Area 3 - Pulens Lane, Pulens Crescent, Old Mill Lane, Rother Close, Copse Close, Geddes Way, Barnfield Road, Heathfield Road
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| 1. Location in Town |
Lying to the north/north-east of central Petersfield, Area 3 is the southerly portion of Sheet village immediately south of the A227 London Road (the former A3). The area comprises both sides of Pulens Lane - a well used route to Moggs Mead, Penns Place, the Heath, Sussex Road, as well as to Ditcham, Harting and beyond – together with a cul-de-sacs accessed from Pulens Lane (Pulens Crescent, Old Mill Lane, Rother Close, Copse Close, Geddes Way, Barnfield Road, Heathfield Road). All are within walking distance of both the town and village centres. Area 3’s boundaries are formed by properties fronting the west (town) side of Pulens Lane, the London Road on its northern edge, to the east the River Rother and south flowing into it Tilmore Brook and associated recreational and wooded land (with Penns Place and countryside beyond), and the southern most properties of Heathfield Road. The Rotherlands Local Nature Reserve (a green finger into the town) [see photo numbers 3066, 3067, 3068, 3069], the Heath, Penns Place (and countryside beyond) provide attractive recreational opportunities close by. The upper parts of the Rother include a SINC to the edge and surrounding part of old Stables near the Mill. Area entirely residential in character, medium density, typified by detached single or two storey dwellings constructed since the 1920s/30s, with occasional historic exceptions. The character of Pulens Lane varies with the time of day; outside of peak times this well used road takes on a quieter feel, and the street gives a distinct rather rural impression, one that is bounded by hedges and trees. In summary, a residential on edge of the town, dependent on town for shopping & transport.
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| 2. Vistas/Views |
The topography of the area is generally flat, such that significant views to the town’s wider setting are limited, with the exception of two notable views:
Attractive views across countryside designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to the east are possible from private properties on the east side of Pulens Lane. The rear of historic cottages fronting Old Mill Lane, seen from the drive leading to the public footpath to the same from Pulens Lane, provides a further memorable end piece. Old Mill Lane – from protected open spaces, views to Butser Hill & South Downs. Individual trees contribute significantly to the character of the area, punctuating vistas throughout Area 3 many marking bends in the Lane. e.g. a large Oak tree at end of Heathfield Road [see photo number 3081]. Pulens Lane as a whole is characterised by a predominance of ‘green’ front boundary treatments [see photo numbers 3020, 3021, 3026, esp. 3031 & 3054, 3096], particularly tall beech or conifer hedges, whilst retained trees and the tiered hedge and shrub planting buffer adjacent to more recent housing development at the end of Moggs Mead forms an attractive, enclosed break near the mouth of Barnfield/Heathfield Roads [see photo numbers 3055, 3056, 3057]. River Rother Valley – Rotherlands Conservation Area provides peaceful walks, vistas especially at Penns Place area.
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| 3. Landscaping |
Properties fronting Pulens Lane tend to feature taller, substantial, mature hedging to the front boundaries [see photo numbers 3020, 3021, 3026, esp. 3031 & 3054, 3096], whilst those accessed from side roads such Pulens Crescent, Rother Close and Copse Close have more open or lower front boundaries [see photo numbers 3039, 3048].
As noted above, individual tree specimens were noted for their landmark qualities, on curves in the road (e.g. Monkey Puzzle tree, Pulens Lane) [see photo number 3101] and corners or as set pieces at the end of a vista (e.g. Oak in Heathfield Road) or an entrance (e.g. the Liquid Amber (Liquidamber Styraciflua) tree at the end of Hazelbank Close, planted 10-15 years ago - see photo numbers 3097, 3098, 3100). An eccentric line of old coppiced Leylandii trees provides both a landmark and shade/shelter at the junction of Geddes Way and Pulens Crescent [see photo numbers 3027, 3028]. Several large/tall trees in Pulens Crescent area ( poplar /oak) punctuate the skyline when viewed from gardens on the east side or from Love Lane approach across the roof tops. River Rother Valley – tree lined river (Rother) banks.
