Road, Brereton (CCC, March 2009)

Main Road, Brereton
Conservation
Area Appraisal
May 2009
1. Introduction
This document seeks to provide a clear definition of the special architectural or
historic interest that warranted designation of Brereton Conservation Area through
a written appraisal of its character and appearance – what matters and why. It is
intended as a guide upon which to base the form and style of future development
in the area as it continues to evolve.
Brereton Conservation Area was designated in February 2002. It comprises the
core of the old village along Main Road, an interesting mix of grand houses,
workers’ cottages and community buildings, standing against the green backdrop
of Cannock Chase. Although absorbed by the southward spread of the adjacent
market town of Rugeley, its historic settlement pattern is still evident as is its
earlier life as a thriving village, its listed buildings amongst the most distinctive in
the District. The Conservation Area comprises the frontages of Main Road
through the central part of Brereton from Armitage Lane to St. Michael’s Drive.
Main Road forms part of the main route between Lichfield and Rugeley and part
of the coach road from London to the north-west. The Conservation Area is
located approximately 1.5 miles south-east of Rugeley town centre. The boundary
of the Conservation Area is shown on Plan 1.
The settlement is first documented c.1228 and stands on the south bank of the
River Trent on ground gently rising from the valley to the forest and heath of
Cannock Chase to the west. Earl Talbot’s map of Brereton Manor of 1795 shows
the village then consisted of houses mostly clustered around Brereton Brook,
where it crossed the Main Road, and in Coalpit Lane, so it is likely that it owes its
existence to the brook providing clean and reliable water for domestic and
agricultural purposes, the road providing some passing trade. It has remained
focussed along the main road, and its first period of prosperity came with the
coaching era from the mid 17th century. The growing influence of coal mining in
the area from the beginning of the 19th century transformed Brereton from a small
agricultural community to a prosperous industrial one. The built environment of
Brereton today provides evidence of this development.
The Conservation Area contains six listed buildings: Brereton Hall dating back to
the 16th century, its stone barn to the rear, the Georgian Brereton House and
forecourt walls, railings and steps, the Regency Cedar Tree Hotel and the 19th
century St. Michael’s Church. Most of the remaining buildings are from the 19th
and early 20th centuries, though some may have earlier origins, and include
houses and cottages, public houses, the Methodist Church and several former
schools. The buildings stand within a setting of mature trees which contribute
significantly to the appearance of the Conservation Area.
Modern development had a major impact in the 1970’s when a road improvement
scheme resulted in demolition of a number of 19th century buildings in the centre
of the village together with subsequent infill development. As a result, the
prominence of the road was increased at the expense of village character, a
situation typical of the post-war period.
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PLAN 1: CONSERVATION AREA BOUNDARY
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Crown Copyright. All rights reserved. Cannock Chase District Council. Licence No. 100019754 (2009)
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Summary of Special Interest of Brereton Conservation Area:
•
•
•
•
its long history, still evident in its layout and buildings;
its relationship to the wider area in terms of coal mining history, road and
canal transport;
its townscape having a strong frontage of individually distinctive buildings
onto Main Road with terraced cottages behind;
the contribution of its mature tree cover including significant specimens
and groups.
The survey work for this Appraisal was carried out in early 2006.
s-ppd-162
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2. Planning Policy Context
Government policy recognises the importance of effective protection for all
aspects of the historic environment through legislation and policy guidance. The
Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 provides specific
protection for buildings and areas of special architectural or historic interest.
PPG15: Planning and the Historic Environment (1994) provides a full statement of
Government policies for the identification and protection of historic buildings,
conservation areas and other features, and complements the guidance given in
PPG16: Archaeology and Planning (1990).
The Government is responsible for compiling a List of buildings of special
architectural or historic interest of national significance. There are three grades of
listed buildings to give an indication of relative importance, Grade I, II* and II;
94% of listed buildings are Grade II.
The Local Authority is responsible for designation of conservation areas where
appropriate, and for formulating and publishing proposals for the preservation or
enhancement of these areas. A conservation area is “an area of special
architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is
desirable to preserve or enhance”. The effect of designation is broadly to bring
demolition of buildings and work to trees under planning control and to restrict
‘permitted development’ rights which permit certain works to take place.
The West Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy (2004) sets out a framework of
policies seeking to protect and enhance the historic environment. It highlights the
need to identify, conserve and enhance the region’s diverse historic environment
and manage change in such a way that respects local character and distinctiveness.
The distinctiveness of a place may derive from more than its appearance, its
buildings and the spaces between them, and include historical associations and the
local environment. Defining character or special interest includes understanding
and assessing the value of the area, both in its parts and as a whole.
The Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Structure Plan 1996-2011 explains the
planning strategy within the County, including broad policies to preserve and
enhance the special character, appearance and interest of conservation areas. It
states that any new development within or adjacent to a conservation area should
protect its special qualities and respect the scale, height and form of older
buildings.
Cannock Chase Local Plan 1997 contains detailed policies B1, B2, B3, B4 and B5
relating to listed buildings, archaeology and new development in and adjacent to
conservation areas, and C15 protecting trees. The Local Development Framework
will supersede the Local Plan in due course, but at present the existing policies are
retained.
This Conservation Area Appraisal is a background document to the Local
Development Framework, identified as such in the Local Development Scheme
2008. It has the status of a material planning consideration providing a basis for
development control.
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Townscape Character Appraisal
(a) Location and Landscape Setting
The old village of Brereton has today been absorbed into the southern part of
suburban Rugeley, on the edge of which development gives way to undulating
open countryside and woodland. Rising ground to the west forms part of the
Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, designated in 1958
covering an area of approximately 6,900 hectares. Its primary purpose is to
conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the area’s forests and heathland,
and this higher ground provides a green backdrop to the Conservation Area.
Eastwards, built development extends down into the Trent Valley. The Trent
and Mersey Canal (itself a county-wide conservation area) runs along the
eastern edge of Brereton & Rugeley, beyond which stands Rugeley Power
Station with its landmark cooling towers, and further east the River Trent and
West Coast mainline railway. Waterways and routeways follow the contours
between the Chase to the south-west and river to the north-east.
(b) Historic Development
The name of Brereton (Brerdun) suggests an Old English origin with ‘Brer’
meaning briar, bramble or thorn and ‘dun’ referring to a hill. In 1230 Adam
de Mytton of Ingestre was Lord of the Manor, and his land passed to his
descendants the Earls Talbot, the family name of the Earls of Shrewsbury.
The adjacent area of Brereton Hayes was held by the Pagets of Beaudesert,
later Earls of Uxbridge and Marquis of Anglesey.
The County’s Historic Environment Record indicates a series of three fish
ponds immediately north-east of The Coach House/Brereton House. These
were created by the Birch family between 1795 and 1820 and were supplied
with water from Brereton Brook which flows from Brereton Hayes to the
Trent. The ponds have subsequently been filled in and the land developed.
The earliest inhabitants of the area were probably attracted by its iron for
smelting with charcoal, and the first mention of coal appears to be in 1498.
Until the 17th century pack horse trains travelling through the village formed
the primary means of transport of goods.
From the mid-17th century stagecoach services developed between
settlements, travel increased and settlements such as Lichfield were
transformed into bustling cities with prominent business people and scholars,
with waves of prosperity benefiting smaller settlements such as Rugeley and
Brereton. Inns such as the Red Lion and Swan expanded to serve the new
trade, and craftsmen such as blacksmiths located in the village.
Increased population and prosperity in the area led to new development and
redevelopment in the village during the 18th century. Plan 2 shows the
development history of the Conservation Area. Brereton Hall is regarded as
the 17th Century manor house and was extensively altered c.1795, being
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divided into two houses between 1812-15. Brereton House was built shortly
before 1772 for Brereton landowner and maltster Andrew Birch, probably as a
new home on his marriage. In 1777 the Grand Trunk Canal (later known as
the Trent and Mersey Canal) opened, providing a means of bulk transport of
goods. Essentially the area still relied on an agricultural economy.
Towards the end of the 18th century deep coal mining began to have a
significant influence on the area, leading to a further increase in population
and prosperity in Brereton. The 1840 tithe map shows development scattered
along both frontages of Main Road and up Coalpit Lane. By 1884 further
development had infilled some plots and some buildings had been
redeveloped, however the village still had plenty of open space and garden
land on both frontages. Little further development then appears to have taken
place until modern times. Many of the buildings developed over this time are
still evident today. Eight mining sites were worked to the south-west of the
village at the northern edge of the Cannock Chase Coalfield. Tramways such
as the ‘Ginny Wagons’, built c.1810, ran from Brereton Levels down through
the village across Main Road to the canal basin. Later, a tunnel under Main
Road enabled the steam powered rope haulage system to be extended to the
basin, used until c.1922 when canal trade declined. The tunnel was then used
as a wartime air-raid shelter for the nearby school and later as a pedestrian
underpass and only filled in in 2003.
Brick making sites accompanied the collieries and bricks were used to supply
the pits as well as to construct many of the buildings around the village. The
18th Century brick facing to Brereton Hall is said to have been from a special
batch of distinctive yellow clay from the pit bottom.
