Worth Conservation Area Statement
August 2003
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Printed and published by
Crawley Borough Council
on environmentally friendly
paper. November 2003.
Crawley Borough Council
Town Hall, The Boulevard
Crawley, West Sussex
RH10 1UZ
Conservation Area Map 1
16 1
Conservation Area
Boundry
Listed Buildings
Trees covered by
Tree Preservation
Orders and other
important trees
Not to scale
Introduction Appendix 4
2 Development in Policy BN3 Policy BN5 15
Section 91 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and A number of factors may contribute to an area being Conservation Areas
Conservation Area) Act 1990, defines Conservation designated as a Conservation Area including features Consent to demolish a building in a The Borough Council will seek to
Areas as: such as listed buildings, historic street patterns and open Policy BN2 conservation area will not be prevent the occurrence of, or will
“areas of special architectural or historic interest, spaces. granted unless the building is require the removal of,
the character or appearance of which it is desirable The Council will seek to preserve or inappropriate in structure or design unsympathetic features or minor
enhance the character and for the conservation area, or is developments which have, or would
to preserve or enhance.”
appearance of the conservation wholly beyond repair. Any proposals have, and adverse impact on the
areas. Proposals for new for demolition must be character and appearance of a
development, including alterations, accompanied by details of the conservation area.
extensions or changes of use within proposals for the future
Worth Conservation Area is situated just within the development or use of the site which
or adjacent to conservation areas
south eastern boundary of Crawley. Its boundary runs must meet the criteria in Policy BN2. Policy BN6
will only be permitted if:
along the northern boundaries of Fieldgate and
Beaufort Cottage, down the motorway, across to The Borough Council will encourage
(i) the development respects the
Balcombe Road, just south of the moat and Policy BN4 statutory undertakers and the
character of the locality and
northwards up Balcombe Road, Street Hill. It was highway authority to have respect
existing buildings in scale,
designated by the Borough Council in March 1987 Proposals for advertisements and for the character and appearance of
grouping and materials;
when it was recognised that it was important to signs in conservation areas will only conservation areas when carrying
preserve and enhance the character of the setting of be permitted if their size, design and out works within them.
(ii) the development or change of
St. Nicholas’ Church, which has been described as siting respect the building and land
use and the activity generated
one of the most perfect specimen of a Saxon building on which they area displayed and do
is compatible with the
in England. not detract from the character and
character of the conservation
are; appearance of the area. Free-
standing signs should complement
This statement sets out the Council’s proposals for the (iii) the development would not adjacent buildings.
preservation and enhancement of the Worth result in an expansion of a use
Conservation Area. It is the second Conservation which is incompatible with the
statement. It updates the previous statement approved character of the conservation
in June 1990 and takes into account changes made in area;
the approved Local Plan and other changes that have
occurred within the area. The Area designated as a (iv) views into and out of the
Conservation Area is shown on Map 1 and the official conservation area will not be
adversely affected.
schedule in Appendix 1.
Planning permission will not be
granted in outline for development in
conservation areas.
The church
Appendix 3 (b)
Other Important Trees
Schedule of other
Important Trees in A Brief History of the Conservation Area
the Conservation
14 Area Worth Church is a Church believed to be of Saxon The Worth and Three Bridges Sussex Official Guide 3
origins. It was originally established to serve an extensive describes the massive stone arches from the nave to the
Tr 1 Horse Chestnut afforested area of the High Weald in which there were transepts and the chancel arch as “probably the earliest
Tr 2 Sycamore many scattered and often temporary settlements. It was and finest stone arches in existence today.” They still
Tr 3 Scots Pine positioned at a convenient meeting point of tracks show signs of original Saxon tool-marks. The pilasters
Tr 4 Lime through the forest and existed for many hundreds of are also said to be exceptional. These are vertical stone
Tr 5 Oak years in almost total rural isolation, only a few other strips, connecting the string course with the plinth and
Tr 6 Sycamore buildings being built nearby until recent years. Even with are seen only in pre-Conquest construction.
Tr 7 Lime the growth of Crawley and the construction of the M23 in
Tr 8 Oak recent decades, the largely rural situation of Worth As with most ancient churches, there is a ‘devils door’ in
Tr 9 Turkey Oak Church has remained, and it is this, which gives rise to the north wall which, although blocked up, can still be
Tr 10 Yew the designation of the area as a Conservation Area. A seen from the inside. Evil spirits were “driven out”
Tr 11 Horse Chestnut more detailed history is given at Appendix 2. through this door which was left open during baptisms.