The many hedges, trees and well maintained gardens, farm gates (e.g. in Rother Close - see photo numbers 3038, 3043), combined with a typical set back of properties of at least 10m from the back of footpaths, result in a semi-rural, suburban rather than urban feel. That most properties are detached or semi-detached adds to this feeling of space. Wide grass verges in the older areas of housing – such as Pulens Crescent [see photo number 3022],– further reflect this. Old Mill Lane has no tree lined roads but grass verges maintained by councils.
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| 4. Building Characteristics |
No commercial buildings were noted, the character of the area dominantly residential. Most properties are detached or semi-detached, frequently two storeys (although bungalows are also evident in Pulens Crescent), built in progressive phases which can be broadly traced:
Almost all properties and grounds appear well maintained. Some have been altered and /or extended, generally in sympathy with the area. No obvious examples of under or over-development. The character is generally medium density, with good gardens lengths, providing an essential buffer to the countryside which – in some cases, such as some properties on the eastern side of Pulens Lane – directly abuts woodland or open countryside. Old Mill Lane – Predominantly red brick & tiled houses (mainly detached) fairly uniform in area & design. Occasional building of historical/architectural interest e.g. Old Mill. Note that East Hampshire District Local Plan, Second Review (March 2006) already recognises that a section of the south side of Love Lane abutting Pulens Lane is of special housing character; Policy H9 of same refers.
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| 5. Building Materials |
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Building materials vary according to the age and style of the property, however generally:
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| 6. Roofs |
Roof styles similarly vary with the age and style of the property. Typically however:
The majority of roofs are tiled with clay or concrete tiles, although asbestos roof tiles were noted on one property [see photo number 3102]. Throughout Area 3, landscaping and built form set back from the lane (individual trees and boundary treatments) is such that walking along the lane the eye tends to read these rather than roofscape, unless standing opposite a building ; this is pronounced in parts of the inner circle of Pulens Crescent [see photo numbers 3032, 3033, 3049, 3050]. |
| 7. Special Features & Landmarks |
(a) View of St Mary Magdalen’s Church from Pulens Lane, Old Mill Lane & London Road. (b) Individual feature trees punctuating streetscape e.g. Liquid Amber (Liquidamber Styraciflua) tree at mouth of Hazelbank Close [see photo numbers 3097, 3098, 3100]; and the Mmacrocarpa opposite Love Lane , series of trees on bends along Pulens Lane; substantial Oak tree in Heathfield Road [see photo number 3081]; ‘landmark’ coppiced Leylandii tree wall [see photo numbers 3020, 3021, 3026, esp. 3031] and feature tree on corner [see photo numbers 3029], both at junction of Geddes Way and Pulens Crescent (a happy accident. Some protected by Tree Preservation Orders tbc. Interesting topiary in some plots [see photo numbers 3035, 3036]. Large oaks and a poplar on north side of Pulens Crescent (c) Mature Beech hedges along Pulens Lane and, in some instances, adjoining streets. (d) the River Rother, which passes from Moggs Mead, is discretely bridged by Pulens Lane between Pulens Crescent and Barnfield Road, before continuing to the east in the important Rotherlands wooded valley, a Local Nature Reserve. The reserve is maintained by volunteers and, together with the adjacent foot and cycle paths [see photo number 3059], leads walkers to Penns Place and countryside beyond. A very important wildlife haven and corridor. Various footpaths lead to the river from surrounding roads, including one apparently informal path from the end of Barnfield Road [see photo number 3065] which accesses past what appears to be a modest triangular piece of land deliberately left as a wildlife conservation area [see photo numbers 3071, 3072].
