7.0
SWOT ANALYSIS – STRENGTHS, WEAKNESSES,
OPPORTUNITIES AND THREATS
Community Centre and Art Theatre
7.1 Introduction
The
following
considers
broad
some
SWOT
of
the
near to old town area.
analysis
• Existing
strengths,
information
on
historic
environment.
weaknesses, opportunities and threats in
• Fore
the proposed Conservation Area of St
Street
improvements
-
Civic
Pride works.
Austell. Although not intended to be an
economic, regeneration or urban health
• Economy holding its own.
check analysis, the issues highlighted at
• 300% increased footfall as a result of
the stakeholders’ consultation inevitably
White
identified broader issues, which overlap
development.
with conservation themes.
During
The second
criterion
strengths
consider issues from a more specific
these are:
sets
of
issues
conservation
within
and
each
urban
River
Place
this
shopping
appraisal
became
further
apparent
and
design
Strengths
perspective.
• Vibrant town centre with a good mix
7.2
Strengths
stakeholders
event
and
at
(identified by
the
of
the
• Attractive
Victoria
• A sense of pride.
commercial
specialist
Place,
quarters
Duke
Street
in
and
Biddick’s Court.
• Locally available specialist contractors
• A traditional community.
used to working on historic buildings.
• A rich history.
• The Market House - an asset in the
• Railway station and bus station in
close proximity to old heart of town.
centre of the old core of the town.
• Public
• A new Museum in the Market House.
realm
refurbishment
• Industrial, cultural and architectural
improvements
of
Fore
Street
with
installation of super-fast Broadband
heritage.
Keay
specialist
units.
interviews
with key stakeholders)
• Artistic
and
premises in small, medium and large
consultation
subsequent
local
and
cultural
Theatre
and
richness
St
along with new paving (using Cornish
with
granite),
Austell
94
and
street
furniture
improvements including seating and
• Evening economy in St Austell pretty
trees.
quiet. People go out in evenings near
• Range of residential types - flats in
where they live e.g. Charlestown. St
commercial streets; edge of centre
Austell shuts down in the evening with
cottages/terraces;
pubs and cinema just ticking over.
more
substantial
houses in quieter streets; substantial
• Lack of funding.
houses in mature grounds.
• Lack of footfall in historic areas.
• Within
the
Area
proposed
major
investment
Conservation
restoration
in
public
parks
• Sources of employment, wages and
and
spending power within St Austell are
and
still below average levels.
recreation areas was completed in
• Fragmented organisations in town.
2009.
• Chamber of commerce has historically
The proposed Conservation
Area also has a significant treescape
with
many
ornamental
mature
species
natural
in
its
lacked impact.
and
• Weaknesses in communication.
parks,
Lack
of linkage to A30 a real problem.
churchyard and private gardens.
• No forum for community dialogue.
• Railway often forgotten as an option.
7.3
Weaknesses (identified by the
stakeholders
event
and
at
the
• Lack of tourism information.
consultation
• Eden project does not attract visitors
interviews
who stay over; they stay in places like
subsequent
with key stakeholders).
Fowey and Mevagissey.
Hard to
persuade people to do otherwise.
• Car parking charges.
• A
lack
of
community
• Poor infrastructure, inadequate road
venue
for
systems and connections.
concerts and events.
• Community
fragmented
• Lack of any strategy for the town post
through
china clay era.
change, lack of sense of belonging.
• Congestion of plans e.g. parish Plans
• Out of town retail vs. retail in old
core.
and Cornwall Council plans/strategies.
People living away from the
• Market House – units of fixed size, so
centre shop near where they live not
limited as to what they can develop
in the town centre. St Austell has not
into
got what Totnes and Wadebridge have
flexible space.
as retail magnets.
Kingsley
95
creating
a
Village
fixed
rather
than
Collectives such as
set
up
so
that
everything paid for at one central till
• Need to foster enhanced links to the
system.
countryside.
• Needs to be a right balance between
• Need for enhancement of approaches
old core of town and White River Place
to the town centre.
shopping centre.
• Need for increased urban greenery
and public realm improvements with
During
this
appraisal
further
the urban expansion areas.
weaknesses became apparent and
• Need to renovate and re-use key
these are:
historic buildings, within its urban
expansion areas.
Weaknesses
The
CSUS
• Need for high quality redevelopment
Study
of
2002
identified
on urban brownfield sites
numerous recommendations, many of
• Need
which have not been implemented:
• The
need
to
acknowledge
enhance
the
quality
historic
fabric
such
and
of
surviving
as
shopfront
the
and
to
conversion
• Need
development
reuse
the
suburban
for
maintenance
and
plot enclosure within the suburban
in
residential area.
In
and
with
enhancement of the high degree of
enhancement
explore
and
residential areas
Globe Yard.
• Need
town
of the historic plots within suburban
the Western Gateway.
opportunities
and
• Need for maintenance of the integrity
grain, reducing the junction mouth at
foster
conservation
residential areas
• Need to reinstate a tighter urban
to
ensure
enhancement of ‘greenbelt’ around
scheme in Fore Street.
• Need
to
sympathetic
of
addition
there
are
other
issues
identified:
robust
• Long-term
under-appreciation
of
industrial buildings in industrial river
quality and value of historic fabric
valley.
(and
• Need to promote the industrial river
overall
character)
did
not
engender a high level of quality in
valley for amenity and historic value.
materials
• The need to promote further research
century
into the important industrial past of
or
design
work,
in
late
20th
especially
on
commercial properties.
the industrial river valley area.
• Long-term deprivation and recession
has left a legacy of under-investment
96
and lack of repair and restoration in
• Market House. Market House could be
many properties.
used as a one-stop-shop for Town
• Western Gateway area typified by
Council, which would be in the town.
hard streetscape, dominance of traffic
Could be used for indoor / outdoor
in
events.
constricted
intersections,
stark
building facades, lack of green areas
• The railway.
or ‘breathing spaces’, lack of adequate
• Attract a high value employer to the
pedestrian
between
routeways
Fore
Street
particularly
and
town.
Bodmin
• Eden Café can work as a link to draw
Road.
in tourists.
• Gateway to centre of town, from
• Night time town life.
Trevanion Road roundabout to South
• BID
Street dominated by traffic and lacks
pedestrian scale.
points
for
and
(Business
Improvement
District)
Too few crossing
pedestrians
area.
• Proximity to coast, with St Austell Bay
little
a trans-economic forum?
provision for cyclists, which does not
• Sense of pride.
encourage entry to the core on foot or
• Celebrate heritage.
by bike.
• Outreach to other attractions.
• Lack
of
signage,
information
and
Austell
should
interpretation at street level for the
nationally
pedestrian or cyclist.
hinterland.
• Poor management, maintenance and
gardens
in
for
its
something back to St Austell.
• Learning
Opportunities
(identified
by
treatment
the stakeholders at the consultation
and
centre
• Look to the conservation area to give
the area.
event
known
a
• Provision of community focus.
accessibility of some key buildings in
7.4
be
St
subsequent
from
of
other
heritage
Exeter and Chepstow.
interviews
with key stakeholders).
• Development opportunities such as
the re-use of empty buildings.
• Town Council is a new introduction.
97
areas
assets
in
e.g.
During
this
appraisal
further
grant
opportunities became apparent and
aid
and
public
funding
(THI/HERS).
these are:
• The
proposed
extension
of
the
Conservation Boundary will possibly
Opportunities
• Much
of
enable more areas of the town to be
the
enhancement
improvement
of
the
and
eligible for funding and policy and
Conservation
management opportunities, which are
Area lies in continuing public realm,
traffic
management
not available at the moment.
review,
• Set up initiatives to make best use of
streetscape enhancement, landscape
those special features of the town that
management
still exist to reinforce the sense of
agreements
and
improvements.
place and local distinctiveness.
• Appropriate redevelopment schemes
• Tourism promotion – Scope to capture
could have major beneficial impact.
• The
upgrading and re-use
the
of the
town’s
assets
heritage
through
and
historical
signage,
and
Market House to its full potential
information particularly via the railway
together with enhanced access and
and
pedestrian routes to the building could
Themes such as china clay with its
be
historical
a
significant
across-town
enhancement.
the
Sustrans
roots
in
cycle
the
routes.
story
of
porcelain, and mining could be made
• The quality and robustness of the
more accessible to the visitor.
The
historic fabric in St Austell means that
newly restored parks could be used
opportunities for exciting new designs
for events to include outside visitors
are possible as simple reinstatement
as well as local residents. One of the
or restoration improvements.
purposes for the setting up of the
• Shop
fronts
present
opportunity
a
for
enhancement,
where
particular
Eden Project Café was to regenerate
character
the town; further realisation of that
the
whole
objective should be explored.
ground floor of the building has often
been removed.
substantial
• The new Eco- communities to the
These offer very
opportunities
north east of St Austell will be an
for
opportunity in that it will add to St
innovative and good designs.
• Heritage-led
regeneration
Austell’s green credentials.
schemes
involving a relatively high level of
98
7.5
Threats
stakeholders
event
and
(identified
at
the
by
the
potential.
consultation
subsequent
issues
interviews
The outcome of these
will
lead
to
and
neglect
maintenance
with key stakeholders).
a
lack
of
of
the
historic fabric, eventual loss of that
historic
• Further fragmentation of commercial
fabric
along
with
poor
alterations, unsympathetic conversion
and social function of town.
of
historic
buildings
and
loss
of
• Empty buildings and sites.
archaeological evidence.
• Lack of funding.
culminate in the loss of interpretative,
• Lack of knowledge and communication
celebratory and tourism opportunities,
related
to
Heritage
e.g.
Listed
and the erosion of local identities.
Buildings etc.
• Lack
of
These will
• In the Industrial Valley in particular -
consistency
of
heritage
a lack of appreciation of value and
appeal.
quality of back streets and backland.
• Large scale developments.
Also
• Trying to compete with Truro.
connectivity, street layouts, historical
• Time poverty of property owners and
topography, greenery, historic fabric
shop proprietors to engage.
and
erosion
of
such as buildings and walls.
• Trend towards down market retail
Its
archaeological potential will continue
brands.
• Difficult
neglect
to suffer and decline.
with
all
major
• The residents of Moorland Road have
St Austell used
raised the issue of it being used as a
to be the main service centre for
rat-run by large commercial vehicles.
these industries e.g. banks, solicitors
Measures need to be considered to
and ancillary industries.
put in place a traffic calming system.
industries in decline.
town’s
• Former
police
and
station
centre
became apparent and these are:
buildings lying empty send out a
of
station,
health
During this appraisal further threats
message
fire
site,
non-committal
Threats
and
consolidate
• Lack of appreciation of full diversity
economic uncertainty.
and complexity of spatial qualities,
that
historic
improvement
fabric,
archaeological
streetscape
significance
and
and
replace
before.
99
and
the
them
on
old
neglect
feeling
of
The buildings
should
what
be
was
th
Some of the 20
an
there
century
replacements in the town have not
fulfilled that maxim. The scale of 20th
century
destruction
has
been
damaging in some areas undermining
local distinctiveness.
• Fore Street has been a Conservation
Area for over 40 years but it is evident
that
inappropriate
alterations
have
nevertheless been undertaken over
this period.
• Edge of town developments pulling
commercial activity away from the old
heart of the town, generating sprawl
and increased road traffic and a lack
of settlement coherence, particularly
along the A390.
This makes the old
centre feel more removed from the
main stream of commercial activity.
100
8.0
8.1
Introduction
PROTECTION
must
give
notice
to
the
local
authority.
8.1.1 The National Planning Policy
Framework
acknowledges
importance
of
the
the
historic
environment and heritage assets and
clearly sets out the policy guidelines
for protection (NPPF 12).
8.1.3 This part of the Management
Plan considers how the character and
appearance of the Conservation Area
can be protected by statutory and
local means. These means include:
Conservation
listing,
8.1.2 The Planning (Listed Buildings
and Conservation Areas) Act 1990
defines Conservation Areas as ‘areas
of special or architectural interest,
the character or appearance of which
it
is
desirable
enhance’.
