Rossett Conservation Area Assessment and Management Plan
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Rossett Conservation Area
Assessment and Management Plan
Adopted October 2011
Contact For more information or advice contact: Head of Community Wellbeing and Development Planning Service Wrexham County Borough Council 16 Lord Street, Wrexham, LL11 1LG email: planning@wrexham.gov.uk 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
contents Part I - Character Assessment 1.0 Introduction 1 2.0 History and Development 3 3.0 Summary of Special Character 9 4.0 Character in Detail 12 5.0 Summary of Negative Features 29 Part II - Management Plan 6.0 Enhancement Plan 32 7.0 Design Guidance 35 8.0 Conservation Area Controls 38 9.0 Sources of Funding 41 Appendix 1 Listed Buildings 43 Appendix 2 Conservation Policy Guidance 44 Appendix 3 Glossary of Terms 45 Appendix 4 References - useful contacts 47 Figures Figure 1 - Rossett Conservation Area Figure 2 - Rossett Historic Map 1899 7 Figure 3 - Rossett Historic Map 1911 8 Figure 4 - Chester Road Character Map 14 Figure 5 - Gun Street Character Map 21 Figure 6 - Station Road and Station Lane Character Map 24
#
Ordnance Survey (mapping) © Crown copyright. All rights reserved. 100023429. 2012
Ariel View Rossett Conservation Area 2006
part 1 - character assessment
Part 1
Character Assessment
part 1 - character assessment
#
Ordnance Survey (mapping) © Crown copyright. All rights reserved. 100023429. 2010
Figure 1: Rossett Conservation Area
introduction
1 introduction
Conservation Area Designation development. This document is concerned with the
1.1 Section 69 of the Planning (Listed Buildings reasons for designation, defining the qualities that
and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 requires Local make up its special architectural and historic
Authorities to identify "areas of special architectural interest, character and appearance. The omission of
or historic interest the character or appearance of any reference to a particular building, feature or
which it is desirable to preserve or enhance" for space should not be taken to imply that it is of no
designation as conservation areas. interest.
Planning Context
Purpose
1.4 This Statement should be read in conjunction
1.2 The purpose of the Conservation Area
with the Wrexham Unitary Development Plan
Character Assessment and Management Plan is:
(adopted 2005) and the emerging policies within
l Provide a clear definition of the area's the Local Development Plan, and national planning
special architectural or historic interest policy guidance, in particular Welsh Office Circular
l To identify ways in which their unique 61/96: Planning and the Historic Environment:
characteristics can be preserved and Historic Buildings and Conservation Areas.
enhanced through the Enhancement Plan
Location
l To strengthen the justification for
1.5 Rossett is a large village located approximately
designation
6.5 miles to the north of Wrexham and close to the
l To create a clear context for future Cheshire and English border. The village is bounded
development in accordance with to the west by the A483 dual carriageway and the
conservation area policies in the Wrexham to Chester railway line. To the south flows
development plan the River Alyn which loops round to the north east
l To provide a vehicle for engagement and where it joins the River Dee, its meandering course
awareness raising demarcating the English and Welsh border. The
surrounding countryside is typically flat and
Rossett Conservation Area intensively farmed with an abundance of hedges
1.3 This Assessment and Management Plan aims and hedge row trees. Long views across the flat
to promote and support developments that are in open farmland are achievable to the north and east
keeping with, or enhance, the character of the where gaps in development and lower hedge rows
Rossett Conservation Area. It is not an attempt to permit. To the south and west the landscape is
stifle change. The aim is to strike a balance so that more dramatic against the backdrop of the Welsh
the interests of conservation are given their full Hills.
weight against the needs for change and
1
introduction
Geology to the north east of the village. The Rossett Hoard
1.6 The geology of the area has been formed is perhaps the best known and is on display in
from fluvioglacial drift deposits consisting of till Wrexham County Museum. There are also records
and alluvial deposits. The principal building of a lost chapel dedicated to St Peter which was
material within the Conservation Area is red brick documented in the mid 17th Century and
although yellow sandstone can be seen in some demolished in the late 18th Century. The position
building facades on Station Road and most of the chapel is believed to be to the north of
prevalently within the construction of Christ Rossett Green. The 'Holy' well associated with the
Church and its boundary walls. Sandstone is also chapel is recorded around 400 metres north-west
evident as decoration to later properties in the of Rossett Green. Any future works within this
form of window sills and heads and in some area may allow for further interpretation of the
boundary walls. The later 19th and early 20th village's history.
Century buildings display a smoother red brick Consultation
produced from fire clay and terracotta marls
1.8 Rossett Community Council, County Borough
perhaps from the nearby Ruabon and Cefn Mawr
Council members and a range of organisations
areas.
and groups with an interest in the historic
Archaeology environment and the local area were consulted on
1.7 There is no evidence of early settlement this document. Statutory bodies such as Cadw
within the village itself however there have been a were also consulted. Public consultation was
number of prehistoric and Roman treasure finds undertaken during July and August 2011.
2
history and development
2 History
and Development
3
history and development
2 History and Development
Early Rossett mill was built on a site directly opposite. This mill is
2.1 The name Rossett appears to be a corruption the famous 'Upper' Rossett Mill. The grade II* listed
of Yr Orsedd which translates to mound or hillock building displays a date of 1661 on its façade and it
and could possibly refer to an ancient hill fort or is understood that this date represents the year
meeting place on the nearby Marford Hill. It is when the mill building was extended and altered.
believed that from Saxon times, meetings and 2.3 The description of the mills as being either
gatherings were held in the area to manage the Marford or Rossett Mill relates to their location
land and the people. This tradition continued into within different townships. It is likely that after the
the 13th Century when the area was under the rule construction of the upper mill in the 16th Century
of the Marcher Lords. both mills would have been known as the Marford
Mills as the settlement of Rossett at this time
Medieval Rossett
would likely have comprised little more than a few
2.2 Settlement in the Rossett area can be traced
small cottages or farmsteads. The lower mill fell
back to the 11th Century when the Domesday Book
within the geographical boundary of the Marford
of 1086
and Hosely township whilst the upper mill was
records a
located in the township of Burton and it is from this
mill on the
separation that the names appear to have been
site now
formed.