During the 19th Century the northern part of Brereton Hall was the home of
Elizabeth and Harriet Sneyd, who built Brereton’s first school, St. Michael’s
Church of England School (the remains surviving as part of the old
Community Centre, now Old School Mews) and were amongst the principal
contributors to the building of St. Michael’s Church. The Hall was owned by
the Earls Talbot until sold to the Colliery company in 1924 and then occupied
by Colliery officials for many years. In the early 20th century the southern
part of the Hall was a Girls Training Home for domestic servants.
The nearby Brereton House became the lifelong home of local Methodist
benefactress Elizabeth Birch and her sister Ann. In the 19th century Brereton
was known as a centre of Methodism. In 1824 Elizabeth Birch had built
Railway Cottages, a row of six almshouses, so named because of their
proximity to the Ginny Wagons tramway, their occupants to be poor persons
of good moral character, aged over 50, and regular attendees at the Methodist
Chapel. She also founded the ‘Free School’ in 1838 for the education of boys
aged 6-14 years of poor parents living within 3 miles of Brereton and lessons
had to be free from any sectarian tendencies. The school ran a night class for
working miners, and fuel to heat the classrooms was provided free each winter
from 1876 by Earl Talbot’s collieries. Elizabeth Birch died in 1842 and is
buried in the grounds of Brereton Methodist Church. In the late 19th and early
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20th Centuries Brereton House was occupied by successive General Managers
of the collieries.
The Cedar Tree Hotel was remodelled in Regency fashion in the early 19th
century, though its core is probably 18th century. It was built as a private
house, becoming a guest house in the 20th century and a hotel in the 1960’s
following extensions and alterations. In earlier times it stood behind a high
roadside wall. The adjacent pair of Victorian houses to the north (now the
hotel annex) replaced a timber-framed house said to have been Elizabethan.
Until recently these houses had front garden walls with gate piers with stone
caps, inscribed with the original house names – Ivy Villa (south) and Rose
Villa (north).
In 1881 Ivy Villa was occupied by landscape artist
H.W. Henley, who exhibited at the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists
between 1871-95, and whose name is on an 1880’s painting of Brereton
Church.
St. Michael’s Church opened in 1837, built on land and using stone given by
the 2nd Earl Talbot. The architect was Thomas Trubshaw, however as the
population expanded, major extensions and alterations were carried out later in
the century under the direction of architect Sir George Gilbert Scott, who
designed notable buildings in London such as St. Pancras Station and Hotel.
These alterations were initiated by the Rev. Edward Samson during his
vicarship from 1874 to 1897, often at his own expense. The clock was added
to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee in 1887, with the octagonal
tower raised to accommodate the clock and four extra bells. A map of 1775
indicates a large building in this general area, but whether this is an early
church is unknown. The roadside lychgate dates to 1884, although it has been
repositioned. The Rev. Samson also built four almshouses opposite the church
in 1902, held in trust for needy inhabitants, the Edward Samson Cottage
Homes.
Despite its growth, by the early 20th century Brereton still remained a country
village, with gardens up to the road frontages and plenty of trees. In the
1960’s and 1970’s modern housing development infilled the Main Road
frontages and land behind, and a road widening scheme in 1971 resulted in
loss of a group of 19th century buildings in the centre of the village between
the present Castle Inn and Lea Hall Lane. Today Brereton has become
absorbed by the southward spread of Rugeley, although the old linear
settlement pattern is still evident from the location of the older buildings
which form the basis of the Conservation Area. Brereton’s earlier life as a
thriving village is also evident in the survival of its community buildings,
many adapted to new uses.
(c) Spatial Analysis
Although the large width of the highway running through the Conservation
Area is balanced by some of the substantial buildings and mature trees along
both frontages, it has however reduced the cohesion of the frontages. Front
gardens remain enclosed for the most part with walls, hedges and railings
defining public and private space. Conversion of the larger buildings into
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residential use has generally included communal parking at the rear, avoiding
opening up of front gardens for parking.
St. Michael’s churchyard remains the one significant area of landscaped green
open space at the north end of the Area, with the War Memorial in its small
garden creating a landscape feature at the south end.
Most of the larger historic gaps in the built-up frontages have already been
developed, but smaller gaps between buildings are valuable in affording views
of planting to the rear. The central part of the Conservation Area has an open
aspect as a result of the hotel car park almost opposite to the Castle Inn car
park, both sites where older buildings were demolished.
At the southern end of the Conservation Area the car parks of the Red Lion
and Talbot Inn form a gentle transition from urban to rural land use, and the
juxtaposition of village and countryside contributes to the character positively.
The majority of the older buildings face Main Road, however in places short
rows of cottages run back from it at 90 degrees, and buildings behind Brereton
House and Hall form small complexes behind the main frontage. The Area is
characterised by substantial detached buildings, some rising to three storeys, in
generous plots.
