Doncaster – Town Field Conservation Area Appraisal

www.doncaster.gov.uk/conservationareas

Doncaster – Town Field Conservation Area Appraisal Index Preface Part I – Appraisal 1. Introduction 2. Location 3. Origins and development of the settlement 4. Prevailing and former uses and the influence on the plan form and

building types 5. Archaeological significance and potential of the area 6. Architectural and historic qualities of the buildings 7. Traditional building materials and details 8. Character and relationship of the spaces in the area 9. Green spaces and trees 10. Negative features 11. Neutral features 12. Condition of buildings 13. Problems, pressures and capacity for change 14. Suggested boundary changes 15. Summary of special interest Part II – Management Proposals 16. Management Proposals Appendices I Useful Information & Contact Details II Relevant Policies of the Doncaster Unitary Development Plan Maps 1. Origin and Development of Area 2. Positive Features 3. Negative and Neutral Features 4. Views into and out of Conservation Area

2

Preface The guidance contained in this document is provided to assist developers and the general public when submitting planning applications. It supplements and expands upon the Policies and Proposals of the Doncaster Unitary Development Plan (UDP) and the emerging policies that will be contained within the Local Development Framework (LDF). The UDP contains both the strategic and the local planning policies necessary to guide development in Doncaster and is used by the Council for development control purposes. At the time of writing this appraisal, the UDP is being reviewed and will ultimately be replaced with the emerging LDF. It is not possible however for the UDP or indeed the future LDF to address in detail all the issues raised by the many types of development. This appraisal will be a material consideration to be taken into account when determining planning applications. Also included within the Appraisal are Management Proposals that will be considered for adoption by the Council as part of its approval processes. It is hoped that this guidance will cover most eventualities including all the main guidelines, which a prospective applicant should bear in mind when considering development proposals. The appraisal however is not intended to be wholly comprehensive and the failure to mention any particular building; feature or space should not be assumed to imply that they are not of significance. Advice is available from Doncaster Council’s Design and Conservation Team and you are advised to make early contact before carrying out any work within the conservation area. The Design and Conservation Team would like to give special thanks to the Doncaster Civic Trust and especially Eric Braim with regards the sharing of their knowledge in connection with the history and architecture of the area and its buildings.

3

Part I – Appraisal 1. Introduction A conservation area is an area “…of special architectural or historic interest, the character of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance”1

Conservation areas were first introduced by the Civic Amenities Act 1967. The Act has now been incorporated and expanded into the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, which provides the statutory basis for planning control within conservation areas. This current Act imposes a duty on the local planning authority to designate conservation areas (where appropriate), to review them from time to time, and to bring forward policies and proposals for the preservation and enhancement of such areas. Before bringing forward policies and proposals for any conservation area it is important to define what its special historic or architectural character is. Government guidance contained in Planning Policy Statements 1 and 5 emphasises the need for the character and local distinctiveness of an area to be analysed and clearly defined in a written appraisal. English Heritage has set out in their 2006 guidance note “Guidance on Conservation Area Appraisals” a methodology for analysing this character.

Aerial photograph showing existing boundary of

Doncaster – Town Field Conservation Area

1 As defined under S61 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990

4

This appraisal covers the Doncaster – Town Field Conservation Area, which was originally designated on 8 April 1991 and is the first review of this conservation area since its designation. The appraisal follows the English Heritage guidance and aims to identify the special architectural, landscape and historic interest of the Doncaster – Town Field Conservation Area. This conservation area contains Town Field itself and the planned suburban expansion of Doncaster’s residential area carried out in the early twentieth century along its northern side. The architecture of most of the buildings dates from this period. Buildings are mainly two storied, although along and towards Thorne Road there are three storied development. They are predominantly in red brick with slate or small red clay plain tiles. There are often elaborate forms of buildings with decorative architectural features, such as windows, doors, chimneys, bays, turrets, gables and porches. There are also areas of half timbering, stucco and decorative brickwork. Front boundary walls are generally low brick walls with castellated terracotta decorative copings often backed with hedges or shrubs. The character of the conservation area derives greatly from the large amount of trees and green spaces. This includes Town Field itself where the land gently slopes and increases on the approach to Thorne Road. The boulevard of trees on Town Moor Avenue is a key feature as well as greenness provided by most front gardens. Within the conservation area there are no listed structures. This document will be used as material consideration for planning applications after public consultation. This appraisal also includes management proposals that recommend measures that could be used to help preserve or enhance the special character and appearance of the conservation area.

5

2. Location The Town Field Conservation Area is approximately one mile east of Doncaster town centre and is centred on the Town Field Playing Fields, with its boundary along the south side of Thorne Road, to the rear of the properties on Bennetthorpe and Alderson Drive to the south. Within the boundary of the conservation area are Town Moor Avenue, Victorian Crescent, Windsor Road, the south side of Thorne Road (from Town Field to the hospital) and parts of Imperial Crescent, Buckingham Road, Marlborough Road, Hampton Road, Alderson Drive, Manor Drive and finally Sandringham Road. The latter streets are included due to having junctions with Town Moor Avenue. At the junction of Town Moor Avenue with Leger Way the boundary turns southwest to include the buildings and playing fields of the Yorkshire Residential School for the Deaf. Doncaster – Town Field adjoins Doncaster – Christ Church, Doncaster – Thorne Road and Doncaster – Bennetthorpe.

