Overton Conservation Area Assessment and Management Plan1.2 The purpose of this Conservation Area Assessment and Management Plan is: To provide a clear definition of an area's special

Overton Conservation Area

Assessment and Management Plan

Adopted December 2010

ContactFor more information or advice contact:

Head of Community Wellbeing and Development

Planning Service

Wrexham County Borough Council

16 Lord Street

Wrexham

LL11 1LG

Telephone: 01978 292019

email: [email protected]

www.wrexham.gov.uk/planning

This document is available in welsh and in alternative formats on

request. It is also available on the Council’s website

Part I - Character Assessment1.0 Introduction 3

2.0 History and Development 5

3.0 Summary of Special Character 11

4.0 Character Areas 14

5.0 Summary of Negative Features 43

Part II - Management Plan6.0 Enhancement Plan 47

7.0 Design Guidance 48

8.0 Conservation Area Controls 52

9.0 Sources of Funding 55

Appendix 1Listed Buildings 57

Appendix 2Conservation Policy Guidance 59

Appendix 3

Glossary of Terms 60

FiguresFigure 1 - Overton Conservation Area 2

Figure 2 - Overton 1899 9

Figure 3 - Overton 1912 10

Figure 4 - Wrexham Road 17

Figure 5 - Turning Street and Bangor Road 21

Figure 6 - High Street and Penyllan Street 25

Figure 7 - Salop Road 31

Figure 8 - Church Road and School Lane 37

Figure 9 - Willow Street 41

contents

Ariel View Overton Conservation Area 2006

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p a r t 1 c h a r a c t e r a s s e s s m e n t

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Part 1

Character Assessment

p a r t 1 c h a r a c t e r a s s e s s m e n t

Figure1: Overton Conservation Area

Ordnance Survey (mapping) © Crown copyright. All rights reserved. 100023429. 2010

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i n t r o d u c t i o n

1 Introduction

Conservation Area Designation1.1 Section 69 of the Planning (Listed Buildingsand Conservation Areas) Act 1990 requires LocalAuthorities to identify "areas of special architectural orhistoric interest the character or appearance of which itis desirable to preserve or enhance" for designation asconservation areas.

Overton Conservation Area1.3 This Assessment and Management Plan aims topromote and support developments that are in keepingwith, or enhance, the character of the OvertonConservation Area. It is not an attempt to stifle change.The aim is to strike a balance so that the interests ofconservation are given their full weight against theneeds for change and development. Overton

Conservation Area was first designated in 1971 and itsboundary amended in February 1999. This document isconcerned with the reasons for designation, defining thequalities that make up its special architectural andhistoric interest, character and appearance. Noamendments are proposed to the existing ConservationArea boundary and the omission of any reference to aparticular building, feature or space should not be takento imply that it is of no interest.

Planning Context1.4 This Statement should be read in conjunctionwith the Wrexham Unitary Development Plan (adopted2005), and national planning policy guidance, inparticular Welsh Office Circular 61/96: Planning andthe Historic Environment: Historic Buildings andConservation Areas.

Location1.5 Overton is located approximately 7 miles southeast of Wrexham. The Conservation Area is at the heartof the village which has developed alongside the keyroutes of the A539 Wrexham to Whitchurch road andthe A528 Marchwiel to Ellesmere which converge at itscentre. Overton sits on top of a steep wooded bankhigh above the River Dee with many private residencesto the western side commanding fine views across thewooded and agricultural landscapes of the Dee Valleyand long distance views west to the Berwyn Mountains.

Geology1.6 The principal building stone is local redsandstone found around the low levelled flood plains ofthe River Dee and most evident within the construction

Purpose

1.2 The purpose of this Conservation Area Assessment and Management Plan is:

l To provide a clear definition of an area's special architectural or historic interest

l To identify ways in which their unique characteristics can be preserved and enhanced through the Enhancement Plan

l To strengthen the justification for designation

l To create a clear context for future development in accordance with conservation area policies in the development plan

l To provide a vehicle for engagement and awareness raising

i n t r o d u c t i o n

of the Church of St Mary and its boundary walls.Buildings predominantly are constructed of a coursegrained red brick however some later buildingsdisplay a smoother red brick produced from fire clayand red terracotta marls found nearby in Ruabon andCefn Mawr.

Archaeology1.7 The broader northern section of High Streetalmost certainly was the site of the medieval market.Early burgage plots would have been positioned onWrexham Road and Salop Road with the mainsettlement being located between High Street andSchool Lane. Later development has generallyavoided the areas of greatest archaeologicalimportance and there remain opportunities for furtherinterpretation of the village's development andhistory.

Consultation1.8 Overton Community Council, CountyBorough Council members and a range oforganisations and groups with an interest in thehistoric environment and the local area wereconsulted on this document. Statutory bodies such asCadw were also consulted. Public consultation wasundertaken during October and November 2010 andthe document was adopted by the Council ExecutiveBoard on 14th December 2010.

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h i s t o r y a n d d e v e l o p m e n t

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2 History and Development

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2.1 The name of Overton appears to have derivedfrom the old English name Ovretone with 'Ovre'meaning 'Over' or 'Above' and 'Ton' meaning 'Town'.The name describes its geographic position on arelatively high hillock above the meadows surroundingthe River Dee. Little is known of the village beforeNorman times however given its position in relation toHolt, Bangor, Chester and Wroxeter, it is likely that aRoman road or track may have passed through the siteof the village although no evidence exists to supportthis idea.

Early Overton2.2 Little is known about the history of the villagebefore the Norman Conquest in the 11th Century. It isbelieved that a small settlement existed that wascontrolled by the nearby monastery at Bangor on Dee.The monastery was destroyed in AD 616 by Aethelfrith,King of Northumbria following his victory at the Battleof Chester, after which the village and the surroundingarea fell under Mercian influence. Around the time ofthe first millennium the Saxons occupied the site of thevillage, evidenced by Saxon coffin lids found within thechurchyard where it is believed that an early Saxonchurch structure stood.

Mediaeval Overton2.3 Following the succession of William I to thethrone after his victory at the Battle of Hastings in1066, the village was given to Robert Fitzhugh, astrong follower of William.

2.4 During the 12th Century Overton returned toWelsh Rule when in 1130 Powys was divided into twoparts, with Overton being part of Powys Fadog. Soonafter this date it is believed that Madoc ap Meredydd,Prince of Powys built a castle near to the village. Theprecise location of the castle is not known but it issupposed to have been on a cliff edge overlooking the

Dee. In the 1530's Leland, a Tudor traveller wrote thecastle to be ruinous and about to fall into the Dee. Itwas likely that the castle was close to the river in theAsney area to the north-west of the village. The castlewould likely have comprised a Motte and Bailey withlater stone fortifications. One probable theory for thedemise of the castle is a change in the course of theRiver Dee leading to erosion of the river bank andsubsequent collapse of the castle remains.

2.5 In 1278, Overton was made a borough byEdward I and a market was established the followingyear. The market instigated wealth and the villagegrew. Overton was created a free borough by RoyalCharter in 1292 when 56 taxpayers are recorded asliving in the village. Incentives to encourage furtherpeople and trades to the village continued but the revoltof Madog ap Llywelyn in 1294 structurally damagedpart of the village which affected planned growth.

2.6 The market and Royal charter meant Overtonbecame an important centre in the region. Burgageplots developed along High Street, Wrexham Road andthe northern part of Salop Road. These plots,comprising narrow strips of land typically consisting of

a house with stalls tothe front, would havetraded directly onto thestreet which helps toexplain why thevillage's main street isso wide. Unfortunatelythe growth of thevillage and the marketwas halted when OwainGlyndwr sacked thevillage in 1403-04. Itappeared that thevillage took many years



to recover with Leland writing in Tudor times that therewere "not twenty houses" present.

St Mary's Church2.7 Situated centrally within the village on HighStreet and enclosed by a sandstone boundary wall and agroup of magnificent Yew trees is the Church of St.Mary the Virgin. It is believed that the first stonechurch on the site was builtin the 12th Century. Notrace of this originalstructure remains bar aportion of a Norman stonecross contained within acircle that has been built intoa pillar on the western sideof the Church.

2.8 The tower of thegrade II* Listed Churchdates from the late 14thCentury when a larger stone church was erected.Several alterations were carried out during the 15th and18th Centuries which saw a larger nave and Hanoverianchancel added respectively. The most extensivealterations to the Church came in the late 19th Centurywith the addition and widening of the north aisle, a newvestry and clerestory and significant alterations to theroof of the nave and north aisle.

16th to 19th Century2.9 Growth during the 16th and 17th Centuriescentred mainly along High Street and around thenorthern end of the village. Not many properties fromthis era remain having been either demolished to makeway for new development or adapted and incorporatedinto newer structures, hidden behind modern facades.Buildings of this era were generally of timber frameconstruction and would have been small in size.Church Cottage located on High Street adjacent to DarkLane and Quinta Cottage, School Lane are rare andmostly intact examples of 17th Century vernacularconstruction.

2.10 The 18th Century saw the erection of largerthree storey properties within the village, again mostlyconcentrated along High Street with some extension ofthe settlement southwards along Pen Y Llan Street andwestwards along Wrexham Road. The larger Georgianproperties of Pendas House, Gwydyr House, St. Marys

House and Bryn Y PysEstate Office areindicative of the wealthof the village at thetime and occupyprominent positionscreating impressiveviews into and fromwithin theConservation Area.

2.11 In the 19thCentury many smallerbrick terraced cottagesand workers dwellings were erected along Salop Road.The early 19th Century also saw the erection ofsubstantial middle class housing with Pen Dyffryn,Fairfield, Pen Y Llan, Ty Gwernen and The Brow allconstructed from 1800 to 1830. The Brow, which sitsjust outside the Conservation Area boundary, was thehome of Edward and Marianne Parker from 1824 to1858. Marianne Parker was the elder sister to CharlesDarwin the 19th Century Naturalist and author of thebook the "On the Origins of the Species by Means ofNatural Selection" who spent much of his childhoodyears in Overton.

2.12 The Tithe map of 1838 shows Overton to haveat least eight public houses, the largest being The WhiteHorse on High Street, The Bryn Y Pys Arms on SalopRoad and The Bowling Green Hotel on Pen Y LlanStreet. By 1889, The Bowling Green Inn, had beenconverted into a single residence assuming its currenttitle of Gwydyr House. Some of the smaller Inns in thevillage included The Cross Keys and The Blue Bell Innon Salop Road and The Plough on Willow Street. Atthis time there were also two chapels, the PrimitiveMethodist Chapel on Salop Road and the UnitedMethodist Chapel on Turning Street. Both are nowprivate residences.

2.13 The more rapid expansion of the village duringthis time can mostly be contributed to the importance ofOverton as a market centre and its position on the maintrade route from Ellesmere to Wrexham. Markets wereheld weekly on a Saturday until well into the 19thCentury and larger fairs were also held quarterly in thevillage. A Market hall was established in the 19thCentury on High Street on land that now forms thesouth western edge of garden area of the Quinta and the

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pavement in front. Howson's book entitled "Overton inDays Gone By" seems to suggest that the Market halland weekly market had lost popularity havingdisappeared from village life by the late 19th Century.

2.14 As well as the markets, agriculture and farmlabour would have offered employment to the villagerswith many working for the growing estates of Bryn YPys and Gwernheylod to the north west of the Village.

2.15 The Cambrian Railway, Wrexham to Ellesmereline, which opened in 1895, had a stop at the smallhamlet of Lightwood Green about 1.5 miles east ofOverton. The passenger service was discontinued in1962 and the lines and the railway buildings wereremoved. The site of the former station is nowoccupied by Lightwood Green Industrial Estate.