occupied by
the 'Lower' 16th to 18th Century
Marford 2.4 The 16th Century saw the erection of the
Mill. The grade II* listed Trevalyn Hall by John Trevor. The
current property is
building an excellent
dates from example of
the late 18th Century and was constructed after a Elizabethan
fire destroyed its predecessor. Marford Mill was architecture
originally the Crown Mill which meant that all and although
'unfree' tenants of the land had to send their corn located in
there to be milled. The obligations of the mill were the historic
unpopular with the people and so in 1544 a private township of
4history and development
Marford, the building has become an important notably along Station Road, which was absent of
landmark feature signifying the approach to Rossett development as late as 1843. The station at Rossett,
village. The construction and presence of the hall designed by Thomas. M Penson, made the village a
would likely have generated employment very desirable place to live with relatively easy
opportunities in the area but there is no evidence commuting
of smaller domestic properties of this time found to Chester,
within the settlement. It is believed that a bridge Wrexham,
over the River Alyn existed around this time; John Birkenhead
Trevor bequeathing a sum of money in his will of and
1589 for the repair of Pont Melin or Mill Bridge. Liverpool.
The next 20
2.5 Little development appears to have been
years or so
recorded during the 17th Century, however at this
saw the
time the upper mill was extended and altered
erection of
suggesting that there was increasing demand for
large detached and semi-detached Victorian villas
corn to be milled to feed a growing population.
and mansions along Station Road, Station Lane and
There is also reference to a knight called Richard
out towards Burton and Croeshowell with the new
Trevor having a chapel at Yr Orsedd Goch in
wealthy business class needing staff for their
Allington in 1620 known as the chapel of St Peter. It
properties and gardens and thus stimulating further
is believed this chapel was demolished in the 18th
employment in the village.
Century.
2.9 In 1859 the population of the village was such
2.6 Rossett Hall, known historically as The Rossett,
that a new school for the village children was
and Trevalyn House, located to the south of the
erected along Station Road. The National Aided
village, both
School was constructed on land belonging to the
date from
Trevalyn estate and was made larger in 1860 only
the mid 18th
one year after it opened. The school building was
Century and
demolished in 1955 to make way for the public car
although
park.
they have
been altered Christ Church
and 2.10 The parish of Rossett which consisted of the
extended townships of Burton and Allington was formed in
during the 1840 when it was
19th and 20th Centuries they still retain their separated from the
original Georgian character. Rossett Hall, which lies large parish of
outside the Conservation Area was built for James Gresford. The village
Boydell, whose family were prominent within the did not contain a
village and acted as Stewards for Trevalyn Hall and church and up until
estate from the mid 18th Century until the late 19th 1840 residents would
Century. Alyn Cottage which sits opposite Christ travel to All Saints
Church also dates from this era and was the dower Church in Gresford for
house for Rossett Hall. their religious services.
19th Century In 1841 the first Christ
Church was erected
2.7 Up until the mid to late 19th Century Rossett
but was replaced by
was a very small village dominated by the large
the existing church
estate of Trevalyn Hall and the smaller estates of
which was constructed between 1891 and 1892.
Trevalyn House and The Rossett (Rossett Hall)
The plinth on which the current Church sits is said
which surrounded the small settlement. The historic
to be formed from the stone of the original church
core of the village centred along Gun Street with
building.
further smaller domestic buildings located around
Chapel Lane and Rossett Green following the "old 2.11 The grade II listed Church was designed by the
road" to Chester. Chester architects Douglas and Fordham who also
designed the Old Parsonage House which lay to the
2.8 The introduction of the railway and
north of the Churchyard and was subsequently
construction of a station at Rossett by Great
demolished in the late 20th Century to make way
Western Railway in 1846 acted as the catalyst for
for a modern housing estate. The land on which the
the development and growth of the village most
5history and development
Church sits was donated by James Boydell of earlier and narrower stone bridge. As part of
Rossett Hall and there are stained glass windows improvements to the roadways the bend in Chester
within the Church dedicated to the family. The Road to the front of Christ Church was improved by
Church contains some fine examples of stained glass purchasing a small section of the garden area of
of its period designed by the artists Kempe and Alyn Cottage.
Burne-Jones.
2.14 The most significant alterations to the village
2.12 Towards the turn of the 20th Century new came during the latter half of the 20th Century
buildings continued to be erected along Station which saw significant extension to the north east
Road and along Chester Road with the land being and east of the historic centre with the erection of
subdivided large private and municipal housing estates. Rossett
into Station also closed during this time, unable to
individual escape Beeching's axe in the 1960's. Within the
building Conservation Area itself little has altered with the
plots. In 1898 historic street pattern and composition of the
an auction buildings retained.
was held at
2.15 The most recent development within the
the Golden
Conservation Area has included the new small
Lion for the
residential estate called The Copse off Station Road.
sale of
The retention of existing trees, several of which are
several building plots on Chester Road which
protected by Tree Preservation Orders, and use of
subsequently saw the erection of Halkyn Terrace,
soft landscaping has helped ease the development
Lochinvar, Alyndene, Bodalyn and the New Police
into street-scape.
House on Chester Road. Smaller scale domestic
building was also occurring on Station Road towards 2.16 Today Rossett serves as a popular commuter
the curved junction with Chester Road and around village to north Wales and the north west of
Chapel lane to the north east of the village. England offering excellent road links to the A483,
A55 and M53.
20th and 21st Centuries Station Road
2.13 The early 20th Century saw little change to the and Chester
village. The most notable additions include the Road continue
Church Hall on Station Road which was designed by to offer a small
P H Lockwood on land donated by the Boscowen number of
Family who had inherited Trevalyn Hall from the shops and
Trevor Family. Also of interest was the construction community
of the current Mill Bridge in 1921 which replaced an services.
