Proposed Amendments to the
Draft Dover District Heritage Strategy
June 2013
The purpose of this document is to set out the proposed changes to the text of the Dover
District Heritage Strategy, which has resulted from representations made as part of the
public consultation.
This document only lists the paragraphs and tables that are to be changed and should
therefore, be read in conjunction with the original consultation document that can be
viewed in the Members’ Room or on the District Councils web page (http://doverconsult.limehouse.co.uk/portal/planning/dover_district_heritage_strategy).
To assist, the proposed changes are set out in the order of the consultation document.
Where there are no changes proposed to a section, this is clearly stated. New text is
has been highlighted (for example), whilst deleted text has strike through (for example).
Chapter 1
Introduction
No proposed changes to this chapter.
Chapter 2
Dover’s Rich Heritage
‘2.1
Dover District contains an exceptional wealth of historic sites spanning from the
prehistoric period to the present day. The District features archaeological finds and
historic structures that are important nationally and internationally. These remains
include iconic places such as Dover Castle and Richborough Fort as well as
internationally important archaeological discoveries including the Dover Bronze Age
Boat and Ringlemere Gold Cup. Alongside these there are numerous sites of regional or
local importance, less well known perhaps but treasured and valued by local
communities as markers of their own history and that of their towns and villages.
Furthermore there are many important museums and collections that are open to the
public in the District that make a substantial contribution to the public's understanding of
the area's heritage and to its tourism potential. These sites, and, buildings and objects
are known as ‘heritage assets’ and are exactly that – places and artefacts of value to the
District, to its sense of identity, its aesthetic appeal and its economy. The wealth of
historic remains is reflected in the County Kent Historic Environment Record, which lists
almost 10,000 historic buildings and archaeological discoveries across Dover District’
--‘2.28 Although the Empire brought internal peace, the military was a significant
presence within east Kent throughout the Roman period. The probable Claudian landing
site at Richborough in AD 43 became the main port of entry into the country and the start
of Watling Street which ran to London. Alongside the fort there was a small civilian
settlement, with temples, mansio (official guesthouse), and an amphitheatre. A large
quadrifrons (triumphal arch) was built at Richborough, straddling the road, to signify the
conquest of the whole of Britain. From the early to mid second century AD Dover
replaced Richborough as the main port of entry, and became one of the stations of the
Classis Britannica (the Roman fleet in the English Channel). Again, a fort was
accompanied by a mansio, the magnificent Roman Painted House, and civilian
settlement. The importance of Dover as a port of entry is highlighted by the construction
of two lighthouses on the Eastern and Western Heights sometime in the first century AD.
The lighthouse on the Eastern Heights remains standing. From the third century
onwards a series of new forts were built along the east and south coast of Britain. In the
early fifth century these were referred to as the Forts of the Saxon Shore, though there is
no evidence that they were initially conceived as an integrated line of defences. A fort
was built at Dover c. AD 270 and at Richborough c. AD 277.’
--2.48 Aesthetic value – the aesthetic values of Dover District’s heritage assets are
wide and varied; from the wide rolling down-land landscapes, shaped by generations
and now celebrated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, to the attractive ancient
church which forms the centrepiece of a historic village. Some places such as Dover
Castle are iconic and recognised and celebrated widely for their aesthetic qualities.
Other places are more intimate and valued by the local people who experience them
daily. Military remains, such as the sheer walls and ditches of the Drop Redoubt, can
inspire feelings of awe and fear that resonate well with the original purpose of the
fortifications and help visitors to appreciate their defensive might. Other sites, like the
historic parkland at Waldershare or Goodnestone, for example, are deliberately
designed to be aesthetically pleasing and continue to be valued because of this. The
District’s many historic villages and farmsteads are now valued aesthetically, but were
not necessarily designed to be so – they have become imbued with an aesthetic quality
arising from a patina of age. The District's industrial heritage includes many buildings
that while utilitarian in their design stand as powerful imposing structures, with attention
to detail that conveys both the power of the industries and the pride of those that worked
in them.
Chapter 3
Heritage Assets
No proposed changes to this chapter.
Chapter 4
Heritage Themes
‘4.4
It is recognised that there are significant heritage assets within the District that do
not easily fall in to the above themes and that arguments could be made for additional
themes which are important to the District for example prehistoric settlement and landuse, coastal leisure, civic buildings, cemeteries and historic parks and gardens, ancient
woodlands, trees, hedgerows and the character of the historic landscape. It is envisaged
that future studies could add to the theme list above.’
Chapter 5
Vulnerability of Heritage Assets
‘5.11 Change in farming regime – the introduction of new crops or techniques, either
into farming practise in general or onto land not previously exploited in this manner,
potentially threatens the stability of conditions for buried archaeological sites. Deeper
rooting crops can damage deposits or the use of new machinery may introduce new
threats (see above). Additionally, new practices may lead to the disuse of traditional
buildings and development pressures from the construction of new warehousing, barns
or livestock shelters. Intensification of farming methods, larger scale activities (and
machinery) along with diversification can all lead to changes in current land uses,
removal of existing features, including hedgerows and the introduction of new features
such as polytunnels, that can have considerable impact on settings. The trend towards
the sub-division of fields into numerous paddocks for horse keeping has similar potential
implications, with the introduction of new characteristics for areas and the construction of
associated structures. The increasing coverage of the landscape through tree planting
can have an impact on buried archaeological remains through root disturbance.’
--‘5.15 Roads – the construction, widening or maintenance of roads constitutes a
significant threat to heritage assets. Increased traffic impacts upon existing road
structures, particularly historic bridges which often require strengthening or repairs. This
is likely to increase with the introduction of larger or heavier goods lorries. Street signage
and surface treatment also has an impact on setting, particularly within Conservation
Areas. Dover’s gateway location is likely to lead to an increasing need for the
construction of ancillary development of facilities for lorry parking close to the present
motorways which may have an impact on buried archaeological remains. Dover has
particularly suffered from the infrastructure required to get traffic to and from the Port.