Conservation Areas in Doncaster Town Centre

6

3. Origins and development of the settlement The conservation area takes its name from the Town Field, a vast area of open space just outside of the town centre. However, the Town Field or Doncaster Field was formerly known as Long Newton and Short Newton, and was formerly agricultural land. During the Georgian period many open fields were enclosed by private acts of Parliament and divided into small fields. In 1814 a notice appeared in the Doncaster Gazette stating that the proprietors intended to promote a parliamentary bill for dividing, allotting and enclosing Doncaster Field. Doncaster Corporation decided they would not co-operate with the other proprieties of Doncaster Field and instructed the Town Clerk to take all proper measures to oppose in Parliament the progress of any such bill. The origin of Town Field as a large open space can be seen to germinate from this decision. In 1829 the School for the Deaf was established in its current location, when it inhabited Eastfield House. The area surrounding the Town Field began to be developed from 1895 following the opening of a new road across Town Field under the name of Town Moor Avenue on Wednesday 10th July 1895. This period saw much development on land owned by Major Browne, with St Mary’s Road and Auckland Road, both on the opposite side of Thorne Road.

7

The cost of the building of Town Moor Avenue was around £6,000, towards which the Corporation contributed £4,400 and £1,300 was donated by Major Browne. A great deal of pomp and ceremony took place at the launch, with the Mayor stating that “this was one of the greatest improvements the Corporation had carried out in modern times and it was a work of great magnitude.” As part of the agreement between Major Browne and the Corporation the part of the Town Field to the west of the new road was to be left forever open.

The area to the east of the new road was not developed for housing until 1901 when Harold Arnold and Son purchased the land from Major Browne. By 1906, thirteen houses were constructed on Town Moor Avenue, along with the north side of Windsor Road and several properties at the junction of Windsor Road and Thorne Road.

8

All these houses were heavily influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement of the late 19th century and as discussed later all are well detailed. Construction continued so that by 1910 two more houses had been built and by the early 1930s there were sixty-six houses on Town Moor Avenue, steadily progressing towards the racecourse. All the houses appear to be built in the same style and possibly by the same builder, copying the early styles of the upper part of Town Moor Avenue. There is no doubt that this area was occupied by people of high standing in the town who enjoyed the idyllic setting. In terms of building, the majority of the house building had finished by the late 1930s apart from a scattering of ‘infill’ buildings of the late Twentieth century and some other recent developments. Various proposals that could have radically change the area have been put forward for the open space of Town Field itself, these have included an infirmary, a motor racing circuit, housing site and a road to bypass Thorne Road, however none of these came to pass. In 1927 the land was formally laid out for recreational purposes, with avenues of trees planted along all of the footpaths. Since then there has been some small encroachments into the area, such as the pavilions, primary school and enclosed playing fields, however Town Field in general retains an open feeling. In the 1980s the Civic Trust embarked on a tree planting scheme to replace many of the trees that had either died or been removed.

Avenue of trees in Town Field

9

4. Prevailing and former uses and the influence on the plan form and building types The Town Field area was built for residential use following the sale of the land by Major Browne, making use of the idyllic open feeling of the Town Field itself. There is no doubt that the newly built dwellings along with the possibility of expansion towards the racecourse attracted notable townspeople and tradesman, such as R H Hepworth, Frank Allen, G H Atkinson and P N Brundell. The houses faced the open space, having views across the fields towards the town centre. This provided a pleasant open feel yet within easy reach of the town centre. The buildings are fairly large, with gardens to the front and back, many with trees, which again added to the countryside feel to the area. The original plan for the Town Moor Avenue indicated a proposal for a church on an “island “ where Windsor Road now stands. This would have been an attractive location but nothing came of it. The area still maintains this residential theme and the houses have generally kept their original features and design ethic. Most dwellings are still for single families, however, some have been converted to flat accommodation and some such as 1 and 2 Town Moor Avenue have been converted into Nursing Homes.

Dwelling on corner of Windsor Road and Victoria Crescent

The Yorkshire Residential School for the Deaf is an imposing building opposite the racecourse. This building along with others at the junction of Town Moor Avenue add a sense of enclosure to this part of the conservation area in contrast to the open recreational fields of Town Field. Its form contrasts with the mainly residential air of the rest of the conservation area.

10

5. Archaeological significance of the area Wheatley, now a suburb of Doncaster, was in existence by 1086 as a separate village. There have been archaeological finds in the Wheatley area as a whole. The medieval Wheatley Hall was probably on the site of the 1680 building by Sir Henry Cooke, the second baronet, which was one mile north of the conservation area. However, this is now lost under post war redevelopment.