6history and development
Figure 2: Historic Map Rossett 1899
#
Ordnance Survey (mapping) © Crown copyright. All rights reserved. 100023429. 2010
7history and development
Figure 3: Historic Map Rossett 1911 #
Ordnance Survey (mapping) © Crown copyright. All rights reserved. 100023429. 2010
8summary of special character
3 Summary of
Special Character
9summary of special character
3 Summary of Special Character
3.1 The special character of the Rossett Rossett Mill
Conservation Area is derived from the following: is particularly
important
The River Alyn with its
3.2 The river Alyn is an important feature of the distinctive
village. Historically water from the river was used to crooked
power timber
Rossett and framing
Marford marking the
Mills. Today southern entrance to the village. Also of interest
the River are the well proportioned stone and render
provides an Victorian villas of Station Road and Station Lane
important and the black and white rendered façade of The
setting with Golden Lion public house which displays distinctive
the Mill window and door details and curved walling
Bridge providing an attractive gateway into the reminiscent of the picturesque Cottage Orne style
village centre. The setting of the bridge is enhanced prevalent in nearby Marford.
by the presence of mature trees and to the west or
east views of the surrounding agricultural landscape Building Materials, Architecture and
reinforce the rural character. Beyond Rossett Bridge Vernacular details
the Gothic inspired Christ Church is a dominating 3.4 The
feature sitting comfortably within large tree lined village
grounds. Opposite the impressive mature trees displays a
within the grounds of Alyn Cottage create a strong variety of
sense of enclosure. building
Landmark Buildings materials
which all add
3.3 The principal landmark structures within the
to the special
Conservation Area are Rossett Mill and Christ
character.
Church which are given prominence as a result of
Yellow sandstone is evident in the construction of
their design, construction, position and scale.
the Church and some of the larger Victorian villas
10summary of special character
along Station Road. Red brick is the most prevalent Contribution Made by Trees
material for domestic construction with many of the 3.7 Trees are a prevalent feature throughout much
original of the Conservation Area with many protected by
brick Tree
facades Preservation
remaining Orders. The
particularly principal
along mature
Station trees are
Road and those that
Chester form the
Road. The northern
later 19th and early 20th Century properties display boundary to
both brick and rendered facades with the cottages the Churchyard and those within the grounds of
of Halkyn Terrace, Sunny Villas and the larger semi- Alyn Cottage, which provide an important setting to
detached buildings of Alyndene and Bodalyn on the listed Church and the surrounding properties
Chester Road typical of this style. Half timbering, and which form an important backdrop to wider
particularly to the gables, is also a regular feature views into and within the Conservation Area. The
from this era and is visible on properties on Station woodland area around Tyn-y-Coed on Chester Road
Road, Chester Road and Gun Street. contributes to the rural character of the village
3.5 Architecture within the village reflects a variety creating a sense of enclosure with the adjacent
of periods and influences from the 16th Century trees within Rossett Green. Large mature trees to
timber framed Rossett Mill to the planned Victorian the west of Station Road provide an important
and Edwardian properties of Station Lane and visual barrier to both the railway line and the A483
Station Road. Within the Conservation Area dual carriageway.
buildings predominantly relate to the 19th and 20th
Traditional Street Pattern and
Centuries when the village experienced rapid
growth as a result of the introduction of railway line Building Line
and station. Detailing is again varied with more 3.8 Gun Street has retained its narrow and
extravagant designs evident in the earlier Victorian intimate street plan with no footways where small
villas and later 19th century public buildings. cottages
Windows typically sit upon yellow sandstone sills and terraces
with the common window styles being sliding sash are
or more simpler timber framed casements. positioned
close to the
Boundary Treatments highway
3.6 Yellow sandstone is a common boundary edge.
treatment within the Conservation Area providing Station
consistency Road has
and also
continuity followed the historic street pattern and has a more
between consistent and compact building line creating a
the various strong rhythm to the street-scape. Properties are
streets. The typically set behind small front gardens. Chester
sandstone Road has a less consistent building line with
wall and typically larger properties set within substantial
steps grounds. Halkyn Terrace is therefore an unusual
around the feature and adds variety to the streetscape.
wide junction of Station Road and Chester Road are
also important features demarcating the highway Decorated Kerb Stones
and footpath. The red brick boundary wall to Tyn-y- 3.9 The black and white painted kerb stones
Coed and Rossett Hall is a dominant feature along around the wide junction with Station Road and
Chester Road, extending for around 200 metres Chester Road are a unique feature of the village and
maintaining an element of separation between the add interest within the streetscape.
main village settlement and the former Rossett Hall
estate. Hedge boundaries are also prevalent
enhancing the rural character of the village.
11character in detail
4. Character
in Detail
12character in detail
Chester Road
4.1 The Conservation Area can be sub-divided into the Mill Race. The buildings are set behind low
three distinct areas of character as described below. sandstone walls, a prevalent boundary treatment
within the
Chester Road Conservation
4.2 When entering the Conservation Area from the Area. The
south along Chester Road a fine view is afforded of crooked
the village frame and
centre with black and
the white finish
distinctive of the grade
Rossett Mill II* listed
and River Rossett Mill has made the structure synonymous
Alyn in the with the village and is a particularly important and
foreground prominent landmark building within the
and the Conservation Area. Marford Mill, set back from the
equally road, is the larger of the two mills with the current
impressive solid stone tower of Christ Church in the structure dating from the late 18th Century. To the
background. Opposite the Church at the heart of rear of the mill is a large extension which
the Conservation Area, dense tree coverage to the complements the historic structure in terms of
garden of Alyn Cottage provides a prominent and proportion, scale and design. The flat topography of
attractive feature within the village. From here the land surrounding the mills provides excellent
Chester Road bends eastwards where the building views of the neighbouring countryside helping
line becomes more consistent with a variety of define and reinforce the strong rural character of
terraced, detached and semi-detached properties the mills and contributing significantly to their
before opening up onto the large expanse of setting.
Rossett Green.
4.4 Continuing along Chester Road the village is
4.3 Positioned either side of Chester Road are the entered via the Alyn Bridge, a single round arched
two historic mills which form an attractive gateway sandstone structure surmounted with modern
to the village and which are separated from the metal railings to the western edge and cement
more urban core of the settlement by the gentle walling to the east. The original bridge, known as
flowing River Alyn and the ponds and streams of Pont Melin or Mill Bridge was replaced in 1921.