The construction of York Street involved the rescue excavation of substantial amount of
Roman and Saxon Dover. The later construction of the A2 along Town Wall Street has
severed the core of the town from the sea front other than through an underpass which
itself encountered the Bronze Age boat during construction.’
‘5.16 Allocation sites – The Heritage Strategy study has included a rapid assessment
of over 350 individual sites that have been proposed for allocation as future development
sites through the District’s Site Allocation process. As can be seen in the worksheet
forming Appendix 3 of the Strategy, these proposals have a potentially wide ranging
impact on the heritage themes and assets of the District and include both direct impact
through construction activities and impacts on setting of heritage assets. Construction
activities can directly affect buried archaeological remains through the excavation of new
foundations, services, remodelling of land, stripping of sites in advance of development,
piling works and from the operation of plant. Development can also involve the
demolition of or damage to historic structures, buildings or features. Impacts that affect
the setting of historic assets or the character of historic areas can result from the built
form of new development, from activities through the process of construction and from
the resultant use of the new development. Although Dover had suffered badly due to war
time damage, town planning in the 60s and 70s resulted in the redevelopment of the
core of the town centre and in the construction of imposing structures such as Burlington
House which are today regarded as incongruous with their surroundings. Intentions to
'improve' Deal at the time were resisted and have resulted in the gem that is the present
historic core of the town.’
--‘5.26 Monitoring and enforcement – while policies may be in place to ensure the
protection of heritage assets, resources are often insufficient to ensure the regular
monitoring and enforcement of those policies. Shortcomings in the knowledge,
information available to and training of those who recommend and make decisions that
affect heritage assets can be detrimental.’
--‘5.37 It is important to note that the scoring is based only on a rapid desk based
examination of the site and is not supported by site visits or more detailed analysis of the
site. It is also important to understand that the scoring is not necessarily seen as a
constraint but a means of flagging an issue of sensitivity that should be taken account of
with regards to development of the site. It may be possible to develop a site in a way that
avoids or lessens impact on the significance of a heritage asset though this will need to
be appropriately assessed and demonstrated when bringing forward proposals,
particularly on sites of greater sensitivity and importance.’
Chapter 6
Opportunities
‘6.1
The historic environment of Dover District offers great potential as a resource for
enhancing the quality of life in the District. It can act as a framework for regeneration,
complementing and supporting the economic development of Dover. This can help
produce higher quality and more sustainable development that is successfully integrated
into the life of the District. The historic environment can also play a key role in social
regeneration and in the cultural offering of the District. Successful heritage-led
regeneration, acting in partnership with community projects, can help to connect people
with their urban and rural landscapes, with their heritage and with each other. The linking
of heritage with the culture and arts sector can provide significant benefits together and
be a strong catalyst to creating wealth and regeneration. In this section the main ways in
which the historic environment can contribute to regeneration, to Dover’s economy and
to the District’s social well-being will be reviewed. The final section brings together the
opportunities identified in each of the thematic papers.’
--‘6.6
The historic environment has a significant role to play in the conservation of
resources required for development and also energy efficiency. Old buildings can often
be more energy efficient than newer ones and of course have already been built. as it
may take fewer overall resources to adapt an old building than to demolish it and build a
completely new one. Some modern building materials may also have limited lifespan
compared to traditional materials such as stone, brick and tile. English Heritage has
produced guidance (‘Climate Change and the Historic Environment’, 2008) that reviews
the threats to the historic environment posed by climate change. The guidance also
demonstrates that historic structures, settlements and landscapes can in fact be more
resilient in the face of climate change and sometimes more energy efficient, than more
modern structures and settlements.’
--‘6.20






A number of heritage assets remain inaccessible to the public. These include:
Private houses or other domestic or agricultural buildings located out of sight
from public rights of way.
Bunkers, pillboxes etc located on private land.
Shipwrecks below low water mark.
Buried archaeological sites.
Some churches or chapels e.g. Oxney Church.
Industrial complexes e.g. Snowdow Colliery site.’
---
6.33 Deal has a similar emotional perception to Whitstable and Broadstairs in terms of
old-fashioned, traditional and friendly but is perceived as offering more in the way of
historical or heritage attractions perhaps because of the prominence of the Castle in the
town both close to the town centre and on the approaches to the town. It is seen as a
place to get an authentic feel of Kent in a charming town.
--‘6.43 Port Facilities, Dover – The Port is Dover’s strongest defining feature today and
contains numerous historic structures including the harbour breakwaters, the Dover
Turret, the basins and wharfs and Admiralty Pier Station. Providing access to the port
facilities would help to integrate the port better with the town but it is recognised that the
Port is an operational and secure area where opportunities for access are a challenge.
Future redevelopment of the Port may provide opportunities to increase access to its
heritage assets and should be encouraged as far as is possible.
The District needs to strengthen its overall heritage brand to attract visitors on a national
and international scale. Although Dover in particular is a main point for entry to cross
channel travellers and passengers using the cruise terminal, it is more often than not
overlooked as a visitor destination with locations such as Leeds Castle, Canterbury and
London being preferred. The numerous individual heritage assets need to be packaged
in a way that captures the attention of those travelling through the District and using the
Port and encourages visits from elsewhere in the region, particularly for overnight
stays.The District should also seek opportunities to work with neighbouring authorities to
better promote and link the heritage offer of the east Kent area as a whole.‘
--‘6.45 Coastal defence – Dover District has defensive fortifications from a wide range
of periods, many of which can be visited and some that are already well prepared to
receive visitors. By linking Richborough Fort, Dover Castle and Sandwich town walls,
Deal and Walmer Castles, the Western Heights and the Second World War sites along
the cliffs east of Dover, a coastal defence network could be developed that spans much
of the District’s past. Such a network could readily be developed in partnership with the
adjacent districts and in particular along the coast line around Folkestone.’
--‘6.49 Gateway to Britannia – Dover was the gateway to Roman Britain and contains
more outstanding Roman remains than virtually any District in England. Trails or tourism
products could take advantage of Richborough Fort, the remains of the Saxon Shore
Fort at the Dover Discovery Centre, the Roman Roads, the Pharos in Dover Castle and
the Roman ‘Painted House’. It could also link with Roman remains in Canterbury to take
advantage of visitors to Canterbury and other key sites such as the Saxon Shore Fort at
Reculver and the villa site at East Cliff, Folkestone.’
