privett doc final final 30.08 · froxﬁeld clay plateau • elevated gently undulating domed...

Privett Local Landscape Character Assessment

What direction?Final Document 30.08.2011

Privett South TeamJohn Kindler, Phil Chung, Fiona and Ian Hughes


There have been three Local Authority LCAs covering southern Privett. The main points relevant to Privett are included here and cover the two landscape character areas as differentiated in these reports.

East Hampshire LCA prepared for EHDC & HCC July 2006South Downs LCA December 2005Draft Hampshire LCA prepared by the County Council March 2010

Froxfield Clay Plateau

• Elevated gently undulating domed plateau defined by the shallow continuous clay capping which overlies the chalk bedrock.

• Clay capping gives rise to poorer heavier soils which have not in the main been as intensively farmed and improved as those of the chalk landscapes.

• Fields are predominantly pasture for grazing with limited arable cropping. The field pattern includes some of late medieval origin and some relating to planned enclosure during the 18th-19th centuries.

• Survival of original pre 1800 woodland and presence of oak as a key species in hedgerows and woodland. To the east of the A32 the land is higher with more limited woodland cover.

• Presence of oak as a key species in hedgerows and woodland and coppiced hedgerows are characteristic with a high proportion of holly.

• Limited settlement comprising dispersed farmsteads and occasional small nucleated villages/hamlets with church spires forming distinctive landscape features.

• This area is characterised by the absence of open access land with a limited rights of way network linking farms and villages.

• Historic parkland landscapes at Rotherfield Park and Basing Park (both are English Heritage registered) provide evidence of the history of hunting in this area. The area is characterised by a number of small local historic parks (e.g. Pelham Place and Coles).

• Field ponds provide locally important habitats.

• Narrow, little used rural lanes cross the area, often bordered by wide verges and ditches.

• Intact hedgerow network with hedgerow trees which create a strong landscape pattern as well as seclusion and enclosure.

• A still and tranquil landscape with a strong sense of remoteness. Within this, the A32 is a busy corridor of movement and noise cutting across the plateau

Downland Mosaic (South Facing slope leading down to the A272)

• Large scale rolling landform characteristic of the chalk dip slope, dissected by dry valleys, with localised secondary escarpments marking the division between different formations of chalk.

• Varying extents of surface clay capping resulting in varying soils, woodland cover, and sense of enclosure.

• A sporting landscape with woodland managed for country sports resulting in the retention of small woodlands, spinneys, copses and wooded strips creating local diversity in the land cover pattern.

• A predominantly farmed area in arable cropping with large field bordered by fences or low hedgerows, increasing the sense of scale. On the lower dip slope heavier clay soils create a more enclosed landscape with greater woodland cover and areas of pasture.

• A sporting landscape with woodland managed for country sports resulting in the retention of small woodlands, spinneys, copses and wooded strips creating local diversity in the land cover pattern.

Landscape CharacterThe southern boundary of Privett is the A272. The land rises from the A272 nearly 100 metres to Filmore Hill, Privett Church and further east at Bordean. The south facing slope comprises chalk geology overlain with clay and flints which connects to the Bramdean Downs in the west. From the top of this slope the chalk is covered to various depths with the Froxfield Clay Plateau. There is no surface water as a result of the chalk geology and free draining soils. The land use is mainly arable with small areas of pasture for grazing horses and occasional sheep, all adjacent to houses. There are also a small number or woodland strips and copses spread throughout the area.

North


South Downs National Park At the end of March 2010, Privett was included within South Downs National Park, Britain’s newest National Park.The village is located on raised ground to the north of the A272 Winchester to Petersfield Road, with far reaching views to the south across the Meon Valley.

The twin purposes of the South Downs National Park are:• To conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the area• To promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the Park by the publicThe South Downs National Park is over 1,600 km.sq. and stretches 100 miles from the edge of Winchester to Beachy Head.

The Park's geology combines the green sands and clays of the Weald with the chalk of the Downlands. This geology provides the foundation for large tracts of internationally important ancient woodlands, open heathland and the famous rolling downlands that lead to the iconic, sheer cliffs at Seven Sisters and Beachy Head. The landscape supports a great variety of trees, plants, birds and other wildlife. In Privett this includes old beech and oak trees, golden plovers, red kites,rare orchids, the brown hare and the locally rare woodland plant Green Hellebore.

Conservation Area Already an area of outstanding natural beauty AONB, most of Privett was designated a Conservation Area in November 2000.