13character in detail
Figure 4: Chester Road Character Area Boundary
#
D D
DD
Cemetery
Ro
d
oa
ss
et
rR
tC
te
ot
es
ta
D g
Ch
e
D Golden Lion
Bu
Vicarage D
tc
Hotel (PH)
D
he
rs
D
Ar
m
Willo
s
Loc
Bye
wC
hinv
well
Christ Church ce
erra
otta
Alyn
yn T
ar
Halk
ge
Den
e
Alyn
Cottage
n (Afon Alun)
Alyn Bridge
Rossett Mill
Marford Mill
)
un
n Al
fo
(A
ly n
er A
Riv
n
ai
Dr
Ordnance Survey (mapping) © Crown copyright. All rights reserved. 100023429. 2010
Key
Character Area Boundary Traditional Brick and Iron Railing Boundary
Buildings of Visual Interest Important Open Space
Traditional Sandstone Wall D Tree Preservation Order
Listed Building Traditional Brick Wall
Important View Significant Group of Trees Contributing
to Setting for Enclosure
Important Approach
Landmark Buildings
14character in detail
Looking westwards from the bridge provides views 4.5 Alyn Cottage occupies a central position within
to rear of the the Conservation Area set behind a traditional
properties sandstone rubble wall and within large tree-covered
along Station grounds. The building itself is mostly obscured from
Road where wider views however the white render finish and
some traditional sash windows are just visible through the
sporadic tree foliage. The building, which has been significantly
planting and extended is believed to date from late 18th Century
vegetation and was the dower house for Rossett Hall. The
soften their grounds of Alyn Cottage are particularly important
appearance within the Conservation Area, the dense foliage
and prominence. To the east, just before the bridge softening the streetscape offering greenery and
a sloping route off Manor Lane indicates the historic contributing significantly to the essential setting of
route Christ Church which faces opposite.
through the
4.6 Christ
river via a
Church
shallow ford
stands at
that lead to
the centre
Gun Street.
of the
Today the
historic
road offers
village on a
access to the
prominent
Trevalyn
bend in the
Manor Estate with the trees and vegetation along
road where
the river course concealing the modern extensions
its position and height make the building an
to the settlement and helping to preserve the
important landmark feature which dominates views
traditional rural appearance of the sub-area.
15character in detail
into the Conservation Area from the south and from Church, form a pair of semi-detached villas. Typical
the east. The church is set behind a low sandstone Edwardian red brick, terracotta and render
block wall surmounted with metal railings, which detailing,
defined the boundary of the original 1841 Church. large
Access into the churchyard is through a simple lych chimney
gate with carved bargeboards. The setting of the stacks and
Church is further enhanced by the presence of scalloped
mature trees particularly those to the northwest red tiled
corner of the churchyard which help give a sense of roofs draw
enclosure and intimacy. attention
and offer a
4.7 The grade II listed
pleasing
Church is constructed
contrast to the yellow sandstone of the nearby
of deeply dressed
Christ Church. The properties are set behind a low
sandstone laid in
red brick wall with sandstone copings surmounted
irregular courses to a
with metal railings. The presence of trees and
gothic revival design
vegetation within the front garden areas soften the
by Douglas and
building line. Bodalyn, the former doctor's surgery,
Fordham. The Church
retains its traditional timber sash windows.
is built to a cruciform
plan with a long nave 4.10 Within the original curtilage of Bodalyn is the
and north aisle of five Former Surgery, a small single storey timber
bays with a short high boarded dwelling erected during the mid 20th
chancel and transepts Century possibly as additional accommodation for
with the large square the main
tower extending from the crossing. The tower has surgery
an early 20th Century clock face on the east face building as
and is finished with a crenellated parapet with the house
croqueted finials. The grade II listed war memorial is name
positioned just behind the front boundary wall, the suggests.
design and materials complementing Christ Church. The
property is
4.8 To the north east of Christ Church is the
reached
church cemetery with access along a narrow tree-
through a
lined
metal gate supported by two brick piers with
pathway
pyramidal stone cappings contemporary with the
which
existing front boundary wall to Bodalyn and
provides
Alyndene. To the rear of Bodalyn, the former coach
excellent
house and stable block, now converted to a single
views of the
dwelling, is visible above the rear garden wall.
surrounding
countryside 4.11 Adjacent is Lochinvar, a two storey red brick
linking the dwelling with slate roof and corbelled end chimney
village to stacks
it's rural past. Looking back towards the village the erected in
scale of the Church can be fully appreciated set the late
against the trees within the grounds of Alyn 19th
Cottage. The separation of the cemetery from the Century on
Church building and the busier village creates an land
important and appropriate sense of intimacy and purchased
peace. through an
auction held
4.9 Moving beyond Christ Church, Chester Road
at the
begins to straighten with the building line becoming
Golden Lion Hotel. The building displays a simple
more consistent. To the north side, the properties
but attractive symmetrical frontage with large bay
are typically larger and set within substantial
windows flanking the central entrance at ground
grounds where views of the surrounding
floor. Windows are renewed within the original
countryside can be glimpsed between the buildings.
openings. The building sits within a large plot
Alyndene and Bodalyn, positioned adjacent to the
16character in detail
behind a quaint white picket fence. The eastern half of the site are two further dwellings formerly the
of the plot remains undeveloped, enclosed from the outbuildings associated with Rossett Court. To the
highway behind a native hedgerow, and offers good north of the site the large mature trees within the
views northwards to the surrounding countryside. garden area of the Golden Lion enclose views and
soften the appearance of the large red brick
4.12 Byewell, a large late 20th Century dwelling
boundary wall of Rossett Court.
continues
the building 4.15 Bridewell House and Halkyn Terrace line the
line to the southern side of Chester Road forming a consistent
northern building
side of line. The
Chester buildings
Road. are set
Whilst its behind a
larger scale low red
and size is brick wall
respectful of the neighbouring dwellings the with
modern concrete tiled roof and plain design is in sandstone
contrast with the more traditional slate and red tile cappings
roofs and decorative terracotta and brick detailing surmounted by metal railings giving them a unified
evident on the surrounding buildings. appearance which is more suburban in character
than elsewhere along Chester Road. Bridewell
4.13 The buildings at Rossett Court complete this
House, the first property of the row dates from
short section of Chester Road with the principal
1904 with smooth red brick walls laid in an English
building, a
bond with a red clay tiled roof. The property was
large two
constructed as the new police house, from which
storey red
the building gains it name, to replace the old police
brick
house which encloses the row at the opposite end.
dwelling,
The building displays elements of the domestic
retaining
revival style with mullioned and transomed
much of its
windows and four centred arch over the doorway.
original
The ground floor windows largely retain the original
detailing
casements and toplights.
