1 conservation area appraisal rudyard village

CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISAL
RUDYARD VILLAGE
1
CONTENTS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Introduction
• Summary of Special Interest
• The Conservation Area Boundary
• Purpose of the Document
Planning Framework
• Planning Policy
• Implications of Designation
Assessment of Special Interest
• Location and Setting
• General Character and Plan Form
• Landscape Setting
• Historic Development and Archaeology
• Spatial Analysis
Key Views and Vistas
• Character Analysis of Sub-Areas
Dunwood Lane
Lake Road including the junction of Reacliffe Road and The Drive
Reacliffe Road
Cliffe Park Hall, Boathouses, Retreats and Chalets
• Local Details, Materials and the Public Realm
Materials
Details
• Green Spaces, Trees and Boundaries
• Negative Factors
• General Condition of Area and Built Fabric
• Problems, Pressures and Capacity for Change
Community Involvement
Suggested Boundary Changes
Sources of Information and Contact Details
List of Maps
Map 1 – Location Map
Map 2 - William Yates’ Map 1775 – Staffordshire County Record Society
Map 3 - Conservation Area Boundary Map
Map 4 - Villagescape Analysis Map
Appendix
List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest Compiled under the
Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990
2
1.1
1. INTRODUCTION
Summary of Interest
Rudyard Village Conservation Area [Map 3] was designated in xxxx. It seeks to preserve
and enhance a unique settlement where the formation of Rudyard Lake in 1799 and
subsequently the introduction of the railway network in the mid-nineteenth century have
deserted and replaced an earlier agricultural hamlet. In doing so, it has formed a unique
and popular inland tourist resort of the nineteenth century. The tourism origins
subsequent to these introductions of the nineteenth century have steadily created an area
of distinguished character through the architecture of its buildings, placed within a
particular unique setting inclusive of a wooded escarpment and Rudyard Lake. The area
displays and narrates important aspects of the nation’s social, economic and cultural
history of the mid to late nineteenth century.
1.2
The conservation area is characterised mainly by mid to late nineteenth century stylised
housing and guest accommodation influenced by the Arts and Craft movement, nestled
within a heavily wooded escarpment overlooking Rudyard Lake. The predominance of
woodland contributes a dynamic quality to the area, which is reflected in the changing
seasons. One and two storey houses appear to nestle within woodland clearings and are
often only glimpsed from the road. Trees and vegetation dominate the streetscape to the
extent that, in views along many roads, few buildings are clearly visible. While most
buildings are unlisted, many are attractive homes and their architecture enhances the
appearance of the area.
1.3
Today Rudyard Village is a popular, attractive predominantly residential area within
commutable distances to Leek and The Potteries. Rudyard Lake, its attractive landscape
setting and the wealth of activities on offer inclusive of walking, boating, sailing, fishing
and a miniature railway attract a wide range of visitors each year. It is served by a visitor
centre, caravan sites set within the grounds of Spite Hall, chalets, boathouses and retreat
lodges. Attractive views and vistas are found throughout the conservation area,
particularly from the weir, of the lake and village located upon the escarpment to the
west.
1.4
Rudyard Village has a number of key characteristics that are important to preserve and
enhance in order to provide a basis for decisions about management and change within
the area. These key characteristics include:
•
•
•
The agricultural origin of the village, illustrated by the topography, eighteenth
century cottages, the road widths, materials and boundary features.
The nineteenth century exploitation of Rudyard illustrated by the architecture, the
Churnet Valley railway line, buildings associated with accommodating nineteenth
century tourists, the lake and its setting, associated entertainment and religious
venues, the activities offered by the lake and its surroundings.
The physical characteristics consisting of the range of architectural styles, materials,
road layouts, and the range of important views and vistas.
3
1.5
The Conservation Area Boundary
The boundary focuses on the historic core of the village incorporating four phases of
development that convey and narrate the area’s origin and evolution. The main phases of
development within the area owes its origins to the formation of Rudyard Lake and the
exploitation of Rudyard as a tourist destination by the North Staffordshire Railway
network in the mid nineteenth century. Please refer to the Conservation Area Boundary
Map 3.
