RHYL CENTRAL CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL REVIEW DECEMBER 2017 Beverley Kerr On behalf of Purcell ® Bodnant Business Studios, Perhyd Road, Tal y Cafn, Conwy LL28 5RW [email protected] www.purcelluk.com
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01.238136 RHYL CENTRAL, CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL REVIEW CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION 04 5 CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES 59 1.1 Definition of a Conservation Area 04 1.2 Background 04 1.3 Value of the Conservation Area Appraisal Review 06 6 IDENTIFYING THE BOUNDARY 64 1.4 Scope of the Conservation Area Appraisal Review 06
7 CONCLUSION AND NEXT STEPS 66 2 PLANNING POLICY CONTEXT 07 2.1 National Planning Policy and Guidance 07 2.2 Local Planning Policy and Guidance 07 8 BIBLIOGRAPHY 67 2.3 Conservation Area Policy Guidance 07 2.4 Control Measures within Conservation Areas 08
3 SUMMARY OF SPECIAL INTEREST 09 APPENDICES Appendix 1: Table of Listed Buildings 70 Appendix 2: S election Criteria for Positive Contributors 78 4 ASSESSMENT OF SPECIAL INTEREST 10 Appendix 3: Selection Criteria used to Identify less than 4.1 Location and Setting 10 4.2 Topography and Geology 10 positive elements 79 4.3 General Description, Character and Plan Form 10 Appendix 4: Plans 80 4.4 Archaeology 10 4.5 Historic Development 10 4.6 Rhyl Central Conservation Area Map Progression 14 4.7 Key Views 17 4.8 Typical Materials 18 4.9 Architectural Features 19 4.10 Shop Fronts and Advertising 21 4.11 Active Street Frontages 25 4.12 Listed Buildings 26 4.13 Positive Contributors 27 4.14 Landmarks 27 4.15 Character Analysis 29
03 1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 DEFINITION OF A CONSERVATION AREA 1.2 BACKGROUND A Conservation Area is an area ‘of special architectural or historic The Rhyl Central Conservation Area was designated in July 2007 by interest the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve Denbighshire County Council. This followed a revision of the Queen or enhance.’01 Designation takes place primarily by local planning Street/Crescent Road Conservation Area and the St Thomas authorities under Section 69 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Area which proposed to combine the two into a single Conservation Areas) Act 1990. Local planning authorities also have a designated area which encompassed the town centre and ‘gateway’ duty to review the extent of designation and to designate further area adjacent to the Vale Road bridge. areas if appropriate.02 Section 71 of the Planning Act imposes a duty on the local planning authority to formulate and publish proposals for The St Thomas Conservation Area was originally designated in 1988, the preservation and enhancement of Conservation Areas. Proposals and Queen Street/Crescent Road Conservation Area was designated should be publicised and incorporate public comment. in 1992. A boundary review in 2001-2002 led to an application to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for a Townscape Heritage Initiative in Conservation Area designation recognises the unique quality of an Rhyl. Additional regeneration programmes led to a further review in area as a whole. It is not just the contribution of individual buildings 2006 which recommended the present, combined, Conservation and monuments, but also features such as topography, layout of Area. roads, pathways, street furniture, open spaces, and hard and soft landscaping which assist in defining the character and appearance of As part of an extensive programme of regeneration and renovation an area. Conservation Areas identify the familiar and cherished local in Rhyl through the continuing Rhyl ‘Going Forward’ programme, the scene that creates a sense of place, community, distinctiveness and creation of a new waterpark and leisure attraction on Rhyl’s environment. waterfront, new housing scheme in West Rhyl and the construction of a new chain hotel on the West Parade, Denbighshire County The extent to which built structures positively shape the character of Council have commissioned a further review of the Conservation a Conservation Area depends not just on their street elevations, but Area boundary.04 also on their integrity as historic structures and the impact they have in three dimensions, perhaps in an interesting roofscape, or skyline. A key aim of the fieldwork and subsequent analysis is to understand Back elevations can be important, as can side views from alleys and the appropriateness of the current conservation area boundaries. yards.03 The suggested alterations contained within this document will need to be considered in consultation with the community. This is The aim of Conservation Area Legislation is to preserve and enhance discussed in greater detail in Section 6 of this document. areas of our historic environment that hold value to the people that interact with them, in order that they are enjoyed by this and future generations.
01 Section 69 (1) (a) Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.
02 Section 69 (2) Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. 04 Denbighshire County Council: Rhyl Regeneration: https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/ 03 Historic England, Conservation Area Designation, Appraisal and Management, Advice en/resident/community-and-living/regeneration/rhyl-regeneration.aspx [accessed 26th May Note 1(2016), para 61. 2017]
04 INTRODUCTION 1
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03
02 01
Rhyl Central Area Conservation Area showing the present boundaries and character areas
01 Rhyl’s Interchange and Commercial Core 02 Crescent Road 03 St Thomas’ Conservation Area Boundary Character Area
This plan is not to scale
05 1 INTRODUCTION
1.3 VALUE OF THE CONSERVATION AREA 1.4. SCOPE OF THE CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL REVIEW APPRAISAL REVIEW The purpose of a Conservation Area Appraisal is to define and This document is not intended to be fully comprehensive in its scope record the special architectural and historic interest of the Rhyl and content. Omission of any specific building, structure, site, Central Conservation Area.05 The review and update of the landscape, space, feature or aspect located in or adjoining to the Rhyl Appraisal will lead to a better appreciation of the understanding of Central Conservation Area should not be taken to imply that it does the development of the Conservation Area, in terms of its local not hold significance and positively contribute to the character and distinctiveness, setting and condition, which together contribute to appearance of the designated historic asset. the place it is today. This will enable the basis for positive management of the Rhyl Conservation Area. As an area evolves, evidence may emerge which provides a greater understanding of historic asset(s) and the contribution made to the It is intended that the review of the Appraisal, which is now over ten special interest of the Rhyl Central Conservation Area. Such years old, will be been used to make decisions over the position of information should be considered in conjunction with the Appraisal existing boundaries to prepare a management plan which sets out during the course of decision making by the local planning authority. suggested actions to maintain and enhance the special character of the area. Ultimately, adoption of an updated Conservation Area This draft review of the Rhyl Central Conservation Area Appraisal Appraisal and Management Plan will support the active management has been produced by Denbighshire County Council following the of the Conservation Area through the development control process, submission of an initial draft by Purcell. This review was completed including support for appeals. following extensive fieldwork undertaken in Rhyl during May and June 2017. It builds upon the findings and research of the Conservation An adopted Conservation Area Appraisal is a material consideration Area Appraisal carried out in 2006 and approved by Denbighshire to appeal decisions and also relevant to decisions made by the Council in 2007. Secretary of State when considering urgent works to preserve an unlisted building in a Conservation Area. An appraisal can inform those considering investment in the area, help guide the form and content of new development and result in an educational and informative document for the local community.06
The Town and Country Planning Act (General Permitted Development Order) 1995 as amended (GPDO) sets out permitted development rights for certain minor forms of development – i.e. development that may be legitimately undertaken without the need for planning permission. An Appraisal can assess whether or not permitted development rights are having an adverse impact on the special interest of a Conservation Area and whether or not the use of an Article 4 direction is appropriate.
The positive characteristics defined by this document should be the starting point for further discussion with the local planning authority where alterations are being considered to or will affect historic asset(s). Each site will be judged on its own merits and there are bound to be variations in the quality of individual developments. It will not be acceptable merely to emulate the least successful or highest density of these or to use such sites as a precedent for low-quality proposals. Instead regard should be paid to those elements which make the Rhyl Central Conservation Area significant. Ultimately special attention shall be paid to the desirability of preserving and enhancing the character or appearance of the Conservation Area.
05 Welsh Government, Cadw, Managing Conservation Areas in Wales, 2017, page 4 06 Historic England, Conservation Area Designation, Appraisal and Management, Advice Note 1, page 5
06 PLANNING POLICY CONTEXT 2
2.1 NATIONAL PLANNING POLICY AND 2.2 LOCAL PLANNING POLICY AND GUIDANCE GUIDANCE The primary legislation for carrying out building conservation Denbighshire adopted the Local Development Plan in 2013. A functions is the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) number of policies are applicable to Conservation Areas. LDP Policy Act 1990. There are various duties that the local authority should RD1 outlines general development management considerations provide under this Act with regard to Conservation Areas. Under relevant to development affecting Conservation Areas. LDP Policy Sections 69, 70 and 71 The Council must determine which parts of its VOE1 ‘Key Areas of Importance’ is a specific policy for planning area should be Conservation Areas, decide whether to extend these applications affecting Conservation Areas. The physical location of or create new ones, and publish proposals for their preservation and Conservation Areas in Denbighshire, in the centre of town and enhancement. Section 72 of the same Act specifies that, in making a villages, is a key consideration for ensuring that Conservation Areas decision on an application for development in a Conservation Area, are adapted or changed in a positive way, retaining their character special attention shall be paid to the desirability of preserving or that makes the towns and rural areas of Denbighshire unique. enhancing the character or appearance of that area. Also of consideration are the Council’s Supplementary Planning National guidance can be found in Welsh Office Circular 61/96 and Guidance note (SPG) relating to Conservation Areas adopted in 1/98; Planning Policy Wales (2016) Chapter 6 and Technical Advice March 2015. Notes (TAN) TAN 12 – Design (2016). Welsh Office Circular 61/96 and Planning Policy Wales (2016) identifies the important role that The Council is also required to review their Conservation Areas and local planning authorities play in conserving the historic environment boundaries from time to time, and to consider whether they are still whilst balancing wider sustainable development responsibilities. The appropriate, whether areas should be added or where boundaries objective is to ‘preserve or enhance the historic environment, recognising should be adjusted to exclude elements. The current review its contribution to economic vitality and culture, civic pride and the quality document is part of this continuing process. of life, and its importance as a resource for future generations’. 2.3 CONSERVATION AREA POLICY GUIDANCE Planning Policy Wales stipulates in Chapter 6 Para 6.3.2 that ‘the This review has taken into consideration methodologies and advice positive management of Conservation Areas is necessary if their character outlined by Cadw and Historic England (formerly English Heritage). It or appearance is to be protected and enhanced’, and in Para 6.4.6 that should be noted that the Historic England documents only relate to ‘development plan policies should make it clear that development England and some of the rules and regulations will differ in Wales, proposals will be judged for their effect on the character and appearance however it does contain principles which are generic to all of Conservation Areas, as identified in (a Conservation Area) assessment Conservation Areas. Publications include: and proposal document, to ensure that any new development is in accord with the area’s special architectural and historic interest.’ • Managing Conservation Areas in Wales, Welsh Government, Cadw, 2017; Planning Policy Wales Chapter 6 Para 6.5.17 advises that there is a • Managing Historic Character in Wales, Welsh Government, Cadw, strong presumption against the granting of planning permission 2017; should proposed development conflict with the objections of preserving and enhancing the character or appearance of a • Understanding Place: Historic Area Assessments, Historic England, Conservation Area, whilst Para 6.5.18 advises on the control over the 2017; total or partial demolition of unlisted buildings within a Conservation • Conservation Area Designation, Appraisal and Management, Area. Additionally, local authorities must also consider the potential Historic England Advice Note 1, 2016. impact of advertising in Para 6.5.19, and the importance of trees • Understanding Place: Character and Context in Local Planning, within 6.5.20. The use of Article 4 Directions removing from the Historic England, 2011; householder specific permitted development rights in order to protect the special interest of a Conservation Area is considered in • Valuing Places: Good Practice in Conservation Areas, Historic section 5. England, 2011;
07 2 PLANNING POLICY CONTEXT
Cadw’s document Conservation Principles for the Sustainable • Certain property alterations may require planning permission. Management of the Historic Environment in Wales, 2011 provides These would include: adding extensions, roof extensions and policies and guidance for identifying significance. Four heritage values alterations, cladding, installing satellite dishes and solar panels, are assigned through which a site or place can be interpreted: and laying paving or building walls. evidential, historical, communal and aesthetic. • All proposals for development, including the alteration of shop fronts and the display of advertisements in a Conservation Area, 2.4 CONTROL MEASURES WITHIN require considered design to preserve and enhance the area’s CONSERVATION AREAS special character. Design, materials, lighting, style and colour are In determining applications for development in Conservation Areas, of particular importance. local planning authorities must pay special attention ‘to the desirability of preserving or enhancing the character or appearance of that area’.01 • In some Conservation Areas, Article 4 (2) Directions may be This requirement, as set out in legislation, is also reflected in national introduced. This ensures that alterations to the front of dwellings and local policy. are carried out in sympathy with the special character of an area. Where such a Direction is in place, planning permission is In order to protect and enhance Conservation Areas any changes normally required for the alteration of windows, doors, porches, that take place must do so in a way that encourages positive chimneys, roofs and boundaries. conservation and management. Statutory control measures are designed to prevent development that may have a negative or Payment of a planning application fee is not required for cumulative effect on the character and appearance of an area and Conservation Area Consent, consent for works to trees or include the following: applications under the Article 4 (2) Direction has been introduced. This ensures that alterations to the front of dwellings are carried out • Demolition or substantial demolition of a building within a in sympathy with the special character of an area. Where such a Conservation Area will usually require permission from the local Direction is in place, planning permission is normally required for the authority. Most works involving demolition require Conservation alteration of windows, doors, porches, chimneys, roofs and Area Consent. Consent for demolition will not normally be boundaries. granted until it is known what form redevelopment will take and how it preserves or enhances the Conservation Area. There may however be some poor-quality buildings which, if removed, would result in visual improvements to Conservation Areas. • Trees are given automatic protection in Conservation Areas for the contribution that they make to the amenity of an area. If you are thinking of cutting down a tree or doing any pruning work (with some exceptions) you must formally notify the Council 6 weeks in advance. This is to give the Council time to assess the contribution the tree makes to the character of the Conservation Area and decide whether to make a Tree Preservation Order. Some trees may be additionally protected by a Tree Preservation Order because of their importance to the locality.
01 Section 72 (1) Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.
08 SUMMARY OF SPECIAL INTEREST 3
Rhyl is quintessentially a planned Victorian seaside town containing • St Thomas’ Church and Holy Trinity are of high architectural and many Victorian and Edwardian buildings. Rhyl has, however, been the historic value. St Thomas’ Church was built to designs by George subject of much alteration over the years in the form of inappropriate, Gilbert Scott and they reflect the growth of Rhyl during the low-quality alterations to historic buildings, replacement of others with mid-19th century and the influx of English speaking people. buildings of an unsympathetic design, and of a gradual erosion of the • There is a good survival of Victorian buildings throughout the public realm. However, there is much to be celebrated in Rhyl, with Conservation Area as well as historic features above retail the highest value being placed upon the following features and premises, despite the insensitive installation of modern shop characteristics: fronts. • Rhyl is an example of a Victorian seaside resort, planned and laid • A number of historic shop fronts can be found within the out in the early 19th century. The Rhyl Central Conservation Conservation Area. Area encompassed the centre of the planned settlement. • The Conservation Area contains a number of high quality elegant villas which reflect the former affluence of Rhyl during the Victorian era. • The distinctive grid pattern of streets illustrates the planned nature of Rhyl during the 19th century. • There is a general uniformity of building height across the Conservation Area which also illustrates the planned nature of Rhyl. • A number of the early buildings can be identified by their construction in local materials. • There is a good survival of Victorian buildings and terraced properties, many constructed to provide accommodation for visitors to the town. • Despite the loss of several key buildings in Rhyl in the past, the town retains a number of high-quality, individually designed buildings which reflect the past affluence of the town. • The Victorian railway station provided the impetus for the growth of Rhyl as a tourist destination. Its considerable size reflects the importance of the tourist trade to Rhyl. • T he Town Hall, which was rebuilt on several occasions, illustrates the growing affluence and popularity of the town during the 19th century. The tower and clock is a landmark building in the Conservation Area. The land around it forms a rare and valuable green space within the commercial and retail core of Rhyl. • The Art Deco Odeon Bingo Club, formerly a picture house, is a striking building, reflecting the new confidence during the inter-war years, and growing importance of cinema in people’s daily lives.