Wheatley Hall from postcard of 1952 (although the photograph is from earlier as the building

was demolished in 1930s), Source Donny online

There are no Scheduled Monuments within the conservation area boundary, however there have been a number of archaeological finds in this area including flint knives and a polished stone axe head. This evidence suggests very early occupation in this area dating from at least the Mesolithic/Neolithic period. Therefore, further finds and associated features can be expected. It is advisable that in order to reduce the risk of encountering important archaeological remains late in any development process (which could involve unforeseen time and cost implications) - any development proposal for this area should be accompanied with a supporting archaeological desk based appraisal. This will determine whether there is a need for field evaluation prior to a planning application being devised, whether there is a need for an archaeological evaluation to be secured by planning condition or whether there is no further archaeological input required.

11

6. Architectural and historic qualities of the buildings Doncaster - Town Field Conservation Area can be divided into five distinct zones: Town Field, Town Moor Avenue; Thorne Road; the ‘Side Streets’ of Victorian Crescent, Imperial Crescent, Windsor Road, Buckingham Road and Marlborough Road; and the Yorkshire School for the Deaf School. Town Field Town Field forms the most important space in the conservation area. It provides an important breathing space to the town and with its gentle slope down from the ridge on which Thorne Road is constructed offers panoramic views to the south. Whilst trees have been planted along the edges and the pathways these do not intrude so as to noticeably divide the space but allow it still to be experienced as one space.

Town Field looking south

12

Town Moor Avenue Town Moor Avenue gently rises from its junction with Leger Way until its junction with Victorian Crescent, when it steeply rises to meet Thorne Road. The buildings towards the northern end of Town Moor Avenue were, as mentioned previously, the first to be built and date from the beginning of the 20th century and due to their land being at a higher level have a feeling of dominance over the other buildings. Throughout the conservation area there are no consistent roof lines, the style of the houses and the topography prevent this and provides for an interesting rhythm to the roofscape. The prominent architectural style is one influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement of the late 19th Century. It could be said that not one house is the same as the next, however, they are all linked by a ‘common course’ that is to provide honest architecture with a good use of materials and details.

Pair of houses sharing some similar detailing on

Town Moor Avenue but are not identical

13

Thorne Road The dwellings on Thorne Road, from Town Moor Avenue to its junction with Zetland Road, vary in their architecture. 68 to 78 are imposing three storey dwellings in blocks of three semi-detached houses and relate more to the character of Thorne Road. They make use of the slope down to Imperial Crescent by creating a basement as living accommodation. They have large picture windows, decorative clay tiles on the frontage in panels. They have now been converted into flats.

68 to 78 Thorne Road

The buildings on the junctions with Windsor Road wrap around the road and again make use of the slope. These share a similarly architecture with those buildings towards the top of Town Moor Avenue. Further along the buildings tend to relate to Thorne Road rather than the developments around Town Field.

Buildings at the top of Windsor Road

Both are considered key unlisted buildings, but they have suffered from inappropriate alterations such as concrete roof-tiles, large paned replacement windows and stone cladding. However the architectural form shines through and any future alterations should have regard

to retain and reinstate original features

14

Side Streets The so called ‘side streets’ of the conservation area have been amalgamated together, as apart from Victorian Crescent and Windsor Road, they only just break into the conservation area. They are also the streets that form a more secluded area to the rear area off Town Moor Avenue Victorian Crescent Victorian Crescent is a relatively short stretch of road. Apart from 1 Victorian Crescent, they are of a pavilion style, the south side replicating the details of the upper parts of Town Moor Avenue, with the timber infill detail on the gables. Number 1 is an Edwardian villa with canted bay windows and has been converted into flats.

1 Victorian Crescent, showing the tremendous

impact of the tree cover in the area. There are some fine corner buildings on the junction with Windsor Road. Several recent developments have occurred here and beyond and whilst they have taken on board the general architecture are let down by the choice of materials and the lack of trees and other soft landscaping (see Neutral Fetaures). The southern side after the Windsor Road junction is also of less architectural interest.

15

Windsor Road Windsor Road is a mix of semi-detached and terraced buildings until Victorian Crescent after which the dwellings sit in larger plots on approaching Thorne Road. The east side has mainly hipped roofs, dormers and continuous porches whereas the west side has a mix of hips and gables, again with dormers. Two storey canted bays are also prevalent.

Buildings at the bottom of Windsor Road

Imperial Crescent The first houses on the north side of Imperial crescent form the corners to Windsor Road, and are as described above, this is followed by a pair of high quality semis with decorative features of bay windows and half timber work to the upper levels. The first houses on south are more simple and squat in stature and are part of later developments, however after this are some very fine quality houses with interesting window patterns and high quality brickwork. Front gardens in this road and the roads to the south (Buckingham and Marlborough Road) also become less spacious and trees are accordingly less common.

