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Fareham Borough Landscape Assessment

May 1996

Character Area 15

Lower Swanwick

Description

The Lower Swanwick area is located close to the historic bridging point of the Hamble. The settlement is divided by the A27 with a compact residential area on one side occupying the valley side and moorings, boatyards and the old village core on the other side along the waterfront. Lower Swanwick's separate identity is reinforced by the 'undeveloped' gap between it and Sarisbury.

The main characteristics of the Lower Swanwick character area are: * an attractive and close-knit arrangement of waterside buildings and spaces that form the Swanwick Shore Conservation Area, located on a prominent bend in the River Hamble; * the degree of activity at the waterside, giving it a busy feel; * the strong sense of enclosure provided by its valley-side location; * the sense of identity created by the presence of the bridge and the sense of arrival on crossing the Hamble; * the busy nature of the A27 creating a barrier between the main residential area and the older waterfront settlement; * the compact form and concentration of older terraced housing which helps reinforce identity; * more recent infill housing, particularly between larger detached houses, which is generally eroding local identity; * landlocked areas between the railway and the motorway containing the Burlesdon Brickwork Museum and playing fields; * views along an unspoilt wooded part of the River Hamble.

Enhancement Priorities

Lower Swanwick benefits from a very special setting on the Hamble. Most of its characteristics are very positive and the emphasis should be on conservation. Despite this, there are a number of areas where improvements in urban quality are necessary and there is a need for a more obvious focal point beside the waterfront at Lower Swanwick.

Priorities for enhancement are: * to improve the pedestrian environment on the A27 in the form of better traffic management; * to make the junction of Swanwick Lane and Bridge Road (A27) a much more attractive focus in urban design terms for the village as a whole; * to protect the residential area from development that would harm its character; * making the public realm more attractive with more street trees, lighting, paving, signage etc., particularly on the waterfront.