The boundary was drawn to bound:
• The eighteenth century cottages along Dunwood Lane. The boundary incorporates
the woodland to their rear creating a spectacular backdrop that helps to illustrate
the early origins of what was the rural agricultural settlement known as Harpers
Gate. These cottages characterise the early agricultural industry that once lay
within the immediate vicinity of the core of the present Rudyard Village.
1.6
•
The core of the village, centred around Lake Road incorporating the band of
woodland to the west. This area illustrates the piecemeal development arising
from late nineteenth century land auctions, demonstrating how local landowners
responded to the exploitation of Rudyard Lake by the NSR, creating a
comparatively compact area of villa development. Its character illustrating the
fashionable styles of the late nineteenth century.
•
Reacliffe Road incorporating a diverse area in character. Larger, more dispersed
opulent housing of the nineteenth century gentry are nestled within woodland
clearings. Modern housing, chalets and caravans have encroached upon the
grounds attracted by the seclusion and privacy of this area.
•
North and east of the lake incorporating Cliffe Park Hall, Cliffe Park Lodge and
the numerous boathouses, retreats and chalets that appeared in the late nineteenth
century following the sub-division of land belonging to the Cliffe Park Estate. The
boundary continues to follow the railway line to the east of Rudyard Lake and
incorporates the weir and canal feeder down to Rudyard Road.
Purpose of the Document
This document is an analysis of the characteristics that make the Rudyard Conservation
Area worthy of preserving. It aims to:
•
Evaluate and record the historical significance of the area.
•
Identify features of villagescape and landscape importance.
•
Communicate what requires to be protected, and to
•
Serve as a basis for schemes of preservation and enhancement.
4
1.7
It is intended that the document will enable those living and working in the area to
appreciate and value its special qualities and to prepare development proposals, which
complement the surrounding built heritage. It will also be used by the Local Authority to
assess planning applications and to prepare a management plan for the area, which may
include proposals for enhancement schemes. Other local authority departments and
statutory undertakers are required to have regard to the need to preserve and enhance
conservation areas and this document should assist in formulating proposals for Rudyard.
1.8
In preparing this document the conservation area was surveyed in 2010. It will be the
subject of public consultation throughout xxxx and will be adopted later in the year. The
appraisal documents will be periodically reviewed and updated
2. PLANNING FRAMEWORK
2.1
Planning Policy
Under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Area) Act 1990 Local Planning
Authorities are required to determine which parts of their area are “areas of special
architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to
preserve or enhance” and to designate them as Conservation Areas. From time to time
authorities are required to review these areas and publish proposals for their preservation
and enhancement. This Conservation Area Appraisal forms part of that review.
2.2
Staffordshire Moorlands District Council currently has 14 Conservation Areas, with a
further 20 within the overlapping area of the Peak District National Park Authority.
Government guidance now requires each Conservation Area to have a character appraisal
and management plan to provide a basis for making sustainable decisions.
2.3
This appraisal aims to interpret and expand on policies in the Staffordshire Moorlands
Local Plan, County Structure Plan and emerging Local Development Framework. It has
also been prepared with regard to current government guidelines, policy and legislation,
and English Heritage advice.
2.4
2.5
Implications of Designation
Designation seeks to preserve and enhance the character and appearance of Conservation
Areas by imposing additional controls over:
•
The location and design of new development
•
The size of extensions for which Planning Permission is needed
•
Certain minor works (e.g. roof alterations, cladding, satellite dishes)
•
Demolition of buildings, gates, walls, fences and railings
•
Work to trees
•
Advertisements
Planning Permission will only be granted for development, which preserves or enhances
the character or appearance of the Conservation Area in accordance with planning
policies. It is advisable to contact the Council's Development Control Section for advice
and clarification on any particular proposal you may have. More detailed design guidance
5
notes and technical publications are also available to assist in specifying work affecting
historic buildings.
2.6
Where the Council considers that the appearance of an area is being harmed by
unsympathetic alterations to houses in Conservation Areas it may serve an Article 4(2)
Direction on selected properties. This requires that certain external alterations to a
building will need Planning Permission, such as new doors, windows, painting or
rendering of the exterior and the demolitions of boundaries.