In
to
this
preserve
respect,
or
the
designation of Conservation Areas is
intended
to
ensure
that
policy
addresses ‘quality of townscape in its
broadest
sense
protection
Factors
of
such
as
well
individual
as
the
as
the
Area
local
designation,
listing,
and
the
introduction of Article 4 directions (as
considered necessary). It is important
to note that these designations are
intended to manage change positively
rather than prevent it within the
Conservation Area. Members of the
public
can
view
frequently
questions,
FAQ’s,
Conservation
Areas
asked
regarding
on
Cornwall
council website at:
http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=2439
buildings’.
layout
of
boundaries and thoroughfares, ‘mix’
8.2
Specific Protection
of uses, the appropriate scaling and
detailing of contemporary buildings,
Archaeology
and the quality of advertisements,
Settlements
and
Historic
street furniture and shop fronts are
therefore all important. Controls are
8.2.1 The National Planning Policy
also placed on the lopping and felling
Framework and prior to this Planning
of trees, for which property owners
Policy Statement 5 – Planning for the
101
Historic Environment has brought into
related to the size of the building in
focus
question.
the
vital
understanding
importance
the
of
archaeological
potential of a settlement, site or
Restriction of Permitted
building.
Development Rights
Desktop study research,
Written
Schemes
of
and,
where
required
proportionate
to
Investigation
the
and
8.2.3 Conservation Area designation
proposed
also
restricts
other
‘permitted
rights,
requiring
scheme, field evaluation by trenching
development’
or remote sensing, should accompany
permission to be sought for works
pre-application
which
enquiries
and
would
otherwise
be
Planning/Listed Building Applications.
automatically allowed including the
The enlargement of the Conservation
addition of various types of cladding,
Area will highlight the importance of
alterations to roof forms (such as the
archaeology in St Austell.
addition of dormer windows), the
addition of satellite dishes to walls
and roofs fronting highways. The size
of house and industrial extensions,
which may be constructed without
planning
permission,
is
also
restricted.
Commercial
properties
within Conservation Areas have very
limited permitted development rights,
and are required to obtain permission
for
Retain industrial archaeology such as
Former Foundry and Mill off Trenance
works
including
changes
to
roofing material/roof profile, removal
Road/Bodmin Road
of architectural features, replacement
of shop fronts, replacement of doors
Control over Demolition
and
windows
identical
8.2.2 Conservation Area consent is
used,
required for the total or substantial
except
where
an
design/material/finish
is
installation
of
decorative
lighting, addition of solar panels/
demolition of any unlisted building
dormers/rooflights
and certain walls in a Conservation
and
addition
of
extraction/ventilation equipment. The
Area, subject to various exceptions
102
situation
changes
periodically
Protect listed buildings such as Trenance
and
Corn Mill
anyone proposing to undertake work
should check with the Local Authority
Development
Management
Important Unlisted Buildings and
team
Assets
http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=17458
8.2.5 The
Historic
Environment
Record has many details of unlisted
Locally Listed Buildings
buildings and structures, which is
the
regularly
updated.
power, through the Local Planning
Planning
Policy
Framework, to include buildings on a
encourages a presumption in favour
local list and to develop policies to
of the retention of unlisted buildings
protect
from
(whether locally-listed or not) that
or
make a positive contribution to the
8.2.4
Local
Authorities
these
buildings
inappropriate
change
development.
buildings
have
Although
have
no
character
these
or
Framework
Area.
The
designation, their inclusion in a local
advises
that
any
list can be a material consideration
include
the
demolition
when
buildings
determining
planning
National
appearance
Conservation
statutory
The
or
of
guidance
proposals
assets
a
of
should
that
such
be
applications. In some cases, it may
assessed against the same broad
be appropriate to serve an Article 4
criteria
direction
demolition of a listed building. When
to
development
remove
rights
and
permitted
thus
as
proposals
considering
to
for
applications
the
for
ensure there is control over future
demolition
changes to the buildings.
Authority may take the quality of the
replacement
Planning
building
consideration
application.
Local
the
in
into
determining
the
There is guidance for
local authorities to help recognise and
protect
what
are
“undesignated assets”.
regarded
as
These are
buildings, sites and features which
are not protected by listing in their
own right but have an importance by
103
virtue
of
their
context.
English
every
household
and
business
Heritage guidance on local listing can
occupying
be found on
Cornwall Council are encouraged to
www.english-
do as much as they can to reduce
heritage.org.uk/caring/listing/local
their energy consumption and carbon
/local-designations/
emissions to target climate change.
Any extension to the Conservation
Area
will
inevitably
buildings
and
A balance must be struck between
many
measures to reduce energy use and
assets
the need to preserve the character
become “designated” and of more
and appearance of the Conservation
importance with increased protection.
Area within the limitations of cost.
These
The wide-ranging actions required to
previously
make
these
undesignated
features
would
include
the
lengths of stone boundary walls and
limit
gate
of
combined with the need to adapt
unlisted features, which gain status
historic assets to make them more
by being included in the Conservation
resilient to a changing climate, will
Area,
for
have significant implications for the
roads and footpaths, historic lamps,
historic environment and its future
road signposts, milestones, historic
management. It is wrong to say that
railings and gravestones which all
historic
contribute to the character of an
successfully
area. Details of how to consult the
climate
Historic Environment Record HER are
significance and integrity of historic
available from the Cornwall Council
assets can be threatened by poorly
website at:
designed and ill-informed adaptation
http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=8528
and mitigation responses. The non-
piers.
Further
include
historic
examples
pavings
further
buildings
features
Buildings in a Conservation Area
to
potential
be
mitigate
however;
character
and
emissions,
cannot
upgraded
change
renewable
Sustainability and Upgrading
damaging
of
the
historic
for
their
damage and loss should always be
taken into account when adaptation
8.2.6 Although there are relaxations
from
Part
L
of
the
and mitigation responses are being
Building
planned and executed. Specific advice
Regulations for listed buildings and
buildings
in
Conservation
on
Areas,
how
to
improve
the
energy
efficiency of historic properties can be
104
found
on
the
English
Heritage
it. In normal circumstances, a range
website:
of
small
alterations
http://www.english-
properties are allowed without the
heritage.org.uk/your-
need to apply for planning permission
property/looking-after-your-
these
property/ccayh/
development’. Alterations such as the
are
to
known
as
residential
‘permitted
replacement of windows or painting
Cornwall Sustainable Buildings Guide:
of a stone elevation can harm the
http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=21590
appearance
and
Conservation
Cornwall Council advice on improving
character
Area
and
of
in
the
these
circumstances an Article 4 direction
the energy efficiency of historic
can be designated to restrict the right
buildings:
of landowners to carry out these
http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=18046
works
to
unlisted
dwellinghouses.
This does not mean that development
cannot
be
carried
out,
but
that
planning permission will need to be
obtained before the work is started.
The Article 4 Direction can also be
varied to restrict all or just some of a
property’s
Permitted
Development
Rights.It is important when assessing
how much of a Conservation Area
Consider the careful siting of solar arrays
in order not to impact unduly the character of
should be covered by an Article 4(2)
the Conservation Area
Direction for the council to consider
the resource implications and ensure
Article 4 Directions
that the rights of property owners are
not unnecessarily controlled. Article
8.2.7 A direction under Article 4 of
the
Town
(General
Order
and
Country
Permitted
1995
may
4(2) directions are therefore only
Planning
Development)
be
enacted
to
recommended
for
parts
of
Conservation
Area
that
are
significant
preserve the character or appearance
quality
currently protected.
of the Conservation Area, or part of
105
and
are
the
of
not
Repair Notices/Urgent Works
‘adversely affecting’ the ‘amenity’
Notices/Section 215 Notices
of the area. They can also be used
creatively on heritage sites: for
8.2.8
Where
sites
example, to reinstate an original
deteriorate to a significant degree, a
wall around a site rather than
number of powers exist for local
simply
authorities to remedy the situation.
Establishing
These powers include:
property owners and the Council is
Requiring
buildings
owner
of
tidying
the
mess.
dialogue
between
the
often the best and cheapest way to
building in disrepair to make it safe
solve this kind of issue if possible.
or demolish it under the terms of
A site identified in this appraisal for
the Building Act 1984 (a power
a section 215 notice is the former
which is modified for Conservation
Family Centre Site on Moorland
Areas so as to prevent the loss of
Road. More detailed guidance on
significant buildings). An Urgent
such
Works Notice under Section 54 of
English
the Listed Buildings Act to make a
‘Stopping the Rot’
listed building (and, exceptionally,
http://www.english-
•
the
or
measures is set out in the
Heritage
Guidance
heritage.org.uk/publications/stoppingtherot/
unlisted buildings in Conservation
Areas) wind and watertight or a
Repairs Notice under Section 48 of
The Protection of Trees in
the Act to secure full repairs to a
Conservation Areas.
listed building (this notice is a
precursor to Compulsory Purchase
8.2.9
Proceedings).
A
•
Section
controls are placed on the lopping
215
‘Untidy
Site’
and felling of trees, for which notice
notice can be served under the
to the local authority must be given
terms of the Town and Country
Planning
Act
1990,
by property owners at least 6 weeks
requiring
prior to the work being carried out.
owners to improve the appearance
of
demolition
sites
and
This
other
those
which
the
Local
Council
the
by the proposed work and designate
served on buildings, and so are
for
gives
ability to review the tree/s affected
untidy land. Such notices can be
useful
Within a Conservation Area
Tree
are
Preservation
appropriate.
106
Orders
where
risk that can be posted on the Council
Buildings at Risk – Local
website and downloaded for anyone
Buildings
to use. This work is being included in
a
8.2.10 Cornwall Council
Risk:
Policy
and
Guidance paper which sets out the
a
aims and objectives of this work, and
register of local Buildings at Risk.
places them in the context of a
Throughout Cornwall buildings and
Historic Environment White Paper and
archaeological sites are being added
Service Plan.
of
the
in
at
the
process
is
Heritage
preparation
of
that are considered ‘at risk’ nationally
based on national registers ie the
English Heritage at Risk and SAVE
register. A draft list of other sites is
also being prepared by the Cornwall
and
Scilly
Historic
Environment
Record that includes designated and
undesignated
archaeological
buildings
sites
and
that
are
considered to be at risk, but have not
been
included
on
the
Repair Historic Buildings – such as 39 High
national
Cross Street
registers. Contributing to this list are
conservation officers, archaeologists,
Action: The Local Planning Authority
area
the
should
continue
Cornwall Archaeological Society and
assess
buildings
other interested local groups and
disrepair. Repairs to such buildings
societies. A methodology is being
should be undertaken as a matter of
prepared so that it can be used to
priority and new uses found for them
assess all sites on the draft list with a
if deemed necessary.
view to prioritising those for which
cheapest form of action in the first
action can feasibly be taken. This list
instance may be for property owners
of
and
representatives
sites
will
then
be
from
reassessed
the
local
to
monitor
at
risk
and
or
in
The simplest,
authority
to
work
annually. A longer term aim is to
together to secure guidance from
produce a version of the criteria used
appropriately
to establish whether or not a site is at
The
107
pursuit
qualified
of
these
specialists.
matters
by
means of using statutory powers can
developments which have an impact
take a long time – sometimes years
on particularly important views and
or decades.
vistas.
Landmark Buildings and Views
http://www.englishheritage.org.uk/publications/seeing-
8.2.11
views
Landmark
are
Conservation
buildings
identified
Area
in
and
history-view/
the
Appraisal
in
Section 4 and on Map No.6. The
prevailing height of buildings in the
town is two, three and four storeys.
The English Heritage publication
‘Seeing the History in the View: A
Method
for
Assessing
Heritage
Protect the view- such as Fore Street and the
Significance within Views’ provides
Church
guidance for authorities in assessing
108
9.0
9.1
ENHANCEMENT
General Guidance
Station into a hotel, but this has not
been realised to date.
