Page 10 - RNT-C09

The HISTORY of REDDITCH New Town

Visual Containment

“The degree of definition varies but in the areas on either side of the main ridge it is
especially pronounced, more particularly on the western side. On the eastern half of the
site, the major visual boundaries are less obvious though several areas of containment
may nevertheless be distinguished. The crest of the main ridge and its principal extension
to the north from Headless Cross is occupied by the present town. The lines of the housing
following the ridge present a continuous serrated outline above wooded and tree-clad
slopes, particularly when viewed from the east. The crests of the spurs on the other hand
are substantially clear of buildings. Some are covered by woodlands and others which
are relatively treeless are crossed only by hedgerows, which rise obliquely across the
slopes and pass over the horizon.
The conformation of the
ground, its local undulations,
hillocks and valleys and, in
particular, the spurs of higher
ground which develop on either
side of the main ridge give rise
to a landscape pattern of
alternating openness and
enclosure. The areas of
elevated ground command
wide views in several
directions, while the lower
areas between, being partially
surrounded and overlooked by
them, have their outward
views stopped on two or three
sides by rising high ground.
The crest-lines of the spurs
thus act as distinct visual
boundaries to a series of
interrelated open ended
valleys, which form separate
areas of visual containment.
They lie in the folds of the land
and in some cases have a
marked sense of enclosure and
a strong form, identity and
character. Thus a pattern of
spaces emerges, arising from
the topographical pattern of
the site.”

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