2.7
Conservation Area status also means that the Council can offer grant aid for the repair
and enhancement of buildings or areas. As funds become available it will prepare
enhancement schemes for those areas where this is considered necessary.
2.8
Public consultation will be undertaken for any proposals to enhance an area or to
introduce additional controls.
3. ASSESSMENT OF SPECIAL INTEREST
3.1
Location and Setting
The village of Rudyard lies in the north of the Staffordshire Moorlands District,
approximately 2.5 miles north-east of Leek. Rudyard village is situated less than a mile to
the west of the A523 Macclesfield Road, linked via Rudyard Road [Map 1].
3.2
Rudyard Village is set within a dramatic landscape lying on an eastern escarpment named
Whorrocks Bank on a sandstone of the millstone grit series ridge named Griddlestone
Edge, 553ft high. The village is set within a wooded area overlooking Rudyard Lake to
the east. All roads within Rudyard village follow the contour of the escarpment. [Fig.1]
3.3
The village has a population of approximately 363 (2001). It is a residential area,
weekend retreat and a popular visitor attraction. The built and natural environment is in
good condition, the area is fully occupied, except for Cliffe Park Lodge. Rudyard Lake
and its surrounding area are managed by the Rudyard Lake Trust their objectives are to
conserve the natural built environment and educate the public in Rudyard. Their strong
influence within the area has led to the improvement of visitor facilities and creation of a
visitor centre and activity centre.
3.4
General Character and Plan Form
Rudyard’s character draws from the fashionable architectural styles on offer in the late
nineteenth century, predominantly the styles of the Arts and Crafts movement. The
collaboration of architectural styles, materials, proportions and massing of many of the
buildings in the area has uniquely created an area of distinct architectural character. This
character has been greatly heightened by the topography and wooded landscape which
forms a backdrop to the settlement. [Fig. 2] Further to this, spectacular views, vistas and
contrived glimpses are experienced in and around the area, further adding to the distinct
and attractive character of the conservation area.
6
3.5
Rudyard’s plan form is of a mixed composition. Its character and plan form has been
determined by the local topography and the artificial introduction of Rudyard Lake.
3.6
The centre of the village lies to the south-west of Rudyard Lake. It sweeps from the west
of Dunwood Lane, extending in a northerly direction along Lake Road up to The
Crescent. The core of the settlement has developed mainly around this area. There is a
mixture of building types consisting of detached, semi detached and terraced two-storey
housing forming a more compact linear settlement in comparison to the area beyond The
Crescent. Many buildings are set back from Lake Road, having a walled front garden,
others flank the road and some are accessed through narrow openings between housing.
The height and design of buildings in the central area, combined with the width of the
road give it a village feel. [Fig. 2]
3.7
In contrast, to the north of the central core beyond The Crescent, larger dispersed opulent
villas sit within the confines of Reacliffe Road as it sweeps in an easterly direction
towards Reacliffe Farm. These buildings once sat within secluded large landscaped
grounds nestled within woodland clearings, benefitting from a host of attractive views
and vistas. Since the 1920s, extensions, a caravan park, chalets and housing have infilled
within their grounds. [Fig. 3]
3.8
Along the perimeter of the lake boathouses sit on the banks or are jettied out into the
waters. Some have been deliberately positioned in order to take advantage of lakeside
views and can be seen from popular viewpoints. [Fig. 4]
3.9
The north western edge of the lake takes on a further character. This area belongs to the
Cliffe Park Lodge Estate and is much more secluded and peaceful. The quality and
variety of the landscape can be best appreciated from this area.
3.10
Landscape Setting
Rudyard is designated a Special Landscape Area by Staffordshire County Council in
view of its special character and qualities of the landscape. Rudyard also lies within the
Green Belt.
The Planning for Landscape Change: Supplementary Planning Guidance to the
Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent Structure Plan, 1996 – 2011 by the Staffordshire County
Council defines the area as being ‘Dissected Sandstone Uplands’. It is described as lying
on an upland Carboniferous and Permo-Triassic sandstone landscape characterised with
deeply dissected hills and heavily wooded valleys, with woodland very well represented.
