e – post-war public housing schemes

89

E – POST-WAR PUBLIC HOUSING SCHEMES

These developments have a distinctive layout and design of housing which gives them a clearly recognisable and unique character.

The houses are built along curving streets and culs-de-sac arranged around grassed and treed communal amenity areas. Often set back from the road the properties frequently face onto the footpaths and open spaces or are set at an angle to the road. The semi detached houses are generally of two designs.

The first have flat fronted elevations and distinctive steeply pitched gabled or hipped roofs and tall chimneys, sometimes paired. They are constructed in a number of standard designs which are repeated within each development and in different developments making them easily recognisable. The front elevations are red brick or cream with some use of decorative brick bands. One design incorporates wide vertical cream panels between brick columns and is particularly distinctive.

The second style of housing also has flat front elevations but is generally pebble-dashed and painted in pastel shades. The hipped roofs are less steeply pitched and the plain chimneys are smaller.

These character areas have a spacious feel which is enhanced by the mature landscaping, grassed public areas and private gardens. They are generally designed to segregate the houses and pedestrian routes from the street, providing traffic free routes within the character areas and linking with surrounding development.

The Winterfield estate in East Malling and Larkfield is designed on Radburn principles: This style of development originating in the USA in the 1920s was intended to make provision for ‘the motor age’ without giving cars priority over pedestrians and became very influential in the new town movement in the UK. The housing is arranged around a heart of communal open space and is accessed via a network of footpaths which is separated from the road network. The properties front onto the footpaths and open spaces whilst vehicular access is provided to the rear of properties by short culs-de-sac.

90

LOCALLY DISTINCTIVE CONTEXTUAL FEATURES

Age of buildings 1950s – 1960s

Type of buildings Semi-detached, terraced and some apartment blocks.

Main uses Residential with some community facilities

Building heights 1-3 storeys

Prominent building materials Red, brown, or buff brick, brown roof tiles, cream or white painted render, concrete and pebbledash.

Predominant boundary treatments Picket fences, hedges and some brick walls.

Open spaces Road network and houses arranged around grassed amenity areas, wide verges and a network of footpaths.

Locally Distinctive Positive Features

• Glimpses and some views of the North Downs and banks of trees in surrounding areas

• Strong cohesive character created by uniformity of building design, materials and limited personalisation

• Spacious verdant character created by properties being set back from the road, views to the surrounding countryside and glimpses of mature trees between and over properties

• Traffic free pedestrian network

• Provision of public open space which is overlooked by properties gives a spacious character

• Sections of development have a strong unified character

91

Negative Features Worthy of Enhancement

• Loss of front boundaries and gardens to provide off street car parking

• Some poor surfacing of roads and pavements

• Some prominent views of pylons and over head cabling

• Traffic noise from the A20 or M20 or other roads in the area

• Lack of visual interest – undistinguished buildings with few design details and featureless amenity spaces

92

The semi detached houses are constructed of brown brick in a repeat design with a canted bay window on the ground floor, single storey rendered side extensions and steeply pitched brown tile roofs (see above right). The terraced properties, also constructed in a repeat design of brown brick but with hipped roofs, have projecting two storey square bays with gable ends facing the road (see above left). White casement windows are used throughout the area with few dark hard wood replacements. The properties have landscaped deep front gardens enclosed by a variety of boundaries including hedges, brick walls, picket and panel fences. This mixture adds variety to the street scene.

Loss of front gardens to car parking has been minimal in this area. However as a result, on-street parking is prevalent. The repeating designs and materials, fenestration, prominent chimneys and the limited unsympathetic personalisation give the development a coherent planned character, typical of its period.

E1 –BROOKLANDS ROAD AREA

Comprising: Brooklands Road, River Way (South), Marsh Way (South)

A public housing estate built in 1948 on open land to the rear of properties on the West of New Hythe Lane. This spacious estate of two storey semi detached properties and short terraces has a single entrance point from New Hythe Lane and is arranged around a loop with a series of short cul-de-sacs radiating from this. The South of the site is elevated, offering views into the adjoining Brookfield Road character area (EM&L06a) to the North and longer views to the Leybourne Lakes character area (EM&L05) and the North Downs beyond.

93

Long views to neighbouring character areas and the North Downs beyond give the area a spacious feel (see above). However the prominent roofline of the Leybourne Lakes character area interrupts views of the North Downs and gives a feeling of enclosure to this development. The mature landscaping, deep frontages, medium/high hedges and curving streets create a private character where overlooking of the properties from the street is minimised.

In addition to the landscaping, mature specimen trees which line some of the routes through the area and grass road verges add to the verdant character. The entrance to the site is particularly green being lined by tall hedging which give an almost arcadian character to the gateway to the area (see below).

94


• Strong cohesive character created by repeat building design and uniformity of materials

• Verdant character created by landscaped gardens, hedges and tall trees

• Long views of the North Downs

• Spacious character created by deep front gardens, curving streets and long views


• Long views of the North Downs interrupted by the prominent roofline of the Leybourne Lakes character area

ì

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Long views of North Downsand Leybourne Lakes development.

Leisure Centre

BROOKLANDS

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BROOKLANDS

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1

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BROOKLANDS

ROAD

2

0 50 10010 20 30 40Metres¯

© Crown copyright and database rights 2011 Ordnance Survey 100023300

E1 Medway Gap Character Area AppraisalRef

Title Brooklands Road Area

96

E2 – BIRDS ESTATE

Comprising: Plover Road (South), Kingfisher Road, Nightingale Close, Wren Close, Woodpecker Road (North), Raven Close, Magpie Close, Martin Square.

An area of 1960s public housing built along curving streets and short cul-de-sacs named after native British birds. Construction began in 1963. This was the first phase of development of the large Birds Estate, and bisects the later 1960’s open plan housing development. This site stretches from Lunsford Lane in the West to New Hythe Lane in the East and includes semi-detached and terraced houses, town houses, blocks of flats and bungalows. The layout of the streets comprise a series of short culs de sacs off a main street which turns through a right angle.

The houses in this character area are a mix of types including mostly two storey terraced Houses with some three storey town houses, bungalows and three storey blocks of flats. They are constructed using a range of brown, red and buff coloured bricks, with shallow pitched roofs and white casement windows. The majority of properties have a flat front elevation, broken only by flat roofed porch canopy.

Brown hung tiles, white render and white UPVC weatherboarding details can also be found on the front façade of some properties, in particular in the eastern half of the area. The eastern section also has a higher incidence of town houses and flats, where as the western section is predominantly houses.

The majority of the houses, and some of the town houses, have front gardens enclosed by dwarf walls and hedges. Some of these have been lost to provide off road car parking but not sufficient to dilute the character of the area. Despite the presence of front gardens and some communal landscaped areas around the flats and bungalows, few mature trees are present to enhance the street scene and soften the architecture.

97

The majority of houses do not have private attached garages and parking is either on the road, on a forecourt or in garage blocks. This results in cars being dominant in the street scene. Although unsightly, the garage blocks are mostly located to the rear of properties out of sight so do not significantly detract from the area.

Beyond the replacement of doors and windows, the level of personalisation has been kept to a minimum which has preserved the planned character of the area and gives sections of the development a strong planned character.

The western section of the area is elevated and enjoys views to the west of the North Downs along Kingfisher Road. Beyond this, views into and out of the site are limited due to the flat topography and enclosed nature of the terraced development. The limited views outside the character area give the area a generally enclosed character. However, there are glimpses of neighbouring character areas between properties (see above right)

98


• Sections of the development have a strong unified character

• Limited personalisation has preserved the original buildings and features

• An enclosed private character created by limited views into and out of the development


• Loss of front boundaries and gardens to provide off street car parking

?

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View oftrees.

Views of North Downs.

ROAD

M 20

0 250 50050 100 150 200Metres¯



Title Birds Estate

100

E3 –STEP STILE ESTATE

Comprising: Carnation Crescent, Larkspur Road, Rosemary Road, Columbine Road, Jasmine Road, Lavender Road, Twisden Road, Chapman Way (East), Catlyn Close, Larkspur Close, Edward Walk (North).

A public sector housing development, built during the late 1950s and early 1960s on open land south of the A20. Many of the roads are named after garden flowers. The estate includes two storey semi detached and terraced houses, along with three storey town houses and flats and bungalows. The grassed amenity areas and mature trees contribute to the green, spacious, planned character of the estate, particularly in the northern section. The southern most portion of the site was developed in a separate phase during the late 1960s, therefore has a slightly different character.

The one to three storey semi- detached and terraced houses and flats are arranged around curving streets, culs-de-sac and some amenity green spaces. They are constructed of red and brown bricks and are of several repeat designs. All have pitched roofs, white casement windows and flat front elevations. The two storey houses have a flat roof porch canopy above the front door.

There is limited detailing on the one and two storey houses and flats, with the exception of panels of white render on the upper floors of some properties. Personalisation has been kept to a minimum thereby preserving the original planned character of the development. The limited palette of materials also unifies the development and creates a cohesive character.

The southern section of the site, known as Water Meadow, also contains town houses (see right) which have integral garages and brown hung tile detailing to the upper floors. The increase in building height and lack of amenity space in this part, give it a more enclosed feel than the rest of the development.

101

The communal green spaces located along Carnation Crescent, Rosemary Road and Larkspur Road, combined with mature specimen trees and glimpses of tree belts along the northern and eastern boundaries between properties help to create a spacious character particularly in the north.

A recent small development of one and two storey properties in Catlyn Close are in contrast to the surrounding properties. They are constructed of yellow and a distinctive grey brick (not seen elsewhere in the area), with hipped roofs, enclosed porches, no front gardens and parking to the front. Despite their distinctiveness, they are not prominent in the street scene as they are located to the rear of original properties and they therefore do not detract from the overall character of the area.

Poor road surfaces in some areas, communal garage blocks and prominent pylons and overhead cables detract from the area.

A shopping parade with flats above flanks the southern entrance to the character area. The parade has a range of convenience shops and forms a node of activity in the area. Its pitched roofs and white casement windows on the upper floor, as well as the materials reflect the surrounding development style. However the parade is three storeys in height, significantly larger in scale than the surrounding buildings.

102


• The strong planned character has been retained due to limited personalisation of properties and retention of original features

• Glimpses of mature trees and tree belts between and over properties

• Provision of public open space which is overlooked by properties gives a spacious character

• Enclosed character in the south created by an increase in the height of buildings and a reduction in the amount of green space


• Loss of front gardens to parking particularly in the south of the area

• Poor surfacing of roads and pavements, particularly in the south of the area

• Some prominent views of pylons and over head cabling

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Views of trees over properties.

Views ofwoods.

#

Parade of shops.

#

Footpath.

#

Garage block is an visual intrusion.

LONDON

St James Close

St James the Great

Childrens Centre

Court

BEECH

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Lavender Walk

RUSKIN C

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BONDFIELD

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LISTER CLOSE

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0 150 30030 60 90 120Metres¯



Title Step Stile Estate

104

The short terraces of 2 storey houses are arranged parallel, or at right angles to, the main footpath which runs through the central section of the development. The meandering wide footpath is flanked by small grassed and landscaped areas which help to create an informal, spacious character. The houses are arranged facing each other fronting onto footpaths. Planting along these secondary pedestrian routes is limited. Front gardens are enclosed by a range of boundary treatments including railings low walls and picket fences.

The houses are of two repeat designs, a two storey terraced property and a three storey town house. They are constructed of yellow and brown brick with white casement windows. The 2 storey houses have flat roofed open porches. All properties have shallow pitched concrete tiled roofs with short chimneys along the ridge line. The repeat design and very limited personalisation of the properties creates a cohesive uniform character to the area.

E4 – WINTERFIELD – RADBURN LAYOUT

Comprising: Chapman Way (West), Dickens Drive, Temple Way, Bondfield Road, Ruskin Close, Lister Close, Cobbett Close, Howard Road, Owen Close, Tyler close, Addison Close, Blatchford Close, Morris Close, Hardie Close.

The Winterfield Estate is designed around a central footpath flanked by communal open space which runs north/south with footpaths leading off at right angles. two storey terraced properties line and face onto this central space with other short terraces of houses leading off from this. The central landscaped section of the development is not accessible to vehicles, and therefore exhibits a quiet tranquil character. An extensive network of footpaths crosses the site. Glimpses of the North Downs can be seen to the west from the footpaths.

This area represents a later phase of post war public sector housing based on the Radburn principles. Vehicular access is via a ring road around the periphery of the development, with short culs-de-sac leading off either side to communal car parking and garage blocks.

To the South of the area, along the boundary with Chapman Way there are rows of three storey town houses built as a later phase of post war public sector housing.

105

The townscape seen from the ring road is less appealing with views of the rear of properties, garage blocks, high fences and bins. The parking for the two storey houses is provided via forecourts and garage blocks around the periphery of the site which are accessed from the ring road. These have recently undergone a programme of rejuvenation which has enhanced the landscaping and surface treatments.

The town houses have private parking to the front, rather than front gardens, and integral garages but with limited landscaping to soften the stark buildings (see below right).

