parkgate conservation area appraisal
TRANSCRIPT
Parkgate Conservation Area Character Appraisal and Management Plan
February 2008
Contents Character Appraisal Introduction 2
Management Plan
Designations 3
Summary of Special Interest 5
Physical Setting 7
Settlement Development 8
Townscape 10
Boundary Justification 18
Introduction 19
Management Strategies 20
1
Character Appraisal
1. Introduction National Statutory Framework 1.1 The national Civic Amenities Act of 1967 gave Local Planning
Authorities (LPA) the power to designate conservation areas. These
were defined as ‘areas of special architectural of historic interest, the
character of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance’. Then, in the
Planning (Listed Building and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, a duty
was placed upon LPAs to designate conservation areas and preserve
and enhance them.
Local Planning Policy 1.2 These documents relate directly to Policy ENV13 of the Borough Local
Plan, which states that ‘developments within or affecting the setting of
conservation areas should preserve or enhance the character and
appearance of the particular Conservation Area’. Policy ENV14 refers
specifically to Parkgate Conservation Area stating that development
proposals within the area should reflect the need to improve elements
of the conservation area.
1.3 This statement describes the character and appearance of Parkgate
Conservation Area and is a material consideration used by the borough
council in the determining of relevant planning applications.
Householders, residents, planning officers and developers should
therefore refer to this guide to ensure that any new development is
appropriate to the character of the Conservation Area. This appraisal
was approved by Planning Committee on 12 February 2008 and has
superseded the Parkgate Conservation Area Appraisal adopted in
1999.
Public Consultation 1.4 The Parkgate Society was instrumental in helping produce a draft
document, which was made available to all residents and businesses
affected by the conservation area designation. The draft document was
2
then advertised in the local press, and consultees informed in writing of
its availability online, at Neston Library or as a hard copy by request.
Interested parties were invited to a public consultation evening on
Tuesday January 29th 2008, which was attended by about 50 local
residents and the local Councillors for the area. All comments received
at the consultation evening and throughout the consultation process
have been taken into account.
2. Designations
Conservation Area Designated February 1976 Listed Buildings - 11 Station Road
- 12 Station Road - 13 Station Road - 14 Station Road - 15 & 16 Station Road - Rose Cottage, The Parade - Talbot House, The Parade - Prospect House, The Parade - Chapel of Mostyn House School,
The Parade - 16 – 19 The Parade - South Cottage, The Parade - 1 & 2 Balcony House, The Parade - The Assembly Room, Holywell
Close - Seven Steps, Teal Cottage & The
Butchers Shop, The Parade - Church of St Thomas, Mostyn
Square - Mostyn Cottage, School Lane - Brockleigh, School Lane - Banastre Cottage, The Parade - Leighton Banastre, The Parade - Maplewood, The Parade - Overdee & Grey Walls, The
Parade - Brooke House, The Parade - Pengwern, The Parade - Sawyers Cottage, The Parade
Locally Listed Buildings - The Sea Wall, The Parade - Mostyn House School, The
Parade - Nicholls Ice Cream Shop, The
Parade - 1 – 4 Sandheys
3
- 1 – 6 Holywell Close - Dee Cottages, The Parade - The Watch House, The Parade - WW2 Pill Box, Station Road
Scheduled Ancient Monuments None Registered Parks and Gardens None Archaeological Priority Site of Special Scientific Interest The Parade overlooks the Dee
marshes SSSI, which partly sits within the conservation area
Article 4 Directions 2 Mostyn Square (1986) Regulation 7 Directions None Area of Special County Value (ASCV) The Neston/Parkgate coastal ASCV
adjoins and encroaches into the conservation area around Boathouse Lane
Site of Biological Interest None Site of Nature Conservation Value None Area of Nature Conservation Value None Other The Dee Estuary (including the
marshes) is designated as a European Special Protection Area for the conservation of wild birds and is a candidate site for designation as a Special Area of Conservation. Part of the designated site lies within the conservation area.
The conservation area lies within the ‘Coastal Zone’ as defined on the Ellesmere Port and Neston Borough Local Plan.
4
3. Summary of Special Interest 3.1 Parkgate was once a major departure point for sailings to Ireland and
its coastal location is still a key characteristic (fig. 1). The linear
settlement evolved from a single carriageway aligning the Dee, and this
road, The Parade, is still the focus of Parkgate. With the exception of
the low-lying sea wall, The Parade is entirely undeveloped on its
western side, which leaves magnificent panoramic views of the Dee
estuary (fig. 2). Glimpses of the view before The Parade is reached,
the rustling reeds and the salty sea air, impress upon the visitor the feel
of the seaside village it once was. Parkgate is unique as a piece of
Cheshire coastline and is even distinctive when viewed over the
estuary from the Welsh hills.
Fig. 1 The marsh is a key characteristic of the conservation
area
Fig. 2 The only development on the West side of The Parade is the
low-lying sea wall
3.2 The high-density Georgian buildings at the south end of The Parade
and around the corner into Station Road are among the earliest in
Parkgate (fig. 3). The long thin plots and tall buildings create a sense of
verticality that, with the narrow weints1 between buildings, contribute to
a lively character that attracts many visitors. The height, black and
white finishing and coastal location of these buildings are unusual and
they are as much a distinction of Parkgate as the estuary itself. These
buildings, the views of the Dee estuary and the unusual ghostly
seaside character are vital contributors to a special character, that
makes the core of The Parade so appealing to visitors.
1 Weint = local term for lane
5
3.3 Away from The Parade the character quickly quietens. Although there
is a range of building type, the buildings seem less densely packed and
are framed by grass or shrubbery and sandstone walls (fig. 4). Such
factors, with the decreased amount of people, contribute to pockets of
polite urban tranquillity. This is enhanced by the very valuable
openings of green space that help define the periphery of historic
Parkgate (fig. 5). Indeed, the conservation area is bounded by qualities
of the countryside in several areas: a peaceful bird observatory and
open farmland to the north, the wooded gardens, grounds of Mostyn
House and cricket club in the east and a bracken-lined footpath in the
south.