Localised variations in landform, particularly small-scale valley features, and increased
tree cover combine to foreshorten views and reduce the apparent scale in other places so
that parts of the landscape remain hidden from view. Variations in vegetation cover
influence the individual character of different areas; tree species are predominantly oak
and ash, with sycamore being more dominant on higher ground.
3.11
Parliamentary Enclosure landscapes are a feature of the upland areas away from the mills
7
and mines of the valleys. The valley runs through a smoothly undulating upland pastoral
landscape, linking to it by cloughs. Above these, stone walls become more common and
narrow winding lanes and stone farmhouses and cottages give a consistent upland feel,
with extensive long distance views. The field enclosure pattern is regular, with medium
sized fields, and the early agricultural settlement pattern is dispersed.
3.12
The open space north of Cliffe Park Hall on the western banks of Rudyard Lake, provide
expansive views over Rudyard Lake and beyond to Gun End. [Fig. 5] Attractive views
can be obtained from the southern end of Reacliffe Road over the roof tops of housing on
Lake Road, over and across to Rudyard Lake. Attractive vistas can be obtained from the
weir looking in a north-westerly direction, views along the length of the lake are enclosed
by heavily planted wooded embankments, terminated by the curvature of the eastern
embankment.
3.9
The village remains strongly linked to its rural surroundings, with open land to the north
of the conservation area and surrounding pastures. Wooded plantations along Reacliffe
Road provide an attractive green corridor through the settlement. Open spaces and gaps
between buildings allow views out to the countryside and hills beyond. The valley side
location adds to its character, creating a varied roofscape affording far reaching views
over the village.
3.10
The scenery is picturesque, finely diversified with hills and valleys, wooded escarpments
line the west banks of the lake and undulating open fields surround the eastern range.
Feeders leaving the lake to supply the Caldon Canal are set within open fields to the
south.
3.11
Historic Development and Archaeology
Origins and Historic Development of the Area
Prior to the formation of Rudyard Lake,
Rudyard was a small hamlet of medieval
origin located within the parish of Rudyard on
higher ground to the east of Dunsmore Brook.
Its eastern boundary lay as far as Rudyard Hall
to the east and as far north as Barnswood [Map
2].
3.12
Dunsmore Brook ran down the centre of where
Rudyard Lake lay today and marked the parish
Map 2. William Yates Map of 1775
boundary between Rudyard to the east and
Horton to the west. Prior to 1934 Rudyard Village laid within the parish of Horton, its
eastern boundary ran down the centre of Rudyard Lake. In 1934, parts of Horton Parish
were transferred to Biddulph Urban District, Endon and Stanley Civil Parish. What
remained of Horton Parish was amalgamated with Rudyard Civil Parish, to form Horton
Civil Parish.
3.13
Rudyard Village today was previously known as Harpers Gate. This was an agricultural
8
settlement with many large farms, mainly tenanted, providing direct employment for
much of the local community, with additional employment for blacksmiths, dressmakers
and people in service. There was a scattering of houses and farms by the eighteenth
century along the escarpment of Whorrocks Bank west of Rudyard Lake. Harpers Gate
was known as a hamlet by the later eighteenth century and maps at the time referred to
Red Cottage, Lilac Cottage, Yew Tree Cottage and cottages along Dunwood Lane.
3.14
The origins of Rudyard Lake and village lay in the need for the Trent and Mersey Canal
Company to provide a continuous supply of water for its expanding canal system and for
its growing commercial traffic as the canals were vital arteries of the industrial revolution
in the midlands. Rudyard Lake was formed in 1799 by the Trent and Mersey Canal
Company as a reservoir to feed the Caldon Canal, through a canal feeder emanating from
south of the lake. Hugh Henshall was the resident engineer and John Rennie acted as a
consultant. The reservoir was fed from the north by Dingle Brook and Rad Brook. Later a
more substantial supply was required by a feeder constructed circa. 1811 from the River
Dane in Heaton, north-east of the site.
3.15
Rudyard Reservoir as it was known then was being used for recreational activities, by the
Earl of Macclesfield who owned land to the east. In 1847 North Staffordshire Railway
Company (NSR) purchased Rudyard Lake and completed the Churnet Valley line from
Leek to Rudyard that would extend to Macclesfield. 12,000 acres of land near Harpers
Gate was given to the NSR by local landowners including the Earl of Macclesfield to
encourage further profitable activities upon their land. A railway station was placed here
to exploit Rudyard Lake as a tourist destination.
