2.2 History and pattern of development

The Parish has been inhabited since at least Iron Age times. The Domesday Book records Alvestone (Olveston) and Tockintone (Tockington) and 66 inhabitants! In 1711 the two villages and surrounding land had a population of 240. At the 1991 census it stood at 2045.

The first areas to be settled were on the land above the Levels above the 50 foot contour where Olveston, Tockington and Ingst stand today. Olveston is the largest village. It has evolved from a linear pattern of development along The Street. In contrast, Tockington is a compact village centred on a small village green. Ingst essentially comprises a group of farms. Old Down is a later settlement developed on higher land cleared from the woodland of the Kingswood Forest and from enclosed common land.

Much of the development in the villages took place between 1700 and 1900. Since then there have been further distinct periods of growth notably in the late 1920s and 1930s - with Council houses; in the early 1950s - with completion of The Crescent, Old Down and Orchard Rise, Olveston; in the 1960s - Manor Park, Tockington and The Apples closes and part of Denys Court, Olveston; and in the 1980s - Ley Lane, Olveston.

The Bristol Green Belt was established in the mid 1950s and approved by Government in 1968. Subsequent development has been limited largely to infilling.