Conservation Area: Collingtree conservation area (DNN12264)

The village lies approx 3 miles south of Northampton town centre and immediately west of the main A508 London Road. It is situated in an area of parkland and farmland and is bounded on the south by the M1. The High Street forms the core of the conservation area. From the crossroads the views north and south along the High Street are attractive. To the north, the High Street is terminated by a fine view of the Church of St Columbia. The southern section curves gently and this improves the street vista. This part contains the oldest house in the village, No. 43 High Street, and impressive 17th century three storey building, comprising an ashlar front with alternate courses of limestone and ironstone. The majority of buildings were built before 1875 and offer examples of very varying styles but often utilising local stone. The High Street is terminated in the south at a footpath to Blisworth and here the noise of traffic along the M1 becomes noticeable. Centrally in the High Street the pub ‘The Wooden Walls of Old England’ is a striking thatched building built of coursed rubble with ironstone bands. The garden walls form a continuous frontage of limestone along an otherwise irregular building line. On the western side, development is set further back from the road and has less continuity. At the northern end of the High Street an impressive Sycamore dominates the view of the Church of St. Columbia. The church dates from the 12th century and is constructed of limestone with ironstone bands. The interior is brightened by a clerestorey on the south wall, which enhances the view of the open stonework in the main aisles of the church. The churchyard contains several fine trees. Nearby is the small Victorian primary school, with a neat bell tower. Glebe Farm to the east of the school is a distinctive building with neat brickwork in the single storey Victorian outbuildings. This whole area is bounded by mature trees, predominantly pine. Between the church and Glebe Farm is a triangle of well landscaped parkland containing many mature trees of high quality, including a fine copper beech. This area is reserved by the County Council for a school sitre, though no specific proposals have yet been made. Barn Corner, leading westwards from the church, is a pleasant winding lane. At the High Street its southern boundary is formed by the high stone walls of the farm outbuildings. The 19th century rectory is well proportioned. Recent development north of the lane in Spinney Drive has taken place uncomfortably close to the church. Barn Corner ends at a footpath to Blisworth and a bridleway to Wootton with good views to open countryside. Mature trees contribute to the visual quality of the area.

Record last edited

Dec 19 2012 11:30AM