The gardens of the east side of Pulens Lane at the interface of the Rother provide good corridors, for the movement of wildlife, roosts, nesting sites and food source, particularly birds. ( see below)
(e) Aside from the River Valley, the area surrounding Old Mill Lane has particular character, derived from historic buildings (see above) and the Mill itself, the river and adjacent well-used recreational open and wooded land (several footpaths lead on from the Mill). Old Mill Lane leads to River Rother and footpaths to Sheet Common & Penns Place. (f) Postbox, Pulens Crescent. (g) Gas lamp (TBC), adjacent No. 35 Pulens Lane [see photo numbers 3103, 3104]. (h) Pumping Station adjacent Rotherlands footpath(s). (i) Mortar bees around the Pulens Lane/ Love lane junction and kingfishers near Sheet Mill! (j) Peculiar strip of Petersfield Town Council land between Barnfield and Heathfield Roads, presumably retained for emergency access [see photo number 3073]. (k) Various footpaths – e.g. very narrow path leading down to Old Mill Lane from Pulens Lane [see photo number 3115]. (l) Attractive old boundary wall, Pulens Lane, near junction with London Road [see photo numbers 3126, 3132].
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| 8. Sustainability |
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Numerous examples of low energy measures and fixtures noted, e.g. solar panels installed discretely on generally side roof planes in Pulens Crescent, Geddes Close [see photo number 3084]. These do not appear to detract from the area character, by virtue of their discrete location. Waste and recycling bins were not observed, such that development density in Area 3 allows ample opportunity for these to be stored out of public view when not awaiting collection (similarly car parking is typically on site, with the exception of cul de sacs such as Copse and Rother Close where on-street parking is also seen - see photo number 3034). Note particular value of Mill floodplain area [see photo number 3116]. East side Pulens Lane is apparently important to Rother wildlife – important movement corridor, roost, food source and nesting site e.g. bank voles, yellow necked mouse, grass snakes, adder, toads, frogs. Various woodpeckers, chiff chaff, blackcap, long tailed, coal and marsh tits, tawny and little owl, bullfinch, siskin, greenfinch, goldfinch, goldcrest etc.(can supply full list if required). |
| 9. Short summary description of area |
An attractive, generally quiet, medium density, residential area of Sheet, on the outskirts of Petersfield. A mix of housing styles evidences the towns’ gradual expansion over the decades. Semi-rural character preserved by open spaces, footpaths, etc. Area 3 lies within the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) with good access to the countryside (some also a Site of Nature Conservation Interest SINC). The Rotherlands Nature Reserve fulfils an important role as a green finger of countryside reaching into the town. A key threat to the character of the area and pedestrian movement stems from speeding traffic along Pulens Lane, parts of footpath widths are quite narrow. The lane could be a more well used primary walking route for children to four schools, Herne and Churchers - close by in Love Lane, Sheet and TPS; speeding traffic forces cars to sometimes the park over kerbs , reducing the pavement width. Creating a more strategic design led parking scheme on this lane, including frequent courtesy or ‘belisha’ beacon type crossing points could achieve a desirable slowing of traffic. Recent highway work has resulted in more ‘urban’ road treatment and signage which works against the visual character of the Lane area. Suggested Additional Heading – Areas of Influence upon Area 3 By ‘Areas of Influence’, we mean buildings, estates or other facilities or designated areas which are outside of Area 3, but which we feel has an influence upon the character of the area, either directly (for example, provide a landmark or distant view) or indirectly through close proximity. For Area 3, areas of influence might include:
The junction with Pulens La is not attractive and has been the subject of accidents due to speeding vehicles on the Lane and an overly generous wide sight line that merely encourages some vehicles to take a chance to get into the Pulens Lane traffic at peak times.