There is a sequence of interesting views through the Conservation Area along
the frontages of the group of listed buildings at the south end, the central group
around the Cedar Tree Hotel and old Community Centre, and the environs of
St. Michael’s Church. There are also attractive views into the Conservation
Area from all directions, towards diverse groups of buildings. Views outward
extend to the countryside setting of the village and glimpses of the power
station cooling towers to the north-east.
(d) Character Analysis
Townscape is the feature which distinguishes the special interest of a
Conservation Area from the merits of individual buildings within it, including
the inter-relationship between buildings and spaces. It derives from
appearance, history and historical association, and its nature and quality may
vary within the area. Examples are noted to illustrate features and are not
intended to be comprehensive.
The townscape of Brereton Conservation Area is defined by its attractive and
interesting mix of grand houses, workers’ cottages and community buildings
within a village setting. Although the original uses of some buildings have
changed, the range of building types remaining are a reminder of Brereton’s
history.
Most of the buildings in the Conservation Area make a positive contribution to
its character, taking account of their three-dimensional appearance, integrity as
historic structures, their roofscapes and detailing. Important features are
shown on Plans 3 and 4.
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PLAN 3: TOWNSCAPE APPRAISAL - NORTH SECTION
KEY
BOUNDARIES MAKING A POSITIVE
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Crown Copyright. All rights reserved. Cannock Chase District Council. Licence No. 100019754 (2010)
67
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PLAN 4: TOWNSCAPE APPRAISAL - SOUTH SECTION
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Crown Copyright. All rights reserved. Cannock Chase District Council. Licence No. 100019754 (2010)
Earlls C
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At the southern end of the Conservation Area two historic public houses stand
on opposite sides of Main Road, still a welcoming presence at the entrance to
Rugeley today. The Red Lion with its rear barn and long rendered frontage
with central gable dates back to coaching days and provides a focal point as
the road curves on into the village past The Talbot Inn. The Talbot is almost
certainly named after the Earls Talbot family, whose family crest includes a
‘Talbot’, a white hound. Although subject to 20th century alterations the
symmetrical two-storey frontage of the Inn retains its sturdy traditional
appearance, with the remains of an old painted sign on the Armitage Lane
façade, the lettering carefully emphasised with shadowing. The traditional
public house signage on both premises adds vitality and interest.
Beyond Armitage Lane, the view through the village opens up with glimpses
of buildings between mature trees. Brereton Hall, with its yellow brick façade,
handsome sash windows, hipped slate roof and substantial chimneys, is
regarded as once being Brereton’s manor house. It is one of the area’s few
Grade II* listed buildings, by virtue of its containing a rare late 16th century
frieze of mural paintings and traces of a plaster ceiling, discovered during
renovation in 1993. Its long three-storey frontage makes an imposing
statement, and its local yellow brick is an unusual and distinctive feature. At
the rear stands its associated barn, dating to the 17th century. Its simple
design and substantial stone ashlar construction is typical of its type and a
reminder of the importance placed on storage of grain etc. in an agricultural
community.
North of the Hall stands the Grade II listed Brereton House behind its splendid
stone walls, piers, steps and wrought iron gates. Set a little apart from its
neighbours, and elevated above the road, this three-storey, late 18th century
house is a landmark in both the Conservation Area and the wider district.
Built of red brick with its stuccoed Tuscan doorcase (Fig. 1), moulded plaster
eaves and bands, and elegant sash windows (Fig. 2), its architecture is typical
of the Georgian period (18th and early 19th Century) reflecting wider
architectural influences fashionable at the time. Its northern gable with double
chimney projections forms a prominent edifice in views from the north. At the
rear is a two-storey wing and substantial detached red brick coach houses,
which form an important backdrop to the listed buildings.
These buildings, though diverse in design and materials, form an attractive
group and contribute strongly to each other’s setting. They create an unusual
and distinctive piece of local townscape. Alterations have been carried out
sympathetically over time allowing their essential character to be retained.
The war memorial near the junction of Coalpit Lane at the south end of the
Conservation Area stands within a small garden. It comprises a cross-shaped
column in light coloured Cornish Granite on a multi-tiered base, carrying
lettering displaying nineteen World War I names and ten World War II names,
and was unveiled in 1922. It stands above road level in a garden retained by
stone walling, with a backdrop of trees and holly hedging and gives this corner
of the Conservation Area a somewhat sombre atmosphere.
s-ppd-162
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Fig. 1 Stuccoed Tuscan doorcase
at Brereton House
Fig. 2 Sash window at Brereton
House
The central part of the Conservation Area comprises the remains of the old
village core. On the western frontage stand a group of domestic buildings
which include the Cedar Tree Hotel, adjacent villas and the terraced cottages
on Church View. The hotel, three-storeys, with its white stucco elevations,
two-storey convex front bays crowned with wrought iron balconettes (Fig. 3),
sash windows and doorcase on Tuscan columns, is typical of the Regency
period (early 19th Century) although the house probably has 18th Century
origins. The intricacy of its detailing adds interest and quality to the street
scene. Standing behind its magnificent cedar tree, it is another piece of
landmark architecture in the District, and although much extended during its
development from a house into a guesthouse and then an hotel during the mid20th century, its essential character has been retained.