Chapter 7
Taking the Heritage Strategy Forward
‘7.3
The Heritage Strategy has described the extraordinarily rich history of Dover
District and its vast wealth of heritage assets. Alongside iconic assets such as Dover
Castle, Richborough, and medieval Sandwich and the post medieval townscape of Deal,
numerous sites of national, regional and local importance exist, some designated but
many not. Together these heritage assets provide the District with its distinctive historic
character and have shaped the place that it is today, a place greatly valued by residents
and visitors alike.’
--‘7.7
The future regeneration of the District can benefit from re-use of its heritage
assets. The extensive post-medieval fortifications at Dover Western Heights can play a
significant role in Dover’s regeneration as a complementary heritage asset to Dover
Castle. The Dover Western Heights provide a considerable challenge in ensuring that
future development and proposals for change there are appropriate to the site and
means are found to conserve and enhance the heritage asset. Similarly Fort Burgoyne
should contribute significantly to the redevelopment of the former Connaught Barracks
site. Other significant opportunities are provided by the District’s former industrial
buildings for example the redevelopment of the former Buckland Paper Mill, the
important group of colliery buildings at Snowdown and the remains of the 'failed' colliery
and subsequent brickworks at Hammill. The redevelopment of Dover harbour and the
town centre bring their own opportunities and challenges to make the most of, as well as
conserve and enhance, the important heritage assets that are present there and in their
surroundings. The re-use of heritage assets also contributes to the sustainable use of
resources in many cases.
Key routes into and through the towns and rural settlements are important for presenting
a historic 'sense of place' to the District's visitors and in encouraging them to return and
explore the area. Attention should be given to improving key gateways and corridors and
ensuring that wherever possible heritage assets in these areas are made best use of to
present a positive 'sense of place'.’
--‘7.17 Paragraph 132 of the NPPF guides that when considering the impact of a
development proposal on a heritage asset, great weight should be given to its
conservation. The greater the importance of the asset the greater the weight. The impact
of proposals on the assets significance, whether that be through direct impact or
affecting its setting needs to be appropriately considered. At individual development site
level, the Strategy has developed a methodology for proposals to be rapidly assessed
and scored for their impact on the heritage themes identified for the District. It has been
recognised that the quality and robustness of Heritage Statements that should
accompany planning applications for validation needs significant improvement. The
methodology developed for the Strategy could be usefully developed as a checklist to
assist applicants compile a useful Heritage Statement and recognise the opportunities
and benefits that the historic environment can bring to their developments.’
--After paragraph 7.21,
Recommendations’.
change
the
title
‘Recommendations’
to
‘Objective
1
--‘R1 The historic environment should be embraced as an important element in proposals
for regeneration and new development to help develop a strong ‘sense of place’ and an
identity for existing and new communities. Particular attention should be given to key
gateways and routes to and through the District's towns and rural settlements.’
--‘R5 Use of local materials should be encouraged in new development to that helps to
make it more sustainable and foster local distinctiveness.’
---
7.24 The Strategy recognises that there are opportunities for the existing heritage
tourist sites to improve their offer through investment in refreshed interpretation,
promotion, improved facilities and greater networking. There is a need for investment in
the wider infrastructure such as visitor accommodation to help promote the hospitality,
tourism and leisure sectors and help drive the visitor economy in the District. In many of
the Theme papers individual sites and opportunities have been identified, e.g. the visitor
sites in Deal, Richborough and the Wantsum and the East Kent Light Railway. The
Strategy has also started to map the heritage tourism assets in the District, trails and
interpretation.
‘7.25 The Strategy has identified several sites where more access to visitors could
improve the tourism offer of the District. These include Dover Western Heights, Swingate
to St Margaret’s Second World War sites and the port facilities at Dover. The Strategy
has also identified that thematic development of the heritage assets for visitors would
help to link existing visitor sites with those that are not formally accessible or presented
and take them into new areas of the District. Examples of thematic development could
include Coastal Defence, Churches of Dover, East Kent Coal Field, Roman Gateway,
Dover’s Ancient Landscapes and the Wantsum Channel. In addition it is important to
note the potential for linking together visits to several sites which cross themes but lie
within close proximity. For example a visit to Dover could be promoted to cover the
various heritage visitor sites in the town as well as the surrounding Heights and
countryside.’
--After paragraph 7.26,
Recommendations’.
change
the
title
‘Recommendations’
to
‘Objective
2
--‘R18 The District’s wider heritage potential and heritage assets should be promoted
alongside the key assets as part of a broad and diverse offer to encourage more
overnight stays in the District. The encouragement of visits to the area's public and
charitable museums is integral to the promotion of the District's heritage.’
After paragraph 7.33, change the title of the table from ‘Recommendations’ to ‘Objective
3 Recommendations’.
--After paragraph 7.44, change the title of the table from ‘Recommendations’ to ‘Objective
4 Recommendations’.
--‘7.50 At a time of increasing pressure on local authority funding and resources creative
solutions need to be sought to take the Heritage Strategy forward. The Strategy has
identified the considerable role that District’s communities and voluntary sector can play
in helping to deliver many of the aspects of the strategy. The role of the local authorities
and their heritage professionals and advisors, town and parish councils wherever
possible should be one of acting as a focus, facilitating, coordination and providing
advice, information and support to the community to deliver the desired outcomes. The
Dover District Heritage Strategy has the potential to be an exemplar of the ‘Big Society’
concept in action, delivering gains and benefits that would not otherwise be realised
solely through public funding.’
Chapter 8
Sources and Consultation
No proposed changes to this chapter.
Appendix 1 Theme Papers
1
Coastal Processes and Landscapes
No proposed changes to this Theme.
2
Coastal Ports
2.1
Sandwich & Stonar
No proposed changes to this Theme.