3.16
The beginnings of Rudyard Village
Following the opening of the Leek-Macclesfield railway line in 1849 NSR had the
wooded grounds to the west of the reservoir landscaped with walks and seats by William
Nunns, a local gardener. Throughout 1851 the NSR organised fetes and regattas with boat
races, trips on a steamer, village fairs and modern fetes. Special trains brought between
seven and eight thousand tourists from The Potteries, Manchester, Stockport and
Macclesfield each year. The third regatta and fete was stopped through an injunction by
Fanny Bostock of Cliffe Park who was alarmed by the amount of visitors and their
behaviour. The injunction was supported by the Queens Bench in 1855 and put a stop to
future large events, however the lake remained popular with visitors including the parents
of the writer Rudyard Kipling, named after the lake.
3.17
Despite the loss of the fetes, Rudyard Lake’s popularity remained a popular tourist resort,
attracting thousands of wealthy visitors by train each year. The exploitation of Rudyard
Lake would expand the small hamlet at Harper’s Gate which eventually led to the area’s
name being changed to Rudyard and is now known as Rudyard Village. The hamlet to the
east of Rudyard Lake is still known as Rudyard.
3.18
The commercialisation of Rudyard began by the opening of the Hotel Rudyard in 1851
located along Lake Road. By 1854 Knights House at Harpers Gate (at the meeting of
Rudyard Road and Dunwood Lane) had been converted into the Railway Inn, later
9
renamed the Railway Hotel and Station Hotel. The early seventeenth century section of
the building has a date stone of 1610 on the south western façade that looks down
Dunwood Lane. The building has recently been converted to apartments and has been
renamed Lakeland Lodge.
3.19
Larger and more significant detached houses for wealthy businessmen were built on the
west side of Rudyard Lake, originally accessed from Reacliffe Road taking advantage of
the views over the lake. The earliest was Rudyard Villa, designed by the Leek architect
William Sugden in 1859. Its view of the lake was lost by the erection of the appropriately
named Spite Hall erected in the early 1860s, followed by Fair View in 1879 and Horton
Lodge in 1890.
3.20
The variety of houses along Lake Road is testament to local landowners selling parcels of
land for ‘villa’ development to local builders. The first auction in 1873 offering larger
plots of land failed to sell any plots. Another auction followed in 1880 offering smaller
plots along Lake Road. From this auction Vine Cottage (1884), Rose Cottage (1881) and
Fern Cottage (1884) were erected on the east side of Lake Road and Underwood (1884)
on the west side.
3.21
A third auction in 1890 offering large plots of land from Lake Road towards the lake
produced only one large development, the Knoll, erected in 1894/5. Smaller plots were
also sold with success producing Pine Cottage (1892) Sylvian House (1893) and Albury
House (1896).
3.22
Further plots were sold in 1910 and upon them the erection of Wynforde, Glenwood and
the Wesleyan Chapel took place.
3.23
3.24
Supplying the Victorian Tourism
Tourism development within the area began by the opening of the Hotel Rudyard, which
incorporates a house originally built for the reservoir keeper at the southern end of the
lake and was opened in time for the 1851 Easter Monday fete. The hotel was extended in
the 1870s and the grounds improved to include areas for archery and croquet, and a roller
skating rink opened in 1876. To attract more visitors the landlord started a well-dressing
festival in May 1871 a later hotelier promoted the area ‘the Switzerland of England’.
With the aggressive promotion of Rudyard as a place to stay by the NSR, the period
between 1890 and 1925 altered the character of this growing residential village, to one of
a village resort offering accommodation and refreshment facilities to the growing number
of visitors attracted to the area. During this period many of the villa residences benefitted
from supplying refreshments and accommodation to the incoming excursionists. The
1890s saw houses including Pine Cottage built to provide accommodation as well as teas.