The buildings which face Main Road on either side of the hotel further
demonstrate the diversity of architectural style in the Conservation Area, and
their age, scale and siting help them to contribute positively to the setting of
the listed building and the streetscape of the Conservation Area. 120 Main
Road was at one time an inn, The Swan, and its upper casement windows (Fig.
4) remain typical of old-style Staffordshire vernacular. 110 Main Road, dating
to before 1820, was originally double fronted and red brick, with sash
windows creating an elegant symmetrical façade, though it has been subject to
some modernisation. Behind, and running at 90 degrees to Main Road, is a
terrace of eight cottages at Church View (formerly Malabar’s Row). These
two-storey buildings, in red brick with modest dentilled eaves and brick
detailing around windows and doors, retain much of their mid-Victorian (midlate 19th century) appearance and are prominent in views from the north.
Several buildings between Church View and the old Community Centre
fronting Main Road were demolished in the 20th century, the space now used
as the hotel car park.
The eastern side of Main Road at this point was, until the road widening,
occupied by a further group of 19th century buildings, the sole survivor being
161-3 Main Road. Here a range of two-storey buildings faces Main Road,
with a terrace of two-storey cottages adjoining at 90 degrees. The site has
recently undergone conversion to residential units (Fig. 5), with new build
residential development on the land at the rear. Though modest in overall
proportions and design, the frontage buildings retain vestiges of the original
sash windows and a recently reconstructed timber doorcase.
They
accommodated a grocery and general store, run by successive generations of
Brereton’s once prominent Bradbury family until the early 1960’s, then
Brereton’s Post Office, and until recently an antique shop. The cottages are
the surviving block of two terraces of old cottages running back from Main
Road, once known as Bradbury’s Row, and before that Phillip’s Row, and are
prominent in views from the south. They are built in local red brick, with the
elevation facing the road painted cream. Although rather isolated between
frontages of modern development, these buildings retain their prominence in
the street scene standing close to, and higher than, the road, whilst adjacent
properties are set back.
s-ppd-162
9
Fig. 3 Two storey front bays with
wrought iron balconettes and
sash windows at The Cedar Tree
Fig. 4 Casement window at 120 Main Road
On the western road frontage in this part of the Conservation Area stands the
old Community Centre, another landmark building. Its high red tiled roof
slopes run at 90 degrees to the road and its siting at the back of the pavement
relative to the gaps and adjacent building set backs guarantees its visual
prominence in views through the Conservation Area from both north and
south. Its design, with side porch, is typical of many late Victorian schools,
the main part of the existing building dating from 1891. It was a girls only
Church of England school until the 1930’s, when it became a school for
children up to age 11 until its closure in 1971, after which it was used as
Brereton’s Community Centre. Its detailing with decorative tile hanging on
the original dormer and decorative ridge tiles add to its distinctive appearance.
Conversion to residential units has recently taken place after a long period of
vacancy, securing its use into the future. The conversion included extensions
to side and rear, carefully conserving existing features and matching existing
materials and is a good example of a development sympathetic to the historic
fabric and character of the area (Fig. 6).
Main Road curves gently and rises onto a brow at the northern end of the
Conservation Area, with views beyond over urban Rugeley. The western
frontage is bounded by St. Michael’s Church which stands in an elevated
position above the road within its 2.5 acre landscaped churchyard. Stone and
brick retaining walls bound Main Road, together with a well-carved lych gate,
these relocated westwards from their original positions during road widening
in 1971. The listed church dates from 1837, built in stone ashlar in early
English Gothic style, and subsequently altered and enlarged. Its gabled roof
and octagonal bell turret stand against the sky, and the whole ensemble
amongst mature trees, particularly the large yews, contributes an atmosphere
of peace and green calm to the Conservation Area, in contrast to the busy road
below.
The group of buildings on the eastern side of Main Road provide more links
with Brereton’s fascinating history and a further demonstration of the
architectural variety which characterises the Conservation Area. Here the
‘Ginny Wagons’ tramway, having crossed the road beside the churchyard, ran
down to the canal in front of Railway Cottages. The Cottages date from 1824,
and form a row of three (converted from the original six) gabled single-storey
dwellings at 90 degrees to Main Road and lower down the slope. Whilst
unobtrusive in design and siting their local historic value contributes
significantly to the interest of the Area.