The properties to the south of Howard Road, and those along Bondfield Road, Cobbett Close, Ruskin Close and Lister Close all front onto the road rather than a communal car free area but make use of the same palate of materials. The two storey properties retain the repeat design featured in the rest of the site. The three storey town houses feature prominently here. These are constructed of predominantly brown brick, with brown hung tile detail to the front elevation and white casement windows which create a strongly uniform character. These represent a later phase of the development and these taller structures flank the access route to this site. The height of these buildings helps to screen the development from Chaucer Way and along with mature tree belts along the Western and Northern boundaries creates an enclosed private character to the area.

106


• Strong cohesive character created by the uniformity of building design, a limited palate of materials and low levels of individualisation

• Central footpath flanked by open space which creates an informal, spacious character

• Glimpses of the North Downs to the west

• Green edges to the north, south and west of the character area created by mature tree belts, which can on occasion be glimpsed between properties

• Traffic free pedestrian network

• Enclosed private character due to limited views into and out of the site


• Streetscape of the ring road marred by high walls and fences and garage blocks

• Traffic noise in the north from traffic travelling along the A20

ì

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IIII

Views of mature tree belt.

Glimpses of North Downs through trees.

St James Close

St James the GreatPrimary and Nursery School

Depot

Childrens Centre

Lavender Walk

RUSKIN C

LOSE

BONDFIELD

LISTER CLOSE

DIC

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LAVENDER

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HOWARD ROAD

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119

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Winterfield House

WALPOLE CLOSE

SHAFTESBURY CLOSE

BLATCHFORD CLOSE

ADDISON CLOSE

Clare House

CO

LUM

BIN

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HA

RD

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L OS

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0 100 20020 40 60 80Metres¯



Title Winterfield - Radburn Layout

108

The 2 storey semi detached and terraced properties of repeating designs are arranged around two crescents with a curving road through the centre of the area. The red and brown brick houses have uniform design features with pitched roofs, white casement windows, flat front elevations and flat roofed open porches. Some of the terraces have projecting two storey front facing gable end features facing the road. The properties have enclosed front gardens, some of which have been lost to provide off-street car parking but this does not significantly detract from the coherent character of the area. Boundary treatments include picket fences, low walls and hedges. A low boundary wall runs the length of the eastern boundary along New Road which gives the development a clear sense of identity.

Being located at the edge of the urban area, with views over the surrounding countryside give this development a spacious character as it is not enclosed by other development. The entrance to the site from New Road is flanked by a wide tract of open space and mature trees which extends along the eastern boundary .The green gateway, combined with mature specimen trees throughout the scheme, give it a spacious verdant character. Glimpses of tree belts can be seen between and over properties particularly in the South and West

E5 –CLARE PARK

Comprising: Edward Walk (South), Elm Crescent, Beech Road, Lime Crescent.

A public housing estate constructed in the early 1950’s comprising two storey red/brown brick semi-detached properties and short terraces of flats set along curved looping streets. The development sits lower down in the landscape than the neighbouring character area of the Step Stile Estate to the north creating an enclosed character. Access to the site is from New Road and this development marks the edge of the urban area. The Malling School is located to the West and is accessed from this character area.

109

The rooftops of the neighbouring Step Stile character area can be seen to the north.

The communal garage blocks, although untidy, are set back out of sight behind properties and therefore do not detract from the area.

Some houses face onto communal parking areas which detract from the streetscene due to the dominance of the private car. The scale and prominence of large pylons and over head cables also detract from the character of the area.

Listed Buildings

108 New Road

Single storey cottage, originally East Lodge to Clare House Park dated c.1800.

Grade II

110


• Strong cohesive character created by uniformity of building designs and materials and limited personalisation

• Verdant eastern edges with mature trees

• Listed former East Lodge

• Spaciousness verdant character created by properties being set back from the road, views to the surrounding countryside and glimpses of mature trees between and over properties


• Some traffic noise from traffic travelling along New Road

• Views of unsightly structures pylons and overhead cables

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Long views of open countryside and

glimpses of North Downs.

Views of Step Stile

estate.

#

Important verdant frontage.

Views of countryside.#

Ragstone wallruns along this

eastern boundary.

The Malling School

St James Close

School

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0 100 20020 40 60 80Metres¯



Title Clare Park

112

E6 – WOODLANDS ROAD AREA

Comprising: Woodlands Road, Linkway, Medina Road, Golding Close, Nursery Road, Pear Tree Avenue (North)

A large development of post war public housing built in the early 1950s and early 1960s. The profile of the land is relatively flat and the estate can be accessed from New Road near the junction with the A20. Along the northern edge, the properties are inward looking with rear gardens backing onto London Road.

A development of one and two storey semi-detached and terraced houses and bungalows. Uniform design features and details which help create a cohesive character include red/brown bricks steeply pitched gable-ended roofs topped with concrete tiles and prominent tall chimney stacks (which also create rhythm), white casement windows and white fascias and a uniform building line with the properties all fronting the road. Original features including flat fronted elevations, have, in many cases (see above, left) been eroded through the individualisation of the properties by the building of porch extensions.

Boundary treatments vary throughout the character area ranging from low-level brick walls (top, left) to high level brick walls with detailing (see right) low fences and hedges (see left) providing visual interest. There are several grassed amenity areas (see top, right) throughout the estate which are positive features in that they help soften the street scene by providing a green frontage to many properties. However, these amenity areas are more often than not featureless pieces of grassland lacking variety in terms of landscaping resulting in an environment that is not visually stimulating.

113

In addition to two storey semi-detached and terraced houses the second phase of the development includes a cluster of terraced bungalows set around small squares of amenity green spaces off Woodland Road in the south-east corner of the character area (above, left). The buff brick properties are of a smaller scale than the properties built in the early 1950s. However they do share some similar design features which contribute to the cohesive character of the whole area including steep-pitched gable ended roofs topped with concrete tiles and chimney stacks (which also create a sense of rhythm), white casement windows and white fascias, shallow frontages with low-level boundary treatments including brick walls, wooden fences and hedges. The properties follow a uniform building line, facing the road.

The garage courts that feature in the area (see above, left) are generally well maintained and a strong sense of uniformity is created by similar coloured doors. Their impact on the overall character of the area is minimal because they are mostly tucked away and out-of-sight from the public highway.

There are a few negative features in need of enhancement including a boarded up house facing the grassed amenity space on Medina Road (above, right) and concrete paved parking areas off Nursery Road (below, right) which are in quite poor repair and detract from the streetscene. The impact of the concrete paved parking areas - which are also used for the erection of clothes drying lines - on the character of the area as a whole is less significant because they are only viewable by walking or driving down narrow link roads.

114


• Glimpses of the North Downs and views of the bank of trees along the skyline to the east providing a verdant edge


• Traffic noise from the adjoining A20 in the northern part of the character area

• Boarded up property on Medina Road (temporary)

• Lack of visual interest – undistinguished buildings with few design details and featureless amenity spaces

Short and long views, as well as glimpses of the surrounding areas can be enjoyed from various locations in the character area. The adjoining Woodlands Road area to the east enjoys an elevated position in relation to the character area and the open plan housing is clearly visible from Woodlands Road (see above, left). The positive feature of this view is the dense bank of tall mature trees along the skyline which provides a verdant edging to this backdrop for the character area. Another positive feature is the glimpses of the North Downs between properties on Woodland Road. Elsewhere in the character area there are short glimpses of the nearby main road of the A20 which is accessible via a link path from Medina Road (above, middle)

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Boarded up housing.

Glimpses of North Kent Downs.

Glimpses ofNorth Downs.

Long views of bank of

trees.

LONDON ROAD

TA Centre

Para

de

Woodlands

Ditton Infant School

GOLDING CLOSE

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WOODLANDS ROAD

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37

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12

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25

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15

111

98

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488

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464

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12

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2

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1

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37

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1

53

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8

9

0 100 20020 40 60 80Metres¯



Title Woodlands Road Area

116

F – OPEN PLAN HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS

The Medway Gap expanded considerably between the late 1950s and 1970s with the construction of planned private estates of semi detached and terraced housing on green field sites along the A20/M20 corridor.

These housing developments comprise mainly two storey properties with attached garages, either to the side or to the rear of the properties, and are relatively evenly spaced along curving roads, culs-de-sac and loops. There are also some smaller developments of short, straight culs-de-sac. The distinctive feature of these areas is the open plan character with the houses generally set behind dwarf walls or unenclosed lawns and driveways. There are few public open spaces or community facilities.

The buildings are constructed in various brick shades and are frequently decorated with hung concrete tiles, pebbledash and weatherboard. Wide white casement windows with a distinctive horizontal emphasis are a general characteristic. Windows and doors frequently appear to be randomly distributed within elevations without aligning vertically or horizontally with each other. Significant openings make the buildings appear less robust. Properties characteristically have a shallow roof pitch with brown concrete roof tiles and no or small chimneys. Many properties have porches. The developments incorporate buildings of repeated design. The buildings show few local references in terms of materials or design and there are generally no local landmarks.

Landscaping features such as trees and shrubs are prominent in the streetscene. These character areas are quiet with a peaceful residential ambience. They have no through or fast moving traffic and ample off-street parking.

117


Age of buildings 1960s-1970s

Type of buildings Mainly semi-detached

Main uses Residential

Building heights 1-2 storeys

Prominent building materials Red/brown or buff coloured brick, concrete roof tiles, wide casement windows, hung tiles often coloured and shaped, white weatherboards or painted concrete render.

Predominant boundary treatments Deep, open grassed frontages or dwarf walls

Open spaces Unenclosed privately owned frontages create an open character. Limited public grassed spaces.


• Verdant open plan frontages with landscaped gardens, and tall trees

• Spaciousness created by properties being set back from the road and long panoramic views to the North Downs or woodland on elevated land or open spaces and other landmarks such as local churches

• Public open space – clustering of buildings around the edge of formal play areas

• Belts of mature trees along boundaries of the character areas is common and provides a verdant edge and a green backdrop

• Cohesive character created by uniformity of building scale, design features including roof pitch, build materials and open lawned frontages

• Private, quiet residential character with no through traffic due to cul-de-sac layouts

• Wide roads, pavements and uncluttered townscape create an open character


• Traffic noise from the M20 and/or main roads in the surrounding areas

• Noise from the railway line for those areas in Aylesford Parish

• On street parking and some communal garage blocks are unsightly and could be improved

118

• Loss of front gardens to provide car parking hardens the streetscene

• Some footpaths and road surfaces are in poor condition

• Unsympathetic personalisation of properties results in dilution of the character and cohesion of the area.

• There is an absence of landmarks or distinctive buildings

119

The house designs vary across the area reflecting the different phases of development. The properties in the south are predominantly semi-detached and are constructed of brown brick with shallow pitched roofs, with attached or integrated garages and open front gardens. However there are some feature properties (see below right) with mono pitched and flat roofs which add diversity to the development.

A larger number of properties in the central and northern areas are terraced and these are constructed of buff brick with similar pitched roofs (see below left). Despite the differences in property types there are unifying features too in the white casement windows, white UPVC weatherboarding detailing to the upper front façade on some properties and the retention of the open plan front gardens.

House designs across the character area vary, but predominantly they are buff brick houses with low pitched roofs covered in brown concrete tiles, with white casement windows. Personalisation and individualisation of properties has been kept to a minimum, with the addition of relatively few porches and dormer windows.

F1 – POETS ESTATE

Comprising: Kipling Drive, Woodhouse Close, Stevenson Way, Austen Way, Christie Drive, Jerome Road, Bronte Close, Orwell Close, Cronin Close, Blake Drive, Chesterton Road, Browning Close, Barrie Drive, Coleridge Close, Masefield Road, Wordsworth Way, Sassoon Close, Auden Road, Bates Close, Betjamen Close, Marlowe Road, Keats Road, Thakery Road.

A large residential development constructed in phases during the 1970’s and 1980’s on the site of Gighill Farm and surrounding open land situated between Leybourne Way and the M20. The site was identified for medium and high density housing in the North Larkfield Informal Action Area Plan (1973). There is a range of property types including bungalows, terraces, semi-detached and detached houses, with those located in the centre of the area occupying an elevated position allowing for long panoramic views of the North Downs. The properties are arranged around curving streets and culs-de-sac with Chaucer Way acting as a distributor road for the area.

120

There is an increased incidence of detached and semi detached houses and bungalows in the western part of the area. This part of the character area has less of an open plan character with more trees and hedged boundaries.

Although the properties in the western section of the area include features such as front facing gable end roof detailing, pitched roof porches and bay windows, as well as an increase in the use of red brick and dark brown wooden weatherboard detailing not seen in the other areas, it still retains the open plan character of the other parts of the character area. These variations simply reflect the changes in design over the period of the different phases of development.

The character of the estate is greatly enhanced by its elevated setting, allowing for views of Holy Trinity Church to the East and long panoramic views to the North and West of the North Downs creating a spacious feel.

From the lower lying area to the south, there are shorter views and glimpses between properties of the open space to the east which forms part of Larkfield Leisure Centre. This, combined with the on site play areas and green spaces, along with the open plan lawned front gardens, specimen planting and grassed walkway areas creates a spacious green character.