Holly Bank House offered accommodation to the upper floors and three lock up shops to
the ground floor. The Beeches on Lake Road consisting of four houses also offered
tourist accommodation. Just after the Great War an extension to the furthest house of The
Beeches was erected, housing Rudyard’s largest café, Woodside; it closed in 1973 and
was redeveloped with new housing in 1986/7.
10
3.25
3.26
Smaller villas were occupied by people in trade and domestic service, who would
supplement their income selling teas and storing bicycles for the passing tourists. Albury
House was used as a tea room up to 1936 for more than forty years with bicycle storage
to the rear. The timber Limes Café was the first purpose built café, it lay on Lake Road at
the side of Wynforde, and has since been demolished.
Rudyard Lake Boathouses, chalets and retreats
Cliffe Park Estate was put up for auction in 1885. The 784 acre estate was split into thirty
eight separate plots. The sale of the Cliffe Park Estate had the most profoundly significant
effect upon the development and plan form of land and character to the west side of the
lake. Plots of land were bought by prominent Leek businessmen suitable for villa
residences. Smaller plots along the lakeside were sold, their size ideal for boathouses,
chalets and weekend retreats.
3.27
Although the NSR could not hold activities upon the lake this did not thwart them from
holding activities by the side of the lake. The injunction to use the lake for activities was
overthrown in 1904, this led the NSR to raise the level of the water to hold boats for
entertaining visitors. The NSR purchased and promoted a number of enterprises around
the lake and opened a second station north of the lake. They erected wooden chalets at the
north end of the lake and created walks along the west bank. They acquired Cliffe Park
Hall and part of its Estate for the use a golf club and course in 1908.
3.28
Boating rights were restricted to those who owned or leased land around the lake. Until
the 1890s few boathouses existed until Lower Horton Lodge, Lady of the Lake and the
Challinors were built. In c.1900 these were followed by The Brackens and Bilton
Boathouses and Heaths Double Lodge along with a succession of smaller boathouses all
with distinctive and clashing styles of architecture.
3.29
Later Development
Following the Second World War, the number of visitors to Rudyard began to decline.
With increasing numbers of households owning motor cars, the popularity of day
excursions to Rudyard reached by the railway declined. The tourist attractions and tea
rooms were no longer required in great numbers and subsequently closed. Following the
depression of the war years, many of the large opulent houses of the middleclass were
struggling to remain occupied as there was a shortage of wealth within the area. Many of
the large houses were put into other uses.
3.30
Rudyard began to develop primarily as a residential village. The Crescent, a cul-de-sac of
council houses was erected at the far end of Lake Road in 1955. To the end of the
twentieth century new houses were built on Lake Road facing hotel Rudyard car park.
There has been much infilling within the area, and many earlier buildings, boathouses and
chalets have been replaced with modern buildings.
3.31
Today Rudyard is predominantly a residential area, retreat and popular tourist destination
offering visitors both accommodation in the caravan sites, chalets and boathouses. Visitor
11
attractions such as water sports, angling, bird watching, walking, cycling, nature studying
and train rides on the Rudyard Steam Railway can all be enjoyed.
3.28
3.29
Archaeological significance and potential of the area
There are no Scheduled Ancient Monuments within the conservation area.
The National Monuments Record documents numerous sites relating to the architectural
and archaeological heritage of the village. These include:
•
•
•
3.30
3.31
Rudyard Station (site of), grid ref no. SJ95NE34
Second World War concrete and brick type 24 pillbox, grid ref no. SJ95NE37
Lady of the Lake Boathouse, grid ref no. SJ 95NW8
Key Views and Vistas
Key views and vistas have been shown on the Villagescape Analysis Map 4.
The most commanding views can be obtained from the weir looking in a northerly
direction across Rudyard Lake. Here the idyllic lake scenery can be best appreciated,
thick woods climb down to the waters edge creating a sense of enclosure. The angle of
the lakeside bank to the right curves round to further perform an act of enclosure and
anticipation before terminating the view. This provides a complete private world which is
inward looking, static and provides a sense of self sufficiency. The water further reflects
the view creating great visual interest and a sense of tranquillity. [Fig. 6]
3.32
Views from the meeting of Reacliffe Road and the path leading to Barns Lea Farm,
looking east towards the lake and beyond command alterative views experienced of those
from the weir. Here the views are more open and far, undulating vistas can be
experienced of the unfolding landscape, marred by distant farm buildings and terminated
by clusters of trees to the highest ground. In the foreground the feeling of exposure is
experienced through the emptiness of the landscape, although the distance is made
personal by the extension outwards of the contrasting light grey Reacliffe Road pathway.