Fig. 3 Some of the black and white buildings on The Parade are
Georgian
Fig. 4 Mews like buildings surrounded by vegetation
contribute to a suburban character
6
4. Physical Setting 4.1 Parkgate is located on the coast of the River Dee on the west of the
Wirral peninsular. It lies directly northwest of the urban centre of
Neston, an old settlement with an historic port that served the city of
Chester until the River Dee began silting up in around 1650. As a result
the port was moved further up the river to Parkgate, which is how the
settlement began.
4.2 Parkgate’s historic origins as a port mean it still has a vital connection
with the coast. Although the sea only sometimes reaches the sea wall,
the linear settlement continues to be bounded by the low-lying marshes
of the River Dee. The panoramic view of the Welsh hills over the
marshes is a key characteristic of the settlement and its location.
7
5. Settlement Development (map 1)
5.1 The name Parkgate was originally used to describe one of a long line
of anchorages along the River Dee. The anchorage was probably so-
named because it lay beside Neston Park, a medieval deer park that
was enclosed in 1250. The part of the park that bordered the Dee is
thought to have developed as today’s Parade.
5.2 The first map reference to Parkgate is on the 1686 mariners map by
Greenvile Collins, which depicts a line of small houses at the top of the
beach. This probably means that Parkgate had grown from an
anchorage into a settlement, which would have taken the form of a
single row of houses hugging the top of the beach. Although the
earliest surviving buildings are likely to have been at the south end of
The Parade, it is unknown where the development of The Parade
began. Narrow lanes and weints evolved to access the early building to
the south of The Parade, which is referred to as ‘the core of The
Parade’ in this document.
5.3 As it extended northwards, the thriving settlement of Parkgate crossed
the boundary of two ancient townships, which is today denoted by
Mostyn Square and Coastguard Lane. Despite this, the basic linear
form of The Parade, accessible via roads in the north (Boathouse
Lane) and the south (Moorside Lane), was maintained throughout the
early 18th century. In 1787 the route into Parkgate from Neston was
changed with the building of the Turnpike Road (now Station Road). In
1814 a second cut, Cheltenham Walk (now known as the Ropewalk),
was made inland from The Parade to give visitors somewhere
sheltered to walk on windy days.
5.4 Shipping at Parkgate began to decline in the early 19th century and
building in the settlement slowed. This could be why the area does not
seem to have changed much until the late 19th century when new
buildings appeared and some older properties were remodelled. In
1923 baths were established to the north of the settlement, which are
accessed by North Parade. Most other 20th century development took
place on routes that already existed, such as North Parade and
Manorial Road.
8
The Paddock
1to7
Boundary Cottage
14 9
8
12
3 2
10
Grenfell Court
115
6
7
10
71
2
2
Sub Sta
1
Moor
Manor Cottag
e
12.5m
BM
End
Spring Vale
13.70m
4
6
El
1
2
24
1
21
Cottage
6
16
Stable
Rose Cottage
1
34
25
12
12a
5
15.5m
1
27
38
105 BM 16
.58m
104
26
7
25a
92
16
91
100
16.8m
98
61
51
77
Sinks
BM 47.59m
15
1
11
Stableford
WoodcoteFB
Kenwood
47.2m
47.0m
46.4m
GP
Green Gables
Perdituft
BM 28.43m
Windy
Knowe
Swimming
25.7m
25.6m
Pool
El Sub Sta
42.1m
Hydestyle House
BM 39.62m
27.4m
21.6m
Path (um)
Issues
Path (um)
26.1m
15.1m
BM 14.19m
Drain
41
Wirral C
ountry Park
Path (um)
Ponds
28.5m
32.6m
27.9m
30.1m
12
14.9m
1
29
31
2
13
25
39
East
31
37
45
21
40
39
Dunmore
2427
23.3m
12
68
14
7
31.4m
30.6m
59
Fernlea
45
57
38
51
46
55
37
58
66
3
1
30
FB
13
14
84
BM 32.45m
31.2m
Sports
Ground
Hall
FSParks Field
112
Path
22
30
11
15
44
11a
79
20
Sports Ground
51
34
32
Parkgate
32
Primary School
18
School
1
Tank
Fieldside
Pavilion
Mostyn House
The Cottage
14
27
37
Playground
Parkgate
41
48
4031
56
7.9m
(PH)
13
Gable End
8
The Old Quay
El Sub Sta
2
20
12.3m
1a
11a
15
1
Brooklands
9
8
8
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11
LB9a
10
6
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9
7
GP
7.3m
6.90m
DW
BM
6.4m
Ship Hotel
PH
The
Orchard
6
1
4
41
4
1
5
Gardens
22
2
6
7
Mostyn
2
5
31
41
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11
7710
19
10.7m
25
14
4
16
7
1
Ps 4
El
Sub Sta
LB
Ropewalk
Wirral C
ountry Park
13.7m
2
21
Walls
Stable
Lowlands
Greystones
Linden
8.2m
9
Lymington
1
Lea
Whitewings
The Coppice
Tennis Courts
Sports Ground
Tennis Courts
Pavilion
Wirral
115
Green
TennisClub House
Station House
Country Park
Courts
Cricket Ground
Bowling
6
Madriguera
1
Cottage
Summerfield
Broomfield
7
11.6m
67
1
5
Chestnut
Hartford
House
Darragh House
Polar View
Sanderling
8.2m
Hey
Path
Broadoaks
Bowmore
Sampion
Sandpiper
Henley
The Roosters
Shearwater
Dawpool ReachQuay W
all Cott
age
Calpe
Avocet
Badentoy
Wall End
12
The Chalet
14
Boun
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se
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Pend
mor
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8
Wyn
dale
