Neighbourhood Studies
No. 2 - St Cross & its Surroundings
9 Conclusion
The Hospital of St Cross and Almshouse of Noble Poverty is a unique monument of national importance, set in surroundings that are largely unchanged since its inauguration. The buildings are safe enough, but its attractive setting is under threat from possible development to the south-west. It is essential that tight control is kept over land such as the north field of Bushfield Camp to protect the nationally important St Cross Church from the distracting competition that structures built there would have on its setting when seen from St Catherine's Hill.
Some trees near the conservation area need to be better protected. The conservation area itself needs further protection by extending it east and south to the motorway, and south-west to include Bushfield Camp. The district has so far survived without serious damage from modem development, and new development should be discouraged or very carefully controlled. Some buildings standing near Listed Buildings need to "listed for group value" to protect the street scene, and if possible traffic in the St Cross Road should be reduced.
King's Head as column capital to arched entrance
to the Brethen's Hall, Hospital of St Cross