2.2
Deal Port and The Downs
‘2.44 The naval presence in Deal stimulated maritime activities both in the town and
the naval yard. The most important of these were boat building and there were boat
yards in Deal until the end of the nineteenth century. The navy adopted the Deal cutter
as its official lighter in 1740 and for the next 50 years these were all built in the town.
Other small craft such as luggers, yachts and ten oared galleys for smugglers were also
built. As late as 1847, there were still six boat yards in the town despite the general
decline of the trade. The last boat was built in 1896 in Nicholas’ Yard at the north end of
the town. As Deal had only a shelving beach and no harbour facilities the yards would
have been situated close to the shore and employed slipways across the beach. The site
of one yard is known on the west side of South Street. The central strip of the street was
cobbled to act as a slipway and finished vessels were hauled along it from the yard to
the sea. Many of the east west streets may have served the same purpose. The cutters
of The Downs were replaced by steam tugs from 1840 and the boatmen lost their
livelihood. The Deal Maritime and Local History Museum has amongst it's displays one
of the last surviving Deal Galleys.
--(New Paragraph after 2.56)
‘A key asset for Deal Port is the Deal Maritime and Local History Museum. This
museum, which was temporarily closed during the writing of this paper, contains a
wealth of material and collections relating to the development of the port and later resort
town and the Naval use of The Downs, the lives and activities of the Deal Boatmen
including one of the last surviving Deal Galleys, smuggling, lifesaving and the wrecks of
the Goodwin Sands and the role of the Royal Marines in the town's history.’
---
Table 2.2
Asset
Form
St Leonard’s
Church
Historic
Building
Medieval
Village (later
Upper Deal)
Castles of the
Downs
(see Theme
3.4)
Wrecks of
Vessels in The
Downs &
Goodwin
Sands
Sixteenth
century huts
and tenements
on shingle
ridge
Seventeenth
century town
Sixteenth
century Navy
Yard
1660
storehouses
Seventeenth
century naval
hospital
Seventeenth
century conduit
& watering
wharf
Designation
& Protection
Listed
Building,
Conservation
Area
Accessibility
Interpretation
Parish Church
unknown
Archaeology
Conservation
Area
Private
None
Historic
Buildings,
Buried
Archaeology
Ruinous
structure
Scheduled
Monument,
Conservation
Area,
Registered
Historic Park
and Garden
Museum display
at castles plus
interpretation
boards in public
realm
Wrecks
Protected
Wrecks
Walmer and
Deal Castles
are English
Heritage
operated
visitor sites,
Sandown
Castle is open
space
Submerged
Archaeology –
low survival
potential
Conservation
Area
Mainly private
developed
land
None
Historic street
pattern
Historic
Buildings
Archaeology
Archaeology
(location
unknown)
Archaeology
(location
unknown)
?
Listed
Building,
Conservation
Area
Public realm,
private
properties
Possible
interpretation
panels
Conservation
Area
None
?
Mainly private
developed
land
Mainly private
developed
land
?
Archaeology
(location
unknown)
?
?
None
Conservation
Area
Deal Maritime
Museum
None
?
Seventeenth to
nineteenth
century Navy
yard
Archaeology
Conservation
Area
Mainly private
developed
land
(Victoria
Town)
Mainly private
developed
land
None
Provisioning
and Servicing
the Navy and
mariners
Historic
Buildings,
Archaeology,
Historic
Structures
Wrecks
Place name
evidence
Historic
Buildings and
Structures
Archaeology
Conservation
Area,
Listed
Buildings
Conservation
Area,
Listed
Buildings
Mainly private
developed
land
Historic
Buildings and
Structures
Archaeology
Street Pattern
Public Spaces
Street names
Conservation
Area,
Listed
Buildings
Private
developed
land
Public Realm
Deal Maritime &
Local History
Museum,
Interpretation
panels
Deal Maritime &
Local History
Museum,
Interpretation
panels
Eighteenth and
nineteenth
Century port
town
St George’s
Church
St Andrew’s
Church
Eighteenth and
nineteenth
century
churches and
chapels
Naval & Military
Barracks
Historic
Building
Historic
Building
Historic
Building
Archaeology
?
Church
Unknown
?
Church
Unknown
?
Various uses
Unknown
Historic
Building
Archaeology
Conservation
Area,
Listed
Buildings
Various uses
Navy
Storekeeper’s
House
Royal Signal
Tower
?
?
?
Deal Maritime &
Local History
Museum, Royal
Marines annual
commemoration,
memorial
?
Archaeology
Conservation
Area,
Site of Time
Ball Tower
Timeball Tower
Museum
Time Ball
Tower
Historic
Building
Conservation
Area,
Listed
Museum
attraction
Timeball Tower
Museum
Smuggling
(see Theme
3.8)
Deal Maritime &
Local History
Museum,
Buildings
Conservation
Area
?
?
?
?
?
Historic
Buildings
Historic
Structures
Public Realm
Archaeology
Historic
structure
Conservation
Area
Listed
Buildings
Archaeology
Public realm
Hotels
Various uses
Piers and
promenades
Deal Maritime &
Local History
Museum,
Annual Regatta
?
Public Access
Boat building
Yards
Historic
Building
Archaeology
Private
properties
Cross Streets
Clay pits
Topographic
features
Conservation
Area
Listed
Buildings
None
Deal Maritime &
Local History
Museum,
Interpretation
Panel
None
Lifeboat
Stations
Historic
buildings
Naval Slips
Admiralty
House
Resort Town
Deal Pier
2.3
Archaeology
(low potential
survival)
?
Conservation
Area
Listed
Building
Private
developed
land
Limited
Access
None
Working lifeboat
at Walmer
Deal Maritime
Museum
Dover Harbour
‘2.81 The next major addition at Dover was the Prince of Wales Pier constructed from
1892. Finally in the late nineteenth century the Admiralty approved the construction of a
vast harbour of refuge at Dover. The new Outer Harbour was formed by extending and
widening Admiralty Pier and the creation of a new Eastern Arm and construction of the
Outer Breakwater. This harbour of refuge was completed in 1909 and enclosed an area
of some 270 hectares. The Admiralty Harbour played an important military role in both
World Wars. The twentieth century also saw a dramatic increase in the amount of civilian
traffic passing through the docks. The Western Docks were developed as a major train
ferry port. There had been a station at the docks (known as Dover Town Station) since
1844 with services connecting to cross-Channel steamers, however the rail facilities
were substantially improved following the construction of the Admiralty Harbour. A new
railway station, Dover Marine, was opened on the pier itself and was opened to civilian
traffic in 1920 following the cessation of the First World War. A Train Ferry Dock was
added to the Western Harbour in 1936.
