2 Character Statement

Great Wakering is a large village which has its origins during the Saxon period with a minster church located on the site of the present church. The conservation area encompasses the historic core with linear development along the High Street. Ancient boundaries appear to have been part of a planned settlement originating from the mid to late Saxon period or late 11^th to mid-12^th century. Historic boundaries and routes are visible in the present layout and are an important feature of the special historic character of the conservation area. Medieval and post-medieval settlement developed along the north and south sides of the High Street forming the basis of the linear development seen today. The economy was based primarily on agriculture until the mid19^th century with the opening of local brickfields. Victorian infill can be seen in the High Street, with early 20^th century houses in peripheral roads. The most dramatic expansion has occurred over the past 50 years, with massive residential development extending out into surrounding fields and orchards and infilling of open spaces in the High Street. The oldest surviving properties are 17^th century or earlier. The High Street is generally closely built-up with a strong sense of enclosure affording serial views, although the historic grain is at times interrupted by late 20^th century developments set back from the street edge. Traditional buildings are typically modest in scale, with rows of two storey shops and cottages a common building form. A traditional palette of materials and details provides a degree of cohesion to the architecture. The long history of commercial use remains evident with many older buildings displaying vestigial shop fronts and carriage arches, and this is a valuable element in its special character. Unmade roads are also distinctive, preserving something of an earlier undeveloped quality. The ancient church remains the dominant landmark closing the view at the eastern end of the High Street. The broad verdant churchyard provides the only public green open space within the conservation area, and is an important green edge to the village. From here expansive views eastwards across the rural and agricultural landscape are a reminder of the remote setting of the settlement.