and
character. The building dates from 1897 as 4.16 Halkyn Terrace consists of nine dwellings of
decoratively inscribed on the advanced front gable which eight were built in 1898 after the land was
apex and also within the unusual moulded date- sold at
stone above the main side entrance door. The auction. The
building formerly housed the village butchers with eight
the original shopfront still facing onto Chester Road. central
The prominent side elevation displays an attractive terraces are
entrance porch. The building retains its original of a roughly
timber casement windows with leaded and symmetrical
coloured toplights and a corbelled string course. design
where
4.14 The corbelled string
advanced
course is repeated on
gables with heavily timbered apexes enclose the
the adjacent building
row at either end. Bay windows, blue diapered
dating from the early
brickwork and decorated string course add
20th Century and which
distinction to the terrace. Numbers 4 and 5 retain
now houses the village
the original windows and give an indication of the
pharmacy. The design
intended fenestration. The original chimney stacks
and detailing is
have been retained adding rhythm to the
deliberately reflective of
streetscape.
the adjacent Rossett
Court, together the two 4.17 Enclosing the row is number 1 Halkyn Terrace
buildings adding rhythm its diminutive scale and rendered finish contrasting
and consistency to the with the size and warm red brick of adjoining
street-scape. To the rear buildings and adding variety and interest to the
17character in detail
wider street-scene. The building dates from the mid finish complements the main building and is a
to late 19th Century with the symmetrical design pleasing contrast to the surrounding red brick
and steep properties.
angled
4.20 Adjacent are Kenmar and The Butcher's Arms
dormers
public house. Kenmar, which houses the local village
with
store is a
pointed
late 20th
finials
Century
typical of
building set
the
behind a
Victorian
small
era.
informal
Attached to number 1 is Holt Cabinetry, a small
parking area
building with a modern conservatory extension
with its
positioned at a prominent curve in the road at the
modern
narrow junction with Gun Street.
design and materials stark between two historic
4.18 Beyond Halkyn Terrace, Chester Road gains a buildings. The Butcher's Arms occupies a prominent
more open feeling as the road widens and the position within the Conservation Area orientated
building line towards the junction with Holt Road and Chester
becomes Road. The building is believed to date from the
less intense. early 19th Century and is of red brick and slate roof
From here construction. Windows are renewed timber
Rossett casements within the original openings and the
Green south west side elevation reveals an original
forms an opening now blocked up with segmental brick
important arched head. Mature trees within the neighbouring
backdrop to garden area offer an attractive backdrop to views of
views out of the pub from Chester Road.
the Conservation Area enhancing the setting of the
4.21
grade II listed Rossett Hall opposite. To the east, set
Opposite is
back from the road behind a sandstone wall and
the Golden
neat lawn is Poplar Cottage a two storey red brick
Lion Hotel,
dwelling. This building dates from at least the mid
its
19th Century and has kneelered and coped stone
distinctive
gables with renewed windows positioned
black and
symmetrically around a new central doorway.
white
4.19 The white painted façade of Machine House, colour
formerly Churton's Food & Wine Bar, demands scheme,
attention grand scale and curved walling making it a
within the prominent building within the Conservation Area.
street- The building is believed to date from the late 18th
scape. The to early 19th Century but may be earlier. The
building organic built form and colour scheme are
dates from reminiscent of the picturesque detailing prevalent
at least the in nearby Marford. The building sits within large
mid 19th landscaped grounds which enhance the setting of
Century and the building, add variety to the street-scape and
housed the help maintain strong visual links with the
post office before it moved to Station Road. The surrounding countryside.
original stone construction is visible on the side
4.22 The adjacent Rossett Cottage assists in
elevations with the principle frontage being of brick
screening the large tarmac car park of the Golden
construction. Windows are renewed timber
Lion. The building, believed to have 17th origins,
casements, the original openings to the first floor
also displays the distinctive black and white colour
retaining painted stone sills and arched heads. To
scheme and is enclosed from the highway by a
the rear of the site are a small range of stone and
painted rendered boundary wall and modern
brick outbuildings. The black and white painted
stained fencing. The grounds of the property
18character in detail
contain several mature trees and much foliage 4.24 Rossett Hall marks the northern entrance to
which the Conservation Area, its scale and design making
contribute it a distinctive building. The grade II listed building
significantly to dates from the mid
the wider 18th Century when it
street-scape. was built for the
Windows are Boydell family and
renewed timber known as The Rossett.
casements with The three storey
the front building is constructed
entrance door of warm red brick with
positioned beneath an attractive ogee arch. stone dressings and
rendered parapet. To
4.23 Beyond the
the road front a central
Golden Lion
entrance is set within a
Hotel and
recessed central bay
Rossett Cottage
under a dentilled brick
the eye is
pediment. Full height canted bays with heavily
channelled
chamfered corners and stone decoration flank the
along Chester
entrance. Windows are traditional near flush sash
Road and out of
windows.
the settlement
by the strong 4.25 The setting of Rossett Hall is complimented by
sense of enclosure offered by the trees and foliage Rossett Green opposite. The area was historically
within the grounds of Tyn-y-Coed and Rossett Hall known as the plantation forming part of the Rossett
and Rossett Green opposite. This same effect is Hall Estate. In the 1930's the land became known as
equally important upon entering the Conservation the Boydellian Pleasure Ground named after the
Area from the north where it offers the visitor a Boydell Family of Rossett Hall. The area has retained
sense of arrival. A warm red brick wall with stone its original open character and provides a physical
cappings forms a consistent boundary to the and visual barrier between the more historic area of
western side of road enclosing Tyn-y-Coed and the village and the modern developments to the
Rossett Hall from the main settlement. east.
