Trade and commerce have played a key role in growing settlements along linear high streets. Focal spaces along the linear street have emerged at the convergences of roads in front of key landmarks, and within the civic core.

Focal points often compliment each other, with landmarks providing a backdrop to the high street. This creates a distinctive street scene, that aids legibility and contributes to the overall character.

Structure Characteristics

• Linear historic routes
• High/main street integrated within the middle of the historic route
• Convergence of roads forming green space
• Focal landmark within the centre of the settlement (church/pub)
• Development occurs along the main route
• Local routes to neighbouring settlements branch off from the main village route

Examples of key features in Polyfocal linear structure

A key feature of Thaxted’s polyfocal structure is the relationship between the town’s church and the main linear route/high street.

Situated on top a hill, the church sits as a backdrop to a distinctive street scene along Town Street. Varied rooflines, local vernacular and the both give the focal town centre space a distinctive character.

As the road continues up the hill to the church, the built form mirrors the curve which creates a sense of arrival to the church and the surrounding space.