20th and 21st Centuries2.16 The 1912 map shows little increase in the sizeof the settlement from the Victorian times. The mostnotable changes are the Memorial Home on WrexhamRoad constructed in 1905 in memory of Edmund Peelof Bryn Y Pys and the short row of terraces erectedclose to the junction of School Lane and Turning Street.The most significant alterations to the village came

during the later half of the 20th Century which sawsignificant extension to the north, east and south withprivate and municipal housing estates. Within theConservation Area itself the most noticeable changewas the demolition of Overton Hall in 1965 to makeway for the Sundorne housing estate. The Hall, of 18thCentury origin, stood opposite Dark Lane on the cornerof the junction of High Street and Willow Street andwould have been a dominant feature on the High Streetbeing 2½ storeys high with towering brick chimneystacks. The original red brick boundary wall frontingHigh Street remains as a reminder of the former house.

2.17 More recent development within theConservation Area has included the Medical Centre andpharmacy located adjacent to the Church on HighStreet. Its modern design sits comfortably within thehistoric core of the village winning a design awardfrom the Wrexham Area Civic Society following itscompletion in 2006.

2.18 Today Overton serves as a popular commutervillage to the nearby towns of Wrexham, Chester andShrewsbury. High Street and Penyllan Street continueto offer a small number of shops and communityservices.

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#Figure 2: Historic Map Overton 1899



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#Figure 3: Historic Map Overton 1912


(Please note that the northernend of Bangor Road is missing

from the map records)

s u m m a r y o f s p e c i a l c h a r a c t e r

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3 Summary of Special Character

3.1 The special character of the OvertonConservation Area is derived from the following:

Building Materials and

Vernacular Detail3.2 Whilst soft red sandstone is evident in theconstruction of the mediaeval Church, red brick is themost prevalent material for domestic construction.Many of the original brick facades remain althoughsome have been painted or rendered which, in someinstances, has unfortunately obscured architecturaldetail from view. Architectural detailing is generallysimple with dentilled brick eaves courses being themost consistent feature. Windows typically sit uponsimple brick or sandstone sills with the commonwindow styles being sliding sash or multi-lightcasements. Simple small, open canopy porches witheither gables or a single pitch roof are also distinctivefeatures of the village. Both slate and red tiles arecommon roof coverings creating an attractive andvaried roofscape.

Traditional Street Pattern and

Building Line3.3 The original street pattern of High Street,Wrexham Road, Turning Street, School Lane, Pen yLlan Street and Salop Road has remained largelyunchanged over time. The building line is generallyconsistent along the northern end of High Street withproperties positioned directly adjacent to the footpathwhilst along the adjacent roads and streets, buildingsare generally set back from the highway with smallfront gardens.

Landmark

Buildings3.4 The principallandmark structures are theChurch of St Mary theVirgin, The Quinta, PendasHouse, Pen Y Llan House,Gwydyr House and StMary's House which all


3 Summary of Special Character

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occupy prominent positions within the village. Theterraces of Wrexham Road have significant group valueforming a distinctive gateway into the ConservationArea.

Contribution Made by Trees3.5 The principal mature trees within theConservation Area are the ancient Yew trees within theChurchyard, which provide an important setting to theChurch and the adjacent properties and are one of theseven wonders of Wales. Together with adjacent treesthey form an avenue enclosing views of High Street anddirecting the eye northwards to Pendas House andsouthwards to Pen Y Llan House. The woodland areasof Mill Wood and the former Bryn Y Pys estate providean important backdrop to the village particularly to thewest and to the north where large trees enclose thevillage high above the banks of the River Dee. Manyof the older properties located on the outskirts of thevillage have trees framing their entrances which alsocontribute to the rural and picturesque character of theConservation Area.

Boundary Treatments3.6 There are a variety of boundary treatmentsevident within the Conservation Area. The mostcommon material used is iron used either in post andrail fencing or as railings surmounted upon lower redbrick walls. Sandstone is also used, most notably to the

boundary of the Church yard facing High Street andSchool Lane and along the boundary to the former BrynY Pys Estate on Wrexham Road. Hedgerows alsoprovide a common boundary treatment contributing tothe rural character of the Conservation Area.

Influence of the Bryn Y Pys and

Gwernhaylod Estates3.7 The influence of the former country estates isevident throughout the Conservation Area. Many of theterraced and semi-detached cottages particularlyprevalent along Wrexham Road and Salop Road areformer workers cottages owned originally by the Priceand Fletcher families of the Bryn Y Pys andGwernhaylod Estates and are reminders of theirimportance in the historical development of the village.


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c h a r a c t e r a r e a s

4 Character Areas

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Overton Conservation Area Character Areas


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4.1 The Conservation Area can be divided into 5distinct character areas:

4 Character Areas

Turning Street andBangor RoadWrexham Road

Church Road andSchool Lane

Salop Road

Willow Street

High Street andPenyllan Street

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4.2 Small cottages and terraced houses are themost common building type along Wrexham Road.The open parkland of the Bryn Y Pys estate lies to the

north contributing to the rural character of thestreetscape, the open estate land and the many maturetrees helping to ease the transition from opencountryside to village centre. This section of theConservation Area contains several listed buildings andimportant landmark buildings creating a distinctive andattractive approach into the village.

4.3 Onentering theConservationArea there is astrong ruralcharacterreinforced bythe presenceof trees,

hedges and the use of simple ironwork boundaries. Arow of six terraced cottages, of early 19th Century date,lie to the south set behind attractive and well

maintained small front gardens delineated by a mixtureof hedge and iron railings. Of coarse red brickconstruction, the terrace appears to have been built in 2phases with numbers 16, 15 and Ivy House, the formerpremises of Godriche's Saddlers, and its attached cartentrance seemingly of earlier date. Windows aretypically timber multi-light casements howeverGreenfield retains Yorkshire or horizontal sliding sashwindows. Openings to the ground floor generally havebrick arched heads which provides continuity across theterrace. Small open canopy porches are present abovethe doors on number 15, Groves Cottage and Greenfieldwith Ivy House and Number 14 having simple paintedflat hood door surrounds. The end property, Ashleighwhich projects forward of the row, has been alteredmore significantly displaying some modern Upvcreplacement windows and white painted brick work.

4.4 Opposite the cottages mature trees, set behind ahedge and low sandstone boundary wall mark theextent of the former Bryn Y Pys estate into the villageand enclose the public play park, football and cricketgrounds.

4.5 Continuing along the street, the road bendsgently to the right allowing for views into the morebuilt up part of the village. Pendas House and theQuinta stand out astwo distinctiveproperties where theirscale and materialscontrast with the morehumble cottages andterraces alongWrexham Road.


Wrexham Road

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ar

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DDDDDDDDDDD DDDDDD


Figure 4 - Wrexham Road #

Wrexham Road Character Area Boundary

Listed Building

Listed Structure

Building of Visual Interest

Important Stone or Brick Boundary

Tree Preservation OrderD

Important Open Area

Important Tree Lined Avenue

Important View

Important Approach

Tree Preservation Order Area and Important Woodland Backdrop

Play Area

Football Ground

Pavillion

Wrexham Road

Peel House

The Willows

The Old Smithy

Bry

n C

otta

ge

A53

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Sun

dorn

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Totley House

Greenwich House

Park View

Hall

Ivy House

Groove C

ottageG

reenfieldA

shleigh

Canton

Hall

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Key

4.6 Numbers 8 and 9 Wrexham Road, also calledRosalyn Cottage and Yew Tree Cottage, form a pair ofearly 19th Century semi-detached two storey cottages

positioned on the corner of Wrexham Road and WillowStreet. The cottages are of brick construction laid inEnglish bond. Windows to Rosalyn are simple timbercasements with multi-paned metal casements to YewTree Cottage with brick arched heads to the groundfloor openings and painted timber lintels at first floorlevel. Each has a substantial brick chimney stack.Rosalyn appears to have been extended to the west,possibly in the late 19th Century where a slightvariation in brick work can be seen. Thick hedgeboundaries screen the front gardens from the road andcreate an intimate setting for the cottages.

4.7 Adjacent is Willow Street, a narrow single lanethat loops roundto join HighStreet at thejunction oppositeDark Lane.Opposite lies theentrance toOverton ScoutHall, the footballground and the cricket groundwhere a random block sandstonewall with vertical toothed copingsdefines its boundary. The wallcontinues to the western entranceto Bryn Y Pys Hall which consistsof four stone gate piers laid outsymmetrically and linked by blackiron railings and gates. The gradeII listed entrance is Georgian indesign with the outer piers being sandstone ashlarconstruction with pyramidal copings. The inner piersare rusticated sandstone construction surmounted bylarge ball finials. Beyond the entrance, large treessweep to the west lining the former avenue that led tothe main hall.

4.8 To theeast side, setback from thegated entrance isBryn Y PysLodge, a grade IIlisted sandstoneashlar building.

The lodge was constructedduring the mid to late 19thCentury, along with theadjacent gates and piers, tothe design of John Douglasand was part of a larger re-development of the estateundertaken by EdmundPeel. The lodge is ofmodest size and design witha large recessed entranceporch and plain cornicebelow the eaves. Windowsare typically pairs of multi light casements with stonesurrounds and jambs. The roof, constructed of red tileslaid in alternating courses of plain and fish scale tilesand the yellow sandstone walls of the lodge are incontrast to the course red brick and dark plain slatesfound on the surrounding properties.

4.9 To the south side of Wrexham Road are PeelHouse and Park View, two large and grand propertiesby comparison to the more humble cottages alongWrexham Road. The side elevation of Peel Housefacing Wrexham Road displays a commemorative stonetablet at firstfloor levelreading"Erected in thememory ofEdmund Peelof Bryn Y Pys1905". Themain frontageof the propertyfaces Willow Street. The substantial hedge boundaryand trees within the garden area contribute significantlyto the rural appearance of Wrexham Road. Park View,listed grade II, has a pleasant setting positioned backfrom the main road behind a large well maintained frontgarden bounded by painted cast iron railings. Theproperty dates from the early 19th Century with threewindow range and central entrance. Windows are wide16 pane sashes with flat brick arched heads.

4.10 Continuing east, numbers 1 to 3 WrexhamRoad form a distinctive row of two storey cottages.The grade IIlisted cottagesare set behindsmall narrowforecourts withiron railingsand gates anddate from thelate 18th orearly 19thCentury being built for workers of the Bryn Y Pysestate. The detailing is gothic inspired with steep lancetarched brick heads to the doorways which housepainted timber boarded doors and more gently curvedround-topped arches to the window heads which holdtimber casements with two gothic lights and plaintympana. Number 3, the largest of the cottages, was


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used as a smithy and impressions from branding ironscan still be seen on the boarded door. Overton's famousdouble Grand National winner Poethlyn, owned by thePeel's of Bryn Y Pys, was shod at the smithy.

4.11 Positioned opposite and behind the sandstonewall that's runs along the north side of the road is OurLady and the Welsh Martyrs Catholic Church andPresbytery. The buildings were constructed in the1950's anddisplay a varietyof materialsuncommon intheConservationArea includingconcrete rooftiles, brownengineeringbrick and timber cladding. The buildings are set behinda large gravelled car park which has reduced theirprominence within the more rural street scape.

4.12 Beyond the Catholic Church is the grade IIlisted Dispensary Row, a terrace of 8 mostly unalteredcottages that sit immediately adjacent to the footpath.The row is attached by a curved brick wall to the three

storey Pendas House and collectively the propertiescreate a strong building line indicative of the denserand more continuous street pattern found along HighStreet. The detailing of the cottages is again gothicwith lancet and round-topped arches to the windowsand doors similar to whose found on 1-3 WrexhamRoad. The common and unifying features of thecottages consist of the aligned multi-light casementwindows with leaded tympana and the white paintedtimber boarded doors with black cast iron hinges, housenumber and central letter box. The similarity inappearance between the cottages of Dispensary Rowand 1-3 Wrexham Road gives cohesion to thestreetscene and forms a distinctive entrance into thecentre of the Conservation Area.

