Conservation Area: Great Billing conservation area (DNN12302)

The core of the village which comprises the conservation area is characterised by a harmony of buildings and materials. Domestic Georgian buildings, mainly of coursed rubble or stone construction with Welsh slate or tiled roofs. Make the main contribution to its character. The old Post Office (1708) in the High Street and the Old Rectory (17th and 18th cent.), Elwes Way, are particularly fine buildings. A number of buildings are included in the Statutory List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest. Modern housing development to the north of this village core forms a distinct contract which enables the northern boundary of the conservation area to be clearly defined. The stone walls edging the lanes in the village (Church Walk and Elwes Way in particular) give a sense of enclosure and human scale and should be retained. The inclusion within the conservation area of the stone walls on the east side of the High Street, as an individual feature, illustrates the importance attached to their retention. Local traffic along lanes in the village does not detract from their use by pedestrians. Church Walk forms part of a main footpath routed through areas of landscaped parkland linking Weston Favell to Great Billing. Most through traffic disappeared from the village with the opening of Great Billing Way which bypasses the village immediately to the east. The area is essentially a well-maintained residential environment. However non-residential intrusions at the junction of Church Walk and High Street would benefit from visual improvement or screening. Whilst the village is typified by narrow enclosed lanes, its setting gives extensive views over the Nene Valley. ‘Wettons Guide’ (1849) mentions that ‘there is a spot in the Parish from which, before the country was enclosed it is said that forty five churches were visible.’ St Andrew’s church has now been included within the conservation area, together with the attractive approach from Church Walk. Recent development to the west of the village on what was formerly Great Billing Park has drastically reduced the large open space area flanking the village although some fifteen acres are reserved as a public recreational area enabling some of the views to be retained. Some infill developments have taken place in recent years and conservation area powers have assisted in keeping standards of development high.

Record last edited

Oct 17 2019 2:36PM