19character in detail
Gun Street
4.26 Gun Street is believed to be the earliest area of white and black painted rendered facades. The
organised settlement within the village and was the buildings are
'old road' to Chester before a bridge was erected present in some
over the River Alyn. Historically, access onto Gun form on the
Street was via a shallow ford through the river that early OS map
still remains distinguishable from Manor Lane. The (figure 2 above)
street is said to have gained its name from 'The with The Shanty
Gun' public house which was located half way along being used as
the road. Gun Street has retained its original narrow the Primitive
and intimate street plan with no footways and small Methodist
cottages and terraces positioned close to the Chapel.
highway edge. The diminutive width of the street
4.29 A short break in the building line leads to
and the backdrop of the tree lined river course give
Numbers 1 and 2 Greenfield Cotts. The properties
Gun Street a unique sense of place within the
originally formed part of a larger row of 3 and are
Conservation Area.
likely to date from the mid to late 19th Century. The
4.27 Orchard House, a large modern dwelling faces rear elevation reveals the original brickwork to the
the angled junction first floor with an
with Chester Road. attractive saw tooth storey
The white rendered band. The ground floor
property sits within and road side elevation
grounds formerly are rendered although the
associated with storey band remains a
Poplar Cottage and feature. Windows are
bears little in renewed within the
relation to the traditional street plan of Gun Street. original recessed openings
which retain simple
4.28 Beyond Orchard House the two storey gable
terracotta tiled sills. A low
ends of The Cot and 1 Greenfield Cot abut the
sandstone boundary wall
highway edge, which along with the rear out shuts
extends along the highway edge enclosing the front
of Halkyn Terrace opposite give strong Gun Street a
garden area of 1 Greenfield Cot and is a consistent
strong sense of enclosure. The Cot and The Shanty
feature along the street.
20 which sits adjacent, offer a similar appearance withcharacter in detail
Figure 5: Gun Street Character Area Boundary #
Golden Lion Hotel
(PH)
Po
pl
ar
Co
tta
ce
erra
ge
yn T
Halk
Th
e
Or
Th
ch
e
ar
et
Sh
d
re
St
an
un
ty
G Greenfield
Aly Cottages
nB
an
k
Alyn
Cottage
Alyn Lodge
Ordnance Survey (mapping) © Crown copyright. All rights reserved. 100023429. 2010
Key
Character Area Boundary
Buildings of Visual Interest
Traditional Sandstone Wall
Significant Group of Trees Contributing
to Setting and/or Enclosure
21character in detail
4.30 On the opposite side of Gun Street the warm 4.33 A short drop in ridge height leads down to
red brick of Halkyn Terrace contrasts to the previous numbers 3 and 4 Gun Street, which along with
white rendered numbers 1 and 2 are likely to represent some of the
facades. The oldest
brickwork is laid properties
in a distinct within the
English bond village. The
with sandstone original stone
block angled construction
quoins to the remains exposed
out shuts and with segmental
terracotta detailing to the window sills, chimneys stone arched
and boundary wall copings. The rear boundaries of window and
the terrace follow the line of the street resulting in door heads. Number 3 retains an original sash
distinct angled walls which enhance the feeling of window at first floor level whilst at ground floor
enclosure. level a timber bow window, similar to those at
number 5 and 6, has been inserted, although the
4.31 Beyond Halkyn Terrace the rendered gable end
original stone head remains visible. Windows and
of Ivy Cottage fronts the street. Ivy cottage along
doors to number 4 are renewed within the original
with the
openings.
adjoining
Cottage may 4.34 Another short drop in the ridge height extends
historically have to numbers 5 and 6 Gun Street which complete the
been connected row. The original
to the nearby brickwork is
Alyn Cottage visible to
with the linear number 5 with
form and number 6 now
remnants of a large brick archway suggesting its use rendered.
as an outbuilding or coach house. The original Windows and
construction is mostly obscured with modern doors to the
render however a small section of un-coursed cottages follow
stonework is exposed to the southern elevation. the proportions
The cottages, which formerly comprised 4 smaller and detailing of number 3 and 4 giving the row
cottages, retain a traditional slate roof and some consistency in appearance. Windows and doors are
cast iron rainwater goods although previous renewed within the original openings. Number 6
extensions and alterations have eroded some of the has been sympathetically extended to the side with
original character. a two storey extension. Three large brick axial
stacks punctuate the roofline of the row.
4.32 Opposite are numbers 1 to 6 Gun Street which
form a short terrace of small brick and stone 4.35 Beyond numbers 1 to 6 Gun Street the road
cottages set narrows and becomes a peaceful footway that leads
back from the down to the footpath
highway behind that follows the tree
small front yards lined course of the River
or gardens. Alyn to the Alyn Bridge.
Traditional The footway is enclosed
sandstone by low sandstone
walling is the retaining walls and thick
prevalent foliage within the
boundary treatment. Numbers 1 and 2, situated garden areas of 1 Gun
closest to the River Alyn, are the tallest of the row Street and Alyn Lodge.
having been converted from the former
Presbyterian Chapel and are believed to date from
the early 19th Century. The properties are of stone
construction, rendered to obscure the original
composition. The proportions of the windows vary
across the two cottages although number 2 retains
traditional stone sills.
22character in detail
Station Road and Station Lane
4.36 Station Road and Station Lane gain their 4.38 The Alyn Hotel sits at the head of Station
name from Rossett Station which was located to the Road where it's prominent and picturesque
west of the village and accessed along Station Road. riverside position
Prior to the introduction of the railway and a stop and white
at the village, Station Road was a quiet and rendered façade
unpopulated lane linking Rossett to Burton. Many make it a
of the buildings along Station Road were erected in landmark
the mid to late 19th century owing their building within
construction either directly or indirectly to the the Conservation
railway and the road subsequently became the Area. The
central hub of the village with a variety of shops, building dates
houses and public buildings. Station Road retains from the mid 19th Century and is a likely by-
this diverse character today still offering the product of the introduction of the railway to the
majority of the public services and conveniences to village and the subsequent increase in visitors that
the village. this bought to the area. The original brick
construction is obscured by modern render and the
4.37 Red brick is the prevalent building material
building displays a variety of window styles with
within this area with properties to the north of
some original sash windows retained to the
Station Road set
northern elevation fronting Station Road. To the
behind low
rear of the site an original outbuilding is retained.