4.13 Adjacentto 1-3 WrexhamRoad is a large,unoccupiedopen sitebounded by asandstone walland providingviews towardsthe trees and greenery of Willow Street and also to therear of the properties on High Street.


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4.14 Turning Street displays a semi-rural characterwith a more intense built up streetscape close to thejunction withHigh Streetwhich graduallylessens movingfurther northwhere theextensive viewsof thesurroundingfarmland and countryside contribute to the rural settingof the properties. Terraces immediately abutting thefootway and semi-detached properties are againprevalent and the variety of building styles, heights andmaterials creates an interesting streetscape.

4.15 Uponentering TurningStreet, whichlater becomesBangor Road,the brickboundary wallof Pendas Housecurves roundand extends along the west side of the street leaving anarrow footpath. To the east side lies a short terraceconsisting of both two and three storey buildings. Thered sandstone facade of Quinta Cottage, the first of therow, stands out against the light coloured render ofadjoining three storey property and the nearby Quinta.The less visible side elevation is of a lesser qualitybrick construction. The stone façade is of random stoneconstruction and dates from the 19th Century. The

1899 map shows the cottage originally comprised a pairas can still be distinguished through the two iron gatedentrances in the brick boundary wall.

4.16 Moving along the row, the buildings increase insize and scale and project forward of Quinta Cottagepositioned directly adjacentto the footway adding to theurban feel of the street.Attached to Quinta Cottageis number 3 Turning Street,a three storey doublefronted former shop. Theheight equals that of PendasHouse opposite and thewhite rendered façadedraws attention. To theground floor the originaltimber Victorian shop frontremains with central doorway flanked with timbermulti-light bay windows with painted timber stallrisers.Much architectural detailing has been obscured by therendering and windows to the first and second floorsare modern Upvc replacements.

4.17 Number 4 and 5 Turning Street complete theterrace where the building height decreases to two 1/2storeys. Thebrick properties,dating from the19th century,have ground andfirst floorwindows alignedto the outer side


Turning Street and Bangor Road

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EE

EE

E

E

E

E


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#Figure 5 - Turning Street and Bangor Road

E

Key

Listed Building


Important Iron Railing Boundary

Important View

Important Approach

Important Tree

Turn

ing

Stre

et

Old School Mews

Sch

ool L

ane

Homestead

Radcli

ff

Bramble Close

B5069

Parks

ide

The OldOrchard

The Quinta

LilacCottage

ClarionCottage

Turning Street and Bangor Road Character Area Boundary

Building of Visual Interest/Important Townscape Group


and simple hood canopied doorways with mid levelwindow above to the inner side. A simple dentil courseextends across the dwellings and windows havesegmental brick arched heads. Doors and windows aremodern replacements with number 5 displaying timbershutters.

4.18 The boundary wallto Pendas House continuesopposite the terraces where asmall dog leg conceals an ironwater pump that dates from thelate 19th century. Here thepublic footpath ends and athick, tall hedge forming theboundary to 31 Bangor Roadfronts the street. Behind thehedge, large trees form thenorthern boundary to the

Conservation Area and create an important backdrop toboth Pendas House and 31 Bangor Road.

4.19 Number 31Bangor Road is setwithin large groundswhere the vegetationand hedgeboundaries contrastto the continuousbuilt frontage of theterrace opposite.The building dates from the mid to late 19th Centuryand displays mock timber framing to the front gablewith decorative red fish scale tiling above and deepoverhanging eaves. Above the modern windows anddoors are double brick arched heads. Access to thebuilding is obtained through a simple painted cast irongate with iron piers, a common feature throughout thevillage.

4.20 Beyond numbers 4 and 5 Turning Street areClarion and Lilac Cottages. The semi-detachedproperties date fromthe mid 19th Centuryand are of red brickconstruction nowobscured by whitepaint and rough castrender. The cottagesbeing 1½ storeys highare dwarfed by the substantial red brick gable ofnumber 5. Five gabled dormers punctuate the roof andhelp to reduce the strong horizontal emphasis of thecottages. Clarion Cottage, the smaller of the two, has acentral doorway with modern enclosed replacementgabled porch. Replacement casement windows flankthe entrance with two dormers aligned above. ClarionCottage still retains its original brick chimney stack,that to Lilac cottage has been removed. Lilac Cottagehas a similar designed frontage with additional dormerpositioned above the open canopy porch. Windows aremodern timber and upvc replacements. The boundarywall has been replaced in brick to Clarion Cottage,whilst elements of the original stone construction stillbound Lilac Cottage.

4.21 To the north of the cottages are the OvertonChippy and the Vojan Indian Restaurant. The buildingis of a larger scale than the surrounding cottages, thisemphasized by its modern design. The buildingincorporates two simple open canopy porches, atraditional featurewithin the village. Thelarge tarmacadam carpark to the front andside of the building isout of keeping with therural characterexpressed elsewherewithin the street.

4.22 Situated on thejunction with SchoolLane is Radcliffe, amodern developmentcomprising four flats.The modern designedbrick building occupies a prominent position within thestreet, particularly when looking southwards alongTurning Street, and the informal landscaping and treessurrounding the building help to soften its appearance.The building is located on the site of a row of 12cottages known as Coracle Terrace, a name indicativeof the occupation of some of the former inhabitants.The terrace was removed during the slum clearance ofthe mid 20th Century.

4.23 A row of four early 20th Century red brickterraces located on School Lane face toward thejunction with Turning Street terminating viewsnortheastwards out ofthe Conservation Area.Adjacent are numbers 9and 10 Turning Street, apair of semi-detachedpainted red brickproperties. Thebuilding, formerly theUnited Methodist chapel, dates from the mid 19th

Century and wasconverted into twoproperties during themid 20th century. Acentral gable pedimentwith mock timberframing projects fromthe frontage and would

have ephasised the main entrance to the church. Anattractive corbelled dentil course extends across thefrontage and is visible on both side gables tothebuilding. The bay windows are a later addition.Number 10 has retained timber sash windows.

4.24 Beyond theformer chapel are twosets of semi-detachedproperties consisting ofnumbers 11 to 14Bangor Road. Theproperties are setbehind large front


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gardens which further adding to the rural character.Numbers 11 and 12 date from the mid to late 19thcentury. Unfortunately most of the original detailinghas been lost or obscured through alteration andextension. Views of the surrounding farmland areobtained contributing to the rural setting of theConservation Area.

4.25 On the western side of the street, frontingdirectly onto the road is a row of early 19th Centurybrick terraces comprising numbers 16 to 21 BangorRoad, known as Tanners Row named from theirhabitation by workers from the tannery at LittleOverton to the south east of the village. The cottagesall have identical 3 bay symmetrical frontages with 2light casement windows to the outer bays and singlecasement above the central doorway. Openings havesegmental brick arched heads and numbers 17, 18and 20 have retained the original wooden boardeddoors. The buildings display corbelled verge detailsto the their gable ends and tall corbelled brick

chimney stacks. The properties, which are mostlyunaltered, have group value creating an impressivebuilt frontage and entrance into the ConservationArea.

4.26 The final property within this section of theConservation Area is the grade II listed Ty Gwernenwhich sits at the edge of the village, bounded byopen farmland to the north. The building dates fromthe early 19th century and is set within large groundsbehind an attractive red brick wall surmounted bycast iron railings. The front elevation comprises twobays with a central entrance and 16 pane sashwindows with stone wedge lintels at ground and firstfloor level. Two large, impressive chimney stackswith heavily corbelled caps are located on each endwall framing the building and adding distinction.The property is a fine example of a substantialmiddle class house and is one of several largerproperties built within the Conservation Area duringthe early 19th century.


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4.27 High Street and Penyllan Street display a moreurban style and represent the commercial core of thevillage with many buildings having purpose built shopunits. The Church is located at the heart of the villagealthough partly obscured by the Yew trees, theimpressive height and dark colour of these ancient treesdominates High Street drawing attention to the churchbehind.

4.28 High Street is unusually wide, the width beingevidence of theimportance ofOverton as a tradecentre for the widerMaelor area. Thetall, dark yew treesof the Churchyardalong with themature oak treesopposite are imposing features within the streetscape,visually separating the generally lower scalecommercial buildings to the north of High Street fromthe more elegant and larger properties to the south.Building heights vary greatly between single and 3storeys and a variety of domestic building styles are inevidence dating back to as early as the 17th Century.The common materials displayed along High Street areslate and rough red brick although examples of earlytimber framing and later rendering are also in evidence.

4.29 High Street follows a distinctive 'Z' like streetpattern. The positioning of Pendas House and PenyllanHouse at the north and south ends respectively givesHigh Street a strong sense of enclosure which is furtheremphasized through the consistent built street frontageto the northern section of the street.

4.30 The grade II Pendas House sits proudly at thenorthern end of High Street. Occupying a prominentposition, its large scale and three storey height preventsviews out of the village instead directing the eye alongto the adjoiningDispensary Row.The house datesfrom the mid18th Centuryand isconstructed ofrough red brickwith a slate roofwith coped gables. The centrally positioned doorwayhas a classically styled white painted pedimentedarchitrave with large overlight. Windows are renewedwithin the original openings and have steep camberedbrick heads, similar to other properties of the same dateon High Street. Two large brick chimney stacks sit onthe end walls further adding to the buildingsprominence.

4.31 Positioned on the curve of High Street at thehead of Wrexham Road is the grade II listed Quinta, alarge, light coloured, rough cast render over brick, twostorey building. The property, set within large grounds,dates from 1830and is believedto have beenbuilt as part ofthe Gwernheylodestate to housemore importantand affluentestate worker.

High Street and Penyllan Street

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DDDD

E

EE

E


Figure 6 - High Street and Penyllan Street #

DE

Key

High Street and Penyllan Street Character Area Boundary

Listed Building



Landmark Building

Tree Preservation Order

Tree Preservation Order Area

Enclosure by Trees

Important View

Listed Structure

Important Open Area

Important Tree

Pen

das

Hou

se

Totley House

Greenwich House

Pharmacy HouseBank HouseChurch CottageDark Lane

Pen-Y-Llan Street

Hal

l

CocoaRooms

Car Park

The Stableyard

Peel Close

St Mary’s House

Pen-y-llanCottage

MulberryHouse

Sun

dorn

e

Surgery

GwydyHouse

IvanhoeCottage

The Quinta

Rose House

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The central forward gable is a distinctive and dominantfeature of the building with a large oriel window to thefirst floor, with gothic arched lights and heavilyscalloped bargeboards with ornate finial. Otherdetailing includes rendered angled quoins to the endwalls and drop ended hood moulds to the first floorcasement windows. Aparticularly impressive feature isthe tall angled chimney stacks which emphasise thebuildings height.

4.32 The high brick boundary wall of the Quintastretches along the left hand side providing a sense ofenclosure. Thesouthern sectionof wall was builtfollowing theclosure of theindoor market inthe late 19thCentury.Attached to thewall is a small single storey red brick building home toHoward Jones Family Butcher. The building datesfrom the mid to late 19th Century and has an unusualcurved side wall below a simple slate hipped roof and asmall timber shop front.

4.33 From here the building line steps back andforms a consistent frontage up to the junction with DarkLane creating astrong urbancharacter that isfurtherintensifiedthrough theheight and scaleof the buildings,in particular thegrade II listed Metcalf Building and the White Horsepublic house. The Metcalf Building extends over 2 ½storeys and is 3 bays wide with a later two storeyextension linking to the butchers shop. The paintedbrick building dates back to the mid 18th Century anddisplays the same cambered brick head detail as that onPendas House. Windows are aligned multi-light slidingsashes with 3 gabled dormers to the roof. Of interestare the stressed key stones above the windows and thehuge end wall chimney stack.

