Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog Conservation Area Assessment and ...

contentsPart I - Character Assessment1.0 Introduction2.0 History and Development3.0 Summary of Special Character4.0 Character in Detail5.0 Summary of Negative Features13581017Part II - Management Plan6.0 Enhancement Plan7.0 Design Guidance8.0 Conservation Area Controls9.0 Sources of Funding1920222426Appendix 1Listed Buildings27Appendix 2Conservation Policy Guidance28Appendix 3Glossary of Architectural Terms29FiguresFigure 1 - Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog Conservation AreaFigure 2 - Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog, 1875Figure 3 - Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog, Character Map4611

Part 1Character Assessment1

introductionConservation Area Designation1.1 Section 69 of the Planning (Listed Buildings andConservation Areas) Act 1990 requires Local Authorities toidentify "areas of special architectural or historic interest thecharacter or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve orenhance" for designation as conservation areas.Purpose1.2 The purpose of Conservation Area Assessment and Management Plan is:●●●●●To provide a clear definition of an area's special architectural or historic interestTo identify ways in which its unique characteristics can be preserved and enhanced through the Enhancement PlanTo strengthen the justification for designationTo create a clear context for future development in accordance with conservation area policies in the development planTo provide a vehicle for engagement and awareness raisingLlanarmon Dyffryn CeiriogConservation Area1.3 This Assessment and Management Plan aims to promoteand support developments that are in keeping with, or enhance,the character of the Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog ConservationArea. It is not an attempt to stifle change. The aim is to strike abalance so that the interests of conservation are given their fullweight against the needs for change and development. TheLlanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog Conservation Area was firstdesignated on 29 August 1975 and its boundary amended inFebruary 2000. This document is largely concerned with the1 introductionreasons for designation, defining the qualities that make up itsspecial architectural and historic interest, character andappearance. The omission of any reference to a particularbuilding, feature or space should not be taken to imply that it isof no interest.Planning Context1.4 This Statement should be read in conjunction with theadopted Wrexham Unitary Development Plan 2005, and nationalplanning policy guidance, in particular Welsh Office Circular61/96 Planning and the Historic Environment: Historic Buildingsand Conservation Areas.Location1.5 Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog is approximately 15km (9miles) south west of Chirk on the B4500 road. It is 11km(7miles) south west of Llangollen and 14km (9 miles) to thewest of Oswestry. The village lies almost at the head of theCeiriog valley, approximately 870 feet above sea level in thefolds of the Berwyn Mountains. The Conservation Areaencompasses the historic village centre.Geology1.6 Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog is set within the upland pastureof the Ceiriog Valley, cut through by the River Ceiriog. Theunderlying geology is that of the Berwyn Dome; a mixture ofOrdovician sedimentary silt-stones and mud-stones, which formthe principal building material of the area.Consultation1.7 Community Councils, Council members and a range oforganisations and groups with an interest in the historicenvironment and the local area were consulted on this document.Statutory bodies such as Cadw were also consulted. Publicconsultation was undertaken during December 2009 and January2010. Members of the public were invited to discuss theproposals with the Conservation Officer at the LlanarmonDyffryn Ceiriog Village Hall.3

introductionOrdnance Survey (mapping) © Crown copyright. All rights reserved. 100023429. 20104

history and development2 History and Development2.1 The history of Llanarmon suggests that from ancienttimes the village and its surrounding landscape was a suitablelocation for food, shelter and defence. A stone axe from theMesolithic or Middle Stone Age period (8000 - 4300 BC) wasfound approximately three miles north west of the village. Alater Bronze Age axe head (2300 - 600BC) was also found,which may have been used for hunting purposes. An Iron Agesettlement (600BC - AD 43) slightly closer to the village has anearth fortification called Cerrig Gwynion (white stones) on awhite quartz feldspar outcrop with some evidence ofroundhouses remaining. Also discovered nearby were severalRoman coins dating from AD43 - 410.2.2 Llanarmon is a Welsh word which translates into Englishas 'The Parish ofGermanus'.Dyffryn Ceiriogmeans 'in thevalley of theCeiriog'.Archaeologicalevidencesuggests that thecurrent villageof LlanarmonDyffryn Ceiriogbegan as a druid settlement which in the 5th century cameunder the leadership of Germanus, Bishop of Auxerre, (C378 ­448 AD), a French Christian monk and soldier who came toBritain in 429 AD to establish Christianity. He might havebeen responsible for other Christian cells in North Wales, suchas Llanarmon Mynydd Mawr, near Conwy and Llanarmon ynIal, near Ruthin. All are situated on valley slopes with achurch, cemetery and living quarters, and in LlanarmonDyffryn Ceiriog there is also a preaching mound, TomenGarmon, which is located in the current churchyard.2.3 The 12th and 13th Centuries brought about much changeand unrest in North Wales as a result of the Norman Conquestand Edward I. Neither was able to penetrate the valley. TheNormans swept into the coastal areas of North Wales by thelate 11th Century after their triumphant invasion of Britain in1066. In the middle of the 12th century, they defeated theWelsh at Chirk, constructing a motte on the edge of the Deevalley to the south of St Mary's Church. This was sited tocontrol access up the valley.2.4 Henry II (1154-1189), King of England and half ofpresent day France attempted to invade and conquer the Welshfor final subjugation in the valley in 1165. His army wasassembled at Shrewsbury, and then marched to a base atOswestry Castle before advancing to the Ceiriog Valley.Henry's mercenaries were attacked at various points en routethrough the valley, notably by Owain Gwynedd. The fightingfury of the Welsh and the lack of basic supplies plus terribleweather conditions, particularly around the boggy ground ofNantyr, meant that the expedition was hampered. In a rageHenry ordered his army to Chester, where his Welsh hostageswere blinded and castrated.2.5 Even the warlord Edward I was unsuccessful in his questto conquer the Welsh. His army managed only to conquerChirk, which wasbequeathed in 1272to Roger Mortimerof Wigmore.Mortimersubsequently builtthe new ChirkCastle between1295 and 1310, amile to the west ofthe Norman motte.Chirk Castle does not appear to have been placed in5