In addition,
9.1.1 The aim of this Conservation
there were plans formulated for the
Area and Management Plan is to
North Street car park, which have not
protect and enhance the town by
yet
recognition of the inherent quality of
uncertainties, which lead to places
the built environment. This can then
and sites lying fallow or in limbo, can
be
contribute
used,
in
tandem
with
other
initiatives, for economic revival and
been
implemented.
to
the
These
economic
uncertainty in these difficult times.
to encourage residents of St Austell,
and visitors, to regard St Austell as a
The most recent plans for the Eco-
destination in its own right, and not
communities at the edge of St Austell
just a stop on the way to the Eden
will be beneficial to the town overall,
Project or other destinations.
being a visionary plan which will
encourage
9.1.2 The
CSUS
of
sustainable
following on from earlier regeneration
sustainable
materials
initiatives, recognised the need for St
production.
Plans for this are well
Austell to find its place again in the
under way and will add to St Austell’s
economy of the County and region.
aims for being the Green Capital of
Some
Cornwall.
recommendations
that
have
of
development
2002,
of
study
the
report’s
communities,
and
using
energy
been
implemented since then including the
9.1.4 The
Civic Pride initiative and the White
buildings
River Place development.
However
others, either by overcrowding by
these have not yet perhaps been
mediocre design or by alterations,
sufficient to turn the corner for the
have
town in terms of increased growth
erosion
and prosperity. Particular sites were
essential historic character. It is vital
identified in the CSUS study as part
that this erosion is not repeated and
of the key to regeneration, including
the purpose of this Management Plan
the development of the Old Police
for the new enlarged Conservation
109
loss
and
of
the
inevitably
of
some
some
historic
compromise
resulted
of
St
in
of
the
Austell’s
Area
makes
enhancement
Area
by
provision
of
the
managing
for
the
New Buildings and Developments
Conservation
future
change
9.2.2 Any
positively.
new
buildings
including
those of contemporary design should
reflect the scale, massing, height,
9.1.5
This
will
be
by
spacing, materials and colour palette
encouraging sensitive alterations to
of the Conservation Area. These will
existing
be expected to preserve and enhance
buildings,
achieved
of
character,
whether listed or not, and by securing
the
high quality design, and use of high
appearance of the enlarged St Austell
quality
Conservation
materials
development.
for
any
Area,
and
and
also
to
comply with relevant development
alterations to existing buildings, new
plan policies. Scale, massing and
buildings,
height of all new buildings will be
signage,
surfacing,
could
character
be
street
These
new
essential
alterations
all
of
to
which
expected
contribute to the whole character.
existing
to
built
reflect
those
of
the
environment
of
the
immediate context, or of the wider
9.2
Design Principles
Conservation Area context. This does
not
rule
out
good
9.2.1 The emerging Cornwall Council
contemporary
Design Guide which is anticipated to
developments
be out to consultation in 2012 and
Conservation
adopted in 2013 is expected to be
materials typical of the Conservation
followed
when
designing
Area
buildings
and
alterations
all
new
in
the
will
complement
design.
quality
For
new
within
Area,
the
traditional
be
encouraged
the
context
of
to
the
Conservation Area. This document
existing built environment.
will act as a signpost to existing
modern materials are proposed these
agencies and the design principles to
should
be adopted for design in the new
contemporary design and should be
Conservation Area.
in
be
harmony
of
a
with
high
the
Where
quality
colour
and
textures of the immediate context of
the
Conservation
Area.
New
development will be judged on the
objective criteria set out in the joint
110
publication
on
‘Building
in
Heritage
and
design
Context’
CABE
guidance
by
Extensions and Alterations
English
for
9.2.3 Extensions and alterations to
Architecture and Built Environment-
existing buildings should respect and
now part of the Design Council). This
complement the scale, proportion,
document
detailing and materials characteristic
is
(Council
available
at
http:/www.buildings-in-
of the property type and follow the
context.org/publications.html
new Cornwall Council Design Guide
principles
for
design
where
appropriate.
Maintenance and Repair
9.2.4 Maintenance or replacement in
the public realm should comply with
an
agreed
palette
of
materials,
colours and textures.
Railway Bridge and Railway Station – upline
building - due for restoration
Market Street – high quality paving
old and complementary new
Fore Street – Facades, shop fronts and
signage
Potential for Townscape Heritage Initiative
improvements
111
should reflect these characteristics.
Many of the commercial buildings
retain
their
ornate
architectural
features above fascia level but have
larger glazed frontages.
In addition
larger scale Victorian and Georgian
buildings prevail in the centre, many
of them with commercial uses and
Duke street – potential streetscape
with decorative architectural features.
improvements. Remove redundant bus
shelter, re-plant tree and consider other
Roofs are traditionally pitched, often
improvements
hipped and some with gables to the
frontage. Some buildings, particularly
The emerging Cornwall Design Guide,
terraces, have dormers which provide
scheduled to be adopted in 2013, will
a
be
streetscape and are also sometimes
a
concise
directing
signpost
building
document
owners
and
rhythm
to
characterised
designers to existing agencies which
the
by
roof
the
line
and
presence
of
chimneys.
provide design guidance principles for
maintenance
and
repairs
in
Materials
Conservation Areas.
9.2.6 Materials
Building Types
building
in
the
Conservation Area include fair-faced
Pentewan
9.2.5 There
prevalent
are
several
types
typical
within
stone,
slatestone
killas,
Portland stone, granite and porphry,
the
red
and
cream
brickwork;
brick
Conservation Area, including two or
dressings – to heads and reveals of
three storey terraced houses running
openings; colour washed and painted
parallel with the road frontage, and
stucco- both plain and highly ornate,
others at right angles to the road
plain stucco was often lined out to
frontage.
simulate ashlar. Roofs are principally
Some
buildings
have
a
higher wall to window ratio whilst
natural
others with bay and oriel windows,
terracotta
have a higher window to wall ratio.
Doors and windows are traditionally
New
timber.
development
and
alterations
112
slate,
ridge
frequently
and
hip
with
details.
design according to age, use and
Alterations within the
local
custom.
The
majority
of
Conservation Area.
windows to historic buildings are sash
windows, which also vary somewhat
9.2.7 Generally new windows should
in size and detail according to age
be in timber, and painted, generally
and use. The enduring popularity of
set well back in the reveals of the
sash windows reflects their versatility
openings, except when the building is
in providing controlled ventilation.
a
The
traditionally
constructed
timber
intrinsic
value
of
the
view
frame building. New windows should
through
reflect those, which are traditionally
appreciated
found in the type of building. Vertical
owners. With care, old glass can be
sliding sash windows prevail in the
salvaged and re-used: where it has
traditional
architecture
18th
as
and
19th
do
casements with no
Century
side
an
historic
by
many
window
is
sympathetic
been lost, modern equivalents can be
hung
sources from specialist suppliers.
fanlights. The
When new windows are inserted the
number of panes and the glazing bars
following issues should be considered
should follow the pattern of those
found locally. Bay window and oriel
•
Proportion and subdivision –
windows should follow the prevailing
The glazing pattern of toriginal
traditional pattern. Doors should be
windows should be retained,
traditionally
(or restored if lost), as that is a
constructed
in
timber
with 4 or 6 panels depending on the
critical
context. Doors should be painted, not
building. It indicates the size of
stained or varnished.
glass available or affordable at
part
of
the
whole
the time of construction.
Windows
•
Mode
of
introduction
opening
of
–The
modern
top
9.2.8 The size type and design of the
hung or tilt-and-turn opening
windows in an historic building reveal
lights is always visually jarring
much about its age or development,
and
its use and status of its occupants in
character. Overlapping ‘storm-
the past. Modest buildings often have
seal’
casement
entirely
windows
that
vary
in
113
harmful
type
to
details
modern
historic
are
an
introduction
and are unnecessary if flush
curtains
units
heat loss without the need for
are
properly
made.
Spring loaded sashes are an
interior
properly
•
compared
weighted
reduce
•
Draught-proofing – The most
with
significant heat loss through
or
old windows is due to poor
single
double hung sashes.
fitting and lack of draught –
Glazing – Traditional glazing
stripping. There are discreet
bar profiles, properly jointed
proprietary systems that retro-
and
fit
glazed
glazing
than
with
putty,
compound),
beading
(or
rather
will
give
draught
excluders
and
greatly reduce the amount of
a
air changes and so heat loss.
traditional appearance. There
•
greatly
window replacement.
replacement
mechanism
can
•
Sound insulation – In noisy
are a few acceptable modern
locations people often replace
bedding alternatives to putty
windows with modern double
which can be decorated and
glazed
still allow the timber to expand
problem. However secondary
and contract.
glazing can be more effective
Thermal Insulation – Double
than double glazing and allows
glazing
achieved
retention
within traditional multiple pane
windows.
cannot
designs
be
without
bars
being
•
units
to
reduce
of
the
traditional
Sill – traditional sills should be
either much too thick or fake.
retained unless beyond repair
Beading is nearly always added
(see section 4.00 for styles of
which further detracts from the
sill).
appearance.
Attempting
to
Doors
introduce double glazing into a
traditional
design
9.2.9 Doors are just as vulnerable to
usually
insensitive replacement as windows.
means a small air gap that
inevitably
reduces
The
the
equally to
of internal contemporary with
single
shutters
style
and/or
of
principles
summarized above can be applied
insulation properties. The use
the
conservation
door
window
types
expression
insulated
doors.
allow
by
Most traditional
for
individual
painting
attractive
ironmongery etc. Replacement of a
114
sound traditional door with an off-
piers are common on entrances to
the-peg unit in stained hardwood or
the larger villas. This garden wall
PVCu
treatment is a characteristic feature
is
damaging
character.
to
historic
Traditionally
made
to
dwellings
and
panelled doors contribute much to
commercial
the character of the building itself
important to retain.
also
premises
some
that
is
and to the streetscape.
Other Architectural Details
Street/ Façade Clutter
9.2.10 Other local details including
9.2.12
brick chimneys and corbelling, clay
dishes,
air-conditioning
chimney pots, stucco mouldings and
wheelie
bins
cornices,
unobtrusively as possible - at the
decorative
eaves/fascias
Television
aerials,
should
satellite
units
be
sited
and
as
non-public sides or rear of a building.
and gable details are important and
should be retained as they provide
vital life and texture.
Rooflights and Photo-Voltaic Cells
Garden Walls
9.2.13
Whilst
would
wish
9.2.11
Many
terraces,
dwellings
cottages
and
sustainable
including
the
to
Council
promote
energy
clearly
sound,
systems,
the
choice of such systems can seriously
individual
the
erode the historic integrity of listed
with
and unlisted buildings in conservation
gardens enclosed by low or high
areas. Therefore careful consideration
granite walls and granite gate piers
should be given to their positioning to
with moulded granite copings, or cock
avoid compromising the character of
and
the historic environment. Very often
villas,
are
set
pavement/road
hen
back
from
frontage,
copings.
Stone
walls
a
there are alternative locations away
feature. The type of walling varies
from the historic building where solar
considerably and some
are
panels can be fitted. This may indeed
missing whilst others remain intact.
result in such equipment being fixed
Metal ornamental features to the gate
to less sensitive buildings which are
between
properties
are
also
gates
115
part of the curtilage. Alternatively
should be updated and reviewed. This
there are less obtrusive solutions
will ensure the use of appropriate
available such as ground source heat
surface materials for new works or
pumps. Although solar panels can be
repairs, the removal of inappropriate
reversible
or unwelcome street clutter and the
damaging
they
to
can
be
historic
most
roofscapes.
use of agreed appropriate signage.