On street parking and garage blocks do not make a positive contribution to the street scene and, in parts of the development, there is some road noise form the M20, particularly in the south.

The pylon located at the junction of Gighill Road and Chaucer Way dominates one of the gateways to the area.

121


• Verdant open plan frontages with landscaped gardens, and tall trees

• Long panoramic views of the North Downs and Holy Trinity Church

• Distinctive feature properties with mono pitched and flat roofs

• Public open space – clustering of buildings around edge of formal play areas


• Traffic noise from M20, particularly in the South

• Some parking on street and on unsightly forecourts and garage courts

• Views of unsightly pylon at the entrance to the area

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Panoramic viewsover housing ofNorth Downs.

Long view of trees.

Views of HolyTrinity Church.

Views of NorthDowns over housing.

Panoramic views of

North Downs.

#

Maturehedging.

#

Pylons.

#

Play area is an elevated

high point.

Short view of Larkfield Leisure

Centre playing fields.

LEYBOURNE WAY

Little Lunsford Farm

CHAUCER

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CR

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LUNSFORD LANE

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M 20

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THAC

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STEVENSON WAY

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1

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92

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59

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62

69

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1

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CHAUCER WAY

15

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6

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1

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35

19

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2

8

11

28

4

53

1

12

29

0 150 30030 60 90 120Metres¯


F1 Medway Gap Character Area AppraisalRef

Title Poets Estate

123

The houses are of repeat designs, although there has been a high level of personalisation of properties over time, including conversion of attached garages into living rooms, side extensions, the addition of porches and the enclosure of some front gardens with dwarf walls (see below right).

The houses are set back behind generally open front gardens, although there has been a loss of the traditional lawned areas (see below left) in favour of hard standings to provide off-street car parking.

The personalisation of properties and loss of front gardens has increased the diversity of the street scene but in the process has diluted the cohesive character of area.

The two storey detached and semi detached houses are constructed of a buff or brown brick, with hung tile or UPVC weatherboard details to the upper front façade. Decorative hung and scalloped tile details are present in red, brown and green (see below).

The detached properties have gable ends fronting the road with parking to the front, whereas the semi-detached properties have pitched roofs and attached garages to the side and driveways.

All properties have white casement windows and brown concrete roof tiles.

F2 –BROOKFIELD AVENUE

Comprising: Brookfield Avenue, River Way (North), Marsh Way (North)

A level development of two storey detached and semi detached 1960s properties built along straight roads on land between Leybourne Way in the North and the Post War Public Sector housing development at Brooklands Road to the south. The boundary between this area and the Brooklands Road area bisects both Marsh Way and River Way into northern and southern sections. The northern sections of both fall within this character area.

Views out of the development are limited by the flat topography, although glimpses of the Leybourne Lakes Character Area and North Downs can be seen between properties in the North of the area and a belt of trees along the western boundary provide a green edge. Views in the Brooklands Road character Area can be seen to the South.

Road noise is also an issue in the north due to traffic along Leybourne Way.

124


• Views northwards of the North Downs

• Belt of trees along the eastern boundary provides a green backdrop to the area


• Traffic noise from traffic travelling along Leybourne Way

• Loss of front gardens to car parking

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Glimpses of North Downsand Leybourne lakes Development.

Views of BrooklandsRoad development.

Leisure Centre

PERCH CLOSE

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13

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BROOKLANDS

THE LAKES

NEW H

YTHE LANE

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LEYBOURNE WAY

MA

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H

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Posts

1

to

76

338

11

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77

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35

5

4454

32

172

to 1

88

346

90

39

60

37

88

22

38

71

84

14 to

30

355

95

332

2 to

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36

28

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20

101

99

12

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28

321

82

78

347

98

92

103

31

2

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26

387

83

190

102

196

331

105

16

375

25

97

356

4

113

378

380

15

33

81

49

324

365

395

389

56

322

72

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23

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337

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91

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89

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El Sub Sta

AVENUE

358

370

376

372

374

1

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1

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4

5

5

1

1

95

91

1

5

12

21

11 12

47

1

4

10

0 100 20020 40 60 80Metres¯



Title Brookfield Avenue Area

126

F3 –BIRDS ESTATE

Comprising: Partridge Avenue, Oriole Way, Swallow Road, Redwing Close, Plover Road (North), Merlin Avenue, Whimbrel Green, Eagle Close, Swift Close, Goldfinch Close, Heron Road, Woodpecker Road (South), Osprey Walk, Cygnet Close.

A large development of two storey semi detached and terraced houses built along curved roads and cul-de-sacs in several phases during the 1960’s. The central portion of the development is separately classified as Post War Public Housing, and this bisects the larger Open Plan development into northern and southern sections. The development lies between the M20 to the North and A20 to the South. Larkfield Infant, Larkfield Junior, Brookfield Junior schools and Plover Road allotments are located at the centre of this development, although they are not generally visible from the public realm. The south western section of the development occupies an elevated position and allows for long views of the North Downs and the church of St. Peter and St. Paul Leybourne.

The house designs vary across the development, reflecting the different phases of construction. Brick colours include brown, buff and yellow, with a range of detailing to the front façade including red, green and brown hung tiles, white UPVC and brown timber weather boarding, render and some pebble dash. All properties have shallow pitched roofs with brown concrete tiles and small chimneys. Windows are a mixture of white, brown and aluminium casements.

Properties are generally set behind landscaped front gardens, some with driveways. The majority of front gardens remain open plan (see above left), however some have been enclosed by low hedging and planting, or dwarf walls (see right). In some areas of the development this form of enclosure is more prevalent than others, however the majority of the area retains its open plan character.

127

Although the development includes a variety of materials and building types which add to the mixed character of the area, there has also been a high degree of personalisation, some of which has been unsympathetic. The high incidence of porch extensions, side extensions, garage conversions and the loss of front gardens to car parking (see above left) have resulted in a significant dilution of the original design so there is no longer a unifying character to the area.

Road noise from the M20 and A20 is significant in the far north and south of the development, which detracts from an otherwise quiet area.

The southern section of the development enjoys an elevated position which provides for long views of the North Downs, the church of St. Peter and St. Paul at Leybourne and over neighbouring character areas of Lunsford Lane and the Step Stile Estate .. This creates a spacious open character.

Shorter views of tree belts lining the M20 and A20 create green boundaries to the site.

The properties are arranged around long curving streets and short culs-de-sac. The curved street alignment and the staggered building line result in exposed gable ends of properties being prominent in the street scene.

Some houses benefit from garages, generally provided in blocks to the rear of the property. Although untidy, these are not generally intrusive into the street scene and therefore do not detract from it. However in some instances garage courts are highly visible and in some cases break the building line (see below).

128


• Generally open landscaped front gardens with glimpses of mature tree belts between properties along the northern ad southern boundaries

• Long views of North Downs and the church of St. Peter and St. Paul Leybourne

• Spaciousness created by properties being set back from the road and long views, particularly in the elevated southern section


• Some traffic noise from the M20 and A20 in the northern and southern sections of the site

• Loss of front gardens to car parking

• Some unsympathetic personalisation of properties resulting in dilution of the character

• Some unsightly communal garage blocks could be improved

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Views over houses of North Kent Downs.

Short view of trees.

Views of trees in between houses.

Views of North Downs in distance.

Views of Leybourne, North Kent Downs and St. Peters and St. Pauls Church.

Views of trees.

#

Garage courtis a detractor.

M 20

0 250 50050 100 150 200Metres¯



Title Birds Estate

130

Closely arranged buff and brown brick houses with low pitched roofs, some with hanging tile and pebbledash detailing. The houses are two storey with prominent gables, some with the upper storey in the roof with wide dormers. Although the majority of properties have off-street parking facilities, there is a considerable amount of on-street parking which detracts from the street scene. Garages are provided to the rear of properties on the interior loop of Primrose Drive and are access by a service road. Although the condition of these garages vary, they are not visible from the public realm and therefore do not significantly detract from the character of the area.

The northern section of the area enjoys an elevated position, dipping away to the south west towards public open space and a local nature reserve which lay just outside the areas western and southern boundaries. Mature trees along the boundary of the open space can be seen over and between properties, providing a green edge. Clearly visible mature trees along the north east boundary also provide a green backdrop.

There are panoramic views across the Medway Valley to the North Downs due to the undulating nature of the area. This allows both uninterrupted direct views as well as broken views between properties.

F4 – WOODLANDS ROAD AREA

Comprising: Woodlands Road, Primrose Drive, Acorn Grove, Cedar Close, Gorse Crescent

An area of closely arranged 1960s and 1970s residential developments built along long curving roads and culs-de-sac, with properties set back behind open front gardens. The houses are predominantly two storey semi-detached properties, interspersed with some detached development. The land undulates significantly providing long views over the North Downs and the Medway Valley.

131


• Belt of mature trees to the rear of properties on Woodlands Road provide a visible verdant edge to the western boundary of the area

• Sloping topography allows for long views and glimpses between properties of the North Downs and the Medway Valley from sections of Primrose Drive and Woodlands Road


• No significant detractors but on street parking and loss of some front gardens for additional parking clutter the street scene

A shopping parade with flats above flanks the western entrance to the character area. The parade has a range of convenience shops and forms a node of activity in the area. Its pitched roofs and white casement windows on the upper floor, as well as the materials reflect the surrounding development. However, the single vacant retail unit has broken glazing and graffiti which currently detract from the area.

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Panoramic views of North Kent Downs.

Long views of North Kent Downs.

Views of trees.

Long views of North Downs and

Aylesford Newsprint.

#

Tall trees.

Para

de

Woodlands

BIR

CH

CE

DA

R C

L OS

E

WOODLANDS ROAD

PRIM

RO

SE

DR

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ACORN GROVE

Trac

k

7

20

3

15

79

21

40

54

13

119

43

8211

7

73

68

80

247

118

6

38

24

52

191

154

131

255

46

84

60

34

9

141

143

167

179

75

32

96

1 21

58

201

170

72

41

30

127

107

51

27

111

98

22

23

160

130

97

16

423

425

142

44

37

99

93

62

423a

251

33

415

95

11

74

45

87

39

155

213

101

14

86

61

63

12

116

53

71

78

55

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90

2 1

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31

2

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7

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7

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1

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7

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1

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37

62

3

45

2

9

58

39

22

37

12

21

12

1

0 100 20020 40 60 80Metres¯



Title Woodlands Road Area

133

The development consists of semi-detached properties set along curving streets which has resulted in a staggered building line. Within the lower areas, these curved routes limit views through the area and add to a feeling of privacy and enclosure.

The properties are of several repeat designs, some with forward projecting gable ends, but with repeating features including garages set back to the side, pedimented entrances and bay windows on the ground floor.

The houses are set back behind generous open plan lawned front gardens which provide off-street car parking, therefore limiting on-street parking and street clutter.

The predominantly two-storey properties are constructed in a variety of brick shades, including red, yellow and brown with grey/brown concrete tile pitched roofs. Some have additional hung peg tiles or white UPVC weatherboarding to the upper storey. In some instances, additional scalloped tile decoration has also been incorporated.

The curved street pattern and staggered building line result in the gable ends of properties being highly visible in parts of the area. Openings on these elevations are more limited than the front facades and therefore large expanses of bare brick are visible and create a rhythm to parts of the development. Landscaping has been used to soften the architecture.

F5 –TREES ESTATE

Comprising: Laburnum Drive, Hornbeam Close, The Ferns, Larch Close, Pine Close, Maple Close, Briar Close, Oak Drive, Spruce Close and Blackthorn Drive

The Trees Estate was built during the 1960’s on the site of Larkfield Hall and surrounding orchards. It is a development of semi-detached properties set back behind front gardens and generally arranged around long curving culs-de-sac. The only route through the area is along Oak Drive which connects Bell Lane with New Hythe Lane (via Maple Close and Laburnum Drive) The area undulates considerably with the elevated sections offering extensive views of the North Downs, and the lower sections exhibiting a sense of privacy and enclosure.

134

The eastern part of the character area is relatively flat, but the western half experiences significant elevation changes. These variations in topography provide for panoramic views of the North Downs with shorter views of surrounding tree belts to the North and East. The tree belts along the M20 and eastern boundary, as well as the wooded area to the north of Spruce Road both screen the M20 from the development and provide a green backdrop and clearly defined verdant edge to the character area.

A number of properties have experienced modern additions, principally the conversion of the loft space resulting in the inclusion of prominent wide dormer windows. Other modifications include porches and some side extensions where plots size allows for it. Although a significant number of properties have been modified, the openness and gaps between the properties have been retained.


• Mature trees along the north and eastern boundaries to the area provide a verdant edge to the character area and backdrop to development

• Panoramic and interrupted views of the North Downs

• Undulating topography and curving streets produce a mixture of enclosed private areas in the dips, and more spacious open areas on the crests


• Background traffic noise from near by M20

?

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Glimpses of North downs.

Views ofKia garage.

Views of North Downs and Aylesford

Newsprint.

Long views ofNorth Downs and

Aylesford Newsprint.

Short views of trees.

