Chirk Part 1 of 2 - PDF format 2.8Mb - Wrexham County Borough ...

frontage continue the rhythm to the street createdby the symmetry of the Town Council Offices. Thepronounced bellcote gable and ornamentalchimney-stacks punctuate the skyline, providing afocal point from the south, seen particularly wellfrom the junction of Station Road. Unfortunately, itis obscured by highway signage.Chirk Service Station is set at an angle to theroad, with Stanton House Hotel. The garage is a1950's single storey, flat felt-roofed buildingattached to a vernacular 19th Century two storeyhouse with a Mansard slate roof. This building andthe adjacent hotel were once probably bothsubdivided into two cottages, as illustrated in theOrdnance Survey Map of 1872 on page 3. Somevisual harmony is met by the use of Cefnsandstone, the retention of the buildings' originalrectangular shape, and frontage symmetry byvertically emphasised windows.The loss of boundary walls is a problem, as edgesbecome less defined between street and privatespace, which is not appropriate in this area. Thisupsets the continuity of the street line and createsan over-familiarity between street and privatespace. A possible sensitive reinstatement mayinclude hinged cast iron / steel railings that couldopen to allow for parking or partial vegetation. Anyexisting cobbles that lie underneath the tarmaccould be reintroduced also. These matters couldeasily be rectified; some possibly with theassistance of grant aid.Many of the buildings in Holyhead Road are locatedin substantial curtilages with possible scope todevelop to the front and side of the property. Greatcare is needed, as it may disrupt the curtilagespace and building dimensions to properties herethat are so characteristic of this sub-area.There is scope to extend some properties to therear. However, due to their visibility from CollieryRoad, a sensitive design would be appropriate.18School Mistresses house at Old School HouseOld School House, Holyhead Road