Tr 12 Cedar
Tr 13 Beech Outside the church there is a narrow avenue of lime trees
Tr 14 Yew Existing Buildings known as the twelve apostles, leading to a timber
Tr 15 Yew lychgate which is a Grade II listed structure in its own
Tr 16 Copper Beech The Victorian History of Sussex describes St. Nicholas’ right. The lychgate dates from the 16th/17th century and
Church as remarkable example of a pre- Conquest was restored in 1956.
building of a cruciform plan, dating practically from one
Groups of trees period. Of course, there have been alterations made, Many of the interior features of the Church are of great
including a new roof in 1986. It is a Grade I Listed historical interest. The pulpit, dated 1577, said to have
Gr 1 4 Lime Building. come from the cathedral of Worth, Bavaria, was found in
Gr 2 3 Beech a London curiosity shop. The font dates from the late
Gr 3 4 Lime, 1 Oak During the nineteenth century, the church apse had six 12th century although its history is unknown. At the
Gr 4 2 Lime, 1 Oak buttresses but these were removed when the church western end of the nave is a gallery in which there is an
and 1 Elm was restored in 1871. Before the restoration, the walls inscription:
Gr 5 1 Lucum Oak, were thickly plastered inside and out. The tower dates
1 Copper Beech from this time and the south timber porch is also modern “This gallerie is the gift of Anthony Lynton, late rector of
and 1 Beech (1886). this Parish who deceased XV day of IVNE ANNO DOMINI
Gr 6 4 Sycamore 1610”
The church is notable in that it is very different from other
Sussex Churches. It is more substantially built and more The interior of the Church is essentially undecorated
finely finished than most, which suggests that the although there is some medieval paining on the rear-
masons may have come from further north. arch of the small 14th century window, east of the south
transept archway. The painting is a design of red flowers
The chancel is very long in proportion to the nave and foliage.
rendering the church a rare shape. It has a half-round
apsidal end with 3 modern, single lights of 12th century
Not to scale character. The chancel arch is the tallest Saxon arch of
its kind in Britain.
Appendix 3 (a)
Tree Preservation Order Plan
4 Other Listed Buildings 13
In addition to St. Nicholas Church and the lychgate,
there are two other Listed Buildings within the Worth
Conservation Area, namely Street House and Toll
House which are both listed Grade II.
Street House
Street House was built in the 1700’s and was
originally an Inn. It is a timber-framed building with
red-brick infilling. The exterior has been refaced
and weather-boarded. The roof is of Horsham
slab, a common local roofing material.
Toll House
Toll House was an early nineteenth century Toll
house on one of the London to Brighton routes. It
has been altered in recent times. One of the most
notable features is the crest of an animal’s head on
the gable end of the south wing.
Non-Listed Buildings
There are several unlisted buildings within the
Conservation Area, which although, not of
significant historical or architectural interest, add
to the Area’s character. These buildings comprise
the Rectory, the Bishops Lodge Fieldgate,
Beaumont Cottage, Bushend and several other
dwellings along the Worth Way.
Not to scale
Appendix 3 (a) Objectives of the Conservation Area
12 Tree Preservation Orders within the Worth Conservation Area The aim of the Conservation Area is The general improvements that will 5
– Street Hill No. 1 Tree Preservation Order (Part) to seek to preserve and enhance the be sought within the Conservation
rural character and appearance of Area include:
Schedule: Trees Specified Invidually (encircled in black on the map) the open setting of St Nicholas
Church within the Worth • opportunities for improving local
Conservation Area. parking facilities and other visitor
No. on No. on facilities
Plan Description Situation Plan Description Situation The area includes several open • the repair and improvement of
fields, some designated as a Site of road surfaces and footways with
T1 Lime Land on East side of Street T22 Oak Nature Conservation Importance appropriate materials
T2 Ash Hill and Balcombe Road, T23 Ash and large houses which surround • the repair of boundary walls,
T3 Oak Crawley, West Sussex,as T24 Ash the church. It also has good tree fences, hedges and verges and
shown on Plan No.P16.15.3 T25 Sycamore cover and a large number of the • additional informal planting
T5 Oak T26 Sycamore trees are covered by TPOs. The
T6 Horse Chestnut *T27 Sycamore Worth Way footpath and Crawley’s
T7 Oak T28 Sycamore Greenway also pass through the
T8 Horse Chestnut T29 Sycamore area.
T9 Oak T30 Sycamore
T10 Beech T31 Double-Stemmed Sycamore
T11 Yew T32 Holly
T12 Oak T33 Wych Elm
T13 Oak T34 Wych Elm Control, Policies and Proposals
T14 Cherry T35 Lime
T15 Sycamore T36 Oak This section of the statement However, there are a number of relevant to the Conservation Area.
