Tockington was designated as a conservation area on 30th July 1975. A copy of the full statutory conservation area leaflet and maps - the result of a public consultation process, can now be downloaded in Adobe Acrobat pdf format.
Setting
Tockington lies to the south-west of Thornbury at the base of the Hallen-Falfield ridge and within the River Severn's extensive alluvial plain. The approaches to the village, both from the north and south entail steep descents which provide dramatic views across the Severn Estuary.
History
Historically the village developed around farming based mainly on the rearing of cattle on the fertile floodplains. The proximity of Bristol would have provided ready markets for produce. In more recent times Tockington has become an attractive location for commuters, being situated within the green belt and well connected with Bristol.
Character
The village has developed around Tockington Green, which lies at the heart of the village. This is flanked by refronted Georgian-style properties to the north and smaller terraced cottages to the west and east. To the south is the methodist chapel, together with a group of tightly-developed traditional buildings which complete the enclosure of the green.
Approaching the village from the south the road curves past Little Farm (grade II-listed) and Brook Farm with its impressive willows and past fields affording pleasant vistas across the countryside. Tockington Mill Stream runs alongside the road and indicates the presence of the wool industry prevalent in this area until recent times. The entrance to the village is formed by a compact group of buildings forming an island as the road divides. Following the right hand road past the Swan Inn (grade II-listed), the open space of Tockington Green comes as a pleasant surprise contrasting with the enclosed spaces of the built-up area.
East from Tockington Green is Tockington Manor School (grade II-listed), an impressive building set within its own grounds and commanding open views across the playing fields to the south. Fine stone walls enclosing the grounds run up Old Down Hill to the north. Turning west from the green, the stone walls around Tockington Court and The Paddocks also add texture and variety to the street scene.
Village design statement
The parish of Olveston design statement gives examples of good practice for extensions, alterations and news for building in the parish of Olveston. The parish includes the villages and hamlets of Olveston, Tockington, Old Down, Lower Hazel, Woodhouse Down, Ingst and Awkley. It has been endorsed by South Gloucestershire Council.