history and developmentFigure 2: Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog Historic Map 1875Ordnance Survey (mapping) © Crown copyright. All rights reserved. 100023429. 2010a strategic military site, however its original gateway faced westto the Ceiriog valley, so any Welshman would be immediatelyaware of Chirk's allegiance to the English crown.2.6 Whilst wars were raging however, religion was important.The Cistercian order built 76 monasteries around Britain, the lastbeing at Valle Crucis near Llangollen in 1202. The religious cellat Llanarmon, originally dedicated to and related to Valle Crucis,became the chapelry to the mother church of St Mary's inChurch Street in Chirk, which serviced the Norman fort at Chirk.The first written record of the village is found in the Norwichtaxation of 1254 for 'Capella de Llangarnayan', a taxation onecclesiastical property in the 11th century.2.7 It was not until the 18th century that further documentaryevidence of the village surfaced. An Estate Map of c1760depicts a small village built around a crossroads. The oldestbuilding in the village today is reputed to be the West ArmsHotel, built in the 1600s and formerly known as the Eagle Inn.An Ordance Survey benchmark on the front of the building is ata height of 870 feet above sea level. The Hand Hotel is alsovery old, used as both a farm and inn until the early 20thcentury. The village served as a regular halting place for droversin the days when cattle were taken to London by foot; itdeveloped organically during the 18th and 19th century, withagriculture the primary source of employment. In the mid 19thcentury the medieval church at Llanarmon was destroyed by theVictorians, who built a new one in its place. When the churchwas demolished a hoard of 15th century coins was found, whichare now in the British Museum.2.8 George Borrow, the 19th Century travel writer visited thevalley and Llanarmon and wrote in his account of 'Wild Wales'(1854): ­"I reached Llanarmon, another small village, situated in a valley6through which the Ceiriog flows. It is halfway betweenLlangollen and Rhaeadr, being ten miles from each. I went to asmall inn, sat down and called for ale. A waggoner was seatedat a large table with a newspaper before him on which he wasstarting intently. "What news?" said I in English. "I wish I couldtell you" he said in very broken English, "but I cannot read".2.9 However, for the children of Llanarmon, literacy andnumeracy had been addressed. The Church of England Nationalschool was created in 1833, for both boys and girls, whichtaught both in Welsh and English. In 1847 Llanarmon ChurchSchool was built. It was at this school that the Welsh poetCeiriog was taught. A British school under the Quaker Bodyacting for the non-conformists opened its first school in 1870.2.10 The biggest threat to the way of life in the valley was in1922. Warrington Corporation required an improved watersupply and storage for Merseyside, and their proposal was toflood the upper Ceiriog valley of about 13,600 acres. A numberof valleys in both England and Wales were flooded for thepurpose of supplying burgeoning conurbations with water, but inthis valley it stoked up more than usual racial resentmentbetween Wales and England, and threatened to dispossesshundreds of people, some of whom had ancestry in the areadating back centuries. It also threatened to submerge Dolwen,reputed to be the former home of C12th Welsh Prince, OwainGwynedd. If the project had been successful it would haveinvolved the construction of two lakes, one on either side ofLlanarmon. The corporation announced its intention of acquiringvirtually all the property in the village and adjoining parts of thevalley, which included one church, five chapels, two post offices,five shops and a blacksmith's forge, plus eighty two otherdwellings, of which forty five were farm houses and farmbuildings. Fortunately however, after a visit by the British PrimeMinister, David Lloyd George, who stated that the valley

history and developmentwas 'A little bit of Heaven on Earth, which must be preservedat all costs' ("Darn bach o nefoedd ar y ddaear"), alternativeproposals were eventually put forward and the valley wassaved.2.11 Today the village has a low key but thriving tourismindustry for walkers and shooting parties. All of the historicshops and services have gone, with the exception of theschool and community centre, due presumably to better roadlinks and increased mobility of the community. Some smallscale development has occurred in the village in recent years,but due to its relative remoteness, the character of the arearemains largely unchanged.7