45

M 20

43a

23b

43d

Business Park

Church

Access 4:20 New Hythe Business Park

Parish Council Office

Access 4:20

Vicarage

SPRUCE CLOSE

FER

NS

FER

NL E

IGH

BRAD

BOU

RN

E

LARCH CLOSE

Track

THE FERNS

PINE CLOSE

BE

L L L AN

E

LARKFIELD CLOSE

LAR

KFIE

LD

BLACKTHORN DRIVE

BR

IAR

CLO

SE

CYG

NE

T C

LOS

E

LABURNUM DRIVE

NE

W H

YTH

E L

AN

E

MA

PLE

CLO

SE

DOWNDERRY WAY

OAK DRIVE

16c

Surgery

777 - 779

2

1

Posts

24

53

61

4

15

Garage

773

3746

789 785

30

48

17

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62

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749

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169 to 179

20

629

38

124

43

657

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751

56

to

55

726

727

72

191

146

11

8

616

11 0

26

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9

60

632

23

29

84

58

54

22

36

757

643

13

31

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3368

200

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2 7

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94

723

135

25

204a

16b

100

32

28

130

7 6

63

156

1 20

7950

14

16a

69

88

59

35

50a

661

42

204

737

701

695

39

127

5

16

720

52

51

659

18

7

21

99

10

66

6

12

46

LONDON ROAD

1

11

4

28

38

5 0

12

27

14

6

12

14

NE

W H

YTH

E L

AN

E

44

3 2

24

5

29

48

17

16

6 5

24

5

36

10

34

23

17

2112

39

17

14

42

40

16

5

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11

26

1

77

24

12

38

13

26

1

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1

4

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8

39

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12

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48

37

1

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6

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16

52

11

1

16

7

29

9

37

52

1

16

4

51

4 8

2

27

44

M 20

23

1

15

43

18

15

1

11

31

49

14

6

25

3

12

27

36

21

29

8

22

1

60

39

58

1

1

23

17

55

5131

42

73

34

12

10

2

2212

1

59

7

2

28

2

38

24

10

1848

7

7

17

11

76

24

26

23

39

11

2

51

11

36

22

16

3

17

34

38

26

24

5

21

0 150 30030 60 90 120Metres¯



Title Trees Estate

136

The development is situated along a single curving cul-de-sac. The properties are of varying styles with a combination of hipped and pitched roofs, some with attached garages and some in blocks nearby. The materials also vary through the development with a mixture of brown and buff bricks being used, along with some red and green hung tile detail and pebble dash to the upper floors on some properties.

The properties are all set back from the road behind open front gardens and driveways, thereby limiting the need for on street parking.

The area has verdant character with glimpses between properties of mature specimen trees in Cobdown Park, an Area of Landscape Significance to the east. A green backdrop can also be seen behind and between properties in the north of the area and along the stream corridor in the east. These green corridors along with retention of front lawns and mature planting within the development add to its verdant character.

F6– COBDOWN CLOSE

Comprising: Cobdown Close

Cobdown Close was built on former orchard land in the 1970s and it situated between the A20 to the south and the M20 to the north. It is a development of predominantly two storey semi detached residential properties, although there are a few bungalows at the either end of the development. There is also a small garage court in the north west corner. The site abuts Cobdown Park to the east and a stream runs along this boundary.

137

Although the properties are well maintained, the road surface is in a poor state of repair and this detracts from the character of the area.

The close proximity of both the M20 and A20 result in a high level of background road noise, particularly in the north of the area.

Although most properties have attached garages, there are two blocks of garages. The garage court in the north west corner of the site is not easily visible from the development itself and is therefore not a significant detractor as it does not front onto the road. However the smaller block in the south east fronts onto the road and breaks the building line allowing views to the rear of properties in Orchard Grove.


• Verdant frontages and edges provided by landscaped gardens and tall trees with glimpses of specimen planting in neighbouring Cobdown Park


• Traffic noise from traffic in the area and from the M20 and A20

• Unsightly garage court

• Poor surfacing of roads

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Glimpses of housing.

Views of tops of trees over housing.

Views of trees andsteep embankment.

Views of tall trees over housing.

Views of trees.

Views of oast houses.

View of housingin Orchard Grove.

#

Tall trees form an backdrop.

#

Garages area detractor.

M 20

Cobdown House

Cobdown Park

CLOSEC

OBD

OW

N C

LOS

E

BE

LL LAN

E LOWER BELL LANE

PLACE

OR

CH

AR

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TON

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CE

Sub

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16c

7

3

5

53

61

29

40

10

42

15

4112

62

5 88

31

65

3 660

629

124

562

578

657

16d72

8

616

110

632

1

84

643

584

32a

38

17

568

27

563

2214

556

94

48

16b

602

10 0

76

63

120

16a

16

549

44

88

45

661

545

2311

51

50

659

73

26

52

66

39

4

2

77

9

Ppg Sta

Pavilion

Westlea Barn

Greenside Oast

Newbarn House

Manor Oast

Tall Trees

Barn

2

16

9

1

1

1

4

12

1

4

2

1

26

3

1

17

1 4

51

8

2

1

12

16

1

17

336

4

2

0 100 20020 40 60 80Metres¯



Title Cobdown Close

139

This small section of New Road contains two terraces of Open Plan housing built circa late 1960s/ early 1970s. They are divided by an access road to a garage block behind the houses. The houses and the garage block at the rear are surrounded by Ditton Conservation Area and have views to the west of St. Peter's Church and the Green.The architectural style and materials of the properties contrasts with its surroundings, creating a definite break in what is otherwise a historic character.

The properties are two storey with shallow grey concrete tiled pitched roofs and have predominantly unenclosed front gardens that provide parking although some gardens are enclosed by a variety of boundary treatments including fencing, high hedges and shrubs. Despite the dilution of the unenclosed gardens that are typically characteristic of open plan developments, these properties retain an open plan character because they retain their original design features such as the large windows, whiteboard cladding and shallow pitched roofs.

Some individualisation of properties is evident from the variety in replacement windows and doors and front boundary treatments but overall the individual variations are subtle and the character of the area is unified by the greenery of the front gardens and the retention of the original materials, scale and dimensions of the properties, the similarities between the two separate blocks and the unaltered building line.

F7 – NEW ROAD

Comprising: New Road

New Road heads upwards from the A20 London Road into Ditton village and contains a number of properties predominantly dating from the 19th century. The small section of New Road that is this character area contains two blocks of four terraced houses separated by a narrow entrance to a rear garage court. The properties in this character area look over to St. Peter's Church and Ditton Conservation Area.

140

The properties enjoy views over the Green to St. Peter's Church and the mature trees and older properties that surround them in Ditton Conservation Area. To the east of the character area, there are views of woodland set on higher ground that can be glimpsed in the break between the two terraces and across the roofline from the adjoining conservation area.


• Shrubs, hedges and tall trees in the front gardens soften the character of the area and mirror the verdant , green character found in the adjoining Conservation Area

• Views of St. Peter's Church and the Green across the public highway provide an attractive outlook for the green character of the area

• Views to the east of woodland set on higher ground which form an edge to the character area


• Some traffic noise from traffic travelling through the area

ì

ìLong views of ridge, trees and housing.

Views of Church.

68

55

59

94

Ditton

C of E Junior School

St Peter's Church

St Peter's Court

SCOTT CLOSE

THE STREAM

7

91

63

3

6

39

9

2

1512

1 to 20

40

32

31

14

33

57

22

96

24

101

103

1

79

10

46

4

45

43

13

95

16

41

37

81

47

49

87

11

1

45

55

47

1

2

2

1

2

43

13

0 50 10010 20 30 40Metres¯



Title New Road

142

The properties are constructed of buff or red brick with white casement windows and pitched gable-ended roofs topped with brown concrete tiles (see left and below). Original features include integral garages with flat felt roofs (see left and bottom left) which project forward breaking up the flat frontages

Cohesive character created by uniformity of building scale, design features including shallow pitched roofs, build materials and open lawned frontages with no boundary treatments.

The row of properties in between the two culs-de-sac (see right and map) enclose a narrow grassed amenity area which softens the street scene and creates a private character These properties also have decorative features including white door surrounds moulded into the shape of columns topped with a pitched portico, which also feature on some of the housing elsewhere in the character area (see below, left). Brown hung tiles also feature on the upper storey of the façade (see right). These details provide visual interest.

Several properties have been individualised with the conversion of the original integral garages to internal living space (see above left). This, however, has not significantly diluted the cohesive character because the build materials and designs of the conversion work are sympathetic to the original property and the building line has remained unaltered. A positive feature is the short panoramic views of Ditton Recreation Ground to the south of the area which provides a verdant edge (above, right). A significant number of the front gardens have been paved over to create additional parking bays. This has had the effect of hardening the streetscape which is a detracting feature.

F8 – PEAR TREE AVENUE

Comprising: Pear Tree Avenue

A development of two storey semi-detached and terraced properties constructed during the mid 1970s. Pear Tree Avenue, comprising a series of straight culs de sac, is accessed off Woodlands Road. The Avenue is bordered to the south by Ditton Recreation Ground.

143


• Cohesive character created by uniformity of building scale, design features including shallow pitched roofs, build materials and open lawned frontages with no boundary treatments

• Short panoramic views of Ditton Recreation Ground to the south

• Long views of the North Downs from the western cul-de-sac

• Enclosed, private character created by culs-de-sac


• Paved front gardens hardening the streetscene

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Short panoramic views of recreation ground.

Short panoramic views ofrecreation ground.

Long views of North Downs.

CE

DA

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E

PE

AR

TR

EE

AV

EN

UE

WOODLANDS ROAD

7

9

20

6

65

2

33

53

37

44

24

73

38

60

75

18

111

45

22

16

6 2

46

17

19

13 58

52

31

74

66

39

28

1

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47

30

61

71

78

55

8

PEAR TREE AVENUE

53

37

31

WO

OD

LAN

DS

RO

AD

7

1

63

0 50 10010 20 30 40Metres¯



Title Pear Tree Avenue

145

The properties are constructed of buff or yellow brick with white casement windows and pitched gable-ended roofs topped with brown concrete tiles and chimney stacks (see left and below). Original features include integral or side garages with flat felt roofs which project forward breaking up the otherwise flat frontage (see left and middle right). Cohesive character created by the uniformity of building scale, roof pitch and short chimney stacks (which create a sense of rhythm), fenestration and building line. The properties on Wilton Drive differ slightly from those on St Peter’s Road, with coloured hung tiles on the upper storey and white rendered surfaces on the ground floor façade (see below, right).

There is no through traffic on Wilton Drive resulting in a relatively quiet enclosed private residential character. Several properties on Wilton Drive have been individualised with porches and large two storey side extensions. In some places the resultant development has had a terracing effect on the streetscene (see right) which has diluted significantly the original character of the area and increased the building mass. A positive feature are glimpses between some of the properties on Wilton Drive of the open countryside to the rear.

One minor exception to the open plan character of the area is St Peter’s Court (above, left) which is a building of greater mass built of darker brick. This was built slightly later than the rest of the development. The positive feature of this part of the character area is the short view of St Peter’s Church in the Ditton Conservation Area to the rear from the car park area. The Church and the surrounding mature specimen trees within its grounds provide visual interest and a contrast to the prevailing architecture in the area.

F9 – ST PETER’S ROAD AREA

Comprising: St Peter’s Road, Wilton Drive and St Peter’s Court

A development of two storey semi-detached properties constructed during the 1960s. St Peter’s Road is accessed off New Road (to the east) and Bradbourne Lane (to the north). The area is bordered by Ditton Conservation Area to the north, with short views of St Peter’s Church, and by open countryside to the south (rear of the properties on Wilton Drive).

146


• Cohesive character created by building scale, roof pitch, chimney stacks and building line

• Private enclosed character (Wilton Drive) created by cul-de-sac

• Glimpses of the open countryside between properties on Wilton Drive

• Short view of St Peter’s Church from St Peter’s Court car park


• Proliferation of large two storey side extensions (Wilton Drive) has significantly diluted the original cohesive character of the open plan development

ìì

Glimpse ofcountryside.

Short views of St. Peters Church.

75

68

90

81

55

67

94

Park

Houses

Farm

43a

102

110

BRAMPTON FIELD

Ditton

Walnut Row

St Peter's Church

St Peter's Court

CHERRY

CO

UR

T C

LOSE

BRAD

BOURNE

LANE

ST PETERS CLOSE

ST P

ETE

RS

RO

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WIL

TON

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IVE

THE STREAM

Track

4

41

48

91

63

8

3

7

86

6

39

7682

9

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30

38

1 to 20

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31

32

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2

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96

46

36

24

42

50

101

103

34

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79

29

23

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52

44

19

70

10

51

28

45

43

54

38a

65

17

12

9 5

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69

22

59

47

49

58

87

1

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Park Farm Cottage

Park Farm

GP

10

40

10

23

4

33

55

22

24

11

10

19

55

45

22

1

10

28

12

Trac

k

34

33

54

37

40

55

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141

6

BRA

MPT

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1

1

12

42

5

28

12

1

38

13

30

59

2

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1

47

37

2

81

13

THE STREAM

45

7

ST PETERS ROAD

7

25

43

13

42

22

7

9

2

40

11

25

17

31

37

23

2

13

45

41

43

49

0 100 20020 40 60 80Metres¯



Title St. Peter's Road Area

148

A variety of materials have been used including brown, buff and yellow brick. There are two main styles of property here. These brown brick two storey detached and semi detached properties have front facing gables roofs with white soffits and protruding flat roofed garages. The staggered building line and the repeated design features such as the roof line, the fenestrations and the open, verdant frontages provide a rhythm along this part of Cherry Orchard and a sense of uniformity which is assisted by the lack of individualisation.