St Thomas’ Church
09 4 ASSESSMENT OF SPECIAL INTEREST
4.1 LOCATION AND SETTING The grid-pattern of its streets shows the planned nature of Rhyl, Rhyl is a town located at the mouth of the River Clwyd on the orientated towards the sea. The construction of the railway station in north-east coast of Wales within the county of Denbighshire, though the middle of the 19th century formed a second focus for the town; historically it was once part of Flintshire. today it is known as Rhyl’s Interchange as it lies adjacent to the southern boundary of the Conservation Area. The street pattern Prestatyn is located 3.5 miles to the east, Kinmel Bay is 1 mile to the historically served to channel visitors who arrived by train towards west and the medieval town of Rhuddlan is a little over 2 miles to the the seafront to the north. south. The northern boundary of the Conservation Area currently runs The town is bisected east to west by the busy A548 coast road, along part of West Parade, which fronts onto the Children’s Village, whilst the principle route inland from Rhyl is via the A525 which one of Rhyl’s tourist attractions. Exceptions to the grid-pattern plan continues towards the county town of Denbigh. form include Crescent Road in the west of the Conservation Area which bisects the residential area. The adjoining streets of Edward Rhyl is located on a flat coastal plain of marshland and sand dunes. It Henry and Abbey Street diverge from the grid-pattern to join it. enjoys extensive sandy beaches along its seafront on the northern edge of the Conservation Area, and long distant views towards the On the eastern side of the Conservation Area is a distinct area of hills on the edges of the Clwyd Valley. large Victorian residences, some of which have been converted to commercial use. At the heart of this area is St Thomas’ Church and associated buildings, forming a discreet character zone within the 4.2 TOPOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY Conservation Area. Extensive boulder clay and sand deposits occur throughout the area as a result of glacial activity; carboniferous coal measures are overlain 4.4 ARCHAEOLOGY by boulder clay, Triassic alluvium and blown link sand. The limestone Prior to the 1790s, the area on which the town of Rhyl is located was cliffs which form the northern edge of the Clwydian Range were largely marshland and sand dunes, the latter known as Y Gyrtain once part of the original coastline. Much of Rhyl is situated on land Fawr. The Rhyl Central Conservation Area is located on reclaimed reclaimed from the sea, and natural infilling of the River Clwyd land, and archaeological evidence for human activity will therefore estuary provided additional land south of the railway line, which was largely relate to the period following its reclamation at the start of developed as part of the expanding settlement.01 the 19th century.
4.3 GENERAL DESCRIPTION, CHARACTER AND There are no scheduled monuments within the Conservation Area. PLAN FORM Rhyl is a typical Victorian seaside town, with two, three and four 4.5 HISTORIC DEVELOPMENT storey 19th century terraced properties facing each other across a Prior to the 18th century, Rhyl was a hamlet consisting of a few grid-iron pattern of streets, interspersed with 20th century scattered cottages surrounded by marshland. Foryd Harbour, from development of varying quality and character. which small-scale fishing took place, would have provided some income for local residents. The principle retail and commercial area is located along the High Street, and the parallel streets of Queen Street and Bodfor Street to In 1794 an Act of Parliament approved drainage of the marshes for the west. Here the Town Hall is also located with its prominent clock development. During the 1820s and 1830s parcels of land were tower, forming a local landmark. marked out for development and the street pattern visible throughout central Rhyl was laid out. Crescent Road and adjacent streets were constructed around this time.
01 Rhyl Central Character Area Proposed Extension, 2007
10 ASSESSMENT OF SPECIAL INTEREST 4
Location plan of Rhyl and the Rhyl Central Conservation Area
11 4 ASSESSMENT OF SPECIAL INTEREST
The town grew around what is now the commercial core and retail With the availability of cheap, reliable transport and the provision of centre. At the same time, the town expanded further east in the area statutory holidays, workers from the industrial cities of the north- now bounded by Russell Road, Brighton Road (formerly Shipley west and midlands discovered Rhyl. During the later 19th century, it Street), Clwyd Street and Bath Street. This area was once the nucleus was considered to be the premier seaside resort in North Wales, of the wealthier part of Rhyl and a number of important buildings with the best beach, a full range of amusements and diversions, were erected prior to and during the 1840s. Holy Trinity Church was undercover shopping facilities and an air of elegance beyond the constructed in 1835 as a Welsh Chapel of Ease to the mother church everyday experience of holidaymakers from cramped and dirty inner at Rhuddlan, and other buildings such as Plas Gwyn, The Swan Public cities. The health benefits of Rhyl’s environment and climate were House, and 5-8 Clwyd Street soon followed. Meanwhile, the area to promoted and exploited, and consequently it was also considered a the west developed as a seaside resort to serve the first tourists suitable place for convalescing, whether in one of a number of private from Liverpool and other cities who arrived at the harbour by nursing homes or the Royal Alexandra Hospital. steamer to enjoy the benefits of newly fashionable sea bathing. By 1893, Rhyl was the largest town in Flintshire and by 1912 the The real tourist potential of Rhyl was exploited when the Chester to street pattern familiar today has been established. Fires destroyed a Holyhead railway line through Rhyl opened in 1848. The once number of key buildings in the early twentieth century, including the exclusive resort became accessible for millions, resulting in large scale impressive Queen’s Palace on East Parade, which contained a zoo in expansion into a popular seaside town between 1850 and 1890. The the dome, and in the basement a replica of Venice’s canal system, majority of Rhyl’s town centre, as well as areas further to the south complete with gondolas. The quality of architecture was, unfortunately, and west, developed rapidly to provide hotels and boarding houses. never replaced. Queen Street, River Street, Sussex Street and Bodfor Street were laid out in 1852 and a number of important buildings were constructed, During the 20th century, the town continued to attract tourists, but such as the original Town Hall on Wellington Road (1855). it was the advent of the cheap package holidays to the continent with the guarantee of sunshine which began the decline of the towns’ Enterprising businessmen established a whole service industry to fortunes. Others were attracted to the holiday camps and caravan cater for the needs of the new visitors, including the construction of parks on the outskirts of Rhyl, where the availability of entertainment assembly rooms, theatres, concert halls, indoor swimming baths and and shopping on site drew expenditure away from the town centre. a skating rink; development of the Promenade and the Pier provided Like many seaside resorts across Britain, boarding houses were amusements and facilities for those not taking to the sea. In the converted into flats and businesses closed. Landmark building such as centre of town, ground floors were converted into shops selling all the Pavilion Theatre and pier were demolished in the 1970s. manner of goods for not only holiday makers but also the local population, who were beginning to consider Rhyl to be the retail Today, initiatives are attempting to halt the declining tourist industry centre for the area. and regenerate the town, including the redevelopment of the promenade, and the regeneration of the West Rhyl on the western Churches and chapels of all denominations provided spiritual care boundary of the Conservation Area. of visitors and residents alike. Sussex Street Baptist Church was erected in 1862 by a consortium of local Baptists and industrialists from Lancashire and Cheshire, whilst St Thomas’ Church, was built between 1860 and 1890. By 1874 the central area street pattern was established, the spire of St Thomas’ Church had been completed, and the new Town Hall was under construction on the site of the earlier Town Hall. Christ Church United Reform Church was built a decade later.
12 ASSESSMENT OF SPECIAL INTEREST 4
The beach, late-19th century High Street, late-19th century
Pavilion and Parade, late-19th century The beach, late-19th century
Promenade late-19th century The destruction of the Queens Palace
The pier Station Platform, late-19th century
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4.6 RHYL CENTRAL CONSERVATION AREA MAP PROGRESSION
1871 Ordnance Survey Map
Ordnance Survey © Crown Copyright 2015. All rights reserved. Licence number 100022432
• The grid pattern of Rhyl’s streets, largely unaltered from today, is already clearly defined. • W est Parade is lined with houses facing the sea. • The Town Hall, built in 1855, occupies a prominent position on Wellington Road. • The principle streets of the High Street, Queen Street, Water Street, Bodfor Street, Kinmel and Church Street are already lined with buildings, with the occasional empty plot. Gardens and yards are laid out behind many of the buildings. • St Thomas’ Church and Holy Trinity Church and the Wesleyan Chapel lie on the periphery of development. Bath Street is largely undeveloped, whilst a number of individual villas have been constructed further to the north-west. • Edward Henry Street, Crescent Road and Abbey Street are under development. • The station and railway line, built in 1848, define the south-east boundary of the town.
14 ASSESSMENT OF SPECIAL INTEREST 4
1899 Ordnance Survey Map
Ordnance Survey © Crown Copyright 2015. All rights reserved. Licence number 100022432
• By 1900 all vacant plots along the High Street have been filled, and the town has taken on much of its familiar density. • Plots around St Thomas’ Church have been filled, but development is still limited beyond Bath Street. • The Town Hall has been replaced by a new building in 1874-1876. • Crescent Road continues to develop south-westwards, whilst Abbey Street has now been completed
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1961 Ordnance Survey Map
Ordnance Survey © Crown Copyright 2015. All rights reserved. Licence number 100022432
• Illustrates the continuing infilling of vacant plots and rear gardens and yards. • The Crescent Road area is now developed with rows of terraced houses. The bus station occupies a large site on the western side of the road. • The railway station has increased in size with longer platforms to cater for the large number of visitors. • To the south-east of the railway line, the area has now developed as a suburb of Rhyl.
16 ASSESSMENT OF SPECIAL INTEREST 4
4.7 KEY VIEWS • Views along Bath Street towards the sea front. Within the Rhyl Central Conservation Area are several important • Views towards the Town Hall along Wellington Road and from views or vistas which derive from its planned development in the adjacent roads. 19th century. These are as follows: • Views along the High Street towards the sea front. • St Thomas’ Church at the heart of St Thomas’ Character Area is • Views of the Railway Station and Conservation Area’s skyline visible from many locations, however views of the church or its from Vale Road Bridge. spire are important moving south-east along Bath Street, moving south-west along Russell Road and at from the junction of These are identified on plans within the individual character areas in Russell Road and Bath Street. Section 4.14.
View of St Thomas’ Church at the junction of Bath Street and Russell Road View along Bath Street towards the seafront
View of the Conservation Area from Vale Road Bridge, with the Odeon Bingo Club behind the Cob and Pen public house
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4.8 TYPICAL MATERIALS Some of Rhyl’s most prominent buildings are constructed in grey Within the Conservation Area the most common building material is rubble stone often with free stone dressings, for example the Town brick. Render or stucco is frequently uses in Rhyl to disguise brick. Hall. Stone is the most frequent choice of Rhyl’s churches. The local Additionally, many 19th century buildings have raised and moulded grey stone is also found in the Conservation Area’s oldest terraces dressings and quoins; where these are picked out in a contrasting or dating to the early 19th century. complementary colour, the effect can be most striking. Frequently in Rhyl, white render is contrasted with black mouldings, evoking mock Slate is a common material for roofs, however, property owners are half-timbering. Another feature in the Conservation Area is render more frequently choosing to replace their roofs with inappropriate which is moulded to appear like rusticated ashlar. and cheaper concrete tiles; this has a detrimental impact on the appearance of historic buildings and the roofscape of the Where brick is left exposed, 19th century buildings utilised red, Conservation Area. yellow, black or buff brick, whilst 20th century buildings tend to use brown brick. More recent residential blocks have attempted to compliment the 19th century streetscape by utilising red and yellow brick. Sometimes buildings use multiple colours of brick, often to great decorative effect in bands along elevations, for window dressings or for quoins.
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4.9 ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES larger paned sliding sashes, often with margin-lights. Today, however, uPVC doors and windows are now the most common feature within The buildings in the Conservation Area most commonly date to the the Conservation Area. 19th century and as such have an eclectic mix of architectural and decorative features, some of which are illustrated below. Some individual buildings, generally commercial or retail premises, have grand architectural features such as the Ionic giant order The Gothic style is commonly adopted in most of the Conservation columns above the corner entrance to the HSBC bank, (1 Bodfor Area’s churches and is also used in the Town Hall. Street), and the rusticated ground floor, with its scallop shell hood above the entrance. To a lesser extent the terracotta decorative Rhyl’s residences were most commonly built with canted bay features to 56 Water Street, with its large arched windows, the code windows and today, these still exist above the ground floor on stone masks on key stones to 2 Bodfor Street, and the giant order buildings which were adapted in the 19th and 20th century to retail columns to the first and second floor of the 1930s Burton’s premises. or commercial use. Also common are pierced and decorative bargeboards, terracotta ridge tiles and finials, mock half-timbered At a smaller scale, there are a number of plaques, foundation stones gables and polychrome brickwork and dressings, mixing both Gothic, and street name plates, the latter are commonly found throughout Tudor, vernacular and classical revival styles. Multi-paned, sliding- the Conservation Area. timber sashes can be found in the Conservation Area as well as
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Tiled ground floors can be found on several public houses including The Lorne. Art Nouveau tiling also features on a door surround on Wellington Chambers, Wellington Road, a purpose-built commercial building.
The 20th century buildings in the Conservation Area also have their own architectural features such as the Art Deco style of the Odeon Bingo Club with its curving brickwork and windows and vertical tower of faience tiling.
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4.10 SHOP FRONTS AND ADVERTISING The use of modern materials such as aluminium for doors, windows The majority of shop fronts in the Conservation Area are 20th and and shop fronts are often accompanied by large fascias, illuminated 21st century replacements, but some retain traditional features and signs and large window signs. are positive contributors to the Conservation Area. Traditional features include decorative plinths, fluted/plain pilasters, panelled stall Security features such as solid external roller shutters have an impact risers, fascias and decorative/plain cornices. on significance. Vacant shops that are permanently shuttered are detrimental to the Conservation Area as they present a blank and A number of traditional and replacement 20th and 21st century shop lonely façade to the street. Full-size advertisements or hoardings that fronts that successfully make use of historic features provide a cohesive cover the shop fronts are equally unsatisfactory. design with the architecture present on the upper storeys. For example, 5 Russell Road is an original 19th century shop front with Also, an important feature are the upper floors of the shops, many of modest signage, although the colour scheme is very bright. No.15 which have survived relatively intact. These often demonstrate Bedford Street is a traditional shop front which has been recently decorative features, such as bay windows and mock-timber frame restored and is in keeping with the appearance of the Conservation detailing. Some retain their timber sash windows although rather Area. more have been replaced with insensitively designed uPVC. Many upper floors appear to be under-used or vacant offering the Many shops in the Conservation Area are independent retailers, opportunity for alternative uses such as residential. which is to be encouraged as it offers an alternative to the generic corporate branding that dominates many high streets around the A number of commercial premises have employed a sympathetic country. However, many shops are very low-quality and make no approach to signage within a Conservation Area, by applying tradition attempt to be sympathetic to their historic surroundings. Takeaways, lettering to the window glass. This reduces the need for external gaming centres, charity shops and outlet stores often have signage. An example of this can be seen on modest window signage inappropriate and garish branding and overly large (extending above to commercial premises at 33 and 35 Russell Road. The use of the ground floor) signs. They also suffer from a lack of maintenance retractable canopies in a suitable material, as found on Market Street and have inappropriate, heavy-duty security features. (Roland’s Produce), should also be encouraged.