summary of special character3 Summary of Special Character3.1 Llanarmon is a particularly picturesque village with a senseof orderly serenity, and a strong community, located in a valleywhich is enriched by mountainous view points, hidden paths,linear settlements and isolated farmsteads, and narrow roads.Topography3.2 Llanarmon has developed in a linear pattern to an areaknown as Nanty Glôg alongthe mountainroad toLlanrhaeadr ymMochnantwhich follows atributary toAfon Ceiriog ­on a mountainslope rising upfrom the villageto the south andproviding important views within and from the village. Thetopography of the village relates to the valley plateau in theBerwyns. The Ceiriog is a significant landscape feature,demarcating the settlement boundary to the north, and enrichingthe setting of the village. The Conservation Area is the compactvillage centre.Vernacular Detail3.3 Buildings are mostly constructed of the local stone incourses and either rendered or whitewashed. Buildings tend tobe linear in plan with low eaves, although with some notableexceptions, such as the West Arms Hotel. The roof-scape is veryimportant to the overall appearance of the area with gable endsbeing a prominent feature, seen staggering up the hill when8viewed from the north upon entering the village. Chimneystackswere probably originally built of stone but most havebeen rebuilt with clay bricks. Buildings are of an intimate scale,even the spire to the churchbeing of a shortened design,allowing trees rather thanbuildings to dominate theskyline. Façades are simplydetailed, with window anddoors providing theessential architecturaldetail. Most ground andfirst floor windows tend toalign with each otheralthough older propertieshave a more randomarrangement. The amountof solid wall isproportionately greater thanvoid i.e. windows and doors, giving buildings a robustappearance.Boundary Walls3.4 Stone walls, both dry-stone and mortar-bedded, areimportant boundary features within the area creating a strongstreet frontage andsense of enclosure.

summary of special characterOrganic Building Layout3.5 Within the village centre, the majority of buildingsdirectly front untothe road, the greaternumber tending todate from the 17thCentury onwards.The settlementpattern within theConservation Area ishowever organic andcomprises a mix ofhouse types, such aslarger, detached buildings with fairly extensive rear curtilages,and half storey outbuildings, of local stone with pitched slateroofs. Cottages are mostly terraced in narrow plot widths withsmall gardens. Important boundaries comprise a mixture ofhistoric dry stone walling and hedgerows.Village Square3.6 There is no formal public space within the conservationarea. The central point of the village is the informal opensquare at the crossroads from which the narrow roads lead tothe north, south, east and west.Trees andGreenSpace3.7 Green spaceswithin theconservation arearelate principally toenclosed buildingplots, the surrounding hills and the riverbanks. Trees,particularly along the road leading to the river, are importantlandscaping features easing the transition between the built andnatural environment as well as defining the village centre. Anumber of public footpaths lead off from the village into thesurrounding countryside.Landmark buildings3.8 Situated approximately north, south, east and west of thevillage square, landmark buildings comprise the Church of StGarmon, the Hand Hotel, the Tabernacle chapel and the WestArms Hotel.9

character in detail4 Character in Detail4.1 Approaching the village from Glyn Ceiriog, the Church ofSt Garmon appears as a distant landmark to the east of thevillage centre, nestled at the foot of the mountainside. Thevillage is entered along a wide road over an early 20th centurybridge, the flanking walls and stone abutment piers framing thevillage ahead and in particular the prominent Hand Hotel.Beyond this the mountains rise up behind, with green pastureand many mature trees providing a backdrop to the village andaffording it its picturesque setting.4.2 The river crossing is the only point of entry to the villagefrom the north of the Ceiriog Valley. The original double archedstone bridgeknown as PontFawr, the bigbridge, wasreplaced by thepresent bridge in1909, at whichtime the roadwas widened.This bridge, isconstructed oftwo spans ofsteel joists supported on sandstone abutments and a single pier atmidstream. The bridge deck is of concrete and the parpet is ofsteel; the sandstone piers have concrete pyramidal cappings.Trees on the riverbank adjacent the bridge frame the view of thevillage and together with the stone walls which line the routeinto the village, create a strong sense of arrival.4.3 After crossing the bridge, the Neuadd Ganmlwydd ('theCeiriog Centenary Hall') is situated on the left and is reachedover a small stream, the Nant Gwrachen, Gwrachen meaning'crooked or meandering', which runs down through the village to10the river. The NantGwrachen is a naturalfeature within the builtenvironment thatcontributes to thefeeling of tranquillityin both its movementand sound. Theentrance to the hallhas one stone pierwith pyramidal capping similar to those on the bridge. The hallitself is a fairly substantial building originally linear in plan ithas been extended at a right angle from its eastern gable and onthe north side; the roof covering is natural slate. The originalstructure is built of random, uncoursed stonework with brownbrick window jambs and quoins and segmental arched windowheads of local slates and emphasised keystones. This part of thebuilding has traditional vertically sliding sash windows. Eightfoundation plaques bear the names of several Welsh societiesincluding those in Manchester, London and Liverpool, andcolleges and schools in Wales.The extension is modern andconstructed of brown brick witha contrasting render finish andside hung casement windowscreating a distinction betweenthe new and the originalconstruction. A row ofsycamore trees and a largebeech, to the frontage of the sitegive a strong sense of identity tothe village approach andcontribute to the setting of thehall.

