, □ LOWER LYDBROOK ~ □ CONSERVATION AREA (D :c l ,Jl ;o . :,..\r' .:• C HARAC I J. ~~--I ..,,..~,.Ju:i''ij' ,,t_ TERAPPRAISAL ; □ I ro - \ I J...n h,, ,- I 1 ' 1 7 1111V,: ~ !>--!-1--=- :D 1 'u /i .J/JJ,1..- ' ' ,ls_ I I ~ .,_ 'l □ li __,?

iG FOREST OF DEAN DISTRICT COUNCIL. J. A. STEWART BA1 MCD, MRTPI. DIRECTOR OF PLANNING AND LEISURE SERVICES. JULY 1995 i~ rr" MAP 1\;~\ 1, \ ·-. LOWER L YDBROOK PROPOSED CONSERVATION AREA BOUNDARY ~ -..~.• '

~::':~:...... ~~-:. ~t

8396 e ·665h~ 1·64 yJ

Ar•

no CM f•~ I • . 0. I • Litll• ~ . •••• I t..JJ .... c;! • .. 4617 I .. ,. ,. .,, ,,, . \1 ~ L I 297h.1 ' l-21 ..• '~'411 ...,...... - ' -t: . -~: ,,, 4i ·::- . "-•"""'LNH

.. .rlf, • r ..·-.~ J s~ (] •

!• . ~ ...., . - LISTED BUILDING -!.:I,. .! \ ,- PROPOSED CONSERVATION \ I ,f --- AREA BOUNDARY C

535 l ,. I ,~ 'h,1 Worl ..,, J H Scale 1.2500 C-Copyrighl R___. .... ;r

c::J ~ c::J c::=i ~ G 7

Introduction What is a Conservation Area? individual buildings." Lydbrook is a large village set in the valley of A Conservation Area is defined in statute as "an J the Grethough Brook which is a tributary of the area of special architectural or historic interest Section 71 of the Planning (Listed Buildings River Wye. The Lydbrook Valley is narrow and the character or appearance of which it is and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 places a J steep sided with the result that Lydbrook itself desirable to preserve or enhance" duty on local planning authorities to formulate has a strong linear form, and is tightly Planning Policy Guidance Note 15 states: and publish proposals for the preservation and constrained. Though the whole village is "It is the quality and interest of areas, rather enhancement of Conservation Areas. Clear J known as Lydbrook, the settlement is divided than that of individual buildings, which should assessment and definition of an area's special into three parts, known as Upper, Central and be the prime consideration in identifying interest and the action needed to protect it will J Lower Lydbrook. Conservation Areas. There has been help to generate awareness and encourage increasing recognition in recent years that our local property owners to take the right sort of J The development of Lydbrook, and its form and experience ofa historic area depends on much action for themselves. character, owes much to the industrial history more than the quality of individual buildings - of the area. Coal, timber and metal ores were on the historic layout of properties and J all important elements in the early development thoroughfares; on a particular 'mix' of uses; on The lmpllcatlons of Designation of the settlement, followed later by metal characteristic materials; on appropriate scaling The designation of a Conservation Area J industries, particularly tinplate, and the and detailing of contemporary buildings; on the imposes specific duties on the Local Planning construction of railways, including the Severn quality of .....street furniture and hard and soft Authority. The Authority mast formulate and and Wye line. The buildings on the valley floor surfaces; on vistas along streets and between publish proposals for the preservation and J still reflect this later period of industrial buildings: and on the extent to which traffic enhancement of the Conservation Area, and development. This industrial character is intrudes and limits the pedestrian use of submit them to public consultation. J especially noticeable in Lower Lydbrook where spaces between buildings. Conservation Area In addiUon, in exercising their planning powers, the bridge parapets of the old Severn and Wye designation should be seen as the means of the Local Planning Authority must pay special line can still be seen, and also workers recognising the importance of all these factors attention to the desirability of preserving or J cottages which served the former tinplate works and ensuring that conservation policy enhancing the character or appearance of the are still in existence. addresses the quality of townscape in its Conservation Areas. J broadest sense as well as the protection of J l :J 0 The Implications for the Local Authority Planning Authority after Conservation Area It is essential that all departments of both the designation and these include the demolition of District and County Councils understand the buildings and works to trees. In addition, any D significance of the Conservation Area, and act new development including extensions would in coordination. in order that public works, such be expected to be of good desfgn, appropriate 0 as street works, do not damage the historic to the special character of the area. As with all fabric or appearance of the area. Other development proposals it is advisable to seek agencies, such as the water supplier or advice from the planning department at an 0 telecommunication companies must also be early stage. aware and give respect to the special 0 architectural and historic character of the area. Conservation Area designation can also benefit property owners and occupfers . There may be n lmpllcatlons for Owners and Residents added status to a property being located within In normal circumstances, householders have a Conservation Area. Also the development certain "Permitted Development" rights to carry controls aimed at maintaining and enhancing D out minor works to their properties, such as the appearance of the Conservation Area may small extensions and the erection of garden sustain or enhance the appearance of 0 buildings. However, in many places such as properties within it