The area that is now Dover Eastern Docks was in naval occupation until after the
Second World War when it was passed to the Dover Harbour Board. During the war
submarine pens were constructed within an inner harbour and remains of these survive
beneath the general cargo berth today. Other installations such as storage caves and oil
tanks also survive in the chalk cliffs to the rear of the harbour.’
3
Invasion & Defence
3.1
Roman Gateway
‘3.3
Claiming that the Britons had supported the Gauls against him in his conquest of
that country, Caesar made preparations for expeditions to Britain. In the late summer of
55 BC he left Boulogne with a force of two legions arriving initially off DVBRIS (Dover)
intent on landing within that natural harbour. Seeing the massed forces of the Britons on
the overlooking cliffs, the Roman expedition diverted to an open beach on the east coast
of Kent, generally thought to be around Deal or Walmer. The town of Deal and Walmer
can therefore lay claim to being the location of the first recorded major event in British
history.’
--‘3.83 From beginning to end, the area that is now Dover District played a leading role
in the period of Roman occupation of Britain and was the location for the first recorded
event in British history. The point of arrival of the Roman Empire into Britain, first through
Caesar and then Claudius, the District continued as the principle point of entry into the
new province through the great ports of Richborough and Dover. As well as its key role
in the invasion of Britain by the Romans, the District played a significant part in the
defence of the province providing bases for the Channel naval fleet the Classis
Britannica and later as an important part of the defence of the Saxon Shore. Finally the
area and in particular Richborough became the last bastion of Roman administration in
the province. The Roman assets in the District, which as well as the key assets at
Richborough and Dover include a rich archaeological resource in the rural hinterland and
the important historic landscapes of the Wantsum Channel and Lydden Valley, are of
outstanding significance.’
--In final part ‘Sources Used & Additional Information’ additional reference added:
‘Caesar’s Invasions of Britain (Wikipedia entry) available at
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caesar%27s_invasions_of_Britain
A translation of Caesar's writings can be found at http://www.sacredtexts.com/cla/jcsr/index.htm’
3.2
Arrival of the Saxons
No proposed changes to this Theme.
3.3
Medieval Defences
‘3.113 A licence to crenellate was also granted to Langdon Abbey in 1348, but this was
not a true castle and is not considered in any detail here. The fortified medieval manor
house at Walmer Court is discussed in Theme 7.2 (medieval courts and manors) which
is the most appropriate form for most of its history. It has however been described in its
early form as a 'proto-keep' or 'thin-walled keep' and should be considered as a
medieval defence asset. Whilst The later Henrician castles at Walmer, Deal and
Sandown are considered separately in the next section (Theme 3.4).
3.4
The Castles of the Downs
No proposed changes to this Theme.
3.5
Post-Medieval Defences
No proposed changes to this Theme.
3.6
The Great War & Supply of the Western Front
No proposed changes to this Theme.
3.7
Second World War Defences
No proposed changes to this Theme.
3.8
Barrracks
No proposed changes to this Theme.
3.9
Cold War
No proposed changes to this Theme.
4
Communications
4.1
Historic Roads, Routes & Lanes
No proposed changes to this Theme.
4.2
Railways
No proposed changes to this Theme.
4.3
Cross Channel Travel
No proposed changes to this Theme.
4.4
Flight
No proposed changes to this Theme.
5
Maritime
5.1
Coastal Features
No proposed changes to this Theme.
5.2
Wrecks
No proposed changes to this Theme.
6
Church
No proposed changes to this Theme.
7
Country Houses
7.1
County Houses & Estates
No proposed changes to this Theme.
7.2
Courts & Manors
No proposed changes to this Theme.
8
Settlement
No proposed changes to this Theme.
9
Agriculture & Farmsteads
No proposed changes to this Theme.
10
Industry
10.1
Kent Coalfields
‘10.21 At 3,000 foot deep (about 915 m.), Snowdown Colliery was the deepest in Kent,
hot and humid it was considered one of the worst to work in Britain. Snowdown closed in
1987. Today it represents the best survival of the collieries with sixteen of the original
buildings still surviving on the site. Other later buildings also survive on the site. The
buildings include stores, offices, repair and specialist workshops, the lamp room, a
locomotive shed, a powerhouse and the No. 3 Winder House. Also on the site is are the
only coalfield heritage assets protected by designation in the District, the Fan House and
the No 2 Winder House, which is a are Grade II Listed Buildings. The remains of other
buildings will survive as buried archaeology on the site. The buildings are presently lying
empty and derelict on the former colliery site awaiting plans for its redevelopment and
regeneration.’
--10.24 The colliery was extensively modernised after nationalisation in 1947 but was
considered as uneconomic by the NCB. It survived until its closure 1986 whereupon it
was demolished. Today none of the Tilmanstone buildings survive and the only visible
remains of the site is the elevated land of the extensive spoil heap. Part of the site is
now partially occupied by the Pike Road Industrial Estate. The ropeway to the Eastern
docks has mostly disappeared though visible remains survive on the harbour arm, the
opening of the tunnel where it emerges from the Langdon cliffs and the engine house
that was converted from one of the Maydensole Colliery buildings. The tunnel itself,
though not accessible is thought to be largely intact. The aerial ropeway, seen in
operation, has been preserved on film by British Pathé.
---
‘10.38 Most of the miners at Snowdown lived in Dover and the Nonington area until the
Aylesham Tenants built a completely new village to the west called Aylesham. Originally
meant to serve a prospective mine at Adisham as well as Snowdown, Aylesham was an
ambitious project designed to accommodate 3,000 families with all the facilities to make
it self sufficient including shops, social clubs, schools, churches and sports and leisure
facilities. The town was designed by Sir Patrick Abercrombie to an imaginative formal
plan designed to reflect the shape of a pit head winding frame. In the end the full plan
was not realised and only 650 houses were built. Many of the original features of the
settlement survive though the town has expanded to about 1,800 houses, mainly to the
north and west in a manner that is unsympathetic to the original planned intentions.’