Pitched roofs are the norm in this character area except for the row of front facing gable roofs shown above. However, like those properties with front facing gable roofs, the pitched roof properties have open grassed frontages except where individualisation has taken place to provide off road parking, hardening the character. These properties also have decorative features including mock-Georgian white column door surrounds. Brown hung tiles also feature on the upper storey of the façade.

Several properties have been individualised with the conversion of the original integral garages to internal living space (see above left). This, however, has not significantly diluted the strong cohesive character because the proportions have largely been retained. The southern part of the character area is bound by open countryside but there are no views through the line of properties except for a short glimpse at the south western corner. The tall trees forming the western edge of the character area provide a tree lined backdrop and soften the otherwise hard character of the area which has some verdant frontages, but most are used for off street parking and tend to create a hard landscaped character along with the walls of garage blocks. The northern part of the character area enjoys views over Ditton school playing fields over to the chimney stacks of Aylesford Newsprint and the North Downs in the distance. Overall, the lack of front boundaries coupled with the wide roads creates an open spacious character.

F10 – SCOTT CLOSE AND CHERRY ORCHARD

Comprising: Scott Close and Cherry Orchard

Scott Close is located off Kiln Barn Road to the north and is surrounded by school playing fields and community centre land to the north and east. Cherry Orchard is constructed off Kiln Barn Road to the south and is set on the edge of the urban area, with open countryside around its boundary. Constructed during the mid 1970s, these two roads are set on level ground along a cul-de-sac road layout.

149

The south eastern corner of Cherry Orchard is a sub area of compact cul-de-sac development built at a later date, late 1980s/early 1990s. The properties are set around a cul-de-sac and are two storeys with grey concrete tiled half hipped roofs, and white casement windows. The properties are buff brick built with white weatherboard cladding or red/brown hanging tiles on the upper floors. These properties are set back in unenclosed front gardens that include paved driveways and off road parking. The properties here have narrower frontages and repeated design features such as the open pitched roof porches and small entrance hall.


• Strong cohesive character created by uniformity of building height, scale, design and materials

• Set back properties and open frontages create a feeling of spaciousness

• Views over Ditton schools playing fields to the North Downs and the chimney stacks of Aylesford Newsprint

• Private character created by cul-de-sac layout


• No significant detractors

ì

ì

ìGlimpse of countryside.

Views of recreation area

and North Downs.

Long view of Aylesford Newsprint Chimneys.

75

68

90

81

55

67

94

102

110

BRAMPTON FIELD

Ditton

St Peter's Church

Ditton Infant SchoolSt Peter's Court

CHERRY

CO

UR

T C

LOSE

SCOTT CLOSE

RA

GS

TON

E C

OU

RT

KILN BARN ROAD

WOODLANDS ROAD

PE

AR

TR

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AV

EN

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THE STREAM

Trac

k

91

63

8

3

79

6

39

44

82

9

2

70

14

1 to 20

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7

32

33

11

1 8

1 7

57

22

76

13

96

15

51

24

101

103

2512

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23

34

19

10

46

28

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43

45

54

12

95

69

41

16

52

37

64

59

47

49

58

87

5

1

Community Centre

46

13

THE STREAM

24

10

17

10

59

15

81

17

2

491

10

46

22

8

55

SCOTT CLOSE

16

12

22

81

51

43

1

23

44

19

9

1

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63

1

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BRA

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2

49

24

13

1

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79

11

75

3

12

7

31

24

12

13

51

47

69

32

76

25

24

69

2

14

19

18

1 3

45

1 2

1

0 100 20020 40 60 80Metres¯



Title Scott Close and Cherry Orchard

151

The two storey semi-detached houses are arranged on an even building line behind front gardens and driveways which are partially enclosed by hedges, dwarf walls or wood panel fences. The roads are straight and wide with pavements creating an open character. The topography rises gently towards the west. The uniform materials and building height and relatively even building line create a consistent character typical of the period, but the area lacks landmarks and distinctive buildings.

The houses are constructed of red/brown or yellow brick with brown concrete roof tiles on quite steeply pitched gabled roofs with small chimneys on the ridge. The properties are of several repeated designs, and design details include hung brown concrete tiles on upper storeys, white painted ground floors, canted bay windows and flat porch canopies. Many properties have been modified with front extensions and dormer windows (see right) some of which are over-dominant.

A former quarry has been converted to recreation open space incorporating play equipment and a sports pitch. Situated on low ground and tucked behind the houses, it has limited visual impact on the area as a whole. There are long views westwards over open countryside to the North Downs across the open space and from elevated points at the western end of the development. Tall trees in an adjoining garden are an important feature visible from many parts of the development. There is a further small area of trees and grass by the shopping parade. Garden trees, hedges and shrubs soften the architecture providing relief from the brick.

F11 – THE AVENUE AREA

Comprising: Ash Close, Elm Walk, Firs Close, Orchard Avenue, Rowan Close, Sycamore Drive, The Avenue, The Beeches, The Bounds, The Coppice, The Hawthorns, The Lindens, The Oaks and Yew Tree Close.

The Avenue area was laid out in the early 1960s on former agricultural land between the A20 London Road and the proposed route for the M20. The southern section was completed first. It comprises straight roads and culs de sac laid out in a grid pattern.

152

At the northern edge of the development, short cul-de sacs lead off the Avenue at regular intervals. The motorway beyond is screened by high panel fencing and trees.

A short 2 storey shopping parade with a small parking area is in good condition. A section of pitched roof disguises the flat roof behind, so that the parade blends with the surrounding residential development.

On Hall Road there is a depot, now used as a charity warehouse, and some infill development dating from the late 1970s/early 1980s. The houses have a relatively square appearance with low pitched roofs, wide fenestration and forward projecting garages, the design contrasting with other houses in the area.


• The area has a cohesive character typical of the period with consistent use of materials, repeated designs, a common building height and relatively even building line unifying the identity of the development

• The area has a quiet residential character with the layout ensuring low traffic speeds and little through traffic

• The area is enhanced by mature landscaping including garden hedges, trees and shrubs, tall trees by the shopping parade and an area of green open space

• The London Road and M20 are screened by tree planting. Properties along Hall Road are set back on a service road behind a row of trees

• There are long views westwards of the North Downs from more elevated parts of the area

• The wide roads, pavements and uncluttered townscape create an open character

153


• There is traffic noise from surrounding roads, particularly the M20

• Some surfacing is in poor condition

• Some dormer extensions are over prominent

• There is an absence of landmarks or distinctive buildings

ì

ì

ì

ì

#

Shopping Parade.

#

More recentinfill development

and charity warehouse.

#

Prominent trees.

#

Former quarry,now a recreation

open space.

#

Verge and treespartially screen

Hall Road.

Views ofNorth

Downs.

Views ofNorth

Downs.

View of North Downs.

LONDON ROAD

M 20

The Duchess

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Clive House

Premier Parade

Charles Busby Court

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The Doctors House

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Title The Avenue Area

155

Holtwood Avenue (see left) comprises two storey houses and bungalows constructed on an even building line with prominent gable ends facing the road, creating rhythm in the streetscape. The houses are constructed of buff brick with brown concrete tiled quite steeply pitched roofs with hung tiles, brown weatherboard and wide white framed windows. Some properties have porch canopies supported on white wooden brackets. The gardens are open plan or partially enclosed by hedges and fences. Mature trees form a green backdrop to the houses enclosing the views.

Brassey Drive comprises larger two storey detached properties set in wide, deep plots. The Neo-Classical houses have symmetrical front elevations, tall, hipped clay tiled roofs and prominent white painted pediments and porches, some supported on pillars. The frontages are open plan, the houses set back behind landscaped lawns and driveways. The street has a spacious character enhanced by the backdrop of mature trees to the north. The symmetrical frontages of the houses and uniform design contribute to the distinctive character of the street (see right).

Gorse Crescent rises gently towards the south and west. The two storey houses and bungalows are constructed of red or buff brick with flatter pitched roofs, the low scale of the buildings contrasting with Brassey Drive (see above left and right).

F12 – HOLTWOOD AREA

Comprising: Birch Crescent, Brasset Drive, Finch Close, Gorse Crescent, Holtwood Avenue and Woodlands Road.

Constructed in the 1960s on a hilly wooded site, this development has retained a verdant character with belts of trees framing the houses. The detached and semi-detached houses are laid out along curving loops and culs de sac. Each street has a distinctive character as a result of variations in housing design and topography.

156

Finch Close is a curved cul de sac which drops sharply towards the east with the houses to the south set down below and those to the north set above the road. The houses are individually designed incorporating a range of syles (see left).

Woodlands Road is elevated and gently curving. The houses on the south side are set back from the road and garden trees enhance the character. The housing designs vary but there is a more unified character around the junction with Brassey Drive. There are long views to the west towards Sevenoaks (see right).

The entrance to Birch Crescent is particularly verdant and a large specimen tree is a feature (see above left). One older house in red herring bone brick with a tall hipped clay tile roof and decorative chimneys provides an interesting contrast with the more recent buildings. The out house is an attractive feature in the townscape (see above right).

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• The belts of mature trees form a backdrop to the houses and constrain long views contributing to the leafy, private, residential character of the area. There are also some individual trees which are prominent in the streetscene. Tree belts to the east screen the neighbouring light industrial uses

• Each street has a distinctive character due to the changing topography and differences in house design and plot size

• Brassey Drive has a particularly spacious and distinctive character due to the uniform design, use of traditional materials, size and spacing of the houses and the deep unenclosed front gardens. The symmetry of the houses is a characteristic feature

• The undulating topography, curved road layout and mature trees create changing views and vistas

• Some sections of Holtwood Avenue have rhythm due to repeated house design, forward facing gables and regular spacing of the housing

• The older house in Birch Crescent retains original features including herringbone brick work, exposed timber, clay tile roof and decorative chimneys, adding character to the street


• There is some traffic noise from the A20

• Some footways and road surfaces are in poor condition

ì

View towards East Malling.

#

Older house.

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Prominent tree.

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Area of tree preservation order.

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Title Holtwood Area

159

The entrance from Station Road is unprepossessing with panel fences and concrete garages flanking the road. However, the steeply pitched clay tile roofs, chimneys and dormer windows of the early 20th century houses to the north east add historical interest.

The semi-detached, terraced and detached two storey houses and bungalows are constructed of buff, red/brown or yellow brick (see below and right). Roof pitches vary and include both gabled and hipped, some with small chimneys. A number of properties have forward facing gables. Designs vary but many properties have a brick motif on rendered upper storeys (see below left) adding some distinctiveness. Other features include front projections on the ground floor and integral garages.

The depth of the front gardens varies. Some are open plan whilst others are enclosed by walls, picket fences or hedges. Overall, the development lacks a cohesive character and there are few unifying features.

The pavements and some driveways are poorly surfaced but the swan neck lamps are an attractive feature. Poorly landscaped communal parking areas and garages detract from the character of the scheme.

F13 – ROBSON DRIVE AREA

Comprising: Robson Drive, Teapot Lane (north) and Trewin Close.

A development of semi detached, detached and terraced houses on flat land directly south of the M20.

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The traffic bollards and footbridge at the eastern end of the area are in poor repair harming the character of the area.

At the northern end of Teapot Lane, two more recent houses close the view from Robson Drive.


• The area has a residential character with little through traffic

• Short views of the Victorian roofs to the north east


• There is noise from the M20 and the railway line

• The street furniture and surfacing is poorly coordinated and maintained

• The townscape lacks a cohesive character and has few unifying features

ì

Vista ofroofscapes.

Aylesford School - Sports College

M 20

Works

Millhall

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Primary School

(Secondary)

Aylesford Station

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Title Robson Drive Area

162

The red, buff and yellow brick houses are constructed in a 1930s style with hipped tiled roofs, projecting front elevations and sun trap windows. Some are tile hung or pebble dashed and have curved or recessed porches. The houses are set back behind open plan lawns and driveways. At the eastern end there are two short terraces constructed in buff brick with hung tiles.

Tall trees screening the M20 form a green back drop to the development.

The cul de sac is gently curved with no long views. A grassed area with mature trees screens the buildings from Station Road but the character of the area is affected by traffic noise both from Station Road and the M20. The surfacing is in poor condition.

F14 – SEDLEY CLOSE

Comprising: Sedley Close

This small cul de sac development of semi detached and terraced houses was constructed in the late 1960s/early 1970s. It is situated off Station Road immediately north of the M20.


