BOXGROVE
6 The experience of a core
The characteristics of The Street define Boxgrove. The ‘linear core’ is articulated by subtle landscaping, curious boundary treatments and asymmetry. Village activity is focused along The Street’s western edge in the village shop, school and hall. Public paths and historic interest are found on the eastern side down Church Lane, in the priory and a sequence of listed buildings. The asymmetrical and multifunctional distribution of services and building types along The Street should be understood and could be used as a precedent for the arrangement of new development.
7 Adopted /adapted village green
There is no village green in Boxgrove so Priory Close green is infrequently used for annual village parties. This oval lawn is important as it contains a line of trees which are very visible on entering the village from the south and its openness contrasts artfully with the enclosed character of the northern part of The Street (see page 15). Priory Close’s capacity to be appropriated for village events indicates a degree of resourcefulness and flexibility which should be acknowledged, protected and imitated.
8 Organised parking
Defined front boundaries are a characteristic feature of the The Street. Parking is a recognised problem within the parish. The loss of historic walls and gardens along The Street for car parking should be discouraged. New development might position vehicle parking and garages between houses and behind the building line. Where parking is located in front of houses the design of the layout and landscaping should provide spaces arranged around low walls, fences, hedges and trees.
9 A defined entrance
The southern entrance to The Street is defined by a sweeping curve of trees. This planting is a dramatic sign which indicates the beginning of the village and signals a change in landscape.
10 Defining Features
Modest front boundaries and front gardens determine an intricate edge to The Street. Most boundaries consist of flint and brick walls built at waist height. The tallest and most visually important flint wall in the conservation area marks the western boundary of Priory Gate. This hierarchy of walls was described as the defining element of Boxgrove’s character. Boxgrove. The Street. An adapted/adopted green.
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