Heronsgate
Ashburton
The
Saltings
1
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Sherwood
Desborough
Windle Marsh
MoorWesterly
Cottage
BM
8.31m
Stella Maris
Denhall
Lodge
(Nurs ery)
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5
BM 9.20m
Filia
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Mean
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6. 4m
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16
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2
Seaward Cottage
TalbotHouse
1
Rose Cottage
SeawardHouse
15
Plessington Cottage
11
11a
2
4
The
Courtyard
PH
Sch
DW
BM 6.63m
PO
PH
19
1
17
2
16
1
Parkgate H
ouse
4
16
1
19
Mostyn Gardens
1
3
4
10.9m
13
1
Cottage
The Old School House
Brockleigh
10
Mills
3
Banastre Cott
11
LeightonBanastre
1
17
8
1 to 12
South Cottage
CottageAlma
Lloc Cottage
The Red Lion (PH)
BM 6.56m
The Warre
n
6.4m
Sunnyside
2
8.9m
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TCB
2
Weint
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uard
Swift's
Cottag
es
1
4
Spring Cottage
Mostyn
8
CottageRose
Cottage
April Cottage
PCs
Shelter
Car Park
Seven Steps
Black OakBroad Beams
White
Wynfield
Teal Cottage
Horses
Hamilton House
Seaview
masonry
6.3m
Issues
Sloping
6.3m
HillviewPen-y-bryn
Gate
Deeside
Fisherman's Cottage
1 to
33
Court
Cottage
Mealor's
Weint
Maplewood
5
The Watch
The 19
21
Sundown
Bungalow
House
BM 6.89m
23
6.4m
OverdeeIvy Cottage
IssuesThe Moorings
Grey Walls
1
6.5m
2
Balcony House
1
Mean H
igh W
ater
Sand
and M
udSa
nd a
nd M
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Sand and Mud
Mud
31.7m
5
38
34
17
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El
33
14
28
15
20
Sub Sta11
15
11
37
43
23
28
30
34
52
62
27
El Sub Sta
88
92
Path (um)
20.3m
47
Drain
Wirral Country Park
1
15.6m
10
18
13
24
23
12
2
15
8
11
Parkgate House
7
Sinks
5
15
44
5
119
4
1
1 to 11
Caithness
Newhaven
Deeping
8
18
Ives
Deva Bank
White Cottage
ClereHigh
12
28
2
1
The
36
1
5
7
8
1
7
3
BM 13.15m
Strathaven
6.1mRyecroft
Knowle's Cottage
Westbrook
9
4
8
Pond
10
20
1
16
4
2Casita
Pengwern
House
2
6.2m
5
Brooke
7
Wood End
Westlyn
Sawyer Cottage
Westering
The
WillowsGreen
Moorings
8.9m
Saltaire
Tilanto
Lochindorb
Nursery
Acre
White Oaks
Little
Pond
El
Sub Sta
Hafod Wen
The Lodge
Westfield
Garage
7.1m
The Lodge
Boathouse
Dee Cottages
The
BM
Pendle Cottage
Mud
Mean High Water
LB
7.21m
Miramar
IssuesDee Croft
Mud
Wirral Country
Car Park
Park
Car Park
Car Park
Wirral Country Park
Pond
The Bath House
MLW
MudMean High W
ater
Mud
Slipway
Mean High Water
Mean High W
ater
MLW
CS
Und
Mean High W
ater
MLW
High Water
Mean High Water
Mean
Mud
Key
Proposed Parkgate Conservation Area Boundary
Later Development
Turnpike Road
Open Space
Historic Parish Boundary
Core of The Parade and Historic Routes
The Ropewalk
The material produced in this plot has been produced from an Ordnance Survey Map with the permission of Her Majesty's Stationary Office © Crown copyright Licence Number 100018532
Map 1 - Historic Development of the Conservation Area.
6. Townscape Town Plan 6.1 The coast almost entirely determined the linear pattern of Parkgate’s
historic streets (map 1). Providing access to the water, The Parade
probably developed first and remains the principal thoroughfare. Long
thin burgage2 plots extending inland from the main road evolved within
the core of The Parade, with highly characteristic weints snaking
between them. Tall properties nestle against the seafront boundary of
the plots, leaving no room for front gardens and a close building line
that contributes to the lively and jumbled character in this part of The
Parade (fig. 3).
6.2 The areas to the north and south of the core were built up in the 20th
century. There are fewer roads leading away from The Parade, and
those that exist are wider, emanating a more suburban character. The
plots themselves are much larger and the detached houses are
surrounded by deep gardens on all sides. Although these buildings are
situated quite a distance from the river shore, they too are parallel to
the coast and take advantage of the views (fig. 5). The low density of
the areas to the north and south of The Parade’s core contributes to a
feel of relative calm, in comparison to the busier core. At the northern
and southern extremities the coastal road tapers down into a footpath,
signifying the boundaries of the conservation area (fig. 6 & 22).
Fig. 5 Detached houses align with the coast, taking advantage of the
views of the estuary
Fig. 6 Manorial Road tapers down to a footpath
2 Burgage = medieval plot shape
10
Architecture and Buildings 6.3 Parkgate’s relatively short history means that the oldest buildings in the
settlement are Georgian (fig. 4, 7 & 8). These properties are mostly
situated on Station Road and within the core of The Parade, and
include small fishermen’s cottages as well as the grander buildings
overlooking the marshes. These tall buildings have a strong vertical
character that is emphasised by the close proximity of buildings, the
absence of front boundary treatments and the solid appearance of
architectural features. The presumption should be in favour of retaining
such characteristics.