4.34 Adjoining is the White Horse public house, a 3storey neo-vernacular style building. The buildingdates from the early20th Century andreplaces an earlierbuilding that wasdestroyed by fire.The building isconstructed fromsmooth red Ruabonbrick which is visibleon the ground floorand the end walls. The mock timber framing to the firstfloor is set in quatrefoil panels and the upper storey isjettied and supported by decorative timber brackets.Openings to the ground floor have leaded lights and

stone surrounds, mullions and transoms. To the firstfloor there are two bowed oriel windows with leadedlights. Above, two 6-light mullioned windows withleaded lights sit below either gable. The buildingsheight and the mock timber framing to the upperstoreys make it one of the most prominent anddecorative structures along High Street.

4.35 Continuing along the row the building heightreduces significantly to the grade II listed WhiteCottage adding drama and variety to the streetscape.The 1 ½ storey property is constructed of painted brickwith a red tile roof and dates from 1739, as detailed onthe keystone abovethe right handwindow. Traditional12 and 9 pane sashesflank the centraldoorway. A largechimney stackprojects from centreof the roof enclosedby two gabled dormers.

4.36 Numbers 18 and 17 High Street rise up to threestoreys in height dwarfing White Cottage. The grade IIlisted properties, erected around 1800, display a morepolite architectural style and originally comprised twohouses of unequal size, with number 18 being thelarger. Both 18 and 17 have previously been used ascommercial premises with number 18 retaining a lateVictorian timber shop front to the left side. Windowsand detailing are the same across the two propertieswith 6 and 12 pane sashes to the upper storeys andlarger tripartite sashes to the ground floor providing aconsistent and urban appearance. Number 17 retainsthe original doorway and characteristic canopy hoodabove.

4.37 The final property in this row is ChurchCottage, a grade II listed timber framed building thatoriginates from the at least the early to mid 17thCentury. Thecottage displaysa variety oftimber windowstyles and has avery large brickchimney stacktowards the leftside. The roof iscovered in red plain tiles with a single scalloped bandrunning across. This single storey building occupies acorner position on the junction with Dark Lane whichseparates the compact rows on High Street and theChurchyard beyond.

4.38 The west side of High Street has a consistentbuilding line abutting the wide footway producing astrong urban character with the buildings opposite. Thecontinuous row is more humble in scale being twostoreys in height and offering little variation betweenthe roof heights. Numbers 1, 2 and 3 High Street sit tothe north of the row next to the junction with WrexhamRoad. The grade II listed buildings form a terrace of

26


the original appearance displaying later bow windowadditions and renewed timber casement windows.

4.39 Adjoining numbers 1-3High Street is the post office, ablack and white painted mocktimber framed building. Thefaçade is rendered with anEdwardian styled timber shopfront to the ground floorcomprising pilasters, carvedconsoles and transom lights. Tothe first floor there are 3 multilight casement windows withdecorative framing below. Agablet sits above the middle window and is finishedwith a decorative terracotta claw finial. To the left sideof the shop front there is a gated access to the rear ofthe building. Although the building displays morerecent architectural detailing it probably incorporatesmuch older elements given its important position onHigh Street.

4.40 Evidence of the village's historical importanceas a market centre can be seen through the purposebuilt timber shop fronts on numbers 5a to 7 High Street.The buildings of smooth red brick and slateconstruction are dated 1904 however earlier maps showbuildings presenton the site fromat least the1830's. Thevarying sizedshop frontsdisplay the sameblack paintedtimber finish,decorative pilasters, consoles and dog tooth terracottastallrisers. To the first floor windows are originaltimber sashes with painted stone heads and sills. A bluebrick sill band and corbelled eaves course adds interestand gives continuity to the entire frontage.

4.41 Numbers 8, 9 and 10 (the Corner Shop) arehoused within a larger brick and slate unit whichextends around the corner of the junction with WillowStreet. The building façade dates from the late 19thCentury but it is likely that the building incorporateselements ofearlier structuresshown in sameposition on the1838 Tithe Map.Numbers 8 and 9are simple intheir appearancebased on asymmetrical plan centred on a large central painteddoor case with recessed fanlights. Two round headedsash windows are aligned above each doorway withlarger sash windows with margin lights positioned atground and first floor on the outer bays.

4.42 The Corner Shop displays the same windowdetailing as numbers 8 and 9 providing a uniformed

appearance to this section of High Street. The paintedtimber shop is a later addition and has an attractivesplayed entrance on the corner.

4.43 Moving past the junctions with Willow Streetand Dark Lane, High Street narrows in width and theurban character is lessened by the presence of the yewtrees in the Churchyard and horse chestnut trees on thewestern side ofthe street.Collectively thetrees dominatethe streetscapeand create astrong sense ofenclosurechanneling theeye down towards Pen Y Llan House. To the east sideof the street the large chestnut trees, which areprotected by a Tree Preservation Order, sit within agrassed area which providesimportant greenery and relief tothe streetscene. A coarse redbrick wall, formally a boundarywall to Overton Hall, extendsalong the grassed area steppingback and around the grade IIlisted War Memorial.

4.44 The Church of St Marythe Virgin is constructed oflocal red sandstone in theperpendicular style with the earliest elements datingfrom the 13th Century although the church structurevisible today dates predominantly from the late 19thCentury. TheChurchyard isdefined by a redsandstoneboundary wallwith black castiron railingsenclosing agroup of twentytwo protected yew trees. The yew trees, some of whichdate from mediaeval times, frame the churchemphasising the buildings importance and addingdrama to the streetscene.

4.45 To the south of the Churchyard is the newOverton Surgery and pharmacy building. The buildinghas been designed to both contrast and compliment thesurrounding historic buildings by combining largeelements of glazing with more traditional brick. A twostorey atrium forms the focal point at the main entrancewith the large glazed panel and atrium to the frontbeing the main feature.

4.46 To thewestern side ofthe street lies PeelClose, namedafter the PeelFamily whooccupied Bryn Y

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Pys after the Price Family. The small estate comprises4 large detached houses built in the late 20th Century.The narrow access, paved driveway, traditionally styledlightingcolumns, softlandscaping andtrees ensure thedevelopment isintegrated wellwithin itshistoricsurroundings.Detailing to the buildings include cambered brick headsto the windows and open gabled porches reflective ofthe historic buildings nearby.

4.47 The final group of buildings on High Street areSt Mary's House and the former Bryn Y Pys estateoffice which sit facing thecurved junction of HighStreet and Penyllan Street.The brick buildings have apolite appearance, whichalong with their scale andsize create an attractiveview into the village fromPenyllan Street. The gradeII listed properties datefrom the early 18thCentury probably as asingle developmentalthough the former estatebuilding may have an earlier core as suggested by thetall axial chimney stack. The estate office, which islower in size is now subdivided into two separatedwellings and features 3 gabled dormers to the attic andtimber multilight casements to the ground and firstfloors. Of interest is the small arched window to thelower left side of the frontage which has simple "Y"tracery.

4.48 St Mary's House is of a much larger andgrander scale than its neighbour with two steep gableddormers to roof and large 12 pane sash windows to theground and first floors. The building was acquired bythe Church for use as a rectory in 1867 when Overtonreceived parochial status and was subsequentlyextended to the left side and the rear to the design of WM Teulon. Architectural detailing includes segmentalarched brick window heads and a deep dentilled eavesband which is echoed in the ornamental caps of theoriginal axial chimneys and the later and tallercorbelledchimney to theleft sideextension.

4.49 To theeast side of HighStreet thedecorative gradeII listed red brick wall, historically associated withGwydyr House, curves round the junction of HighStreet and Penyllan Street providing an element ofconnectivity between the two roads. The piers of the

wall are surmounted by large acorn shaped finialswhich add further interest to the structure.

4.50 Penyllan House sits at the top of the junctionwith views directly northwards looking back alongHigh Street. The grade II listed brick buildingcomprises a twostorey housewith attachedtwo storey shopunit. Thebuilding is ofearly 19thCenturyconstructionwith the tithe map of 1838 showing the building as ahouse and malt kiln. The timber shop frontage is a lateralteration. The main house, set behind a low curvedred brick wall with ornate iron gate, displays a twowindow range with off centre entrance. Flankingwindows are 12 pane sashes with painted flat arch brickheads. To the right hand return gable an oriel windowis just visible at first floor level. Two large chimneystacks surmount the coped gables.

4.51 To the west of Penyllan house is PenyllanCottage. The painted brick cottage dates from the mid19th Century and originally comprised two smallercottages. The building sits back from the main streetand is screened behind a tall Leylandii hedge and a lowsmooth red brick wall with terracotta coping. A largebrick extension projects from the rear and windows area mixture of timber and Upvc casements. Continuingwest past Penyllan cottage, the Maelor Way walkingroute descends down through Mill Wood towards theflood plains of the River Dee.

4.52 Beyond Penyllan House lies the village hall,the first building of a small group of public buildingsthat includes the Reading Room and Cocoa Room. Thevillage hall wasconstructed in1926 as detailedon the date stoneabove theentrance anddisplays a rathergrand entranceporch withdressed stone parapet, stone quoins and round headedstone canopy. Attached to the village hall are theReading andCocoa Roomswhich alongwith theadjoiningcottage, are setbehind a lowsandstone wall.The buildingreplaces an earlier cottage and workshop which wereused to sell refreshments and newspapers and provideentertainment. This building was pulled down in 1890and Edmund Peel of Bryn Y Pys built the existingCocoa and Reading Rooms. The building displays a


varied frontage with mock timber framing to the twofront gables with smooth red brick banding at first floorand snecked sandstone construction to the ground floorfaçade. Terracotta tiles display the names "Cocoa &Reading Room". Windows are multi-paned timbercasements with stone heads and sills.

4.53 The adjoining property is the grade II listedformer Lloyds Bank building. The white painted brickcottage contrasts in both colour and scale to itsneighbours adding variety and interest to the street.The buildingdates from thelate 18thCentury but it isbelieved to be aremodelling ofan earlier timberframed structure.The building hasa slightly off centre trellised gable porch flanked byflush fitting sash windows.

4.54 Set slightly forward of this row is MachineHouse. The painted render over brick building datesfrom the late 18th or early 19th Century and has a slatehipped roof witha slightly offcentre entranceand original doorcase. Windowopenings havebeensignificantlyaltered andrenewed in uPVC.

4.55 To the north side of Penyllan Street is thestable yard, a small development of 5 single storey redbrick and red tile houses. Much of the development isscreened fromthe road by thecurved brickwall whichfollows the bendfrom High Streetonto PenyllanStreet. The wallhas twodistinctive bands of headers and is divided by brickpilasters with moulded caps and stone finals.

4.56 Built into the wall are two grade II listed 19thCentury former outbuildings associated with GwydyrHouse. The buildings which have been converted intonumber 4 Stableyard and Maelor Veterinary Centre aresymmetrically planned with gables fronting thefootway. Thegables have beenelaboratelytreated withmouldedkneelers andsquat finals atthe apex. The

detailing reflectsthat of GwydyrHouse to whichthey would haveoriginallyserved.Openings havelargely beenrenewed with theveterinary centre retaining an oculus window and theoriginal fair-faced brickwork.

4.57 Interrupting the expanse of red brick is number8 Penyllan Street a small rendered cottage dated 1707and associated with Gwydyr House. The property hasrenewed timber openings with a larger 3 light windowto the gabled dormer.