• The Close has a distinctive character created by the uniform height and scale of the buildings and repeated designs and features

• The grass verge and mature trees separating the cul de sac from Station Road enhance the outlook of the houses and creates a verdant character

• There is no through traffic and the Close has a residential character


• There is traffic noise from Station Road and the M20

• The road surface is in poor condition

M 20

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Title Sedley Close

164

The detached properties are set back behind deep landscaped front gardens with a mixture of stone walls, fences, railings and high hedges along the boundaries. The properties are situated on generally substantial plots. The specimen trees visible over and between properties, mature hedging and views into the grounds of the houses from the road give the area a spacious green character.

Its elevated position gives long views to the south over the built up area of Ditton and to Oaken Wood in the distance.

Each property is individually designed and the range of materials and roof types vary throughout giving a mixed character to the area. However the recurring use of red brick and white rendering, along with brown tiles on the roofs and white casement windows help to unify the character.

G – LOWER DENSITY DETACHED HOUSING

This category incorporates detached houses from the 1930s onwards, set back from a private road within substantial plots. They follow an irregular building line, behind front gardens enclosed by mature hedges or walls. Often deep rear gardens contain mature trees and vegetation.

The houses incorporate a mixture of materials and individual designs. The buildings are typically constructed in orange/red brick or white render. The use of hipped and half hipped roofs produces complex roof patterns.

Downderry Way is located close to the A20, but is accessed by a private no through road and therefore traffic is minimal. This gives the area a private secluded character.

G1 – DOWNDERRY WAY

Comprising: Downderry Way

Downderry Way is a narrow private cul de sac accessed from Bradbourne Lane with seven large detached properties. They are a mixture of large bungalows and two storey properties, dating from the 1930’s onwards. The large gardens, trees and hedges lend themselves to encouraging wildlife which contributes to the spacious and verdant character of the area.

165

The quality of the road surface is extremely poor, with large pot holes along its length. This detracts from the quality of the rest of the area.

The lack of pavements further contributes to the narrow character of the road itself.

The limited vehicular and pedestrian access through the site gives the area has a private secluded character.


Age of buildings 1930s onwards

Type of buildings Detached


Building heights 1 - 2 storeys

Prominent building materials Red brick, white rendering, brown roof tiles, white windows.

Predominant boundary treatments Stone walls, fences, railings and hedges

Open spaces None


• Verdant frontages and edges with landscaped gardens, hedges and tall trees, particularly in the East of the area

• Long views of the surrounding countryside to the South

• Individuality of buildings

• Spaciousness created by generous plot sizes and properties being set back from the road


• Poor surfacing of road

ìì

Views over Ditton to Oaken wood.

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G1 Medway Gap Character Area AppraisalRef

Title Downderry Way

167

H – CLUSTERED CUL-DE-SAC DEVELOPMENTS

In the last thirty years several opportunities have been taken to redevelop redundant sites for housing or create new residential areas on previously open land within the built up area. These developments are, more often than not, not as extensive as the earlier open plan estates characteristic of the 1960s and 70s. In line with Government policy of making the best use of sites, these housing schemes are generally designed to a higher density than in the previous

decades and using different design principles.

Whereas development in the 1960s - early 1980s often consisted of houses spaced out evenly along, and facing, the road on a relatively consistent building line, more recent developments primarily consist of detached or attached houses , with integral or attached garages, set along an uneven building line or at angles to the road. The different roof forms and details often give interesting and varied roofscapes. Properties often front directly onto the pavement/road or shared surface or are set behind a shallow unenclosed front garden of low planting and have private enclosed space to the side or rear. Houses have parking spaces or garages. The steep roofs and more compact form give the development a more enclosed urban character. The urban form is softened by the use of short curved cul-de-sac layouts which keep traffic speeds low and often encourage shared road use for pedestrians and cars. Sometimes the access roads will be cobbled or paved in a contrasting colour to emphasise this shared use. The enclosed cul de sac layouts create a quiet, private character.

The curved street layout combined with the variable building line, also creates a series of enclosed spaces and changing vistas and views which to some extent replicates the ad hoc development found in traditional town and village centres. Whilst a variety of materials and building designs are used, the overall form, materials, scale and character is generally very cohesive.

Properties are finished in a variety of traditional materials with relevance to the Kent vernacular such as red/orange bricks, weatherboarding, white painted render and hanging clay tiles (sometimes decorative). The designs may also incorporate traditional details such as dormer or half dormer windows, contrasting brick string courses, chimneys, and ridge tiles. Windows and doors are often well aligned with each other and the dominant areas of brickwork over glazing give the facades a robust appearance.

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Age of buildings Mid 1980s onwards

Type of buildings Detached, semi-detached and attached houses, terraces and a few bungalows


Building heights Predominantly 2 storey a few 1 storey (bungalows)

Prominent building materials Red, orange/red and yellow brick, tiled and slate roofs, weatherboard, hung tiles, ‘tudor-bethan style timbers white casement windows.

Predominant boundary treatments Open frontages or some low boundary treatments including hedges and fences

Open spaces Landscaped public amenity space sometimes incorporated in the developments.


• Cohesive character (in the majority of areas) created by uniformity of design, materials and details

• Well maintained landscaped frontages

• Amenity green spaces, often lined with mature landscaping, soften the streetscene and create a sense of spaciousness

• Verdant edges and backdrops

• Enclosed private character created by close relationship between properties, curving streets and inward-looking urban form

• Curving layout and varied building line coupled with, at times, an undulating topography creates a series of vistas, glimpses, short, long and/or panoramic views of historical buildings and surrounding countryside including the North Downs and Oaken Wood

• Interesting building and roof lines and roofscapes

• Traditional brick, tile and roof materials

• Quiet residential character with no through traffic

• Quality surface treatments

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• Traffic noise from traffic travelling along near by major routes including the A20 and M20

• Parking on-street and on paved frontages clutter the street scene

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The culs-de-sac are laid out on undulating land either side of Oxley Shaw Lane and are mostly inward looking creating an enclosed private character. The character of the properties differs slightly between the two areas split by Oxley Shaw Lane. To the south of the Lane the development is at a slightly higher density featuring more linked detached, semi-detached and terraced properties (see above). Also, there is less variety in terms of building styles and details, with the vast majority of the buildings south of the Lane built of either buff or red brick with gable-ended pitched roofs and white casement windows. A unifying feature of interest on most of the front elevations are brick built porches with either sloping or gable-fronted roofs (see above) which break-up what would otherwise be a plain frontage.

H1 – LEYBOURNE SOUTH AREA

Comprising: Oxley Shaw Lane, Roundhay, Barleycorn, Wheatfield, Millbrook, Old Orchard Lane, Lillieburn, Harvest Ridge, Old Barn Road, Broadoak, Hayfield and Evergreen Close

A large development of several culs-de-sac either side of Oxley Shaw Lane accessed primarily off London Road (A20) in the south-west corner at the junction with Castle Way. Junction 4 of the M20 to the north is close by and can be accessed off Castle Way. This area, along with Leybourne North, was developed by Croudace in the 1980s, both forming part of one major planning application of approximately 1000 units. The areas are similar but are separated by Rectory Lane North and Rectory Lane South which run through the middle of Leybourne. The development of Leybourne is at the outer extent of the built-up confines of the Medway Gap with open farmland to the south and metropolitan Green Belt to the west, beyond Castle Way.

Most of the properties to the north of Oxley Shaw Lane are larger in comparison, with a higher proportion of detached houses (see above). These properties have more variety in terms of building styles and design features including large gable-fronted or hipped roofs with cat-slide roofs, mock ‘tudor-bethan’ wood beams and white render or decorative hung tiles on the upper storey (see above). This detailing and variety of styles and colours creates a visually more interesting environment than that experienced in the culs-de-sac south of the Lane.

Unifying features in both areas include the building height of two storeys (with the exception of a couple of bungalows), short frontages, curving street layout and traditional brick build. Looking at the area as a whole, there is a broad harmonious palette of materials and a variety of styles and design details which are positive distinctive features.

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Mature landscaping features predominantly throughout the area either at the frontages to the properties (see above left and right) or at the edges to the areas where they abut Oxley Shaw Lane (see above, middle) or strong verdant back drops including the row of mature trees along the A20 bund to the south and the elevated Leybourne Woods to the west (see right). These are positive features which help soften the streetscene and provide a green frame (when in full foliage) to the area as a whole.

Another positive distinctive feature is the series of views, vistas and glimpses that can be enjoyed from many points in the area, particularly the culs-de-sac north of Oxley Shaw Lane. The undulating topography coupled with the curving streets and variable roof line results in glimpses and long, sometimes panoramic views of the North Downs (see above). A vista of St Peter and St Paul’s Church to the west can be enjoyed from the junction of Evergreen Close with Old Barn Road (see left).

The undulating topography also results in a quite striking stepped building line and visually interesting roofscapes (see above middle and below, right).

All households enjoy close and safe access via a network of footpaths to grassed amenity spaces. These include the large area equipped with children’s play frames north of Oxley Shaw Lane (see right). These are positive features because not only do they play an important role in softening the townscape but the tall mature trees often lining the edges of the open spaces provide strong verdant backdrops to many of the properties.

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• Well maintained landscaped frontages to the properties (including hedges and tall trees) and strong verdant edges to the whole area (including Leybourne Wood and the screen of mature trees and hedges lining the bund along the A20 to the south)


• Undulating topography coupled with curving layout and varied building and roof lines creates a series of views including vistas of the spire of St Peter and St Paul’s Church, long views over and between properties of the North Downs and short views of the elevated Leybourne Wood to the west

• Undulating topography creates interesting roof lines


• Broad harmonious palette of materials and varied building styles enriches the character of the area by providing visual interest

• Quiet residential character within the culs-de-sac north of Oxley Shaw Road

• Proximity of grassed amenity areas to the houses, which provide soft landscaped backdrops to many of the properties


• Background noise of traffic travelling along the A20 in the cul-de-sac developments south of Oxley Shaw Lane

• Parking on-street cluttering the streetscene

? ?

ì

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ìì

Glimpses ofSt. Paul's and

St. Peter's Church.

Long view of North Downs over properties.

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1

22

34

1

74

67

27

4

77

7

52

71

ROUNDHAY23

6

2

5142

7

63

34

14

10

13

46

26

2

31

1

0 150 30030 60 90 120Metres¯


H1 Medway Gap Character Area AppraisalRef

Title Leybourne South Area

174

H2 – LEYBOURNE NORTH AREA

Comprising: Oxley Shaw Lane, Baywell, Grassmere, Highberry, Redbank, Little Oxley, Copsehill, Woodlea, Willowmead, Terry Walk, Bridgewater Place, The Croft, The Mead

A large development of several culs-de-sac either side of Oxley Shaw Lane accessed primarily off London Road (A20) in the south-west corner at the junction with Castle Way. Junction 4 of the M20 to the north is close by and can be accessed off Castle Way. This area, along with Leybourne South, was developed by Croudace in the 1980s, both forming part of one major planning application of approximately 1000 units. The areas are similar but are separated by Rectory Lane North and Rectory Lane South which run through the middle of Leybourne. The development of Leybourne is at the outer extent of the built-up confines of the Medway Gap with open farmland to the south and metropolitan Green Belt to the west, beyond Castle Way.

The culs-de-sac are laid out on undulating land either side of Oxley Shaw Lane. The properties do not face onto the Lane but follow an inward looking urban form creating an enclosed private character. There are a few clusters of properties to the east of the Lane that are of a higher density compared to the rest of the area, including parts of Willowmead where there are terraced properties (see above left).

Unifying characteristics of the two storey detached, linked detached, semi-detached and terraced properties to the east of Oxley Shaw Lane include the pitched gable-ended roofs and traditional brick built homes. A positive feature is the broad harmonious palette of building materials including buff, red and brown brick, sometimes with mock-‘tudor bethan’ wood beams and white render on the upper storey and white and brown casement windows which enrich the character and create a visually interesting environment.

The development comprises private housing with the exception of two sheltered accommodation schemes at Willowmead (above left) and Grassmere (above right) which are managed by Russet Homes. The positive feature of the Willowmead sheltered housing scheme is its relatively low profile, including a block of single storey apartments which allow for long views of the North Downs and short views of the trees surrounding the adjacent Castle Lake which provides a strong verdant backdrop (see above, middle).

175

Large detached two storey properties feature more in the culs-de-sac west of Oxley Shaw Lane (see above right). These properties have more variety in terms of building styles and design features including hipped and half-hipped roofs and decorative brick work and hung tiles on the upper storey (see above right) creating visual interest. Notable unifying characteristics of these properties include brown roof tiles and brown casement windows. Unifying features in both areas include the building height of two storeys (with the exception of a block of single storey sheltered housing at Willomead), short frontages, curving street layout and traditional brick build. Looking at the area as a whole, there is a broad palette of materials and a variety of styles and design details which are positive distinctive features enriching the character.

There is good safe access via a network of footpaths to grassed amenity spaces. These include the large area to the east of Oxley Shaw Lane (see left). These are positive features which not only play an important role in softening the townscape but the trees and hedges lining the edges of the open spaces provide a verdant backdrop to several properties.

Mature landscaping features predominantly throughout the area either in the form of well-maintained frontages to the properties (see above left) or strong verdant back drops including the row of mature trees along Rectory Lane North (see above right). These are positive features which help soften the street scene and provide a green frame (when in full foliage) to the area as a whole, enriching the colour palette. Quality surface treatments, including block paving (see right) are another positive feature of the area, although they are not prevalent throughout.