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| 10. Main issues and recommendations |
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(a) It is important to not only retain, but reinforce /enhance, the character of Area 3 described above. (b) Avoid overdevelopment, which would be out of keeping with the established medium density character of the area. Particular care is required should one-for-one redevelopment or infill development be proposed, to ensure new buildings and street frontages would be in keeping with the character of the area. Avoid back land development. (as also particularly would impact on Area 3 gardens facing east (see below vii) (c) Retain important trees (those protected by a TPO) and seek to apply TPO to others which may be similarly important but which are not yet protected. (d) Opportunity for additional tree planting, expansion of green character e.g. additional tree at entrance to Hazelbank Close [see photo number 3099], opportunity for additional natural landscaping in wide grass verge and improvement of private rear boundary treatment at junction of Moggs Mead and Pulens Lane [see photo number 3094]. And N-West side of Love Lane/ Pulens Lane junction. (e) Ever increasing road traffic, particularly along Pulens Lane (planned as residential road).Traffic calming along Pulens Lane, to reduce traffic speeds - perhaps a well designed parking scheme using protected designated bays and some pavement widening (the street is well used by school children walking to and from school but this could be safer and walking encouraged) [see photo number 3105, 3135]. (f) Continued maintenance, and potentially enhancement, of the recreational river valley area. (g) Greater recognition and protection of the biodiversity/ecology of residential gardens, particularly where these directly adjoin open countryside or provide a movement corridor for species e.g. some Area 3 gardens near and abutting Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC) a list of species sighted in recent months can be provided if of use, Rotherlands wooded corridor, the river corridor running rear of Moggs Mead [see photo numbers 3058]. Appropriate protection of rural-urban transition at settlement edge – recommend Landscape Character Assessment of these areas in particular (pursuant to PPS7 advice). (h) Strongly encourage hedges rather than high fencing or walls as boundary treatment, particularly along Pulens Lane. [see photo number 3045 – negative example, 3051, 3062] (i) Retention of older style road signs e.g. Rother Close [see photo number 3037] (j) Reduction in unnecessary road signage, street clutter (refer to recent English Heritage ‘Save Out Streets’, campaign) and encourage pedestrians (e.g. Paving the Way CABE, Living Streets Initiatives and the new Manual for Streets) – recommendation to take up with Highway Authority. clutter unnecessarily urbanises the street scene and traffic speed discourages pedestrian E-W activity and walk to school route [see photo number 3087]. (k) More facilities for disposal of dog faeces e.g. Pulens Crescent (note existing facility in path linking Rother Close and Pulens Crescent) [see photo number 3042]. (l) Ugly lighting at junction of Pulens Lane with London Road (former A3) could be bettered. Also discreet lighting design at more frequent pedestrian crossing points would be helpful along Pulens Lane re pedestrian activity. (m) Deal with Japanese Knotweed identified near Sheet Mill [see photo numbers 3122, 3123]. (n) Discourage fly tipping of domestic garden rubbish on edge of Rotherlands Local Nature Reserve, rear of Barnfield Road properties [see photo number 3070]. (o) Opportunity to extend public footpath on west side of Pulens Lane, near its junction with London Road, to move further from junction to improve pedestrian safety [see photo number 3126]. (p) Bury electricity and phone wires where feasible (q) Maintain existing Settlement Policy Boundary (as defined in East Hampshire Local Plan Second Review, 2006) – traces along the east of Area 3, drawn tightly along the rear boundaries of London Road, Pulens Lane, Rother Close, Copse Close, Geddes Way, Pulens Crescent, Barnfield Road & Heathfield Road property gardens. This important boundary prevents encroachment of development towards west side of River Rother. Opportunity for new footpath (Policy T5 of aforementioned Local Plan refers). Boundary should not include the old stables site which is part believed to be within the rural flood plain area. Recognise Local Plan highlights land to east of Barnfield and Heathfield Roads, west of Penns Place, for potential future development; Policies H1 baseline housing allocation and H2 reserve housing allocation of the Local Plan refer – master planning / development brief for this area must be prepared having regard to the TDS, this character analysis and in full consultation with local residents. Draft policies/recommendations for inclusion in Town Design Statement (a) Maintain plot pattern, building lines and general scale and massing of the built form of the area. (b) Retain garden spaces to ensure variety of housing stock options and wildlife Rother interface. (c) Retain a ‘green’ edge to Pulens Lane. (d) Encourage reinforcement of tree landmarks and planting along the Lane area. (e) Encourage traffic slowing on Pulens Lane and NS/ and particularly EW pedestrian activity, courtesy crossing points and routes to schools by ‘design led’ rather than ‘sign led’ solutions. (f) Avoid pastiche ‘oversized retro’ design in any replacement building work, encourage simple good modern design that takes cues from the prevailing rhythm of existing residential frontages.
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