Physical Influences
Geology
7.22.1
The area is formed of Greater Oolitic Limestone and includes the
Twinhoe Beds and Combe Down Oolite formations. This is the
celebrated honey coloured limestone used in the local buildings and
for much of Bath itself.
Landform and Drainage Pattern
7.22.2
The area comprises a plateau which slopes gently to the south
becoming steeply sloping towards the edge of the area and into the
neighbouring character area. It is generally at a height of between
130m and 160m above sea level. Most of the area is inward looking
with the exception of the southern part which has fine southerly
views.
7.22.3
The gently sloping nature of the area, its elevated position and
its porous limestone formations means that there are no significant
surface watercourses. Springs, however, emerge on the slopes to the
north and to the south in the neighbouring character area.
Land Use and Buildings
Land Use
7.22.4
The area is mostly residential with associated community facilities
such as schools, churches, shops, playing fields, doctors, dentists
and veterinary surgeons.
Building Form and Heights
7.22.5
There is a mix of terraced, semi-detached and detached housing.
Notable building forms include terraces and C19 villas associated
with the stone mines and quarries. Most buildings are two storeys
high.
Building Age
7.22.6
The settlement developed in its present form in response to the
demand for Bath stone to satisfy the building booms in Bath during
the C18 and C19. Consequently buildings range from early C18 to the
present day.
Materials and Architectural Details
7.22.7
The C18 and C19 buildings are typically well proportioned and range
from impressive villas to more humble terraces. There are some
particularly ornate architectural details on the church, and on
some of the older and larger residential properties. The buildings
are usually built in Bath stone with a variety of slate, clay tiles
and concrete tiles for roofing.
Streets and Civic Spaces
Street Pattern
7.22.8
The straight Bradford Road/North Road forms the main route at the
northern edge of the area. The rest of the area has a mixture of
curvilinear roads such as Summer Lane as well as other straight
roads. The area also includes a particularly distinctive
network of drungs (pedestrian walkways enclosed by stone walls) and
other paths. These often separate houses from their gardens.
Density and Degree of Enclosure
7.22.9
The density of development is generally quite high but in a few
areas such as Summer Lane the density is noticeably lower.
The degree of enclosure is very varied with some streets feeling
open and exposed, and others being tightly enclosed with vistas
terminated at either end. The southern part of the area has more
open views over countryside.
Vitality and Tranquillity
7.22.10
The area is fairly quiet, but in some locations there is more
activity such as by schools and shops. North Road can be
particularly busy during the rush hour and there is frequent
congestion at the shopping area in The Avenue.
Materials and Boundary Treatment
7.22.11
The footways are tarmac with concrete or occasionally pennant
kerbs.
7.22.12
Bath stone walls are by far the commonest boundary treatment, but
there are some hedges.
Influence of Vegetation and Open Space
Trees and Shrubs
7.22.13
The area has a very good cover of large trees and shrubs which
contributes significantly to the overall character.
Open Space
7.22.14
There are important areas of open space both public and privately
owned. Many of these are the sites of former quarries. Firs Field
is a key area of public open space as it borders the main road.
Landmarks, Features and Views
7.22.15
The spire of Holy Trinity Church, Combe Down is widely visible and
Monkton Combe Junior School is a prominent landmark on the skyline
when viewed from the Midford Brook valley.
7.22.16
Mature trees form the focal point of many views sometimes
terminating them along street vistas. There are fine views across
Horsecombe Vale and the Midford Brook valley to the south and on
this side the influence of the rural landscape is strong.
Cultural Influences
Historic Uses
7.22.17
The area is particularly significant as one of the main sources of
Bath stone for the development of C18 Bath. The importance of
mining in this area is evident in the range of C18 and C19 houses
from workers’ cottages to impressive villas. They are quite
distinctive and give the area its strong sense of
identity.