T16 Hawthorn T37 Oak provides guidance on the planning implications which result
T17 Holly T38 Multi-Stemmed Beech implications of Conservation Area from designation.
T18 Hawthorn T39 Oak designation and the Borough Local Plan Policies
T19 Holly T40 Oak Council’s policy on the Worth Section 71 of the Planning (Listed
T20 Yew T41 Oak Conservation Area. It seeks to give Buildings and Conservation Areas) Local Plan policy for conservation
T21 Oak advice to householders/owners and Act 1990 states that in exercising areas is currently outlined in the
other interested parties in order to planning functions special attention adopted Crawley Borough Plan
ensure any further proposals for should be paid to the desirability of 2000. (The policies BN 2- 6 are
Schedule: Groups of Trees (within a broken line on the plan) existing or new buildings are preserving and enhancing the reproduced in full in Appendix 4).
consistent with the overall objectives character or appearance of the
No. on of the Conservation Area. It is Conservation Area. Conservation The acceptability of a proposal in a
Plan Description Situation recommended that residents should Area designation also affects the conservation area often depends
always seek advice from planning permitted development rights of upon the details of its siting, design,
G1 Group consisting of Land on East Side of Street Hill and Balcombe Road, officers. householders. appearance, access and
4 Oaks and 2 Beech Crawley, West Sussex as shown on landscaping. It is also important that
Plan No. P16.15.3 Conservation Area designation does In addition policies of the Crawley the potential effect of development
not prohibit all future development. Borough Local Plan 2000 are adjacent to a conservation area is
Appendix 2
6 assessed as it can also affect the dwellings. sensitivity and respect for the Brief History of the plough. Indeed, the Worth Parish “History and Antiquities of the County 11
character of the area. setting. Conservation Area Guide says that Worth means of Sussex” (1835) has also
“clearing”. The nearest village at this speculated that the Church may have
Policy BN 9 specifically relates to the Guidance for Existing A summary of the Borough Councils In Saxon times, the Church was time was Ifield, centred around St. been built by one of the Warren (or de
Worth Conservation Area. This Buildings policy on proposals for existing closely surrounded by trees. The Margaret’s Church. Warennes) family who were the
policy seeks to preserve and buildings in the Conservation Area Parish of Worth was mainly forest earliest owners.
enhance the rural character and The 1988 Town and Country are as follows : with scattered ironworks. The The pattern of agriculture which has
appearance of the open setting of St Planning General Development workings of iron in the area is of great emerged in the area stems from the The manor of Worth was attached to
Nicholas Church within the Worth Order provides for permitted • many of the non listed buildings antiquity. The Roman coins of Nero, Middle Ages when the forest was the Barony of Lewes, held by the
Conservation Area. development. This means that are recognised as being Vespesian and Tetrieus have found in cleared of its mighty Oaks, to keep Wareness, about 1089. The
planning permission is not required important to the Conservation the local cinder beds. the smelting furnaces fuelled. Advowson of the Church went with
The Conservation Area lies outside for certain forms of development Area. the manor until 1698 when John, son
the built up area and therefore is such as small house extensions. • the demolition of most of the The poet Evelyn describes the There has been little change since of Sir John Smith of Crabbet, sold the
defined as countryside. The purpose buildings in the Conservation surroundings of St. Nicholas’ Church then. The present Rectory replaced manor but kept the patronage of the
of the countryside designation is to However, in a conservation area Area would be resisted. in these early times thus: an older sandstone cottage, known Church. From 1786-1858, the
retain the generally open character permitted development rights area • proposals for extensions to non- as Street Cottage, which was patronage belonged to the Bethunes
of the area which is an important more restrictive and planning listed buildings in the “All was wild one wild, inhospitable purchased in 1967 for use as a of Rowfant (hence the naming of the
natural resource and provides the permission is required for certain Conservation Area will be waste uncouth and horrid, desert rectory. The Old Rectory was a large south transept, the Rowfant Chapel).
setting for the urban area. There are types of development which considered in the context of their and untraced; hid by rough thickets house, demolished in the 1930’s. It The patronage subsequently
a number of countryside policies elsewhere are classified as overall effect on the Conservation from the face of day, the solitary has been rebuilt and is now the belonged to the family of the Banks,
which therefore apply to the permitted development. These Area. realm of beasts of prey.” residence of the Bishop of Horsham. Goddard and Waller Bridge, before
Conservation Area and as a result include cladding, dormer windows in • the present use of the building Mrs. Waller Bridge eventually sold it
there is a strong presumption roof slopes, erection of satellite should be maintained. The smelting of iron in the forest was Something of a mystery surrounds to the Chichester Diocesan
against development unless it is dishes, installation of radio masts, important until relatively recent times. the history of the Church. Patronage Board.
