This mainly residential area lies immediately to the south and southwest of The Square in the centre of the town. Sheep Street, The Spain and Hylton Road form an important part of the historic core of the town. Historical maps indicate the long established connection between this area and The Square, probably since the town was built. Sheep Street is a key access route to the Square, and images of The Spain and Sheep Street are found on most tourist literature and souvenirs connected with the town. The area between Hylton Road and Sheep Street comprises a maze of small, attractive gardens bounded by old brick and flint walls. A number of the properties border St. Peter’s churchyard. The houses at the southern edge of the area back on to the Criddle Stream, a straightened waterway with neglected watermeadows to the south. There are five commercial enterprises on Sheep Street, most of them in old buildings – the library, a travel agent, the Royal Oak pub, an holistic shop and a fish and chip shop. The east end of Hylton Road has a charity HQ based in a warehouse, the Petersfield Infants School, and a plumbing centre.

Most of the area lies within earshot of the bells of St Peter’s church, and the views from the streets are mostly of a historic market town. The Market Square, The Spain and the South Downs provide a majority of street-end views, while the South Downs can be seen from many south-facing upstairs windows, and from some more open gardens. Sheep Street provides a view from The Square to the South Downs, linking the town centre with the surrounding landscape. The Downs can also be viewed from the Eastern end of Hylton Road, across the Tesco car park. The watermeadows adjoining the Criddle Stream provide a view into the town centre.

The north side of Sheep Street consists mainly of modern housing. The south side, The Spain and the north side of Hylton Road are predominantly made up of listed buildings which provide a varied, interesting and attractive street scene for this market town. The houses on the south side of Hylton Road have small front gardens; otherwise front doors open directly on to the pavement or The Spain. These houses were built long before motor vehicles were invented. The green in the centre of The Spain is the most notable feature, giving the impression of a village within the town. There are some trees and bushes along Hylton Road, the Northern side of the Tesco car park has a line of trees which should grow into an attractive avenue. The Criddle Stream is, sadly, a neglected feature. It has been used as a dump at the foot of many gardens instead of having been incorporated as a feature. In particular the Tesco development has not realised the potential of this stream. It could have been a centrepiece, providing a picnic and wildlife area to offset the harshness of the wide expanse of tarmac. The watermeadows retain the potential to provide a wildlife and parkland area close to the town centre.

Houses in the conservation area range from an Anglo-Saxon hall to terraced 16^th century cottages and 18^th century mansions. The north side of Sheep Street between the Royal Oak and The Spain consists mainly of terraced two bedroom houses built in the 1980s. Unfortunately this development is modern in appearance with no design features to complement the setting of the area, and is an example of the damage to the character of an area new development can cause if design is not taken into account. The courtyard gardens of the houses lead to a large area of jumbled parking, shared between residents, the library and The George, which fronts The Square.The south side of Hylton Road has spacious, mainly terraced early 20^th century houses with long gardens leading down to the Criddle Stream. Although the area is built up, the historical development has ensured a variety of building styles. St. Peters Court, in Hylton Road, is an example of better design where a modern development has been attached to a converted school. Here, the use of brick and tiles and some design features produces an attractive building with some parking. Joliffe Court has also succeeded in a similar way. Some houses have made use of loft space to increase the internal living area.

The old houses are built according to the style of their origin – black and white timber framed, old brick, and local stone. Some are plastered and painted, others have hanging tiles. Many outside walls are of brick and flint. The 20^th century houses are predominantly constructed with red brick. The Elizabeth Fitzroy Support charity on the south side of Hylton Road is based in a modern warehouse. The Plumbing Centre at the east end of Hylton Road is modern, stark and unattractive.

The roofs of the old houses depend on the style of their origin, and vary in shape and size. They are mostly covered in old tile or slate. The newer houses use red tiles. Modern attic conversions and dormer windows are rare in the conservation area, and planning restrictions mean that new windows must be sympathetic to historic architecture.

Petersfield’s historic core is a special feature in itself, and the town must ensure that what is left is preserved in its original state for future generations. Most of the area is within a Conservation Area, and there are many listed buildings. The old houses of Sheep Street connect the ancient church and market square with the greensward of The Spain, which itself complements the delightful range of old houses around this “village green”. A number of old houses have blue plaques noting their historic importance. Spain House is an imposing centrepiece for The Spain, and complemented by Moreton House opposite, both having recently been redecorated in suitable colours. In terms of nature, the watermeadow south of the Cribble Stream is nondescript and neglected, but could be a “green lung” to complement the heath.

Perhaps the most sustainable feature of the area is that many of the buildings have stood for centuries, and with sympathetic repair and maintenance will continue to provide an attractive place for residents and visitors. The area is located close to shops, the train station, bus stops and schools, and most of the residents walk or cycle to these facilities.

Sheep Street, The Spain and Hylton Road are an integral part of Petersfield’s identity and attractiveness , providing a pleasant place to live for residents – many of them elderly – who can easily walk to the town centre shops.