A number of shop fronts are unsuccessful in terms of style, scale, ‘A’ boards are found throughout the retail area although they tend to signage, illumination, material and colour. The size of fascias across the be found in the wider streets and are less of a hazard to pedestrians. Conservation Area is a concern as many are overly large, feature There are also a number of large advertising hoardings within the strong colours and do not relate well to their surroundings. Conservation Area close to Rhyl’s Interchange. These boards are attached to the gable ends of 8 and 5 Kinmel Street and are intrusive in the Conservation Area.
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The following are examples of traditional shop fronts within or on the boundary of the Conservation Area:
No.5 Russell Road a historic shop front with a garish colour scheme Restored shop front on Russell Road. The use of roller shutters is an insensitive addition.
No.46 Bedford Street, although the colour scheme is rather garish No.2 Bedford Street, a historic shop front, listed Grade II
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No.15 Bedford Street No.90 High Street, pair of two storey historic shops with unusual continuous display-window to the first floor, built 1861-1871
Tudor Building, Wellington Road. The roller shutters which enclose the entire shop Restored shop front Abbey Street front are intrusive. The full size window vinyl advertising seen here on the right is also inappropriate.
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Intrusive examples of shop fronts which predominate in the Conservation Area:
Shops on Kinmel Street – note the large advertising board on the gable end.
Pawn Brokers, garish signage and large ‘A’ board on Sussex Street
Good example of a late Victorian building retaining many traditional features. Unfortunately, the ground floor has been substantially altered – corner of Kinmel and Bodfer Street.
High Street chain store with overly large signage and modern aluminium shop-front. The condition of the building is also a concern.
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Vacant shop with poor shop front on the corner of High Street and Wellington Road. Inappropriate shop windows on Kinmel Street
Poor -quality and intrusive shop fronts in Bodfor Street The New Inn, a Grade II listed building with overly large advertising signage
4.11 ACTIVE STREET FRONTAGES Within the Rhyl Central Conservation Area there are a number of Interesting places are generally characterised by `active edges’ or issues which result in poor active street frontages. A particular issue `active frontages’; this is where there is stimulus and interaction is the large number of empty shops within the Interchange and between the public realm and buildings. This can be by direct access Commercial Core Character Area; obscured or dirty shop windows or through visual connection (windows and shop fronts for example). or the use of security shutters adds to their unpleasant and often Active frontages help promote on-street activity and vibrancy and in intimidating appearance. Another issue is with the narrow pavement addition provide over-looking and natural surveillance to spaces and and busy traffic of Wellington Road which also makes this street streets. Active frontages can extend the influence and animation of uninviting. interior uses outwards into the surrounding public space, for example, through ‘spill out’ activities such as café seating. Whilst a number of establishments can be seen to `spill out’ into the street (the Weatherspoon’s public house on Market Street is one Shops, and more importantly shop frontages, provide an `active edge’ such example) there is a distinct lack of interest and activity to the street which brings life and vitality to an area and provides elsewhere, even within other areas of Sussex Street and the wide interest and variety. The quality of active frontages can also influence pedestrianised areas of the High Street. Additionally, interest could economic activity and success. be added through the use of traditional retractable awnings to shop fronts and through the reinstatement of the traditional iron and glass canopies which were once a common feature of Rhyl’s streets. The theme of active frontages will be further explored within the Management Plan.
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4.12 LISTED BUILDINGS Listed buildings are designated under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 for their special architectural or historic interest. Listing gives them protection as alterations, additions or demolitions are controlled by Listed Building Consent, which is required by local planning authorities when change is proposed. Listing ranges from Grade I (the highest level of protection) through to II* and II.
There are 76 listed buildings within the Conservation Area. The high number acknowledges the quality and historic significance of Rhyl’s Victorian heritage. The location of listed buildings is shown on page 28 and listed in detail in Appendix 1. The buildings are also discussed within the assessment of individual character areas.
Concern regarding lack of use and condition should be raised regarding the following buildings: • Apollo Bingo Club – vacancy of shop units impacting on the appearance of the Conservation Area. • No.40, Bellview Terrace, Bath Street – inappropriate alterations including a blocked window opening and an unsympathetic dormer window. • Condition, due to vacancy, of 4 Clywd Street impacting on the appearance of the Conservation Area. • Roof slates missing exposing timber battens on the Spiritualist Church, Bath Street (former English Methodist Church). • Vacancy of Marine Villa, Crescent Road. • Poor condition of 40-46 (even) Queen Street which is also marred by an insensitive shop front and door. • Vacancy of 2 Bodfor Street. No.40 Queen Street, listed Grade II • Polycarbonate sheeting to the windows of the Welsh Presbyterian Church, Clywd Street.
No.2 Bodfor Street, listed Grade II
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4.13 POSITIVE CONTRIBUTORS Buildings which could be considered for local listing and other The term positive contributor identifies a non-designated historic positive contributors which add character to the area are shown on asset which makes a positive contribution to the Conservation Area. page 28. This list should not be considered as exclusive but should be a starting point for discussion: A single building, group or landmark can be classed as a positive contributor. Identification within this Appraisal focuses primarily on • Cob and Pen Tavern • 143 High Street a building or structure and does not necessarily take into account • 61-77 (odd) High Street • 3-11 (odd) Wellington Road the positive contribution made also by landscaping, spaciousness and other historic structures within the curtilage or setting of • 29-35 (odd) Queen St • The Lorne public house positive contributors. Where a building, structure or site is not • 46 Bedford Road • 3 Abbey Street identified in this Appraisal as a positive contributor, this does not necessarily mean the building detracts from the character or • 23-17 (odd) Bedford Street • 22 Bedford Street appearance of the Conservation Area. Further enhancement may be required or investigation into the potential significance of the • 15 Bedford Street • 45 Water Street building, structure or site. • 14-16 (even) Water Street • 30 Water Street
These elements have been assessed with reference to criteria set out • 6-12 (even) Crescent Road • 16-18 (even) Edward Henry in the Historic England Advice Note 1: Conservation Area Designation, Street Appraisal and Management, Table 1, page 16. The criteria are listed in • 61-71 (odd) High Street • 24 Bath Street Appendix 2. The criteria used to identify those elements which have less than a positive contribution, are given in Appendix 3. • 14 Russell Road • 10 Paradise Street
Identified positive contributors could be used to form the basis of a • 20 Water Street • 3 Abbey Street local heritage list. Some local planning authorities in Wales have started • 3-7 (odd) Bedford Street • Former courthouse, Clwyd to create lists of historic assets, known as Lists of Historic Assets of Street Special Local Interest – these have an important role to play in celebrating heritage that is valued by the community at the local level. • 1-7 (odd) Paradise Street • Llys Alwen, Morley Road These buildings, structures and sites merit consideration in planning decisions, because of their heritage interest. Further information on • 21-23 Bath Street • 6-12 (even) Bath Street local heritage lists can be found in Cadw’s guidance Managing Lists of • 14-22 Bath Street • 1 and 2 Morlan Park Historic Assets of Special Local Interest in Wales, 2017. 02 • Former Congregational Chapel, Queen Street
4.14 LANDMARKS Within the Conservation Area are a number of landmark buildings dating to the 19th and 20th centuries. These are visually important structures that make a statement, form important components in a key view, hold an important corner position, can be seen at a distance, or stand above the general roof line of the surrounding buildings.
Landmark buildings are also likely to be listed buildings or undesignated historic assets which are positive contributors within the Conservation Area.
These buildings are identified on the map on page 28.
02 http://cadw.gov.wales/historicenvironment/publications/newpublications/?lang=en [Last accessed 14/6/17]
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LISTED BUILDINGS, POSITIVE CONTRIBUTORS AND LANDMARK BUILDINGS Listed Buildings Positive Contributors (note this plan does not include positive contributors with insensitive shop fronts) Under Redevelopment Landmark Buildings Conservation Area Boundary Suggested Boundary Change (see Section 6)
This plan is not to scale
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4.15 CHARACTER ANALYSIS The character area assessment map at the end of each section 4.15.1 CHARACTER AREAS identifies key features within the character area including key views, listed buildings and buildings which make a positive contribution to The character of the Conservation Areas has been defined using the the character of the area. Whilst many of the buildings have retained Historic England guidance Understanding Place: Historic Area historic features, a number have been identified as ‘at risk’ due to Assessments, 2017. Each area is defined according to its predominant their poor condition, lack of maintenance and vacancy. Others have physical characteristics including urban structure, scale and massing, been identified as ‘compromised heritage assets’ due to insensitive building ages and materials. alterations which threaten their historic integrity. More details on the selection criteria can be found in appendix 2 and 3. The boundaries have been defined where these characteristics change, although there may be similar characteristics across Each section is structured as follows: boundaries within the neighbouring character areas. 01 Overview The key strengths and weaknesses for each area are given at the end 02 Summary History of each character description section. These are not an exhaustive list and more are likely to be uncovered through public consultation. 03 Building Types 04 Architectural Styles Within the adopted Rhyl Central Conservation Area Appraisal of 2007 three character areas were defined. These are comprised of: 05 Street Pattern the commercial core including Rhyl Gateway (now the Interchange), 06 Scale and Massing Crescent Road Area and St Thomas’ Area. This review proposes to retain these character areas. Each character area has been analysed 07 Open Space, Parks and Gardens, Trees and Public Realm separately and has its own detailed Conservation Area assessment 08 Strengths map for ease of use. 09 Weaknesses Observations of the plan form, uses, style and the quality and 10 Character Area Map contribution of the buildings are described for each character area along with green spaces and trees that together form the character of each area. Negative factors such as damage, vacancy and intrusion are also identified for each.
03
02 01
01 Rhyl’s Interchange and Commercial Core 02 Crescent Road 03 St Thomas’ Conservation Area Boundary Character Area
This plan is not to scale
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AREA 1: RHYL’S INTERCHANGE AND COMMERCIAL CORE on the corner of High Street and Glanglasfor. In the late 20th century the White Rose Centre replaced several older blocks and the site of Overview the White Rose Garage and the former bus station site on the High The Interchange and Commercial Core Character Area includes High Street was redeveloped. Street and Queen Street/Bodfor Street, which are intersected at a right angle by Sussex Street, Market Street, Wellington Road and Kinmel/Brighton Road. The southern boundary of the character area is marked by the railway line and the train station and the northern boundary meets West Parade on Queen Street. The character area occupies a formal grid pattern of streets and, as the character area’s name suggests, is predominantly given over to retail and commercial use.
Whilst many of the buildings within this character area have retained historic features, a number have been identified (see map on page 41) as ‘at risk’ due to their poor condition, lack of maintenance and vacancy. Others have been identified as ‘compromised’ due to insensitive alterations which threaten their historic integrity.
Summary History The Chester and Holyhead railway came to the north Wales coast in Rhyl High Street from Vale Road Bridge, late-19th century 1848, initially with 14 stations including Rhyl. The station building, one of a series designed by Francis Thompson of Derby, allowed tourists to reach Rhyl from many of the industrial towns in the midlands and north-west, as well as being the terminus for the Vale of Clwyd Railway.
The growing traffic resulting from Rhyl’s boom as a holiday resort made expansion of the station a priority in the 1880s, when it was increased in length, the goods yard was expanded, and the two listed signal boxes erected. The existing frontage has subsequently been extended to the east and the station remodelled.
By 1875 much of Rhyl’s town centre had been built up, and although chapels, banks, a post office and a number of hotels and public houses existed, generally on the larger corner sites, most of the other Rhyl’s High Street, early-20th century buildings were probably still domestic, perhaps with some commercial use. A few vacant plots had not been built on, and some of the original larger houses remained surrounded by garden. However, the pace of development was such that by the turn of the century the only open space surrounded the new Town Hall and the railway station forecourt.
Although many buildings in the town centre were originally domestic, the retail function soon became dominant. Cast iron-glazed canopies were erected to allow visitors to parade and shop under cover. Sadly, these features, typical of many Victorian town and seaside resorts, have almost completely disappeared from Rhyl.
Remodelling and redevelopment of individual buildings and sites continued into the 20th century. Art Deco remodelling was popular in the 1930s which coincided with the increase in popularity of the The Plaza Cinema and Bingo Hall, c.1980 cinema; the Royal Hotel was demolished and replaced by the Plaza, the Odeon replaced a row of houses by the Vale Road Bridge and the Regal opened on High Street. Within the same decade, the Burtons Tailors built a new store in typical corporate Art Deco style
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Bodfor Street, late-19th century. The Imperial Hotel is immediately to the right Rhyl High Street and Market Street looking south, 1909. The building to the right is now the Yorkshire Building Society. Note the cast iron glazed canopy to the left and the traditional lamppost.
Wellington Rd, looking towards the Town Hall Promenade, and West Parade c.1940. The Art Deco ‘Corner Café’ is centre right
Wellington Road, looking west towards the corner of the High Street, c.1900. The The Corner Café, West Parade, c.1940 building on the right has a rendered first and second floor simulating rusticated ashlar, found on a number of buildings in Rhyl.
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Building Types The Town Hall occupies a prominent position on Wellington Road, The predominant use of the buildings within the character area is for with the gridiron of streets ensuring that it is a landmark building, retail, interspersed by commercial premises, fast food outlets, cafés visible from adjacent roads. It was constructed in the French Gothic and public houses. At the heart of the character area is the Town style between 1874-6 to designs by Wood and Turner of Barrow. It Hall on Wellington Road, with the police station on the opposite side incorporates a Carnegie Library which was built in 1906 in a similar of the road. On West Parade is an area of amusement arcades. style and materials. It is striking for the combination of the grey limestone with warm-coloured stone dressings, steep pitched slate A number of the shops make use of existing buildings which were roof and clock tower. The building was modified in the 1980s is a originally residential dwellings, but there are also a number of generally sympathetic style and is a monument to Rhyl’s burgeoning purpose built parades and retail premises, some with features urban status in the later 19th century. designed to showcase the latest products or attract shoppers through ornate architectural display.
The majority of shops make use of the ground floors only, with space for accommodation, offices or storage above. Frequently, however, upper floors generally appear to be under-used or vacant.
Architectural Styles The Interchange and Commercial Core Character Area is characterised by an eclectic mix of styles including grand Victorian and Edwardian commercial buildings, prominent public buildings and more modest and simply designed Victorian terraces. The historic streetscape is intermixed with 20th century development of varying quality.
The Railway Station on the southern edge of the character area is a Grade II listed building. The station was originally opened in 1848 but underwent substantial expansion in the 1880s when both the buildings and the platform were extended. The two storey building is constructed in brown brick with red and buff brick banding and hipped roofs with chimneys. It is a linear structure which consists of a number of individual buildings linked together and is domestic in appearance. Historic images of the station show that it originally had a grand porte-cochere across the whole frontage of the main block. This has been replaced with a modern canopy which is sympathetic to the appearance of the station buildings. The Railway Station is symbolic of Rhyl’s success as a tourist destination in the 19th century and is therefore of a high historic significance for the town.
