of the New Forest National Park to the north.

6.30 Although the height above mean sea level varies only between 15 metres and 55 metres within the Parish, the views afforded from several paths include the higher ground to West Wight (Isle of Wight) and various glimpses of Sway Tower. Additionally, most ROW are skirted by ancient hedgerows, and pass through areas of mainly deciduous woodlands and are of outstanding natural beauty. Hampshire County Council is responsible for the network of Rights of Way and local volunteers monitor the condition and accessibility at regular intervals, reporting any problems through an approved process.

6.31 Two outstanding claims for Public Right of Way lodged with HCC if granted, would add another 2 km (1.25 miles) of paths.

Recreation space at Shepherds Way

Childrens play area at Everton recreation ground

Recreation space at Honeysuckle Gardens

Mineral Extraction

6.32 The Parish is located in an area which is known to contain significant mineral deposits. The geological map on page 10 illustrates the local substrata to be largely gravel with areas of sand and clay. Early map records of the Parish show the location of small and often disused gravel pits for small scale gravel extraction. Marl pits for the collection of clay have also existed with the clay being used in agriculture or local cob buildings.

6.33 Various areas close to the Parish have received permission for the commercial extraction of gravel, notably sites at Efford and Caird Avenue in New Milton. In 2010 permission was granted for operation of the Downton Manor Farm site adjoining the boundary of the Parish. The Hampshire Minerals and Waste Plan - Minerals Proposal Study has provision for the adjacent site at Lea Green Farm to be considered in future as an extension to these works.

6.34 While presently sites are located away from the principal populated areas of the Parish any extension from neighbouring extraction sites will both result in activities occuring within the Parish boundary and significantly closer to population centres than before. Potential concerns of the Parish for this activity are, loss of tranquility, dust pollution, visual impact, loss of habitats and farmland, all of which would cumulatively damage the character of the area and the environment.

6.35 A further significant concern is the impact of Mineral Extraction transport involved with the processes. There are numerous issues associated with the HGV vehicles that use these facilities including the safety record of the road, size and speed of the trucks compared to the carriageway widths on the narrow and winding local roads. Finally, the heavily burdened vehicles will have a negative impact on the sustainability of the fragile local road surfaces.

Pylons, overhead cables and sub-stations

6.36 Overhead electricity and telephone cables are used prolifically throughout the Parish and in some areas have a significant impact. A pylon system for carrying high voltage supply via the National Grid is apparent in Tiptoe, most noticeably in Northover Lane where a major sub-station is also located.

6.37 While pylons and overhead cables are often the most economical method for transporting electricity, in future underground transportation of electricity would be welcomed.

Tiptoe sub-station

Impact of overhead cables

Impact of gravel extraction

7. SITES OF IMPORTANCE FOR NATURE CONSERVATION

SINCs and SSSIs map in local area *5

SINCs and SSSIs map in area of Parish *6

Description of SINCs *9

8. GUIDANCE: NATURAL ENVIRONMENT & LANDSCAPE

8.1 The villages and hamlets within the Parish are set in attractive countryside with the land outside the defined village boundaries either within the Green Belt or towards Tiptoe in the New Forest National Park. A wide variety of flora and fauna and extensive SINC sites exist within the Parish that should be protected. It is this rich biodiversity, views to and from the countryside that contributes to the sense of place and quality of life for the community and visitors. A deficiency amounting to 4.4 hectares of public open space in the Parish, outside the National Park needs to be addressed by public consultation and dialogue between the Parish and District. Councils.

8.2 Presently there are no sites within the Parish involved in mineral extraction. However, in the event of future proposals , the Minerals and Waste Authority, when considering compilation of future Minerals and Waste plans, should be requested to pay careful regard to the matters and concerns outlined in this VDS. Particular emphasis will be placed on the commitment of the operator to ensure that there will be no detrimental impact on the local community and that concerns raised over road safety impacts are appropriately mitigated. The community places high value on the natural environment. The guidance given therefore is focused on measures that will preserve the ‘status-quo’ and where possible enhance the quality of the environment.

Recommendations

• RE01-Footpaths (FP) and Rights of Way (ROW). New development should be planned to avoid interfering with existing FP/ROW and wherever possible, should include new paths and access to those currently available. The Highway Authority and adjacent landowners are to maintain footpaths in good condition, allowing access where possible for the elderly/disabled and preventing encroachment or obstructions from nearby properties.
• RE02-Minerals or Waste. Any operations that may affect the Parish should clearly demonstrate no significant impacts on the local character or environmental quality of the area. Wherever possible, positive benefits for the local environment and land based economy should be gained in the longer term through agreed restoration plans.
• RE03-New services distribution cables. New cabling should be located underground wherever possible and every opportunity taken to transfer existing overhead cables underground.

Natural Environment & Landscape Guidance

• GE01-The New Forest National Park. When considering the scale and impact of any new development due regard should be given to the fact that part of the Parish lies within and adjoins the boundary of the New Forest National Park.
• GE02-Setting of the Parish. Any changes to buildings or land should respect and seek, wherever possible, to improve the setting of the Parish. Preserving and improving public views onto the countryside will be an important consideration for new development.
• GE03-Rural/semi rural character and ecology of the Parish. The design of new development should seek to safeguard the character of the natural environment and enhance natural habitats. Landscape design will be an important consideration and should provide sufficient space for the planting of trees and shrubs where required.
• GE04-Trees and Hedgerows. Important trees and hedgerows that contribute to the character of an area should be retained. Every effort should be made to include strong structural landscaping based on appropriate indigenous tree and shrub species where possible
• GE05-Flooding and drainage. In order to limit the risk of localised flooding, any proposed development should avoid any adverse impacts on natural drainage systems and take into account the current inadequacies of surface water drainage in parts of the parish. Sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS) should be used where possible.