16

Buckingham Road Only the western part of Buckingham Road, near its junction with Town Moor Avenue, is within the current boundary of the conservation area. The north side are a pair of semis and a detached dwelling, the south is made up of three terraces. The first two sets of terraces and the houses on the northern side have two storey bays and have door arches of particular interest, being a mix of gothic and ogee styles. The third terrace is less elaborate but still of some quality.

Properties on Buckingham Road

Marlborough Road Only the first terrace on the northern side of Marlborough Road is within the conservation area. They have large, narrow vertical windows with single storey bays, and between the dormers are Flemish gables. Above the gap between the bays are panels of decorative terracotta panels.

Properties on Marlborough Road

All the streets have a lot of details in common, bay windows, feature windows and doors, tall ornate chimneys, a mix of finishes to the brickwork and one metre high walls to their frontage that are crenallated with terracotta copings.

17

The Yorkshire Residential School for the Deaf The school has had a presence in the area since 1829. It occupies a highly prominent site on Leger Way and around on to Town Moor Avenue. The College site is separated from the main part of the conservation area by the green space of the playing fields and has an institution feel in contrast to the residential nature of the neighbouring streets. The special interest of this part of the conservation area derives mainly from the townscape presence of the main building on Leger Way, resulting from its massing, materials and symmetrical form. Also part of the complex is the oldest building in the conservation area, the nearby Hockenhall Building, constructed in 1901, which is red brick with Dutch influenced detailing to its gables. There are other numerous Early Twentieth, inter-war and modern buildings that make up the complex, which though less sympathetic to the conservation area and have less conservation value serve the use of the site as an educational establishment.

Main Building The Hockenhall Building

18

Key Unlisted Buildings There are no listed buildings in the conservation area. However, there are a number of buildings that are key to describing the character of the area. A key building is defined as follows: -

• The work of a particular architect of local or regional note • Has qualities of age, style and materials of a substantial number of

buildings in the Conservation Area • Serves as a reminder of the gradual development of the area or of an

earlier phase of growth • Has landmark qualities • Reflects the traditional functional character or appearance of the

Conservation Area • Has significant historic associations with local people or past events

Those buildings that are considered to be key unlisted buildings are shown on Map 2 of this appraisal. These are mainly the oldest buildings, which are within the area closest to Thorne Road, especially those on corner sites.

13 Victorian Crescent and 4-8 Windsor Road are considered to be key unlisted buildings

The Yorkshire Residential School for the Deaf is a landmark building. It is neo classical in design, with metal casement windows, a balcony with stone handrail that supports four Greek columns and pediment above. The Victorian building in the grounds is also considered to be key due to its quality of its detail and that it is the oldest building in the conservation area. Both these buildings are significant due to their local historic and architectural interest. It will be noted from the map that whilst many of these properties share the same architectural style as their neighbours, they are not all considered to be key buildings but most are considered positive. Unfortunately some of these have suffered from inappropriate alterations and poor replacement of elements such as windows and roofs (see section on Negative Features).

19

7. Traditional building materials and local details The main building materials are red brick with a narrow mortar bed, and in the main, roofs of small plain tiles. It is the detailing that makes the buildings stand out from the surrounding area and give the conservation area its distinctiveness. As a general statement it could be said that no two buildings are alike, especially along Town Moor Avenue. However, whilst this is descriptive there are number of buildings that copy the styles of the earlier buildings. Most of the buildings are of a small domestic scale with a pavilion feel to the massing and architecture. The main underlying details are ornate chimneystacks, gables, bows and corners. There are many projecting features, usually joining the upper and lower storeys together. Roof lines are interrupted with a mix of gables, hips and dormers. Some of the 1920s age buildings at the junction of Town Moor Avenue with Hampton Road are particularly interesting with their rounded bay corners supporting Byzantine turrets.

2 Hampton Road and 28-31Town Moor Avenue

20

Porches are often steeply pitched with decorative bargeboards and in the case of Imperial Crescent several have continuous porches.

Example of decorative porch The dormers are a mix of styles, sat into the roof slope, whilst some are of larger design that project out of the roof and ‘jetty’ out of the front plane of the building and are supported on either bays or timber brackets to give a ‘Tudorbethan’ feel to the building.

Jettied dormer

21

The gables have different treatments to make them stand out from the rest, for instance timber infill, stucco, terracotta and decorative brickwork, which in the case of 8 and 9 Town Moor Avenue could be considered heavy. 17 and 18 Town Moor Avenue have Flemish style gables, which again help to break up the rooflines.

Decorative brickwork on gable

Windows are often split into a small upper and a large lower division. The upper part of the windows is quite often subdivided into more elaborate smaller panes, which are often leaded. The lower division often remains as a large lower pane.

Doors and windows on property on Town Moor Avenue

Doors often sit in large arched doorways, the arch is generally substantial with rubbed brickwork and is either infilled with a decorative timber or French doors which provides a porch. The doors themselves tend to be half glazed in the main some with decorative designs in leadwork. Where there are solid doors, these tend to be set behind and recessed into the building. Further down Town Moor Avenue, the buildings become plainer in detailing but still provide a presence in the conservation area. The low brick walls are a common feature throughout the conservation area, that sometimes is crenallated, and which has terracotta copings.

