Conservation Area: Duston conservation area (DNN12285)

Duston village is situated 2 miles west of Northampton’s town centre. It is one of a string of settlements along the top of the northern valley slope of the River Nene and is a village with a long history of continuous occupation. Duston contains many attractive buildings and features, but the groups of old buildings are sporadic and infilled by more modern development, giving a rather mixed character to the conservation area. Most of the older buildings (a high proportion of which are listed) are constructed from the local brown sandstone (Rich Ryeland) which, until recently, was quarried nearby. Local quarries also used to provide roofing material in the form of a slate known as “White Pendle” but this is no longer to be seen in the village. A few of the roofs are thatched, but most are slated or tiled. One of the features of the village is the prevalence of stone walls, which add to its character, although some of these have disappeared in recent years to make room for new development. Some of this new infilling has paid less regard to the character of the village than is desirable in a conservation area, the over-development in Homeleigh Close with the consequent loss of a fine group of trees is a case in point. Conversely, the new shopping development fronting Main Road has been carefully designed to blend in with the general character of the area, with its modest scale, traditional detailing and choice of materials. St Luke’s church is mainly 12th-13th century (Early English/Late Decorated styles) with a 14th century chancel. Some features are survivors from an earlier Norman edifice. The approach to the church with it handsome lych gate and landscaped setting provides tranquillity to this part of the conservation area. This corner is particularly worth a visit. At the entrance to the narrow lane leading to the church is the war memorial, paying homage to those who died in both World Wars. The war memorial and its setting add a certain charm and interest to the entrance to the conservation area. Apart from the church the oldest buildings in the conservation area date from the 17th century, including The Cottage in Squirrel Lane, and No. 1 Millway, one of the few former farmhouses still surviving. One of the main problems besetting Duston at present is traffic. A great deal of new development has taken place to the west of the village, with the result that there has been a massive increase in the volume of traffic passing through the village on its way to the ring-road or to the town centre. Added to this is the parking problem caused by the village’s popularity as a local centre for a wide residential area. Despite the pressure from the traffic, most of the properties are in good condition, several having been renovated in recent years. Unfortunately the same cannot be said of the walls, many of which show serious erosion near their bases caused by traffic pollution. The only significant group of mature trees within the conservation area is to be found alongside the footpath at the back of Homeleigh Close. Elsewhere, several pockets of mainly young trees occur at intervals along Main Road – many of these are of ornamental species and help to enhance the street scene.

Record last edited

Dec 4 2020 8:47AM