South Stoke was identified as being of special architectural and historic interest and was designated a Conservation Area 21 July 1982. The extent of its boundary incorporates the main core of the village. The Council has a duty to preserve or enhance the character or appearance of Conservation Areas in exercising its planning powers, and to reappraise the boundaries from time to time. This appraisal will be a material consideration in the determination of planning applications. The appraisal identifies elements which contribute to the character of the area and those that detract from it. This provides the basis upon which to develop proposals for preservation and enhancement. The preparation of the appraisal also enabled the local community to participate in the identification of features which are important to the special character of the area in which they live. The appraisal was approved by the Council on 3 June 2014 and the final amended version is now available here.
South Stoke: Summary of Special Interest
- Unusual hillside location and
exceptional landscape setting on
the southern edge of the
Cotswolds within the Cotswolds
Area of Outstanding Natural
Beauty - Village built into the slope of a
valley overlooking the Cam valley
affording fine extensive vistas
unencumbered by large scale
modern development - Contribution of natural landscape
features such as ancient
deciduous woodland and narrow
(and often steep) lanes lined with
hedgerows - Spring-line settlement resulting
from underlying geological
character - Small to medium irregular field
patterns with hedgerow
boundaries dating from
mediaeval period - Peaceful rural atmosphere with
little intrusion from traffic despite
proximity to Bath - Absence of street lighting, traffic
signage, adverts and footways - Strong archaeological presence
and potential including the
Wansdyke 400 metres to the
north, Roman villa sites and
industrial heritage of the
Somersetshire Coal Canal - Facades and roof ridges follow
topographic contours - Prominent position of the Manor
Farm which constitutes an early
farm complex with rare surviving
late mediaeval agricultural
buildings - A heritage anchored in a Saxon
Charter of 961 - Prevalence of historic buildings
and boundary walls built of local
Oolitic limestone including the
Parish Church of St James The
Great of Norman origin - Interesting historic street furniture
and features including listed K6
telephone kiosk and historic post
box - Proximity to Somersetshire Coal
Canal located in the Cam Brook
valley below - Village pattern and grain that has
undergone little change and
witnessed limited modern
development - Nucleated village form with
central village green - Vibrant community sustained by
centrally located parish church,
community hall and The
Packhorse Inn