22

8. Character and relationship of the spaces in the area The main open space in the conservation area is Town Field, stretching from Bennetthorpe to Town Moor Avenue. It provides important views both into and out of the conservation area, providing a setting to the dwellings on Town Moor Avenue, which make the most of the field itself. Town Field is used for both sporting and recreational activities and provides a green oasis in the otherwise urban setting.

Plaque commemorating the opening of Town Moor Avenue, with Town Field behind

Apart from Town Field, the other open spaces are assigned to the Yorkshire Residential School for the Deaf, the playing fields that abut Town Moor Avenue (to the south of Manor Drive) and the space around the building itself, which provides its setting.

Bottom of Town Moor Avenue, with grounds of Deaf School to the left

Town Moor Avenue with its fairly large front and rear gardens helps to soften the edge of Town Field before the somewhat higher density buildings on Windsor Road and beyond. The boundary treatment and the trees give the area the feel of the planned estate settlements such as Bourneville and Port Sunlight.

23

9. Green Spaces and Trees Apart from the Town Field there are very few open spaces and reliance is made on private garden space to break up the urban environment. The largest building in the conservation area is the Yorkshire Residential School for the Deaf, which like many institutional buildings have large grounds that provide open space. Views in and out of this conservation area are provided by the vastness of the Town Field and are indicated on Map 4. Trees make a significant impact on the conservation area. In parts, remnants of the original tree planting remain and lead to a mature feel to the area. Town Moor Avenue is tree-lined and dates from the original road scheme. Town Field has been planted over a number of years, which although allowing for the need for open space provides height and contrast. The numerous pathways across the field have been planted and the field edges both planted with trees and shrubs, which help to soften the boundaries. The boundary of Town Field with Town Moor Avenue is worthy of note due to its open railings that do not obstruct views across the open area. Any new, solid boundary features would be of detriment to the area. Mention should also be made of the gardens on Town Moor Avenue, the majority of which have maintained the theme of the original development, having low walls with high hedges of Privet behind. All the gardens are well maintained and provide a green feel to the urban areas.

Railings of Town Field with trees of Town Moor Avenue behind

In recognition of the special contribution that trees can make to the character and appearance of conservation areas, they are afforded a level of protection similar to that of a Tree Preservation Order. Doncaster Council must be notified in writing 6 weeks before any work is carried out so that it has opportunity to assess whether the proposed work will harm the character and appearance of the conservation area. Any person removing or pruning a tree within a conservation area, without first giving the statutory notification, is guilty of a criminal offence and liable on summary conviction to a heavy fine.

24

10. Negative features

Negative features are described in the English Heritage guidance as elements that detract from the special character of the area. In terms of Doncaster Town Field Conservation Area, there are a number of negative features. The Laurels sheltered housing at the top of Town Moor Avenue, with its prominent position at the junction with Thorne Road, is out of character in terms of both its massing and lack of sympathetic detailing with flat elevations and lack of decorative features. This along with its light brick and concrete tile does not integrate the building into the area.

The Laurels

21a Town Moor Avenue is an infill building, which with its asymmetric sloping roof with a short steep front slope and a long shallow rear is completely out of character with the pavilion style dwellings that surround it and is fairly plain using modern materials and detailing.

21a Town Moor Avenue

25

The sports grounds are considered to have some elements that have a negative impact on the area. The all weather pitch stands out and the use of concrete post and panel fencing for part of their boundary, presents a hostile and hard perimeter to Town Field. Alderson Drive runs parallel to the eastern side of Town Fields and although there are boundary and garden trees in many of the rear plots facing Town Fields which gives a green character to the edge of the conservation area some of the backs are open to the conservation area or have a variety of boundary treatments abutting Town Fields which gives a piecemeal character to this side. This is particularly important towards the Bennetthorpe entrance to the Fields where views of walls and into back gardens predominate and detract from the appearance of the conservation area.

Sport pitches Concrete panel fencing

Whilst trees make an overwhelming positive attribute to the conservation area they can be a negative feature when they have been unsympathetically pruned.

26

Many of the buildings in the conservation area are considered to be positive but their quality is being eroded by the use of inappropriate replacement materials being used for roof and window replacement have a considerable negative impact.

The use of uPVC often reduces the attractiveness of the building by simplifying detail as can

be seen here when one half is compared the original

The removal and replacement of boundary wall is having a detrimental impact on the cohesiveness of the area. This is often accompanied by replacement of front gardens with car parking that further erodes the ‘green’ character of the area.

Walls and carparking with lack of green character to front gardens can harden the

appearance of the area

27

11. Neutral features Neutral features are described in the English Heritage guide, as areas that neither enhance nor detract from the character of the conservation area. The Squash Club and Cricket Pavilion are not of particular architectural quantity but both have a set back position when viewed within Doncaster – Town Field Conservation Area. The white colour of the cricket pavilion does draw attention to it from long views across Town Field, however its architecture is obviously an attempt to mimic a traditional pavilion and it is clearly a sports building which connects it with its position on Town Field. On balance therefore both buildings are considered to make a neutral contribution to the character and appearance of this conservation area.