related to the needs of agriculture or and extensions exceeding 50 cubic It is recorded that cannons were
forestry. metres or 10 percent of cubic Guidance for Listed made there as late as 1788. It is not mentioned in the Doomsday
capacity. Buildings Book although this does not
Policy C8 is concerned with The parish of Worth, then called necessarily mean it did not exist. It
proposals for the extension of These controls are necessary to There is additional legislation which Orde, was mentioned in the has several architectural features that
existing residential buildings outside ensure that any changes respect the applies to Listed Buildings. Listed Doomsday Book. It lay within the date it to the Saxon period so that it
the built up area. Other policies character and appearance of the Building Consent is required for all Hundred of Cherfelle. The settlement could be 1000 years old. Nobody
include Policy C7 on proposals for Conservation Area. Even if planning alterations and extensions which was described as comprising “1 knows for certain who built it
the change of use or conversion of permission is not required, the materially affect the character of the villein with half a plough”. This although the rich abbey of Chertsey
existing agricultural dwellings and Borough Council will expect that building (internal or external). Control probably meant that there was a have been suggested as a likely
C9 on the replacement of residential development is carried out with also includes objects and structures clearing in the forest with enough patron. Thomas Horsefield, in the
within the curtilage of Listed land to take one man half a day to
Buildings.
The Listed Buildings in the
Conservation Area are not only
Appendix 1
10 Schedule for Worth The eastern boundary extends from north-west corner of The Jungle on important as individual buildings as the character and appearance of the advertisements and signs and 7
Conservation Area the point where Worth Lodge Farm Balcombe Road (grid reference TQ they also make a particularly Conservation Area. exercise especially stringent control.
track enters the M23 embankment 3000 3593). important contribution to the area as
The northern boundary of the (grid reference TQ 3041 3636) to the a whole. Stricter controls therefore • Proposals for new buildings The following summarises the Policy
Conservation Area extends from point where the culverted Gatwick The western boundary extends from apply to changes to Listed Buildings within the Conservation will of the Borough Council towards
Church Road at the boundary Stream enters the motorway grid reference TQ 3000 3593 initially to ensure that their character and normally be resisted. advertisements in the Conservation
between Fieldgate and Noddy’s embankment (grid reference TQ along the eastern side of Balcombe appearance is maintained. • Proposals for extensions to area.
Farm (grid reference TQ 3006 3641) 3025 3593), following the top of the Road and then, after the junction, the existing buildings or new
along the northern boundary of field embankment between the two eastern side of Street Hill and The following summarises the outbuildings may be acceptable • Advertisements should respect
parcel number 1836, along the points. subsequently Church Road, as far as Borough Council’s policies relating providing that they respect the the character of the Conservation
northern and eastern boundaries of the boundary between Fieldgate and to Listed Buildings in the character of the area by having Area and should be of a small
Beaumont Cottage, then east along The southern boundary extends from Noddy’s Farm (grid reference TQ Conservation Area : regard to the building styles, scale in a traditional style.
the northern edge of the Worth the M23 motorway (grid reference TQ 3006 3641). typical features and materials
Lodge Farm track, to the M23 3025 3593), following the Gatwick • applications for extensions to used in the Conservation Area.