6.4 Important features that should be retained include tall chimneys,
steeply pitched slate roofs, sandstone coping, simple black and white
detailing to façades, black window casements and tall Georgian style
windows. It is beneficial that there are few signs, adverts, canopies or
other items of clutter detracting from the character of the buildings.
There is on-going pressure throughout the conservation area from
those wanting to put up new signage and this needs to be carefully
controlled. For more guidance on what might be suitable please see
paragraph 6.15.
Fig. 7 Some small Georgian buildings frame the vista of the
marshes from Station Road
Fig. 8 More Georgian properties, among the oldest in the
conservation area
6.5 Black and white fronted buildings are a consistent theme throughout
Parkgate. Old, new, grand and humble buildings are decorated with a
simple white render and black features. The particularly powerful
Mostyn House School was not given its current frontage until 1932.
11
The black and white is so important to the character of Parkgate that
such decoration should be retained and where appropriate,
encouraged (fig. 9, 10, 11 & 12). Other colours are entirely
inappropriate.
Fig. 9 & 10 Mostyn House School and properties on Manorial Road are decorated in black and white
Fig. 11 & 12 The Boathouse pub and new buildings on The Parade are examples of newer buildings with black and white finishing
6.6 As the most obvious break in the fairly continuous line of buildings
along The Parade, Mostyn Square is a very important urban space.
The pretty domestic-scale buildings that overlook the square are mostly
white rendered and are unseen from The Parade (fig. 13). Their quiet
contribution is important as it allows Mostyn Square itself, the Church
of St Thomas (known locally by the coastal name ‘the fisherman’s
chapel’) and the Old School House behind it to dominate. The
sandstone boundary walls and surrounding vegetation also contribute
to the dominance of the church (fig. 14)
12
Fig. 13 The pretty bayed cottages Fig. 14 The church of St. Thomas, overlooking Mostyn Square allow Mostyn Square
the church to dominate
6.7 The buildings inland from the core of The Parade, including some on
Station Road, are less densely planned than those overlooking the
Dee. Small mews-like terraces with gardens are the predominant
building type (fig. 4 & 15). These display a variety of façade treatments
and building materials, although the architecture is broadly historical.
The gently sloping roofs are quite prominent from street level because
the rooflines are lower and they are covered with red clay tiles.
Decorations such as finials3 and bargeboards4 to the roofs and visible
red brick or sandstone masonry mean the properties have an
altogether more ornamental appearance than those nearest the Dee.
6.8 North and south of The Parade detached residential dwellings
contribute to a more suburban character. With the obvious exception of
a small cluster of 18th century listed buildings, the houses are mostly
from the 20th century. The architecture tends to blend-in and the most
conspicuous building characteristics relate to size and proportion rather
than age or features. The 2-storey, detached dwellings have large
gardens surrounding them on all sides and the most in keeping are
finished with black and white detailing (fig. 5).
3 Finial = a formal ornament at the top of a canopy, gable etc. 4 Bargeboard = projecting boards placed against the incline of the gable of a building
13
Fig. 15 Late 19th century buildings surrounded by vegetation
contribute to a polite suburbia
Spaces, Views and Landscape 6.9 The view across the Dee taken from the whole of The Parade is a
defining characteristic of the conservation area. Both the Station Road
and Boathouse Lane approaches into Parkgate focus on vistas of the
marshes and Welsh hills (fig. 7 & 16). These important views should
not be compromised by development on plots near to either approach
road’s junction with The Parade. The typical promenade along
Parkgate’s Parade also benefits from the openness of the estuary and
the special views it affords. Although the tide only occasionally comes
in, the salty air and blustery winds are reminiscent of the sea and
remind the visitor of the village’s port history.
6.10 Large gardens around the detached properties north of the core soften
the townscape and give it a more suburban feel. The better-visited
areas of Mostyn Square and the core of The Parade have little
vegetation as buildings and hard surfaces dominate the spaces.
However, by far the most significant landscape features of these public
areas are the views over the marshes.
6.11 Behind The Parade, small terraces such as Sandheys are surrounded
by gardens and planting, which contribute to a quiet and polite
character. Such vegetation provides important visual interest to the
pedestrian walking along and accessing The Parade (fig. 17). Other
vegetation, such as shrubbery boundary treatments and the wooded
gardens behind Deeside Court, is seen throughout the conservation
area. It contributes to a tranquil and often Victorian-feeling suburbia
14
that, enhanced by pockets of open space, contrasts well with the bustle
of the Georgian Parade.
Fig. 16 The vista of the marshes is important from Boathouse Lane,
a main approach into Parkgate
Fig. 17 All of the lanes leading to The Parade benefit from glimpses of the marsh
6.12 Where it exists, the open space behind The Parade provides a
distinctive buffer between the buildings of the conservation area and
those further inland. This valuable space, in the form of the wooded
gardens, the recreational grounds of Mostyn House School and the
Neston Cricket Club, offers an important visual break between the
historic coastal areas of Parkgate and later development inland (map 1,
fig. 18 & 19). Both the Cricket Club grounds and the field of Mostyn
House School are designated as protected urban green spaces in the
Local Plan.
Fig. 18 & 19 The grounds of the cricket club and some wooded garden are examples of the open space that signifies the end of coastal Parkgate
6.13 During the 20th century the open space between The Parade and the
Ropewalk was eroded by small-scale housing developments at its
periphery. These have severed the Ropewalk from The Parade, which
is therefore excluded from the conservation area.
15
Use 6.14 The core of The Parade is by far the most visited part of the
conservation area, and both people and vehicles crowd the streets on
summer weekends. The shops in the buildings provide day-trippers
with goods like ice cream, coffee, fish and chips and other seafood.
These services, as well as the more specialist shops that take
advantage of the unique location, contribute towards the mix of uses
that make Parkgate a lively and appealing place.