within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or a Conservation Area, these rights are D reduced. In the case of householders within the proposed Lower Lydbrook Conservation 0 Area, "Permitted Development" rights are already reduced because it lies within the Wye D Valley AONB, and therefore there will be few implications for residents. However, some works would require the consent of the Local D D n J J The setting and topography Qfthe and outside the Conservation Area, the Part of the eastern boundary of the Conservation Area roofscape and layout of buildings become Conservation Area is formed by the dismantled J The Lower Lydbrook Conservation Area lies particularly important to the character and railway. This is sited high up the valley sides within the valley of the Greathough Brook appearance of the area. Such views could and affords extensive views of the settlement J which is a tributary of the River Wye (See Map have an effect on the need for privacy of rear below. 1). The Greathough Brook, like many other gardens and this could be one of the reasons tributaries of the Wye has a dramatic relief of for the widespread use of coniferous hedges The Historic Evolution of the Area J steep valley sides with little level land at the and specimen trees which are otherwise alien The Greathough Brook rises from the valley floor. The Conservation Area is located to the natural flora of the area. The valley can watershed around Mirey Stock. On this brook J within the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding be viewed from the valley sides and ridge there were three private forges, known as Natural Beauty, and the River Wye is where public footpaths allow access. In these Upper, Middle and Lower Forges, the latter J designated as a Site of Special Scientific circumstances the roofscape, walls and being established around 1610. The Lower Interest along its- entire course. landscaping are particularly important in Forge stood within 200 metres of the River Wye ] maintaining the character and appearance of close to the site of the Forge Hammer Inn. In The steep hillsides to the east and west of the Lower Lydbrook. the late Eighteenth Century works were Greathough Brook with many fine individual established at Lower Forge and Middle Forge J and groups of trees, contribute much to the ~'JJ--~.Y/ for the purposes of making tin plate. Many of ,LI O A"~--- , character of the Lower Lydbrook Conservation the cottages in the vicinity of the Lower Forge --- ~.. ~. / Area. At the southern end of the Conservation -- date from this time. Towards the end of the J Area there is little level land on the valley floor nineteenth century the economic fortunes of , though the valley gradually opens out as the the tin plate works began to decline with many ] Greathough Brook approaches its confluence stoppages due to 'breakages', accidents and with the River Wye. Most of the housing the recession in the tinplate market following ] occurs in a linear form on the flatter land on the the introduction of _the McKinley Tariff, which valley floor and lower valley slopes. However limited trade with the United States. The start the valley does continue to fall in level towards Fig 1 Views mto the valley show terraces with interesting of the Twentieth Century saw no great ] roofscape the River Wye. Hence from some points within improvement in trade, and after several more ] l D stoppages, the works at Lower Forge closed for Listed bulldlngs within the Conservation Viaduct House was built in the early good in 1925. After 1930 the buildings fell into Area Nineteenth Century of brick, and is a 3 storey disrepair and the works chimney was There are 4 listed buildings within the house with 16 pane sash windows. D demolished in 1938. Conservation Area. They are: The Priory is a late C15/C16 house Lydbrook House was built in the early incorporated into a C17 house. It is timber 0 An fmportant feature in the history of Lower Nineteenth Century and is a 3 storey brick built framed with close studding and has complex Lydbrook was the development and evolution imposing house with a hipped slate roof, and slate roofs with a central stone stack. The D of the Severn and Wye Railway. A three span 16 pane sash windows. Little is known about interesting interior is mentioned in the listing. viaduct was designed by George Keeling to the reason for such a grand house being built The Courtfield Arms is not a Listed Building but carry the railway across the Lydbrook Valley. in this location. it is of historical interest. It was built in 1759 as 0 This structure was made up of three arches on a Mansion House for the Vaughan Family and the eastern end, two arches at the western is an fmposing two and three storey building D end, and two intermediate masonry piers to facing the River Wye across the former 84228. support the girder deck for the railway. The viaduct was completed in 1874 and was D opened for passenger traffic in 1875. The R Land Uses within and around the area majority of the viaduct was demolished in 1966 1 l-l Land uses within Lower Lydbrook Conservation 0 with only the base of the bridge piers and the Area are primarily residential. with all the bridge parapets remaining. ''=== previous industrial uses having disappeared. n (Immediately to the south of the Conservation In addition to the tinplate industry and the Fig 2 Lydbrook House - railings and gateway add to the Area boundary is an engineering works) There evolution of the railway, historical investigation character of the Conservation Area are two Public Houses - the Courtfield Arms D indicates that a small amount of