--‘10.42 Since the mines have closed various government agencies and charitable trusts
have worked towards redevelopment of the coalfields, assisting the communities to learn
new skills, providing job opportunities and maintaining the facilities within the
communities. Some of the major projects have included the Aylesham Community
Centre in the former village school, the Betteshanger Social Welfare Scheme Sports
Club and the redevelopment of the colliery sites at Betteshanger and Tilmanstone. At
Betteshanger the colliery is being redeveloped has been prepared for redevlopment with
a mixed industrial and leisure use by SEEDA. The former tip has been opened as
Fowlmead Country Park. The Tilmanstone site has been developed with the Pike Road
Industrial Estate which has brought much needed employment to the area. SEEDA has
also purchased the Snowdown site with its Plans for regeneration of the Snowdown site
put forward by SEEDA that included the removal of the important collection of surviving
buildings were not realised. The SEEDA proposals triggered a strong local reaction
which led to the forming of a support group for the Snowdown Colliery remains known as
Kent Coal and Community (KC2). As a result of their campaigning two of the buildings
were Listed, and a study was presented in 2007 to Dover District Council setting out a
case for conversion of the former colliery buildings to community, arts and environmental
uses. Plans for the colliery have not been realised. These plans have also yet to be
realised.’
‘10.43 With the regeneration of the coalfields, the remains of the industry are gradually
being lost. To address this, the Coalfields Heritage Initiative in Kent (CHIK) project
alongside the Aylesham Heritage Centre and Dover Museum has worked hard to record
the heritage of the coalfield, including capturing the memories of the miners, their
families and the communities. A large resource has been made available digitally on the
internet and for use in schools (http://www.dover.gov.uk/kentcoal/intro.asp). Volunteers
have been trained to lead guided walks, maintain footpaths and research the history of
the coalfields.’
---
Table 10.1 Key Heritage Assets
Asset
Form
Shakespeare
Colliery
Landscape
feature
Designation
& Protection
None
Accessibility
Interpretation
? Samphire
Hoe
Archaeology
Historic
Buildings
Archaeology
Wingham Colliery Historic
Buildings
Archaeology
Woodnesborough Historic
Colliery
Buildings
Archaeology
Maydensole
Historic
Colliery
Buildings
Archaeology
Stonehall Colliery Historic
Buildings
Archaeology
Tilmanstone
Archaeology
Colliery
Landscape
feature
Tilmanstone to
Historic
Dover Aerial
Structures
Ropeway
Archaeology
None
None
Samphire
Hoe open
space
unknown
Private Land
None
Private Land
None
None
Private Land
None
None
Private Land
None
None
Private Land
None
None
Private Land
None
None
None
Betteshanger
Colliery
Historic Building
Archaeology
Landscape
feature
Historic
Buildings
Archaeology
Historic Building
Archaeology
None
Private Land
Dover
Harbour
Farmland
Fowlmead
Country Park
& Private
Land
Private Land
None
Private
None
Earthworks
Historic
structures
Archaeology
Working Railway
None
Heritage
Railway –
East Kent
Railway
Historic
Buildings
Historic planned
settlement
Historic
None
Farmland,
Private Land
Public
footpaths
Heritage
Railway
Private land
Public Space
Private land
None
Borings
Guilford Colliery
Snowdown
Colliery
Elvington Court
miners
dormitories
East Kent Light
Railway
Woolage Village
Stonehall Village
Listed
Buildings
None
None
None
Statue of a
miner at
Fowlmead
None
None
Eythorne
Elvington Village
Betteshanger
Village
Mill Hill
Snowdown
Aylesham
Mining
Communities
Buildings
Historic planned
settlement
Archaeology
Historic
Buildings
Historic
Buildings
Historic planned
settlement
Historic
Buildings
Archaeology
Historic planned
settlement
Historic
Buildings
Archaeology
Historic planned
settlement
Historic
Buildings
Archaeology
Historic planned
settlement
Historic
Buildings
Archaeology
Historic planned
settlement
Oral history
Documentary
Institutions
Archaeology
None
Private Land
None
None
Private land
Public Space
None
None
Private Land
Public Space
None
None
Private Land
Public Space
None
None
Private Land
Public Space
None
None
Private Land
Public Space
None
None
n/a
CHIK and
other digital
sources
Oral history
collection
Events
--‘10.52 The heritage assets of the East Kent Coalfield have a strong communal value.
The former mining communities have a strong sense of identity within the former
industry and an interest in their origins. The coalfield remains provide both a means of
commemorating the industry and providing the community with a physical link with its
past. Much of the character of the coal field can be seen within the communities
themselves. The housing stock and layout outs of the residential areas and the individual
communal buildings are all part of a strong sense of place valued by the community. The
value which the community place upon the heritage of the East Kent Coalfield can be
illustrated by the reaction to proposals for regeneration of Snowdown and the forming of
KC2 by residents to seek an alternative future which includes the heritage assets.
Projects focusing on the communities and the history of the coalfield have had
considerable support and success as can be illustrated by the CHIK initiative. Many of
the institutions that were founded by the early mining communities such as the colliery
bands, choirs, clubs and sports clubs are highly valued by the communities today. The
coalfield history is celebrated in the area through an annual Miners Festival. The assets
themselves have potential to tell the story of the coalfield and act as a focus for trails,
interpretation, education and celebration.’
‘10.53 The coalfield heritage assets are highly vulnerable to change as new uses are
sought for the former colliery sites and the mining communities disperse into new areas
of employment. It is worth noting that of all the assets of the East Kent Coalfield the only
ones that is are protected by designation is are the Fan House and the No 2 Winder
House at Snowdown Colliery which are Grade II Listed Buildings. These buildings were
Listed following work by Kent Coal and Community and by the Industrial Buildings
Preservation Trust in reaction to redevelopment proposals for the site that would have
seen their loss.’