sandstone and
red brick 4.39 Sitting opposite The Alyn Hotel is Bridge
boundary walls. House, a
The building line late 19th
is generally Century red
consistent on brick
either side building set
reinforcing the urban feel of the road, although within a
brief glimpses of the surrounding countryside, the large corner
trees within the churchyard and the Church Tower plot where
between the buildings offer an important backdrop the gabled
and soften the urban character. front and
2324
Figure 6: Station Road and Station Lane Character Area Boundary
#
Radnor House
Key
Homeleigh
Character Area Boundary
Chaloner House
DDD
Buildings of Visual Interest
Dialstone House DDD D
Vicarage
Traditional Sandstone Wall Allotment Gardens
D D
Significant Group of Trees
Contributing to Setting for Enclosure DD
ouse
Important View DScout Hut Christ
se
D D Church
DD
tt Hou
leigh H
Landmark Buildings D
D
character in detail
Basse
Rivers
Traditional Brick Wall D
se
D
Cop
Important Open Space Station Road
Beechfield D D
D
The
D Tree Preservation Order
w
ungalo
a
Car
Wynon
Park
Sunny V
The B
Hall illas
te
Ins k
Ban
titu
Alyn
Church Hotel
The
Ordnance Survey (mapping) © Crown copyright. All rights reserved. 100023429. 2010character in detail
side elevations along with the black and white contrast in materials. The properties have a planned
decoration to the gable apex, windows and shop symmetrical appearance with square bay windows
front draws attention to the building and adds to with a
it's prominence within views from both Chester continuous roof
Road and Station Road. The Chester Road frontage over the
has a symmetrically designed façade with a central adjacent front
doorway containing the original panelled door doors at ground
flanked by a combination of single and tripartite level with two
sash windows. To Station Road there is a later sash windows
simple painted timber shop front with sash window above. Numbers
above. The building is enclosed by a traditional 2, 4 and 5 retain
sandstone wall topped with sandstone copings. their original 6 over 1 sash windows. The row is set
behind a simple sandstone block wall with
4.40 Adjoining Bridge House to the north is 3
attractive cast iron gates leading to each property.
Mews Cottage which forms part of a small
residential development of three modern deisgned 4.43 Sitting beyond Sunny Villas are numbers 1
brick buildings. and 2 Vicarage Mews, a small modern infill
The buildings development on
originally formed the site of the
part of the former
ancillary telephone
outbuildings exchange
associated with building.
Bridge House Vehicular access
however they to the mews is
have been much through the
altered and rebuilt losing much of their traditional former entrance to the Vicarage building, which
character. Numbers 1 and 2 are set back from was demolished in the late 20th Century. The
Station Road where their diminutive scale is curved entrance brick walls are finished with
highlighted by the Church tower which rises up sandstone copings with a cast iron gate pier
behind. retained to the right side. This entry also provides
pedestrian access to the Church Hall and churchyard
4.41 Adjacent is the former ironmongery shop,
to the north where a variety of Holly, Hawthorn,
now occupied by Pure Perfection Beauty Lounge,
Sycamore and Oak trees create an attractive
Hair by Nia and
backdrop to the surrounding buildings.
Essence of
Beauty. The 4.44 To the southern side of Station Road,
building dates opposite Sunny Villas, is the Spar store and post
from the early office. The
20th Century, modern and
the date 1913 is stark shop
depicted in the frontage is an
central console incongruous
above the feature of the
archway which was formed in the late 20th Century road. The main
as part of larger scheme of alterations. The building has
shopfronts have been altered and are plain in their been
decoration with the original canopy winding gear significantly extended and altered with the insertion
retained either side. At the upper level dentilled of modern proportioned windows and the use of
eaves and string courses define the gable apex with modern materials disguising the traditional core of
an oriel window sitting on moulded timber brackets the building which dates from the late 19th Century.
below.
4.45 Adjacent are The Manse and Chapel House,
4.42 Maintaining the same building line are a pair of semi detached late Victorian buildings. The
Sunny Villas, a terrace of 5 early 20th Century buildings have attractive round arch window and
dwellings which evidence the continued growth of door head to the front elevation. It is likely that the
the village at this time. The row is typical of two properties originally formed one large dwelling
Edwardian design with a mixture of smooth red which had a symmetrical frontage with the 2nd
brick and pebble dashed render offering a pleasing ground floor window from the left possibly
25character in detail
providing the original doorway. The roofline to 1881 and was built as a coffee house for the
chapel House is original, that to The Manse raised Liverpool merchant and shipowner Alexander
presumably to Balfour, who was
incorporate the a noted
rear extension, philanthropist
with the dentil and temperance
course to the campaigner. The
front elevation front elevation is
added to make in a Neo-Tudor
up the height. style with mock
Windows are timber framing
renewed although Chapel House contains the with decorative
original panelled door. At roof level the properties quatre-foil panels at first floor level, mullioned and
retain the original polychromatic end and central transomed windows with leaded lights and
stacks. depressed arch doorway. At ground floor level,
disabled access has been sympathetically achieved
4.46 The Presbyterian Church is another
and is set behind a dwarf sandstone wall. The
landmark building within the Conservation Area
design, scale and height of the building make it an
with an imposing steep
obvious and distinctive building within the
angled gable frontage and
streetscape.
fleche spire. The church
was designed by Chester 4.49 To the north of Station Road lie the modern
architects Douglas and developments of The Copse and Burton Close. The
Fordham in 1875 to small estates are
replace the original situated on the
Presbyterian Church on former grounds
Gun Street which had of the Vicarage
become too small for the and contain
growing non-conformist many of the
movement in the village. original trees
The church is gothic some of which
inspired with pointed arch openings with sandstone are now
surrounds. The entrance is enclosed by a timber protected by Tree Preservation Orders. The
porch with slate roof. Cast Iron railings demarcate prevalence of trees, shrubs, hedge rows and grassed
the front boundary. areas soften the appearance of the developments
within the streetscape, provide an important
4.47 Beyond the church The Nook, the adjoining
backdrop to views of the Church to the east and
shop unit and the Nat West Bank building form a
retain an element of the historic rural character of
short and varied
Station Road.
row. The Nook
dates from the 4.50 The public car park, which was the site of
mid to late 19th the former national school, provides an important
Century with the break in the
original brick building line and
construction allows for views
now painted out over the
white. Windows River Alyn and
are renewed within the original openings with the the surrounding
segmental arch heads still visible. The square bay farmland. The
window to the ground floor is likely to be a later trees and thick
19th Century/early 20th Century addition. The side foliage along the
gable elevation reveals decorative bargeboards. The eastern boundary with the Nat West building offer
adjoining shop unit is of similar date but has important greenery within the streetscape.
undergone some significant alteration to the façade
4.51 The adjacent Church Hall encloses the car
and roof.
park to the west. The building, which was designed
4.48 Completing this row is the former Cocoa by P H Lockwood in 1911, follows the same Neo-
Rooms and Rossett Institute, another design by Tudor influences as the Presbyterian Church and
Douglas and Fordham. The building dates from the Rossett Institute with large stone mullioned and
26character in detail
transomed windows, stone hoodmoulds and attractive detailing of the buildings, the planned
diapered brickwork. The gable frontage, which has symmetrical facades and the enclosed front garden
coped verges areas.
