The purpose of the Appraisal

Claverton was recognised as being of special architectural and historic interest and was designated a Conservation Area in November 1981. 

The Council has a duty to preserve and enhance the character and appearance of Conservation Areas, and to periodically reappraise the boundaries.  This appraisal will be a material consideration in the determination of planning applications.

'Conservation Area Appraisals' give an overview of the history and development of an area and try to define what it is that makes them special. They also identify specific features which contribute towards their character, for example historic buildings, open spaces, significant views, natural elements and features which help make an area locally distinct. They may even include intangible qualities such as activities, sights and smells which are characteristic of a place. The documents also identify elements that could be improved.

Claverton: Summary of Special Interest

• The exceptional setting in the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

• The compact layout of the village aligned along the contours and set into the hillside

• The contrast between intimate enclosure and the fine open space of the surrounding countryside

• The historic remnants of the Manorial village, including walled gardens, groups of ancillary buildings, drives, gate piers and other vestiges of the ancient Manor

• The association with the new Claverton Manor building and the gardens of the American Museum

• The strong connection with Ralph Allen, whose mausoleum is in Claverton Churchyard

• The uniformity of traditional building materials

• The absence of road markings, signage and other paraphernalia; informal grass verges emphasising the rural setting of the village

• High stone boundary walls and walled gardens

• The superb views east across the Avon valley

• The high proportion of listed buildings and monuments, particularly the parish church and the collection of buildings at Manor Farm

The Appraisal can be downloaded from the Documents section below right.

Community Involvement

Public support and involvement is essential to the successful management of Conservation Areas. Following the production of a first draft by Bath and North East Somerset Council, copies of this appraisal  were provided for the parish council and local Members. A copy was posted onto the Council’s website and a press release sent to local papers. Six weeks were allowed for comments to be submitted, after which the final draft was completed.  The appraisal was endorsed by the Council on 5th March 2007.