Rural Nature of the Parish

9. SPECIAL CHARACTER

9.1 While the special character of the Parish is difficult to capture in a few words, a variety of views expressed by local residents during the preparation of this VDS are included in Appendix 05. Most who live in the Parish consider the area is semi-rural. Almost the whole perimeter of the Parish is defined by green fields or open land reflecting the fact that the main activity in the area is agriculture. Working farms, liveries and caravan sites show this character and it is this green buffer that is considered dear to the local population. Indeed, many residents say that in future development it is most important that the boundary lines are not blurred; the Parish remains self contained and is not subsumed by close neighbours Ashley, Pennington or Sway.

9.2 The Parish has an interesting history and is famous for having the New Forest Shakers as residents in the 19th century. Mary Ann Girling, originally from Suffolk, believed she had been chosen to lead her Children of God to the “Promised Land”. Mary, who was a self proclaimed prophet, influenced many; not least, Judge Andrew Thomas Turton Peterson who built Sway Tower. Changing boundaries mean the Tower, the tallest non-reinforced concrete construction in the world, although no longer in the Parish, remains clearly visible from areas within the Parish.

9.3 The closeness of the New Forest and the coast to the south are important amenities for residents. The original Parish boundary encompassed the Hurst Spit and Henry VIII’s Castle defending the Solent, which combined with the nature reserves, remain favourite leisure areas for Parish residents.

9.4 People live in the Parish because of the friendly and diverse nature of the community. It has a higher than average number of retired people but there are many families with children who are attracted to the excellent schools in the immediate area of Hordle, Tiptoe and Milford on Sea.

The buffer provided by the green belt is very important

Sway tower seen from Limolands farm

Mary Ann Girling “Mother of the Shakers” *4

Coastal areas provide significant amenity for local residents

9.5 Many refer to the attractive original properties scattered around the villages, especially those with thatched roofs, and the contrast with more modern properties from the three main periods of development in recent times.

9.6 From 1920 there was steady growth, but following World War ll especially in the 1960s the speed of building new estates of, mainly, bungalows and chalet style houses was rapid. In recent years development has been largely limited to rebuilds, extensions and infilling. The feeling of the community appears to be that the level and density of development that has taken place is acceptable but has probably reached the point beyond which the character of the Parish may be threatened.

9.7 Quiet lanes (such as Cottagers Ln, Vicarage Ln, Sky End Ln and Centre Ln) with limited development and no footways giving access to Bridleways and Rights of Way, make it possible for residents to walk, exercise dogs and ride horses in relative safety. However, many are concerned that traffic calming, or speed limiting, is an urgent requirement for residential roads, especially those without footpaths. Crime rates are low and outside of school rush times the area is relatively peaceful, except on main through routes.

9.8 Everton has a General Store/ Post Office giving the village a focal point. The photograph right may be compared with the images elsewhere in the VDS demonstrating the perpetuation of the Post Office as a hub within the village. Alternatively, the Crown Inn provides another meeting place with the Social Club and local Church close by. The community is made up largely of retired people and their prime concern is for preservation of the quiet and calm nature of the village. A need for more organised social events to interest and integrate the different generations has been identified. The recreation ground and pavilion are seen as major assets and the church is a focus for many social events, largely enjoyed by the older generation.

9.9 All three villages have active community associations with Tiptoe and Hordle groups, seemingly, thriving while there are issues recruiting new active members in Everton. Tiptoe Green provides an attractive new focal point for the village; an issue since the demise of the post office. Hordle has never had a natural centre but most residents, not all, do not seem too concerned. There are three or four small “centres”: the School and Church, Stopples Lane Shops, the Pavilion, Recreation Ground, WI and Scout Meeting Halls and children’s playground. Hordle Post Office provides a social meeting place similar to Everton.

Attractive original properties are sometimes listed buildings

Quiet lanes such as Cottagers Lane in Hordle

The focal point that is provided by the Local post office

10. BUILT ENVIRONMENT

Outlying Areas

10.1 Apart from the more established villages of Tiptoe, Hordle and Everton the Parish contains various other less defined centres of population. This includes small hamlets, isolated cottages, and a diverse array of farm and horticultural buildings and land. Over the years a sustainable approach to design has enabled some of the latter to be successfully reused for more appropriate alternative uses.

10.2 There is a sparse development of mainly spacious country homes in the countryside known as Broadmead and which are accessed from a Byway-Open to All Traffic, (BOAT) from Silver Street at Gordleton. Some of these dwellings were derived from plots of land upon which shacks and disused railway carriages once provided temporary accomodation for evacuees during World War ll. Thereafter the plots were acquired to create secluded country homes.

10.3 Along the A337 to the east of Everton village, beyond Efford House, is the hamlet of Efford. Close to the Avon Water are the Mill cottages whilst a little further up the hill are the former Efford Farm cottages and close by are reconstructed barns purpose built to provide good quality office accommodation. On the opposite side of the A337 are Otter Nurseries and the temporary offices of the New Forest National Park Authority both having utilised land and premises of the former Experimental Horticultural Research Establishment.

10.4 Bordering the northern side of the A337 highway, west of Everton, a small hamlet, Leagreen has evolved around former farm workers cottages whilst the adjacent Leagreen Farm now has some of the former farm buildings converted to commercial use. Further west is the larger hamlet of Downton and at the cross-roads, north side of the A337 is a small cluster of cottages. The south side of the A337 lies in the parish of Milford-on-Sea.

BOAT accessing country homes in the area of Broadmead

Former temporary Offices of NFNPA nearby Otter nurseries

Cottages from the hamlet at Leagreen

Mill cottages and Grade II Listed Mill at Efford

Building Form and Development

10.5 It is along the historic routes that the dwellings which formed the original character and distinctiveness of the Parish can still be seen. Many of these buildings are listed and they are protected by national legislation. It is the role of the Local Authorities to ensure that this legislation as it applies to the listed buildings in the Parish is complied with. Appendices 02 and 03 catalogue the listed and significant local buildings.