Similar principles should be applied to
the insertion of rooflights in terms of
sensitive siting, additionally the use
Action: Publish shop front and
of
signage design guidance.
flush
finish
conservation
style
rooflights and moderate sized units
that are more discrete will have less
9.3.3 Well-designed shop fronts and
impact on roofscapes.
signage
can
make
a
significant
contribution to the preservation and
9.3
Enhancement Actions
enhancement of the character of the
Conservation Area. The appearance
Action: Produce list of materials
of Fore Street could be enhanced by
appropriate
encouraging new replacement shop
for
use
in
the
Conservation Area
frontages, fascias, projecting signs
and other fascia signs of a suitable
9.3.1 Following
public
consultation
high
quality
design,
including
for the design guide, a palette of
contemporary ones. This would lift
materials
the texture of the facades as some
could
be
agreed
with
Cornwall Council, which would then
are very plain and unadorned.
be used for replacement, repair and
maintenance
traditional
to
the
building
stock
prevailing
of
the
practice
for
town’s Conservation Area.
Action:
Code
of
statutory undertakers
9.3.2 The
Code
of
Practice
with
regard to highways and public utilities
116
Mix of good contemporary and traditional
signage
Station Night Club – good contemporary
signage
Action:
Improve
and
maintain
noticeboards/town maps
Replacement signage could form part
of
the
scope
of
works
for
a
9.3.4 With the current Fore Street
Townscape Heritage Initiative scheme
and
as
there
are
already
improvements
good
provide
examples in the town these could be
are
strategically
plans
placed
to
Town
Maps and notice boards.
used as benchmarks of quality and
The large “Discovery Map” on the
design.
Neon
there
south facing wall to the inner court
lighting
and
internally
near the cinema is fading and should
illuminated signage in Conservation
be replaced with a new one. This
Areas is usually to be avoided but
could
clever feature low-energy lighting to
architectural
features
could
be
complemented
by
a
Conservation Area Map highlighting
give
the historical roots of the town as
added interest and depth. The shop
well
front design guide produced by Alan
as
other
interesting
places
beyond the new development.
Leather Associates in 1994 was not
adopted and is now out of date and
Action: Improve awareness and
should be re-visited.
understanding
Conservation
of
Area
the
including
measures to encourage greater
community involvement.
117
9.3.5 Community
and
a similar way by Chepstow Town in
understanding of the reasons for the
Wales, by the use of very high
designation of the Conservation Area
quality design ceramic plaques on
are
walls
essential
awareness
to
ensure
that
the
and
incorporated
in
erosion of the Conservation Area is
pavements. In St Austell these
halted and that it is protected and
could also be made using china
enhanced for future generations. This
clay.
could be achieved by a variety of
• Directing owners to the Cornwall
smaller individual actions:
Council
• Direct owners and occupiers to the
Design
Cornwall
Council
website
Guide
for
Buildings
measures
to
which
improve the energy efficiency of
explains what a Conservation Area
dwellings and commercial premises
is and the implication of living in
by sensitive means, which are not
one and also on buildings, spaces,
detrimental to the character of the
trees.
Conservation Area.
• Direct owners and occupiers to the
Cornwall
Council
• Consider the erection of a large
website
plan to show the listed buildings,
explaining about the ownership of
historic
a listed building its implications
archaeological
and advantages . This information
disabled access/friendly buildings,
is available under FAQ’s Frequently
parks
Asked Questions;
encourage visitors to explore. This
http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/Default.aspx?page=2434
•
Sustainable
to
cooperative
maintenance schemes so that for
former
example all parapet and rainwater
features
guttering could be cleaned at the
and events and to reflect what was
there in the past.
besides
• Encourage
– point visitors in the direction of
architectural/historical
more
pathways,
Town Map for Fore Street.
quality interpretation for the town
and
and
sites,
and
could be incorporated in the new
Identifying the need for good
existing
buildings
same time throughout Fore Street.
This could be
This
similar to the new tree motifs
would
convenient,
carved in granite and set in the
piecemeal
paving in Fore Street. Excellent
be
cheaper,
more
quicker
than
maintenance
by
and
individual companies.
interpretation has been achieved in
118
• Encourage
good
maintenance
• Encourage maintenance of public
practices for individual buildings.
and semi-public spaces by those
The more “modern” 3-storey flats
responsible.
in Moorland Road suffer from lack
Action:
of maintenance.
Heritage Initiative (THI) Scheme
for
Prepare
a
Restoration
Historic
and
Fabric
buildings,
Townscape
Repair
of
shop
of
historic
fronts
and
signage in Fore Street, High Cross
Street, Duke Street, Truro Road
and Victoria Place.
9.3.6 Successful
implemented
Trinity Street – contemporary
street furniture and lighting
THI’s
have
throughout
been
Cornwall
and a successful bid to the Heritage
Lottery Fund could open the way to
small and larger scale improvements
• Look at creative interim uses for
vacant
sites
including
“meantime
temporary
to historic premises such as those
uses”
with
landscaping
part,
shopfronts
etc.
or
and
wholly,
facades
in
Fore
Street, Victoria Place, Globe’s Yard
• Encourage
community
projects,
e.g.
vegetation
growth
action
in
removal
of
around
Old
and High Cross Street.
Bridge and River Walk (which has
already commenced), foster the
formation of Friends of Cemetery
Park and Truro Road Park.
• Build on existing links set up with
Cornwall
College
Community
Collective and the railway company
to maintain existing planted areas
and
historic
new
planters
around
the
railway / bus station.
Shopfronts in Fore Street
119
The
scheme
can
address
Road, shops to the north side of High
outstanding public realm works not
Cross Street, Globe Yard and all
yet
shops in Victoria Place.
implemented
also
and
help
bring
empty building back into use.
Assembly rooms
Livingston’s Jewellers (arched opening below
Action: Improvements to access
sign)
and
permeability
of
the
Conservation Area.
9.3.7 Some
of
the
access
roads
within the historic centre can be
slightly
misleading,
improved signage.
and
need
One example is
Menacuddle Hill/North Street leading
to the North Street car park which
after the car park is a No Through
Victoria Place – shop fronts and facades-
Road but many visitors do not notice
potential for Townscape Heritage Initiative
this
improvements
and
around
Specific
properties
possible
THI
Austell
identified
projects
Market
House,
include;
1
other
shopfronts
to
here.
continually
turning
Improved
signage
would overcome this problem. The
for
town
St
is
also
in
need
of
more
pedestrian friendly access across the
Market
main routes. More defined pedestrian
Street, 3, 12A and 12B Fore Street
plus
are
historic
buildings in Fore Street and Truro
120
crossings
and
traffic
measures
would
assist
calming
this
and
possibly
deter
cars
from
cutting
through the town down to the A390
9.3.10 The area around the present
at the bottom of the hill as a short-
Cooperative building off West Hill,
cut to avoid the traffic peak flow.
and the large West Hill car park is
Park and Ride proposals could also
adjacent
assist in the reduction of vehicular
terminus building, Tram’s Mill. The
traffic in sensitive locations.
site to the south west could reveal
to
the
clay
store
tram
much of importance of the industrial
Action:
Raise
awareness
and
past, being also a site of the later
improve the understanding of St
Victorian gas works.
Austell’s archaeology.
9.3.11 Similarly, the industrial units
9.3.8 Without raising awareness of
clustered around Bridge Road and by
the untapped archeological heritage
New
in St Austell there is a significant risk
historic/industrial
that it will be lost. Awareness could
Grade II Corn Mill/Blowing House Mill
be raised in a number of ways:
lies on the site of earlier industrial
• Through
organised
“time
team”
Bridge
do
contain
residual
structures.
The
mill and foundries – the original
type events.
buildings and Blowing House dating
• Working with local schools.
from the mid-16th century and the
• Encouraging
extant buildings being at least a
local
community
century newer.
groups to get involved.
9.3.9 Although
some
areas
in
9.3.12 The remnant of a chimney
St
Austell have been subject to study
behind
there is still much to be done and
Trenance Road is also worthy of
local
further investigation. Other sites for
study
is
to
be
actively
one
of
the
exploration
There are a number of local history
include the former Health Centre site
societies
and
combined
in Moorland Road, North Street Car
knowledge
is
could
Park and the area around the Old
consolidated.
Valleys
area
vast
and
be
The Industrial River
is
of
Bridge
particular
including
Archaeological
importance in this context.
create
121
to
in
encouraged and the results recorded.
the
prior
cottages
development
Pondhu
investigation
excitement
and
Road.
can
contribute
much
to
community
interest
and
Action: Continue to support and
understanding of an area’s heritage.
expand
The awe of history, the sense of
Improvement Scheme.
the
River
Walk
belonging, the sharing of an activity
and the wonder of a find is something
Background
to be encouraged and fostered. This
9.3.14 Over the years, River Walk
could be funded via the Heritage
had become very overgrown which
Lottery Fund which is funding similar
had made the street lighting in situ
projects
Cornwall.
virtually ineffective. As a result, the
Children can be very active in this
area had become a hot spot for anti-
sort of study, including, for example,
social behaviour and was generally
the research into the gravestones and
perceived locally as unsafe.
families of those buried in Cemetery
anticipated
Park.
clearing of vegetation and opening up
elsewhere
in
that
by
the
It is
recent
the natural surveillance of the area
9.3.13 As well as the most obvious
will reduce the opportunity for anti-
sites
social
with
archaeological
potential
there are the buildings, which remain
standing
–
shops,
behaviour
and
encourage
public use.
commercial
premises and dwellings within the
Interested parties from Cornwall
Conservation Area. There are stories
Council and the Town Council met
to be found within each building,
initially in the middle of October and
when and even why it was built,
agreed
perhaps
improvements
how
and
when
it
was
that
the
would
following
enhance
the
appearance and safety of the area:
extended, and this all builds to a
greater appreciation of the heritage
assets of the town.
• Cut
The 1842 Tithe
back
and
make
safe
the
overgrown footpath;
map and apportionments are a great
resource, and are available to the
• Clear and cut back the River Bank
public,
• Implement
Cornwall
by
appointment,
Record
Office
in
in
http:/www.cornwall.gov.uk/cro
the
a
environmental
Truro
programme
works
(i.e.
of
bulb
planting) and incorporate into the
and
St Austell in Bloom initiative;
Tel 01872 323127 also by email
• Identify a suitable site and relocate
cro@cornwall.gov.uk
122
the bench recently removed from
taken
place,
the
Town
Council
River Walk/Ledrah Road.
contacted local community groups
about the interpretation and planting
Funding
of the area.
It is hoped that this
work will form part of the St Austell
It is anticipated that the project will
in Bloom initiative.
have a maximum cost of £5,500.
An
application
Community
to
the
Payback
Action: Improve Accessibility and
Police
Scheme
Provide Sustainable Transport
was
submitted by the Town Clerk at the
beginning
of
November
and
Connecting Cornwall 2030
was
listed in the Cornish Guardian for the
9.3.15 Connecting
public vote. The Town Council was
(2011)
advised in the middle of December
transport strategy, which takes a
2012 that the maximum grant of
longer term vision beyond the usual
£1,000
awarded.
five year transport planning horizon
Councillor Stewart pledged funding
to compensate for the difficulties in
from her Cornwall Council funds for
predicting
the project in the sum of £2,000.
present time of economic uncertainty.
The
therefore
It is designed to be fit for purpose
funding
when the economy picks up and/or
had
Town
asked
been
Council
to
make
was
up
the
is
the
Cornwall
Cornwall
transport
needs
2030,
Council
at the
the
provide the means to respond with
estimated costs, was approximately
transport policies if faced with a peak
£2,500.
oil scenario.
shortfall
which,
based
on
Connecting
Way Forward
Cornwall
is
a
key
building block of both Future Cornwall
Cornwall
Council
clearance
works
has
and
begun
has
2010-2030 and the Core Strategy of
the
the Local Development Framework.
worked
Future Cornwall has been developed
closely with the Environment Agency
to guide both the Core Strategy and
to ensure that the river was protected
Connecting Cornwall, which means
at all times.
that for the first time there will be a
Once
the
clearance
works
single holistic approach to people and
had
123
place. Connecting Cornwall 2030 has
Local
Sustainable
six overarching goals:
The
• Tackling climate change to, for
improvements
area
Transport
Fund.
designated
for
covers
central
and
example, reduce reliance on fossil
east Cornwall and includes St Austell.
fuels and support the introduction
Although this area has an existing
of low carbon technologies.
network of bus services, mainline rail
• Supporting
prosperity
ensure
a
to,
economic
links and cycle routes, the population
example,
and economic activity of the area is
for
resilient
and
reliable
set to grow.
transport system for people, goods
and services.