Rhyl’s Town Hall
The railway station HSBC Bank a late Victorian purpose-built bank
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The classical style in its various forms was often adopted in the late There are a number of individually designed Victorian and Edwardian Victorian and Edwardian periods for commercial buildings. The HSBC commercial premises of character within the main retain area on bank which occupies the corner of Wellington Road and Bodfor Street, Market Street, Sussex Street and the High Street, although the opposite the Town Hall, is a good example of a purpose-built bank in majority of their shop fronts are insensitive to the historic buildings the free-classical style, and constructed in 1899-1901 for the North above. These include 61-79 (odd) High Street; No.61 have been built and South Wales Bank. A defining historical feature of this type of in the Tudor Revival style, and stands adjacent to two striking building includes corner entrances, a strong building presence on the buildings designed in classical styles and constructed in red brick with street, dominant street frontages and eye-catching architectural details. freestone dressings. The palate of materials, scale and massing of these buildings contribute to the visual interest and historic character of the Conservation Area. The character area also includes many modest Victorian terraces. Queen Street, for example, is lined with modest terraces many The NatWest Bank (including No.7) also occupies a corner location retaining bay windows, giving the streetscape a sense of rhythm. There on Market Street and Queen Street. A striking building in red brick is a predominance on upper storeys for render, lending some streets, with a steep pitched roof and stepped chimney, it was probably built such as Market Street and Queen Street, a homogenous character. A at the end of the 19th century. Sadly, alterations to the ground floor number have applied dressing and quoins picked out in a contrasting and the loss of historic windows, have marred an otherwise interesting colour, a feature common throughout the Conservation Area. building which includes a first and second floor corner turret with Elsewhere, on Bodfor Street, the loss of architectural detailing, use of decorated lead-panelling and original coloured glass. uPVC windows, removal of bay windows and insensitive modern renders has resulted in a somewhat bland historic streetscape. The Yorkshire Bank on the corner of Sussex Street and High Street is an eye-catching buff brick building with brick banding incorporating There are a number of churches within the character area. The Gothic and classical motifs. former Congregational Chapel on Queen Street is constructed in rubble stone with freestone dressings in the Romanesque Revival style. Its use as commercial premises has unfortunately led to some intrusive alterations. On Sussex Street, the Grade II listed Baptist Church is an eye-catching building designed in the classical style with a tall portico supported by Corinthian columns.
Nat West Bank corner turret Yorkshire Bank
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Nos.61-79 High Street. Examples of architectural mix of styles and designs No.61 High Street, half-timbered Tudor revival style
Good survival of a modest Victorian building with sympathetic shop front, corner of Render and bay windows provide a sense of cohesion and rhythm in Market Street Sussex Street and Queen Street
Former Congregations Church, Queen Street Baptist Church, Sussex Street
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The character area includes a number of interesting public houses The former Regal Cinema is an unusual Art Deco building situated and hotels from the 19th and 20th centuries. The North public beyond the northern boundary of the Conservation Area, on the house, adjacent to the Victorian commercial parade of Tudor corner of Sussex Street and the High Street. Although it has Buildings is built in the Tudor Revival Style, with a mock half-timbered undergone insensitive alterations to the ground floor, it is a landmark first floor and Gothic headed doorcases. The Cob and Pen Tavern is building on the High Street which would benefit the Conservation a well-presented 19th century public house, with painted render and Area and the upper regions of the High Street were it to undergo contrasting highlighted dressings. The security camera and satellite sensitive restoration. It is suggested that the building, despite later dishes are intrusive. Also close to the railway station is an interesting alteration, is including within the boundary of the Conservation Area. late-19th century former public house on Bodfer Street and the ‘Bee and Station’ opposite. The latter was built between 1861-1868, has a A terrace of Victorian houses on the upper reaches of Queen Street rendered first and second floor simulating rusticated ashlar blocks – a is currently undergoing major redevelopment. It is unfortunate that characteristic of some 19th century buildings in Rhyl. The ground this involves complete demolition due to their structural instability. floor is of high quality decorated glazed tiles, frequently found on the However, there is now an exciting opportunity to enhance the edge exterior of public houses. Tiling also features on the Lorne Hotel on of the Conservation Area with a new development of the highest the corner of the High Street and Market Street. Currently painted, it quality design. Given the loss of the historic buildings, the may benefit from sensitive restoration. Conservation Area boundary should exclude the area.
The Art Deco style of the inter-war years features on a number of There are a number of modern buildings within the character area buildings adding variety and interest within the Conservation Area. which are either intrusive or fail to make a positive contribution These include the 48-50 (evens) High Street, a custom designed store towards the special interest of the area. These include 64 Bodfor in Burtons Tailors’ Art Deco ‘house-style’, and the Corner Café, a Street, the Bodfor public house and the Job Centre; 97-107 (odd) and restored Art Deco building of around 1930 which occupies the 42-46 (even) High Street; the Front Room on Kinmel Street; the corner of Queen Street and West Parade. The New Inn on the High police station on Wellington Road, and Wilco’s on Market Street. Street was constructed in 1937. Listed Grade II it currently suffers from detrimental and insensitive signage to its front elevation. The northern edge of the High Street outside of the Conservation Area was redeveloped in the latter half of the 20th century resulting The Odeon Bingo Club and former cinema is a dramatic Art Deco in a intrusive modern development which has a detrimental impact structure built in 1937 to designs by the architect Harry Weedon. It is on the character of the northern boundary of the Conservation an important Art Deco cinema which is considered by Cadw to be Area. Additionally, the former Post Office building facing the Town ‘possibly the best of its kind in Wales’.03 The curving lines of its banded Hall across Water Street is a poor structure and intrusive on the brickwork are given a horizontal emphasis and contrast with the boundary of the Conservation Area. Any opportunity to remove this verticality of the brick and ribbed-faience tower. Listed Grade II, the structure and replace it with a building of superior, but sympathetic building is a landmark on approaches into the town centre, but the design, should be seen as an opportunity to enhance the setting of vacancy of the ground floor retail units is a concern and have a the Grade II listed Town Hall. With a shortage of quality green space negative impact on the appearance of the Conservation Area. in Rhyl, the site could make a valuable contribution to the appearance of the Conservation Area if it were to be redeveloped and converted into a public green space.
Former public house, Bodfer Street Former ‘Bee Commercial Hotel’, Later the Bee and Station, Bodfor Street.
03 http://cadwpublic-api.azurewebsites.net/reports/listedbuilding/ FullReport?lang=en&id=1511, last accessed 13/06/2017
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Cob & Pen Tavern Odeon Bingo Club and former cinema
Custom designed, store in the Burton’s Art Deco ‘house-style’ built in the 1930s Modern intrusion of the edge of the Conservation Area, High Street.
Modern Intrusions: a row of shops on Bodfor Street Wellington Road (north side)
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Street Pattern Poor quality planters were observed on the High Street and on The character area conforms to a grid-pattern of streets, evidencing Glanglasfor. The tree planting along the High Street has benefitted the planned Victorian development of Rhyl. A particular feature are the area but the modern design of the aluminium tree guards, which angled buildings at the corners of intersections, such as on Queen are overly-large, are unsympathetic to their context. The appearance Street and Market Street and High Street and Wellington Road / of Glanglasfor as a whole is uninviting despite resurfacing, mainly due Russell Road. to the unpleasant views of the rear of buildings and yards. This is also an issue in the public car park at the rear of the Job Centre, accessed Scale and Massing from Kinmel Street. There is a sense of enclosure resulting from a combination of height and scale, with buildings fronting closely onto the street. The majority The recent refurbishment of Rhyl’s Railway Station has seen modern of buildings are of three and, occasionally, four storeys, enforcing the surfaces introduced. These are appropriate for high traffic areas but character of Rhyl as a planned town. However, a few buildings such as more traditional surfaces should be considered for other areas and the Odeon Bingo Club and the Burtons store on the High Street, back streets to preserve the character and appearance of the diverge from the norm. Conservation Area.
Open Spaces, Parks and Gardens, Trees and Public Realm The quality and variety of street furniture is also an issue. At least six There are very few open spaces and few trees, although there has styles of lamp columns were observed in the character area, varying been a recent programme of tree planting on the High Street. The from heritage style lamps around the Town Hall, blue single columns space to the rear of the Town Hall is a valuable public space with with hanging plant brackets on Water Street, sleek modern lamp planting, a few trees, small grassed areas and seating within a circular columns on Bodfor and Queen Street, to standard grey columns on walled area. The low stone walling and railings to the lawns, however, Wellington Road, Brighton Road and Kinmel Street. restrict public movement through this space. Even here, parked cars were seen to have encroached upon this rare open space. A similar lack of cohesiveness, quality and condition was observed in the style of waste bins, bollards and seating throughout the area. Open space can be found around the railway station, where the Much of the High Street now has grey seating, bollards and bins, narrow streets open out onto the station forecourt. As the location whilst in other streets waste bins are generally black. The station area of the main bus interchange, it is a busy space. The station faces onto has also adopted a further modern design for street furniture in a the rear of premises on Kinmel Street, but there are long-distance brushed aluminium style. Columns for security cameras are also views south-west towards the hills of the Clywd Valley. The area has intrusive, particularly where these are located in the middle of the some soft landscaping, including the occasional young tree; in addition, pedestrianised area in the High Street. planting is visible outside of the Conservation area boundary to the south-west within the station car park and in rear gardens. Pedestrian guard-rails are particularly prevalent throughout the character area, interrupting flow and movement for pedestrians. Through-traffic, partly incorporating a one-way system, along Many are in a poor over-all condition. Wellington Road / Russell Road, Brighton Road and Kinmel Street, Bodfor Street and the lower reaches of High Street can be both Conservation Area road markings and traffic signage are a standard intimidating for pedestrians, as in Kinmel Street, and detrimental to type throughout the character area. There appears to be little the overall character of the Conservation Area. The upper areas of thought given to the sharing of signage with lamp columns, leading to the High Street, Sussex Street and Market Street have been largely proliferation of parking and directional signage. pedestrianised. These areas provide welcome relief for shoppers, however, this does not guarantee an absence of vehicles; authorised Overall the public realm has seen some investment in recent years vehicles vie with pedestrians along Sussex Street, Market Street and around the Railway Station and on the High Street, however, there some areas of the High Street. appears to be no overarching or cohesive plan which takes into consideration the character of the Conservation Area. This has The road and pavement surfaces are an eclectic mix of types, resulted in a combination of modern and traditional styles of street patterns and quality including block paving, concrete paving slabs, and furniture, a variety of surface treatments often resulting in a bland tarmac. For example, the High Street below Wellington Road is a streetscape. The Conservation Area would benefit from a combination of light and dark grey setts laid in a zig-zag pattern to comprehensive review and adoption of a more cohesive set of demarcate disabled parking bays, whilst coloured concrete slabs have furniture and surface treatments which are sympathetic to the been laid on the pavements. Street furniture is generally grey with a Conservation Area. It would also benefit from additional soft proliferation of bollards and intrusive guard-rails. North of Wellington landscaping and planters to bring life to the urban streetscape. Road the surface treatment changes to homogenous block paving within the pedestrianised zone and in Glanglasfor, Sussex Street and Market Street. In areas of vehicular traffic, the condition of the paving has begun to deteriorate.
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Station forecourt and bus terminus Public open space adjacent to the Town Hall – note the traditional lamp columns and the intrusion from parked cars
Street clutter, including ‘A’ board damaged pedestrian guard-rails and poor-quality Benches and block paving in Sussex Street planter on the corner of Russell Road and High Street
Paving in Bodfor Street Block paving on Water Street
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Poor surfacing off Kinmel Street Bin at Rhyl’s Interchange
Pedestrianised area at the junction of High Street and Market Street where High Street pedestrians share the space with vehicles. Note the bollards, intrusive security cameras and other street clutter including ‘A’ boards.
Over-use of street furniture: Guard-rails and bollard outside of the Town Hall Planter and poor block-paved surface in Glanglasfor
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Strengths • Listed buildings and unlisted buildings of merit (positive contributors) which add to the special interest of the area and reflect Rhyl’s Victorian past. • Retention of some historic architectural detailing. • Retention of the historic plan form of Rhyl.
Weaknesses • Lack of green spaces. • Modern shop fronts with overly large signage and advertising. • Poor condition of many historic buildings. • Loss of architectural details and prevalence of uPVC windows.
• Vacancy of many shops and upper floors. Buildings of merit (High Street) • Unsightly appearance of the rear of buildings. • Lack of cohesion in the treatment of surfaces and street furniture in the public realm. • Areas of street clutter. • Pedestrian guard-rails. • Street markings. • Intrusive street highway signage. • Buildings painted in bright colours e.g. 22 Wellington Road. • Intrusive buildings on the boundary of the Conservation Area e.g. former Post Office on the corner of Water Street and Wellington Road.
Views of the rear of buildings
Loss of architectural details and overall character and prevalence of uPVC windows (Bodfor Street)
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RHYL GATEWAY AND THE COMMERCIAL CORE CHARACTER AREA Listed Buildings Intrusive Positive Contributor At Risk Positive Contributor with Insensitive Shop Front Character Area Boundary Compromised Historic Asset Suggested Boundary Revision Compromised Historic Asset with sympathetic shop front Under Redevelopment Key Views The criteria used to identify positive and negative elements can Neutral be found in Appendix 2 and Appendix 3 This plan is not to scale
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AREA 2: CRESCENT ROAD AREA Summary History The Crescent Road area was laid out for development after the Overview enclosure of Rhyl Marsh between 1831 and 1836. By 1842, the plots The Crescent Road Area is centred upon Crescent Road and for building had all been marked out, but remained unbuilt.04 includes Edward Henry Street and a small proportion of Abbey Street. At present the boundary of the character area also includes a Water Street appears to have been continuously built-up by 1852. small stretch of West Parade and Water Street as far as the Town One of the earliest houses to be constructed within the character Hall which has been retained within the Commercial Core Character area is 14-16 (even) Water Street. Originally constructed as a house, Area. The character area’s southern boundary includes all of Bedford its ground floor is now a shop. Other early buildings include 42-44 Street. (odd) Water Street, originally a pair of elegant houses constructed before 1850 and now known as Ellis’s Bar. Marine Villa (listed Grade Whilst many of the buildings within this character area have retained II) on Crescent Road was probably built .1850 and 13-15 (odd) historic features, a number have been identified (see map on page Crescent Road was also built around this time. Much of the 49) as ‘at risk’ due to their poor condition, lack of maintenance and remaining area continued to be established over the latter half of vacancy. Others have been identified as ‘compromised’ due to the 19th century. over-zealous restoration by owners which threatens their historic integrity. This commonly involves re-roofing in inappropriate cement Water Street reflects the increasing commercial use of residential tiles, rendering of the brick exterior, the loss of historic windows and areas on the periphery of the town centre, with an increasing doors and replacement, frequently now with uPVC which can number of ground floors undergoing conversion to shops in the late severely affect the character of a historic building. 19th and 20th century. Purpose built commercial development also took place; the distinctive red brick and terracotta building at the corner of Crescent Road and 56 Water Street was constructed in 1903 as shops to designs by T. Lockwood of Chester. The building was originally designed over three storeys, but the scheme was rejected by the Rhyl Urban District Council and Lockwood reduced his design in scale. The scheme suggests that control over building heights may have existed across Rhyl, resulting in the uniformity of Victorian building stock that we see today.
Edward Henry Street looking seawards c.1950 – note the regularity of the three Water Street (west side), probably 1930s. As with Edward Henry Street terraces storey terraced houses with canted bays, low curtilage walls topped by railings and are of three storeys with canted bays, curtilage walls topped by balustrades and traditional cast-iron lampposts. railings.