--10.55 Other than at Snowdown, the remains of the commercial collieries have faired
little better. Tilmanstone has been completely lost through the redevelopment of the site
for the Pike Road Industrial Estate and the buildings at Betteshanger, other than the
former gate house and an office building have been cleared away for the regeneration of
that site. The building remains at Snowdown are a regionally important group of
surviving buildings which have so far, to a degree, survived the closure of the pit. The
buildings however stand empty, vulnerable to the elements and have so far withstood at
least one regeneration proposal that promoted their demolition. Until a viable reuse of
the buildings can be found they will remain in a semi-derelict form and seeking such a
solution should be a priority. Kent Coal and Community (KC2) have promoted an
imaginative scheme that involves conversion of the buildings for community, arts and
environmental uses as well as a focus for heritage interpretation in the coalfields (KC2
2007). Despite strong support this scheme has still to be realised.
--10.59 The potential to develop trails through the points of interest in the coalfield is to
some extent limited by the present accessibility of the main assets. Much of the
industrial resource is on private land and inaccessible. Regeneration of the colliery land
at Snowdown should seek to redress this. The important group of surviving buildings
could potentially provide a strong focus for the presentation of the history of the
coalfields and potential for better public access to the assets. A priority must be finding a
beneficial use for the buildings which both ensures their conservation and realises their
potential for illustrating the history of the East Kent Coalfield. If realised the KC2
proposals for Snowdown would result in the imaginative reuse of the historic buildings
and help to raise access to and interpretation of these important assets and the wider
coalfield and its story.’
10.2 Dour Mills & Industries
No proposed changes to this Theme.
10.3
Quarrying
‘10.107
The most substantial pit in Deal was at Pope’s Hole, Mongeham Road. It
was noted on the 1st edition OS map as an ‘Old Chalk Pit’ so probably pre-dates the map
by some time. It may date to the early nineteenth century. A second large pit was
excavated at what is now Fairview Gardens, Walmer Deal. It consisted of a large ‘C’
shaped pit around a series of limekilns. It existed by the 1839 tithe map and was one of
a series of quarries excavated on the Mill Hill chalk ridge. The quarries have now been
infilled.’
--‘10.140
The quarrying assets have significant potential for the local community.
Where accompanying structures survive they can be conserved to help tell the story of
the district, particularly during the industrial age. Quarries sites have a multi-disciplinary
value, acting as both heritage assets and as biodiversity assets. For example, in other
parts of the south-east deneholes have been conserved as bat roosts while at sites such
as the Oare Gunpowder works an industrial site has been conserved as much for its
biodiversity as much as its heritage value. Due consideration should be given to
preserving and conserving small-scale quarry sites as they are important reflections of
the small-scale historic extractive industries in the District and have an additional benefit
of providing recreational and environmental benefits.’
11
Archaeology
‘11.97 Aerial photography has demonstrated the presence of extensive archaeological
remains buried throughout the rural landscape of the District and in particular on chalk
downland. These remains, many of which will be found buried at shallow depth, are
particularly vulnerable to ploughing. Changes in farming regimes, intensification of
agriculture and the introduction of new methods of cultivation and machinery could also
impact archaeology. Plantations of new woodland and landscaping of sites may have an
impact on shallow buried archaeology through tree root disturbance.’
12
Built Heritage
‘12.4 While these and other prominent buildings and structures stand out, the District
also contains many, many more assets that contribute to the distinct character of its
towns, villages, coast and rural areas. These may include the remains of the collieries
and settlements of the East Kent coalfields, historic farmsteads and agricultural
buildings, bridges, milestones, the remains of the coastal defences of the First and
Second World War, memorials and monuments, civic buildings, street features and
public parks and gardens. Many of the themes covered in the Heritage Strategy include
Built Heritage assets that make an important contribution to the significance of each
theme. Likewise there are many significant built heritage assets that are not covered in
the themes identified in the Heritage Strategy but is none-the-less important including,
potentially, assets that are nationally important.’
---
‘12.83 Some of the earliest and finest surviving brick buildings in the District can be
found in and around Sandwich. During the fourteenth thirteenth century brick imported
via the Hanseatic League, possibly from the Low Countries reintroduced brick, which
had not been used since the Roman period, as a building material. The earliest
documented brick works in Kent was known to exist at Sandwich in 1467, but trade links
with the Low Countries ensured a supply of foreign brick until the establishment of brick
production in the District. Manwood Court built around 1580 exhibits a pale brick and
stepped gables, reflecting the Netherlands influence in architectural style. This pale brick
can again be seen in the upper floors of the Fisher Gate, this part built 1571, the only
surviving medieval town gate’.
13
Conservation Areas
No proposed changes to this Theme.
Appendix 2 Conservation Areas Overviews
1
Overviews 1:
Dover Dour Street
No proposed changes to this Overview.
2
Overviews 2:
Town Centre
No proposed changes to this Overview.
3
Overviews 3:
Deal (North Street)
No proposed changes to this Overview.
4
Overviews 4:
Deal (Upper Street)
Heading changed from ‘Upper Street’ to ‘Upper Deal’
5
Overviews 5:
Deal (Victoria & Wellington)
No proposed changes to this Overview.
6
Overviews 6:
Dover (Charlton Green)
No proposed changes to this Overview.
7
Overviews 7:
Dover (Waterloo Crescent)
‘7.5
Window on all buildings in Conservation Area as well as balconies on the
Cambridge Road side of Waterloo Mansions require would benefit from enhancement.
Signage design strategy would contribute to enhancement of Conservation Area’.
--‘7.7
Buildings in the Conservation Area are generally in good condition and wellmaintained but could be enhanced with good greening/flowers. The mismatching of the
windows ruins the overall appeal and affects the homogeneity of the facades of all five
buildings and should be replaced with the Conservation Area would benefit from the
replacement of newer style windows with copies of originals where possible.
Conservation Area would benefit from windows design enhancement guidance.’