10.6 Notwithstanding listed buildings, traditional New Forest cottages can also be found typically in the lanes in Everton, Ashley Lane, Everton Road and Cottagers Lane. The cottages were built from locally produced red bricks and have pitched roofs clad in blue-grey Welsh slate. Most are characterised by a gabled pitched roof, central porch entrance at the front with some originally including decorative barge boards.

10.7 Percy Villa in Everton Road provided (developed 2014) a good example of this traditional cottage form. Some have decorative quoins, particularly in Tiptoe. Cottages with thatched roofs (most of them Grade II Listed) still exist throughout the Parish and examples may be seen adjacent the Hordle Garage, Cottagers Lane, Everton Road, Sky End Lane, Everton Cross-Roads, the Post Office cross-roads and in Silver Street close to the Woodcock Lane junction.

10.8 Infilling of farmland and in the case of Everton the redirection of the A337 allowed expansion of the larger villages. Moving away from the small piecemeal cottage development of the past the creation of larger estates became the pattern for many years. More recently however, resulting from greater restrictions on the availability of land, development has returned to a smaller scale associated with infill sites usually obtained from older houses with large gardens. Unfortunately this has in some cases resulted in a detrimental impact on the local area with green areas substituted by hard surfaces and a denser form of layout for the replacement dwellings.

Yeovilton House is one of the Listed Buildings in Everton

Estate development in the 1980’s

Infill development at Hordle Mews with hard surfaces

Everton Road, Hordle-Percy Villa 2011

Historic buildings-Tiptoe

10.9 The most notable of the Historic buildings occur around Tiptoe Cross. Close to the crossroads the triangular island, where Vaggs Lane joins Sway Road, accommodates the Church of St. Andrew’s together with the Church Hall. Nearby it is possible to find other listed buildings including the Plough Inn public house dating back to 1630, The Orchard and Ye Olde Forge cottages.

10.10 ‘The Orchard’ on the edge of the triangle, is red brick with exposed timbers, a buttress and thatched roof. At the junction with Northover Lane ‘Ye Olde Forge’, is a well preserved example of a thatched cob cottage. Both of these cottages are Grade II listed buildings.

10.11 The Church of St. Andrew’s built at the beginning of the 20th Century is constructed in red brick and reflects the style of that era. The church hall, built in 2000 is a comfortable match to the church’s architecture.

10.12 South of the railway line in Vaggs Lane, the residential properties include Hordle Grange formerly known as New Forest Lodge which was for some time the home of Mary Ann Girling and her Shaker movement in Hordle. The original form of the building seen in the illustration below can still be seen in photographs today shown on page 29.

Tiptoe Cross with the Church of St. Andrew c 1905 *4

Contemporary view of church shows impact of mature trees

Grade II listed The Orchard cottage in Vaggs Lane

Ye Olde Forge Cottage grade II thatched cob cottage

New Forest Lodge c1870 *4

Tiptoe: Building Form and Development

10.13 Tiptoe is acknowledged to be a more rural part of the Parish. The village, with around 320 dwellings, is wholly within the National Park. It has no defined boundaries and as such there are long stretches of ribbon development leading away from its approximate centre, the junction of Wootton Road and Tiptoe Road with Middle Road. It is around this central point with buildings which formerly housed the Post Office and the adjacent Tiptoe Garage at its focal point that the village has evolved.

10.14 This central area of Tiptoe extends as far as the school to the northwest and Deemster Farm to the southeast. It includes the cul de sac of Danehurst New Road and Middle road itself towards the junctions with Crabbswood Lane and Marley Mount. The ribbon development is generally by way of small farms, small-holdings, country cottages, rather grand country houses and mansions. A small mobile homes park is in Crabbswood Lane.

10.15 The whole village was originally formed from scattered dwellings, some with small holdings or farms but also cottages to house workers associated with local farming or forestry occupations. Consequently there are no housing estates in Tiptoe.

10.16 Subsequent infilling between original dwellings has taken place over time and while this may be seen closest to the junction with Middle Road it has also spread into Danehurst New Road. Development in Tiptoe has often occurred as a result of the expansion of traditional cottages and this can be seen particularly around the central part of Wootton Road. As there are some instances of the impact of such changes having a detrimental effect careful attention should be given to the guidelines in this VDS when considering this form of development.

10.17 Built in 1904 by the Baptists, the Wellspring Church uses traditional materials that sit comfortably with the local vernacular.

Tiptoe is a more rural part of the Parish

The Wellspring Church in Wootton Road

Traditional cottage on Wootton Road

Cottage alongside the garage and Post Office c 1920 *4

10.18 Towards the village centre the intensity of building increases with a mix of building styles infilling between traditional red brick cottages, some bungalows and houses built between the Wars with further infilling of post World War II houses and chalet style bungalows.

10.19 Once past the junction with Middle Road, a similar mix of development is in place on both sides of the carriageway. At around this point it is interesting to note the traditional cottages are enhanced with decorative quoins and have grey ridges rather than red. There are a number of contemporary interpretations of traditional cottages. In Middle Road a basic cottage was constructed without the traditional porch (porch added later in 2013). However, the contemporary cottage attached to Brockhills Nursery is made more attractive with the addition of decorative brick quoins.

10.20 There are various bungalows in a mix of designs in the village. Some were built between the Wars, many have been modernised and extended or roof accommodation added.

10.21 Marley Mount and Broadway is a very rural area where development is extremely thin. However, these country lanes leading directly to the forest heath, host a number of interesting properties, many of them linked to equine interests. There are several large properties, ‘Holm Farm’ is one of the largest with spacious landscaped grounds whilst ‘Marley Mount Farm’ has adopted design features taking advantage of its raised position to facilitate views over its surrounding pastures. ’Langham Lodge’ is another large property within spacious open grounds on the forest edge. Other dwellings in the area have early origins and comprise a mixture of medium size country homes, cottages and a bungalow.