4.58 Gwydyr House, positioned almost directlyopposite the junction with Salop Road, forms animpressive and dominant feature when entering theConservation Area from the south with two largeadvanced gables either side of a central bay infilled tothe ground floor by a classically styled porch.Originally built as a house, the building was used as apublic house for many years and was recorded as TheBowling Green Inn on the 1838 tithe map. The grade IIlisted building has more recently been used ascommercial premises and has late 19th/early 20thCentury timber shop fronts with dentilled cornices tothe ground floor square bays. The building was largelyrefenestrated in the 19th Century and displays a varietyof sash window compositions. Bricked up windows arevisible to the right hand return gable and the inner lefthand return.

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4.59 Salop Road runs due south out of theConservation Area towards Ellesmere and NorthShropshire. Thewooded gardensof Pen Dyffrynand the treespositionedaround thejunction withMusley Laneterminate viewsout to thesurroundingcountrysidemaintaining thebusy urban feelof the adjacentstreets. Theconsistentbuilding line onboth sides of the road provides a strong sense ofcontainment. Properties are generally set behind smalllawned front gardens enclosed by simple iron railingsor hedges. Buildings along Salop Road are moredomestic in scale and consist predominantly of semi-detached cottages and former terraced houses. Brick isthe prevalent building material although many laterproperties display a rendered finish.

4.60 Historically the street was lined with a mixtureof shops, public houses and smaller cottages andterraces. Many of the terraces have now been alteredand converted into single dwellings and this coupledwith infill housing development has eroded some of thestreets historic character.

4.61 Situated on the junction with Penyllan Streetlies 1 Salop Mews, a modern dark brick property whichforms part of agroup of 4similarly styledtwo storeydwellings thatline the streetfrontage. Thedesign of thedwellings hasincorporated some traditional features of theConservation Area including iron railings, simple openporches and decorative dentil storey courses.

4.62 The Methodist Church is situated on theopposite corner at the junction of Salop Road andStation Road.The church waserected in 1938and is of redbrickconstruction witha slate roof.Contrastingyellow sandstonehas been used for the mullioned ogee windows andcoped gables. The church is enclosed by a low smoothred brick wall surmounted with simple iron railings.

4.63 Adjacent to the church is Tree View, a red tiledand pebble dashed bungalow. The property dates fromthe mid 20th Century and displays a canted baywindow to the front gable. The diminutive scale of thebungalow, simple detailing and attractive manicured

Salop Road


30


EE


#Figure 7 - Salop Road

Key

Salop Road Character Area Boundary

Listed Building



Enclosure by Trees

Important Woodland Back Drop


Important View

Important Approach

Important Group of Trees

Important Tree

Pen-Y-Llan Street

Bryn-Y-Pys Cwrt

Church

Fernleigh

Fairfield

Greenfield House

Dee View

MossLeigh

Lane EndCottage

PenDyffryn

MillWood

Llwyn Celyn

The Cottage

Millwoods Rise

Springfield P

ark

31

E


32

hedge boundarygives thebuilding anappealingcharm.

4.64 The hedgeboundaryprovides

continuity along the street enclosing numbers 47, 46and 45 Salop Road which date from the early to mid20th Century and form a small distinct group displaying

square baywindows withalternatingpurple and greenglazed top lightsand smooth redRuabon brickwork. Number47 is detached

and has a double bay frontage with red tiled canopy tothe ground floor and the original sash windows to thefirst floor. The main entrance is concealed on the sideelevation being recessed under a terracotta arch withcurved pilasters. The original roof has been replacedwith a heavier modern concrete tiled roof.

4.65 Numbers 46 and 45 Salop Road are semi-detachedproperties with asymmetrical planwith recessedentrancescontaining theoriginal doors.Thedistinguishingcoloured glass to the bay window in 46 has beenreplaced however it remains to the porch window.Openings to the first floor are the original timbercasement windows with the inner windows sittingbelow a mock timber farmed gablet. Terracotta hasbeen used to add detail including circular brick pillarsto the outer corners and simple string course.

4.66 Thoroughgoods shop and garage display thesame smooth red Ruabon brickwork as numbers 45 to47. The building dates from 1934 as a purpose builtcommercial unit with accommodation which has beenadapted into a larger retail unit. The windows arerenewed timber casements under flat arched brick headswith painted keystones and sills.

4.67 Situated opposite is Bryn Y Pys Court, a smallresidential cul-de-sac comprising two storey detachedand semi-detached cottages and terraced mews. Theestate gains its name from the Bryn Y Pys Arms publichouse which was converted into houses as part of thelarger development.

4.68 The former public house, which dates from thelate 18th Century, extends along Salop Road anddisplays a renewed frontage with Ruabon brickwork tothe ground floor and window surrounds. Windowscomprise tripartite sashes to the ground floor with 2

paned sashes above. The double glazing gives them abulky and cumbersome appearance. A Victorian styledcanopy porchwith finial sitsabove the mainentrance door.The large archedopening to theleft side of thebuilding, nowrendered, wouldhave allowed access for horses and carriages to thestables and courtyard at the rear.

4.69 Attached to the former pub are numbers 4 and5 Salop Road. Number 5, a two storey late 18thCentury brickhouse set behindsimple cast ironrailings, has beenextended over theyears to providecommercialaccommodation,now known asnumber 4. Number 5 once displayed an attractiveVictoriaan shop front which has since been removedand replaced. Windows are typically timber sasheswith segmental brick heads to first floor and acambered arches to the ground floor. Number 5 alsodisplays an attractive dentilled string course and eavesband.

4.70 Numbers 6 and 7, New Villas, are positionedbetween number 5 and the junction with MillwoodRise, a small later20th Centuryresidentialdevelopment.New Villas datefrom the early20th Century andhave a smoothRuabon brickfaçade the colour of which is intensified through simpleterracotta sills and arched hood moulds to the windowsand plain red tiled roof. The buildings are of asymmetrical plan with central gablets and distinctiveoculus windows above the entrance. Both propertiesretain their original doors and simple but attractive flathood canopies supported by painted moulded brackets.

4.71 To the east side of Salop Road is a row of 6terraced cottagesof varied size andappearance whichdate from the19th Century. Thecottages provide asense ofenclosure withthe buildingsopposite, their hedge boundaries and small frontgardens softening the streetscene. Fernleigh, the firstproperty projects forward of the row below a large slate


33

hipped roof. A characteristic flat hood canopy withmoulded timber brackets sits above the front door.

4.72 The oldest properties within the row are thegrade II listed Ferndale, KewCottage and Cintra. The paintedbrick cottages were originally arow of 3 cottages built in separatestages in the early 19th Centuryand have subsequently beenenclosed by later extensions.Ferndale has a single unit planwith added gable porch to the leftside and former shop window tothe right side. To the first floorthere is a 3 lightcasementwindow. KewCottage andCintra are larger 2unit planbuildings withjust off centrefront doorways flanked by horizontal sliding orYorkshire sash windows on each floor. Kew Cottageretains the original façade with flat arched doorway stillvisible. A simple dentil eaves course extends across the3 cottages giving a sense of unity. Each cottage has asubstantial brick chimney stack.

4.73 Lilac andOak Cottagescomplete the row.Dating from midto late 19thCentury both thebrick propertiesdisplay modernfacades withenlarged openings, modern Upvc windows andenclosed brick and Upvc porches.

4.74 A short break in the building line separatesLilac Cottage from numbers 36 to 33 Salop Road.

Formerly a rowof 4 cottagesnumbers 36 to 34have now beenconverted intoone largerdwelling. Theoriginal openingsto the cottages

can still been identified through the variation inbrickwork. Windows, although modern designs, aregenerally sympathetic to the original proportions.Number 33 displays enlarged openings and uPVCwindows and rendered frontage, obscuring any originaldetailing.

4.75 Continuing southwards a red brick boundarywall with stone copings encloses the garden area toFairfield, a substantial grade II listed two storeyproperty dating from around 1830. The property,mostly obscured from view by thick hedging and

planting is of red brick construction laid in a Flemishbond with a slate hipped roof. The centrally positioneddoorway has the characteristic flat hood canopy and isflanked by theoriginal 12 panesash windows atground and firstfloor. To theright side anarrow trackrevealsoutbuildingsattached to the house.

4.76 Beyond the junction numbers 8 to 13 SalopRoad form two distinctive, once identical, rowscomprising 3 terraced cottages. The cottages replace arow of 6 terraced houses that were identified on the1838 tithe map as belonging to the Price Family ofBryn Y Pys. The current cottages date from the later19th Century and are of a symmetrical 3 bay plan withadvanced end gables and central recessed bay withsmaller gablet. Whilst the individual cottages havebeen altered the consistent pointed brick arch heads tothe first floor windows, flat brick arched heads to theground floor windows, bracketed sills andpolychromatic storey band, which extends across thefrontage and is repeated in the axial chimney stacks,create a unified and ordered appearance.

4.77 The scale and height of the building linedecreases towards numbers 14 and 15, Valley House.These two storeybrick propertiesdate from themid 19thCentury andoriginallycomprised 3small cottagesand a smithy.The buildings, set behind low brick walls, have sincebeen significantly altered through the use of modernmaterials and incorporation of inappropriate modernfeatures. The position of the chimney stacks, break inthe ridge height and the variation in brickwork areevidence of the original layout and subsequentrebuilding.

4.78 To the east side of the road the white paintedThe Cottage and 30 Salop Road date from the early19th Century andare shown on the1838 tithe map as4 cottages withgardens. At firstfloor two gableddormers sit withinthe roof slope.The originalfaçade can still be identified at number 30, the pair ofdoors evidence of its uses as two separate dwellings,symmetrical in their composition. Windows arerenewed sashes with painted tiled sills and flat archheads to the ground floor.

4.79 Number 28 Salop Road is positioned on a largecorner plot at the junction of Springfield Park withSalop Road. The property incorporates a mid 19Century brick building but now displays a modernrendered façade, significant extensions to the side andrear and modern windows which have disguised muchof the buildings original character.

4.80 Moving past the junction the building linebecomes lessconsistent. LlwynCelyn, a largelate 20th Centurybuilding occupiesthe oppositecorner position.GreenfieldHouse, datingfrom the mid 19th Century, presents a symmetricalfrontage with modern proportioned and designedwindows flanking the central gable porch. Renderedchimney stacks flank each gable.

4.81 Lookingsouth Salop Roadcurves to the westand the woodlandwithin thegrounds of PenDyffryn and tothe rear of SalopRoad creates adark and dramatic backdrop to numbers 16 to 18 SalopRoad. The building, formerly the Primitive MethodistChapel, dates from 1816 and is believed to have beenconverted into 3 separate dwellings in the late 19thCentury. The grade II listed properties have roundarched brick heads to the windows with the originalsash windows with radial glazing present in number 18.Two oculus sit at the outer most edges with date stoneinset to that on the right. The building is enclosed byattractive, grade II listed cast iron spear head railingsand gates fixed atop a chamfered stone plinth wall.

4.82 Facing the former chapel are two small grade IIlisted Almshouses built in 1848. Unusually, thebuildings are of yellow sandstone ashlar construction ina Tudor Gothic style. Amemorandum to thefront of the buildingsdedicates the buildingsto the memory ofCaroline Bennion ofWrexham Fechan whodied in 1847. Thebuilding, whichoriginally comprised 3dwellings, sits backfrom the street frontageset behind a sandstonewall with cock and hencopings. The single storey building is well screenedwith only the tall stone axial chimney stacks visibleabove the thick planting and foliage to the front garden.

4.83 DeeView, a largebuilding datingfrom the 1930'ssits adjacent tothe Alsmhouses.The building istypical ofinterwarconstruction with rendering to the first floor over a redbrick ground floor.

4.84 Beyond Dee View three large 20th Centurybuildings line the street. The buildings sit opposite theimpressive woodland and gardens of Pen Dyffrynwhich helps to reduce their prominence within thestreetscape.