motorway embankment (grid Stream to grid reference TQ 3004 Listed Buildings will be Policies on Trees
reference TQ 3041 3636). 3593 and then the southern considered on their merits of the
boundary of the group of trees to the proposal and taking into account Advertisements Trees make a valuable contribution to
the likely effects on the character the character of the Worth
and appearance of the Guidelines for the control of Conservation Area. It is therefore
Conservation Area. advertisements are in the Town and important that wherever possible
• the retention of all Listed Country Planning (Control of trees are retained. There are two
Buildings within the Conservation Advertisement Regulations)1992. areas of control over work relating to
Area is important to its character trees in the Conservation Area. All
and appearance and the loss of Where it is expedient in the interests trees in Conservation Areas are
any buildings will be resisted. of amenity or public safety a local subject to control under the (Listed
• present uses for all Listed authority can designate “Areas of Buildings and Conservation Areas)
Buildings are encouraged to be Special Advertisement Control.” Act 1990. In addition a large number
maintained but new uses would Areas are normally sensitive of the trees within the Worth
be permitted where this would locations such as conservation Conservation Area are covered by
ensure the buildings retention. areas and Worth Conservation Area Tree Preservation Orders to which
has therefore been designated as an separate controls apply. The map
Area of Special Advertisement and schedule contained in Appendix
Guidance for New Buildings Control. 3(a) outline the trees that are covered
by Tree Preservation Orders and the
Proposals for new buildings in the In such areas many advertisements map and schedule contained in
Conservation Area will be and signs which would normally Appendix 3(b) indicate those that are
considered against the policies in benefit from deemed consent, not, but are considered important to
the adopted Crawley Borough Local require express consent. In addition
Plan 2000. local planning authorities can set
special design objectives for
It is important that any new buildings
are in a style which is in keeping with
8 the character of the Conservation Authority. • new toilet facilities have been The Road proposal would almost certainly 9
Area. • An owner can be required to provided for the Church at the require the County Council and the
replace a tree or a group of trees. Rectory The approach road to the church is co-operation of an appropriate
The summary of the policies relating • Where trees are threatened with • improvements have been of critical importance to the landowner because neither the
to trees has been divided into those works which would be harmful to undertaken to the Worth Way character of the Conservation area, Borough Council nor the Church
relating to all trees in the the character and appearance of where it runs through the particularly where it fans out in front own land in the area which could be
Conservation Area and those relating the surrounding environment, the Conservation Area and measures of Street House and the Church used for this purpose.
to trees covered by TPOs. Borough Council will consider taken so as it now forms part of Lychgate. The surface of the road is
serving TPOs to give them further the National Cycleway Network ordinary tarmac and is breaking up
• The Borough Council must be protection. • traffic calming and parking bays in places. It could be repaired and Street Furniture
given 6 weeks notice of the have been provided in Church improved in a manner which is
intention to carry out work on any Where a tree is covered by a TPO: Road to alleviate parking compatible with the rural character The Borough Council has recently
tree (other than a fruit tree) in a problems within the Conservation of the Conservation area. In improved the public seating within
Conservation Area. • A planning application needs to be Area particular attention should be given the Conservation Area and made it
• It is an offence to cut down, submitted to carry out any work • the Crawley Greenway has been to minimising vehicle damage to more accessible. This involved the
uproot, top, or lop a tree in a including felling, shaping and designated which passes verges and corners and to ensuring provision of steps up to the existing
Conservation Area without prior pruning etc. through this area. that the road is treated as a rural bench in Church Road which is a
notification to the Local Planning • some tree planting as been lane. popular vantage point within the
undertaken Conservation Area. Other
• bench set back and steps improvements of this nature would
provided to make it more Parking also be considered where they
accessible would enhance the Conservation
Environmental Improvements Parking continues to be a problem Area and be of benefit to the general
along the road leading to the public.
The main purpose of the Worth within the Conservation Area and likely that top-up funding for joint Further Improvements Church. This is due to the large
Conservation Area is to protect and cannot easily undertake projects would be favoured. number of special events that are
enhance the setting of St Nicholas improvement works but will There are a number of other held at the Church, particularly Landscaping
Church. All proposals for new encourage and support proposals improvements that could be carried weddings and christenings, which
development must therefore be seen where possible that will alleviate Improvements that have out that would further enhance the attract significant numbers of The motorway detracts from the
in this context and be consistent with these problems. been made so far Conservation Area. These will be people. This is resulting in an erosion Conservation Area’s semi-rural
generally protecting the character implemented as resources permit of the bank on the north side of environment and this could be
and appearance of the area. The Borough Council itself may Since the designation of the and subject to the co-operation of Church Road and the hedgerow on reduced by further strategic tree
include a small sum of money in the Conservation Area in 1987 a number the relevant land owner. the south side. The Borough Council planting on the east side of the
It is the visitors to the Church that annual budget for minor works of improvements have been made. would consider favourably Church. It would also appropriate to
continue to cause the most problems which would enhance the proposals for a car park for the consider planting along the northern
to the area and are threatening to Conservation Area. The • notice board and bench were church providing that it was carefully boundary of the site to screen the
further erode Church Road which will Development Control Committee in erected designed and integrated into the new development that has been
in turn detract from its existing consultation with the Worth • traditional street signs have been landscape. The success of such a carried out.
character as a rural lane within the Conservation Area Advisory provided
Conservation Area. The Borough Committee can then decide how to • a Conservation Area designation
Council does not own any land itself allocate the funds. However it is board has been erected