ViewsViews in Privett along the top of the south facing slope down to the A272 are spectacular, 5 miles to Butser Hill in the south east, over Bereleigh Estate to the south, past Beacon Hill to the south west and onto Cheesefoot Head 8 miles to the west. On a good day the Isle of Wight and the Fawley flame can be seen. Of particular note are the views south from Church Farm and Church Barns. Church Farm, has greatly reduced its acreage in Privett over the years but has specifically retained the fields over which these views can be seen from the farm house. “Privett? That’s the Church with the tall spire” is the usual response to most residents of East Hampshire when Privett is mentioned, and is often the only thing they know about the village. Not surprising when it can be seen two miles away on the main roads approaching from the south and the east, and many other locations, in all directions. At a more local level the spire is seen across the fields from many of the local houses where the view is a major feature of the garden with low hedging and open vistas being maintained from Farnfield and Hemplands Lane amongst others. As well as the spectacular views south and those to and from the church there are many areas within Privett where the undulating land and combination of woodland, hedges, individual trees and arable fields make up views much favoured by the residents and visitors alike. The seasonal changes bring an ever refreshed image.

View towards Privett from The West Meon Hutat the junction of the A32 and the A272

View south to The Meon Valley

View towards Privett Church from the South


FarmingFarming has made a significant impact on the landscape. What is seen today has been heavily influenced by the changes made by farmers in order to adapt to the prevailing economic and political climate. For example, in recent years trees and hedgerows have been removed and later replaced. Gates have been widened to allow access for larger agricultural machinery. Modern combine harvesters have been a great farming innovation removing the dust and hard work associated with harvesting in the past. Unlike most of the Froxfield Clay Plateau with heavy soils, a large portion of this area has been intensively farmed and there are significant areas of arable cropping. Some pasture is present, the majority being grazed by horses. The south facing slopes, to the south of the clay plateau leading down to the A272 are in the Downland Mosaic and are also intensively cropped as is more common for that land type. In the last two of decades, farms that had significant dairy and beef herds, have given these up and turned to arable crops.

The tenants of the Nicholson Estate were able to purchase their farms in 1945 when the estate was subdivided and sold. This appears not to have to a changed land use and farming practices.

WildlifeIn recent years the wildlife environment has become more diverse because farms have been encouraged to promote wildlife habitat.Typical for a rural farmland area with woodland throughout there is a wide diversity of wildlife including, raptors (buzzards, kites and owls), woodpeckers, bats, foxes, rabbits and deer. Hares are often seen especially on the south facing downland in the fields by the A272. Many gardens have bird feeders and attract a wide number of species. The old disused railway embankment towards the A272 is being managed for the conservation of various species especially butterflies because of the high content of chalk close to the surface which is the natural habitat for many of the species.

Farnfield Farm and field to the north

Field above the Privett Tunnel between Hemplands Lane and Church Lane

Buzzard


PondsPiper’s pond is next to the old Blacksmith’s Forge in Filmore Hill where the Blacksmith lived until about 30 years ago. He and the pond are well remembered by several of the local residents who used to visit him with their horses which were used on the farm and also for pleasure. The pond is well maintained and attracts a wide variety of insects and other wildlife such as bats and birds including woodpeckers, moorhens and a pair of wild mallard ducks who have taken to nesting there in recent years. Another well maintained pond is in Church Lane by the cottages where there is now a hedge between the road and the pond. Mere Pond, in Mere Pond Lane normally has a good level of water and often floods the road in heavy rainfall. It is stocked with mallards for the shooting season.

There are a series of ponds which have either nearly disappeared for lack of management such as those by the old Filmore Hill Farm, adjoining Bailey Green, towards the west end of Hemplands Lane, in Broadmore Copse and Dean Pond at the southern end of Stocks Lane. Often these ponds no longer retain all the water and relining or re-puddling is an expensive option.

Other ponds have been relined over the recent years and are attracting wildlife, such as those at Hurst Farm, Fawley Farm and Farnfield. Many gardens also have small ponds within their grounds.