4.85 A brief glimpse of the surrounding countrysidecan be obtained when following the bend of the roadpast Pen Dyffryn. To the west side a small forkedjunction onto Musley Lane is enclosed by trees creatinga dark andintimateappearance.Located to theside of thejunction behind athick hedgeboundary is MossLeigh, a large19th Century property of red brick and slateconstruction. Windows are the original 12 paned sashesand have round arched brick heads and painted stonesills. The doorway is centrally positioned and theoutline of a former gable porch or canopy can beenseen on the brickwork. The village gas works waslocated to the rear of the property.

4.86 Lane EndCottage sits just beyondthe junction withMusley Lane and isenclosed by trees to thenorth and south giving ita degree of separationfrom the surroundingdwellings. The buildingis painted brick and islikely to date from themid 19th Century andoriginally comprisedtwo cottages with an original doorway visible on thefront elevation. Openings to the front elevation arerenewed timber casements with round arched brickheads. Painted timber shutters add interest to theelevation.


34

4.87 The final property within this section ofthe Conservation Area and set high above the DeeValley is the grade II listed Pen Dyffryn. Thebuilding is of brick construction with a slatehipped roof. The main front range faces due southwith the rear service wings, stables and courtyardfacing the road. Much of Pen Dyffryn is screenedfrom Salop Road by the trees and hedgeboundaries which contribute significantly to theCharacter of the Conservation Area by forming aconsistent and dominate backdrop.

35


36

4.88 ChurchRoad and SchoolLane run parallelto High Streetenclosing theoriginal medievalcore of thevillage. The yewtrees of theChurch yard and trees lining the public car park formthe main focal point and give this area a more opencharacter. Buildings are mainly concentrated alongSchool Lane with brick and slate being the mostprevalent building materials. Small scale domesticterraces and semi-detached cottages are the mostcommon building type.

4.89 The imposing side elevation of Gwydyr Housetowers above thesingle storeyformer policestation, nowoccupied byEgocentric. Thebuilding isconstructed ofsmooth Ruabonbrick, the red colour intensified by the red tiled roofand simple terracotta and sandstone detailing aroundthe windows, entrance and gables. The building datesfrom 1884 and incorporated the magistrates court, arobe room and 2 cells. To the left, on the corner ofChurch Road and Station Road, was the House ofCorrection, a large two storey brick building which hassince been demolished.

4.90 Numbers 2, 2a and 3 Church Road, evident onthe 1838 tithe map, form a short row with advanced endgables. Thesecottages, abuttingChurch Road,have beendecorated with asaw tootheddentil course atthe eaves whichadds distinctionand interest. Window openings have generally beenmodified whilst entrance doors have unusually highround arched brick heads which accentuates theirnarrow width.

4.91 Numbers 4 and 5 are set back from ChurchRoad behind a low red brick wall. The cottages wereformerly occupied by nail makers and date from at leastthe early 19th Century. The Style Salon, number 4,retains an earlier interior of late 17th Century date.Both havebeensignificantlyaltered withlarge sideextensionsand newbrickwork tothe originalfrontages.Windows to the Style Salon are modern Upvcreplacements within the original openings. Moretraditional and appropriate timber casements have beeninserted into number 5.

Church Road and School Lane




#Figure 8 - Church Road and School Lane

Key

Church Road and School Lane Street Character Area Boundary

Listed Building


Important Group of Trees


Important Brick/Stone Boundary

Important Open Area

Important View

37

Turn

ing

Stre

etS

choo

l Lan

e

Chu

rch

Roa

d

Llan

-y-C

efn

Cot

ttage

s

The Quinta

Rose Cottage

The Cottage

Dark Lane

St Mary’s AvenueSt Mary’sChurch

Pen-Y-Llan Street

Car Park

Kiln Cottage


4.92 To thewest of the street,large trees and alow post and railtimber fencedelineate thepublic car parkarea and softenthe harshappearance of the tarmacadam finish. The car parkformally belonged to Gwydyr House and for manyyears was used as a bowling green hence its formername Bowling Green Inn.

4.93 Looking northwards the dark tall yew treesalong theChurchyardboundary screenviews of StMary's Church.Here the redsandstone wallsurrounding thechurch fronts thefootway and contributes to its setting. The churchyardwall curves around the junction with Dark Lane whichperhaps gains its name from the vast shadows castdown by the yew trees and the nearby boundary hedges.

4.94 Dark Lane signals the convergence of ChurchRoad and School Lane. From here the building line ismore consistent with many properties directly frontingthe highway. On the corner of Dark Lane sits St Mary'sCourt, a smalllate 20th Centurydevelopment of 3attached cottagessuccessfullyintegrated intothe street scenethrough theirscale, appropriatemassing and architectural detailing to windows, doors,dentil course, porches and boundary treatments.

4.95 The Cottage, a coarse red brick property withred tiled roof, is positioned with its gable facing SchoolLane where acentral baywindow withrenewed timbersash windowprojects towardsthe road. Above,an originalpointed archopening has been infilled and replaced with a 4 lightcasement window. To the left, tall brick piers supportiron gates which lead to the converted former coachhouse of the White Horse. A large end chimneyprotrudes to the right side of the building.

4.96 Kiln Cottage is particularly prominent withinthe streetscape due to its large scale and expansivebrick gable facing the road. The building dates from

the mid to late19th Century andis likely to havebeen used as aworkshop givenits size and itsname 'Kiln'. Asmall boardeddoor to the leftside of the frontage is likely to be within the originalopening. Windows are typically timber casements of amodern design beneath segmental brick arched heads.

4.97 RoseHouse is set backfrom the roadbehind a smallcurved brownbrick wall andwell kept frontgarden. Thebuilding datesfrom the mid 19th Century however its age is not easilyidentifiable through the modern proportioned timberwindows. The end chimney stacks have been renewedin a darker brick and flat roof extension is visible to theright side. A simple dentil course is just about visiblebelow the eaves and the original coped gables and stonekneelers have been retained.

4.98 Ty Newyddis set back from theroad between twosymmetricallyplanned 19thCenturyoutbuildings linkedby a swept brickwall with stone copings. The outbuildings originallycomprised the stables and coach house for the Quintasituated beyond the rear of the site and display a similarstyled entrance as that to the Quinta. The original cartopening is visible to the southern building. Thebuilding to the north displays an original, attractiveround arched window with radial lights.

4.99 Adjacentis the mid 17thCentury grade IIlisted QuintaCottage with theoriginal timberframing evidentto the frontelevation. Thesquare panels have decorative bracing giving thebuilding a picturesque appearance further enhanced bythe thick hawthorn hedge boundary. The centralentrance is flanked by 6 light casements windows. Twogabled dormers break the eaves line with matching 6light casements. The cottage is enclosed by two largeand impressive diagonally set chimney end stacks.

4.100 Llan Y Cefn Cottages, named after the 17thCentury house located to the south of the village above

38

the banks of the RiverDee, forms a terracedrow of four cottages.The cottages datefrom the early 19thCentury with theoriginal red bricknow rendered andpainted white. Theenlargement of window openings, insertion of modernupvc units and extensions has eroded much of theoriginal character of the row. The original dentilcourse extends across the frontage of the cottagesgiving some harmony to their much alteredappearance.

4.101 Numbers 9and 10 School Laneare semi-detachedbrick cottages setbehind small frontgardens bounded bysimple cast iron railsand thick hedging. The cottages date from the mid tolate 19th Century and have a symmetrical plan withcentral gable and half hipped roof. The symmetry oftheir design is enhanced by the use of contrasting redand green paint giving the cottages a more individual

character. Window openings are renewedpredominantly in upvc with the original archedopenings, a common feature of the village, visibleabove the inner windows. Both the cottages haveretained traditional lean-to porches above the entrance.

4.102 Number 11School Lane,positioned on theeastern side of thestreet, is probablyearly 19th Century inorigin and wouldhave comprised 2smaller houses as suggested by the position of thechimney stacks. Cambered brick heads are just visiblethrough the thick paint above the ground floorwindows. Windows are renewed timber casementswith a modern dark stain.

4.103 Deva Terrace, a terrace of 4 early 20thCentury properties is set behind small front gardensseparated by hedge boundaries and low sandstonewalling. Shared gateways and low steps provideaccess up to the properties. Detailing includes acorbelled dentil course and painted stone heads andsills to the windows and doors. Numbers 1, 2 and 3have retained the original timber sash windows withlarge tripartite sashes to the ground floor.


39

Willow Street4.104 WillowStreet comprises amuch narrower andless intenselydeveloped part ofthe ConservationArea. Propertiesvary in size and agewith most dating from the later half of 20th Century.Buildings are set within large grounds bounded by thickhedges and planting. Trees are particularly importantfeatures of this area. The trees found in the gardenareas, those to the rear of the Brow and to the rear ofthe Sundorne estate create an important backdropframing views and giving this area of the village aquieter and rural character.

4.105 To the east side of the street the Sundorneestate occupies the site of the former Overton Hall.The properties areof a modern designconstructed of lightcoloured brick withdistinctivepyramidal concretetiled roofs. Thelandscaped gardenssoften the modern appearance whilst contributingimportant greenery to the streetscape.

4.106 Opposite,the high red brickboundary wall ofthe Corner Storeextends along thestreet providingWillow Street with

a sense of enclosure, which is continued through the redbrick boundary wall to the former Council depot. Acentral access is encased between a pair of red brickpiers with stone pyramidal cappings. The large, solid,painted metal gates are fortunately set back within theaccess and do not interrupt general views of the street.

4.107 Adjoining the wall is Ivanhoe Cottage andIvanhoe, a pair of semi-detached red brick cottageswhich originatefrom the mid 19thCentury. Ivanhoeis recorded as beingthe Plough Inn upuntil around 1870.Ivanhoe Cottageunderwent acomplete rebuild in the late 1980's which has resultedin a stepped appearance between the two cottages and itis unfortunate that the original detailing displayed onIvanhoe, such as the toothed dentil course, has not beenre-instated on Ivanhoe Cottage. Both cottages have thetraditional gabled porches and sit behind low brick andstone walls.

4.108 Treessituated within thegrounds of Ivanhoeto the west and PenY Glyn to the eastreinforce the strongrural character andcontribute to thepicturesque appearance of the properties. Looking backtowards High Street a sense of the more intense andgreater building scale and height can be appreciatedwith the red tiled roof and tall chimneys stacks of theWhite Horse and Metcalf Building towering above thehumbler two storey properties opposite. The Church


40


D

D

E

E

E

E EE

E

EE

E


#Figure 9 - Willow Street

KeyWillow Street Character Area Boundary

Tree Preservation Order


Important Tree

Important Brick/Stone Boundary

Tree Preservation Order Area and Woodland Backdrop

D

E

Peel House

The Old Smithy

The Willows

PO

Sun

dorn

e

Hig

h S

tree

t

IvanhoeCottage

CourtlandHouse Willow Street

The Hermitage

41

tower is just visible through the thick foliage of the yewtrees of the Churchyard and the chestnut trees on HighStreet.

4.109 To the west of the street lies Pen Y Glyn, asubstantial red brickproperty datingfrom the late 18thto early 19thCentury. Thebuilding displays avariety ofarchitectural styles,with two Victorian styled sash windows to the groundfloor flanked by 3 light casement windows withcambered brick heads of an earlier date. Windows tothe first floor comprise simple timber casements againof 3 lights. A variation in the brick work to the frontelevation suggests that some alterations or re-buildinghas taken place probably during the mid 19th Century.The property sits behind a low red brick wallsurmounted with arrow topped cast iron railings. Acurved smooth red brick wall with stone coping andpyramidal cappings provides access to the rear.