Figure 5: Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog Character AreaConservation Areacharacter in detailListed BuildingsImportant ApproachSignificant ViewImportant Stretch Stone WallsSignificant TreesTree Preservation OrderBuildings of Visual InterestScheduled Ancient MonumentWhite GateCottagePont FawrRiver CeiriogWest ArmsHotelB4500Tomen GarmonFoel WenSt Garmon’sChurchHand HotelOrdnance Survey (mapping) © Crown copyright. All rights reserved. 100023429. 201011

4.4 Turning left towards the Church, Ysgubor Ddegwm (theconverted former Tithebarn) can be seen on the left. It is a longfairly substantial two-storey property set with its front elevationparallel to the stream and facing the West Arms Hotel.Originally a tithe (tenth) of the parish's annual produce collectedfor the upkeep of the established church (then The Church ofEngland) was stored here. It is rendered and painted white, butthe smoothness of the render is at odds with the roughness of thewhite painted or lime-washed stonework seen elsewhere in thevillage. It has a pitched slate roof with a blue brick chimneystack.Several of the windows, the lintels and guttering havebeen painted black, which is typical of a number of cottages inthe area. The windows are modern multi-paned casements in amixture of timber and metal frames. The plan ischaracteristically linear in form. It is located within a largegarden, bounded by a dry stone wall. An elm tree is asignificant feature overhanging the stream and contributing tothe setting of the West Arms Hotel from this direction.4.5 The two-storey house, located next to the YsguborDdegwm('tithebarn'), wasthe Rectory forSt Garmon'suntil the 1960's.A formerparsonage builtin 1815 wasdemolished andreplaced by thecurrent one in1869, built ofrandom localstone with a slateroof. The original window openings have been greatly enlargedwhich has destroyed the traditional proportions of the façade. Abay window has been added to the ground floor with a balconyabove. These additions together with the clearly modern andstained window styles appear incongruous with the originalstructure and with other properties within the Conservation Area.A two-storey stone barn exists to the rear. The front boundarycomprises an uncapped random stone wall that extends to theentrance to the churchyard with a grass verge that continues torun alongside the road out beyond the village. This walltogether with the gable wall and boundary of the adjacentproperty provide a strong and continuous street frontage.4.6 On the easternedge of the village isthe Church of StGarmon. A pair ofsimple iron gatesmarks the entrance tothe Churchyard,heavily guarded by apair of substantialsycamore trees. Thepathway is flanked byveteran yew trees,which predate theexisting church andcomprise some of theoldest and significanttrees in the valley;12character in detailthey are thesubject of a TreePreservationOrder. The treesovershadow thepathway andobscure all butthe Churchdoorway fromviewheightening thesense of arrival.Immediately adjacent the pathway to the west is a substantialpreaching mound. The stone set on top may be part of a sundialor preaching cross. The church was built mid 1846 on thefoundations of a 15th century church by the architect ThomasJones of Chester as a simple preaching box. The buildingunderwent a programme of restoration in 1986-7. It is situatedwithin an ancient and roughly circular churchyard and isdedicated to St Garmon who reputedly founded a Church hereduring the 4th-5th Centuries.4.7 The church is a Grade II Listed building, constructed ofpartly dressedrandom stonewith quoins,high plinth andmoulded copingand raisedcoping to thegables withkneelers.Windows are oftheperpendicularstyle with segmental pointed heads. The three-stage west towersupports a short slate covered spire with weathervane atop.Internally, the Church comprises a single chamber nave andchancel with a five bay roof constructed of collar trussessupported by straight braces.4.8 Within the churchyard all the graves have the traditionalorientation, approximately West to East. Many gravestones areinscribed in Welsh, and some plots are significantly sized, somewith grand obelisks with cast iron rails and tombs. From thegraveyard views open up in direct contrast to the darkenedpathway out beyond the Church and towards the river as itmakes its way back down the valley. Equally significant viewsare afforded into the Conservation Area from the church in itsfine and slightlyelevated ruralsetting. Acurvilinear stonewall enclosesthe Churchyard.4.9 Oppositethe entrance tothe churchyardand the YsguborDdegwm('Tithebarn') isFoel Wen, a recently completed house of modern design andconstruction, of two storeys with two projecting bays to itsfrontage. It is perhaps a little oversized in comparison to the