6.15 The conservation area becomes increasingly residential away from the
core of The Parade. This means that the leafy areas behind and south
of The Parade, and the suburban areas to its north are much more
tranquil. They are less visited by both pedestrians and cars, and are
free from the clutter that goes with them.
Public Realm 6.16 The buildings and character of the conservation area (particularly The
Parade) are at risk of becoming cluttered with inappropriate and over
dominant signage. When considering the design of signs the following
factors should be taken into account:
- Signs should be an integral part of a property’s design and should
relate to the character of the building and area;
- The use of standardised corporate signs will not be acceptable;
- Traditional style, top-hung signage may be more appropriate;
- Extraneous advertisements relating to specific products or other
unrelated matters on buildings will not be acceptable;
- Internally illuminated signs will not be appropriate in Parkgate.
For further advice on the appropriateness of signage in conservation
areas, refer to the borough council’s Supplementary Planning
Guidance document Shop Fronts in Conservation Areas.
6.17 The most influential structure in the conservation area is the red
sandstone sea wall that has three slipways along it and a section of
distinctive railings (fig. 20). People sit on or stand in front of the wall to
take advantage of the magnificent views unaware that the wall lies
16
hidden by the level of the marsh. The pavements adjacent to it are well
used by pedestrians.
6.18 The wall wraps around a small area of The Parade that juts into the
marsh. Known locally as the Donkey Stand (after its late 19th century
use), the popular public space has been formalised by seating and
interpretation boards (fig. 21). It is important that works to such public
areas are undertaken in materials that are sensitive to the granite setts
and other good traditional style materials that exist.
6.19 Other street furniture such as historic-style lampposts and the lantern
outside the Red Lion also make a positive contribution to the street
scene. However, some street furniture, particularly traffic signage and
applied paint around the core of The Parade and Mostyn Square is
untidy and risks harming the special character of the area.
Fig. 20 The sea wall used to be one of the most prominent
structures in Parkgate
Fig. 21 The historic donkey stand has been turned into a formal
space with street furniture
6.20 The old baths to the north of the Parade is a walled area that has
become an observation point and car park for people on the Wirral
Way (fig. 22). Although a panoramic view of the marshes can be taken,
the area is much more peaceful than The Parade. Interpretation panels
describe items of interest to the visitor while large shrubs ensure the
observation point remains quiet and screened from Boathouse Lane
and The Parade. Landscaping and repair works to these areas should
be undertaken in materials that suit the rural characteristics of the area.
17
Fig. 22 The observation point to the north of The Parade leads into
a rural footpath
7. Boundary Justification 7.1 The boundaries of the original Parkgate Conservation Area designation
included the core of The Parade, buildings that align the Dee to the
north and south of this core and the green space that separated the
coastal area of Parkgate from the more typical suburban sprawl inland.
Since the original designation in 1976 (map 2) that green space has
been eroded by development, which does not contribute to the unique
character of the area. The boundary has therefore been amended to
include only the valuable green space (map 1 & 3).
7.2 The boundary now envelops the same core, as well as extra coastal
development in both the north and the south. These buildings are
surrounded by vegetation and contribute to the character of the more
polite Parkgate, which is to be found away from the historic core. The
amended boundary includes the remaining green space behind the
buildings of The Parade but excludes any development that is not
considered to contribute to the character of the area (map 3).
7.3 Another amendment affects the western boundary. The original
designation was not a complete polygon as it was considered that the
marshes were important to the character of the area. However,
conservation areas should be complete polygons and therefore the
designation has been extended into the marshes.
18
Management Plan
1. Introduction 1.1 Guidance published by English Heritage ‘identifies the key aspects of
good practice that need to be taken into account by local authorities in
the management of their conservation areas’. The central piece of
advice is that management of the inevitable changes in a conservation
area should be underpinned by an understanding of that particular
place. This document is therefore best used in conjunction with the
Parkgate Conservation Area Character Appraisal.
1.2 The character appraisal describes the special character of the area, as
the borough council understands it following consultation. It therefore
forms an excellent basis for devising management techniques that
tackle area-specific issues. The following strategies should be
considered when development in the conservation area is considered.
They are intended to ensure that changes are based on an
understanding of the area and are made sympathetically as a result.
19
2. Management Strategies Retention of Existing Buildings 2.1 Although there are many factors that contribute to the special character
of Parkgate Conservation Area, the existing built fabric is crucial. Policy
ENV13 of the borough Local Plan says that ’consent for the demolition
of buildings which make a positive contribution to the character and
appearance of the Conservation Area will not be granted other than in
exceptional circumstances’. This policy will be upheld in order to retain
the special architectural and historic character of the area.
2.2 There should also be an emphasis on the retention of a building use
where it contributes to the character of the area. For example, a shop
overlooking the Dee attracts customers and contributes to the lively
character of the area. Conversions of such properties to residential
should be avoided.
Maintenance of Existing Buildings 2.3 The black and white buildings of Parkgate are one of the most
important aspects of its character and should be retained. The
properties in the core of The Parade that overlook the Dee are
particularly important and must appear well maintained and cared for.
Cumulative minor alterations such as insensitive window replacements,
additions such as satellite dishes and the removal of architectural
details can all detract from the area’s special character.
2.4 Many of the minor changes that incrementally harm the character are
permitted development rights (PD), even within a conservation area.
An Article 4(2) Direction can be applied that would withdraw certain PD
rights, particularly on buildings overlooking a public highway. While
such a tool is not appropriate throughout the conservation area, it
would be useful in the core of The Parade, where the special character
is very sensitive. The appropriateness of implementing such a tool in
selected parts of the conservation area should be explored.
2.5 Care and maintenance is important even where an Article 4(2)
Direction is not appropriate. Owners and occupiers of properties in
conservation areas should therefore be kept aware of the designation
20
of special character and the importance of their role in maintaining that
character. Information should be used to inform owners of the
conservation area boundaries, any additional restrictions and advice on
the care of their building.
