RICS Level 3 Building Survey in Steeple Aston

The village of Steeple Aston, designated a Conservation Area in March 1988 (with reviews in 1996 and 2014), contains numerous ancient and listed buildings that require expert assessment. Properties here present specific challenges that our surveyors understand intimately from years of working throughout the Cherwell Valley. The traditional use of local limestone and marlstone for construction, while giving the village its distinctive character, can present unique issues as buildings age. Many cottages and manor houses were built using these materials, and our inspectors know exactly what to look for when assessing properties constructed from local stone.

The local geology also plays a significant role in property condition. Steeple Aston sits on a mix of limestone and marlstone, with Lias Clay present beneath the village. This geological composition creates shrink-swell risks that affect foundations over time, particularly in properties with older drainage systems. Our Level 3 survey specifically examines these potential issues, providing you with expert guidance on any remedial work that may be required. We assess movement in walls, cracks in renders, and signs of foundation disturbance that could indicate clay-related subsidence.

Additionally, the village's location in the Cherwell Valley, with a small steep valley running through the centre formed by a tributary of the River Cherwell, means some properties may be susceptible to drainage and surface water issues. Properties in lower-lying areas of the village require careful assessment for potential flood risk, and our surveyors include this in their evaluation. The River Cherwell and Oxford Canal lie approximately 1 mile east of the village, contributing to the local water table conditions that can affect dampness in older properties.

The Mid-Cherwell Neighbourhood Plan review (2024-2040) has identified potential sites for approximately 30 new dwellings within Steeple Aston, including allocated sites for affordable starter homes and homes for older villagers. If you're considering a newer property in one of these developments, our Level 3 Survey still provides valuable assurance, assessing construction quality and identifying any defects in recently constructed buildings.

• Foundation and substructure assessment
• Roof covering and structural framework
• Wall construction and damp penetration
• Drainage and water management
• Conservation area considerations
• Historic building fabric evaluation

Steeple Aston's architectural heritage creates both charm and complexity for property owners. The village contains the parish church of St Peter and St Paul, dating back over 1,000 years, alongside the original primary school building from 1640. Many cottages and manor houses throughout the village date from the 17th century, constructed using traditional techniques that differ significantly from modern building methods. Our surveyors understand these traditional construction methods and can identify issues that may not be apparent to less experienced inspectors.

The building materials used in Steeple Aston reflect its location on the Oxfordshire limestone plateau. Traditional properties were built using locally quarried limestone and marlstone, with the church, manor houses, cottages, and even boundary walls all constructed from these materials. From the 19th century, brick became more common, sometimes replacing stone in cottage renovations. We occasionally see examples of blue brick and clay block paving in the village, particularly in properties from this later period. Our inspectors understand how these different materials perform and what issues to look for in each case.

Where properties have been modernised or extended, we examine the quality of these alterations and their impact on the overall building performance. This is particularly important in a village like Steeple Aston, where historic buildings may have been adapted over many generations. We assess whether modern extensions are properly connected to original structures, whether damp proof courses are adequate, and whether any structural modifications have been carried out to an acceptable standard.

For properties in the Conservation Area, there are additional considerations that our surveyors take into account. Cherwell District Council imposes restrictions on development and tree felling to preserve the village's character. If you're purchasing a listed building or a property within the Conservation Area, we can advise on any conservation-related issues that may affect your property. The designated area, reviewed most recently in April 2014, covers much of the village centre and includes many residential properties.

• 17th-century cottage assessments
• Traditional lime mortar evaluation
• Historic window and door condition
• Conservation compliance advice
• Modern extension quality checks
• Listed building considerations