04 Historic Wales Portal, listed entry for 13-15 Crescent Road ID 14274
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Building Types However, there are several terraces and detached villas of good The building types found in the character area are mainly residential quality and detailing. Marine Villa is a pleasant two storey residence with properties in commercial use on the eastern edge in Water with basement, designed in the Italianate style. It features deep Street and in Bedford Street. There are several drinking establishment overhanging eves, entablature hoods to the first-floor windows and including the Last Orders public house which is Grade II listed. round-arched windows in gable apexes. The porch with deep overhanging eves is set on the south side and accessed via a flight of Architectural Styles steps. The replacement of the original railings with inferior modern The area predominately consists of uniform Victorian terraces and railings and the presence of security cameras and detrimental lighting there is a strong sense of rhythm created by bay windows. There is a mar this attractive building which is also Grade II listed. tendency towards painted rendered finishes with raised, applied- banding and dressings; a distinctive style found in Rhyl, which when Opposite Marine Villa, Nos.6-12 (even) Crescent Road is a well- painted black and white, evokes a mock half-timbered style. preserved terrace of four properties in the Domestic Revival style dating to the late-19th or early-20th century. The terrace retains Other buildings are of red or buff brick, often with polychrome timber sash windows with leaded coloured glazing, terracotta plaques banding or other decorative details such as dog-tooth decoration, below the first-floor bay windows, tile-hung gables and timber terracotta or encaustic tiled detailing. Terraces in Edward Henry porches. The terrace should be considered for locally listing. Street on the north side have distinctive gabled frontages. There are also several houses on Crescent Road (No.42) and Water Street No.3-9 (even) Abbey Street is a terrace recently restored, which (No.24) which have a rusticated stone finish, which is also found in retains some good features such as Italianate style windows with the Commercial Core and Interchange Character Area. Over all, rusticated key-stones and elaborately bracketed eves. The walls are architectural styles are largely restrained, and restricted to classical rendered and it has a slate roof. No.3, a former public house, retains applied decoration. curved bay windows with coloured glass, probably dating to the early-20th century. Restoration by a local housing association has Nos.6-12 (even) Edward Henry Street, a terrace of formerly improved the appearance of the terrace, although it is a pity that dilapidated houses which had already lost many of their original uPVC sliding sashes have been installed instead of timber. features, is currently undergoing renovation as part of a wider project by the Clwyd Alyn Housing Association. The refurbished homes have The Crescent Road Character Area is on the edge of Rhyl’s improved the appearance of the streetscape, but the architectural commercial zone, with Water Street and Bedford Street containing detailing which includes the Georgian-style doorcases and uPVC sash retail and commercial premises inter-mixed with residential windows is a pity. On the north side of the street, Nos.7 and 13-23 properties. The majority of shops have been formed out of (odd) are now in very poor condition. Opposite, on the western side residential housing, with the front curtilages subsumed into the new of the street is a terrace (Nos.20-30) which has been extensively buildings and opening directly onto the street. Some shop fronts have rebuilt and/or modernised and now lacks historic integrity. It is been retained or restored including 14-16 (even) Water Street which suggested that the Conservation Area boundary is reduced to is Grade II listed, 42-44 (even) Water Street also known as Ellis’s Bar, exclude this terrace and Nos.13-23. Consideration should also be and 15 Bedford Street, otherwise the majority are 20th and 21st given to the exclusion of Nos.3-11. century replacements. No.37-41 (odd) Water Street, has been formed into a shop and drinking establishment (Lime and The Barrel) and its frontage retains part of a cast-iron framework which may have supported a glass canopy.
Abbey Street, early 20th century. Note the traditional shop front and withdrawn Bedford Street during the First World War canopy
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Bedford Street has its own individual character; the three storey ogee dome. This is flanked by large, arched pedimented gables with terraces found in other streets are replaced by an eclectic mix of ball finials. The highly distinctive building also has large segmental building styles and uses, the majority over two storeys mainly dating arched windows to the ground floor and canted oriel windows to first to the 19th century. For example, 22 Bedford Street is a symmetrically floor. The building may have been originally designed to attract passers- fronted two storey house with simple vernacular charm. On the north by on West Parade. side, 17-23 Bedford Street is a former works building; the red brick building with mock-timbered gables and classical motifs, is a positive The character area also includes two places of worship on Water asset within the character area and has recently undergone restoration. Street built in the latter half of the 19th century. Both are constructed The uPVC windows to 21-23 are inappropriate and spoil this otherwise of stone; 40 Water Street, formerly a Welsh Baptist Chapel is now an distinctive building. Islamic Cultural Centre designed in a Romanesque style. It has unfortunately suffered from replacement windows in an Despite this, the buildings on the south side of Bedford Street have unsympathetically designed uPVC. The former chapel is not listed. almost all been the subject of inappropriate alterations, reducing their On the east side of Water Street and on the edge of the character historic integrity and undermining the character of the Conservation area is the Christchurch United Reform Church constructed in the Area. It is suggested that the boundary of the Conservation Area is Gothic style. It is listed Grade II. redrawn to exclude Nos.8-46. There are a number of modern developments in the character area No.56 Water Street is an interesting purpose-built parade of shops whose style and condition are either neutral or intrusive. These include which occupies a corner site and is a landmark building in the character Windsor Court on Crescent Road a modest development, but whose area. The Grade II listed parade was constructed in 1903 in a classical design and choice of materials makes it a distraction and an intrusive Mannerist revival style utilising red brick and terracotta. The hooded development in the Conservation Area. corner entrance door has a canted turret topped by a clock and leaded
No.50 Water Street, a purpose-built parade of shops, Grade II listed Nos.16-18 (even) Edward Henry Street a recently restored villa. The security camera is somewhat intrusive
A pair of Victorian houses on Water Street listed Grade II A number of the Victorian terraces on Edward Henry Street are in very poor condition 44 ASSESSMENT OF SPECIAL INTEREST 4
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Recently refurbished properties (right) on Edward Henry Street Inappropriately modernised house on Water Street
Marine Villa, Crescent Road, Grade II Last Orders Public House
Restored Villas, Abbey Road Welsh Baptist Chapel, now an Islamic Cultural Centre
Inappropriate shop front and uPVC windows inserted into a historic building Former works building, 17-23 (odd) Bedford Street retaining much of its historic character 45 4 ASSESSMENT OF SPECIAL INTEREST
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Commercial yard on Bedford Street Terrace in Crescent Road retaining many historic features
Bland terraces which have lost much of their historic integrity, west side of Decorative render in Bedford Street, a common architectural feature in Rhyl Crescent Road
Street Pattern Open Spaces, Parks and Gardens, Trees and Public Realm The grid-pattern of streets seen elsewhere in the town, diverges With the exception of gardens to the rear of properties in Crescent from the norm in the Crescent Road Area; Crescent Road diverts Road, there is little or no soft landscaping within the conservation from Water Street at a 45-degree angle on its way south to join character area, although a new public square has been created to the Wellington Road. Edward Henry Street and Abbey Street are west, outside of the Conservation Area boundary, following the cranked eastwards to meet Crescent Road. The area has less traffic redevelopment of the area as part of the West Rhyl Masterplan. by comparison to other areas in the Conservation Area giving the area a quieter residential feel. Additionally, there are two large plots within the Conservation Area which are in the process of being redeveloped; these are on Crescent Scale and Massing Road, and on the corner of Water Street and West Parade. The The scale of building is generally similar to elsewhere, with buildings latter has permission to construct a new chain hotel, whilst tending to be over two or three storeys – basements are rare. permission has been given for the former to become a car park. Houses open directly onto the street, or are set slightly back from Currently, both sites are detrimental within the Conservation Area the pavement behind modest front curtilages. On Water Street, and it is suggested that the Conservation Area boundary is adjusted most retail premises open directly onto the pavement. Spaces to avoid the new hotel development. between plots are limited to the occasional access lane; views of the rear of properties or of gardens are generally limited within the The proposed use of the open space on Crescent Road as a car park built-up zones. The lack of front curtilages to some houses and the has been given permission with minimal landscaping; this is a lost modest architectural detailing to terraces suggest it was a less opportunity to create a more positive space within the Conservation affluent area than the St Thomas’ Character Area. Area. Additionally, landscaping could have been used to screen the unpleasant appearance of the rear of houses on Edward Henry Bedford Street, however, is a mixture of building styles occupying Street. It is proposed the Conservation Area boundary now avoids varying plot sizes and widths, with buildings largely just two storeys. the proposed car park. There are wider spaces between buildings, particularly on the south-side where there are a number of commercial yards which provide opportunities for improvement.
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Open space created on the western boundary of the Conservation Area part of the West Rhyl Masterplan
Commercial yard, Bedford Street
Development site Crescent Road
Crescent Square at the southern edge of the conservation character area also provides an open space. Unfortunately, the surrounding Victorian buildings have lost much of their historic integrity and the modern telephone exchange building outside of the boundary is intrusive, resulting in a detrimental impact on the character of this Development site for Premier Inn at the junction of Water Street and Crescent Road corner of the Conservation Area.
A number of properties, chiefly in Water Street, Crescent Road and Bedford Street have small front curtilages with walls or railings – some good original wrought iron railings remain, but many have been replaced with cheaper steel railings or concrete block walls.
The predominant material for the public highways and pavements is tarmac. Street furniture in the Conservation Area is hard-wearing and largely inappropriate for its historic setting. Lighting columns, litter bins and bollards vary in style, material and colour throughout the Conservation Area.
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Strengths Weaknesses • Listed buildings and unlisted buildings of merit (positive • Loss of heritage features such as chimneys and decorative contributors) which add to the special interest of the area. bargeboards. • A number of quality of Victorian villas and terraces. • Replacement of timber sash windows with uPVC frames of an inappropriate design. • Curtilage walls and gate piers. • Replacement of slate roofs with heavy cement tiles. • Existing historic decorative details. • Addition of aerials and satellite dishes to front elevations. • Lack of maintenance or vacancy to some buildings, particularly on Edward Henry Street. • Use of render and other inappropriate wall finishes. • One way system and on-street parking. • Standard highway signage and street furniture. • Removal of architectural detailing, for example 38 Crescent Road. • Unsympathetic shop fronts on Water Street and Bedford Street. • Security shutters to 14-16 (even) Water Street (listed Grade II). • Development sites eroding the edges of the Conservation Area. • Intrusive buildings on the boundary of the Conservation Area e.g. telephone exchange at the junction of Crescent Road and Vaughan Street and the Post Office on the corner of Water Street and Wellington Road. Water Street
Bedford Street Modern development
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CRESCENT ROAD Suggested Boundary Revision (see Section 6, CHARACTER AREA Recommendation 2) Listed Buildings Suggested Boundary Revision (see Section 6, Recommendation 3) Positive Contributor Suggested Boundary Revision (see Section 6, Positive Contributor with Insensitive Shop Front Recommendation 4a) Compromised Historic Asset Suggested Boundary Revision (see Section 6, Neutral Recommendation 4b) Intrusive The criteria used to identify positive and negative elements can be At Risk found in Appendix 2 and appendix 3
Character Area Boundary This plan is not to scale
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AREA 3: ST THOMAS’ CHARACTER AREA Overview St Thomas’ Character Area is mainly residential in character with the churches of St Thomas and Holy Trinity, situated on a rectangular island of greenery, located at its heart. Additionally, the character area contains the Welsh Presbyterian Church on Clywd Street and Rhyl’s Spiritualist Church on Bath Street, a former English Methodist Church. The character area contains the highest concentration of listed buildings in the Conservation Area. This includes the four churches named above and their associated buildings. The churches are surrounded mainly by residential housing on the main streets and quieter side streets.
Whilst many of the buildings within this character area have retained historic features, a number have been identified (see map on page 58) as ‘at risk’ due to their poor condition, lack of maintenance and Bath Street looking seawards at the turn of the twentieth century vacancy. Others have been identified as ‘compromised’ due to restoration by their owners which threatens their historic integrity. This commonly involves re-roofing in inappropriate cement tiles, Building Types rendering of the brick exterior, the loss of historic windows and The buildings types found in the character area are mainly residential doors and replacement, frequently now with uPVC which can and ecclesiastical, although there are some commercial properties severely affect the character of a historic building. along Russell Road and around the junction of Brighton Road with Clywd Street. Summary History The character area focuses on the churches of Holy Trinity and St Architectural Styles Thomas. Holy Trinity was constructed in 1835 originally as a chapel of At the heart of the character area is St Thomas’ Church. The church ease to St Mary’s Church, Rhuddlan. The growth of the town saw is a fine example of High Victorian Gothic and a landmark building in Rhyl becoming a parish in its own right in 1844. St Thomas’ Church the Conservation Area and wider townscape. The church was built was constructed adjacent to Holy Trinity church in 1860-1869 to to plans drawn up by Sir George Gilbert Scott. The body of the serve the growing English-speaking residence and visitors who were church was completed in 1860 but the tower, with prominent clock flooding into Rhyl in the mid-19th century. and spire, were not completed until 1867. The church is constructed in local rubblestone with limestone dressings. Prior to this, land had been parcelled up and sold for development from the early years of the 19th century, and properties such as The Adjacent to St Thomas’ Church is the smaller Holy Trinity Church, Swan public house and Plas Gwyn (between 15-27 Russell Road) built in a Neo-Perpendicular style, and a modest former church hall, were constructed in the first quarter of the century. Nos.5-8 Clwyd now a children’s nursery, constructed in a simple Gothic style. Both Street date from around 1836. utilise local materials and form an important group. The Welsh Presbyterian Church and former English Methodist Church, now the With the coming of the railway in 1848, other denominations built Spiritualist Church, introduce restrained Gothic styles to the chapels, manses and schoolrooms, and rows of villas and townhouses character area. The manse adjacent to the former English Methodist followed to provide both lodgings and permanent or summer homes. Church on Brighton Road was built in 1877 and constructed in the Domestic Gothic style, typically used for manses and rectories during On the margins, detached houses were built in the late 19th and that time. early 20th century – Arts and Crafts style reflecting contemporary fashion, and less restricted suburban free style in larger gardens. One of the earliest buildings within the character area is a terrace on Clwyd Street. Nos.8-14 (evens) is a modest three storey terrace, More recently modern redevelopment has provided residential simply executed with a lack of architectural embellishment reflecting accommodation in the form of low rise flats such as Llys Brunswick Rhyl’s early development. The terrace is listed at Grade II. on Brighton Road and Trinity Court on Paradise Street.
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The Swan public house, Russell Road, is also an early 19th century side of the road, are important features in the streetscape. No.24 building and one of the first to be constructed in the area. The Swan Bath Street (within the Conservation Area boundary) is an has simple vernacular classical frontage with Neo-Georgian detailing individually design house with a nod to the Scottish Baronial style. upon which a new public house frontage was added in 1929. Plas Gwyn, also on Russell Road, is a two-storey, symmetrically Modern infill buildings in the streetscape include Trinity Court on arranged villa, set well back from the road and is rendered with a Paradise Street and Llys Brunswick on Brighton Road. Whilst the slate roof. The hood moulds to the ground and first floor windows former utilises a design which is out of place in the Conservation Area, are reminiscent of the early Gothic revival style, popular during the it employs a muted colour palate which is sympathetic to adjacent early 19th century. historic assets. Llys Brunswick is a modern apartment block on Brighton Road which utilises materials, scale, massing and a style which A simple vernacular style is also employed in Eden Cottage on is somewhat sympathetic to the neighbouring Victorian terraces. Paradise Street, which also utilises local stone. Its stone porch with pointed arch is, however, a nod to the Neo-Gothic style.
From the mid-19th century, the area became dominated by high quality Victorian terraces which tend to have distinctive gabled frontages and there is a strong sense of rhythm created by bay windows. There are also a number of semi-detached villas of high architectural quality and detailing. Russell Road and Bath Street include a number of distinctive Victorian villas of two to three storeys, employing Italianate and classical motifs typical of the later Victorian period. These houses tend to be set back from the road behind modest-sized gardens.
Other terraces in the area, such as Brighton Street, employ an eclectic mix of architectural motifs, including Victorian Tudor with mock half-timbered gables, classically styled rusticated quoins and bracketed cornices, whilst Gothic elements have been employed to pieced bargeboards and upper floor windows. A common style employed in Rhyl is the rendered finish with decorative banding, St Thomas’ Church quoins, window and door surrounds, which, when painted distinctive colours, can evoke a mock half-timbered style.
The Tudor revival style is also employed in two terraces of three residences on 35-39 (odd) Bath Street and 4-8 (even) Paradise Street, whilst 10 Paradise Street, an individually designed, detached house of late-19th century date, has a half-timbered porch and mock-Tudor fenestration in the rear elevation.