Squash Club and Cricket Pavilion

Town Field Primary School has been built within the Town Field, but is mainly single storey and is set behind landscaping to reduce its impact.

Town Field Primary School

28

1 and 2 Town Moor Avenue are linked to form one residential home. The link is so designed to be of a limited intrusion into the conservation area by sitting down between the two buildings.

Link between 1 and 2 Town moor

The relatively modern ‘infill’ dwellings on Imperial Crescent and Windsor Road, attempt to mimic the architectural styles of their neighbours. Again this is a limited intrusion into the character of the Town Field Conservation Area although let down by the quality and appearance of their materials and detailing and the lack of landscaping, especially with regard the lack of trees and hedgerows to their fronts.

Modern developments on Imperial Crescent

29

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Thorne Road is rather plain and non-descript with little architectural embellishment and feels out of place with the other buildings in the area. The building does however have trees along its edges that help to provide interest and some connection with the area.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Thorne Road

38 Town Moor Avenue appears to be of a slightly later date than the majority of the buildings on this street and is fairly modest in its architecture with only the ‘eye brow’ dormer given any real ornamentation.

38 Town Moor Avenue

30

The space behind the new sports pavilion is dominated by the ramps to the underpass and feels like a left over space. The underpass itself is not particularly user-friendly and the appearance of the conservation area may be enhanced if this underpass was to be replaced with an improved ‘at grade’ crossing and this area landscaped and used as part of the grounds of the new pavilion.

Area behind new sports pavilion

Some of the properties within the side streets away from Town Moor Avenue (Windsor Road, Buckingham Road, etc.) are not particularly out of the ordinary and are of less architectural interest then those on the more major and prestigious streets.

31

Many of the auxiliary buildings and the playing fields of the Yorkshire School for the Deaf School site have a modern and functional appearance. In size and massing the buildings relate less to Town Field and more to the larger massing of the historic buildings of the school.

Buildings in grounds of Residential School for the Deaf

Playing fields to Residential School for the Deaf

32

12. Condition of Buildings The buildings of the conservation area are considered to be in good condition.

13. Problems, Pressures and Capacity for Change

Although the residential development around Town Field is relatively recent it character is under threat by the need to ‘improve’ properties, this can result in the loss of original features on historic properties through the introduction of uPVC windows and concrete tiles to roofs that are often detrimental to both the building and the surrounding area. The conservation area has a large amount of green open space which remains largely unobstructed but could be subject to demands for further areas to be divided off. Illumination of sportground facilities can alter the night-time appearance of the area. With the increased use of cars there is also the pressure to increase parking, and this can lead to the loss of walling with the introduction of additional or widened entrances to properties as well loss of front gardens. The original dwellings are subject to changes in tenure including conversion to other uses such as apartments or care homes. This may be accompanied by demands for extensions and additional car parking. These changes may be acceptable if the proposals are well considered and sensitive to the character and appearance of the conservation area. The uniform age of much of the tree cover could result in a significant change in appearance as trees reach the end of their safe lives and are removed in a short space of time.

33

14. Suggested Boundary Changes Some of the properties on Thorne Road have more in common with the character of Doncaster - Thorne Road Conservation area and may be better to be included within this latter conservation area. The ‘side streets’ have areas that are fairly neutral in their character and appearance and also, especially to the south, lack the spaciousness and green character of the rest of the conservation area. This area also makes less contribution to the special character of Town Field itself due to its physical and visual separation from it. The removal of most of this area was considered. This area however does have many buildings that are of high quality and which contribute significantly to the general character of the area and therefore a more selective approach has been taken. It therefore suggested that only the terrace on Marlborough Road and parts of Buckingham Road and Victorian Crescent be removed. These amendments are illustrated in the map below.

34

15. Summary of Special Interest The special interest of Doncaster – Town Field Conservation Area is due to: -

• Planned suburban expansion of Doncaster’s residential area

• Large amount of trees and green spaces

The Town Fields

The avenue of trees on Town Moor Avenue

Front Gardens

• Early twentieth century buildings

• Mainly two storey, although along and towards Thorne Road there

are three storied development

• Predominantly red brick with small red clay plain tiles

• Elaborate form of buildings with decorative architectural features

Windows and doors

Chimneys, bays, turrets, gables and porches

Areas of half timbering, stucco and decorative brickwork

Front boundary walls with decorative copings

• Gentle slope of land that increases towards Thorne Road

35

Part II – Management Proposals 16. Management Proposals Under Section 71(1) of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, the Borough Council is required to periodically review its conservation areas and to publish proposals for their preservation and enhancement. The purpose of the Management Proposals is to describe mid to long-term strategies for preserving and enhancing the special character and appearance of the Conservation Area. The Management Proposals set out the actions needed to address the issues raised in the Conservation Area Appraisal. The Proposals document recommends both the provision of good practice guidance information to clarify the existing powers, and proposes increased local authority controls within the area. This includes recommendations for further work required for their implementation. It is likely that most, if not all, of the actions itemised in ‘Recommendations’ will have to be financed or initiated by Doncaster Council possibly helped by funding from outside sources such as the Heritage Lottery Fund or English Heritage. It is accepted that, of necessity, actions will all need to be prioritised according to the availability of resources and it may not be possible to achieve all those scheduled.

