Supplementary Planning Document
| 4. HERITAGE & DESIGN |
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| The STC.4 site lies within Stourport-on-Severn Conservation Area No.1. There are no Statutorily Listed Buildings within the site, but the adjacent Clock Basin is a Statutorily Listed Structure. One building of local interest is No. 8 Bridge Street. The Conservation Area Character Appraisal also identifies the wall adjacent to Engine Lane as being of local interest. The remainder of the site has a negative impact on the area.
The majority of Bridge Street, High Street, York Street and New Street are three storey and Georgian in character. This gives rise to a series of very prominent corner premises at the cross roads to the north of the site. By contrast, the majority of the STC.4 site is covered in single storey buildings. Any historic rationale for this low density approach is not apparent. It is accepted that No€™s 2 and 3 Bridge Street are also small scale (single storey and two storey), but they fall outside the STC.4 site. They are considered to be less problematic in the streetscene. However, the general policies of the Local Plan may facilitate the redevelopment of these properties. Therefore, the layout of any proposals for the STC.4 site should allow for that future possibility. |
With the exception of No.8a, the STC.4 site presents an eclectic mix of poor quality modern and functional buildings of mostly single storey construction. The most prominent and significant detractors are No. 7 and Lloyds garage. The land within the development brief area appears to have a complex industrial heritage. Developers will be expected to undertake an evaluation of the existing buildings and structures to consider the possible value of retaining any such features. As a minimum any historic buildings should be recorded prior to demolition. Further advice should be sought for the District Council's Conservation Officer.
The role of the basins today is very different from its origins in freight haulage. Whilst, essential boating services are retained, they are now focused on leisure. However, despite this transition the canal basins in Stourport-on-Severn have remained relatively isolated and inaccessible. Evidence from other centres including Birmingham and Gloucester suggests that well-planned developments around waterspace draw significant numbers of visitors and spend. The understated character of the basins area is reflected in Engine Lane which has remained little changed over the last century and is now considered inadequate as the main point of entry from the town centre. Therefore, new or improved links will be required as part of any redevelopment. |
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| Wyre Forest District Local Development Framework Bridge Street Basins Link SPD: December 2005 |
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