Bath Street (north) and Morlan Park have been included in this report as it recommends their inclusion within the Conservation Area boundary. The character of this area, despite the use of Morfa Hall on the west side of the road as offices, is one of a pleasant, leafy Victorian residential suburb. It also includes a number of good examples of late Victorian detached villas, including The Gables (listed Grade II) and The Old Manor House (2 Bath Street), the former is an example of the Arts and Craft style whilst the latter is in the Domestic Revival style. The houses are generally well cared for Former English Methodist Church and manse with good architectural features and relatively intact. The red brick walls to the front gardens and the limestone walling on the opposite
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Well preserved Victorian terraced houses on Brighton Road Recently restored Vernacular Revival style cottage
Eden Cottage, Paradise Street The Old Manor House, 2 Bath Street, a good example of a late Victorian villa Domestic Revival style with mock-timber gable
No.26 Brighton Road, sensitively restored end of terrace Partially successful modern residential development on Brighton Road
Detached villa with a nod to the Scottish Baronial style The Gables, Grade II listed Arts and Crafts house, Bath Street
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Nos.27 and 25 (odd) Bath Street Bellview, Bath Street
Nos.35-39 Bath Street Nos.31-33 Pair of villas Grade II listed
Llys Alwen, Morley Road, a vernacular cottage enhanced by polychrome brickwork The Welsh Presbyterian Church, Clywd Street, Grade II listed
View north along Bath Street Morlan Park
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Street Pattern Open Spaces, Parks and Gardens, Trees and Public Realm The same grid-pattern of streets as elsewhere in the town can be The most significance open space within the character area is the clearly read, evidencing the planned Victorian development of Rhyl. churchyard of St Thomas and Holy Trinity Church. It is a rare green Through-traffic, directed around a one-way system, cuts across the space in the Conservation Area, set behind a local rubble stone wall character area along Russell Road, Brighton Road and Bath Street and which serves to detach it from the surrounding streetscape. The is detrimental to the overall character of the Conservation Area. churchyard is laid mainly to grass and tarmac, with some soft planting and young trees, which provide relief from the enclosure of the Scale and Massing streetscape created by the many terraces of Victorian houses. Most buildings are over two or three storeys in the character area. Additionally, there are a number of front and rear gardens with trees The terraces of Brighton Road are tightly packed on narrow plots, and hedging in Bath Street which enhance the street scene and help whilst the terraces and villas on Bath Street (south) and Russell Road to soften views into and within the character area. occupy wider plots and are less closely spaced. They are also offered relief by the open space of St Thomas’ churchyard opposite. A significant boundary in the area is that of the wall which encloses the churchyard of St Thomas and Holy Trinity Church. Other Bath Street (north) also contains terraces which are set back from boundary walls of significance are those to properties on Bath Street the road behind gardens, with occasional villas set in individual (north) where the consistent use of red brick and stone piers gardens and has a more airier and less claustrophobic feel than provides a pleasant rhythm and uniformity to the street edge. Brighton Road. Paradise Street and Clywd Street are a mixture of buildings types, occupying varying plot sizes and widths. Although there is rather less uniformity on Brighton Road, the reinstatement of brick and stone walls and gate piers with low railings The narrow terraces and slightly overly-scaled modern development to many of the properties has benefitted the Conservation Area. on Thorpe Street opens out onto the Morley Street car park. Where railings have been removed (for example 25-29 Russell Road), encouragement should be given to their reinstatement. The complete loss of boundary walls to form car parking in multi-occupancy terraces (for example on the west side of Bath Street (south) is a concern, and has a detrimental impact on the appearance of the streetscape. Options should be explored which tackle this problem, including the one-way traffic system, providing incentives or finding alternative car parking arrangements for residence.
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The dominant surface material used on roads and pavements is Street lighting and signage is predominantly of the standard variety. tarmac. Parking is restricted on roads which form part of the town’s Some houses and businesses continue to be served by overhead one-way system on Russell Road, Bath Street (south) and Brighton telephone wiring from standard telephone poles placed beside the Road. As a result, there are significant use of road markings and road roadway; these were noted along the busy routes of Brighton Road signage to guide traffic, as well as marked parking bays and associated and Bath Street (south) and Bath Street (north). A traditional Post signage. Office pillar box is located near the junction of Brighton Road and Bath Street is a positive addition to the public realm.
Traditional street sign
Post box, Bath Street
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Strengths • Listed buildings and unlisted buildings of merit (positive contributors) which add to the special interest of the area. • Quality of Victorian villas and terraces. • Curtilage walls and gate piers. • Existing historic decorative details. • Use of local materials.
Weaknesses • Inappropriate shop fronts to Halifax, 15 Russell Road and to Peter Large Estate Agents, Clywd Street. Use of local stone in these early 19th century terraces • Conversion of 25 Russell Road from commercial premises to residential with a loss of heritage features. • Loss of heritage features such as timber sash windows from over-zealous restoration of historic buildings and a dominance of uPVC windows, for example 14-24 Brighton Road. • Inappropriate extensions and roof dormers, such as 2 Paradise Street and 40 Bath Street. • Refuse bin storage on Bath Street (south) and Russell Road. • Loss of front gardens to car parking on Bath Street and Paradise Street.
• Satellite dishes to front elevations. Rhythm of bay windows and gables of Victorian terraces • Lack of maintenance or vacancy to some buildings such as 40 Brighton Road and 45, 47 and 49 Bath Street. • Intrusive through-traffic and one-way system. • Replacement of slate roofs with cement tiles, for example 4-10 (even) Paradise Street. • Unsympathetic traffic signage, street markings and street lighting. • Excessive line painting. • Overhead telephone cables. • Polycarbonate sheeting to the windows of the Welsh Presbyterian Church and its curtilage brick wall. Sensitive restoration in Paradise Street • Use of render and other inappropriate wall finishes, for example 43 Russell Road.
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Restored curtilage walls, railings and gate piers, Bath Street Inappropriately altered historic building, Russell Road
Over restoration, 16 Brighton Road Insensitive extension and overly large dormer to 2 Paradise Street
Neglected houses on Bath Street Loss of curtilage walls and inappropriate locations of refuse bins, Bellview Terrace, Bath Street
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ST THOMAS CHARACTER AREA Neutral Listed Buildings Intrusive Positive Contributor At Risk Positive Contributor with Insensitive Character Area Boundary Shop Front Suggested Boundary Revision Compromised Historic Asset The criteria used to identify positive and Key Views negative elements can be found in Appendix 2 and Appendix 3
This plan is not to scale
58 CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES 5
Whilst there is much to celebrate within the historic environment of Rhyl’s town centre, overall condition of the Rhyl Central Conservation Area is poor. Economic decline, lack of investment and lack of resources to utilise statutory tools, are now threatening the special character, appearance and historic integrity of the conservation area.
Whilst it is clear that many owners take a great deal of care of their properties, there is a high percentage of affordable residential accommodation in Rhyl. This combined with absentee landlords is reflected in the poor condition of many residential properties and the low standard of building maintenance. Where historic properties have been repaired or modernised, poor quality principles, materials and craftmanship have been employed with little or no appreciation of the heritage context. The proliferation of uPVC replacement windows and doors installed in both unlisted and listed historic assets is a concern.
The quality of shop fronts in the Interchange and Commercial Core Character Area, with unsympathetic advertising and upper floor vacancy, is having a severe impact on the overall character of the Conservation Area. Additionally, vacant commercial and retail premises, and the loss of key High Street retailers in recent years, has led to a decline in footfall, impacting on existing businesses. The condition and cohesiveness of the public realm and lack of green space is also a concern.
The following section will consider the key challenges which threaten the significance of the Rhyl Central Conservation Area and will offer suggestions for the future care and enhancement of the Conservation Area.
59 5 CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES
The following illustrates the key challenges and opportunities within the Conservation Area.
Challenges Opportunities Inappropriate alterations and repairs to historic assets Address the issue of inappropriate materials and methods of repair, such as Intrusive additions and alterations to historic buildings can cement re-pointing which cause damage to historic buildings by raising impact on significance and ultimately will result in a awareness of guidance available for the appropriate maintenance and repair cumulative effect on the character and appearance of the methods for historic buildings. Conservation Area. Ensure a proactive approach is taken to the management and enforcement Alterations include replacement windows and doors of within the Conservation Area. Address the issue of inappropriate windows in inappropriate design and material, rainwater goods, roof residential and commercial properties, for example uPVC window frames, lights, dormers, loss of curtilage walls or erection of dormer windows and attic conversions. Traditional timber window frames inappropriate boundary treatments, wiring and ventilation. should be retained where possible. The removal of original features such as slate or clay tiles, leadwork, cast-iron rainwater goods, masonry and joinery The use of Article 4 Directions should be considered to control the and their replacement with composite materials, can replacement of windows, doors, rear extensions and other features to ensure diminish the quality and distinctiveness which historic the character of the Conservation Area is maintained and enhanced. assets provide. Carry out appropriate enforcement action against unauthorised alterations.
Provide robust guidelines on permitted development within the Conservation Area and the implications of the Article 4 direction should these be implemented. Distribute this guidance to property owners on a regular basis.
Consider introducing a Local List in Rhyl to celebrate the unlisted historic assets in the town, adding a layer of protection against inappropriate alteration by ensuring that a building’s ‘special interest’ is a consideration in the planning process.
60 CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES 5
Challenges Opportunities Poor quality of streetscape and public realm The quality of the streetscape and public realm is a particular issue in Interchange and Commercial Core Character Area. Adopt an appropriate, co-ordinated scheme for street furniture, lighting and surfacing treatments to give a coherent and more visually pleasing appearance to the public realm.
Municipal bollards, guard-rails, street lighting columns, seating and bins in modern materials should be replaced where possible with those of traditional or bespoke designs and materials. Assessment of the current street furniture should be carried out to consider the requirement to remove or reconfigure intrusive designs.
Introduce historic street surfaces where appropriate. Avoid use of multi- coloured paving setts and ensure a consistency of approach.
Consider introducing public art to enhance the experience of the streetscape – with no visibility of the sea, bring reminders of the sea into the public realm
Increase planting to improve the quality and interest of the streetscape. With limited open space in Rhyl, consider increasing the planting of trees or planters where tree planting is not suitable.
Consider the careful lighting of features and buildings – lighting is an integral part of the streetscape, encouraging the town centre to be enjoyed at night.
Consider, along with the review of traffic management, a reduction in intrusive pedestrian guard-rails. Where these need to be retained, integrate them into the overall design of street furniture. Consider introducing the narrower and paler Conservation Area line painting. Inappropriate modern development Intrusive modern development has been identified both on the boundary and within the conservation area. For example, the former post office adjacent to the Town Hall and modern development on Bodfer Street and the High Street. Redevelopment offers opportunities to enhance these areas or elements that are currently in need of improvement. Redevelopment that respects the overall character and appearance of the Conservation Area should be encouraged. Loss of front gardens to car parking Multiple occupancy, busy through traffic and a lack of on-street parking has resulted in the demolition of curtilage front walls (e.g. Bath Street) to make way for car parking. Explore options to reinstate curtilage walls with owners of properties including altering the traffic system which prevents on-street parking, providing incentives or finding alternative car parking arrangements for residents. Wheelie bin storage Multiple wheelie bins are found in front gardens on a number of roads including Bath Street (south) and Russell Road and are visually intrusive. Engage residents and property owners and explore arrangements for alternative bin locations.
Consider consolidating multiple bin provision to reduce numbers or reverting to refuse bag collection.
61 5 CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES
Challenges Opportunities Intrusive through-traffic and a one-way system cutting Traffic creates a noisy, polluted and stressful environment. The one-way through the Conservation Area system pushes traffic around a larger number of streets, increasing the nuisance within the Conservation Area. Pedestrians must negotiate busy roads to access the shops and seafront from Rhyl’s Interchange. Following the completion of a traffic audit, consider options which will reduce the impact on the Conservation Area, making Rhyl’s street more pleasant for residents, visitors and shoppers. Lack of maintenance to some buildings Vacancy and a lack of maintenance affects the appearance of the Conservation Area and can threaten the integrity of historic buildings. Identify historic buildings at risk and put in place a programme of repair and reuse. Consider utilising enforcement powers, taking appropriate action against owners. Unsympathetic traffic signage and street markings Carry out a review of traffic signage with a view to removing redundant signage and consolidating others.
Adopt a Conservation Style philosophy for road markings. Unsympathetic shop fronts, advertising and signage Showcase the best examples of Rhyl’s shop fronts and put in place a long-term programme of awareness raising and funding to encourage the replacement of insensitive shop fronts.
Security features should not detract from the character and appearance of the Conservation Area. Shatterproof and laminated glass is preferable, followed by internal shutters and grilles. External grilles and roller shutters (solid or pierced) are not appropriate.
Encourage the use of retractable canopies in appropriate materials. Consider introduction / reintroduction of traditional fixed canopies. Historic images support the former use of parades of cast iron and glazing canopies in Rhyl
Proactively work with shop owners to remove insensitive signage and advertising and take appropriate enforcement action where necessary.
Consider the removal of large advertising hoardings within the Conservation Area. Discourage the use of window vinyls on lower and upper floors. Vacancy of shops and upper floors Accept the shrinkage of the retail areas of the town centre, and consider consolidating the retail offering into a few key streets, whilst reverting retail premises back into residential use.
Attract retailers back into the town centre through incentive schemes such as reduced business rates or rents. Encourage shoppers into the centre through initiatives such as food festivals, farmers markets or craft fairs.
Regeneration schemes could target empty or underused upper floors, increasing the offering for affordable housing and bringing life into the town outside of normal opening hours.
Innovative solutions such as pop-up shops, galleries, workshops and community facilities should be encouraged, moving away from a purely retail function.
Consider lateral conversion to residential of upper floors to reduce the need for multiple access points at street level.
62 CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES 5
Challenges Opportunities Lack of awareness and understanding of the Work with local estate agents to ensure that they are aware of the Conservation Area Conservation Area designation and, if adopted, potential Article 4 Directions, and that they pass this information on to purchasers of property within the area.
Raise awareness of Conservation Areas with existing residents, housing associations, landlords and other stakeholders. Consultation on this report could act as an initial catalyst for this process. Prevalence of satellite dishes Satellite dishes are intrusive, particularly when attached to front elevations. Seek controls over satellite dishes Intrusive appearance of the rear of buildings With few gaps between buildings particularly in the central area of the Conservation Area, views of the rear of buildings are not common. However, where these are experienced (e.g. from Glanglasfor, Crescent Road, the Railway Station and Clwyd Street) they are often unpleasant. Consider raising awareness with owners on how these impact on the appearance of the Conservation Area.
Encourage owners to ensure rear elevations are maintained and repaired on a regular basis and kept in a good condition to prevent deterioration of fabric. Timber windows and brickwork in particularly should be regularly maintained.
Intrusive modern air-conditioning units, ducting, fire escapes and ventilation should be installed in carefully chosen locations with limited visibility.
Improve the appearance of the rear of housing on Edward Henry Street and West Parade through additional landscaping to the proposed car park on Crescent Road. New development within or adjacent to the A number of sites are either in the process of redevelopment, will soon Conservation Area further threatens the appearance and become or are likely to come under redevelopment. This offers potential character of the Conservation Area opportunities to enhance these areas or elements that are currently in need of improvement. Ensure the character and appearance of the Conservation Area is not impacted by demanding architectural excellence in any new schemes.
Any new development should take inspiration from existing Edwardian and Victorian architectural styles and Art Deco which are well-established within the Conservation Area. Use of traditional materials and architectural details coupled with a modern design for example would ensure new development is appropriate for its setting.
The scale of any new development should mirror the existing building and plot sizes. Work with developers and seek advice from appropriate statutory consultees regarding suitable design for new structures.