36

Recommendations

The Management Proposals recommend that: General 1. The council should use ‘Doncaster – Town Field Conservation Area

Appraisal Part 1: Appraisal’ as a material consideration in determining planning applications

2. The council should adopt the ‘Doncaster – Town Field Conservation

Area Appraisal Part 2: Management Proposals’ as a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) in support of a Development Plan Document (DPD) within the emerging Local Development Framework (LDF)

3. The conservation area boundaries should be changed as

recommended in Section 14.

4. There is commitment to a five yearly review of the management of the conservation area.

Development 5. The council should actively promote the protection of key unlisted and

positive buildings. The council would be unlikely to grant consent for the demolition of key unlisted or positive buildings, whereas depending on the merits of proposed replacements, buildings that are neutral could be considered for demolition, and demolition would be positively welcomed for negative buildings.

6. The council should undertake a heritage survey on all the buildings in

the conservation area to ascertain the extent of survival of original elements that contribute positively to the character and appearance of the conservation area, such as roof coverings, windows and doors. This information will inform any decision to serve Article 4 Directions over the whole or part(s) of the conservation area. Controls over front boundary walls and retention of front gardens could also be investigated.

7. The council should ensure that development within the conservation

area complements the size, form and scale of the existing traditional buildings, and should use similar materials and respect the overall historic nature of this conservation area. Attention to detailing could be used to relate the development to those of the conservation area.

37

In addition, special attention must be given in any proposals to complementing the green character and boundary treatment of the area and this will be a consideration in determining any planning application.

Maintenance and improvements 8. The council should assess tree cover in the area and produce a

strategy for the management of trees and other landscape features within the conservation area.

9. The council should proactively seek agreement to repair and rebuild

wall and railings on the boundary of Town Field. 10. The council will consider improvements to the highway to improve on

street car parking, street lighting and to prevent the need to form parking areas in front gardens.

Increasing awareness and understanding 11. The council should ensure that there is the preparation and formal

adoption of guidance explaining conservation policy and good practice and its promotion. Such guidance should include: -

• sympathetic repair and alterations to historic buildings • guidelines for modern development

12. The council should ensure that the conservation area links into both

the Strategic and Local Green Infrastructures routes and policies. Green Infrastructures are a way of linking heritage, ecology and recreational assets so as to form a network of spaces, and as such, conservation areas are seen as an important contributor.

38

Appendix I Useful Information & Contact Details Sources of Information

Doncaster Civic Trust Design and Conservation Team Development 43 Ellers Avenue, Bessacarr

Doncaster DN4 7DY Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council E-mail:

mail@doncastercivictrust.org.uk Colonnades House, Duke Street, Doncaster, DN1 1ER

English Heritage - Yorkshire and the Humber Region

Telephone: 01302 734922 E-mail: conservation@doncaster.gov.uk 37 Tanner Row

York Y01 6WP Website: www.doncaster.gov.uk/planning Telephone: 01904 601 901

Website: www.english-heritage.org.uk Local History Library

Reference Library Central Library Waterdale Doncaster DN1 3JE Telephone: 01302 734320 E-mail: reference.library@doncaster.gov.uk Website: www.doncaster.gov.uk

Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) 37 Spital Square London E1 6DY Telephone: 020 7377 1644 E-mail: info@spab.org.ukWebsite: www.spab.org.uk/

Doncaster Archives King Edward Road Balby Doncaster DN4 0NA Telephone: 01302 859811 E-mail: doncaster.archives@ doncaster.gov.uk Website: www.doncaster.gov.uk

The Victorian Society (South Yorkshire Group) Graham Hague, 39 Cobden View Road Sheffield S10 1HP Telephone: 0114 268 6729 E-mail: admin@victoriansociety.org.uk

The Twentieth Century Society 70 Cowcross Street London EC1M 6EJ Telephone: 020 7250 3857 E-mail: caseworker@c20society.org.uk

South Yorkshire Archaeology Services Howden House 1 Union Street Sheffield S1 2SH Telephone: 0114 2736354 / 2736428 E-mail: syorks.archservice@sheffield.gov.ukWebsite: www.sheffield.gov.uk

39

Bibliography Boyce, A.J. (1996) The History of The Yorkshire Residential School for the Deaf 1829-1979, First Class Design, Doncaster Communities and Local Government (2010) Planning Policy Statement 5: Planning for the Historic Environment, TSO Doncaster Civic Trust – Various Articles English Heritage (2006) Guidance on conservation area appraisals English Heritage (2006) Guidance on management of conservation areas Tuffrey, P. (1993) Old Doncaster Memories – Streetwise, Doncaster Star Publications