and kneelers
4.54 Beechfield, recently renovated and
surmounted by
extended, sits close to the highway edge with the
ball finials, along
crisp white
with the large
rendered façade
brick porch adds
giving it
to the
prominence
prominence of
within the
the building with
streetscape. The
streetscape.
building
4.52 Beyond the Church Hall are the Dental originates from
Surgery and Wynona, two single storey buildings the mid 19th
originating from Century and was the former home of the village
the interwar post office. The extension and alterations have
period. The attempted to be sympathetic to the character of the
Dental Surgery, area however the render obscures evidence of the
a large brick and position of original openings and proportions.
pebble dash Adjoining Beechfield to the rear is Beechfield
render building, Cottage, created when the main dwelling was
has a double subdivided.
gable frontage
4.55 Burton Gate sits back from the road
with characteristic decorated gable apexes under
enclosed by a traditional sandstone wall and hedge
which are two traditional, simple shopfronts, that to
boundary. The
the left appears to retain the original timber and
building dates to
iron shopfront whilst the right is partially renewed
the mid 19th
all in timber. The lean-to canopy extending across
Century and was
the frontage unfortunately obscures the original
originally known
design intention. Wynona is of a much humbler
as Burnside after
scale and set back from the highway by a large front
the family who
garden bounded by a thick hedge. The building is
lived there. The
constructed of corrugated metal sheeting and
building displays
although quite different in character and
a rather grand façade with windows flanking a
appearance to the older properties in the Street,
centrally positioned panelled doorway with radial
Wynona still adds to the sense of place of the
fanlight, enclosed by a classically styled flat roof
Conservation Area due to its unusual design.
porch. To the first floor the original sash windows
4.53 To the northern side of Station Road, are retained. At ground floor level two canted bays
beyond the access to the Scout hut and The Gables, are likely late 19th Century additions. The roof is of
the street is half hip construction with brick chimney stacks and
characterised by traditional Welsh slates. The side elevation reveals
larger and the original sandstone construction.
grander
4.56 Alyn View and Southbank, a pair of semi-
detached and
detached sandstone properties, maintain the
semi-detached
building line. The
dwellings.
white rendered
Historically many
façade and stone
of the buildings
and hedge
were constructed for wealthy businessmen who
boundary adds
were drawn to the village by the railway and the
an element of
easy commuting that it afforded. These properties
unity with the
were located very close to the railway station with
nearby
far reaching, uninterrupted views southwards of the
Beechfield and
River Alyn and the surrounding countryside up until
Burton Gate. Alyn View, dating from 1850, and
the later 20th century when the southern side of
Southbank, dated 1852, are likely to be some of the
Station Road was developed. The wealth and status
first dwellings erected on Station Road for the
of the original owners is expressed through the
27character in detail
wealthier inhabitants of the village and whilst their would likely have been lime rendered to obscure
frontages are plainer than their historic neighbours the stonework, similar to Burton Gate, Alyn View
they have a pleasing well proportioned design. and Southbank. Again symmetry of the façade is
Southbank retains traditional sash windows whilst typical with central advanced gable containing the
Alyn View, now a doctor's surgery, has modern doorway. The ground floor has two canted bays and
PVCu alternatives. Rendered chimney stacks break traditional sash windows have been retained
up the roofscape. throughout. Fretted bargeboards with timber
pendants and finials at each gable end add to the
4.57 Elm Court,
status of the building. Large hedges along the
a modern
western and southern boundaries enclose the
development of
property and create a sense of seclusion and
16 apartments,
intimacy.
interrupts the
historic building 4.60 A right turn after Bassett House leads onto
line of the street Station Lane, a narrow private track with
being set back development concentrated to the eastern edges.
significantly from the highway edge. Thick, tall hedges and trees line the lane creating a
strong sense of enclosure and seclusion and help
4.58 Riversleigh House is an impressive smooth
offer separation and screening from the railway line
red brick building of mid to late 19th century date.
and dual carriageway. The lane has definite rural
The rich red brick and unusual gablet roof stand out
character in contrast to the more urban setting of
against the
Station Lane and remains little altered from the
render and
interwar period.
stone facades
and hip roofs 4.61 Bassett Cottage is an attractive interwar
typical in this property with white render finish and hipped roof
section of typical of the western reaches of Station Road.
Station Road and Windows are timber casements with black
were likely an surrounds and sills adding interest to the
expression of symmetrical façade. A decorative curved cast iron
wealth of the original owner. The front elevation is gate demarcates the boundary.
symmetrically planned with central recessed
4.62 Beyond Bassett Cottage, trees become
entrance porch with tripartite sash window at first
more prevalent offering screening to the modern
floor. The sash window is enclosed by brick pilasters
infill
that support a small pediment that contains
developments
pargetting within the tympanum. This feature is
to the east on
repeated in the side gable apexes. Flanking
Station Road
windows at first floor are groups of 3 slim sash
and enhancing
windows with square brick jambs and sandstone
the rural
sills and heads. The ground floor has two square
character of the
bays with continuous parapet roof enclosing the
lane. The final
entrance. Decorative terracotta tiles adorn the
properties along the lane are a small group of mid
parapet below a sandstone coping. Two corbelled
Victorian villas which form two groups of semi-
red brick chimneys project from the modern
detached houses. The properties are surprisingly
concrete tile roof. The building is enclosed behind a
urban in their appearance with the original planned
red brick wall topped with sandstone copings with
handed facades almost unaltered. All the properties
serpentine edges.
have been extended to the side in the late 19th
4.59 Bassett House is positioned on the corner of Century with Radnor House, at the end, having
Station Road and Station Lane and is another been extended earlier. Detailing is consistent across
reminder of the the villas with sliding sash windows at first floor
wealth that the level with sandstone sills and heads and shallow
railway bought canted bays at the ground floor. At Radnor House
to the village. and Dialstone House, which is named after a sundial
The building is of fixed to the corner of the dwelling, the original,
sandstone simple classically inspired timber porches are intact.
construction laid Large corbelled brick chimney stacks sit within the
in random traditional slate roofs. Holmleigh and Chaloner
courses and House retain the original cast iron gates.
28You can also read