10.22 Hordle Grange is located on Vaggs Lane, south of the railway line. Formerly known as New Forest Lodge the original building has been extended over the years.

10.23 Valeview alongside Crabswood farm is used in the summer as a touring caravan park.

10.24 In Tiptoe opportunities for development are limited because outside the main villages in the National Park, in order to conserve the rural character of the area there is likely to be less development. When development does occur the focus will be on services and facilities that directly benefit the local community.

10.25 Historically, as the pattern of expansion throughout Tiptoe has been through ribbon development it is particularly important to pay attention to design details which preserve the character of existing buildings. Whilst sustainable forms of development are encouraged, lessons can be learnt. The cottage below may be seen before alteration in the photographs on page 26 and while changes may have responded to the existing brickwork features inconsistencies in the openings are less successful. This, together with the absence of boundary landscape, a feature that is considered important to the villages and combined with the impact of the hard surfaces/parked cars unfortunately results in a detrimental impact on the village streetscape.

Traditional cottages and bungalows

Other development

Brockhills Nursery with new build cottage c. 1997

Contemporary interpretation of cottage in Middle Road

Refurbished bungalow in Wootton Road with slate roof

Traditional cottage at the junction with Middle Road

Holm Farm is accessed from Marley Mount

Issues with design and development

10.25 Historically, as the pattern of expansion throughout Tiptoe has been through ribbon development it is particularly important to pay attention to design details which preserve the character of existing buildings. Whilst sustainable forms of development are encouraged, lessons can be learnt. The cottage below may be seen before alteration in the photographs on page 26 and while changes may have responded to the existing brickwork features inconsistencies in the openings are less successful. This, together with the absence of boundary landscape, a feature that is considered important to the villages and combined with the impact of the hard surfaces/parked cars unfortunately results in a detrimental impact on the village streetscape.

Langham Lodge is accessed from the Broadway

Valeview mobile homes park

Hordle Grange formerly New Forest Lodge

Impact of extension of cottage next to Tiptoe Garage

Historic buildings-Hordle

10.26 While Hordle Village remains the largest settlement in the Parish and the number of historic buildings in the village is significant they are now more widely dispersed. Consequently, while in Everton the DNA from the past may be clearly seen on Christchurch Road, more careful scrutiny is required to trace the development of the village in Hordle.

10.27 Everton Road is where the pattern of development is most readily visible and shows the evolution from cob cottages, traditional New Forest cottages to later Victorian and early twentieth century brick houses. In more recent times infill development of more modern houses and bungalows is clearly evident.

10.28 Some of the earliest developments in Hordle include All Saints Church in Hordle Lane and Downton Lodge in Woodcock Lane being clearly apparent in the Tithe map of 1843. The Architect of the church, C.E. Giles, also designed the nearby Pennington Church. The tower of the church was never completed leaving a pyramidal roof over a louvred bell loft.

10.29 Downton Lodge was built originally as a workhouse and following the Poor Law Amendment Act 1934 was sold as a private house. On a small but prominent site in the centre of the village is the sandstone war memorial designed by the local Architect W. Ravenscroft.

All Saints Church c 1872

New Forest cottage-Percy Villa Everton Road c 1914 *4

Group of thatched cob cottages, Everton Road c1810

Downton Lodge, Hordle c 1814

1918 and 1945 War Memorial, Everton Road, Hordle- c 1918

Hordle: Building Form and Development

10.30 The primary routes through Hordle are Everton Road, Ashley Lane and the extension of Hordle Lane to the north provided by Woodcock Lane. Together with Stopples Lane it is around these historical routes that the characteristic form of the two distinct settlement areas that now define the village have evolved.

10.31 An important consideration in the configuration of these urban areas is that they are restrained from merging by Green Belt. The North western part of the village has become the larger settlement incorporating the Woodlands Park Homes Estate developed in the 1950s, expansion of the Pinewood Estate in the 1960s, development of large areas in the 1980s and more recently small sites and infill development. The southern settlement area situated between Everton Road, Sky End Lane, Vicarage Lane and Hordle Lane also largely developed during the 1960s includes Shelldrake Gardens and more recently Whitebarn Crescent and the Ostlers.

10.32 Established ribbon development extends beyond the built up areas along Woodcock Lane out to its junction with Silver Street and also in Cottagers Lane. Hordle Lane has the primary school and the church situated near the cross-roads but to the south of the church, green-belt agricultural land extends to Yeatton and Downton cross-roads. Ribbon development, including some farms, continues in Vaggs Lane towards Tiptoe and along Silver Street to the eastern boundary at Gordleton.

10.33 Everton Road providing the North South link with the adjoining villages of Tiptoe and Everton is the source of the older fabric of the village with the crossroads at Pennys Corner and Woodcock Lane creating the hubs around which the original village began. The ribbon development is less apparent after development in the eighties and as more recent infill development blurs the edges however, the original pattern remains most evident south of Woodcock Lane.

10.34 The Hawthorns Estate which includes Monterey Drive, Myrtle Close, Tiffany Close, Sycamore Road and Acacia Road is located on the western side of Everton Road. Built in the 1980s providing a mix of semi-detached bungalows/houses and some detached houses, most with integrated garages. The dwellings are originally styled with a mix of red and some buff coloured brick finishes and dark timber work. The estate layout is ‘open-plan’ frontage with small rear gardens. Some soft landscape, road curvatures and cul-de-sacs all help to improve the appeal of the estate.

Large areas were developed in the eighties Everton Road

The significant rural character of Cottagers Lane

Earlier ribbon development along Everton Road

Ashley Lane

10.35 At the entrance to Kings Farm, a number of old cottages contribute to make this a significant character area. To the south-east along Everton Road, beyond the junction with Sky End Lane, Dimmock House was recently built. This special unit for the profoundly deaf required special permission to be built on land within the Green Belt.