It is therefore vital that a holistic
• Respecting and enhancing the
environment
provide
to,
for
sustainable
package
example,
access
lifestyles
increase
to
the negative impacts of congestion,
understanding
active
those without access to a car, whilst
example,
at the same time support sustainable
and
economic
for
awareness
of
transport
pollution and reduced mobility for
healthy
to,
sustainable
measures is put in place to reduce
Cornwall's environment.
• Encouraging
of
the
an
health
and
sustainable growth.
benefits of walking and cycling.
environmental
Within the bid
area St Austell in particular has the
• Supporting community safety
third highest travel to work trips in
and individual wellbeing to, for
Cornwall with 6,400 inbound and
example,
4,000 outbound journeys daily.
increase
public
confidence in a safer transport
network.
• Supporting
opportunity
Using the Connecting Cornwall 2030
equality
to,
for
of
goals outlined above as a context the
example,
aims of this bid are:
improve access to employment,
• To
education, healthcare and leisure.
change
behaviour
by
encouraging more people to travel
by sustainable and active means of
Local Sustainable Transport Fund:
travel that will have a positive
Cornwall Council Bid - 2012
impact
Cornwall Council has submitted a bid
environmental issues.
from the Department for Transport’s
124
on
health,
social
and
• To enable people to connect easily
• The interchange points will enable
with other modes of travel and
many people to make part of their
make more journeys by walking,
journey by public transport thereby
cycling
greatly reduce the cost of journeys
and/or
This
aim
public
transport.
complements
the
and
negative
impact
on
the
recommendation in section 10.00
environment. These will also make
for
journey times quicker and more
improvements
to
public
transport and cycle routes, and
comfortable.
thereby
provide some community based
the
reduction
in
car
journeys in the town.
electric
It is also hoped to
bicycles
and
cycles
for
• To create a transport network that
some of the towns within the bid
takes people to where they want to
area as has taken place in some
go and reflect new economic and
other
housing development taking place
complements the recommendation
in
more
in
from
signage and maintenance including
Cornwall
effective
by
linkages
creating
to
and
them.
for
• To provide a cohesive network of
parts
section
of
Cornwall
10.00
cycle
for
trails
This
improved
and
public
footpaths.
public transport that links easily
• To
improve
ticketing
with other modes of transport and
smartcards,
provide key interchange points for
information
them. The network will be made
information at key stops, via online
more
journey
legible
improved
through
real
time
for
the
public
and
be
customer
smartphones. This will complement
Interchange points will
the provision of St Austell Apps
be created for community buses
and QR codes and other social
and volunteer car drivers to use as
networking
key drop off and collection points.
identified for improving tourism in
This
section 10.
understand
focussed.
complements
to
and
through
the
recommendation in section 10.00
for
more
information
at
• To
the
include
planners
media
newer,
and
initiatives
higher
as
spec
buses that will run to an increased
bus/railway station which will be
frequency
beneficial for residents and visitors
time. This will complement the
alike.
recommendation in Section 10 for
125
and
reduce
journey
reduction in traffic through the
town
by
cars
hereby
• Put
avoiding
Enhancements
to
place
enrichment
traffic jams on the A390.
9.4
in
Parks,
specimens
into
adjusting
plant
Foster
historic
places;
assemblages,
unwanted
invasive species are beginning to
and
facilitate
to
parks,
improvements
of
reintroducing
where
dominate;
Action:
programme
by
particularly
Greenspace and Trees
a
reinvigorate
plantings
where
existing
the
original
planting design is now starting to
greenspace and trees to reinforce
look neglected.
St Austell’s aspirations to become
the Green Capital of Cornwall.
9.4.1 As
with
buildings
Public Parks
it
is
important to recognise that trees,
9.4.2
shrubs and other greenery have a
an
limited life and that the managers of
heritage,
the
element in the built environment and
public
parks,
and
owners
of
The parks within the town are
essential
part
and
of
provide
its
urban
a
strong
private and domestic gardens, should
landscape
character
of
the
be encouraged to plant trees and
providing
a
of
place
shrubs with the following planned
engendering civic pride. Public parks
maintenance in mind:
are not only an accompaniment to
• The
continued
management
of
the
sense
buildings,
but
serve
as
distinctive
trees
have the potential to bring together a
shrubs
to
maintain
important views, succession and
settings
and
specimen trees, and groupings of
and
landscape
also
town,
that
variety of functions.
maintain public safety.
• Identify
appropriate
species
for
9.4.3 There
different parts of the town that are
drawing
historically
are
out
a
opportunities
greater
for
potential
distinctive
and
capacity from the public parks in St
itemising
their
Austell by expanding their range of
characteristic
height, form and habit, and the
usage.
contribution
multifunctional greenspace
of
their
seasonal
variation through the year.
The
benefits
of
can
a
be
grouped into ‘Economic, Social and
126
Environmental’
criteria.
Some
complete it. The advantage of this
actions that could be taken include:
type of national event is that it
Social:
would
place
within
a
• Welcoming
signage
impressions
are
–
First
important
and
the
much
town’s
wider
parks
national
network picture, and all the events
more informative signage at the
programmed
entrance to a park should highlight
the Greenspace Forum website.
the
name
of
the
park,
get
highlighted
on
what’s
• Education - Cemetery Park has
happening, and who is included.
great educational potential. A ‘step
The signage should indicate that
back in time’ type of project could
the park appeals to a wide range of
be run with schools researching
visitors, for example, disabled and
the
elderly people, who need to know
gravestones relating such work to
if there are suitable walking routes
the
for them within the park, where
sharing
the seating is, and what toilet
wider community. As an example,
facilities are available to them.
York Cemetery Trust run events
Accompanying the signage should
such
be pre-visit information so that
people, military heroes buried in
visitors know what to expect.
the cemetery, Lord Mayors buried
• Community development – Making
names
of
people
National
their
as:
a
on
Curriculum,
findings
study
with
of
the
and
the
Victorian
in the cemetery, and also run a
more use of the parks as venues
website
for events.
genealogy
and
July the Greenspace Forum runs
research.
These projects would
‘Love
also help to conserve an historic
Parks
For example, every
Week’,
national event.
activities
an
The
include:
annual
range
of
Himalayan
undertaking
family
history
Environmental:
• Conserving
night time wildlife and outdoor
performances.
people
landscape.
Balsam clearance, free family days,
theatre
for
tranquillity
and
reinforcing passive usage.
Some
• Promoting
events could be run so as to link
recycling
and
environmental education.
the parks together – one part of
• Creating and managing habitats for
the event takes place in one park
wildlife through volunteering.
then people move on to the next to
Economic:
127
• Promoting
and
marketing
the
‘big push’ of regeneration and not
recreational opportunities.
developing on-going multifunctional
• Contributing to tourism. An active
management has been one of the
multifunctional approach will allow
main causes of neglect and decline
parks to ‘move up’, tourism events
for urban parks in general.
can increase a park’s catchment so
that a local park could at times
9.4.5 One way of consolidating the
become more district in its impact,
good
and district parks could generate a
establish
greater sphere of influence and
organisation.
have a regional impact.
Devonport
• Creating
opportunities
for
an
opportunities
already
a
done
‘Friends
of
As
an
Park
in
is
the
for
elected
Park’
Plymouth
committee
to
example
‘Friends of Devonport Park’.
volunteers.
• Creating
work
it
has
Run by
works
alongside Plymouth City Council.
It
conservation and horticultural skills
has a membership, its own website
development.
and sends out newsletters, and with
• Monitoring
generate
an
fielding
user
runs events for fundraising.
from
include: music in the park; summer
public opinion and ideas will help
fun day; annual Remembrance Day,
steer greenspace management in
and its annual fun day in 2009
the right directions.
attracted
evidence
will
base
by
questionnaires.
Drawing
its partners applies for funding and
over
4000
Events
visitors.
A
“Friends of” group is a good way of
9.4.4 It
is
recommended
that
a
involving local people who can view
multifunctional policy be pursued with
and use all of a park’s assets to good
these newly regenerated parks to
effect.
ensure their future sustainability and
quality
of
provision.
Too
much
9.4.6 As
a
‘pocket
park’s function can put its future in
churchyard conserves its tranquillity
danger, whereas a wider range of
as a reflective and restorative setting.
appropriate
the
A sensitive review of seating, the
respect of a wider audience in the
configuration of some of the trees
community.
and shrubs, and alcohol free zone
gain
Resting back after the
128
Holy
is
important
will
the
it
emphasis on a restricted aspect of a
usage
that
park’
Trinity
signage would help strengthen this
branches off the Sustrans National
asset for the church and visitors
Cycle Route 3, to Pentewan.
alike.
At the same time the Mengu
Sustrans cycle trails already offer a
Stone and Medieval wayfinding cross
ready-made framework of tourism
need
fresh
interpretation
potential.
them
more
legible
for
making
The
interested
visitors.
9.4.9 Other frameworks would also
support such a programme: Cornwall
Green Corridors
Council’s Connecting Cornwall 2030
Strategy (2011) sets out a range of
9.4.7 The fragmented path networks
policies
running through the industrial river
recognise the importance of walking
valley area at present are mainly
and
adopted by local residents as short
environmentally
cut
healthier
routes
within
the
immediate
and
objectives,
cycling
as
a
which
sustainable,
positive
means
of
and
transport.
locality providing only a limited range
Cornwall Council’s Local Sustainable
of usage.
Transport Fund bid (2012) will put in
poor
with
unmanaged
sight
Some
lines
Their overall condition is
low
quality
vegetation
and
surfacing,
place
a
joined
up
restricting
walking,
cycling
and
minimal
remedial
work
signage.
to
co-ordinated
It recognises
that St
being
Austell’s geographical position makes
undertaken along River Walk where
it well placed as a ‘key interchange’
overgrown
being
point between the Clay Trail routes,
cleared back to open up sight lines,
Eden Project and Pentewan Valley,
and so reduce antisocial behaviour
and that high quality independent
and encourage greater public use.
tourism in the form of walking and
vegetation
is
transport.
approach
is
cycling holidays are emerging as new
9.4.8 With
an
appropriate
growth markets.
reinstatement programme these path
networks could be designed to serve
9.4.10 Also, through rights of way
a variety of functions for the local
improvements
community. Through renovation they
approach will enable local residents to
could be used as cycle and pedestrian
access
routeways
homes.
and
be
integrated
as
129
the
an
‘access
pathways
for
from
all’
their
Such a programme would
give opportunities for place shaping
Curriculum teaching, and lifelong
to
learning.
create
an
attractive
and
safe
community, where people want to
live
and
work.
Other
potential
9.4.11 These
environmental
benefits could include:
improvements
• Wildlife corridors – With correct
environmental quality, contribute to
and
sensitive
management
the
network
could
impact
upon
the local economy and strengthen
more semi-natural sections of the
pathway
could
community cohesion.
be
improved. Some areas need weed
Civic Planting - Shrub Massing,
control; invasive plants such as
Street Trees and Planters
Himalayan
Balsam
are
already
taking hold and will eventually
9.4.12 Although only recently placed
dominate
within the urban fabric some planting
the
riverbank.
In
particular, encroaching vegetation
schemes
has been obscuring the Old Bridge,
becoming tired, particularly around
(old photographs show it to be
the bus and railway station, which is
much more vegetation-free with
an important gateway into the town
sluice gates that were used to feed
but this latter area has recently been
Pondhu Mill), and it is important
improved.
that
through
a
clearer
important
should
view
historical
this
structure
established
showing
An
economic
which
these
signs
of
solution
landscape
elements could be brought back to
and
life would be to do some minor re-
maintained. Other sections of the
ordering of the existing shrub layout
public footpath network could be
and then plant within them wildflower
enriched by planting more native
meadow
species of trees and shrubs.
adjusted to include species true to
• Outdoor
be
of
are
education
–
A
mixes.