boat building The Malthouse is adjacent to Lydbrook House and The Forge Hammer. and public toilets. took place at the wharf at Lower Lydbrook, and and was built at the same time of coursed There is also an area of public open space by D it is believed that the boat 'Eliza' was built there rubble stone with hipped slate roof. It was the the river. in 1807. village malthouse. D l J J Colours within the area development. In and around Lydbrook House sides, with the predominance of trees and the The predominating colours within the are a number of fine single specimen trees remains of the old railway and tram roads form J Conservation Area are green and brown, as the which will be protected by Conservation Area an important backdrop. From the opposite vegetation of the valley sides and the trees are designation. bank of the River Wye, along which there is a J so prominent. Colours are generally subdued Public Right of Way, part of the Wye Valley with a mellow yellow/green stone being used in Patterns of Movement Walk (a Regional Route), there are extensive the construction of many properties, and dark The main road through the settlement carries a views of most of the Lower Lydbrook J grey slate on the majority of roofs. There is significant amount of traffic, including heavy Conservation Area. There are no public roads also the rich red of the bricks used in the goods vehicles which serve the industrial sites on this side of the river, and very few buildings, J building of Lydbrook and Viaduct Houses. further up the valley. There are narrow lanes but the views into the Conservation Area across and accesses off this main road. The former the river are still significant. J Micro-climate 84228 road from English Bicknor to Kerne The steep sided valley faces north and Bridge forms a strong barrier to pedestrians Pattern of Building ] therefore receives little sunlight in the depths of which tends to isolate the River Wye and the The settlement is mainly linear in form with winter, making it sometimes, a gloomy place. riverside park from the settlement. development following the contours, and The River Wye floods regularly which causes constrained to the narrow strip of level land J flooding to many of the lower lying properties Views along side of the Brook and the road. and to the road near the river. Views out of the settlement are particularly Development though, has taken place at important (See Map 3). Views are mainly down differing angles to the road and stream giving J Tree Cover In and Around the Area the valley across the rooftops, between the a staggered, and slightly haphazard feel. Individual and groups of trees are an important houses and down the roads giving views Many properties have been built on sites 'cut' ] visual feature in the Lower Lydbrook across the river meadows. Interestingly, the into the steep valley sides, resulting in very Conservation area (see Map 2). The main River Wye is not an important visual feature small rear gardens many of which are visible, ] groups of trees are located on the hill slopes when viewed from the majority of the and in some cases prominent front gardens. outside the Conservation Area, but these form Conservation Area because it is substantially an important backdrop to the bullt screened by banks. ] Views upwards to the steeply sloping valley ] D Density of Bulldlngs Type of Buildings properties. The settlement is squeezed by the valley sides Buildings within the Conservation Area are Most commonly. properties have been yet in many places, because of the generally domestic dwellings, with none of the constructed with plain ridge roofs, but there are D undeveloped hillsides and open gardens and industrial buildings remaining. Many of the also a significant number with hipped roofs. spaces between the houses, there is a rather houses though, reflect the industrial past, notably Lydbrook House and Viaduct Villas. It D 'open' character. Around Mill Row and the particularly those at Mill Row which were is believed that Viaduct Villas formed part of Forge Hammer, properties sit "cheek by jowl', workers cottages serving the old tinplate works. the Lydbrook House Estate but were sold off D with many small cottages in a compact area, Properties range from these small workers separately at a later date. giving a certain intimacy and closeness to this cottages to more 'grand' houses such as part of the Conservation Area. Lydbrook House and Viaduct House close to D the river. The dwellings are generally two storey, though some of the 'grander' properties "')!'~'-~ ~ D mentioned above have three storeys. ''\SJr~-,~if""~--- There are also 2 public houses, the Courtfield D Arms Hotel and the Forge Hammer Inn. 1---....lII I 1 ... .. _:::,ii --~ &!ii1 ~lJJ!l--­ Style of BulldlDai ~ I~ -- 0 ' ~~ nrr.r;~ij'~irr: .~- The local vernacular style is evident in many of the properties with functional dwelling houses, Fig 4 Terraced hou&es typical of the Conservation Area D \ f I of rectangular shape and two storeys in height. 1\l''t'~ Terraced and single units predominate. Viaduct Cottage has an unusual extension Properties such as those at Mill Row show little which shows a rustic influence, constructed in D ornamentation and provided for the most basic a 'cottage ornee' style. This building ls also unusual, as the internal floors and the windows i~7 needs of workers at the tinplate works. D _1 Lydbrook and Viaduct House were constructed and doors have been raised to alleviate the early in the Nineteenth Century and are problems caused by flooding. Fig 3 Mi11Row particularly imposing three storey red brick D D