Design of New Buildings 2.6 Large open spaces in the conservation area may always be unsuitable
for development. Such sites include the Cricket Club, the grounds of
Mostyn House School, and wooded gardens, which are three important
green spaces to the east of The Parade. Development of these spaces
would harm the character of the conservation area and should be
avoided.
2.7 Where some development in the conservation area is appropriate, the
sensitive design of any new building will be considered very carefully.
The borough council will endeavour to consider appropriate ways that
any new building could conserve and enhance the character of the
conservation area. Considerations will include size and height of
buildings, choice of in-keeping materials, spaces between buildings,
contribution of vegetation and important views. Where appropriate, the
borough council should encourage the submission of development and
design briefs.
2.8 Where larger schemes are appropriate, it may be possible for the
borough council to request developer contributions in the form of
Section 106 agreements. Where this is possible, the borough council
will endeavour to improve traffic calming schemes and areas of public
realm in the conservation area, as highlighted in this management
plan.
Traffic Implementation Schemes 2.9 The heavy usage of The Parade, particularly around the core, means
that several traffic-calming features have appeared. While these are a
necessity, a scheme should be designed that considers visual amenity
as well as traffic safety requirements.
21
2.10 Traffic calming has also come to dominate Mostyn Square, which is a
focal point of The Parade and receives many visitors. Unfortunately a
bus stop has come to entirely dominate the space and the hard
surfacing and associated road markings greatly influence the area.
Such a wide space needs a new focus, which must not disturb the
existing built fabric or prevent bus access to the area.
2.11 Steps should be taken to provide facilities for cyclists who pass through
Parkgate. Routes 56, 70 and 89 all pass though and there is little
provision of cycle paths or cycle stands at present.
The Public Realm 2.12 Parkgate is a local tourist attraction and has amenities available to
serve its visitors. These include benches along The Parade,
interpretation panels as well as car parking and important built
structures such as the Sea Wall. All of these items need maintaining to
ensure that they are safe and do not detract from the character of the
conservation area.
2.13 The Sea Wall and the salt marsh are very important to the character of
the area and should be maintained. The salt marsh is becoming
overgrown and hiding the sandstone Sea Wall, which is already in
need of repair.
Awareness 2.14 Conservation area designation can only be truly successful when the
public and others involved in the upkeep of the built environment are
aware of the designation. Relevant stakeholders will be aware of the
designation and its connotations, and given the opportunities to
comment on this draft document. Advice on appropriate maintenance
techniques and useful contacts should also be included.
Monitoring Changes 2.15 The only effective way of preventing unwanted changes in the built
environment is through monitoring. The borough council will explore
the viability of making photographic records of all building elevations
22
that front onto a public highway in the conservation area. Such records
would be used to inform further management programmes, planning
decisions and enforcement case where applicable.
23
The Moorings
Moorside
The Paddock
Boundary Cottage
Grenfell Court
Tennis
Cou
Wirral Country Park
22.3m
Cottage
Cottage
Pond
Oak Tree
MOORSIDE
Greenacre
Sub Sta
Moor
Manor Cottag
e
12.5m
BM End
Spring Vale13.70m
El
CottageStable
Rose Cottage
Collects
Roseacre
Park
Ke
Westbourne
Frankland
Cottage
Sub StaEl
15.5m
BM 16.58
m
22.6m
BM22.51m
House
20.7m
LB
Church
Hall
The Manse
16.8m
18.9m
Sunri
Little Garth
Longmeadow
BM 46.50mFallowfield
Pond
Path
(um
)
Issues
Leighton Brow
LB
47.8m
Jesmond Dene
Sinks
Greygarth
Woodburn
Russell House
43.6m
Pond
FB
Brook
Path
(um
)
Sinks
House
45.0m
MP.5
Pond
Drain
Cottage
Leighton Hall
Heron Lodge
Farm
Leighton Hall
Track