4.110 Lying opposite are the Hermitage and LittleHermitage,originally of brickconstruction andnow rendered andpainted. Thebuilding, which wasextended andconverted into twoseparate properties in the 1980's, originates from theearly to mid 19th Century although it is thought that thebuilding replaces as much older structure. Numerousalterations have disguised much of the original

character. Windows are timber casements typically of 2or 3 lights however two larger sash windows withpainted stone sills are present to the ground floorflanking the small red tiled gabled porch with mocktimber framing.

4.111 Beyondnumbers 4 and 4a,the road curvessharply northwardswhere the largetrees and woodlandof The Brow formsan important backdrop. Looking northwards alongWillow Street the tall trees of the former Bryn Y Pysavenue dominate the skyline towering above themodern single storey scout hut. This section of thestreet has a more intimate character with thick hedges,trees and narrowgrass verges liningthe road andconcealing the moremodern, largerproperties.

4.112 PeelHouse, erected in1905 as a memorial hospital in memory of EdmundPeel of Bryn Y Pys, is of typical Edwardian design withsmooth red brick walls, mock timber framing to thegable apexes and a red tiled roof. The building is ofsymmetrical plan with central gabled two storey bayflanked by two smaller single storey bays with gablets.Windows to the smaller bays are timber sashes housedwithin canted bays with stone mullions. A thick hedgeand low sandstone wall form a continuous enclosurescreening much of the building from view alongWillow Street.


42

s u m m a r y o f n e g a t i v e f e a t u r e s

5 Summary ofNegative Features

43


5.1 A number of factors have been identified ascausing detriment to the visual quality and character ofthe area. These include:

Loss of Architectural Detail5.2 The rendering and continued painting ofbrickwork facades has in some instances obscuredtraditional architecturalfeatures and destroyedthe original designintention. This is moreevident along SalopRoad and School Lanewhere many propertieshave been renderedwith cement.

Unsympathetic Alterations and Use

of Inappropriate Materials5.3 Inappropriate alterations strip away the originalhistoric character and fabric. In particular thereplacement of original windows and doors withmodern and inappropriately detailed alternatives suchas upvc, the enlarging of original openings to suitmodern glazing styles and the replacement of slate andclay roofs with heavier concrete tile substitutes are justsome examples of the small changes which aregradually eroding the special character of theConservation Area.

Inappropriate Repair and

Replacement of Boundary Features5.4 The removal or rebuilding of original ortraditional boundary walling, railings and hedges and

their replacement with modern brick or inappropriatetimber fencing has had a negative impact upon thecharacter and appearance of the area. For example theuse of light coloured engineering brick to the boundarywall around number 28 Salop Road and the orangestained close board fencing at 16 Bangor Road are incontrast to the traditional red brick and iron railingsused elsewhere within the Conservation Area.

5.5 The repair of traditional boundaries,particularlystoneboundaries, cansignificantlyimpact on theoriginalappearance andcharacter. Forexample, theboundary wall fronting Wrexham Road and adjoiningnumber 1 High Street has been repaired using a strongcement mortar in a ribbon course which detracts fromits character and accentuates the decay of the originalstonework.

Inappropriate Alterations to Porches5.6 Theremoval of, oralterations to,original ortraditionalgabled and flathood openporches hasresulted in the

5 Summary of Negative Features


44

p a r t 2 m a n a g e m e n t p l a n

loss of a distinctive character feature of theConservation Area. Furthermore, the introduction ofnew enclosed porches, such as those on School Laneand Salop Road, unbalances the composition oftraditionally designed facades.

New Development5.7 Modern infill housing developmentintroduces a more suburban character that does notreflect the ordered, historical layout of the village.For example along Salop Road the introduction of 3modern developments interrupts the consistent andhistoric street frontage.

Buildings at Risk/Lack of

Maintenance5.8 There are no buildings within theConservation Area that are considered to be at riskthrough neglect and decay however there are somebuildings that would benefit from regularmaintenance and repair particularly towindows/doors, brick work and paintwork to preventthem falling into the Building At Risk category.

45


Part 2

Management Plan

46


PROPOSALS FOR PRESERVATION AND ENHANCEMENT

Reinstatement of lost features and Traditional architectural details, local materials and vernacularpreservation of traditional and features are important in creating the special character of the original detailing Conservation Area and should be retained, repaired or reinstated

where lost. The Article 4(2) Direction will ensure that existing original and traditional details and features are protected and where necessary sensitively replaced in the future. The implications of the Article 4(2) Direction are further explained in section 8.0 of this document.

Archaeology Archaeological mitigation may be required in response to development proposals within the historic core, particularly the land between High Street, Church Street and School Lane. Early consultation with the Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust in relation to any proposed new dwelling or extension is encouraged to prevent delay at the application submission stage.

Highway Improvements Highway works should be designed in accordance with guidelines as set out in Section 7.0 of this document.

Trees Trees contribute greatly to the character and appearance of the Conservation Area and those which are considered to make a significant contribution have been identified on Figures 4 to 9 of this document. The unnecessary removal or works that may be considered detrimental will be resisted. Where removal is essential then an appropriate replanting scheme will be encouraged to mitigate any detrimental affects on the character of the Conservation Area

New Development It is possible to successfully incorporate new development into a historic settlement but it is essential that the development respects thescale, design, proportions and materials of surrounding architecture to strengthen the cohesion of the street. It is crucial that an imaginative and high- quality design is employed to reinforce the cohesion of the street and give continuity to the scale, rhythm and rich detailing of the architecture of the existing streetscape. Detailed design guidance is provided within Section 7.0 of this document.

GENERAL PROPOSALS FOR PRESERVATION AND ENHANCEMENT

6.1

47

d e s i g n g u i d a n c e

7 Design Guidance

48

7.1 The character of the individual buildings andstreet elevations, which together form the ConservationArea, derives from a number of factors, to which thefollowing design guidance relates. Within theseparameters there is scope for high quality architecturalinvention, provided that this is sympathetic to theexisting character in terms of the following:

Scale7.2 Restoration and re-development must respecttraditional plot widths and avoid massive repetitive andunrelieved facades, which typify so many moderndesigns.

Proportion7.3 Olderbuilding stylesfollowed traditionalsystems ofproportion. In mostof the buildingswithin theConservation Area,the relationshipbetween windows, doors, floor heights and therelationship of solid to void (the extent of wall area inrelation to the number and size of window or dooropenings) in the design of elevations is crucial.Traditional proportions should be emulated in newdevelopment.

Building Line7.4 Frontage development must conform to thehistoric street pattern.

Roofs7.5 The roof line is nearly always a dominantfeature of a building and retention of the original shape,pitch, verge andeaves detail andornamentation isessential. Heightsand shapes of roofsare important; flatroofs are alien tolocal tradition andgenerallyunacceptable. Chimney-stacks are important features ofthe roof-scape and should be retained even if no longerrequired. Where roofing materials are to be replacedthey should match the colour, size and texture of theoriginal. Roofs should be roofed or re-roofed intraditional materials on a like for like basis wherehistorically appropriate. If ventilation is required, thisshould be achieved by inconspicuous means. Undereaves ventilation would be acceptable, but visible roofvents would not.

External Walls7.6 Any alteration or repair to external walls mustrespect the existing building materials and match themin texture, qualityand colour. Everyeffort should bemade to retain orre-use facingbrickwork orstonework, whichshould not

7 Design Guidance


49

normally be rendered, pebble-dashed or painted. Re-pointing must be carried out with a mortar to match theexisting in colour, type and texture and historicallywould have consisted of lime and sand. Hard, moderncement mortars prevent the evaporation of moisturethrough the joints, which is instead drawn through thenext softest material, the masonry itself thus damagingboth the appearance and the structure of the building.Original render must not be stripped off to exposerubble stone, brick or timber-framed walls, which werenot intended to be exposed. Traditionally, renderfinishes were lime-based. More modern, hard cementrenders prevent the evaporation of moisture, which canaccumulate between the wall and the render causingdamp internally. When appropriate, hard cementrenders should be replaced with a lime alternative.

Rainwater Goods7.7 Cast iron rainwater goods should be repaired orreplaced as required on a like for like basis. Plasticguttering is not appropriate to Listed Buildings andbuildings in ConservationAreas. It is not historicallycorrect, and it does notenhance a building'scharacter. Cast ironguttering can last for alifetime, if properlymaintained, repaired andinstalled.

Windows7.8 These areimportant features andmust be correctly proportioned, well related to eachother and adjoining buildings and should respect theexisting openings. Any repair or replacement mustalways match the original,however, retention mustalways be the firstconsideration. Thisincludes not only structuralelements of the windowbut also historic glass andoriginal window furniture.Particularly important isthe method of opening, theset back within the revealand the sections of glazingbars. The thickness andmoulding of glazing bars,the size and arrangement of panes are vital elements indetermining appropriate replacement windows, whichrespect the age of a building. Replacement of timber oriron windows in a uPVC alternative, no matter what thepattern is unacceptable. All windows must have atraditional painted finish rather than a modern stainedalternative.

Doors7.9 Original door-cases, doors and door furnitureshould be retained wherever possible. Replacementsmust match the original in proportion, style andmaterials and must have a painted finish. Details such

as panelling and fanlightsare vital elements indetermining appropriatereplacement door types,which respect the age of abuilding. Porches should bedesigned within the overallcontext and architecturalstyle of the building and inreference to any appropriatenearby styles. They shouldnot dominate the frontelevation.

Ornamental Features7.10 Features such as terracotta mouldings, figures,inscriptions, railings, entablature features anddecorative ironwork etc. must be retained whereverpossible as character features of the building and theConservation Area in general.

Boundary Treatment7.11 The removal or alteration of boundary wallswill not be viewed favorably. Repair should be carriedout using identical materials and in the same style orbond andmissing copingsreplaced tomatch theexisting. Theuse of a hardcement mortar tore-point joints isunacceptable, asit increases the rate of deterioration of sandstone inparticular.

Surfaces7.12 The overuse of insensitive macadam finishesshould be avoided and the opportunity taken to laytraditional, natural materials preferably local in origin,their colour, texture and pattern in sympathy with thecharacter of the area and sensitive to adjacent buildings.

Highway Works7.13 Redundant or unnecessary street furniture suchas signs, bins or poles should be removed to reduce theeffects of street clutter. Any historic features such asstreet signs must be retained and any new items such asbollards, street-lighting and sign-posts etc must becarefully integrated within the streetscape relating wellto adjacent buildings and thearea as a whole. The numberand size of road signs mustbe kept to a minimum andonly illuminated whereessential. Backing platesshould be grey or black,luminous yellow must beavoided. Where road linesare essential they must be ofa restricted width within theConservation Area.


50

Micro Energy Generation7.14 Whilst the use of micro energy generationsystems is to be encouraged, they will not beaccepted where equipment is fixed to buildingfrontages or main or visible elevations where theywould have a negative visual impact upon theConservation Area or where the fabric or setting ofa Listed Building is detrimentally affected.


51

c o n s e r v a t i o n a r e a c o n t r o l s

8 Conservation Area Controls

52

Special Controls8.1 In order to protect the special environment,stricter controls exist within the Conservation Area.These are not intended as a hindrance to change, but aspositive management to safeguard the character of thearea as a whole. These include:

l Additional powers of control to dwelling houses for extensions, roof extensions and alterations, cladding, garages and satellite dish location.

l Most works involving total demolition require Conservation Area Consent. Consent for demolition will not normally be granted until it is known what form redevelopment will take.

l Work to trees requires six weeks notice to be given to the Council.

With all proposals for development and the display ofadvertisements in a Conservation Area, greater care isnecessary to ensure that schemes enhance and preservethe area's special character. Design and choice ofmaterials are of particular importance in this respect.

Article 4(2) Direction8.2 Small-scale and piecemeal change can causethe greatest damage to the character and appearance ofa conservation area. The replacement of traditionalmaterials with inappropriate alternatives or the removalof original features may seem to have insignificanteffect but it is the cumulative effect of these smallalterations that gradually erodes the special character ofan area. Such changes are normally not controlled asthey are considered 'Permitted Development' under thePlanning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995.