Close to the Main Road frontage stand the Edward Samson Cottage Homes.
The gabled bays and red tiled roofs of these four single-storey cottages, built
in 1902, present an attractive frontage to the road behind a well-maintained
hawthorn hedge. The adjoining house, 127 Main Road, was known as Church
Cottage. Its white rendered two-storey elevations, symmetrical front elevation
with simple but attractive carved timber doorcase around the central door are a
feature of the streetscene, though partially hidden behind a modern fence.
Further north, the former red brick Methodist school rises above the Cottage
Homes, with its gabled rooflines, skyline bell turret (Fig. 7) and decorative
s-ppd-162
10
Fig. 5 Recently refurbished cottages rear of
161–3 Main Road
Fig. 6 Community Centre recently converted to residential units
ridge tiles. The school opened in 1905 to admit boys and girls, indicated by
carved stone signs over the entrances, and remained in school use until the
1980’s. It is now being converted to residential use following a consent some
years ago. Some modern materials are in use on this site, however prior to
Conservation Area designation there was more flexibility in this regard.
Rising beyond the Methodist school is the substantial dark red brick Methodist
church, built in 1809 and enlarged in 1872. Its buttresses rise to stone pointed
finials, a distinctive skyline feature, and its symmetrical façade stands close to
the road. Elizabeth Birch is buried in the small walled graveyard at the rear,
and inside the church are memorial tablets of local significance.
This group of buildings is completed at the northern edge of the Conservation
Area by a pair of semi-detached Victorian houses, ‘Wesley Cottages’, dating
from 1895, standing close to the road with small front gardens, and the old
Methodist Free School, built in 1838. The single-storey school stands back
from the road in an unobtrusive position, yet its interesting roof shape and
decorative brickwork, together with its prominent datestone, lend this building
much local significance. It now serves as a Sunday School and meeting room.
A high brick wall forms the northern boundary of both this site and the
Conservation Area, beyond which the road bends and falls away towards
Rugeley, with the spire of Sts. Joseph and Etheldreda Church visible in the
distance amongst the trees.
Most of the modern development through the village is outside the
Conservation Area boundary and pre-dates designation. Although it comprises
a range of modern designs and materials, it tends to be set back further than
the older building lines and does not intrude, so can be viewed as having a
neutral visual impact. Development which has taken place at the old
Community Centre and 161-3 Main Road however, seeks to show a greater
sympathy for its surroundings and retain the essential character of existing
buildings.
The main unifying feature throughout the Conservation Area is the local warm
orange-red and dark red brick. Staffordshire is well endowed with clay
suitable for brick and tile making, and local brickyards operated into the 20th
century. Flemish bond brickwork predominates, with alternate ‘headers’ and
‘stretchers’ in each course. This is an economical yet ornamental bond. Some
of the larger buildings, such as the old Community Centre, employ English
bond, consisting of alternate courses of all headers and all stretchers. This is
considered to be the strongest of all bonds because no continuous vertical
joints are formed in the brickwork. In the 19th century it was often used for
warehouses and factories where structural strength was considered important.
Some of the older brick façades have been painted, and the Cedar Tree Hotel
has a ‘stucco’ finish. ‘Stucco’ is a plastered finish, used historically as an
external rendering instead of stone and was considered more fashionable than
brickwork. The stone buildings and walling of white sandstone cut into ashlar
blocks, add to the distinctive range of building materials.
Traditional roof coverings in the Conservation Area include blue slate and
small red clay tiles, and this original treatment is generally retained. Such
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traditional roofing materials give a texture and liveliness not found in artificial
materials, and are to be valued.
There is variety in the roofscape throughout the area with varied rooflines,
gables and hips, decorative ridge tiles and an assortment of chimneys and pots.
The bell turret of the old Methodist School, the finials of the Methodist
Church and the bell turret of St. Michael’s Church all punctuate the skyline.
Although there are isolated examples of roof lights, there is a general absence
of dormer windows in the Conservation Area, leaving roof slopes uncluttered.
Remnants of cast iron rainwater goods remain, however many have been
replaced with metal or plastic.
Boundary treatment to frontages appears to have suffered as a result of the
road widening, and only remnants of old brick and stone walling remain. Such
boundary treatment is important in providing a sense of enclosure and
emphasising the distinction between public and private space. On the front
boundary of the old Methodist school stands a single cast-iron gatepost,
perhaps the remains of the original school entrance. Along this frontage are
several brick piers with sandstone copings. A stone wall with stone piers (a
Listed structure) stands in front of Brereton House, and an old brick wall with
stone copings stands at the rear of Brereton Hall. Other front boundaries are
marked by modern low brick walls, some with hedging behind, or railings.
