Bath & North East Somerset Council is undertaking a review of the 37 Conservation Areas in the District in line with the latest guidance from English Heritage. Eventually, we will have a 'Conservation Area Appraisal' for each of our designated areas.

The Appraisals will define the Conservation Area boundaries and analyse the special architectural and historic interest of the area. They will identify specific features which contribute towards an area's character, such as:

• historic buildings and buildings which are locally significant
• important green and open spaces
• significant views
• natural elements such as trees and waterways
• features which help make an area locally distinct 

The appraisals may include intangible qualities such as activities, sights and smells which are characteristic of a place. The documents also identify elements that detract from the character of an area and would benefit from enhancement.

Visitors and residents of these special areas  may find these publications help to enhance their appreciation and provide information about interesting local features.

Chew Magna

Character summary

• setting of settlement in relation to hillsides and valley

• dominance of water

• significance of Winford Brook and River Chew as power sources of former mills

• listed buildings and other historic buildings built principally of local red sandstone

• historic curtilage of many buildings include gardens and former orchards

• mature trees

• sunken lanes

• high raised pavements in South Parade, High Street (with natural stone pavements bordered by setts) and Tunbridge Road

• cast iron railings to high raised pavements

• historic settlement with high archaeological potential

Character areas

• Area 1 - St Andrew’s Church and Chew Court

• Area 2 - South Parade, Harford Square and Tunbridge Road

• Area 3 - High Street

• Area 4 - Manor House, Dark Lane, Battle Lane and Highfield House

• Area 5 - Winford Brook and The Rookery

• Area 6 - Winford Brook from Sprat’s Bridge to Butham Lane bridge

• Area 7 - Norton Lane and North Elm Farm

• Area 8 - Winford Brook and River Chew from Bridge Farm to Tunbridge Farm

• Area 9 - Dumper’s Lane and River Chew from Tun Bridge to Crickback Bridge

Midsomer Norton & Welton

Midsomer Norton character summary

• ancient fair town dating back to mediaeval times

• listed buildings and other historic buildings built principally of local white lias limestone with oolitic limestone dressings

• coal mining legacy

• terraced housing both following and stepping down contours

• historic settlement with high archaeological potential

• occasional use of red sandstone in buildings

• cast iron railings

• use of clay and slate tiles

• River Somer – well ‘treed’ on entering and leaving the town centre and channelled along the High Street

• occasional evidence of traditional stone sett paving

• stone boundary walls of various heights typically of white lias limestone but also pennant sandstone (often used for retaining walls) and red sandstone – tall walls were historically characteristic along property boundaries

• trees make a significant contribution to parts of the town – notable examples include lime trees beside the Market Hall (possibly ones planted to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee) and along the High Street (possibly ones thought to be planted to commemorate the Coronation of George V), trees in the area of Redfield Road and Somervale School, trees in St John’s churchyard, trees in the Priory Close and Old Vicarage area, trees in the area of The Dymboro, yew and other trees associated with the Hollies garden, yew trees at Stone’s Cross and trees beside the River Somer by Hope Terrace

• grassed and wooded batches

• extensive undistinguished areas of car parking

• large modern stores generally lacking positive character

• shop signs often obscuring / conflicting with the quality of the

• characteristic stone buildings

Welton character summary

• historically important early settlement

• coal mining legacy from 1600s

• listed buildings and other historic buildings built principally of local white lias limestone with oolitic limestone dressings

• occasional use of red sandstone in buildings

• terraced housing both following and stepping down contours

• historic settlement  with high archaeological potential

• use of clay and slate tiles

• stone boundary walls of various heights typically of white lias limestone but also pennant sandstone (often used for retaining walls) and red sandstone – historically characteristic tall walls along property boundaries

• trees in the area of Station Road and Millards Hill junction and on batch at Belle Vue

Character Areas

• Area 1 - Station Road

• Area 2 - South View Place

• Area 3 - Stone’s Cross / upper High Street

• Area 4 - High Street

• Area 5 - Rackvernal Road / Excelsior Terrace

• Area 6 - High Street / The Island

• Area 7 - Church Lane / The Dymboro

• Area 8 - Redfield Road

• Area 9 - Silver Street

• Area 10 -Welton