176

Another positive distinctive feature is the series of views and vistas that can be enjoyed from many points in the area, particularly the culs-de-sac west of Oxley Shaw Lane). The undulating topography coupled with the curving streets and variable roof and building line results in glimpses of the North Downs (see right) and short views of the trees lining the edge of one of the Leybourne Lakes (see above right). A vista of St Peter and St Paul’s Church to the west can be enjoyed from the elevated position of Willowmead (see above left).

The undulating topography also results in a quite striking stepped building line in many areas and visually interesting roof lines, particularly in the culs-de-sac east of Oxley Shaw Lane (see above).

177


• Well-maintained landscaped frontages to the properties (including hedges and tall trees) and verdant backdrops (including the row of tall mature trees and hedges lining Rectory Lane North)


• Undulating topography coupled with curving layout and varied building and roof lines creates a series of views, including vistas of the spire of St Peter and St Paul’s Church, long views over and between properties of the North Downs and short views of the trees lining one of the Leybourne Lakes


• Quality surface treatment, in places

• Quiet residential character within the majority of the culs-de-sac, with the exception of properties in Willowmead

• Proximity of grassed amenity areas to houses, which provide soft landscaped backdrops to many of the properties


• Background noise of traffic travelling along the M20 in the Willowmead cul-de-sac development

• Parking on-street cluttering the streetscene

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Long views of North Downs over properties.

Vista ofSt. Peter's

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Short view of line oftall specimen trees.

Short viewsof trees liningCastle lake.

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25

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76

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193

12

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97

12

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17

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0 150 30030 60 90 120Metres¯



Title Leybourne North Area

179

There are two designs of properties in this development. The red brick, pitched roof houses with large porches extending across the ground floor in the left of picture, and the buff brick, hipped roof properties on the right. Although different in appearance, they also share characteristics such as the white casement windows and attached garages. The repeat design, materials and common features create a cohesive character to the area.

Glimpses of mature specimen trees and the North Downs can be seen between properties, particularly in the North of the development.

This, combined with the use of hedging and landscaping in the development, adds to the green character.

Some of the properties have additional red hung tile and brown scalloped tile detailing to the upper front façade.

H3 – CARROLL GARDENS

Comprising: Carroll Gardens

A small residential cul-de-sac development built in the 1980’s on land formerly part of the Lunsford Hall Estate. It is sandwiched between the M20 to the South and Lunsford Lane to the North and this generates significant road noise. The properties are larger two storey detached houses on generous plots with attached garages set along a curved building line.

180

Several properties have been individualised with the conversion of the attached garages to internal living accommodation. However, this does not significantly detract from the cohesive character of the development.


• Strong cohesive character created by consistency of design, materials and detailing

• Verdant frontages and edges with hedges and glimpses of tall trees beyond

• Enclosed private character


• Traffic noise from the M20

ì

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ìView

of trees.

Glimpses ofNorth Downs.

Short view of tall trees.

Lunsford Hall

Hanover Green

LUNSFORD LANE

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0 50 10010 20 30 40Metres¯



Title Carroll Gardens

182

The detached two storey properties face onto the tarmac road or paved shared surfaces on a varied building line. They are set behind front gardens and drives for off-street car parking. The use of hedging and low level landscaping helps create an open green character.

The houses are constructed of red or buff brick with white casement windows and integral or attached garages. The majority of properties have dark timber cladding to the upper front façade and a mono pitched canopy across the ground floor openings. Whilst there is a strong consistency in the size and materials of the buildings, interest is created through variations in the roofline with a mixture of brown tiled shallow hipped and pitched roofs, some with front facing gable end details projecting from the roof line (see below).

Although the development itself is relatively flat, there are short views of mature trees to the rear of and between properties providing a green backdrop to the development. This is particularly noticeable along the northern and eastern boundaries.

Glimpses of the North Downs can be also seen between properties in the north of the area.

H4 – FIELDING DRIVE

Comprising: Fielding Drive

A cul-de-sac development of detached houses, accessed from Chaucer Way, developed during the 1990’s on land identified for low density housing in the North Larkfield Informal Action Area Plan (1973). The site nestles between the adjacent Poets Estate character area to the east and south, and the adjacent sports grounds by Larkfield Lesiure Centre to the west. A footpath also runs along the western boundary.

183

A doctors surgery in the north of the character area, although visually unremarkable, forms a functional community hub for the local area.


• Strong cohesive character created by consistency of building materials and design

• Views of neighbouring tree belts and the North Downs

• High quality paved shared space surface treatments



ìì

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Long views ofNorth Downs.

Glimpses of trees.

Leisure Centre

Lunsford District Centre

Hall

George Holding

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Title Fielding Drive

185

The two storey houses are constructed of a mixture of buff and red/brown bricks with brown pantiled or grey slate roofs which are a mixture of gabled, pitched and hipped in design. The variation in roof type creates visual interest. The windows are all dark brown casements with leaded detailing. Front doors and garage doors are also dark brown in colour.

Brown and red hung tiles detailing to the upper front façade can also be seen on some properties.

Garages are either integral or attached, with some properties having double or even triple garages. Off-road car parking is provided for all properties via driveways, thereby limiting on-street parking which can detract from the street scene.

Views into and out of the development are limited as the site itself is flat and the inward looking development intervenes with the views. This creates a feeling of enclosure and intimacy. Long views of the North Downs can be glimpsed between properties in the north of the development, but due to the close proximity of properties to each other, these are limited.

H5 – PRIESTLY DRIVE AREA

Comprising: Southey Way, Priestly Drive, Macaulay Close.

A development of larger detached houses built in the 1980’s on land identified for medium density housing in the North Larkfield Informal Action Area Plan (1973). The site is located to the South of Leybourne Way, with access from Chaucer Way. To the South is the large Poets Estate character area.

186

Although there is limited personalisation to the properties which retains the cohesiveness of the development, there has been a high incidence of loss of front gardens to car parking. In some parts of the development all of the traditional lawned front gardens have been removed in favour of hard standings. This loss of gardens has resulted in a hardened appearance of the streetscape.

There is some traffic noise form Leybourne Way, particularly in the north of the area.


• Strong cohesive character created by consistent and unaltered building design, consistency of materials and brown wood windows

• Enclosed, private character – created by close relationship between buildings; often short or curved streets; overlooked space

• Glimpses of countryside between roofs to the north


• Traffic noise from Leybourne Way

• Loss of front gardens to provide hard surfaced off-street car parking

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Glimpses of trees along Leybourne Lakes.

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0 100 20020 40 60 80Metres¯



Title Priestly Drive Area

188

The 2 storey detached houses face onto the roadway along a staggered building line. The bungalows along the western edge face onto shared space overlooking Castle Lake. Substantial sections of the road and pavement are paved which adds to the attractiveness of the area. The properties are constructed of buff and red brick with a variety of materials to the upper front façade, including red/brown hung tiles, dark timber weather boarding and mock tudor cream render with dark timbers. The roofs are a mixture of pitched and half hipped, and are finished in brown concrete tiles. The windows are a mixture of white and brown casements. The properties have attached single and double garages. The variation in materials and layout of the buildings creates a varied character.

The area slopes downhill from east to west. This change in topography allows for views over Castle Lake to the East, and long views of the church of St Peter and St Paul at Leybourne and the North Downs to the east and north respectively. There are also views of the rear of properties in Willowmead in the south of this character area.

These views, along with deep front gardens and wide road, create a spacious character.

The views add to the verdant character of the area which is further supported by the green backdrop of mature trees along the northern boundary, prevalence of hedging as a boundary treatment and low level soft landscaping in front gardens throughout.

The close proximity of the M20 to the North results in traffic noise.

H6 – WILLOW ROAD

Comprising: Willow Road

A development of 2 storey detached houses and bungalows built during the 1980s along a single curving close serving three short culs de sac. The site lays immediately south of the M20 and is accessed through the adjacent character area from Lunsford Lane. It has views over Castle Lake to the west which creates a spacious verdant character.

189


• Verdant edges formed by mature trees particularly in the west and north

• Long views of the North Downs, Castle Lake and the church of St Peter and St Paul at Leybourne

• Spaciousness created by properties being set back from the road behind deep front gardens and long views over open spaces

• Quality of surface treatments


• Traffic noise from traffic travelling along the M20

ì

ì

ìì

ì

ìViews of backs of properties

on Lunsford Lane.

Views of backs of properties on Willowmead.

View of St. Peter and St. Paul's Church.

Views of North Downs in

distance.

Short view of verdant edge.

View over Castle Lake.

WILLOW ROAD

WILLOWMEAD

1

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175

0 50 10010 20 30 40Metres¯



Title Willow Road

191

Bradbourne Parkway is the main road into the area. It is lined on both sides with grass verges and trees, contributing to the verdant character of the area and reflecting the connections of the area with the adjacent Bradbourne House and historic parkland. There are pockets of grassed amenity space throughout the character area and two significant grassed areas that are wide and open with occasional trees reflecting the character of the parkland at Bradbourne House. Footpaths and cycleways are separated from the road by the grass verges and trees creating a sense of enclosure for the road, separating it from the wide open spaces that mirror the parkland of Bradbourne House.

Throughout the area there are specific characteristics that create a sense of unity, but there are three distinct sub areas where there are significant differences in scale, materials and design features that provide an individual identity for each of the sub areas. Tassell Close is located off Bradbourne Parkway and consists of larger two storey detached houses set around a cul-de-sac road layout. These properties are constructed in red brick with mock Tudor beams and white painted render on the upper floors. There is a variety of roof types including pitched, and half hipped, some with front facing gables creating an interesting roofscape. Decorative brick stringcourses, brown casement windows and decorative brick patterns, particularly on garden boundary walls are the norm. Frontages are open unenclosed lawned areas with driveways for off road parking provision providing an open, unenclosed character. The mature trees to the west and south of the area provide a tree backdrop and contribute to the leafy character of the area.

H7– BRADBOURNE FIELDS

Comprising: Bradbourne Park Road, Chatfield Way, Collinge Close, Forsyth Close, Garner Drive, Reeves Court, Tassell Close and Whiffen Walk.

This area sits behind the rear of the properties along the south side of the A20 London Road and the northern boundary of Bradbourne Park. Known locally as "Bradbourne Fields", this development was built in 2000 by Hillreed Homes. The area is accessed off New Road by Bradbourne Parkway, and is enclosed by a high ragstone wall with red brick coping around the A20 and New Road boundary. The area has a cul-de-sac road layout, accessed off a main 'spine' road that is straight and narrow and tree lined on both sides. The land levels rise upward round a split crescent to the east which has a number of culs-de-sac leading off both arms of this curving road. The western and southern parts of the site are more flat and level with the area rising upwards to the north and the east.

192

A section in the southern part of the area contains detached and terraced three storey town houses built in buff brick in mock Georgian style with white painted render on the ground floor frontages only. The roofs are shallow pitched (hipped at the end of the terrace) in grey slate and have white casement windows. Some of these properties have canted bay windows and chimneys at regular intervals. They have shallow front gardens that are generally enclosed with open metal fencing or low hedging at the front and unenclosed at the side to provide access to the driveway and garage. The properties of this style are set around a cul-de-sac layout, portions of which form gated areas. The area is generally more enclosed with the taller buildings and the edges with Bradbourne Park to the south are enclosed by high walls and fences and tall mature trees that obsure views into the parkland giving a private character. A straight row of terraced town houses along the southern side of Garner Drive overlook open space on a curved crescent but there are other styles of properties around the green creating an eclectic mix of housing.

The scale and design features of the first cul-de-sac are repeated in the properties to the west of the central open space, but the properties that overlook the open space on Garner Drive are varied in their architectural style, massing and materials.

193

The remainder of the site is made up of properties that are of repeated designs but mixed in together to provide a varied appearance throughout. All are two storey and have either pitched roofs (some with small front facing gables, some with shallow front cat slide), or hipped roofs with smaller hipped roof over protruding front sections, and have an overall clustered cul-de-sac character.

All have white casement windows and open unenclosed frontages that are generally shallow, providing access to integral garages where they exist. Street trees, the open front gardens and the amenity space throughout the area contribute to a green character. In addition to this, there are sections of the area that enjoy a tree lined backdrop courtesy of the mature woodland in adjacent areas, further contributing to the green character of the area.


• Repeated design features and styles create a sense of cohesion and identity for the area

• Amenity green space, grass verges, street trees, open frontages and tree backdrop contribute to the green and leafy character of the area

• No through roads creating quiet/tranquil character



?

?

?

Park

45

Park

0 250 50050 100 150 200Metres¯



Title Bradbourne Fields

195

Substantial detached two storey houses face onto the road or shared accesses on a variable building line. They are constructed of red or yellow/brown brick some with painted brickwork or render, and timber effects to the upper storeys and the majority have brown casement windows. Single storey pitched roof porches or porch canopies projecting towards the road can be found on most properties. The roofs are a mixture of pitched, hipped and half-hipped, some with dormer windows and gable ends fronting the road, thereby creating a varied roofscape. Properties have integral or free-standing garages thereby limiting the amount of on-street parking.