character in detailmore traditional properties in the Conservation Area. However,it is well proportioned and the black and white colour schemecompliments other buildings in the village. The white paintedrendered gate piers are somewhat out of place althoughreflecting the finishes of the house; stone gate piers and a stoneboundary wall would have helped to strengthen the frontageand assist in integrating the modern dwelling within its moretraditional setting.4.10 The Hand Hotel is an important building in the village itsoverall composition and its location create an excellentadvertisement and terminate the view from the approach intothe village. It was built as a farmhouse and public house ofstone construction with horizontally sliding sash windows andcat-slide dormers. During the early 20th century these featureswere replaced with larger Edwardian windows and the pitcheddormers still visible today. A second front door was alsocreated, presumably to provide a separate pub and hotelentrance. At some point between this period and the late 1960'sthe door to the pub was removed and a later porch was addedafter 1970. A number of extensions have been added to the rearover time and theoutbuildings converted.The outbuildings range inheight, size and detailingcreating an eclectic mixof visual interest. Arecently erected 'hand'carved from wood standsto the front of thebuilding and further addsto the character andappearance of the villagecentre.4.11 Adjacent thewestern gable of TheHand is a Grade II ListedK6 telephone call box, the style of which dates back to 1936.The call box is of feature of interest, which contributes to thecharacter of the Conservation Area. It is in need of repainting.4.12 The approach into the Conservation Area from the southwest is lined on the right by mature trees on the banks of thestream. The entrance of the Conservation Area is marked bythe contrasting stone and rendered gables of the cottages onWeaver Street. The cottages west of the Hand Hotel aredensely concentrated in narrow plot widths and accessed by asingle pathway in direct contrast to the more spacious andorganic arrangement of buildings surrounding the villagecentre. Many of the properties have been modernised andextended. There are few examples of original windows ordoors and several properties have been rendered. Despite thisthe intimate street pattern and the remaining small frontgardens enclosed by low stone boundaries contribute to thespecial charm of this part of the Conservation Area.4.13 The Grade II Listed OldMill Welsh Shop was formerlybuilt as a flannel mill,although according to localtradition it was actually a flaxmill, and presumably givesStryd y Gwenydd ('WeaverStreet') its name. It wasconverted to a shop in the late20th Century. It is asubstantial three storey singlebay mill constructed of rubblestone with large quoins, someof which are projecting. It is aprominent building risingabove the adjacent cottages creating an interesting and variedstreetscape. The building no longer retains any of its originalglazing. It is listed as a rare example of a very small villagemill, one of few now surviving within the Ceiriog Valley.13

character in detail4.14 Y Tabernacl is a Welsh Wesleyan chapel extended in1911, a single storey building with basement finished in aroughcast render with false cement quoins and five Ruabonbrick expressedvoussoirs to thearched entrance.Original timberframed windowshave been retainedto the roadside andgable elevation aswell as asubstantial pair oftimber boardeddoors under a gabled porch. The railings to the property areunusual in this area and were possibly introduced to give thebuilding some status.14

character in detail4.15 The West Arms Hotel is a prominent building in theconservation area and has many external and internal featuresof interest. It is listed Grade II as a fine hotel with somestrong 18th Century vernacular character and detail. It ismainly of 18th Century date but may originate from the 16­17th centuries. It is a combination of two storey and singlestorey with attic elements; it has projecting bays to the centreand left of the front elevation. It is constructed of whitewashedrubble under a steeply pitched slate roof with largestone chimney stacks. Windows tend to be two or three lightcasements with small panes under segmental brick heads. It islikely to have originated as a farmhouse during the 17thcentury, later becoming a hotel. There are cobblesimmediately in front of the hotel and a gabled timber openporch. A row of four mature trees within the gardens providesa backdrop that contributes to its setting. Internally there is afine inglenook fireplace and some deeply chamfered beams.4.16 The barns and outbuildings to the West Arms are built ofstone and slate with black painted timber windows. Over theyears some flat roofed extensions have been constructed to therear of the hotel, to enlarge the hotel facilities and to link barnsto the main hotel. There could be scope to redevelop these inthe future to provide a less ad-hoc and more unifiedarrangement.15

character in detail4.17 Whitegate Cottage to the North of the West Arms has 4.18 The public realm has largely escaped the introductionits origins as a single storey long house. It was used for a of too much street clutter and modern highwaytime until about 2002 as ancillary accommodation to the improvements, and as a result offers a rural streetscape.West Arms Hotel but is now back in private residential use. Some pavements exist, but generally their presence isIt is constructed of white painted stone with a slate roof and minimal. The private curtilage to the front of the Westhas a simple frontage with multi-paned modern windows Arms is paved with cobbles from the river; this serves as aand large irregular stone lintels. It has a rear stone wall sample of vernacular paving which could be reproduced inwith cock and hen copings. The front concrete capped appropriate places in any enhancement scheme. Thestone wall follows the line of the road, emphasising the distinctive wooden guidepost surmounted by a lantern inlinear route from the bridge to the centre of the village. the centre adds to the village charm.16

summary of negative features5 Summary of Negative Features5.1 A number of factors have been identified as causingdetriment to the visual quality and character of the area. Theseinclude:Loss of Traditional features andArchitectural Detail5.2 Unfortunately a number of small alterations over time havegradually altered the special character and appearance of thearea. There are few surviving examples of original ortraditionally detailed window or door styles. In some areastraditional stone boundary walls have been removed andreplaced either in a modern alternative or have not been replacedat all. The rendering of the original building fabric in a modernhard render, the replacement of roofs incorporating ridge ventsor interlocking ridge tiles and the re-pointing of walls in hardcement mortar are all examples of minor works whichcumulatively erode and adulterate the special character andappearance of the area.Inappropriate Alterations5.3 Extensions must respect the size, scale and quality of theexisting building. Certain features such as porches, baywindows and flat roof extensions can in some instances appearincongruous with the style and period of the existing building.Parking Areas5.4 Parking does not currently appear to cause much visualintrusion within the Conservation Area. However, whereparking is provided to the rear of the West Arms Hotel and aninformal parking area is evident adjacent the bus stop, someinformal landscaping or re-surfacing works could enhance theirappearance. However, it would be essential not to introduceincongruous urban features.Appearance of the Traffic Island5.5 The triangular traffic island in the centre of the village hasconcrete kerbs and macadam surface which appear a little harshwithin the surrounding rural environment. The guidepost at itscentre is a particular feature of interest and the islandarrangement does nothing to enhance it.17

