Character summary

The full document can be downloaded as a PDF from the Documents section below right.

A short summary of the character of the Conservation Area is given below, together with a list of the character areas as defined in the appraisals.

• 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

In addition, a guidance leaflet on the maintenance and repair of stone walls in the Chew Magna Conservation Area is available.