BM 47.59m
GP
House
45.6m
Leighton
New Heys
NurseriesGreenvane
Sewage Works
Kelvin
Pond
Spring
The Old Laundry
Spring
Path (um)
Spreads
MHWSand and Mud
Stableford
Woodcote FB
Kenwood
47.2m
Cotswold
47.0m
46.4m
GP
Green Gables
West Point
Pond
Pond
Drain
Issue
s
BM 50.75m
Perdituft
BM 28.43m
Windy
Knowe
Swimming
25.7m
25.6m
Pool
El Sub Sta
42.1m
Hydestyle House
BM 39.62m
27.4m
21.6m
Path (um)
Issues
Path (um)
26.1m
15.1m
BM 14.19m
Drain
Wirral C
oun try Park
Path (um)
Ponds
28.5m
Ponds
32.6m
27.9m30.1m
14.9m
EastDunm
ore
23.3m
31.4m
30.6m
Fernlea
FB
BM 32.45m
31.2m
SportsGround
Hall
FSParks Field
Path
Sports Ground
Parkgate
Primary School
School
Tank
Fieldside
Pavilion
Mostyn HouseThe Cottage
Playground
Parkgate
7.9m
(PH)
Gable End
The Old Quay
El Sub Sta
12.3m
Brooklands
LB
GP
7.3m
6.90m
DW
BM
6.4m
Ship Hotel
PH
TheOrchard
GardensMostyn
51.5m
Knoll
DykeBackwood
54.0m
52.4m
Backwood
10.7m
Ps
El
Sub StaLB
Ropewalk
Wirra l C
ountry Park
13.7m
WallsStable
Lowlands
Greystones
Linden
8.2m
Lymington
Lea
Whitewings
The Coppice
Tennis Courts
Sports Ground
Tennis Courts
Pavilion
Wirral
Green
TennisClub House
Station House
Country Park
Courts
Cricket Ground
Bowling
Madriguera
Cottage
Summerfield
Broomfield
11.6m
Spring
Spreads
Path
Chestnut
Hartford
House
Darragh House
Polar View
Sanderling
8.2m
Hey
Path
Broadoaks
Bowmore
Sampion
Sandpiper
Henley
The Roosters
Shearwater
Dawpool ReachQuay W
all Cott
age
Calpe
Avocet
Badentoy
Wall End
The Chalet
10.1m
Heronsgate
Ashburton
TheSaltings
Sherwood
Desborough
Windle Marsh
MoorWesterlyCottage
BM8.31m
Stella Maris
Denhall
Lodge
(Nurs ery)
BrynBaringo
BM 9.20m
Filia
BraeBells
Regis
Junipers
Quay Side
Camelot
SM
TheWillows
Marlow
The Slipway
Far End
Riverside
Mean
High Water
Mea
n H
igh
Wat
er
FB
House
Courts
(private)Chapel
Mostyn House
School
PH
Tennis
6. 4m
Prospect
DW
TalbotHouse
SeawardHouse
Plessington Cottage
The
Courtyard
PH
Sch
DW
BM 6.63m
PO
PH
Parkgate H
ouse
Mostyn Gardens
10.9m
Brockleigh
Banastre Cott
LeightonBanastre
South Cottage
CottageAlma
Lloc Cottage
The Red Lion (PH)
BM 6.56m
The Warre
n
6.4m
Sunnyside
8.9m
Church
TCB
Weint
Coastg
uard
Swift's
Cottag
es
Spring Cottage
Mostyn
CottageRose
Cottage
PCs
Shelter
Car Park
Seven Steps
Black OakBroad Beams
White
Wynfield
Teal CottageHorses
Hamilton House
Seaview
masonry
6.3m
Issues
Sloping
6.3m
HillviewPen-y-bryn
Gate
DeesideCourt
Cottage
Mealor's
Weint
The Watch
The
Sundown
Bungalow
House
BM 6.89m
6.4m
OverdeeIvy Cottage
Issues
Grey Walls
6.5m
Balcony House
MHW
Drain
MH
W
Sand and Mud
MHW
MHW
Mean H
igh W
ater
Sand
and M
ud
Mea
n Hi
gh W
ater
Sand
and
Mud
Sand and Mud
River Dee
Sand and Mud
Mud
Spring
31.7m
Farm
30.2m
Backwood Hall
Willow House
Drain
31.7m
BM 32.78m
Backwood Hall
Backw
ood H
all M
ews
Backwood Hall Farm Cottage
Def
30.5m
Backwood Hall Cottage
um)
CS
Pond
Pond
Wirral Country
Park
Def
Co Con
st Bdy
ElSub Sta
El Sub Sta
Path (um)
20.3m
Drain
Wirral Country Park
15.6m
Parkgate House
Sinks
Caithness
Newhaven
Deeping
Ives
Deva Bank
White Cottage
ClereHigh
The
BM 13.15m
Strathaven
6.1mRyecroft
Knowle's Cottage
Westbrook
Pond
Casita
Pengwern
House
6.2m
Brooke
Wood End
Westlyn
Sawyer Cottage
WesteringThe
WillowsGreen
Moorings
8.9m
Saltaire
Tilanto
Lochindorb
Nursery
Acre
White Oaks
Little
Pond
ElSub Sta
Hafod Wen
The Lodge
Westfield
Garage
7.1m
The Lodge
Boathouse
Dee Cottages
The
BM
Pendle Cottage
Mud
Mean High Water
LB
7.21m
Miramar
IssuesDee Croft
Mud
Wirral Country
Car Park
Park
Car Park
Car Park
Wirral Country Park
Pond
The Bath House
MLW
MudMean High W
ater
Mud
Slipway
Mean High Water
Mean High W
ater
MLW
CS
Und
Mean High W
ater
MLW
UndCo Con
st Bdy
Heswall
Drain
Pond
Golf Course
Water
Pond
Pond
marsh
Mean High Water
Mud
MeanHigh
Drain
Mud
CR
High Water
Mean High Water
Mean
Mud
Mud
KeyConservation Area Boundary 1976
The material produced in this plot has been produced from an Ordnance Survey Map with the permission of Her Majesty's Stationary Office © Crown copyright Licence Number 100018532
Map 2 - 1976 Parkgate Conservation Area Designation
The Paddock
1to7
Boundary Cottage
14 9
8
12
3 2
10
Grenfell Court
115
6
7
10
71
2
2
Sub Sta
1
Moor
Manor Cottag
e
12.5m
BM
End
Spring Vale
13.70m
4
6
El
1
2
24
1
21
Cottage
6
16
Stable
Rose Cottage
11
34
25
12
12a
5
15.5m
1
27