The frontages are predominantly enclosed behind low hedges and landscaping. This gives the development a private enclosed character.

H8 – DITTON PLACE & STREAMSIDE

Comprising: Ditton Place, Streamside

A development of predominantly detached houses built on the site of the former commercial premises at Ditton Place during the late 1980’s and early 1990s. The detached properties, along with a short terrace, are set at angles along curving culs de sac. In addition Troutbeck House provides flatted accommodation within the area. The development is accessed from the A20 and a stream runs from north to south through the area which bisects the area with a wide open space containing mature trees and creates a focal point. The area is bounded by New Road recreation ground to the east, although this is not visible from within the character area itself.

196

The terraced properties to the north of the area are constructed of red brick, with white casement windows and pitched roofs. The scale of the built form and detailing varies from the other properties in the area however the varied building line and the pitched porch canopy feature maintain some continuity of character. These properties do not have garages and so on-street parking in allocated parking bays is necessary and this detracts from the street scene.

Troutbeck House is a three storey building to the east of the area which contains a number of flats. It has a formal, symmetrical style with classical features such as ‘columns’ of brickwork , with buff brick and stone dressing around the fenestrations on the upper floors, and a prominent flat roofed porch. This is a well maintained grandiose building which contrasts in style and scale to the rest of the development.

There is a well maintained associated garage block to the rear of the building.

Although there is a variation in building materials across the area this adds some variety, and does not detract from the cohesive character of the area. The landscaping and mature specimen trees create a verdant character. The flat topography and mature tree lines along the boundaries limit views of the surrounding areas. The stream running through the centre of the area creates a focal point and green corridor which adds to the verdant character. The lack of through traffic or traffic noise from the A20, and enclosed character help create a feeling of privacy and tranquillity.

197


• The landscaping and mature trees through the centre of the site along the stream create a green core to the area and provide screening to properties

• Quiet and tranquil character with no through traffic

• The open space around the stream with mature trees provides a focal point for the development as well as enhancing the setting of the neighbouring properties

• The development has a private, enclosed character


• Some on-street parking clutters the street scene

ì

#

Footpath to playing pitch.

Views of rear of properties.

PLACE

DITTON

DIT

TON

PLA

CE

STR

EA

MS

IDE

Troutbeck

5

41 to 14

19

10

30

320

629

31

578

40

12

616

632

580

643

11

32a

2

23

14

2232

38

602

34

630

51

65

29

55

1

13

25

9

House

Westlea BarnEastlea

Barn

10

1

2

12

11

1

9

0 50 10010 20 30 40Metres¯



Title Ditton Place and Streamside

199

The detached properties are 2 storey brown or orange brick built with brown hung tiles on the upper floors and brown concrete tiled pitched roofs. Many properties have forward facing gable roof details above one or all of the upper storey windows with white bargeboards and white soffits.

Properties generally have protruding sections on the ground floors, such as integral garages, porches and windows with pitched roofs above.

White casement windows are the norm and there is little evidence of individualisation through replacement windows and door, strengthening the uniformity of the area and the cohesive character.

There is repetition throughout the area of similar design features such as roof pitch, front facing gable end details over upper floor windows, integral garages and unenclosed lawned frontages.

There is some communal landscaping, garden trees and unenclosed front lawned gardens that further soften the overall character in conjunction with the glimpses between the houses of the surrounding countryside. Around the turning heads, there is low level hedging further contributing to the sense of enclosure and verdant character of the area.

The character area has a predominant sense of enclosure as the properties are set out in clusters with the land being both level and low lying with limited views of the surrounding areas, except for the backdrop of trees that is visible between properties. The curved layout of the area and the land levels allows short vistas.

H9 – RAGSTONE COURT

Comprising: Ragstone Court.

A development of detached, two storey residential properties built in the 1990’s on the southern edge of the urban area that was a former quarry, Ragstone Court is built in curved culs-de-sac with unenclosed front gardens that provide off road parking. The area is bounded by open countryside to the west and south, with a recreation ground to the north and Local Nature Reserve to the east contributing to the quiet, tranquil character of the area and provide a green backdrop where there are glimpses between the properties of the trees in the surrounding areas and the Church of St Peter the Great at East Malling.

200


• Strong cohesive character created by the uniformity of some of the design features such as brick colour, roof pitch, fenestration details and front gardens

• Verdant frontages and edges of the properties, such as unenclosed lawned front gardens, some communal landscaping including low shrubs and hedges and glimpses of the trees in the surrounding areas create a green character

• No through traffic creating a quiet/tranquil character

• Enclosed, private character – created by close relationship between buildings along the curved streets and cul-de-sacs and the shared surfaces at the turning heads



ì

Views of countryside and St. Peters the Great Church.

K ILN

CE

DA

R C

LOS

E

SCOTT CLOSE

RA

GS

TON

E C

OU

RT

KILN BARN ROAD

Trac

k

7

2

22

8

1

3979

6

70

24

12

3

17

13

44

5857

81

51

75

33

34

29

49

11

20

106

14

46

69

41

64

63

59

Sub

Community Centre

Track

69

24

39

1

12

34

Track

1

34

49

0 100 20020 40 60 80Metres¯



Title Ragstone Court

202

The houses are constructed in a uniform design of orange/brown brick with orange bands and brown concrete roof tiles. The roofs are gabled with a moderately steep pitch and no chimneys. Pitched tiled porches are supported on posts. The window frames are dark wood. There has been little personalisation (see left and below right).

The houses are set back behind grassed frontages and paved driveways which are unenclosed with low wooden rails separating the properties, creating a rather bland streetscape.

The scheme incorporates two areas of green open space and communal parking areas. The overlooked open space in the centre of the development is mounded. It contributes to the open character of the development but lacks any landscape features (see above top left). The open space at the eastern end is more extensive and incorporates mature trees but the landscape value is limited as the grass is in poor repair, littered and the fences are not secure giving direct access to the railway line (see above left and right). The trees partially screen the road and railway line.

H10 – HEATHCOTE CLOSE

Comprising: Heathcote Close

This cul de sac development of two storey terraced houses is located on flat land off Station Road with the railway line and River Medway immediately to the north. The site adjoins light industrial uses to the east and west but benefits from close proximity to an extensive area of green open space on the south side of Station Road. The site is inward looking and enclosed by tree belts, so there is little visual impact from surrounding uses.

203

Tree belts to the north and west screen the railway line and neighbouring industrial uses.


• The scheme has a cohesive character created by uniformity of the design and materials of the buildings

• The green open space contributes to an open character

• The development has a residential character with low traffic speeds and no through traffic

• Tree belts screen the railway line and adjoining industrial uses


• There is traffic noise from Station Road, the M20 and the railway line

• The standard house design and street furniture creates a bland townscape

• The green open spaces are currently of little landscape value due to poor maintenance and littering. The fencing is not secure adjoining the road and railway line

#

Trees help toscreen industrial

units.

#

Tree belt screensthe railway line.

#

Areas of open space.

#

.

BR

IDG

E

HEATHCOTE CLOSE

PLACE

HALL

RO

AD

STATIO

N ROAD

15

9

13

68

1

3

27

2216

21

141

28

3340

34

5

24

4 14 5

Station

Path (um)

El Sub Sta

Tank

Pumping

1

0 50 10010 20 30 40Metres¯



Title Heathcote Close

205

The yellow and red/brown brick houses are individually designed but a cohesive character is achieved through the use of a limited range of locally appropriate materials and colours. The elevations are finished with red hung tiles, brick details, cream painted render and/or half timbering. The brown tiled roofs have chimneys with stacks on the side elevations and the roofs are gabled or half hipped, some with forward facing gables. The porches have tiled pitched roofs and some are supported on painted wooden brackets. The properties have integral, attached or detached garages. The wooden casement windows have white or brown frames. The quality of the finishes and detail contributes to the character of the scheme (see left).

The development has access to green open space which is enclosed on all sides by deep belts of mature trees or by garden hedges (see above right). The development is accessed via a long curved access road which is densely treed on both sides contributing to the private, semi-rural character of the area which belies its proximity to the London Road. There is direct pedestrian access to the London Road.

The houses are set back behind landscaped front gardens which are open plan or partially enclosed with hedges, shrubs and trees which contribute to the mature, verdant character of the development. The surfaces are finished to a high standard using tarmac, block paving and granite setts. The decorative black lamps are a feature (see above left and right).

H11 – RUSSETT CLOSE

Comprising: Russett Close

Russett Close is a 1990s development of two storey detached houses situated to the south side of London Road and accessed via Holtwood Avenue. The houses are clustered around short culs de sac and shared accesses. The development has an enclosed, quiet residential character and a verdant setting.

206

The green open space is enclosed and overlooked by housing. It provides an open landscape setting for the development which contributes to its verdant character.


• The houses are individually designed using traditional, quality materials and incorporating many design details. However the overall character of this area is cohesive due to common design themes and materials

• The development has a private, verdant, semi-rural character enhanced by the private access road, dense belts of mature trees, landscaped gardens, hedges and green open space

• The surfacing is good quality and the black street lights are a feature of the development

• The area has a quiet residential character despite some road noise

• The well maintained green open space incorporates mature trees and is enclosed and overlooked by housing


• There is some traffic noise from the London Road

THE BOUNDS

RUSSE

TT C

LOSE

WOODLANDS

ORCHARD AVENUE

HO

LTW

OO

D A

VE

NU

E

LAKE R

OAD

THE

OA

KS

BRASSEY DRIVE

TEA

PO

T L A

NE

SYC

AMO

RE

DR

IVE

15

2

35

7

379

390

400

59

9

16 to

17

21

45

22

26

16

44

31

56

58

23

1

29

60

24

34

214

46

10

38

3214

13

12

25

218

400a

20

11

33

48

49

395

222

5

269

42

394

263

401

27

17

378

8

62

40

3

Shelter

Unit 13

El Sub Sta

Unit 5

Holly Cottage

CLOSE

LONDON ROAD

7

42

2

2

11

2

Shelter

SYCAMORE DRIVE

12

32

21

13

39

14

2

12

3

1

29

4

17

13

23

29

10

31

26

13

49

21

39

1

21

29

34

59

14

33

1

1

13

1

34

20

9

11

4

0 100 20020 40 60 80Metres¯



Title Russett Close

208

The straight section of the loop comprises semi-detached and detached two storey red brick houses on the west side. At either end there are short cul-de sacs and terraces arranged in straight lines and crescents which add interest to the streetscape by creating curves and changing vistas.

The red brick houses are of a distinctive design with single storey ground floor front extensions and prominent triangular wood framed porches which creates a rhythm of repeated designs along the street. The upper stories are tile hung and the ground floor embellished with yellow brick bands. The gabled roofs are grey slate or red tile with no chimneys. The repeated designs and materials create a cohesive character.

The surfaces are tarmac or paved and of good quality. There is some rear parking for the terraced properties and private and communal parking areas relieving pressure for on street parking

At the southern end, cream rendered or weatherboard terraced housing provides a contrast to the red brick, enlivening the streetscape and creating an intimate cottage character. The properties are set behind grassed or landscaped unenclosed front gardens and have tiled porch canopies supported by white posts.

H12 – WHITEPOST WOOD LANE

Comprising: Whitepost Wood Lane

Whitepost Wood Lane is a Russett Homes housing development forming a loop off Hermitage Lane. The area is set between ribbon development that extends along the west side of Hermitage Lane, south of the main settlement. The properties adjoin green open space and woodland to the west. The area also incorporates two bungalows on Hermitage Lane.

209

The scheme incorporates an area of green open space enclosed by hedges and to the south and east by tall trees which screen the road (see left). A further belt of trees screens the bungalows.

To the west of the development there is woodland, the trees forming a green backdrop to the houses. There are long views across open countryside towards Maidstone where Whitepost Wood Lane joins Hermitage Lane.


• Strong cohesive character created by uniformity of the building design, materials and colour scheme

• The crescents and varied orientation of the buildings at the south and north ends of the development, provide interest and enliven the more traditional layout of the central section, creating attractive curves and vistas

• The green open space and tree belts help to screen Hermitage Lane and nearby light industrial uses whilst providing a green backdrop to the development

• The cream rendered and weatherboarded properties provide a pleasant contrast to the orange/red brick, brightening the scheme and introducing an intimate cottage character

• The surfacing is good quality and on street parking is minimised by the provision of private and communal parking areas

• There are long views eastwards towards Maidstone at the entry and exit points

• The prominent wood framed porch canopies create rhythm in the streetscene

• The scheme has a pleasant residential character enhanced by soft landscaping


• Traffic noise from the busy Hermitage Lane

ì

ìViews across open

countryside towardsMaidstone.

Views across opencountryside towards

Maidstone.

#

Trees partially enclose

open space.

#

Curved terraces.

#

.

#

Curved terraces.

#

.

1 14

WH

I TEP

OS

T WO

OD

LAN

E

74

30

39

19

25

54

38

34

76

1413

1011

43

31

56

47

1

40

51

54

0 50 10010 20 30 40Metres¯



Title Whitepost Wood Lane

e – post-war public housing schemes

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