Piper’s Pond next to The Forge in Filmore Hill

Mallards have taken to nesting on Piper’s Pond

The pond in Church Lane

WoodlandThere are relatively few woodlands, all of which are small and have only very limited public access. Most of these are made up of native trees with five being ancient semi-natural woodlands (ASNW) which are included in the Ancient Woodland Inventory and are also classified as Sites of Nature Conservation (SINCs). With the relatively small amount of woodland in Privett (10% against a Hampshire County average of 17%) and an even lower proportion of ASNW these sites are of particular importance. The SINCs have attracted various levels of surveying and conservation interest. Dick’s Copse, by the road leading down from the church to the A272, for example, has a diverse woodland flora including 103 species of flowering plant, of which 32 are ancient woodland indicator species. One of these is the locally rare green helleborine. Bluebells are a notable feature and carpet some of the woodlands.

Some of the woodlands have been interplanted with conifers and one woodland strip of half a mile, adjacent to the church, contains an inter-mix of monkey puzzles and cedars which were planted in the 1850s to form part of the main carriageway connecting Basing Park, the Church and the Petersfield Road.

In the 1960’s the planting of fir trees was encouraged leading to a decline in the indigenous trees such as beech. This trend has now been reversed and some indigenous tree replanting has taken place.

Trees are an integral part of the Privett landscape, being seen in all locations and in many forms. With very limited public access to the woodlands the importance of hedges and Individual trees within the landscape should not be underestimated.


Privett - Woodland Strip made up of Cedars and Monkey Puzzles leading from the Church to A272

Privett - Woodland between Basing Dean and Merepond Lane

Merepond Lane

Trees and HedgerowsWell maintained hedges surround most of the large arable fields and selected trees, mainly oak and ash, are often allowed to grow to their full size within these hedges. Many can be seen along the roadsides of Privett. It is of concern to see that a number of these, primarily older oaks of poor form, are dying. In these circumstances management and succession planning should be encouraged.

Hedges appear in a variety of forms, depending on the farm and the preferences of the owner. Around Hurst Farm, for example, the hedges are left to grow to their full height and cut back only to allow access along the road. Others are flailed annually, whilst some are flailed on a two or three yearly basis to encourage wildlife. A hedge of particular note is that in Fawley Lane which has had the extensive hazel trees cut and laid with many mature trees being retained. The replanting and maintenance of some hedges are being supported by DEFRA and English Heritage schemes.

The variety of hedges is to be welcomed as is the wide selection of native wild flowers that are present. Bracken and bluebells can be seen in some hedgerows, indicating the adjacent field has changed usage in the recent years.

Individual TreesSome residents admire solitary trees in the middle of fields. It is good to see more individual trees being planted and well protected in the parkland area of Basing Park which remains one of the very few ancient parklands in the South of England. Individual trees planted within gardens, within small business sites and by the church demonstrate the interest shown in trees within the village. Examples are the copper beech near the church, planted in 1907 to commemorate the village school winning an essay writing competition and the 2000 Millenium oak tree at Bailey Green.

In a low level of ambient light, such as a moonlit night, the trees silhouette, framed against the undulating landscape, is a spectacular sight.


Privett - Woodland Strip made up of Cedar and Monkey Puzzle leading from Church to A272

Hedge laying near Privett Village Hall

Copper beech planted by Miss Gertrude Nicholson in 1907

Oak seen from Church Lane

History

Although there is some pre-historic evidence of human activity in Privett, ancient charters suggest that much of Privett was covered by beechwood.

Furthermore, it appears that well into Saxon times Privett was a wasteland without inhabitants.

However, the discovery of ‘The Alton Hoard’ of Iron Age coins and Roman jewellery in 1996, on farmland in Privett, suggests the area must have been occupied.

In 1999 a golden Roman jewel depicting an emperor was unearthed yards from the hoard of other artefacts that are now at the British Museum. The jewel dates from the first century, measures just 2.5 inches in length and depicts an emperor - probably Tiberius - wearing a laurel wreath. It is inscribed with the letters Ti CAESAR above the head and has a precious red stone below. There is a loop at the top, suggesting it may have hung from a necklace. Experts believe it was made in Alexandria in Egypt and brought to the UK with some of the first Roman settlers.

From the Middle Ages to the 17th century much of England consisted of unenclosed fields which formed part of manorial estates. The open fields would have been farmed in strips in a three year rotation. Animals were kept and it is not known what the balance was between arable and animal farming. The population worked on the land using oxen drawn ploughs to cultivate the


Basing Park when it was the seat of Sir Joseph Martineau

Golden Roman jewel depicting an emperorThe Alton Hoard

Roman gold bracelet and Roman gold ring

History

The earliest historic reference to Basing Park is dated 1567 when it was owned by the Love family. Subsequently it passed to the Martineau family and in 1863 to William Nicholson. By the end of the 19th century the estate covered most of Froxfield and Privett. William Nicholson died in 1909 and the estate passed to his son William Graham Nicholson, who served for many years as MP for Petersfield. His death in 1942 brought the demise of the Basing Estate which was gradually sold off piecemeal and the big house fell into ruin. It was finally demolished in the 60’s. The estate was reduced in size and sold to the Langmead family in 1962.