10.36 The 2008 development Kings Brook located on the west side of Everton Road, provided seven semi-detached homes following the demolition of three bungalows. The simple design forms use a palette of different materials in an effort to make the development more interesting. Car parking facilities are provided within a landscaped communal area. This development demonstrates the consequences of greater density housing arising from infill that is changing the character of the village.

10.37 This east to west through-road contains a row of traditional cottages on the north side, the distinctive style of which is not too seriously impacted by the mixture of later development along the street, the bungalow development of Laurel Close or the gated developments, Monterey Gardens and Hordle Mews built in the gardens of the original cottages.

Dimmock House in Everton Road

The Anchorage alongside Kings Farm is over 100 years old

Infill development at Kings Brook in Everton Rd

Mature trees complement Cul de sac at Hawthorns Estate

A feature of Ashley Lane Hordle is the row of lime trees

10.38 The majority of properties have enclosed fronts, drives and garages. An attractive feature of the street scene is provided by a row of lime trees along the north side footway.

10.39 Original terraced and semi-detached council houses, build in the 1920s, having rendered walling, can be seen at the eastern end of Ashley Lane, the upper ends of Stopples Lane and Everton Road with contrasting council bungalows nestling between these in nearby Holes Close. Some of these houses, not the bungalows, have passed into private ownership under ‘right to buy’ legislation and generous plot widths have enabled space for a garage and in a few cases, to build on what appear to be compact additional dwellings.

10.40 Laurel Close on the north side of Ashley Lane was developed in the 1970s on the land of a former small-holding. The site consists of three blocks of terraced bungalows providing ten compact dwellings, probably designed with the elderly in mind. Also on the site, there is a detached bungalow and larger chalet style bungalow.

10.41 Garaging is provided in adjacent blocks and the two detached bungalows share a detached double garage. A common design feature is the use of dark red brick and dark woodwork. All properties have a small rear garden and the chalet bungalow also has access to a paddock. The frontages are open plan with low level hedging at the boundary.

10.42 Wellingtonia Gardens. On the north side of Ashley Lane, this infill gated development was constructed in 2000. Five large detached family homes of different design complete with garages were constructed around a shingle surface drive. In 2008, a semi detached house was built without garages. There are small rear gardens to each property. A feature of the landscape is the preservation of a Wellingtonia conifer which formerly stood in the garden of a demolished cottage.

10.43 Hordle Mews is also on the north side of Ashley Lane. It is another infill gated development constructed in 2005 with an agreement to share the existing entry drive with the adjacent country house. The development consists of three large detached family homes and one large bungalow with either double detached or integral garages. As a result of the limited size of the plot each property has a rather compact rear gardens and a hard landscaped frontage in the form of a block-paved courtyard.

Laurel close bungalow development for the elderly

Gated development at Hordle Mews

Gated development at Wellingtonia Gardens

The impact of building on additional dwellings

Hordle North

Development off Stopples Lane

10.44 Pinewood Estate – includes Pinewood Road, Stoneleigh Avenue, Blenheim Crescent, Windsor Close, Firtree Crescent and Larch Close: The layout of the estate is ‘open-plan’ having a mix of bungalows, semi-bungalows detached housing and terraced housing. The terraced housing excepted, most of the properties are provided with reasonable sized rear gardens, on-site garages and driveways which together with frontages laid to lawn, provide for a pleasant open living environment. Terraced housing in Stoneleigh Avenue and Larch Close facilitate a more cramped style of living. Stoneleigh Avenue properties are provided with garages in blocks, but there is no such provision for Larch Close. There is little provision for off street parking which has resulted in over intensive on-street parking. A design feature of the dwellings on this estate is their tiled or boarded frontages. Many of the bungalows have been subsequently subjected to roof conversions.

10.45 Charnock Close, Yerville Gardens is a medium size estate located to the east of Stopples Lane. Built in the 1990s the designs contrast markedly with Pinewood. Constructed with red brick and concrete tiled roofing with brown coloured woodwork the dwellings are all semi-detached with built-on garages and open-plan frontage. Soft landscaping and screen walls constructed adjacent to walk-ways, add to privacy and neatness all within an aesthetically pleasing estate layout. The Westmorland Court Care Home is located at the south-west corner of this development and fits in well with the context of this estate.

10.46 Woodlands Park lies to the south of Yerville Gardens and is also accessed from Stopples Lane. This park homes estate provides living accommodation within 126 units neatly positioned around meandering tarmac drives, the characteristic feature being its setting between surrounding woodland areas which gives the site virtual seclusion.

10.47 Wisbech Way is positioned on the eastern side of Stopples Lane. The estate consists of 26 detached houses of fairly uniform design all provided with integral or linked garages. In places the layout appears a little cramped due to inadequate area for landscaping and generally small amenity gardens.

The pleasing Estate layout at Charnock Close

Pinewood Estate. On street parking is prevalent

Woodlands Park

Hordle South

Development off Woodcock/Vicarage Lanes

10.48 Sidney Street is a small development on the eastern side of Stopples Lane. Following local agreement with the NFDC in 2002 it was built on land within the greenbelt after being declared a ‘rural exception site’. This permitted the construction of 10 affordable dwellings for people who had existing links with the village. The development is characterised by terraced dwellings around a protected oak tree standing in a central lawn.

10.49 Lavender Road, Danecrest Road and Dudley Avenue together with Heath Road and Charlton Close are now fully developed with a mixed assortment of designs, predominantly chalet bungalows or bungalows with loft conversions plus a small terraced development of flats at the corner of Danecrest Road. Heathlands Close, the newest bungalow development was built in 2011 on land gained from a collection of rear gardens in Heath Road. Lavender Gardens a small infill development of 6 bungalows was built in 2008 using land from rear gardens in Lavender Road.