8
Overviews 8:
The
Deal (Middle Street)
8.4
The Conservation Area changes quality and atmosphere considerably between
Middle Street and the Marina and the rest of the Conservation Area where only small
tracts of facades have avoided some type of degradation. Much of the housing stock is
attractive and what is in tact intact should be preserved.
9
Overviews 9:
Deal (South Barracks)
‘9.1
Although known as the Deal South Barracks Conservation Area it is in fact in
Walmer. Built in 1795 North and South Barracks constructed were built in 1795 to
accommodate the Infantry and Cavalry due to the army presence during titanic struggles
with France between 1793 and1815. The South Barracks were known as the Cavalry
Barracks as there were stables for 63 horses and accommodation for 53 men. The
South Barracks Conservation Area includes the buildings and open spaces that were
formerly part of the Royal Marines South Barracks. The South Barracks Conservation
Area was established in 1996 when the development of the South Barracks site into
houses and flats was almost complete. This area was allocated in the Dover District
Local Plan 2002 (Policy AS4) for redevelopment and designated for leisure and tourism,
institutional, residential and/or B1 employment uses. At the Drill Field in the South
Barracks Conservation Area are playing fields used and maintained by a local rugby club
as well as a toddlers’ play area and a floodlit ball court. The Conservation Area has been
subdivided into three component areas:

1 – Boundaries to complex.

2 – Boundaries to complex New buildings.

3 – Barracks buildings in Conservation Area.’
10
Overviews 10:
Ash (Street End)
No proposed changes to this Overview.
11
Overviews 11:
Great Mongeham (Church)
‘11.5 A review of the boundary should be undertaken to consider inclusion of The Old
School House and the land on the corner of Northbourne Road to improve the approach
to the church and the core of the Conservation Area.’
12
Overviews 12:
Church Hougham
No proposed changes to this Overview.
13
Overviews 13:
Ash (Guilton)
No proposed changes to this Overview.
14
Overviews 14:
Barfrestone
No proposed changes to this Overview.
15
Overviews 15:
Ash (The Street)
The title ‘Summary’ deleted after paragraph 5.13.
16
Overviews 16:
Great Mongeham (Mongeham Road)
No proposed changes to this Overview.
17
Overviews 17:
Chillenden
No proposed changes to this Overview.
18
Overviews 18:
Alkham
No proposed changes to this Overview.
19
Overviews 19:
Northbourne
No proposed changes to this Overview.
Appendix 3 Site Allocations / Specific Vulnerabilities Worksheet
1
Site Allocations / Specific Vulnerabilities Worksheet
No proposed changes to the Worksheet.
Appendix 4 Case Studies
1
Discovery Park Enterprise Zone
No proposed changes to this Overview.
2
North Deal
‘Upper Deal
2.27 During the medieval period Deal consisted of the village that is now known as
Upper Deal about a mile from the present coast and centred upon the parish church of
St Leonard which was probably founded around 1180. The settlement's relationship to
the creeks and channels of the Wantsum Channel and the sea is unclear but its links to
the sea are clear through one of the earliest written references to Deal (that is Upper
Deal) dates to 1229 when in 1229 it was named as one of the members of the a limb of
the Cinque Port of Sandwich to which it was linked by a road across the sand hills. Little
survives of the original village in at Upper Deal other than apart from the parish church of
St Leonard and the. The original road to Sandwich which across the sand hills has since
been deviated in part by the new turnpike road. The area around the Grade II* church is
designated as a Conservation Area and which includes a number of Listed Buildings
including the Grade II* church.’
--‘2.30 The eighteenth century was the town’s heyday, it thrived on war, firstly during the
Seven Years War when it was regarded as one of the four great ports of England
(Chatham, Portsmouth and Plymouth being the others) and then during the French and
Napoleonic Wars (1793-1815). The town saw great expansion but had reached its peak
by the end of the Napoleonic War and soon declined. By the end of the eighteenth
nineteenth century, Deal had attempted to establish itself as a seaside resort but never
fully realised its ambitions as a successful resort town, not even when the railway
reached it in 1847 and was extended to Dover in 1881. In the twentieth century the
military and marine barracks on the outskirts of the town were influential in extending its
built-up area into Walmer and Upper Deal. The establishment of the East Kent Coalfields
influenced the expansion of the town in the pre-war years, particularly in the Mill Hill area
to the west. By 1981 the census recorded a population of over 26,000 in Deal and
Walmer. The barracks and coal mines were closed during the 1980s and 1990s with a
resultant decline in the prosperity of the town and a decline in its population.’
--‘2.48 Principle: Development of the site of the Sholden Roman Villa should seek to
avoid direct impact on the known villa buildings and to limit damage to the villa's
surrounding agricultural and industrial structures. Archaeological evaluation of the site is
needed to inform decisions on development proposals for the area around the villa.’
3
Farthingloe
No proposed changes to this Case Study.
4
Fort Burgoyne & Connaught Barracks
No proposed changes to this Overview.
5
Deal Conservation Area
‘5.12 Before the sixteenth century Deal was an inland settlement focused on the
village that is now known as Upper Deal about a mile from the coast and centred upon
the parish church of St Leonard, which was probably founded around 1180. Its proximity
to the sea and in particular the presence of the sheltered waters of The Downs
encouraged fishing and other maritime trades in the area. One of the earliest written
references to Deal (that is Upper Deal) dates to 1229 when it was named as one of the
members of the Cinque Port of Sandwich. It remained subservient to a limb of Sandwich
for the next 470 years although it must have been beginning to break away from its head
port as early as the late fifteenth century, when Sandwich Haven was beginning to siltup. It seems then that The Downs, the stretch of sea immediately east of Deal between
the mainland and the Goodwin Sands (see Appendix 2 Theme 1), came into prominence
as a sheltered anchorage for vessels that could no longer easily reach the port of
Sandwich.’
--‘5.18 The castle remained as a garrisoned but mainly administrative military centre
until the middle of the nineteenth century. During this time a number of large barracks
were built in the town and further south in Walmer. The earthworks that originally linked
the three castles of Sandown, Deal and Walmer may have been destroyed lost to view
at this time through the growth of housing along Beach Street.’