2. Character Statement

2.1 East End is a tranquil rural hamlet set in a creekside location on the estuarine Essex coast. The conservation area encompasses the nucleated historic core of the settlement. It is accessed along a quiet road that terminates there, but which historically continued to the sea wall. Together with the small hamlet of Church End it is one of the two main foci for Paglesham village. The special character of East End lies principally in the contrast between large higher status detached properties on the Paglesham Road that reflect the prosperity of the local oyster industry in the 19^th century, and the compact arrangement of rows of modest two storey cottages off Waterside Road. The present appearance of East End owes much to the redevelopment scheme carried out by the prominent local oyster merchant James Wiseman in the 1870s. His impressive house and estate, The Chase, forms the basis for the eastern portion of the conservation area, and he was largely responsible for the laying out of 'The Rows'. The practical approach to the naming of these rows (for example Shop Row, New Row) is a local tradition that contributes to the distinctive character. A varied palette of traditional building materials including weatherboard, soft red brick, yellow stock brick and clay pantiles characterises the built environment. Views out across the open arable landscape and towards the river and boatyard are important elements in the character of the conservation area, and trees and hedges enhance the informal rural quality. The Plough and Sail pub provides a focus at the historic heart of the settlement, and remains a popular attraction today.

Fig. 1 Paglesham East End conservation area showing statutory designations.

Reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey® on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. ©Crown Copyright. Licence number LA100019602