10.50 At the south of the village, Vicarage Lane, an ancient route from Leagreen and Milford on Sea, three character cottages are grouped together on the northern side adjacent to a row of later housing whilst the southern side has ribbon development of larger country homes either side of the entrance to the old coal yard. A feature of the lane is the woodland fringe to the west giving way to hedges along the southern field boundaries.

10.51 The rural appeal of Sky End Lane between Everton Road and Vicarage Lane results from the coexistence of mature trees with the narrow road carriageway.

10.52 Vicarage Gardens was developed following demolition of the old vicarage in 1989. It consists entirely of terraced housing inset amongst the remaining trees of the ancient gardens. With a neo-Georgian design theme a feature of the layout is the provision of open car parking areas in the absence of garages.

Affordable dwellings at Sidney St. Rural exception site

The cramped layout of Wisbech Way

Character cottages at Vicarage Lane

Mature TPO Oak trees are a feature in Sky End Lane

10.53 St. Mary Grove, Longfield Road, Pegasus Avenue, Elizabeth Crescent, Berryfields and Turners Farm Crescent were developed in stages from the 1960s. This predominantly bungalow estate at the south-east of the village is accessed from Sky End Lane or Vicarage Lane. Most properties have rendered walls and detached garages. In Longfield Road and Pegasus Avenue the properties are distinguished by garden walls and gates on their frontal boundaries whilst those in Elizabeth Crescent and Berryfields the frontage is open plan. At Turners Farm Crescent, lies a small Close of semi-detached and terraced houses, the site of the old vicarage gardens in the 1990s.

10.54 Slade Close built in the 1970s accessed from the south west side of Cottagers Lane but positioned at the end of White Barn Crescent is a development of six detached family homes. It replicates the neo-Georgian style of White Barn Crescent constructed during a similar period. Built to an open plan format, each dwelling is provided with a double garage, integral or detached, most with reasonable size rear gardens. While there is no formal landscaping on the site this is neatly overcome by the residents planting and the close proximity of mature trees surrounding the site.

10.55 The Ostlers built in 2004-6 is accessed from the northwest side of Woodcock Lane. It comprises a mix of modern housing designs built around a central focal building of a totally different style. Constructed at a time when National requirements for housing density were disproportionately high for development in country areas together with inadequate standards for car parking spaces.

10.56 Shelldrake Gardens was built in the 1960s, possibly for the lower budget market. Consisting seven blocks of terraced housing, with garages in blocks, the estate is accessed from Woodcock Lane. The style is typical for the era with red tiled fronts and fairly large fenestration. Proliferation of car ownership contributes to difficulties with parking due in part to garages used for storage.

Neo Georgian style of Slade Close

Ostlers development

Vicarage Gardens is accessed from Vicarage Lane

Elizabeth Crescent

Issues with design and development

10.57 Greater densities for housing development is having a negative impact on the the village and the quality of the living environment for residents. This is demonstrated by the VDS and there is a very real concern that the continued loss of green spaces to development will result in a significant detrimental impact on the character of the village.

10.58 Car parking on both new and existing developments is a problem and generates the potential for both dangerous driving conditions and unsightly neighbourhood street environments.

10.59 While roof conversion is often deemed permitted development it may easily impact on the amenity of neighbouring properties and affect the character of existing developments.

10.60 Of all the villages in the Parish it is in Hordle that the character impact of many early dwellings is now partly diminished due to the more recent developments around them.

10.61 The stark contrast can be seen (above) between the industrial form of the fuel station canopy and the listed thatched cob cottage. At the old bakery (below) although an effort has been made to respond to the period detail the openings sit uncomfortably. The adjacent three storey development presented an opportunity to make a positive contribution to the street scene which was not taken.

Fuel station and Thatched Cobb cottage in Everton Road

Everton Road Bakery c1905 *4

Impact of development on the Bakery building

Shelldrake gardens has issues with parking

Impact of roof conversion at Pinewood Estate

Historic buildings-Everton

10.62 The original primary through-road in the village is Old Christchurch Road / Farmers Walk which follow along the route from Christchurch to Lymington. This through road has junctions with various routes including from Lymore, Milford-on-Sea, Hordle and Wainsford and at the Crown Inn a junction to the ancient lanes, (East Lane, West Lane and Centre Lane).

10.63 It is in Everton particularly that it is best possible to trace how the original character of the Parish developed. On Old Christchurch Road the historic fabric of Everton village is clear to see. The image above shows Grade II listed buildings Olde Mellow and the adjoining cottage.

10.64 The post office shown in the image above was at this time situated at the junction of the lanes to the right of the Crown Inn. It has however, changed location a number of times and was also formerly established in what is now known as Swan Cottage.

10.65 Harts Farm located to the west of the village at the junction between Everton Road and Frys Lane was originally the first landmark in the village experienced when travelling from Hordle. Though not immediately visible from the road now traces of the original farm outbuildings remain visible from Frys Lane.

Crown Inn with early location of Post Office beyond c1910*4

Grade II listed buildings Old Christchurch Rd

Swan Cottage, (formerly Yeovilton Lodge) Christchurch Road

Harts Farm House Everton Road

Rodbourne House, an early building on Christchurch Road

Everton: Building Form and Development

Housing Estates and Small Developments

Everton Road

10.66 While it may have been along the historic routes and the lanes that the original character of the village developed, subsequent growth has gone through various phases. Along Wainsford Road, between Old Christchurch Road and the driveway to Batchley Farm, pre World War II development exists, predominantly bungalows with deep frontages, hedged boundaries and deep rear gardens. Over time the village has increased its population, mainly through infilling of farmland which lay within the original village contour, expansion eastward on to the old football field. To the south, development of the land around Everton Grange and re-routing the A337 allowed Laburnham Drive, Cedar Drive, Crossways and Rodbourne Close to be built on farmland within the Newlands Manor Estate. More latterly, expansion has occurred on the west side of the village to the boundary with Everton Nurseries and the park homes estate, Knightcrest Park, to the east.