In 1903 the Alton to Fareham railway was opened. The line enters Privett railway tunnel south of Privett station and then proceeds in a cutting and onto an embankment before it crosses the A272. The line’s location is somewhat hidden in the landscape. The line closed in the 1950’s.

Milne's map of 1791


The former Privett Station

Basing Park when it was the seat of Sir Joseph Martineau

Privett ChurchIt is known that there was a chapel, possibly of Saxon origin, on the site of Privett church in 1391. It was replaced by Holy Trinity church which was consecrated in 1878. The new church was

commissioned by William Nicholson of Basing Park and designed by Sir Arthur Blomfield.

It is a local landmark with a 180 ft spire that many would

associate with the landscape of Privett, because it can be seen from the A272. However, the church can be seen from a number of locations within the parish and this benefit is much appreciated and admired.

The views, from the church looking south, of the trees, woods, dry river valley and downs beyond are particularly striking.The church is now redundant and is in the care of the Churches Conservation Trust. The eight bells are an attraction to local and visiting campanologists. It is open to visitors and events are held there including the occasional church service.

Architect Sir Arthur Blomfield


Access The western end of Privett is bounded by the A32 to the west and A272 to the south. The parish is accessed easily from these major roads, by Filmore Hill Lane and Fawley Lane from the A32 and Church Lane and Stocks Lane from the A272. Until the 19th century Filmore Hill was on the main coach road from Alton to Fareham and a forge was located there. The parish is served by minor roads, farm tracks and footpaths. Within the parish public transport is negligible but a regular Winchester to Petersfield bus service operates from the West Meon Hut. Both residents and visitors to the area are, in most cases, reliant upon the motor car. Remote, quiet, unspoilt but within easy reach of the market towns of Petersfield and Alton and not that much further to the larger city centre of Winchester and ports of Southampton and Portsmouth.

Activities The main activity in the area is arable farming. However, in the recent past there has been dairy farming. There has also been a diversification from farming activity and bed and breakfast facilities have opened in the last few years. There are also stables, kennels and workshops, which have included car maintenance and furniture making.

There are a number of residential homes in the area. The population comprises a mix of retired people, commuters and families with children. There is little work in the area for residents. Residents engage in social activities within the community and outside. Walking, often with dogs, horse riding and shooting are particularly popular pursuits in the community.

Amenities There are limited amenities in the area. In the past there were two public houses and a shop at Filmore Hill and a shop in Church Lane. There was also a primary school next to Privett church that closed in 1970. The school now operates as a residential study centre for school children. The Church is redundant but two services are held there each year and it is used as a venue for concerts.

The village hall is the main focus for village social events. A pre-school nursery was established in the village hall in 1988.


The Privett Centre

Privett’s rather utilitarian Village Hall

ArchitectureThe area is made up of mostly 18th and 19th century dwellings spread at intervals along narrow lanes, with wide expansive views across the surrounding farmland.

However, you cannot consider Privett’s architectural landscape without mentioning Privett Church - described as ‘a Victorian jewel set in beautiful countryside’. Although the Church is a defining landmark it is the farm buildings and estate cottages which Nicholson built to house his workers that characterise Privett’s architectural landscape. During Nicholson's lifetime the estate became very prosperous. He almost completely redeveloped the area, replacing many 17th and 18th century buildings with those seen today. These are of a common form and style, of gables, flint elevations and brick dressings, and steeply

pitched plain tiled roofs with interesting individual decorative stones such as Nicholson's crest and initials.

These are interspersed with other buildings which predate Nicholson and are the few which survived his redevelopment. These tend to vary considerably in style and form, so creating a very vernacular character to the area.

The houses along Filmore Hill Lane are made up of a variety of architectural styles and age . . . from 17th century thatched cottages to modern bungalows.