r- --.I I l-J ---' I.,.._ L---1 L__J [_J L-.1 L

·•,·~·"'.... '..- ...... :., ....' ~,.: ' . \ ).. <:'\....'II....}, .. ' V ', ,.., \ MAP 2 h' ·•--\\''., ·. TREES, WALLS AND RAILINGS 6

.' 1,.., ''lOO t).._.. ·=::~,.-&.~<:.,~ ... •600' l ] l h& ,«)lh&f . 8)96 3t' 911 ·'->._R.iv~ ~ye ·66Sha!·6'4 /CAfon 8wy)

I I ~:-;•;•;-,•.·········~~I!--.:-•·•·❖~-~ I ~"--=d ,- I . 1 ~--t=.:)_!~. s:-.-.~ ,{ .-. • ;.. @11oooommm11m1!Jll A,_

o, • Liltll W••• f' \ • •6n I L I 297h,, l -21

-1: ,□,, •1: ·;:, ...... ' L-

""+.,...... · J S@

,,· , .. KEY .;, J :I' STONE WALLS oc IMPORTANT TREES AND GROUPS, =;~~~~~~~!~ ~]S \ ~- I ]'; '"·' J I t RAILINGS SCALE 1:2500 Q.,,,~· ~-·· Clown Copyfivhlfl-- ' ,...... :..;.: ' ...... \. . MAP 3 VIEWS IN AND OUT OF THE SETTLEMENT

Panoramicviews up and down lhe Wye Vdeyfrom Lower Lydbrook Parle.

·:~ ,.., 7 ,::. .. -.."":."=.~ -'- 4600 & ;J l h& J(I tll• 83% l"'{fVe r Wye •66Sh• CAfon·- swyj ·1 ·64

Ar■•

rlydbrook and

i.