3810
5 BM 16.58
m
104
26
7
25a
92
16
91
100
16.8m
98
61
51
77
Sinks
BM 47.59m
15
1
11
Stableford
WoodcoteFB
Kenwood
47.2m
Cotswold
47.0m
46.4m
GP
Green Gables
Perdituft
BM 28.43m
Windy
Knowe
Swimming
25.7m
25.6m
Pool
El Sub Sta
42.1m
Hydestyle House
BM 39.62m
27.4m
21.6m
Path (um)
Issues
Path (um)
26.1m
15.1m
BM 14.19m
Drain
41
Wirral C
ountry Park
Path (um)
Ponds
28.5m
32.6m
27.9m
30.1m
12
14.9m
1
29
31
2
13
25
39
East
31
37
45
21
40
39
Dunmore
2427
23.3m
12
68
14
7
31.4m
30.6m
59
Fernlea
45
57
38
51
46
55
37
58
66
3
1
30
FB
13
14
84
BM 32.45m
31.2m
Sports
Ground
Hall
FSParks Field
112
Path
22
30
11
15
44
11a
79
20
Sports Ground
51
34
32
Parkgate32
Primary School
18
School
1
Tank
Fieldside
Pavilion
Mostyn House
The Cottage
14
27
37
Playground
Parkgate
41
48
4031
56
7.9m
(PH)
13
Gable End
8
The Old Quay
El Sub Sta
2
2012.3m
1a
11a
15
1
Brooklands
9
8
8
1
11
LB9a
10
6
2
9
7
GP
7.3m
6.90m
DW
BM
6.4m
Ship Hotel
PH
The
Orchard
6
1
4
41
4
1
5
Gardens
22
2
6
7
Mostyn
2
5
31
41
22
11
7710
19
10.7m
25
14
4
16
7
1
Ps 4
El
Sub Sta
LB
Ropewalk
Wirra l C
ountry Park
13.7m
2
21
Walls
Stable
Lowlands
Greystones
Linden
8.2m
9
Lymington
1
Lea
Whitewings
The Coppice
Tennis Courts
Sports Ground
Tennis Courts
Pavilion
Wirral
115
Green
TennisClub House
Station House
Country Park
Courts
Cricket Ground
Bowling
6
Madriguera
1
Cottage
Summerfield
Broomfield
7
11.6m
67
1
5
th
Chestnut
Hartford
House
Darragh House
Polar View
Sanderling
8.2m
Hey
Path
Broadoaks
Bowmore
Sampion
Sandpiper
Henley
The Roosters
Shearwater
Dawpool ReachQuay W
all Cott
age
Calpe
Avocet
Badentoy
Wall End
12
The Chalet
14
Boun
dary
Hou
se
10.1m
Mer
e C
ott
10
Pend
mor
e
8
Wyn
dale
Heronsgate
Ashburton
The
Saltings
1
3
Sherwood
Desborough
Windle Marsh
MoorWesterly
Cottage
BM
8.31m
Stella Maris
Denhall
Lodge
(Nurs ery)
BrynBaringo
5
BM 9.20m
Filia
Brae
Bells
Regis
1
Junipers
Quay Side
Camelot
SM
TheWillows
Marlow
The Slipway
Far End
Riverside
Mean
High Water
Mea
n H
igh
Wat
er
House
Courts
(private)Chapel
Mostyn House
School
PH
Tennis
6. 4m
Prospect
16
DW
2
Seaward Cottage
TalbotHouse
1
Rose Cottage
SeawardHouse
15
Plessington Cottage
11
11a
2
4
The
Courtyard
PH
Sch
DW
BM 6.63m
PO
PH
19
1
17
2
16
1
Parkgate H
ouse
4
16
1
19
Mostyn Gardens
1
3
4
10.9m
13
1
Cottage
The Old School House
Brockleigh
10
Mills
3
Banastre Cott
11
LeightonBanastre
1
17
8
1 to 12
South Cottage
CottageAlma
Lloc Cottage
The Red Lion (PH)
BM 6.56m
The Warre
n
6.4m
Sunnyside
2
8.9m
Church
TCB
2
Weint
Coastg
uard
Swift's
Cottag
es
1
4
Spring Cottage
Mostyn
8
CottageRose
Cottage
April Cottage
PCs
Shelter
Car Park
Seven Steps
Black OakBroad Beams
White
Wynfield
Teal Cottage
Horses
Hamilton House
Seaview
masonry
6.3m
Issues
Sloping
6.3m
HillviewPen-y-bryn
Gate
Deeside
Fisherman's Cottage
1 to
33
Court
Cottage
Mealor's
Weint
Maplewood
5
The Watch
The 19
21
Sundown
Bungalow
House
BM 6.89m
23
6.4m
OverdeeIvy Cottage
IssuesThe Moorings
Grey Walls
1
6.5m
2
Balcony House
1
Mean H
igh W
ater
Sand
and M
udSa
nd a
nd M
ud
Sand and Mud
Mud
31.7m
Def
5
38
34
17
36
2
40
1
1939
El
33
14
28
15
20
Sub Sta11
15
11
37
43
23
28
30
34
52
62
27
El Sub Sta
88
92
Path (um)
20.3m
47
Drain
Wirral Country Park
1
15.6m
10
18
13
24
23
12
2
15
8
11
Parkgate House
7
Sinks
5
15
44
5
119
4
1
1 to 11
Caithness
Newhaven
Deeping
8
18
Ives
Deva Bank
White Cottage
ClereHigh
12
28
2
1
The
36
1
5
7
8
1
7
3
BM 13.15m
Strathaven
6.1mRyecroft
Knowle's CottageWestbrook
9
4
8
Pond
10
20
1
16
4
2Casita
Pengwern
House
2
6.2m
5
Brooke
7
Wood End
Westlyn
Sawyer Cottage
Westering
The
WillowsGreen
Moorings
8.9m
Saltaire
Tilanto
Lochindorb
Nursery
Acre
White Oaks
Little
Pond
El
Sub Sta
Hafod Wen
The Lodge
Westfield
Garage
7.1m
The Lodge
Boathouse
Dee Cottages
The
BM
Pendle Cottage
Mud
Mean High Water
LB
7.21m
Miramar
IssuesDee Croft
Mud
Wirral Country
Car Park
Park
Car Park
Car Park
Wirral Country Park
Pond
The Bath House
MLW
MudMean High W
ater
Mud
Slipway
Mean High Water
Mean High W
ater
MLW
CS
Und
Mean High W
ater
MLW
High Water
Mean High Water
Mean
Mud
Key
2008 Conservation Area Boundary
The material produced in this plot has been produced from an Ordnance Survey Map with the permission of Her Majesty's Stationary Office © Crown copyright Licence Number 100018532
Map 3 - 2008 Conservation Area Designation.