10.67 Everton Road forms the North/South spine at the west of the village. It is the location of the grade ll listed Harts Farmhouse, various New Forest style cottages and some more substantial properties in Farmers Walk which have been the subject of development proposals.

10.68 With the relocation of the A337 in the 1980s Rodbourne Close is one of the developments that were able to take advantage of the farmland made available by the realignment of the main road. A feature of this development, consisting of terraced and semi-detached bungalows, is that it is partly built around a green communal amenity space, arranged with pedestrian access only and garages provided in separate blocks. The remainder of the close is of more conventional layout with access directly from the Close and with open-plan frontage. The properties have very limited rear garden space.

The former Post Office at the junction of Centre/East Lanes

Traditional New Forest cottage in Everton Road

Farmers Walk

Minimal landscape to bungalows at Rodbourne Close

10.69 Everton Road is also the location for the most recent significant development of the village where some of the established larger plots have in recent years been amalgamated to form sites for small new housing estates. While the pattern of local building traditions are not repeated by this new crop of developments the conventional brick and tile construction has enabled them to integrate into the village in a satisfactory manner.

10.70 Honeysuckle Gardens constructed alongside a hammerhead Close off Everton Road, was built around 2000 and consists of 26 houses in a mixture of detached and semi-detached designs. Garages and/or on-plot parking spaces are provided.

10.71 Shepherds Way consisting of 3 and 4 bedroom detached houses was built in phases between 2002-2004. With 21 properties including 6 plots for affordable homes. The development includes a mixture of vernacular styles and the use of vertical cladding successfully softens the impact of the brick surfaces. Simple landscaping and the careful attention of the residents to their gardens makes this an attractive addition to the local area.

10.72 Shepherds Way and Honeysuckle gardens were built on land at the western settlement boundary with the Green Belt. In accordance with NFDC Policy at the time, a proportion of both developments was put aside for ‘affordable homes’ and they each include recreational space that is maintained by the Parish Council.

10.73 The northern part of the village may be described by Frys Lane and development to the North along Wainsford Road. In Frys Lane examples remain of the original red-brick, semi detached, council houses built between the Great Wars. Many have now been modified to create additional accommodation/properties.

North Village

Honeysuckle Gardens

Shepherds Way

Modification of original red brick council houses in Frys Lane

Bungalow development in Frys Lane

10.74 Towards the centre of the village and the Post Office, development of the Lane becomes predominantly low rise bungalows reflecting the impact of subsequent development of the adjacent Harts Farm Estate. Moving North along Wainsford Road there are two culs-de-sac with low rise development.

10.75 At Greenmead Avenue, building commenced in 1938. However, only eighteen bungalows were completed by the outbreak of World War ll and the remainder of the development was not finished until the 1970s. The original front boundaries were of boarded fences, plot widths accommodate single detached garages and include generous rear gardens. Most front boundaries are now walled and many have increased space with loft conversions.

10.76 Buckstone Close also developed in the 1970s, consists of a development of 21 detached dwellings bungalows and chalet bungalows with integral or detached garages. Front gardens are walled and gated.

10.77 The Harts Farm Estate Includes Golden Crescent, Harts Way, Forest Way, Fox Field, Elkhams Close, and Beacon Close: Built on former farm land during the 1970s and accessed from either Old Christchurch Road or Frys Lane, this is the largest housing estate in Everton. The style of the development is open plan and includes a mix of bungalows and detached houses, predominantly constructed with light red or buff coloured brickwork and white woodwork. Most properties have small rear gardens and are provided with either integral or linked garaging. Specific landscape features are provided at junctions with the Closes through the utilisation of green corners for tree and shrub planting. There remains at the edge of this seventies development the original north south road in the village - Wainsford Road. Here the dwellings remain on more sizeable plots and at the crossroads with Frys Lane close to the Post Office remain some of the original dwellings in the village.

Central Village

Greenmead Avenue 1960

A well presented bungalow in Buckstone close

Parts of Golden Crescent benefit from mature landscaping

Mediterranean style bungalows at Yeovilton Close

10.78 Yeovilton Close is a small Close off Wainsford Road to the rear of the listed buildings in Old Christchurch Road with a mixed style of dwellings. The Mediterranean style bungalows of white walls and terracotta tiling contrasts with 1960s style terraced housing of red brick and tiled fronts at the end of the Close.

10.79 Growth to the east of the village has involved development from the original lanes resulting over time with infilling between Centre Lane and East Lane and expansion beyond.

10.80 Firmount Close, accessed from East Lane and built on an old football field was developed in the 1960s. The development of 29 dwellings is a mixture of detached houses, bungalows and chalet bungalows, built on plots of sufficient size to provide garages and front and rear garden space. All properties have front garden walls and gated entrances. The landscape features are those provided by the owners who, over time, have nurtured trees and shrubs in their front gardens.

10.81 Roberts Close was built at the lower end of the old football field in the 1970s, the small development of 13 dwellings has access from Old Christchurch Road and consists of bungalows and semi-bungalows, built to an open-plan format. Some properties have good amenity rear garden space, others less so. There is minimal landscaping however, the tree and hedge line which screens it from the A337 and Firmount Close, both contribute to seclusion of this pleasant development on the fringe of the village.

10.82 Knightcrest Park is located to the east of the village on the north side of the A337, where there is a development consisting of over sixty park-homes neatly arranged around a perimeter tarmac drive and in rows across the perimeter. A feature of the park is the seclusion owing to the surrounding woodland.