As a result of the Article 4(2) Direction, additionalcontrols apply, as such Planning Permission is alsorequired for the following alterations:

l The enlargement of dwelling houses including the erection of structures or laying of hard surfaces within their curtilages

l Change of materials to external walls of dwelling houses including external doors, windows, window frames, rainwater goods and other external items and painting of those items (other than re-painting in the same colour)

l Any other alterations to the fenestration and external doors of dwelling houses

l Any other alterations to the roofs including chimneys of dwelling houses (including provision of rooflights)

l Installation of satellite antennae on dwelling housesor within their curtilages

l Alterations to, or the demolition of, boundary wallsor other means of enclosure, insofar as the development would front onto a highway, waterway or open space.

Making an Application for Works

Controlled under an Article 4(2)

Direction8.3 It is always advisable to discuss your proposalswith the Council's Planning Department prior tosubmitting an application. In planning alterations toyour dwelling every effort should be made to retainoriginal features and materials. Where possible features

8 Conservation Area Controls


53

such as original windows should be repaired and onlywhere this is no longer possible should they be replacedand then on a like for like basis only. The re-instatement of lost features is to be encouraged basedon accurate historical evidence. The replacement oftraditional materials with modern is unlikely to beacceptable, in particular the replacement of traditionaltimber windows with a PVCu alternative.

There is no fee for applications required solely as aresult of the Article 4(2) Direction.

Listed Buildings8.4 A Listed Building is a building that isconsidered to be of 'special architectural or historicinterest' and as such requires special protection. Oncelisted, a building is protected under the Planning (ListedBuildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. TheListing protects the building both externally andinternally irrespective of the reason for listing as wellas any object or structure fixed to the building or anyobject or structure within the 'curtilage' of the building,which has existed since before 1st July 1948. This is toensure that the special character of both the buildingand its setting are protected.

Where works are proposed to a Listed Building, it isalways advisable to check with the Council's PlanningAuthority whether Listed Building Consent is required.In any works proposed, special regard must be given to

the desirability of preserving the building, its settingand special features of interest.

In considering any works to a Listed Building theprinciple objective must be to retain all original featuresand fabric of the building wherever possible. ListedBuilding Consent is required for the demolition of alisted building or for alteration, which would affect thebuilding's character, integrity or special interest. Thiscould include changing windows and doors, changingroofing materials, painting brickwork, moving orremoving internal walls or plasterwork, fireplaces,floorboards or staircases. Like for like repairs may notneed consent but it is always advisable to check prior toundertaking any works.

Commercial Buildings8.5 Properties in commercial use do not havePermitted Development Rights under the Town andCountry Planning (General Permitted Development)Order 1995. Therefore the only works that may becarried out without Planning Permission are works ofrepair and maintenance and internal alterations,provided the building is not a Listed Building.


54

s o u r c e s o f f u n d i n g

9 Sources of Funding

55

A fundamental principle of all grant schemes is thatgrant cannot be offered after the work has been started.All grants are discretionary and rates may vary. Earlyconsultation with possible providers is essential.

Cadw: Welsh Historic MonumentsCadw is the principal public agency offering grant aidfor historic buildings in Wales. The key grant schemessummarise as:

Historic Buildings GrantFor the repair and restoration of historic fabric ofbuilding's of 'outstanding' architectural or historicinterest. Grants are normally paid in instalments or oncompletion of the work. The percentage of the totaleligible cost of repair payable through grant aid isdependent on the building type, for example:

Religious 50%

Trusts and Charities 40%

Domestic/Private 30%

Commercial/Industrial 30%

Public 30%

Conditions of the grant may require a specialist todesign, specify and oversee the works and to allow adegree of public access to the property once works arecompleted. The owner must also ensure that theproperty is kept in good condition and take out andmaintain adequate insurance cover for the property.

Conservation Areas GrantFor works to the external structure or appearance ofhistoric buildings, which significantly enhance aConservation Area. Grants are again paid byinstalments or on completion of the work based on thefollowing rates:

Religious 40%

Trusts and Charities 30%

Domestic/Private 25%

Commercial/Industrial 25%

Public 25%

Similar to the Historic Building Grant, conditions mayrequire a specialist to design, specify and oversee theworks. The owner must also ensure that the property iskept in good condition and take out and maintainadequate insurance cover for the property.

9 Sources of Funding

s o u r c e s o f f u n d i n g

56

APPENDIX 1

LISTED BUILDINGS

a p p e n d i x 1

Sub Area - Wrexham RoadBryn-y-Pys Lodge, Wrexham Road IIPark View, Wrexham Road II1 Dispensary Row, Wrexham Road II2 Dispensary Row, Wrexham Road II3 Dispensary Row, Wrexham Road II4 Dispensary Row, Wrexham Road II5 Dispensary Row, Wrexham Road II6 Dispensary Row, Wrexham Road II7 Dispensary Row, Wrexham Road II8 Dispensary Row, Wrexham Road IIGates and Piers at Bryn Y Pys Lodge II1 Wrexham Road II2 Wrexham Road II3 Wrexham Road II

Sub Area - High Street and Penyllan StreetWar Memorial, High Street IIChurch of St Mary, High Street II*Church Cottage, High Street IIWhite Cottage No.20 High Street IIWhite Horse Public House, High Street IIMetcalf Building, High Street IIThe Quinta, High Street IIPendas House, High Street IIFormer Lloyds Bank, Penyllan Street IIPenyllan House, Penyllan Street IIGwydyr House, Penyllan Street II1 High Street II2 High Street II3 High Street II17 High Street II18 High Street IISt Mary's House, High Street IIBryn y Pys Estate Office, High Street IITelephone Call Box, High Street IIWall to Gwydyr House, Penyllan Street II1st Outbuilding to Gwydyr House, Penyllan Street II2nd Outbuilding to Gwydyr House, Penyllan Street II

Sub Area - Salop RoadFairfield, Salop Road IIKew Cottages, Salop Road IICintra, Salop Road IIThe Almshouse, 25 Salop Road IIThe Almshouse, 26 Salop Road II16 Salop Road II17 Salop Road II18 Salop Road IIPen Dyfryn, Salop Road IIFerndale, Salop Road II

Building Grade

57

a p p e n d i x 1

Sub Area - Church Road and School LaneQuinta Cottage, School Lane IIJubilee Pump, Church Road II

Sub Area - Turning StreetTy Gwernen, Bangor Road. II

Building Grade

58

Town and Country Planning Planning Policy Wales Wrexham Unitary Act 1990 Development Plan (LDPin

preparation 2008/09)

Planning (Listed Buildings and Welsh Office Circular 61/96: Local Planning Guidance Conservation Areas) Act 1990 Planning and the Historic Note 4: Conservation Areas

Environment: Historic Buildings and Conservation Areas

Ancient Monuments and Welsh Office Circular 1/98: Local Planning Guidance Archaeological Areas Act 1979 Planning and the Historic Note 30:

Environment: Directions by the Design: AGuide for Secretary of State for Wales Developers and Architects

when Designing Residential Developments

Town and Country Planning Technical Advice Note 12:(General Permitted DesignDevelopment) Order 1995

Welsh Office Circular 60/96: Planning and the Historic Environment: Archaeology

APPENDIX 2

CONSERVATION POLICY GUIDANCE

a p p e d n d i x 2

Main Legislation National Policy Guidance Local Policy

59

Almshouses A house appropriated for the use of the poor; a poorhouseAshlar Cut stone worked to even faced, used on the front of a buildingBargeboards A timber piece fitted to the outer edge of a gable, sometimes carved for decorative effectBrace Subsidiary timber set diagonally to strengthen a timber-frameBurgage Plot A long narrow strip of land typically consisting a house onto the street with outbuildings

and garden to the rear, common in medieval townsCamber Slight rise or upward curve in place of a horizontal line or beamCanopy Projection or hoodCanted Bay A projecting semi-octagonal windowCasement A window where the opening lights are hung on hingesConsole Ornamented bracket displaying a curved outlineCoping The top course of a wall, parapet or chimneyCoracle Small round boat made by covering a wicker frame with waterproof materialCorbel Projecting piece of timber, stone or brick supporting an overhanging structure, such as an

arch or balconyCornice Moulded ledge, projecting along the top of a building. Also a decorative moulding in the

angle between a wall and ceilingDentil Small cubic projections under the roof lineDormer A window projecting from a roofEaves The lower, overhanging section of a pitched roofEnglish Bond Method of brick laying consisting of roughly 2 to 3 courses of stretchers followed by a

course of headersFaçade The front of a buildingFanlights A glazed opening over the doorFinial A decorative piece to finish off a building element, commonly used on railings and roofsFlemish Bond Method of brick laying consisting of alternating headers and stretchers along each course

with the headers centred on the stretchers above and belowGable Area of wall, often triangular, at the end of a pitched roofGablet Small gableGeorgian Dating from or typical of the period 1714 to 1820Gothic Period of medieval architecture characterised by the use of the pointed archHoodmould Projecting moulding shown above an arch or lintel to throw off waterJetty The projection of an upper storey beyond the storey belowKeystone Central stone in an arch or vaultLancet An acutely pointed gothic arch, like a lanceLintel Horizontal beam used as a finishing piece over a door or windowMediaeval Dating from or typical of the Middle Ages (1042-1485)Mullion A vertical bar dividing a windowNave The main body of a churchNogging Timber framing in which the spaces between are filled with brickworkQuoin Dressed stone which are bonded to the corners of buildingsParapet Feature used to conceal a roofPerpendicular Historical division of English Gothic of the period 1335-50. The name is derived from the

upright tracery panels Plinth Projecting courses at the foot of a wall or columnPolychromatic Multi-colouredRender The plastering of a surface with plaster, stucco or another finishSash A window which moves on vertical grooves, either with one frame fixed (single hung) or

both moving (double hung)Saw-Tooth Shaped or arranged like the teeth of a sawSill Structural member consisting of a continuous horizontal timber forming the lowest

member of a framework or supporting structureString/storey course Horizontal stone course or moulding projecting from the surface of the wallTracery Delicately carved stonework usually seen gothic style windowsTransom A horizontal bar dividing a windowTripartite Divided into or composed of 3 partsVernacular Based on local and traditional construction methods, materials and decorative stylesVictorian Dating from or typical of the period 1837-1901

APPENDIX 3

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

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Cadw Listing DescriptionsEdward Hubbard, 1986. Clwyd, The Buildings of Wales (Denbighshire and Flintshire)The Clwyd Powys Archaeological Trust, 1992. Wrexham Maelor Historic SettlementsBrian Done & Betty Williams, 1992. Overton in Time Past, A Brief HistoryG. J Howson, 1883. Overton in Days Gone By.English Heritage, 2005. Guidance on Conservation Area AppraisalsEnglish Heritage, 2005. Guidance on the Management of Conservation AreasOverton Parish Tithe Map, 1838. Wrexham Archives Officehttp://www.overton-on-dee.co.uk/

Institute of Historic Building Conservation - www.ihbc.org.ukCadw: Welsh Historic Monuments - www.cadw.wales.gov.ukRoyal Institute of British Architects - www.riba.orgThe Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings - www.spab.org.ukRoyal Institute of Chartered Surveyors - www.rics.org.ukThe Georgian Group - www.georgiangroup.org.ukThe Victorian Society - www.victorian-society.org.ukClwyd Powys Archaeological Trust - www.cpat.org.ukThe Royal Town Planning Institute - www.rtpi.org.uk

References

Useful Contacts

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Documents

Overton Conservation Area Assessment and Management Plan1.2 The purpose of this Conservation Area Assessment and Management Plan is: To provide a clear definition of an area's special