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Saxelbye Conservation Area (see map) Designated: October 1994 Designating Authority: Melton Borough
Council Area: 9.34 hectares Introduction Conservation Areas are 'areas of special
architectural or historic interest, the character and appearance of
which it is desirable to preserve or enhance'. Designation of a
conservation area recognises the character of an area worthy of
preservation and enhancement and ensures the safeguarding of the best of
our local heritage as represented by both buildings and the ambient
environment, ie: the spaces between and around buildings when viewed as
a whole. Local Planning Authorities have a general duty to pay special
attention to the desirability of preserving or enhancing the character
and appearance of conservation areas, consequently there are more
stringent planning controls and obligations in respect of new
development, demolitions, alterations, highway works and advertisements. Conservation Area status is not just
about the attractive areas of settlements. In some instances, areas,
which either contribute little, or are even detrimental to the character
of the Conservation Area, are included within the boundary because of
their potential for enhancement. Conservation Area status does not mean
that new development may not take place but must reflect the local
architectural vernacular in scale, siting, massing, details and
materials. Special attention should be paid to not only building form
but also fenestration and materials. A Character Appraisal is seen as the best
method of defining the key elements that contribute to that special
historic and architectural character of an area. It is important that
all interested parties are aware of those elements that must be
preserved or enhanced. It is intended that the character appraisals will
guide the local planning authority in making planning decisions and,
where opportunities arise, preparing enhancement schemes. It will be a
material consideration when considering applications for development
within the conservation area. Location and Context Saxelbye is a small, relatively isolated
agricultural village located within a dip of the Leicestershire Wolds
some three miles west of Melton Mowbray. It is served by a minor rural
lane with links to Asfordby and the A606. The village was known as
Saxelbie in the Domesday book - Saksu/fr (a male personal name) and by
(a farmstead). Conservation Area Boundary Saxelbye Conservation Area includes
almost all of the village except three dwellings to the north east of
Main Street. Land to the east of the Old Rectory and a section of
railway line to the southwest are all included within the Conservation
Area and make an important contribution to its rural setting. Spatial Character And Townscape Quality Saxelbye is an open textured village with
small clusters of farm buildings and residential properties fronting
onto narrow country lanes. There are marked variations in levels with
buildings situated in both elevated positions and also in dips. For
example Ostler Lane enters the village from the north in a deep cutting
whilst the buildings are at high level, making a significant
contribution to the character of that part of the village. Open spaces
are particularly important to the character of the settlement. Within
the main built environment these include the grounds of The Rectory and
St. Peter's Church, the front grounds of the Manor House and the well
landscaped gardens on Main Street opposite Japonica Cottage. A glimpse
of the Rectory can be seen through the trees at the eastern end of Main
Street adjacent to Brook Cottage. At the heart of the village lies a
cross-roads with views extending in all directions generally framed by
trees, and to the west by the K6 telephone kiosk with the railway bridge
beyond. Likewise each approach to the village centre differs, and by
contrast the cross-roads becomes a focal point. The village is swathed
in large areas of trees which give an enclosed, intimate feel and there
is a backdrop of trees from most points. The spire of St Peter's Church is also a
distinct focal point, visible from outside the village and a dominant
feature within. Whilst the village benefits from loose-knit development
it maintains an intimate character, most views within the settlement
being terminated by a visual stop be it a tree, hedge or built
structure. The distant roofscape is particularly
attractive with its mix of styles, ridge heights and materials. Tall
brick and slate boundary walls are also a particular feature of the
village, which together with high hedges, result in an enclosed feel to
the highway. Quality And Character Of Buildings The village as a whole demonstrates a
wide variety of building styles and materials but red brick with Welsh
slate tends to dominate with the bridge parapet and brick walls adjacent
to Brook Cottage having unusual round-topped copings. These coping
bricks are echoed in other parts of the village along many other
boundary walls. "Ambleside" on Church Lane is noted for its
part thatched roof. There are 8 Listed Buildings within the
village including a row of 7 Listed headstones in the churchyard of St.
Peter's church. The Listed buildings generally cluster around the Church
in the older part of the village. The Manor House is a particularly
superior example built of stone and render with a slate roof and
similarly built outbuildings. The Old Rectory can be viewed from the
south of the Church along a narrow lane, over a bridge and framed by
trees. The Old School, adjacent to the Church is a very attractive
building. Church Farm, off Ostler's Lane, another
grade II listed building, is a particularly attractive former farmhouse
built in red brick and slate with Yorkshire sliding sash windows. Its
setting is marred by the addition of new green corrugated iron sheet
roofs onto two of its outbuildings. Leading into the village from Main Street
to the east, Brook Cottage is a particularly attractive vernacular
cottage situated adjacent to the stream. The road sweeps up and around
into the centre of the village where Church Lane leads to the very fine
grade II* St. Peter's Church with its crocketed spire and beyond to The
Old Rectory, Brook Farm, the Old School House and the Manor House, all
splendid buildings. Continuing on down Main Street the
Webster's Dairy complex can be viewed on both sides of the street. This
was founded in 1883 and despite several extensions and alterations the
form of the original farmhouse can still be discerned together with the
original associated dairy buildings and pig sheds. Station house, occupies an elevated
position, adjacent to the railway line, within a group of trees at the
end of Main Street. This former railway station building, together with
the Victorian brick and cast iron railway bridge at the entrance to the
village, bears witness to the era of the steam train when Saxelbye was
once a stop on the Melton Section of the former Midland Railway which
opened in 1849. The track is currently used as a high speed testing
facility. Natural Elements The village is swathed in large areas of
trees, which give an enclosed, intimate feel, and provide a backdrop of
trees from most points. As the village is set within a dip most views
beyond the settlement are limited in distance with the exception of a
magnificent view from Webster's Dairy south towards the Manor House. The
brook is a particularly attractive feature of Saxelbye meandering
through the village from Brook Cottage and flowing east of the Church
within the grounds of the Old Rectory. Negative factors The use of inappropriate materials, such
as upvc double-glazed window units, plastic rainwater goods and modern
brickwork and render, although minimal, still has a negative effect on
the character of the conservation area in part. There are a number of unsightly pole
mounted electricity pylons within the "Langwood" vicinity
which tend to mar distant views; there is also a large substation in the
garden and an aluminium storage tank adjacent to the east elevation of
Webster's Dairy which would benefit from screening. Many of the distinctive red-brick walls
which dominate the village would benefit from repair and maintenance
especially that on the corner of Ostler Lane where tree damage is
evident and has caused severe cracking. For further help and advice please
contact: The Physical Environment Section The Council has also prepared a leaflet
entitled 'A Guide to Conservation Areas' which gives general advice. Copies are available from the Physical
Environment Section as detailed above. The above is an appraisal of the Saxelbye
Conservation Area which highlights the most significant factors which
make it worthy of Conservation status. The omission of any particular
building, feature or space should not be taken to apply that it is of no
interest.
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