10.83 Cedar Drive, Wainsford Road, Laburnham Drive, Plantation, Branwood Close, Westfield Gardens, The Grange and Grange Close are some of the roads south of Christchurch Road.

Cedar Drive which also includes Beech Close, Oak Gardens, Cherry Tree Close, Lime Grove and Ash Grove is another medium size estate developed in the 1980s and is accessed from Old Christchurch Road. There is a themed link to the individual tree named streets, with specimen trees or hedging featuring prominently in the street scenes. The dwellings are characterised by construction of light red or buff coloured brickwork and white woodwork. The development mix is of detached houses provided with garages and rear amenity gardens of reasonable size, semi-detached houses, detached and semi-detached bungalows, terraced bungalows with garages in blocks and all with open or semi-open frontage format.

South of Christchurch Road

East of Everton Village

Mixed residential development in Firmount Close

Minimal landscaping at Roberts Close

Park homes at Knightcrest Park

10.84 Accessed through a gap in the wooded area at the lower end of Wainsford Road, Laburnham Drive was built at the same time and the dwellings are constructed in similar coloured brick but with dark woodwork. A feature of this estate layout is the open-front lawns with picket-fencing and no gates. Garages, integral or detached are provided and most dwellings have reasonable size rear garden space. There has been minimal landscaping beyond that provided by the front lawns of the dwellings but this is enhanced by trees and shrubs in some areas.

10.85 Plantation is another small Close also at the lower end of Wainsford Road containing nine bungalows of mixed designs.

10.86 Built in 2005 Westfield Gardens is a small neat infill development adjacent to St. Mary’s Church accessed from Old Christchurch Road. There are four bungalows, with garages and small amenity gardens, within an open plan layout. There is minimal landscaping mostly planted by the residents in their front lawns.

10.87 Branwood Close was built in the 1970s on the west side of the St. Mary’s Church. The small Close contains five chalet style dwellings with plot sizes adequate to provide garages and modest rear amenity garden space. There is minimal formal landscaping but residents have provided for this with front garden planting of shrubs and small trees.

10.88 Positioned on the south side of the A337, The Grange is a settlement area derived within some of the grounds of the old country home ‘Everton Grange’, some of which lies within the greenbelt and consists of a hotel, plus a drive giving access to a cottage and other scattered country homes all of which are well screened from the A337 by a mature woodland area. At the end of the drive and just outside of the greenbelt, there is a development of eight, large modern family houses complete with double garages and generous surrounding amenity garden space.

Compact development of bungalows at Westfield Gardens

Chalet style dwellings at Branwood Close

Brickwork and limited landscape at Laburnham Drive

Specimen tree is a feature of Cedar Drive

10.89 Grange Close is also south of the A337. Screened by a continuation of the woodland area this medium sized 1970s housing estate, is accessed from Lymore Lane. The Close is forked into three drives with the larger detached homes built closest to the A337 where the plots are arranged with generous amenity garden space which has provided the opportunity for some recent infill development. Two other drives give access to a number of semi detached houses some of which are visibly uniform. Two detached homes with generous rear garden space are positioned at the top of the right fork. The majority of dwellings have good rear amenity space. The open plan format, landscaped with maturing trees and shrubs, together with a variety of housing designs, provides a pleasant living environment.

10.90 The principal issue with development in the village has been the extent to which most recent development occurring on infill sites has been subject to a requirement for significantly higher densities than earlier local development. Consequently space standards and close proximity to neighbouring dwellings has resulted in a reduced level of privacy for the residents of these new developments. Also while the houses at such developments include garages and on plot parking a common consequence of the narrow access roads presently required by planning policy is congestion arising from the size of the road and inadequate capacity for the quantity of cars.

10.91 There are instances where properties (often bungalows) have increased the living space with loft conversions. This can have a negative impact on the neighbourhood as a result of the bulk of the expansion compared to the original adjoining properties.

Issues with Design and Development

Car parking can be an issue in New Developments

Grange Close is set close to mature woodland

Loft conversions in Greenmead Avenue

Mature landscape is a feature of The Grange

11. GUIDANCE - BUILT ENVIRONMENT

11.1 Research during the preparation of this document has indicated that in the past, our communities went through defined phases of development approximately as follows:-

1. Pre 1890 – thatched and cob cottages.
2. 1890 to 1920 – cottages with brick walling (locally produced bricks of red-orange hues) with grey Welsh slate or clay tiled roofs of orange hues.
3. 1920 to 1970 – predominantly the ‘age of the bungalow estates’ but also with some substantial houses, this period also saw the introduction of Council houses.
4. 1970 to the present time – a gradual reversal of the trend for bungalows having relatively large footprints, to houses resulting from steadily increasing land prices and a demand for larger family homes.

11.2 The architectural style which contributes most weight to local distinctiveness emanates from the period 1890 to 1920 as a result of the relatively large number of this building type still in existence plus the significant impact cottages from this period have on a number of our street scenes. Many of these cottages have passed the test of sustainable design with various modifications extending or subdividing the premises. Applicants considering changes to period building stock are encouraged to pay careful attention to the materials and building form in order that the character of the dwelling is not compromised.

This cottage style is not restricted to period buildings and there are examples of both contemporary re-interpretations or modifications to this type in the Parish.

11.3 The various phases of development have attached to it their own character and local distinctiveness. Each of the housing estates reflect the design styles of different architects and to some extent are influenced by factors such as more national design trends. The over all effect of development across the three communities is therefore of a very mixed pattern of design which is reflected by the images in this VDS.

11.4 Listed buildings make significant contributions to the character and identity of the villages. The range of listed building types is representative of the fabric of the local community including Churches, schools, farm buildings, public houses and residential buildings. Beyond the listed status applied to these buildings the Parish considers the conservation of this local heritage a priority.

Traditional cottages showing seamless extension over time

Conservation of local heritage / listed buildings is a priority

The form of development in the villages is varied