There is no evidence of any historic highway ground surfaces apparent in the
Conservation Area and a neutral floorscape of tarmac with concrete kerbs runs
through the Area. Street furniture and road markings are quite visually
intrusive, particularly the highway railings which create a visual and physical
barrier between the opposing building frontages along Main Road (Fig. 8).
There are a number of plaques inscribed with names and dates on buildings
within the Conservation Area which provide reminders of the historical
associations of the area and help to reinforce its special character.
Tree cover makes an important contribution to the appearance of the
Conservation Area, giving a maturity and softness to the street scene and
having both visual and environmental value. Significant tree groups are found
in the garden of Brereton Hall close to the junction of Main Road and
Armitage Lane, the trees and hedges around the war memorial, and in St.
Michael’s Churchyard, particularly the yews at the south-east corner. Other
important individual trees include the cedar tree in front of the Cedar Tree
Hotel and the horse chestnut in front of 122 Main Road. The cedar tree in
particular forms a striking landscape feature in its own right. Mature tree and
hedge planting between and behind buildings contribute to the sense of
enclosure and has a positive visual impact. The trees in and around St.
Michael’s churchyard are of particular merit, being in an elevated position and
comprising a wide range of species. The dense green foliage of yew and holly
punctuate the streetscene along Main Road, whilst the winter branch structure
of the deciduous trees adds further richness and drama. Conservation Area
designation places protection over all trees, and some trees which make a
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Fig. 7 Bell turret and decorative
ridge tiles at the former
Methodist school
Fig. 8 Highway railings creating visual
and physical barrier along Main
Road
particular contribution, such as the cedar tree and trees adjacent to Brereton
Hall, have the additional protection of Tree Preservation Orders.
(e) Loss/Intrusion/Negative Features
The character and appearance of a Conservation Area can easily be eroded as a
result of unsympathetic alterations and development and the decay or removal
of characteristic features.
Most of existing modern development in and adjacent to the Conservation
Area was built prior to designation. Modern development, though ‘of its time’
is not always sympathetic to character and appearance, but conversely copying
‘historic’ architecture may not be the best solution. Through careful design,
new buildings can respect, complement and enhance the architectural
character of an area. Fine buildings of any type, style and age can enhance the
visual environment and contribute to a sense of community.
The cumulative impact of many minor alterations to individual properties can
also have a negative effect. Special architectural or historic interest is very
vulnerable to the process of modernisation. Examples are replacement
windows and doors in artificial materials and non-traditional designs. Such
details tend to be bland and lacking in the rich textures and colours of natural
materials, and the result can be loss of diversity and subtlety, affecting
appearance and character. The recovering of roofs, removal of chimney stacks
and other architectural details such as decorative ridge tiles, can have a similar
impact. Although a significant number of windows and some doors have been
replaced with UPVC alternatives, and some chimney stacks have been lost, the
Conservation Area is fortunate in retaining a high proportion of original roof
coverings and detailing. Painting of buildings or details in bright colours can
also have an adverse effect, out of character with the surroundings. Many
such minor works to dwellings are permitted to householders. Necessary
modern additions, such as extraction flues on commercial buildings, can
usually be sited and painted to reduce their visual impact.
The loss or decay of distinctive local features, such as those noted in this
appraisal, can also detract from special architectural and historic interest.
Remaining features often tend to be the remnants of what once existed in the
area. Bearing in mind that these are the very features which helped to create
the distinctive character and appearance in the first place, their vulnerability is
evident. The upgrading of property does not have to be at the expense of
historic fabric and character. The listed buildings in the Conservation Area
form a good example of how retention of appropriate detailing reinforces
special architectural or historic interest.
There is potential for improvement of the frontage of the hotel car park
between Church View and the old Community Centre, and the Castle Inn
frontage, which both occupy prominent positions in the centre of the
Conservation Area. This may also be an appropriate location for new tree
planting, should the opportunity arise, to give a sense of scale and visual
interest.
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Consideration of the potential for less obtrusive street furniture in terms of the
highway railings, bollards and extensive painted road markings which are so
visually prominent would also be beneficial. The recently completed Rugeley
bypass may allow Main Road to be downgraded in highway terms, with a
lower speed unit and environmental improvements.
3. Community Involvement
A report was taken to the Council’s Cabinet seeking approval for consultations to
be carried out on the Draft Appraisal. A copy of the document was sent to
occupiers of all properties in the Conservation Area, local Ward Councillors,
Brereton and Ravenhill Parish Council, the Landor Society and technical
consultees, inviting comments. Copies were available in Rugeley Area Office and
Libraries at Rugeley and Brereton. A copy was also published on the Council’s
website (www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk). At the end of the consultation period,
representations received and proposed changes to the Draft in the light of those
representations were reported to the Council’s Cabinet. The Council then adopted
the amended Appraisal and a copy has been published on the Council’s website.