-=~ • • • • # - . Vlewa acroaa roofs of MDIRow and over to opposite \ bank of RiverWye. Prominence of Bridge parapets, NOTE hilaldN and MIDHUI Father. place at Welsh Blcknor. ? Throughout Lower Lydbrook1here are viewsout of , , , .. lhe settlement Aa the valley aides rise steeply, .,' they are a alrongvisual feature from most pmts of .! the conu.vation f' - Alea. ...~ I I KEY

--, 7 r7 ] The Morphology of the area House and some stone properties have been Disfiguring Features The area is characterised by differing heights rendered over. The stone is generally The public toilets and surrounding area detract ] and angles. The linear form of the settlement green/yellow. New properties built adjacent to from the appearance of the Conservation Area. has not restricted development to straight lines Mill Row have been constructed in a red/grey The tollets are constructed of concrete ] of properties fronting the road, but a more reconstitut~d stone which, with hindsight was blockwork with a flat roof, and their appearance interesting form has appeared with frontages at not particularly appropriate as it does not has no respect to the style, design and colour varying angles, located close to the road or match the stone in this locality. Other new of other buildings in the area (See Map 4). ] away from the road, close to the stream or properties have been constructed with smooth away from the stream. The underlying painted render and small stone quoins which is ] topography with the slope down to the river, not characteristic of the local building and J/ has ensured development at different heights. appears out of place. Slate has been used also the differing styles of properties ranging almost exclusively as a roofing material though ~-,,.-- ] -----✓ -- from small cottages to larger houses means there is evidence that clay tiles were used in - -:O'f that the 'roofscape' is not only very visible, but the village. There has been extensive use of ] profiled concrete roof tiles in the construction of also very interesting. - The area is also characterised by local stone the newer properties, and the re-roofing of , rt I tU 11 d l oW C:::.::...::---==•=::z==·==­ ] walls fronting onto the main road and lanes. many older properties. Whilst these tiles have - Old photographs indicate that here were more weathered, the use of natural altenatives -

prominent in years gone by, and that some would have been preferable. Fig 5 Area with possibilities for enhancement ] have been removed or have fallen into disrepair. In addition, trees have seeded The survival of Building Features Sites which could enhance the area adjacent to some of the walls reducing their There is still evidence of the stone piers to the Enhancement/redesign of the exterior of the prominence. viaduct on the valley floor, and the stone bridge public toilets would be of great benefit to the parapets high above the valley floor. visual appearance ofthe Conservation Area. In Bulldlng Materials and Construction Adjoining Viaduct House are the brick walls of addition, the area surrounding the toilets. Stone is the main construction material, though the old kitchen garden, which are particularly possibly including the Public House should be ] brick has been used on Lydbrook and Viaduct visible because of the steeply sloping land. incorporated into any enhancement scheme. ] l L [ The riverside park is a pleasant and popular area for parking and informal recreation. The [ park is managed by a Committee of local people, and it may be worthwhile joining forces to ensure that the riverside park continues to [ make a positive contribution to the Conservation Area and the AONB. [

Landmarks, Focal Points and Special Features [ The remains of the bridge piers and parapets are a historic landmark feature. In addition the [ walls and railings within the Conservation Area are special features of note (See Map 4). [

Open Spaces within and around the Area Between the former 84228 and the River Wye, [ is a riverside park known as the lump; the land ..... was donated by the Vaughan family to the L village of Lydbrook. The area consists of two tarmacked parking areas, benches, canoe launch and informal picnic area. ornamental [ trees have been planted. From this area, which overlooks small rapids on the River Wye, i,_ there are good views up and down the Wye Valley. L._