18summary of negative features

Part 2Management Plan19

6.1GENERALmanagement planPROPOSALS FOR PRESERVATION AND ENHANCEMENTImportant viewsTreesArchaeologyBoundary DetailsAlterations and New DevelopmentReinstatement of Lost FeaturesViews into, out of and within the Conservation Area, in particular those of the Church areessential to the special quality of place. Their protection and enhancement will be animportant consideration in the determination of any proposed development.Trees are a strong character feature within this Conservation Area, therefore the removalof significant trees within the area will be resisted. Where removal is unavoidable thenan appropriate replanting scheme must be undertaken. See section 8.1 of this document.Varying levels of archaeological mitigation may be required in response to developmentproposals within the historic core. Early consultation with the Clwyd-PowysArchaeological Trust in relation to any proposed new dwelling or extension isencouraged to prevent delay at the application submission stage.Stone boundary walls are specific character features of the Conservation Area, their totaldemolition will be resisted. The use of traditional methods of construction and materialsincluding the use of lime mortar (no cement) is encouraged in all schemes of repair andreinstatement of the traditional stone boundary walls.Proposals must be designed in accordance with Design Guidance as contained withinSection 7.0 of this document.Traditional architectural details and local materials are important to the architecturalinterest and value of the area and should be retained where possible. The repair orreinstatement of traditional features is strongly encouraged.Highway Improvements Highway work should be designed in accordance with guidelines as set out in Section 7.0of this document. Any proposed Highway works must have special regard to thedesirability of retaining the special rural character of the area by limiting the use ofunnecessary road signage, road markings and the preservation of grass verges, forexample. Any proposals for the replacement or renewal of the traffic island must seek toenhance the village centre in sympathy with its historic and rural setting.20

management plan6.2GENERAL PROPOSALS FOR PRESERVATION AND ENHANCEMENTThe following have been identified as opportunities for the enhancement of the Conservation Area. The undertaking of theseworks is dependent upon the availability of funding or grant assistance:ENHANCEMENT PROPOSALSCar Park and surface Improvements - Parking areas, inparticular to the side and rear of the West Arms Hotelcould benefit from some simple non-fussy landscapingand re-surfacing in a soft and natural materialsympathetic to the rural surroundings.West Arms Hotel signage - The collection of piecemealsignage to the hotel façade detracts from the overallappearance of the building. Rationalisation of thesesigns in quality materials and style would make asignificant visual improvement.Traffic Island - The appearance of the traffic islandcould be greatly enhanced by the use of more appropriatesurface materials, planting and re-painting of theguidepost.RESPONSIBLE BODYPrivate Land owner/Transportation and AssetManagement Department, WCBCPrivate Land ownerTransportation and Asset Management Department,WCBC21

design guidance7 Design Guidance7.1 The character of the individual buildings and streetelevations, which together form the Conservation Area, derivesform a number of factors to which the following design guidancerelates. Within these parameters there is scope for high qualityarchitectural innovation, provided that this is sympathetic to theexisting character in terms of the following:Scale7.2 Restoration and re-development must respect traditionalplot widths and avoid massive repetitive and unrelieved facadeswhich typify so many modern designs.Proportion7.3 In most ofthe buildingswithin theConservationArea, therelationshipbetweenwindows, doors,floor heights andthe relationshipof solid to voidin the design ofelevations is crucial. Traditional proportions should be emulatedin new development.Building Line7.4 Frontage development must conform to the historic streetpattern. The historic layout of the village is linear with thebuildings generally facing onto the road with their rooflinesparallel to it.Roofs7.5 The roof line is adominant feature of abuilding and retention of theoriginal height, shape, pitch,verge and eaves detail andornamentation is essential.Flat roofs are alien to localtradition and generallyunacceptable. Chimneystacksare important featuresof the roof-scape and shouldbe retained even if no longerrequired. Where roofingmaterials are to be replacedthe new materials should match the colour, size and texture ofthose being replaced if those were traditional and historicallyappropriate. If ventilation is required, this should be achievedby inconspicuous means (e.g. Under eaves ventilation) butvisible roof vents would not be acceptable.External Walls7.6 Any alteration or repair to external walls must respect theexisting building materials and match them in texture, qualityand colour. Every effort should be made to retain or re-usefacing brickwork or stonework. Re-pointing should be carriedout with a mortar to match the existing in colour, type andtexture and historically would have consisted of lime and sandand possibly other fine aggregates such as grit. Modern, hardcement renders are unacceptable as they prevent the evaporationof moisture, which can accumulate between the wall and therender causing damp internally and should be replaced with alime alternative.22

