SOUTH NORTHAMPTONSHIRE COUNCIL 1 PASSENHAM CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL Passenham is a place of special character and historic interest. South Northamptonshire Council is in the process of reviewing the Passenham Conservation Area and has produced a draft Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan for the settlement. The document sets out the features that contribute to the distinctiveness of the area and identifies opportunities for its preservation and enhancement. A draft plan is available for public consultation until 5pm on Tuesday 3rd March 2015. Copies are available for viewing at   The Council’s website at http://www.southnorthants.gov.uk/688.htm The Council Offices in Towcester The comments and views of residents of the village are an important part of this process so please contact the Heritage team at South Northamptonshire Council should you have any queries. What is a Conservation Area? “an area of architectural or historic interest the character and appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance”. It is not the intention of designation to prevent the continued evolution of places. The challenge within the conservation area is to manage change in a way that maintains, reinforces and enhances the special qualities of the area. Summary of Passenham’s Special Interest Passenham has been a dynamic and evolving settlement since the Iron Age. The first recorded reference of the village was in 921 when Edward the Elder set up camp here whilst the Roman walls at Towcester were being repaired. Passenham was an important medieval village, larger than today’s hamlet. It was the administrative and ecclesiastical centre of the parish indicating its prominence and wealth. In the 17th century the eminent Sir Roger Banastre purchased the manor and was highly influential in the development of the village. His building legacy remains today in parts of The Manor House, dovecote, tithe barns (Grade I listed) and St Guthlac’s Church (also Grade I listed). The built form is predominantly limestone with plain red clay tile roofing and reflects the 1 nature of the agricultural settlement. Proposed Boundary Change to Passenham Conservation Area 2 It is proposed to alter the boundary of Passenham Conservation Area to the following: The removal of the fields to the north-west of the village as these do not directly impact upon its character and have no visible archaeology remaining  The removal of a section of field to the east of the conservation area due to lack of visible archaeology  The removal of the field to the south-east as it does not directly impact upon views of the conservation area.  Existing Conservation Area Proposed Conservation Area © Crown Copyright and database right 2014. Ordnance Survey 100022487 What next? If you have any comments or questions relating to the changes that are proposed for the Passenham Conservation Area please contact the Council’s Heritage Team at: Liz.Knight@southnorthants.gov.uk or on 01327 322382. The closing date for comments is 5pm on Tuesday 3rd March. 2