L._ ,..., Concluding Analysis properties, but their appearance reflect their Lower Lydbrook is a place of architectural and .~..c~~-:,· links with the areas industrial past. historic importance which it is desirable to preserve and enhance. The topography of the The Severn and Wye Railway Line was a major ] area and the local availability of raw materials ·~ 1 11. & 8 r! feature in Lower Lydbrook with its viaduct led to a strong industrial presence in this ~ ■ Ill1'1 _I!_~ towering above the settlement. Old ~ ] valley. This industrial history is still very visible -----==:::..~~ photographs indicate that the viaduct was a in and around Lower Lydbrook and is the main _.:> -- ...-____ major piece of civil engineering, which factor which influences its present character. ------dominated completely the northern end of the ] These remains in most places are well Lydbrook Valley. The main spans of the preserved, and also there has been little new ~ viaduct were removed in 1966 and the bridge development to obliterate or dilute the Fig 6 Viaduct Villas are a reminder of the industrial past piers and parapets demolished. The stone industrial character. At every tum within the and an attraclive feature today bridge parapets are visible high up on the east settlement there are clear clues to the and west sides of the valley, and the stone Around the site of the Lower Forge were a ) industrial past, from the names of properties base of one of the supporting piers can be number of industrial buildings, a mill pond and like Viaduct Villas to the physical evidence of seen behind Lydbrook House. The steep flight many dwellings. The tinplate works and the ] industrial uses like workers cottages and bridge of steps remain leading down from the former mill pond have disappeared, along with some parapets. There is also a variety in the scale of Lower Lydbrook station to the road near to the of the dwellings, but many still remain. The the buildings from small workers dwellings to Courtfield Arms. grand houses set in large gardens overlooking most prominent of these are the cottages at Mill Row which were workers houses serving the River Wye. In many other places in the the former tin plate works at the Lower Forge. ] District the industrial past has been removed or In addition to the special character resulting They were built in a curved terrace and were obscured by new development, but in Lower from the industrial heritage of Lower Lydbrook, very small cottages which provided for the Lydbrook it is clearly visible and gives the there are other factors brought out in this basic needs of the workers. They have been settlement a special character. assessment which give a special character to renovated and modernised with individual the area. ] cottages knocked together to make larger

~ l L [ The location and selling of the buildings in the that contributes much to the special character Conservation Area within a deeply incised of the Conservation Area, and particular care tributary of the River Wye creates much of the needs to be taken in the future with roofing .... character of Lower Lydbrook. The steeply materials and the form and pitch of new roofs sloping hillsides form a backdrop to the entire and extensions. [ settlement, and also shape the settlement pattern. Views upwards and outwards are significant throughout and give an 'open' feel L even where the buildings are crowded together. [

The stone walls that front the highway in many ...I places are an attractive feature which focus the eye, they link properties together and maintain a sense of enclosure. These walls are an [ important feature in the appearance of Lower Lydbrook and it is desirable that wherever [ possible they are preserved and enhanced (See Map4). [

Lower Lydbrook has developed in a linear form with properties fronting on to the roads and the L stream, but at varying angles. The differing building styles and form of the dwellings, [ combined with the fall in levels down the valley has produced a roofscape that it not only noticeable but very interesting. It is a feature [ [ r :-J 1.__#fEaC_J.±2,_ ~ ~ -~ i:::J .::::=r==i_J=~ _r- r-- :J LJ F11':- :~ \ \ I l I

MAP 4 ENHANCEMENT PROPOSALS

·,. - •:. ':.':.':.~~ ~ ... h .. l I] I h• ll' 8396 ·66ShA Ye I ·6'4 -·WyJ -- .

.,11. ~. n.w1.:,t,u- :· .

· I

! Llltl• W- .;;- ••• ~! • 4617 / .. ,. . . 1 L ~· 1· n,·•297h· -.,- I l tl ' ..•li.t -~~ ....,. ""'".-' - -1': ,,, .;.i . ·( .,..__, I .-.. . ~-

.nt, .

HP.◄•··"•

,•· Characteristic walls to be ,' i -!-. ... preserved/restored/reinstated where possible I II :~ ,-1 • • •• •• • • Railings to be preserved and enhanced where poaalblel

~35 l . ,. I ]', 'ha \Worh• If .,, f•• ..~ -~'f~\ ~CALE 1:2500 \,T ~• ':: ' ' ' 1 --- - • · - - • - -c Gtoi11 \.\~l .. C.-Ccpyright R.--d L o. D D D D D D D 0 D D

Copyright reserved. Text: Forest of Dean District Council. Illustrations: Ann Sweet. July 1996 D D n