These
can
be
the region as well as including the
multifunctional strategy will allow
more exotic varieties.
for greater accessibility for outdoor
education purposes – access to
9.4.13 Many of these species are low
nature, local industrial archaeology
maintenance
and history and tourism, which can
colonise on poor land and therefore
all
do
be
interpreted
in
National
130
not
as
require
they
much
naturally
additional
watering and feeding, and could be a
addressed in this way. The old Police
good temporary solution for derelict
Station site in High Cross Street
sites.
Through periodic and timely
occupies a highly visible gateway
mowing regimes the mixes can be
position into the old core of the town
manipulated to flower sequentially
from the railway station. Planted up
and so extend the flowering season.
with this kind of reversible landscape
As well as providing beautiful drifts of
would provide wider amenity and
colour
economic
they
also
benefit
local
benefits
biodiversity by attracting bees and
compromising
other insect wildlife.
alternatives.
its
Suburban
without
long
term
Treescape
and
Domestic Gardens
9.4.15 Domestic gardens need to be
seen as part of the town’s greenspace
and
not
just
as
areas
‘development’.
of
Appropriate
management
criteria
maintenance,
tree
of
continued
and
shrub
identification and reintroduction of
species has already been covered in
paragraph 9.4.1. Once the proposed
Conservation Area is adopted it is
recommended that Cornwall Council
Biddick’s Court –quality tree guards
could prepare an audit of significant
9.4.14 Another opportunity for using
trees.
wildflower meadow mixes is as a
temporary usage of urban spaces.
9.4.16 As many specimen trees and
Often,
significant groups of trees stand in
pockets
of
land
where
buildings have been demolished and
Victorian
are awaiting the final redevelopment
recommended that the compilation of
lie derelict for years.
a guidance leaflet or booklet for
This non-
committal neglect or usage could be
owners
131
villa
would
gardens
be
it
a
is
also
useful
management tool. The booklet could
gardens to grow fruit and vegetables.
advise owners on: the different tree
A new community garden has been
species
established at St Austell Library, just
and
varieties
that
were
traditionally popular in Victorian villa
outside
gardens, how to look after existing
located in what was a private garden
mature
subjects,
at the back of the library building. St
sources
of
replacement
selecting
the
right
recommended
the
Conservation
Area,
stock,
Austell Library Support Association
tree
(SALSA) will bring together staff and
nursery stock, where to plant, how to
users to run the garden, which will be
plant
and
a mixed use facility incorporating
information on tree surgery work that
community gardening, reading aloud
will need a six week notification
with dementia sufferers and carers,
period prior to work being carried
and children’s story-time and play.
and
stake,
type
of
aftercare,
out.
9.4.19 A
Food Growing
Garden
sharing
scheme
could be put in place where residents
who have larger gardens, but find the
9.4.17 Although greenspace elements
upkeep difficult, could share with
such as public parks, trees and green
someone who has no growing space
corridors
but
are
present
in
the
would
like
to
do
so.
The
Movement
gives
Conservation Area, spaces that allow
Transition
for sustainable food growing such as
guidance on setting up garden share
allotments and community gardens
agreements together with advice on
are
are
insurance. This is already happening
opportunities to explore the potential
in the China Clay district with the
for locally grown food to be grown by
“rowing Together in Clay Country”
local residents, schools and other
project run by the Eden Project in
groups
conjunction
largely
in
missing.
the
There
community,
and
Town
with
Cornwall
waste
develop an urban foodscape in the
Action
town.
www.growingtogethercornwall.org.uk.
9.4.18 An interest in food growing
9.4.20 The
can
operates a seasonal daily vegetable
be
residents
seen
in
have
the
way
designed
some
their
purchase
132
Eden
scheme
Café
for
local
already
small
growers.
However,
further
transform it into productive places,
exploration of urban food project
and so increase their cultural and
initiatives in the town would give the
social value.
Eden Café a wider platform in which
reports (2008) on future scenarios for
to frame sustainable food issues. The
UK food security predict the country
public parks, in particular Truro Road
moving into a ‘new era’ in which food
Park, could also be used as venues
will not be so available - towns and
for food growing events. The Capital
cities may have to function on a more
Growth Project in London uses some
sustainable and local basis – a theme
of the public parks as hubs where
to
people can take part in a variety of
aspirations to be the ‘Green Capital of
one day courses in activities such as
Cornwall.’
container growing in small spaces,
planning an organic vegetable garden
and soft fruit growing.
9.4.21 Food growing has the capacity
to
galvanise
communities
spaces,
to
the
imagination
around
protect
of
their
local
them
when
threatened by development, or come
together to reclaim derelict land and
133
be
The Chatham House
explored
with
St
Austell’s
134
10. AIMS, ACTIONS AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE MANAGEMENT PLAN
10.1
Management Plan Aims and
Strategic
Actions
Conservation Area
10.1.1 The Management Plan has 4
10.1.2 Cornwall
strategic aims
1.
To
ensure
extend
that
the
existing
with
identify
and
Strategic
Area
as
Aim
2
Enhancement
actions
prioritise
achievable and deliverable actions
10.1.3 The
which will preserve and enhance
Appraisal
identified
a
number of areas within the extended
the newly extended Conservation
Conservation Area that would benefit
Area.
3.
Conservation
should
the
for the historic fabric of St Austell
To
Council
of
consultation process.
consequential additional protection
2.
extension
Appraisal and through the community
line with the recommendations of
Appraisal
the
1
detailed in the Conservation Area
Conservation Area is extended in
the
Aim
from
To recommend actions that in
enhancement.
streetscape
addition to the primary aim of
This
includes
enhancement,
improvements to individual buildings,
preserving and enhancing the new
Conservation Area also support the
wider regeneration policy initiatives
landscape
improvements
and
improved
interpretation
and
wayfinding. These actions overlap in
of Cornwall Council which seek to
many cases with actions that will help
ensure that the Conservation Area
to improve the appeal of St Austell to
reaches its full potential as a driver
tourists.
for future economic regeneration
for St Austell.
4.
Adopting,
Strategic Aim 3 Strategic actions
updating
and
monitoring of Management Plan.
10.1.4 To recommend actions that in
addition
to
the
primary
aim
of
preserving and enhancing the new
Conservation Area also support the
wider regeneration policy initiatives
of Cornwall Council which seek to
135
ensure that the Conservation Area
order to make the management plan
reaches its full potential as a driver
as deliverable as possible in the
for future economic regeneration for
current economic climate some issues
St Austell.
given
a
high
priority
could
be
considered as quick win opportunities
that can make a real difference to the
Strategic Aim 4
Conservation Area within a short time
10.1.5 Adopting,
updating
span
and
these
actions
identified
strategic
aims
with
minimal
resource
implications.
monitoring of Management Plan
The
and
to
meet
have
been
The tables identify who would be
responsible
for
the
actions
with
considered and are prioritized in the
possible partners, the priority – high,
table
medium,
below
to
assist
Cornwall
low
and
an
indicative
St
Austell
Town
Council,
timescale and have been ordered to
stakeholders
and
the
wider
reflect the priority attributed to each
Council,
action.
community to address the issues in a
managed and achievable way. In
Management Plan Actions - Strategic aim 2.
10.1.6 Enhancement Actions
Action
Develop an integrated way
finding policy.
A new shop front design
guide should be prepared to
update the Alan
Leather Associates St
Austell Shop front
Guide (which was not
adopted) as the guide
published in 1994 is now out
of date.
Continue to support and
expand the River Walk
Improvement Scheme
Responsibility /
Possible Partners
Cornwall Council
and St Austell
Town Council
Cornwall Council
and St Austell
Town Council,
perhaps as part of
a THI scheme
Priority
Timescale
High
Short Term
High
Short Term
St Austell Town
Council/Cornwall
Council
Medium
Short Term
136
Action
Responsibility /
Possible Partners
St Austell Town
Council
Priority
Timescale
High
Short Term
Cornwall Council/St
Austell Town
Council
High
Short Term
Cornwall Council,
possibly as part of
a future THI
scheme
High
Medium
Term
Consult, update and adopt
emerging Town Plan
Produce and publicise
guidance on historic
detailing, windows, local
materials, community
maintenance actions and
sustainability.
St Austell Town
Council
Cornwall Council
through guidance
on their website
High
Medium
Term
Medium
Term
St Austell Town Council and
Cornwall Council should
encourage building owners
to use locally sourced
building materials.
St Austell Town
Council/ Cornwall
Council
Low
Medium
Term
Update the Code of Practice
for statutory undertakers.
Cornwall Council
Medium
Medium
Term
Improvements to access and
permeability of the
Conservation Area.
Cornwall Council
Medium
Medium
Term
Prepare a Townscape
Heritage Initiative Scheme
for shop fronts and signage
in Fore Street, High Cross
Street, Duke Street, Truro
Road and Victoria Place.
Cornwall Council
High
Medium
Term
Carry out a full survey of
existing trees and
ornamental landscapes.
Cornwall Council
and St Austell
Town Council
Low
Long Term
Improve and maintain
Noticeboards/Town
Map/Discovery Map
Improve awareness and
understanding of the
Conservation Area including
measures to encourage
greater community
involvement.
Produce planning and
development briefs for
important development
/redevelopment sites in the
Conservation Area.
137
Medium
Action
Responsibility /
Possible Partners
St Austell Town
Council/community
group
Priority
Timescale
Low
Long Term
The local authority should
promote walking, cycling
and the use of public
transport over cars. Design
of the public realm should
give priority to pedestrians
and cyclists over vehicular
traffic where appropriate,
improve accessibility of
public transport and
improve the setting and
appreciation of the
Conservation Area.
Cornwall Council/St
Austell Town
Council
Medium
Ongoing
Bring into beneficial use
under-utilised and empty
historic buildings
Cornwall Council/St
Austell Town
Council perhaps
through a THI
scheme and/or
working with the
empty homes
team.
High
Ongoing
Encourage maintenance of
individual building/and sites
Building Owners/
St. Austell Town
Council
High
Ongoing
Maintain photographic
record of the Conservation
Area.
10.1.7
Strategic Aim 3
Actions that in addition to the primary aim of preserving and enhancing the new
Conservation Area also support the wider regeneration policy initiatives of
Cornwall Council which seek to ensure the Conservation Area reaches its full
potential as a driver for future economic regeneration for St Austell.
Action
Responsibility/
Priority
Timescale
High
Short term
potential Partners
Improve tourist
information
Cornwall Council
St Austell Town
Council
St Austell TIC
138
Action
Work with the Eden Project
and other attractions to
increase visitor numbers to
St Austell
Develop heritage
attractions and events to
increase visitor numbers to
the town
Increase
viability/economic vitality
of town centre through
heritage themed shopping
events longer/different
opening hours
Create a visitors’ App and
use of other social
networking media
including QR codes
Develop a community focus
within the Market House.
Develop a local tourism
strategy, which
emphasises the historic
importance of St Austell,
its position at the heart of
the Clay Country, its close
relationship with Eden, its
good rail links and an
attractive landscape.
Develop local skills training
in
repair/maintenance/green
technology relating to
historic buildings
Responsibility /
Possible Partners
Cornwall Council, St
Austell Town
Council, Chamber of
Commerce
Eden Project/ other
attractions
St Austell Town
Council,
Chamber of
Commerce, St
Austell Brewery,
Market House
St Austell Town
Council, White River
Shopping Centre,
Chamber of
Commerce
Local businesses
Local food providers
St Austell Town
Council/Chamber of
Commerce
Priority
Timescale
High
Short term
High
Short term
High
Short term
High
Short term
Market House CIC,
St Austell Town
Council, English
Heritage, Cornwall
Council
Cornwall Council, St
Austell Town
Council, Chamber of
Commerce, SABEF
High
Medium
term
High
Medium
term
Cornwall Council
St Austell Town
Council
Chamber of
Commerce
Cornwall College
Develop Cornwall?
