Old Marston Conservation Area

The name of Marston is derived from the original settlement on the marshy ground bordering the water meadows of the River Cherwell, initially, a hamlet of the manor of Headington. From the medieval period property was owned by a number of farming families, as well as the Oxford Colleges, who rented land out as farms. 

As a result, the village has retained a distinctive character as a focus of vernacular farmhouses and cottages dating from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries with more substantial houses representing settlement by Oxford tradesmen in the village in the 19th century. It retains an attractive green setting that preserves its distinctive character apart from nearby residential estates.

Our overview document below provides a brief introduction to the conservation area:

Marston Conservation Area (121kB PDF)

Old Marston Conservation Area Appraisal

A draft Character Appraisal that defines the special interest and character of the conservation area has been prepared as a partnership between the City Council, Oxford Preservation Trust and Old Marston Parish Council between Summer 2011 and Spring 2012. The draft appraisal will be available for public consultation from Friday 16 March 2012 until Friday 27 April 2012.

If you would like to comment on the draft appraisal please contact Robert Lloyd-Sweet, Senior Conservation Officer, Oxford City Council, Planning Dept., St Aldate’s Chambers, 109 - 113 St Aldate's, Oxford, OX1 1DS or by email at rlloyd-sweet@oxford.gov.uk.

Old Marston Draft Conservation Area Appraisal (3MB PDF)
Map 1 - Old Marston Conservation Area (557kB PDF)
Map 2 - Old Marston Spatial Analysis (644kB PDF)
Map 3 - Old Marston Positive Buildings (476kB PDF)
Map 4 - Old Marston Character Areas (497kB PDF)
Map 5 - Old Marston 1902 (564kB PDF)
Map 6 - Old Marston 1938 (678kB PDF)

Page last reviewed 16 March 2012