6. Soham Conservation Area - East Cambridgeshire District Council

11.1.5 The boundary of the Recreation Ground accessed from Fountain Lane
is said to follow at least part of the boundary of a Saxon ecclesiastical
enclosure and in the 19 th century was The Place Estate. Today the
remains of the mansion are in use as a pavilion and the 11 acres of the
estate that remain are an important open green space with good
mature trees in the heart of the village. It is therefore proposed to
include the Recreation Ground within the conservation area.
11.1.6 Clay Street contains a variety of buildings, the most striking of which
are the two former schools now converted into private residences and
a library. There are also 19 th century terraces and a mixture of houses
from different periods including a former public house. Clay Street runs
east into Red Lion Square, the western side of which is currently
outside the conservation area. It is therefore proposed to include the
whole of Clay Street, No.2 College Road and the Baptist Church on
Red Lion Square within the conservation area.
11.1.7 Nos.3 & 5 Brook Dam Lane are a pair of 19 th century properties which
form a short terrace with No.1 Brook Dam Lane and help to enclose the
street before it opens up into more modern development. No.3 retains
its plate sash windows and both properties have ridge stacks. It is
therefore proposed to include Nos.3 & 5 Brook Dam Lane within the
conservation area.
11.1.8 Sand Street contains many fine detached houses from the 19 th century
and early 20 th century houses as well a former lodge house and a 19 th
century terrace. The double fronted properties are more ornate version
of the gault brick villas found further north within the conservation area
and the other buildings along the northern end of Sand Street are also
of good quality retaining many traditional features. It is therefore
proposed to include Nos.2-18 (evens) and Nos.1-13 Sand Street within
the conservation area.
11.1.9 The distinct sub-area around the mills on the village’s western edge
has a very different character to that of the main village, but is an
important part of the village’s development and has been settled since
early in the village’s history. The cluster of buildings that surround the
mills and the scattering of buildings that encroach upon Angle Common
form an attractive group, dominated by the mill complex. The ‘pond’
formed by Soham Lode adjacent to the mill is framed by overhanging
trees and, together with the backdrop of Angle Common, creates an
attractive rural feel. It is therefore proposed to include the area
covering Nos.1-17 Angle Common, and the whole of Mill Corner within
the conservation area.
11.2 Removals
11.2.1 Fox Wood South, Rosemary Gardens, Honeysuckle Close, Yew Trees
and Guntons Close are all modern housing estates and infill
developments that have been built after the original designation of the
conservation area boundary and lack the character of the traditional
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