63 6 IDENTIFYING THE BOUNDARY
The Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, 2: Remove the Premier Inn development site, Harkers Amusements states that the boundaries of existing conservation areas should be and the Queen Street Development Site reviewed from time to time. Parts which are no longer of special The loss of historic buildings from these areas and the current interest should be excluded. Where drawn too tightly, the redevelopment in progress has led to a loss of historic interest in Conservation Area should be extended to include more recent these areas. The boundary should exclude Harkers Amusements as phases or plots associated with buildings of historic interest. the terrace has undergone extensive alteration and has lost historic integrity and is of little architectural significance. The boundary It is now recognised that Conservation Area boundaries need to be should continue to include the Corner Café however. The removal of seen within a wider context of urban development. Designated areas these areas will allow Denbighshire County Council to focus should provide protection to buildings that were perhaps not attention on those areas which have a greater historical and previously considered to be of architectural merit and to the spaces architectural significance, allowing resources to be used for cases between buildings, such as streets and neutral areas. It is also the where properties or areas are more important. case that further information can come to light about the historic importance of buildings and spaces. 3: Remove the south side of Bedford Street The loss of historical and architectural integrity from buildings on the Site analysis shows there is scope to modify the boundary of the Rhyl south side of Bedford Street is reflected in the plan on page 49. It Central Conservation Area which is detailed below. It is not felt at was felt that to allow Denbighshire County Council to focus this stage that removing large areas from the Rhyl Conservation Area resources on areas within the Conservation Area which have a would benefit the centre of Rhyl. There is always the risk that greater historical and architectural significance, the south side of the removing areas due to their condition would result in those areas street should be excluded from the Conservation Area. becoming subject to greater levels of change and that their character is eroded further. This section therefore recommends the following 4a: Exclude the Coach Park / proposed car park on Crescent Road, changes for consideration by Denbighshire County Council. and redraw boundary to exclude 20-30 and 13-23 Edward Henry Street 1: Extend the north-eastern boundary to include the upper areas of Bath Street and Morlan Park 4b: In addition to above, exclude 3-7 Bedford Street At present, the boundary terminates above 24 Bath Street and The proposed boundary change should also consider excluding the adjoining villa of 25 and 26 Bath Street. However, it is felt that that former coach park on Crescent Road, and buildings within Edward 2-22 (even) Bath Street and Morlan Park should also be included in Henry Street which have unfortunately undergone extensive the Conservation Area. Built around the turn of the 20th century the alteration/rebuilding or are in very poor condition and now lack terraces and larger villas are well preserved examples of Victorian historic integrity. The terrace of 20-30 Edward Henry Street on the and Edwardian architecture and fit in well with the wider narrative south-western side of the street and 13-23 on the north-eastern side seen in the character area. Despite some uPVC windows and of the street should therefore be considered for exclusion. A further alterations, it was felt that these streets should be included within the option to omit 3-11 is also proposed as an additional boundary in order to strengthen the special architectural and historic recommendation. This would allow the Council to focus resources on interest of the Conservation Area and to afford them an additional other areas of the Conservation Area considered to be of greater level of protection from inappropriate development. significance.
64 IDENTIFYING THE BOUNDARY 6
Plan of suggested changes to the Conservation Area
Interchange and Commercial Core Crescent Road St Thomas’ Extension to the Conservation Area Deletion to Conservation Area Conservation Area Boundary Character Area Boundary
This plan is not to scale
65 7 CONCLUSION AND NEXT STEPS
Rhyl is an example of a Victorian seaside resort which was planned Moving forward, the following steps should be considered by and laid out in the early 19th century. At its height it was the premier Denbighshire County Council. seaside destination on the north Wales coast. 01 Consult on the Conservation Area boundary revisions internally and externally. Although little more than a handful of buildings at the start of the 19th century, Rhyl rapidly developed around the present retail core, 02 Make changes to the Conservation Area boundary. on a regular grid-pattern of streets. Around the churches of St 03 Produce a full Conservation Area Appraisal following the Thomas’ and Holy Trinity a wealthy neighbourhood emerged which is boundary revision and adopt this. reflected in the quality of buildings which still exist here. 04 Produce a Conservation Area Management Plan and adopt this. Despite Rhyl’s more recent decline in popularity, there is still much to 05 Set aside resourcing to manage the Conservation Area celebrate in the town. Today, it retains a number of prominent effectively, including advice to owners, enforcement measures buildings of high architectural quality along with a significant number and grants. Consult with other council departments, such as of historic buildings, many of which were hotels or boarding houses Highways, to ensure the historic environment is taken into which formerly served the towns’ many visitors, or elegant residences account in other decisions. housing the towns’ growing population. There is a pleasing rhythm and consistency in many of Rhyl’s terraces, whilst variety and interest 06 Consider restricting permitted development rights by adopting can also be found. Article 4 Directions.
Rhyl has unfortunately suffered from many years of economic decline which is reflected in the quality of elements of the Conservation Areas streetscape; poor quality repairs and inappropriate alterations to historic buildings, unsympathetic new development, vacancy, neglect, absentee landlords and a public realm which lacks cohesion and interest, are some of the issues.
Although there are significant areas within the Conservation Area which are of low architectural interest and integrity, the built heritage of Rhyl continues to play a key role in defining the character of the town and should be seen as an integral part of current regeneration and renewal plans. Experience has shown in other towns and cities in Wales that the careful integration of historic buildings can play an important and successful role in creating significant benefits for local economies and communities. Rhyl’s historic buildings should be seen as an asset which adds to urban character and distinctiveness, and as one of the cornerstones of Rhyl’s future economic and social revival.
66 BIBLIOGRAPHY 8
Planning Policies • Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 • Welsh Office Circular 61/96 • Welsh Office Circular 1/98 • Planning Policy Wales (2016) • Denbighshire Local Development Plan (adopted 2013)
Guidance Documents • Managing Conservation Areas in Wales, Welsh Government, Cadw (2017) • Managing Historic Character in Wales, Welsh Government, Cadw (2017) • Understanding Place: Historic Area Assessments, Historic England (2017) • Conservation Area Designation, Appraisal and Management, Historic England Advice Note 1 (2016) • Understanding Place: Character and Context in Local Planning, Historic England (2011) • Valuing Places: Good Practice in Conservation Areas, Historic England (2011)
Rhyl’s Regeneration Denbighshire County Council: Rhyl Regeneration: https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/resident/ community-and-living/regeneration/rhyl-regeneration.aspx
Other documents • Denbighshire County Council, Rhyl Central Conservation Area Proposed Extension (2007)
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68 APPENDICES
Appendix 1: Table of Listed Buildings Appendix 2: Selection Criteria for Positive Contributors Appendix 3: Selection Criteria used to identify less than Positive Elements Appendix 4: Plans (to be printed at A3)
69 APPENDIX 1: TABLE OF LISTED BUILDINGS
CLASS REPORT URL (click to follow NO. NAME DESIGNATION GRADE LOCATION link if viewed as a pdf) 1422 Parish Church of St 21/06/1949 II* Prominently sited on the Religious, Ritual http://cadwpublic-api. Thomas corner with Bath Street. and Funerary azurewebsites.net/reports/ listedbuilding/ FullReport?lang=en&id=1422 1498 Town Hall 02/02/1981 II In the centre of the town, Civil http://cadwpublic-api. on a plot bounded by azurewebsites.net/reports/ Queen Street and Water listedbuilding/ Street. FullReport?lang=en&id=1498 1502 Plas Gwyn 24/03/1986 II Set back from the road Domestic http://cadwpublic-api. between Nos 15 and 27 azurewebsites.net/reports/ Russell Road, almost listedbuilding/ opposite Holy Trinity FullReport?lang=en&id=1502 Church. 1511 Apollo Cinema & 04/01/1989 II Occupies a prominent Recreational http://cadwpublic-api. Bingo Club corner site with Brighton azurewebsites.net/reports/ Road, adjacent to Vale Road listedbuilding/ Bridge over main railway FullReport?lang=en&id=1511 line at Rhyl Station. 1516 Midland Bank 16/10/1990 II On a corner site at the Commercial http://cadwpublic-api. cross roads between azurewebsites.net/reports/ Wellington Road, High listedbuilding/ Street, and Bodfor Street, FullReport?lang=en&id=1516 prominently sited opposite the town hall. 1521 Sussex Street Baptist 16/09/1991 II Set back from the street Religious, Ritual http://cadwpublic-api. Church midway between Queen and Funerary azurewebsites.net/reports/ Street and High Street. listedbuilding/ FullReport?lang=en&id=1521 1522 Bee and Station 24/10/1991 II Prominent building at SE Commercial http://cadwpublic-api. Hotel end of street, on a corner azurewebsites.net/reports/ opposite the station. listedbuilding/ FullReport?lang=en&id=1522 1524 Telephone Call-box 31/01/1992 II At the SW end of the Communications http://cadwpublic-api. on the up platform at platform, at the base of the azurewebsites.net/reports/ Rhyl Railway Station footbridge. listedbuilding/ FullReport?lang=en&id=1524 1526 Rhyl Railway Station, 11/01/1993 II In the centre of the town, Transpor t http://cadwpublic-api. Main Building facing N down Bodfor azurewebsites.net/reports/ Street. listedbuilding/ FullReport?lang=en&id=1526
70 APPENDIX 1: TABLE OF LISTED BUILDINGS
CLASS REPORT URL (click to follow NO. NAME DESIGNATION GRADE LOCATION link if viewed as a pdf) 14138 40 BATH STREET 14/02/1994 II On the E corner of Bath Domestic http://cadwpublic-api. Street and Brighton Road. azurewebsites.net/reports/ listedbuilding/ FullReport?lang=en&id=14138 14139 42 BATH STREET 14/02/1994 II On the E corner of Bath Domestic http://cadwpublic-api. Street and Brighton Road. azurewebsites.net/reports/ listedbuilding/ FullReport?lang=en&id=14139 14140 44 BATH STREET 14/02/1994 II On the E corner of Bath Domestic http://cadwpublic-api. Street and Brighton Road. azurewebsites.net/reports/ listedbuilding/ FullReport?lang=en&id=14140 14141 46 BATH STREET 14/02/1994 II On the E corner of Bath Domestic http://cadwpublic-api. Street and Brighton Road. azurewebsites.net/reports/ listedbuilding/ FullReport?lang=en&id=14141 14142 48 BATH STREET 14/02/1994 II On the E corner of Bath Domestic http://cadwpublic-api. Street and Brighton Road. azurewebsites.net/reports/ listedbuilding/ FullReport?lang=en&id=14142 14143 50 BATH STREET 14/02/1994 II On the E corner of Bath Domestic http://cadwpublic-api. Street and Brighton Road. azurewebsites.net/reports/ listedbuilding/ FullReport?lang=en&id=14143 14144 52 BATH STREET 14/02/1994 II On the E corner of Bath Domestic http://cadwpublic-api. Street and Brighton Road. azurewebsites.net/reports/ listedbuilding/ FullReport?lang=en&id=14144 14145 Bellevue Terrace 14/02/1994 II On the E corner of Bath Domestic http://cadwpublic-api. Street and Brighton Road. azurewebsites.net/reports/ listedbuilding/ FullReport?lang=en&id=14145 14252 English Methodist 14/02/1994 II On the corner with Morley Religious, Ritual http://cadwpublic-api. Church with former Road. and Funerary azurewebsites.net/reports/ Sunday School listedbuilding/ FullReport?lang=en&id=14252 14253 Tan-Lan 14/02/1994 II Near the corner with Domestic http://cadwpublic-api. Russell Road. azurewebsites.net/reports/ listedbuilding/ FullReport?lang=en&id=14253 14254 Springfields 14/02/1994 II Near the corner with Domestic http://cadwpublic-api. Russell Road. azurewebsites.net/reports/ listedbuilding/ FullReport?lang=en&id=14254 14255 NO 2, BODFOR 14/02/1994 II On the corner with Commercial http://cadwpublic-api. STREET Wellington Road, azurewebsites.net/reports/ immediately opposite the listedbuilding/ Midland Bank. FullReport?lang=en&id=14255
71 APPENDIX 1: TABLE OF LISTED BUILDINGS
CLASS REPORT URL (click to follow NO. NAME DESIGNATION GRADE LOCATION link if viewed as a pdf) 14258 Main Building and 14/02/1994 II In the centre of the town, Transpor t http://cadwpublic-api. Footbridge, Rhyl facing N down Bodfor azurewebsites.net/reports/ Railway Station Street. listedbuilding/ FullReport?lang=en&id=14258 14259 Down-Platform 14/02/1994 II In the centre of the town, Transpor t http://cadwpublic-api. Canopy, Rhyl Railway facing N down Bodfor azurewebsites.net/reports/ Station Street. listedbuilding/ FullReport?lang=en&id=14259 14261 Former Manse to 14/02/1994 II Adjacent to English Religious, Ritual http://cadwpublic-api. English Methodist Methodist Church and and Funerary azurewebsites.net/reports/ Church beside Brighton Road. listedbuilding/ FullReport?lang=en&id=14261 14262 Church House 14/02/1994 II Set back from the road at Domestic http://cadwpublic-api. the corner with Russell azurewebsites.net/reports/ Road, in a walled precinct listedbuilding/ with the Church of the Holy FullReport?lang=en&id=14262 Trinity, and the Church of Saint Thomas. 14263 Gate Piers and Gated 14/02/1994 II Towards the junction with Domestic http://cadwpublic-api. to Church House Russell Road, providing the azurewebsites.net/reports/ Side main access to Church listedbuilding/ House. FullReport?lang=en&id=14263 14264 Welsh Presbyterian 14/02/1994 II On the corner of Clwyd Religious, Ritual http://cadwpublic-api. Church Street and Brighton Road. and Funerary azurewebsites.net/reports/ listedbuilding/ FullReport?lang=en&id=14264 14265 Gate Piers, Gates and 14/02/1994 II Forms the boundary of a Religious, Ritual http://cadwpublic-api. Railings at Welsh small forecourt in front of and Funerary azurewebsites.net/reports/ Presbyterian Church the entrance to the church. listedbuilding/ FullReport?lang=en&id=14265 14266 NO 2 CLWYD 14/02/1994 II On the corner of Clwyd Commercial http://cadwpublic-api. STREET Street and Russell Road. azurewebsites.net/reports/ listedbuilding/ FullReport?lang=en&id=14266 14267 NO 3 CLWYD 14/02/1994 II On the corner of Clwyd Commercial http://cadwpublic-api. STREET Street and Russell Road. azurewebsites.net/reports/ listedbuilding/ FullReport?lang=en&id=14267 14268 NO 4 CLWYD 14/02/1994 II On the corner of Clwyd Commercial http://cadwpublic-api. STREET Street and Russell Road. azurewebsites.net/reports/ listedbuilding/ FullReport?lang=en&id=14268 14269 NO 5 CLWYD 14/02/1994 II Set back from the road Domestic http://cadwpublic-api. STREET adjoining Nos 2-4 Clwyd azurewebsites.net/reports/ Street. listedbuilding/ FullReport?lang=en&id=14269
72 APPENDIX 1: TABLE OF LISTED BUILDINGS
CLASS REPORT URL (click to follow NO. NAME DESIGNATION GRADE LOCATION link if viewed as a pdf) 14270 NO 6 CLWYD 14/02/1994 II Set back from the road Domestic http://cadwpublic-api. STREET adjoining Nos 2-4 Clwyd azurewebsites.net/reports/ Street. listedbuilding/ FullReport?lang=en&id=14270 14271 NO 7 CLWYD 14/02/1994 II Set back from the road Domestic http://cadwpublic-api. STREET adjoining Nos 2-4 Clwyd azurewebsites.net/reports/ Street. listedbuilding/ FullReport?lang=en&id=14271 14272 NO 8 CLWYD 14/02/1994 II Set back from the road Domestic http://cadwpublic-api. STREET adjoining Nos 2-4 Clwyd azurewebsites.net/reports/ Street. listedbuilding/ FullReport?lang=en&id=14272 14273 Marine Villa 14/02/1994 II Towards the junction with Commercial http://cadwpublic-api. Water Street. azurewebsites.net/reports/ listedbuilding/ FullReport?lang=en&id=14273 14274 NO 13 CRESCENT 14/02/1994 II Opposite the junction with Domestic http://cadwpublic-api. ROAD Edward Henry Street and azurewebsites.net/reports/ the Crescent Public House. listedbuilding/ FullReport?lang=en&id=14274 14275 NO 15 CRESCENT 14/02/1994 II Opposite the junction with Domestic http://cadwpublic-api. ROAD Edward Henry Street and azurewebsites.net/reports/ the Crescent Public House. listedbuilding/ FullReport?lang=en&id=14275 14279 Crescent Public 14/02/1994 II On the E corner with Commercial http://cadwpublic-api. House Crescent Road. azurewebsites.net/reports/ listedbuilding/ FullReport?lang=en&id=14279 14282 New Inn 14/02/1994 II South of the junction with Commercial http://cadwpublic-api. Russell Road, opposite Saint azurewebsites.net/reports/ Helen?s Place. listedbuilding/ FullReport?lang=en&id=14282 14283 NO 90 HIGH 14/02/1994 II Near the corner with Commercial http://cadwpublic-api. STREET Kinmel Street, next to the azurewebsites.net/reports/ Alexandra Public House. listedbuilding/ FullReport?lang=en&id=14283 14285 NO 135, HIGH 14/01/1989 II Occupies a prominent Domestic http://cadwpublic-api. STREET corner site with Brighton azurewebsites.net/reports/ Road, adjacent to Vale Road listedbuilding/ Bridge over main railway FullReport?lang=en&id=14285 line at Rhyl Station. 14286 NO 137, HIGH 04/01/1989 II Occupies a prominent Domestic http://cadwpublic-api. STREET corner site with Brighton azurewebsites.net/reports/ Road, adjacent to Vale Road listedbuilding/ Bridge over main railway FullReport?lang=en&id=14286 line at Rhyl Station.