design guidanceRainwater Goods7.7 Rainwater goods should be repaired if original orreinstated in original materials. Plastic guttering is notappropriate to Listed Buildings and buildings in ConservationAreas as it is not historically correct and it does not enhance abuilding's character.Windows7.8 Windows should be correctly proportioned, well relatedto each other and adjoining buildings and should respect theexisting openings. Retention of original windows must alwaysbe the first consideration but any repair or replacement shouldalways match the original. This includes not only structuralelements of the window but also historic glass and originalwindow furniture. Particularly important is the method ofopening, the set back within the reveal and the sections ofglazing bars. The thickness and moulding of glazing bars, thesize and arrangement of panes are vital elements indetermining appropriate replacement windows, which respectthe age of a building. Replacement of timber or iron windowsin a uPVC alternative, no matter what the pattern isundesirable. All windows should have a traditional paintedfinish rather than a modern stained alternative.Doors7.9 Original door-cases, doors and door furniture should beretained wherever possible. Replacements must match theoriginal in proportion, style and materials and should have apainted finish. Porches should be designed within the overallcontext and architectural style of the building and in referenceto any appropriate nearby styles. They should not dominatethe front elevation.Boundary Treatment7.10 The removal or alteration of boundary walls will not beviewed favourably. Repair should be carried out usingidentical materials and in the same style or bond and missingcopings replaced to match the existing. The use of a hardcement mortar to re-point joints is unacceptable as it increasesthe rate of deterioration of soft stone.Surfaces7.11 The overuse of insensitive macadam finishes should beavoided and the opportunity taken to lay traditional, naturalmaterials preferably local in origin, and whose colour, textureand pattern are in sympathy with the character of the area andsensitive to adjacent buildings.Highway Works7.12 Redundant or unnecessary street furniture such as signs,bins or poles should be removed to reduce the effects of streetclutter. Any historic features such as street signs must beretained and any new items such as bollards, street-lightingcolumns and sign-posts, etc must be carefully integrated withinthe streetscape and relate well to adjacent buildings and thearea as a whole. The number and size of road signs must bekept to a minimum and only illuminated where essential onsafety grounds. Backing plates should be grey or black andluminous yellow must be avoided. Where road lines areessential they must be of a restricted width within theConservation Area.Micro Energy Generation7.13 Whilst the use of micro energy generation systems is tobe encouraged they are not acceptable where equipment isfixed to building frontages or main or visible elevations wherethey would have a negative visual impact upon theConservation Area or where the fabric, character or setting of aListed Building are detrimentally affected.23

conservation area controls8 Conservation Area ControlsSpecial Controls8.1 In order to protect the special environment, stricter controlsexist within the Conservation Area. These are not intended as ahindrance to change, but as positive management to safeguardthe character of the area as a whole. These include:●●●Additional powers of control to dwelling houses forextensions, roof extensions and alterations, cladding,garages and satellite dish location.Most works involving total demolition requireConservation Area Consent. Consent for demolitionwill not normally be granted until it is known whatform redevelopment will take.Work to trees requires six weeks notice to be given tothe Council.With all proposals for development and the display ofadvertisements in a Conservation Area, greater care is necessaryto ensure that schemes enhance and preserve the area's specialcharacter. Design and choice of materials are of particularimportance in this respect.Listed Buildings8.2 A Listed Building is a building that is considered to be of'special architectural or historic interest' and as such requiresspecial protection. Once listed, a building is protected under thePlanning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.The Listing protects the building both externally and internallyirrespective of the reason for listing as well as any object orstructure fixed to the building (whether or not mentioned in thelisting description). The listing also extends to any object orstructure within the 'curtilage' of the building, which has existedsince before 1st July 1948. This is to ensure that the specialcharacter of both the building and its setting are protected.248.3 Where works are proposed to a Listed Building, it isalways advisable to check with the Council's Planning Authoritywhether Listed Building Consent is required. In any worksproposed, special regard must be given to the desirability ofpreserving the building, its setting and special features ofinterest.8.4 In considering any works to a Listed Building the principleobjective must be to retain all original features and fabric of thebuilding wherever possible. Listed Building Consent is requiredfor the demolition of a listed building or for alteration, whichwould affect the building's character, integrity or special interest.This could include changing windows and doors, changingroofing materials, painting brickwork, moving or removinginternal walls or plasterwork, fireplaces, floorboards orstaircases. Like for like repairs may not need consent but it isalways advisable to check prior to undertaking any works as thecarrying out of works without the necessary consent is a criminaloffence with significant penalties for those involved following asuccessful prosecution.Scheduled Ancient Monuments8.5 Within the Conservation Area, the mound within theChurchyard, Tomen Garmon, is a Scheduled Ancient Monument.Scheduled Ancient Monuments are nationally important sites andmonuments, which have legal protection. In some cases ListedBuildings can also be Scheduled Ancient Monuments. If youpropose to carry out any work, alteration or excavation,Scheduled Ancient Monument Consent must be obtained.Applications for consent should be made to the Welsh AssemblyGovernment.