Over the years most the houses, once occupied by workers on the Basing Park estate, have been bought and turned into private residences. Several that were once semi-detached houses have been ‘knocked through’ to form one house and nearly all have, over recent years, had major extensions added. Even the Old Sun, the Wheatsheaf pub and Privett Station have been turned into private houses - leaving little evidence of their origins. Many former farm buildings and barns and even ‘Trimmers’ rather eccentric post office and shop have been converted into private houses.


!

Nicholson’s influence on the local architecture can be seen all

around the village 9 Hemplands Lane has been carefully extended, replicating the original features

Built around 1850, Carpenter’s Cottage predates the Nicholson era but perhaps

set the style Nicholson copied?

Brooms Hemplands Lane


Architectural vandalism

In an effort to ‘modernise’ many of the houses - extending and installing, bathrooms, kitchens and central heating; regretfully some

real architectural gems have been lost!

Shown here is 5-6 Hemplands Lane (now Well House) which was remodelled in 1960. Features that have been lost are the distinctive

chimneys and peaked tiled dormer windows.

Farnfield FarmFarnfield Farm

Conservation Area - Important buildings

The most important buildings in the area are the Church of the Holy Trinity at Privett (listed Grade II*) and Basing Park. Linking the two is the

old carriage drive - now largely overgrown, which the Nicholson family

used to get to the church and beyond down to the A272. The drive also extended north of the Park to the station.

Adjacent to, and opposite the church, are the Privett Centre (listed

Grade II) and The Old Vicarage. These were both built by Nicholson; The Privett Centre having housed the school and Master's House.

At Bailey Green there is one of the only remaining 17th century buildings

in the area - 20 Bailey Green, a small detached thatched cottage. Listed

Grade II, in acknowledgement of its local importance, it is one of the only remaining timber framed thatched buildings in the area.

There are four farms within the Conservation Area - Church Farm,

Farnfield Farm, Basing Home Farm and Fawley Farm. Church Farm has been the subject of a high quality conversion to a number of residential

units. The other three are still used for agriculture. Both Church

Farm and Basing Home Farm include a number of Grade II listed buildings.

The Old Station House is all that remains of Privett

Station, located at the junction of Sages Lane with the A32,

it is now a private dwelling within the parish of West Tisted! However, it provides an important historical link to the area's

railway heritage, as does Privett Tunnel, which emerges from

beneath the village just to the south of the station. Evidence can be seen in the ground and hedgerows and on small scale maps,

showing where the old goods yards were. From here the

agricultural produce of the area would have been transported to various places, most particularly to Nicholson's Clerkenwell

distilleries.


17th century cottage on Bailey Green

Privett Church and Privett Centre

The former Privett Station


Our perspective

• Tranquility The tranquility has been most often mentioned as one of the key reasons to live in Privett. Loss of tranquillity is of concern. Extra noise of the A32, light aircraft and microlights - Colemore airstrip, West Tisted airstrip, hot air ballooning, helicopters, small business units and bird scarers.

• Landscape Maintain the existing landscape, woodlands and hedgerows . . . This area is an AONB for good reason . . . The landscape has not changed noticeably in the last 20 years and is now in the newly designated South Downs National Park.

• Development Carefully manage the redevelopment of housing/building of the area, ensuring the existing style and architectural landscape is maintained.

• Broadband Lobby for fast speed fibre-optic broadband.

• Traffic Consideration should be given to restrict traffic that use the local lanes such as Church Lane. The traffic cutting through the lanes causing damage to the road surface and verges is a concern. Some have highlighted the effects of agricultural traffic which consists of large heavy goods vehicles and tractors and trailers travelling at high speed. Some residents think Filmore Hill and other parts of the area should have speed restrictions.

• Privett Church There are diverging views regarding the use of the church and the debate continues. In the meantime, exhibition panels explaining history of Privett Church, The Nicholson Family and background about the village are to be displayed in the Church.

• Amenities Noted that there is a lack of a focal point to meet locals such as a shop or pub. There is a proposal to refurbish the Village hall but cost is an issue.

• Housing Noted that there are an increased number of houses for rent or bought as second homes. This tends to result in those residents regarding their stay in Privett as temporary with the consequence that they do not participate in the community. There is no council or affordable housing and some perceive this as a good thing. In any event due to the lack of local employment it is difficult to see how the less well off would be able to afford to travel to work elsewhere.

• Wildlife Noted that intensive farming has led to a reduction of wildlife although in recent years the situation has improved due to a change in farming practices..

privett doc final final 30.08 · froxﬁeld clay plateau • elevated gently undulating domed...

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