4. Boundaries
The boundary of the Conservation Area follows the rear boundaries of properties
with the exception of lengths of modern frontage. The boundary has been
reviewed during preparation of this Appraisal and no change is considered
necessary at this time.
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5. Enhancement Opportunities/Recommendations for Management/Planning
Policy Guidance
A specific responsibility is placed upon Local Planning Authorities to take
account of the character of a Conservation Area when exercising their duties. The
local distinctiveness of particular areas is greatly to be valued and needs to be
reinforced in order to maintain diversity, attractiveness and historic continuity.
Unless or until financial support is available as grants for building works or
environmental enhancements the main opportunities for enhancement of the
Conservation Area are through the Development Control process. This appraisal
makes recommendations on what it is desirable to preserve, and how, and sets out
broad principles for enhancement which may be further developed within a
management plan for the Conservation Area:
Recommendation 1:
Consideration of planning applications will be informed
by the detailed description of character contained in this
Appraisal, particularly the features of interest and the areas
which would benefit from improvement. There will be a
general presumption in favour of preserving buildings and
features identified in this Appraisal as making a positive
contribution to the special character and appearance of the
Conservation Area.
Recommendation 2:
Proposals affecting the Conservation Area must be
advertised and account taken of representations in
determining each case.
Recommendation 3:
Future development should take account of the special
interest of the area as set out in the Appraisal. New
development will need to acknowledge the relationship of
buildings to spaces and reflect existing architectural
detailing, including colour, texture and range of materials.
It should also respect existing trees and hedging. Any
opportunities for enhancement of areas highlighted as
having a negative visual impact or allowing environmental
improvements to the Main Road frontages, would be
welcomed.
Recommendation 4:
Traditional materials should be used in all building repair
works and both hard and soft landscape elements treated
sensitively:
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Where repair works fall within planning control the
use of traditional materials for routine repairs will be
required, and elsewhere will be encouraged.
•
The repair/retention of original chimney stacks and
pots, ridge tiles and other architectural details will be
encouraged.
15
Re-roofing should use traditional tiles or slates rather
than artificial substitutes. Where necessary, window
replacement should match the original design and
glazing pattern. Replacement doors should be to an
appropriate panelled design and timber doorcases
retained and repaired.
•
The repair/reinstatement of brick boundary walling,
piers and hedging will be encouraged and the
opening up of front gardens should be avoided.
Railings should be reinforced by a hedge, preferably
holly, privet or beech.
•
The inclusion of appropriate trees within new
development will be required, especially larger,
long-lived and suitably sited species, eventually to
replace the older trees.
•
Highway improvements should include a consistent
approach to street furniture and reduction of clutter,
and consideration of alternative, less visually
intrusive methods of traffic management.
Recommendation 5:
The Council will give consideration to the imposition of
additional controls over minor development through an
‘Article 4 Direction’ in order to manage future changes to
the many details which contribute to the special
architectural and historic interest of the Area. Such
powers are available under Article 4(2) of the General
Permitted Development Order 1995, and the effect is that
minor works to dwellings previously permitted without
consent, such as small extensions, porches, replacement
windows and doors, re-roofing, alternations to boundary
walls, chimneys and other architectural details and the
external painting of a building where the development
fronts a highway would then require planning permission.
The intention is not to unnecessarily restrict the individual
freedom of residents but to enable the Council to have the
opportunity of advising residents on the most appropriate
design and materials.
Recommendation 6:
The Council will give consideration to the use of Tree
Preservation Orders to protect trees which make an
important contribution to the character and appearance of
the Conservation Area.
Recommendation 7:
The Council will undertake to work with property owners
to seek satisfactory solution of issues adversely affecting
the character or appearance of the Conservation Area.
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6. Useful Information
Further advice is available on the content of this Appraisal from the Planning
Services Team, Cannock Chase Council, Civic Centre, PO Box 28, Beecroft
Road, Cannock, Staffs, WS11 1BG.
The principal sources of historic and local information referred to are:•
Rugeley Library Local Studies Section Clippings Files
•
‘The Brereton Collieries 1791-1960’ Ken Edwards (2005) Cannock Chase
Mining Historical Society
•
‘Buildings and Features of Interest in Brereton’ – notes by Brereton &
Ravenhill Parish Council
•
Joint Record Office, Lichfield (Rugeley Tithe Map 1840)
•
Staffordshire County Council Historic Environment Record
•
Brereton and Ravenhill Parish Plan 2006
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