conservation area controlsCommercial Buildings8.5 Properties in commercial use do not have PermittedDevelopment Rights under the Town and Country Planning(General Permitted Development) Order 1995. Anyexternal works to unlisted commercial buildings other thanrepair and maintenance are likely to require PlanningPermission.25

conservation area controls9 Sources of FundingA fundamental principle of all grant schemes is that grant cannotbe offered after the work has been started. All grants arediscretionary and rates may vary. Early consultation withpossible providers is essential.Cadw: Welsh Historic MonumentsCadw is the principal public agency offering grant aid forhistoric buildings in Wales. The key grant schemes summariseas:Historic Buildings Grant●For the repair and restoration of historic fabric of building's of'outstanding' architectural or historic interest. Grants arenormally paid in instalments or on completion of the work. Thepercentage of the total eligible cost of repair payable throughgrant aid is dependent 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 to undertake andoversee the works and allow a degree of public access to theproperty once works are completed. The owner must also ensurethat the property is kept in good condition and take out andmaintain adequate insurance cover for the property.Conservation Areas Grant●For works to the external structure or appearance of historicbuildings, which significantly enhance a Conservation Area.Grants are again paid by instalments or on completion of thework based on the following rates:Religious 40%Trusts and Charities 30%Domestic/Private 25%Commercial/Industrial 25%Public 25%Similar to the Historic Building Grant, conditions may require aspecialist to undertake and oversee the works. The owner mustalso ensure that the property is kept in good condition and takeout and maintain adequate insurance cover for the property.26

Appendix 1Listed BuildingsListed BuildingThe West Arms HotelTelephone Call Box adjacent to W gable end of Hand InnChurch of St GarmonOld Mill Welsh ShopGradeIIIIIIIIScheduled Ancient MonumentsTomen Garmon (Mound located within the Churchyard of the Church of St Garmon)27

Appendix 2Conservation Policy GuidanceMain Legislation National Policy Guidance Local PolicyTown and CountryPlanning Act 1990Planning (Listed Buildingsand Conservation Areas)Act 1990Planning Policy WalesWelsh Office Circular 61/96:Planning and the Historic Environment:Historic Buildings and Conservation AreasWrexham Unitary DevelopmentPlan (LDP in preparation 2009)Local Planning Guidance Note 4:Conservation AreasAncient Monuments andArchaeological Areas Act 1979Welsh Office Circular 1/98: Planningand the Historic Environment: Directionsby the Secretary of State for WalesLocal Planning Guidance Note 30:Design: A Guide for Developersand Architects when designingResidential DevelopmentsTechnical Advice Note 12: DesignWelsh Office Circular 60/96:Planning and the Historic Environment:Archaeology28

Appendix 3Glossary of Architectural TermsAbutmentCasementCatslideChamferChancelCock and HenCopingDormerEavesGableInglenookJambLintelLong HouseNaveObeliskParapetSolid part of a pier from which an arch springs, or the extremities of a bridgeA window where the opening lights are hung on hingesAn extension of a sloping roof at the same pitch over a projection to a buildingSurface formed by cutting off the squared edge, normally at a 45-degree anglePart of the east end of a church set apart for the clergyToothed capping to a wallThe top course of a wall parapet or chimneyA window projecting from a roofThe lower, overhanging section of a pitched roofArea of wall, often triangular at the end of a pitched roofLarge recess for a hearthThe vertical side of an openingHorizontal beam used as a finishing piece over a door or windowCombined house and byre, with internal access betweenThe main body of a churchA tapering pillar of square plan and ending pyramidallyFeature used to conceal a roofPerpendicular Historical division of English Gothic architecture covering the period 1335-1530.The name is derived from the upright tracery panels used at the timePiersAn isolated mass of constructionPlinthProjecting courses at the foot of a wall or columnQuoinDressed masonry bonded to the corners of buildingsRenderThe plastering of a surface with plaster, stucco or another finishRoughcastPlaster mixed with a course aggregateSash WindowsA window which moves on vertical grooves, either with one frame fixed (singlehung) or both moving (double hung)StringcourseHorizontal stone course or moulding projecting from the surface of the wallTraceryDelicately carved stonework usually seen in the Gothic style of windowTransomA horizontal bar dividing a windowVernacularA term to describe local regional building forms and types using localmaterials without grand architectural pretensionsReferencesThe Buildings of Wales:Clwyd, Edward Hubbard, 1986Guidance on Conservation Area Appraisals, English Heritage, 2005Guidance on the Management of Conservation Areas, English Heritage, 2005100 Years in the Valley, Y Glyn a fu, Dewi Parry Jones and Robert Owen Jones, 1998Useful ContactsThe Institute of Historic Building Conservation - www.ihbc.org.ukCadw: Welsh Historic Monuments - www.cadw.wales.gov.ukThe Royal Institute of British Architects - www.riba.orgThe Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings - www.spab.org.ukThe Royal Institution 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.ork.uk29