SOUTH KESTEVEN DISTRICT COUNCIL

BOURNE CONSERVATION AREA

Designated 21st July 1977

Prepared by P G Robinson, Dip. T.P., M.R.T.P.I., Dip. L.D.
A J Coutts, B.A. (Hons).
Cartography by G. James, I.Wright.

R A Wall, M.I.C.E., M.R.T.P.I., Dip. T.P., M.I.H.E.
District Planning Officer South Kesteven District Council.

INTRODUCTION

Section 277 (l) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1971, states that:
"Every local Planning Authority shall from time to time determine which parts of their area are areas of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance, and shall designate such areas as Conservation Areas."

Although the preservation of old buildings is important in itself, Conservation Area designation should not be seen as a negative preservationist move, but as a positive measure to secure sympathetic design of new buildings. Thus the objectives of South Kesteven District Council for Conservation Areas are:

1. To avoid the erosion of the intrinsic character of the area:
(a) by decay due to neglect and indifference, 
(b) by despoliation by unsympathetic redevelopment and alterations.

2. To ensure that new development and additions are designed both in broad form and detail to be in sympathy with the character of existing buildings and groups.

3. To ensure that any new activity and movement created by proposed development does not impair the character of the Conservation Area.

4. To protect the inward views of, and outward views from, the Conservation Area.

5. To encourage the removal or improvement of eyesores within the area which are at present detrimental to its character and the careful development of unsightly gaps in the street scene.

6. To enhance where possible its character and set off its features of merit, and only to allow demolition after all practical alternatives have been considered.

7. To stimulate awareness of the importance of conservation and to encourage local interest and support for conservation policies.

THE CONSERVATION AREA MAP

The accompanying map defines the extent of Bourne which is considered to have sufficient character and potential in its buildings, streets and resulting spaces to be worthy of conservation.

In determining the final boundary of the Conservation Area, the views of the Bourne Town Council have been taken into consideration - and full consultations have taken place with other public and private bodies.

The boundary was determined by the following criteria:

(i) the obvious existence of a nucleus of historical or architectural quality with some element of individuality in its particular context,

(ii) the existence of some special environmental quality, manifest or latent and therefore capable of preservation or enhancement,

(iii) the boundary should be where the special quality or character stops. The inclusion of open space is justifiable where it positively contributes to the setting of the area of special quality,

(iv) the boundary of the Conservation Area should not be seen as a 'Village Envelope', unless expressly stated, and as such it is not normally desirable to include substantial areas of new development within it.

Characteristics of the Conservation Area

The market town of Bourne, situated on the western edge of the Fens, contains a rich diversity of ancient sites and historic buildings. Throughout the centuries, Bourne has always been a centre of communications. The Roman road and Cardyke canal met at this settlement which was on the edge of elevated land to the west of the marshes. Much later, the London Coach route ran along the turnpike road from Peterborough to Sleaford. The centre of the Conservation Area is the Market Place, a pleasant square where the four main roads of Bourne converge. The Market Place is totally enclosed by mainly three storey 18th and 19th century shops and business premises, many of which are listed, and thus nationally recognised as buildings of historic or architectural quality (see Appendix l). The Burghley Arms, formerly the Bull Hotel, was the birthplace of William Cecil in the 16th century. The Angel Hotel was rebuilt in 1852 and is a rare specimen of Elizabethan architecture and used to be a coaching house.

Much of North Street, West Street and South Street have been included in the Conservation Area, all three having a number of Listed Buildings along their narrow streets. The focal point of each street is the Market Place, and each street contains a rich variety of styles and ages of buildings, from small stone 18th century cottages to impressive civic buildings such as the Town Hall, and to the warehouses in South Street. Industrial buildings are to be found in the form of warehouses, the Maltings (in West Street) and Wherry's granary and pea factory in South Street, these being typical examples of the town's agricultural commercial property.

Evidence of Bourne's historical beginnings can be seen in the area of the Well Head Fields and St Peter's Pool. Here was the site of Bourne Castle, built in the 12th century and destroyed by Oliver Cromwell. Several grass-covered mounds remain, and some of the Castle moats, which were supplied with the water from St Peters Pool. On the west of the pool are earthworks possibly of mediaeval date and locally associated by tradition with Hereward's Castle. Only excavation will resolve the true nature and date of these earthworks, but there are strong indications of an llth-12th century motte and bailey with outer enclosures.

The accompanying map shows the extent of the Well Head Fields that is now designated as an Ancient Monument. 

The eastern boundary of the Conservation Area is delineated by the Abbey Lawns and sports field. Both the Abbey Lawns and Well Head Fields provide a very attractive setting to the historic town centre, and provide splendid views when approaching the town from the south and east.

The Abbey Lawns contain a number of historic features, in particular the site and part remains of Bourne Abbey, founded in 1138 for Augustinian Monks. Most of the Abbey was destroyed during the Reformation, except for the Norman nave which was retained in the parish church. The western front of the church displays some fine architectural details, dating back to the reign of Edward III.

Church Lane is now one of the most beautiful and restful parts of Bourne, and provides a marked contrast to the busy urban environment found in the town centre. The combination of the Bourne Eau, the Cedars, the Old Grammar School, the church, and the narrow footpath to the old almshouses, creates a rural environment within the town.
To the south of the Well Head Fields is situated the fine Tudor mansion known as Red Hall, the seat of the Digby family. The building was recently well restored, and marks the south boundary of the Conservation Area.

The next stage

Policies on development control, and proposals for the enhancement of the Conservation Area will be formulated, and published in booklet form.

An illustrated guide to Bourne's Listed Buildings, 

photographed by Rex Needle 2000-2002, 

follows as APPENDIX I to this report.