40

Appendix II

Relevant Policies of the UDP ENV 21 Protection of trees SENV 4 Conserving the built heritage ENV 25 Conservation Areas ENV 26 Demolition of buildings in Conservation Areas ENV 27 Enhancement of Conservation Areas ENV 28 Restoration schemes in Conservation Areas ENV 29 Designation and review of Conservation Areas

ENV 35 Protection of the Boroughs Archaeological heritage ENV 36 Archaeological evaluation of sites ENV 37 Development affecting Archaeological sites ENV 38 Protection of sites from development SENV 6 Quality of design in new development ENV 52 Design of new dwellings ENV 53 Scale and appearance of new dwellings ENV 54 Alterations and extensions ENV 59 Protection of trees on development sites PH 8 Infill and small scale housing development SPH 4 Safeguarding residential land PH9-PH12 Residential Policy Areas PH13 Promotion of high standards in design SPH 5 Priority Residential Policy Areas

41

PH16&17 Priority Residential Policy Areas T7 Road Improvements.

42

Appendix III Community Involvement Involving the community (and raising public awareness) has been part of the appraisal process. This has been undertaken by: -

• Advertising of the forthcoming Doncaster – Town Field Conservation Area Appraisal on the Council’s web-site well in advance of its draft publication

• The draft appraisal was passed to Neighbourhood Managers, Doncaster Civic Trust and Development Management for comments.

• The forthcoming consultation was registered with Doncaster’s Consultation Team to ensure that it was in line with Doncaster Corporate guidelines.

• A letter was sent on 19 November 2010 to the Chair and Vice Chair of Planning Committee and Local Ward Members, informing them of the appraisal, welcoming comments and informing them of a ‘drop in’ event

• Site notices were erected on 25 November 2010 in and around Doncaster – Christ Church, Doncaster – Thorne Road and Doncaster – Town Field Conservation Areas, advertising the consultation of the appraisal, the ‘drop in’ event, and asking for comments

• A notice was placed in the Doncaster Star on 26 November 2010 advertising the draft appraisal and the ‘drop in’ event

• Copies of the appraisal were also made available at the Central and Intake libraries, as well as at the Planning Department, again with notices advertising the ‘drop in’ event and welcoming comments

• The appraisal was made available on the Council’s website on 29 November with information on the forthcoming ‘drop in’ event and welcoming comments

• The Consultation Period officially started from 29 November 2010 to finish on 17 January 2011

• The ‘drop in’ event was held at Town Field Sports Pavilion on 9 December 2010 to which 7 members of the public attended. The low attendance was assumed to be due to the unusually bad weather at the time.

• SYAS were also consulted • Doncaster Civic Trust agreed with almost all of the views within the

appraisal they were however deeply concerned over the potential removal of much of the area of the side streets and they asked for this to be reconsidered. The cricket pavilion was also considered to be negative feature rather than neutral and there were some suggested corrections of the text.

• The neighbourhood manager noted that given the potential increase of houses in multiple occupancy that a link to private sector housing

43

policy might be appropriate. The issue of parking was also highlighted and the difficulties this poses with crime/anti-social behaviour and as the area is a busy gateway into the town that congestion is compounded by parked cars on the highway. It was also pointed out that the area to the rear of the Town Field Sports Pavilion had been reseeded

• Two members of the public responded in writing. These being: - That the appraisal was well structured and very informative. The speed limit of 30mph should be monitored and enforced,

trees should not be cut down or too drastically pollarded, any new buildings should be built to harmonise with existing, the subway next to Town Field School should be removed and the site made good and the area of Town Field that has been churned up should be restored.

In response to the comments the appraisal was amended with the inaccuracies corrected. The removal of most of the side streets was reconsidered and only minor removals are now recommended. The cricket pavilion is still however considered neutral. Currently there is no specific private sector housing policy in the area. If this were to develop then links would be explored at the time. With regard to the issue of car parking is to be considered as part of the management proposals. The picture of the area behind the sport pavilion was retaken. Within the appraisal the importance of trees is highlighted and it is noted that works to trees need to be notified to the Council prior to works commencing to ensure that tree works are controlled. The harmful impact that unsympathetically pruning can have is mentioned in negative features. A strategy for the management of trees is recommended within the Management Proposals. Also within Management Proposals it is recommended that the Council should ensure that development within the conservation area complements the size, form and scale of the existing traditional buildings, and should use similar materials and respect the overall historic nature of this conservation area. The subway is noted as a neutral feature within this conservation area and negative with regard to Doncaster – Thorne Road Conservative Area. It is also stated within this appraisal that its removal would enhance this conservation area. Speed enforcement and the condition of Town Field are not planning issues. The first issue was however passed on to the police and the Neighbourhood Team were made aware of the second.

44