Perhaps as part of
THI scheme for the
town
Medium
Medium
term
139
Action
Work with occupiers and
owners of commercial
Listed Buildings and other
heritage assets to ensure
that the buildings continue
to provide accommodation
needed to adapt to future
employment demands and
ensure the continuing
occupation of historic
buildings for viable uses.
Cornwall Council to
incorporate training on the
Conservation Area
Appraisal in their Historic
Environment member
training programme and to
provide a summary sheet.
Responsibility /
Possible Partners
Cornwall Council
Priority
Timescale
High
Ongoing
High
Ongoing
Cornwall Council
10.2 Regeneration Actions
Action: Create a new community
focus within the town.
Action: work with occupiers and
owners of commercial heritage
assets
to
buildings
ensure
can
that
remain
10.2.2 The consultation carried out as
the
part
occupied
which
can
to
appraisal
process
be the home for a new community
accommodation
adapt
the
identified the need for a building to
and continue to provide long term
sustainable
of
focus within the town. The Market
future
House could provide this focus, its
commercial needs.
historic importance and the need to
discover a use/uses for the building
10.2.1 It is essential for the economic
to provide long term sustainability
vitality of St Austell that existing
make it ideal for this purpose, this is
businesses are retained within the
discussed further under section.
Conservation Area. This is the most
appropriate way of safeguarding the
Action: Develop a local tourism
future of many of the heritage assets
strategy, which emphasises the
in the town and by offering pro-active
advice
and
information
historic importance of St Austell,
Cornwall
its position at the heart of the
Council can assist businesses.
Clay
140
Country,
its
close
relationship with Eden, its good
Tree Trail. These vital resources are
rail
not
links
and
an
attractive
landscape.
now
used
to
their
best
advantage. More advantage could be
taken of new technologies, including
10.2.3 There is an opportunity for
the internet and QR codes for use
the businesses in St Austell to benefit
with
economically from the enlargement of
awareness of St Austell‘s history and
the Conservation Area.
heritage for both the local community
smart
phones,
to
raise
and tourists.
Action:
Improve
tourist
information
10.2.5 Another
way
of
providing
longer-lasting interpretation would be
10.2.4 There is a need to encourage
such as that carried out by the Welsh
visitors to St Austell and to keep
Assembly for Chepstow (and possibly
them in the town by attracting them
other Welsh towns) by means of a
to visit places of interest and to
great variety of ceramic plaques on
experience the special character of
walls and in pavements which not
the town once they arrive.
only
With the exception of some leaflets
give
historical
important places,
Market
graphics,
and
the
but
information about important people,
in the Train/Bus station, some in the
House
details
recently
in written text,
photographs
and
maps.
opened Museum, there is no prime
Subject to further research these
focus for Tourist Information and
could be used for St Austell; local
encouraging visitors from near and
artists
far, to explore St Austell in a more
plaques made with English
creative way.
Clay, giving the visitor and residents
or
children
could
design
China
The Discovery Map, both in leaflet
really interesting information in a
form and as a map sited in White
creative way. These can also be used
River Place, has been a very good
to show where an important building
project and is much used, but there
stood, or an event took place, which
are
could help redefine how important St
also
leaflets
covering
various
trails, which have been produced but
Austell was.
do not appear to be any longer
available such as the Geological Trail,
the Historic Building Trail and the
141
Action: Develop heritage focused
Clay,
attractions and events
Charlestown, Wheal Martyn Museum
and
10.2.6 The St Austell Brewery holds
IMERYS,
other
the
key
Eden
Project,
projects
and
businesses.
an ale festival each November which
St Austell is often a brief staging
has gradually grown over the years to
point on the way to other attractions
an attendance of 3000 and these
such as the Eden Project, Heligan,
visitors could be encouraged to visit
Charlestown and Pentewan and if that
other parts of the town and at other
is
times of the year. Other events could
encourage people to ‘bide a while’ but
be organised to capitalize on this.
there needs to be something to stay
Many visitors at present, when not
so,
then
St
Austell
needs
to
for and to enjoy.
going by car, arrive at the railway
In addition the range of shops
station for the Eden Project; get on
needs
to
be
expanded
so
that
the bus for Eden and leave unaware
specialist quarters type shops are
of what St Austell can offer.
This
encouraged. St Austell Town Council
could be improved upon by much
has recognised this need for uplift
more good quality interpretation and
and has applied for funding from the
information at the Bus/Train station.
Portas bid – national government
shopping initiative.
The Clay/Cycle Trail is popular and
improved way finding signage on
The connection with English China
these trails pointing to other places of
Clay and the renewed interest in
interest in St Austell could be very
taking
beneficial.
There are strong links
capitalized on, with possible links
with the trails and the new bike shop
with Tregothnan, the first place to
in
grow tea in England. The clay, copper
the
Market
House
offering
afternoon
tea
could
be
and tin connection could also be built
opportunities to increase footfall.
upon.
Action:
Work
with
the
Eden
Action: Create a visitors’ App.
Project and other attractions to
increase visitor numbers to St
10.2.8 This
Austell
idea
came
from
the
consultation process associated with
10.2.7 Much more could be made of
the Conservation Area Appraisal as a
the connection with English China
way to raise the profile of St Austell
142
building and increase awareness of
and connect to potential visitors using
modern
This
media.
expanded
to
include
could
the
use
be
the buildings heritage commensurate
of
with its Grade ll* listed status.
Facebook, Twitter and other social
networking sites.
10.2.11 Following
disappointing
tenant occupancy figures, with the
Action: Explore the opportunity to
serious prospect of having to close its
create
space
door and on the back of a successful
within the enlarged Conservation
bid under the Design of the Times
Area
Challenge for funding, in 2011. The
new
commercial
Directors
10.2.9 The
central
creation,
area,
of
within
flexible
the
of
the
Market
House
appointed new Directors and a new
small
Chairman
together
with
a
new
business/ office units will help to
Manager in an attempt to breathe
improve the economic viability of the
new life into the building in order to
Conservation Area.
achieve the aims and objectives of
the Company.
Action: Support the Market House
Community Interest Company in
10.2.12
achieving the aim to restore the
initiatives:-
building and create an important
In
community focus.
10.2.10
The
Grade
ll*
listed
St
Current
2011
and
the
recent
Market
Directors
invested
immediate
improvements
House
£5,000
to
for
the
interior of the building. The CIC gave
Austell Market House was built 170
permission
years ago in 1842 under an Act of
group, for the setting up of a Town
Parliament and was registered as a
Museum. Together the new team
Community Interest Company (CIC)
have also worked hard to improve
th
on 30
April 2007. The aim of the
company
is
to
continue
to
a
local
community
tenancy occupation (currently nearing
activities
100%) and encourage the innovative
which benefit the community and in
use of space with circus training
particular
to
workshops, hosting the St Austell
ensure continued trading activities in
Soroptimists Campaign against the
and
House,
trafficking of women and children for
enhance the community use of the
the sex slave market, initiating and
(without
around
the
limitation)
Market
143
organising The First St Austell Zombie
access the building and its facilities.
Walk, hosting a Make Christmas Craft
Grant
Fair
Valentines
sought and the Directors are seeking
Heart Hunt. In the near future they
to raise monies for the necessary
intend to have a Make Wedding Fair,
restoration and improvement works.
and
organising
a
monies
are
being
actively
Spring Fayre, and Restormel Arts
‘Bread Riots’ play which is based on
10.2.14
the poverty stricken clay workers
given a lease on the old Town Hall
rioting against the ‘clay barons’ to
and Council Chamber area in the
gain some control of their lives. There
Market House to bring forward a
are plans for many more community
creative hub. Although not yet fitted
events
and
out this space is regularly being used
awareness of what the Market House
by the community for workshops,
and its traders have to offer.
meetings and supporting community
Current aspirations:
events in the wider St Austell.
to
increase
footfall
A local company has been
The
Market House could be a flagship
and
building
restoration are paramount in taking
scheme.
10.2.13
Conservation
within
any
future
THI
the St Austell Market House forward
in this new phase of its illustrious life.
Action:
Develop
local
A committee has been set up to work
training in repair / maintenance /
on and take forward the changes
green
identified in an Access Audit report to
historic buildings.
technology
skills
relating
to
conserve the building by bringing it
10.2.15
up to acceptable standards for the
st
The
community
of
St
21 Century and beyond and in order
Austell has an aspiration to be a
that it could take its rightful place as
centre
a vibrant and active centre piece for
Technology.
St Austell.
skills
There is much work
of
excellence
The
training
for
Green
development
relating
to
of
Green
required from painting new nosings
Technologies and historic buildings
to repairing the ceilings and from
could help to achieve this aspiration.
providing disabled toilets to fitting
A THI scheme offers the opportunity
railings
and
to deliver traditional skills training
installing a lift. All are important to
through partnership working with the
ensure the whole community can
college and others.
at
the
entrances
144
10.3
Funding, Resourcing And
Falmouth, Reduth and other towns
Partnerships
within Cornwall. An initial bid for this
would be followed if successful by the
10.3.1 The
responsibility
the
appointment of a Project Officer who
Conservation Area should be shared
would administer the project and
one.
liaise
Its
for
management
and
with
building
owners.
The
enhancement will need input and
Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) makes
support from the local community,
grants to communities to regenerate
businesses, St Austell Town Council
Conservation Areas, particularly for
and Cornwall Council.
It is however
those in social and economic need.
the Local Planning Authority who will
THI encourages partnerships of local
carry the greatest responsibility, not
organisations to carry out repairs and
least
obligations
other works to a number of historic
planning
buildings, structures or spaces within
legislation. It is essential that the
these defined areas. The THI are
authority
adequate
there to help people to learn about
resources to enable it to exercise its
their own and other people’s heritage
powers and responsibilities. This is
and
particularly challenging in the current
heritage
economic
innovative
generations to experience and enjoy
with
the
and/or help more people, and a wider
private sector and the community will
range of people, to take an active
be necessary to ensure that the
part in and make decisions about
actions and recommendations of this
heritage.
plan can be carried out.
preserve and enhance the character
because
placed
ideas
upon
of
it
the
by
the
commits
climate
and
and
partnerships
and
either
conserve
for
present
This
future
helps
to
Conservation
10.3.2 In recent years, Townscape
Areas
Heritage
grants,
deprivation and lack of regeneration
administered by the Heritage Lottery
and brings historic buildings back into
Fund, have been a valuable source of
appropriate and sustainable uses, it
finance
Area
can increase training opportunities,
Townscape
increase community participation and
Initiative
for
Conservation
enhancement projects.
Heritage
Initiative
grant
–
aided
out
in
Penryn,
high
levels
of
improve approaches to conservation
schemes have been very successfully
carried
by
of
diverse
and
scheme
appearance
affected
the
management and maintenance.
Helston,
145
10.3.3 Possible additional sources of
operated
by
SITA
and
CORY
finance could include:
intended for community and not-
• Developer funding through Section
for-profit organisations.
106 agreements (to be replaced by
CIL’s – Community Infrastructure
of
such
improvements,
contributions
for
which
not
are
English
support
relevant development. However, it
funding
to
commercial
for
to
Local
enhancement
and
funders. This scheme helps to ensure
or
the long-term sustainable future of a
Conservation
to their own funds, may be eligible
heritage
for grants for improvements or
Area
by
based
supporting
regenerative
initiatives. Although the funding is
repairs, e.g. from the Architectural
limited the priorities for the fund are
Heritage Fund.
focused on the area where elements
• Charitable trusts and government
of the historic environment are at risk
agencies.
Opportunities
to
carry
or
out
of
for
their
detailed bid and a Project Officer for
Site notices. There are precedents
use
assistance
a first stage, followed by a more
application of Section 215 Untidy
creative
give
management. A bid for this would be
enhancement works through the
the
funding
English Heritage and other possible
residential properties, in addition
for
Area
Local Authority in partnership with
development.