73 APPENDIX 1: TABLE OF LISTED BUILDINGS
CLASS REPORT URL (click to follow NO. NAME DESIGNATION GRADE LOCATION link if viewed as a pdf) 14287 NO 139, HIGH 04/01/1989 II Occupies a prominent Domestic http://cadwpublic-api. STREET corner site with Brighton azurewebsites.net/reports/ Road, adjacent to Vale Road listedbuilding/ Bridge over main railway FullReport?lang=en&id=14287 line at Rhyl Station. 14288 NO 141 HIGH 04/01/1989 II Occupies a prominent Domestic http://cadwpublic-api. STREET corner site with Brighton azurewebsites.net/reports/ Road, adjacent to Vale Road listedbuilding/ Bridge over main railway FullReport?lang=en&id=14288 line at Rhyl Station. 14289 Cynval Villas 14/02/1994 II Set back slightly from the Commercial http://cadwpublic-api. building line, facing down azurewebsites.net/reports/ Windsor Street. listedbuilding/ FullReport?lang=en&id=14289 14292 NO 12, PARADISE 14/02/1994 II At the right-angled bend in Domestic http://cadwpublic-api. STREET (N Paradise Street, facing S azurewebsites.net/reports/ SIDE),,,,,CLWYD, down the street, adjoining listedbuilding/ the rear gate to the FullReport?lang=en&id=14292 churchyard which surrounds the Church of the Holy Trinity and the Church of Saint Thomas. 14293 NO 14, PARADISE 14/02/1994 II At the right-angled bend in Domestic http://cadwpublic-api. STREET (N Paradise Street, facing S azurewebsites.net/reports/ SIDE),,,,,CLWYD, down the street, adjoining listedbuilding/ the rear gate to the FullReport?lang=en&id=14293 churchyard which surrounds the Church of the Holy Trinity and the Church of Saint Thomas. 14297 NO 40-42, QUEEN 14/02/1994 II Part of a continuous terrace, Domestic http://cadwpublic-api. STREET (W close to the N corner with azurewebsites.net/reports/ SIDE),,,,,CLWYD, Sussex Street. listedbuilding/ FullReport?lang=en&id=14297 14298 NO 44-46, QUEEN 14/02/1994 II Part of a continuous terrace, Domestic http://cadwpublic-api. STREET (W close to the N corner with azurewebsites.net/reports/ SIDE),,,,,CLWYD, Sussex Street. listedbuilding/ FullReport?lang=en&id=14298 14299 Church of the Holy 14/02/1994 II Adjacent to the Church of Religious, Ritual http://cadwpublic-api. Trinity Saint Thomas, facing down and Funerary azurewebsites.net/reports/ Church Street. listedbuilding/ FullReport?lang=en&id=14299 14301 The Swan P H 14/02/1994 II Set back slightly from the Commercial http://cadwpublic-api. building line, facing down azurewebsites.net/reports/ Clwyd Street. listedbuilding/ FullReport?lang=en&id=14301
74 APPENDIX 1: TABLE OF LISTED BUILDINGS
CLASS REPORT URL (click to follow NO. NAME DESIGNATION GRADE LOCATION link if viewed as a pdf) 14303 NO 31, RUSSELL 14/02/1994 II Commercial http://cadwpublic-api. ROAD azurewebsites.net/reports/ listedbuilding/ FullReport?lang=en&id=14303 14304 NO 33, RUSSELL 14/02/1994 II Commercial http://cadwpublic-api. ROAD azurewebsites.net/reports/ listedbuilding/ FullReport?lang=en&id=14304 14305 NO 35, RUSSELL 14/02/1994 II Opposite the Church of Domestic http://cadwpublic-api. ROAD Saint Thomas and between azurewebsites.net/reports/ Nos 31-33 and Nos 43-47 listedbuilding/ Russell Road. FullReport?lang=en&id=14305 14306 NO 37, RUSSELL 14/02/1994 II Opposite the Church of Domestic http://cadwpublic-api. ROAD Saint Thomas and between azurewebsites.net/reports/ Nos 31-33 and Nos 43-47 listedbuilding/ Russell Road. FullReport?lang=en&id=14306 14307 NO 39, RUSSELL 14/02/1994 II Opposite the Church of Domestic http://cadwpublic-api. ROAD Saint Thomas and between azurewebsites.net/reports/ Nos 31-33 and Nos 43-47 listedbuilding/ Russell Road. FullReport?lang=en&id=14307 14308 NO 41, RUSSELL 14/02/1994 II Opposite the Church of Domestic http://cadwpublic-api. ROAD Saint Thomas and between azurewebsites.net/reports/ Nos 31-33 and Nos 43-47 listedbuilding/ Russell Road. FullReport?lang=en&id=14308 14309 Bath Street 14/02/1994 II On the corner of Bath Domestic http://cadwpublic-api. Street, opposite the Church azurewebsites.net/reports/ of Saint Thomas. listedbuilding/ FullReport?lang=en&id=14309 14310 Bath Street 14/02/1994 II On the corner of Bath Domestic http://cadwpublic-api. Street, opposite the Church azurewebsites.net/reports/ of Saint Thomas. listedbuilding/ FullReport?lang=en&id=14310 14311 Bath Street 14/02/1994 II On the corner of Bath Domestic http://cadwpublic-api. Street, opposite the Church azurewebsites.net/reports/ of Saint Thomas. listedbuilding/ FullReport?lang=en&id=14311 14312 Bath Street 14/02/1994 II On the corner of Bath Domestic http://cadwpublic-api. Street, opposite the Church azurewebsites.net/reports/ of Saint Thomas. listedbuilding/ FullReport?lang=en&id=14312 14317 NO 14, WATER 14/02/1994 II On the S corner with Commercial http://cadwpublic-api. STREET Bedford Street. azurewebsites.net/reports/ listedbuilding/ FullReport?lang=en&id=14317
75 APPENDIX 1: TABLE OF LISTED BUILDINGS
CLASS REPORT URL (click to follow NO. NAME DESIGNATION GRADE LOCATION link if viewed as a pdf) 14318 NO 14A, WATER 14/02/1994 II On the S corner with Commercial http://cadwpublic-api. STREET Bideford Street. azurewebsites.net/reports/ listedbuilding/ FullReport?lang=en&id=14318 14319 NO 16, WATER 14/02/1994 II On the S corner with Commercial http://cadwpublic-api. STREET Bideford Street. azurewebsites.net/reports/ listedbuilding/ FullReport?lang=en&id=14319 14320 Ellis's Bar 14/02/1994 II Towards the N of the Commercial http://cadwpublic-api. street, immediately adjoining azurewebsites.net/reports/ Nos 46-56. listedbuilding/ FullReport?lang=en&id=14320 14321 Ellis's Bar 14/02/1994 II Towards the N of the Commercial http://cadwpublic-api. street, immediately adjoining azurewebsites.net/reports/ Nos 46-56. listedbuilding/ FullReport?lang=en&id=14321 14324 Christchurch United 14/02/1994 II Fronts on to the street, its Religious, Ritual http://cadwpublic-api. Reformed Church side elevation facing the rear and Funerary azurewebsites.net/reports/ of the town hall across a listedbuilding/ square. FullReport?lang=en&id=14324 14325 NO 47, WATER 14/02/1994 II Towards the north end of Domestic http://cadwpublic-api. STREET Water Street, forming part azurewebsites.net/reports/ of a terrace of buildings on listedbuilding/ the E side of the street. FullReport?lang=en&id=14325
14326 NO 49, WATER 14/02/1994 II Towards the north end of Domestic http://cadwpublic-api. STREET Water Street, forming part azurewebsites.net/reports/ of a terrace of buildings on listedbuilding/ the E side of the street. FullReport?lang=en&id=14326 14327 NO 46 WATER 14/02/1994 II On the S corner with Commercial http://cadwpublic-api. STREET Crescent Road. azurewebsites.net/reports/ listedbuilding/ FullReport?lang=en&id=14327 14328 NO 48, WATER 14/02/1994 II On the S corner with Commercial http://cadwpublic-api. STREET Crescent Road. azurewebsites.net/reports/ listedbuilding/ FullReport?lang=en&id=14328 14329 NO 50, WATER 14/02/1994 II On the S corner with Commercial http://cadwpublic-api. STREET Crescent Road. azurewebsites.net/reports/ listedbuilding/ FullReport?lang=en&id=14329 14330 NO 52, WATER 14/02/1994 II On the S corner with Commercial http://cadwpublic-api. STREET Crescent Road azurewebsites.net/reports/ listedbuilding/ FullReport?lang=en&id=14330
76 APPENDIX 1: TABLE OF LISTED BUILDINGS
CLASS REPORT URL (click to follow NO. NAME DESIGNATION GRADE LOCATION link if viewed as a pdf) 14331 NO 54, WATER 14/02/1994 II On the S corner with Commercial http://cadwpublic-api. STREET Crescent Road. azurewebsites.net/reports/ listedbuilding/ wFullReport?lang=en&id=14331 14332 NO 56, WATER 14/02/1994 II On the S corner with Commercial http://cadwpublic-api. STREET Crescent Road. azurewebsites.net/reports/ listedbuilding/ FullReport?lang=en&id=14332
77 APPENDIX 2: SELECTION CRITERIA FOR POSITIVE CONTRIBUTORS
Historic England’s guidance Conservation Area Designation, Appraisal and Management in Table 1, page 16, uses the following questions to assess if an element should be considered as a positive contributor: • Is it the work of a particular architect or designer of regional or local note? • Does it have landmark quality? • Does it reflect a substantial number of other elements in the Conservation Area in age, style, materials, form or other characteristics? • Does it relate to adjacent designated historic asset in age, materials or in any other historically significant way? • Does it contribute positively to the setting of adjacent designated historic assets? • Does it contribute to the quality of recognisable spaces including exteriors or open spaces with a complex of public buildings? • Is it associated with a designed landscape e.g. a significant wall, terracing or a garden building? • Does it individually, or as part of a group, illustrate the development of the settlement in which it stands? • Does it have significant historic association with features such as the historic road layout, burgage plots, a town park or a landscape feature? • Does it have historic associations with local people or past events? • Does it reflect the traditional functional character or former uses in the area? • Does its use contribute to the character or appearance of the area?
78 APPENDIX 3: SELECTION CRITERIA USED TO IDENTIFY LESS THAN POSITIVE ELEMENTS
Whilst the Historic England checklist had been used to identify the positive elements within the Rhyl Conservation Area the following have been used to identify those elements which make a less than positive contribution. These are:
Neutral A building (usually a modern development) which makes neither a positive nor negative contribution to the Conservation Area.
Compromised Heritage Asset These are historic buildings of varying architectural quality, but which could become positive contributors to the Conservation Area. They have generally undergone a loss of their heritage detailing through inappropriate building alterations or repairs including: • replacement of wooden sash windows with UPVC frames and different window designs; • replacement front doors / shop fronts with inappropriate designs and finishes; • removal of heritage mouldings and other details e.g. pierced barge boards; • removal of chimney stacks and pots; • addition of aerials and satellite dishes; • use of low quality materials; • use of render and non-heritage wall finishes; • use of inappropriate roofing materials; and • extensions and additions of inappropriate design, scale or materials.
Some may also be in poor overall condition.
Intrusive Modern development of an inappropriate design, scale or materials which interrupts the historic pattern or appearance of the streetscape. Thought should be given to their removal / redevelopment or a sensitive improvement of their appearance.
Heritage Asset at Risk These buildings are considered to be in a very poor condition, reducing the visual quality of the streetscape. Usually, but not exclusively, this is combined with vacancy.
79 APPENDIX 4: PLANS
TO BE PRINTED AT A3
80 APPENDIX 4: PLANS
AREA 1: RHYL’S INTERCHANGE AND COMMERCIAL CORE
RHYL GATEWAY AND THE COMMERCIAL CORE CHARACTER AREA
Listed Buildings Intrusive Positive Contributor At Risk Positive Contributor with Insensitive Character Area Boundary Shop Front Suggested Boundary Revision Compromised Historic Asset Under Redevelopment Compromised Historic Asset with The criteria used to identify positive and sympathetic shop front negative elements can be found in \sppendix 2 Key Views and Appendix 3 Neutral This plan is not to scale
81 APPENDIX 4: PLANS
AREA 2: CRESCENT ROAD AREA
CRESCENT ROAD CHARACTER AREA Listed Buildings Suggested Boundary Revision (see Positive Contributor Section 6, Recommendation 3) Positive Contributor with Insensitive Suggested Boundary Revision (see Shop Front Section 6, Recommendation 4a) Compromised Historic Asset Suggested Boundary Revision (see Section 6, Recommendation 4b) Neutral The criteria used to identify positive and Intrusive negative elements can be found in Appendix 2 At Risk and Appendix 3 Character Area Boundary This plan is not to scale Suggested Boundary Revision (see Section 6, Recommendation 2)
82 APPENDIX 4: PLANS
AREA 3: ST THOMAS’ CHARACTER AREA
ST THOMAS CHARACTER AREA Listed Buildings Intrusive Positive Contributor At Risk Positive Contributor with Insensitive Character Area Boundary Shop Front Suggested Boundary Revision Compromised Historic Asset The criteria used to identify positive and Key Views negative elements can be found in Appendix Neutral 2 and Appendix 3 This plan is not to scale
83 APPENDIX 4: PLANS
SUGGESTED CHANGES TO THE CONSERVATION AREA
Interchange and Commercial Core Crescent Road St Thomas’ Extension to St Thomas’ Character Area Deletion to Conservation Area Conservation Area Boundary Character Area Boundary
This plan is not to scale
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