•
an
The Scheme would be run by the
there is relatively little pressure for
of
runs
preservation of Conservation Areas.
specific
enhancement works in areas where
• Owners
and
Authorities
may prove difficult to direct this
of
Heritage
Partnership Scheme which provides
directly related or adjacent to the
source
Partnership
Scheme
well-established precedents for the
use
Area
•
Levy’s in the future). There are
this
these
would
be
required.
Funding
available can be as much as up to
notices to reinstate historic walls
£100,000. This scheme is on hold for
around sites as a way to improve
the present but may be reinstated by
their appearance whilst also having
English Heritage.
long term heritage benefits.
• Other possible sources of funding
include the land-fill grant system
146
Grant programmes offered by HLF
• Convergence Fund
are:
This
European
combines
the
Funding
Initiative
European
Regional
• Your Heritage- grants for voluntary
and community groups and first
Development Fund and the European
Social Fund.
time applicants -grants £3,000-
It is a regeneration
£100,000.
programme to boost the economy of
• Heritage Grants main programme
regions like Cornwall and Isles of
for
Scilly. Convergence Funding relevant
not-for-profit
organisations-
grants over £100,000.
to St Austell Conservation Area could
• Young
include funding towards the bringing
Roots
involving
young
people 11-25 years old grants-
back into use the empty or under-
£3,000-£50,000.
used historic buildings, such as the
• All Our Stories- for activities for
recent project on the former Devon
everyone to get involved in their
and Cornwall Bank.
heritage – grants £3,000-£50,000.
It can also facilitate the relocation
• Townscape Heritage Initiative- for
of businesses to enable premises to
communities in Conservation Areas
be brought into a different use, as
with particular social and economic
well
need
as
providing
training
opportunities.
-grants
for
£500,000-
£2,000,000.
• Parks for People – for regeneration
•
Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF)
for whole park projects- grants of
£250,000-£5000,000.
HLF can provide funding to both
• Landscape
historic and interpretation projects in
conservation
a Conservation Area. It can focus on
empty
or
buildings
under
and
–
used
provide
distinctive
historic
re-use
or
funding
consolidating
of
landscapes
landscape
for
of
character-
grants of £250,000- £2000,000.
• Skills
towards repair, restoration, bringing
into
Partnerships
for
the
Future
providing
training placements to meet skill
an
gaps in the heritage sector -grants
existing use. It can also provide
£100,000 to £1000,000.
funding for Practical Conservation and
• Repair Grants for Places of Worship
Community based skills in association
for funding urgent repair work for
with these projects.
147
listed places of worship-grants of
and Records Centre to be located
£10,000-£250,000.
in Carlyon Road near the Polkyth
Leisure
10.3.4 Catalyst:
Endowments
match-funding
initiative
creation
of
major
for
endowments-
Centre
(outside
the
Conservation Area but which will
the
be of benefit to it).
grants
£500,000-£5,000,000.
Short Term Schemes
Other Funding Initiatives
These will include the environmental
improvement to the paths which criss
Applications are in progress with St
Austell
Town
Council
and
cross the area, including the River
these
Walk riverside improvements and the
include:
• Funding
much used path between the Park
from
agreement
a
section
will
106
include
and the Co-op/West Hill behind Kwik
a
Fit. The current use of Community
contribution for improvements to
Poltair
Park,
just
outside
Pay Back (Community Payback is the
the
replacement for Community Service
Conservation Area.
• A
consultation
Business
and
on
a
potential
Improvement
launched
District
commencing
in
with
April
assistance
if
British
councillors
Trust
improvements.
and
retailers for funding for a Town
Centre team under the Portas Pilot
Scheme.
A bid for funding from the Local
Sustainable
from
Volunteers
• A bid is being worked on by a
of
Transport
Fund
Devon
and
addition it may be possible to request
successful.
partnership
by
volunteers would be beneficial. In
work
2013
operated
Cornwall Probation Service) and local
(BID) for town centre businesses is
being
is
has
been made by Cornwall Council
which should benefit St Austell.
• A bid has been made to Cornwall
Council for a new County Archives
148
the
for
BTCV
very
active
Conservation
for
these
10.4 The Adoption of the Appraisal and Management Plan
This is essential if the document is to become a Material Consideration in any
planning decision. The process of adoption includes community consultation and
approval of the document by Cornwall Council.
Action
Responsibility
Priority
Timescale
Endorsement of the
Cornwall Council
High
Within 1 year
Cornwall Council
High
Within 2 years
Monitor the
Cornwall Council
High
Ongoing following
implementation of
and St Austell
the Management
Town Council
Appraisal &
Management Plan
through relevant
Cornwall Council
committee/cabinet
procedures
Link the principles
set out in this
document to the
policies in the
emerging Core
Strategy
adoption
Plan
Review Conservation
Cornwall Council
Area Appraisal and
and St Austell
Management Plan
Town Council
149
Low
In 5 Years
11.0
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND BIBLIOGRAPHY
11.1 Acknowledgements and Thanks
•
Valerie Jacob, local historian and author
•
St Austell Town Museum
•
Adam Luck, St Austell Brewery
•
Jeremy Harvey, Coodes Solicitors
•
Jane Powning and Bryn Tapper, Historic Environment Record Office, Truro
•
Jennie Hancock, Cornwall Record Office, Truro
•
Colin Vallance, Wheal Martyn Museum
•
White River Place Developments
•
The members of public who attended the Public Consultation day in
September 2011 and those involved in informal on-street discussion.
•
The attendees to the stakeholder Consultation Day
11.2 Bibliography
Historic Publications
Aston, M & Bond, J. 2000. The Landscape of Towns. History Handbooks. Stroud,
Gloucestershire. Sutton Publishing.
Bristow, C.M. 2001. Some notable Cornish building and decorative stones.
Geoscience in south-west England, 10. 223-229.
Brokenshire, V. 2005. Pocket Images: St Austell. Stroud, Gloucestershire.
Nonsuch Publishing Ltd.
Brown, J. 1986. The English Market Town: A Social and Economic History 17501914. Marlborough, Wiltshire. The Crowood Press.
Cave, L.F. 1981. The Smaller English House: Its History and Development.
London. Robert Hale.
Cornwall Mining World Heritage Site: Religion. Online at:
150
http://www.cornish-mining.org.uk/delving-deeper/religion
du Maurier, D. 1967. Vanishing Cornwall. London. Victor Gollancz Ltd.
Harradence, H. Silvanus Trevail, Cornish Architect and Entrepreneur. (Date and
source of article unknown).
Hobhouse, H. 1992. Seeds of Change: Five plants that transformed mankind.
London. Papermac.
Jacob, V.
2009. St Austell Through Time. Stroud, Gloucestershire. Amberley
Publishing.
Johnson, H. 1984. The Principles of Gardening: The science, practice and history
of the gardener’s art. London. Mitchell Beazley Publishers Ltd.
Lofts, Norah. 1976. Domestic Life In England. Edinburgh. Morrison & Gibb Ltd.
Minerals Zone-Industrial Minerals-China Clay. Online at:
http://www.mineralszone.com/minerals/china-clay.html
Mosman, J. St Austell Bread Riots, based on West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser
newspaper 18th June 1847. Online at:
http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~staustell/Word_Doc/Ess/FoodRiots.htm
Newell, K. 2002. Cornwall & Scilly Urban Survey. Historic characterisation for
regeneration St Austell. Cornwall Archaeological Unit. Cornwall County Council.
Perry. R. 2010. Silvanus Trevail and Estate Planning in Cornwall: a study in
failure. Cornish Buildings Group Bulletin. Issue No 1.
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151
Plymouth Data-The Encyclopaedia of Plymouth History-Prominent CitizensWilliam Cookworthy (1705-1780). Online at:
http://www.plymouthdata.info/Who%20Was%20Who-Cookworthy%20William%201705%201780.htm
Richardson, A.E. and Lovett Gill, C. 2001. Regional Architecture of the West of
England. Tiverton, Devon. Halsgrove.
Rolt, L.T.C. 1971. Isambard Kingdom Brunel: A Biography. London. Longman
Group.
Rowse, A. L. 1960. St Austell: Church, Town, Parish. St Austell, Cornwall. H. E.
Warne Ltd.
Selwood, E. B. Durrance, and E.M. Bristow, C.M. 2007. The Geology Of Cornwall.
Exeter. University of Exeter Press.
St Austell Area Geology. Online at:
www.projects.exeter.ac.uk/geomincentre/04St%20Austell%Area.pdf (Accessed
2011 – no longer a valid link)
St Austell, Monk of Cornwall, Disciple of St Mevan, and St Samson, Bishop of Dol
Brittany. Online at:
http://www.celticsaints.org/2011/0628a.html
Local Authority Documents
Cornwall and Scilly Historic Environment Record. 1987-2010. Report generated
by HBSMR from exeGesIS Ltd. Historic Environment Service. Cornwall Council.
Cornwall Council Historic Landscape Character Assessment: Best Practice
Guidance. 2007. Compiled by Stratham, K. Diacano Associates and White
Consultants with Cornwall Council.
Online at:
http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=28967
Cornwall Council Historic Landscape Character Zones Map. 2007. Cornwall
Council.
Online at: http://mapping.cornwall.gov.uk/website/ccmap/
152
Cornwall Industrial Settlements Initiative Pentewan (St Austell Area). 2002. The
Cahill Partnership and Cornwall Archaeological Unit. Online at:
http://www.historic-cornwall.org.uk/cisi/pentewan/pentewan.htm
Cornwall Structure Plan 2004 (Amended 2010). Cornwall Council. Online at:
http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=17398
Lamphee, P. 2011. St Austell Bay Diamond Jubilee Civic Honours City Status Bid
on behalf of St Austell Town Council. Online at: www.
St Austell, St Blazey and China Clay Regeneration Plan: Guidelines for
Transformational
Development
Projects.
2011.
Planning
Future
Cornwall.
Cornwall Local Development Framework. Cornwall Council.
Pollard, D. H. (Planning Director). 1998. Minerals Local Plan. Cornwall County
Council.
St Austell Discovery Map. Online at:
http://www.staustellmap.org/index_staustell.html
St Austell, St Blazey and China Clay Regeneration Plan: Guidelines for
Transformational Developmental Projects.
2011. Cornwall Local Development
framework. Cornwall Council. Online at:
http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=27043
The Cornish Building Stone and Slate Guide. 2007. Cornwall County Council.
Webster, C.J. (ed). 2008. The Archaeology of South West England: South West
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153
National Policy and Guidance Documents
Barber, A. 2005. Green Future: A Study of the Management of Multifunctional
green Spaces in England. Reading. Green Space Forum Ltd.
Cannon, J. 2008. Constructive Conservation in Practice. London. English
Heritage.
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English Heritage. 2011. Seeing the History in the View: A Method for Assessing
Heritage Significance Within Views. Online at:
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/publications/seeing-history-view/
English Heritage. 2011. The Setting of Heritage Assets: English Heritage
Guidance. Online at:
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/publications/setting-heritage-assets/
English Heritage. 2011. Understanding Place: Conservation Area Designation,
Appraisal and Management.
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Principles and Practice.
Golding, F. 2001. Building in Context: New development in historic areas.
London. English Heritage & CABE.
Online at:
http://www.helm.org.uk/upload/pdf/Building-in-context.pdf?1352696849
King, A. Strategic Stone Study: A Building Stone Atlas of Cornwall & Isles of
Scilly. English Heritage. Online at:
http://www.bgs.ac.uk/mineralsuk/mines/stones/EH_project.html
Character Area 152: Cornish Killas. 2005. Natural England National Landscape
Character Areas. Online at:
http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/images/jca152_tcm6-5448.pdf
154
Character Area 154: Hensbarrow. 2005. Natural England National Landscape
Character Areas. Online at:
http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/images/jca154_tcm6-5497.pdf
National Planning Policy Framework. 2012. Department for Communities and
Local Government. Online at:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-planning-policy-framework--2
Planning (Listed Building and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. 2002. Online at:
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1990/9/contents
155