Its fine winding line, projects the viewer into the distant landscape. [Fig. 7]
3.33
Within the village key views are afforded at the gateways to the village. Entering
Rudyard from the stem of Dunwood Lane, the intimate, tight and enclosed nature of
buildings and walls lining the village road is juxtaposed with the dry stone walling of the
former agricultural landscape. The unequivocal character of both are brought sharply
together in this view creating a character that is legible to the viewer of entering a new
experience. [Fig. 8]
3.35
3.36
Character Analysis
Rudyard is a relatively large conservation area, therefore it has been split into four sub
areas based on ‘boundaries of experience’ that are crossed. This includes areas that
characterise certain periods of historic interest, areas that create an awareness of
importance and opulence and areas that form a different character to the other. The
setting of the Rudyard Lake and the wooded areas of the western escarpment are included
12
within the sub area boundaries resulting in several small areas with strong discernable
characters:
•
•
•
•
3.37
3.38
Dunwood Lane
Lake Road including the junction of Reacliffe Road
Reacliffe Road
Cliffe Park Hall and retreats to the north of the lake
Below is a brief description of the general character of these areas identifying listed
buildings (underlined) and those key unlisted buildings and features that help define the
special interest of the area. The Villagescape Analysis Map 4 will assist in highlighting
some of the main characteristics of these areas. Listed Building descriptions are included
in the appendix.
Dunwood Lane
Dunwood Lane extends along the south facing steep slope of the Griddlestone Ridge. A
diverse character of residential buildings are irregularly scattered along the north side of
Dunwood Lane and at the stem on the south side. They reflect the piecemeal construction
phases by numerous owners in a variety of materials and styles cutting into the slope. The
buildings to the north occupy the finest position, a wooded area to their rear creates an
attractive setting. They overlook the agricultural fields below to the south that are
bounded by dry stone walls. Dunwood Lane leads out of Rudyard Village into the rural
area of Harpers Gate and it still retains much of the rural character with low dry stone
boundary walls flanking the south side of the road.
3.39
There is a scarce scattering of earlier stone cottages lining the contour of the road edge;
other earlier cottages are slightly set back of the road with a stone walled front garden.
The earliest cottages on this road date back to the eighteenth century, they are Sunny
Bank Cottage, Dumpling Cottage [Fig. 9] and a row of four cottages including Rose and
Jasmine Cottage to the far western end of Dunwood Lane. They are all built of local stone
with plain clay tiled roofs, comparatively simple functional structures with a minimum of
decoration. They form great visual character by encasing the road and creating great
visual legibility.
3.40
Later nineteenth century villas sit proudly above the road set back within stone boundary
walls maximizing on the views they retain. All villas retain a private walled garden to
their frontage and are accessed from steep stone steps stemming from a gated entrance.
Each entrance gate is flanked by a variety of plain stone capped pillars, making a
prominent statement about the owner’s desire for privacy, enforced by a mask of
vegetation. All villas have steeply rising large rear gardens with woodland to the rear
[Fig. 10].
3.41
The later nineteenth century saw the development of Harpers Gate as a potentially
attractive commuter village for Leek and the Potteries. Rock Cottage, Hawthorn Cottage
and Woodlands were built to house middleclass professionals to the north side of
Dunwood Lane attracted by the views on offer. These detached and semi detached villas
13
of brick and stone with symmetrical facades, represent a new improved era of house
building. These villas take on the late nineteenth century gothic style with such features
as outward facing gables some with large decorated barge boards with a ground floor bay
window.
3.42
Later twentieth century housing has in-filled upon former virgin land, mainly set back so
only slightly denting the character of the area. Later twentieth century housing types are
all of varying materials and do not contribute to the nature and character of the area.
3.43
This area is fairly quiet with a few cars passing through to other commutable areas, the
traffic associated with the attractions of Rudyard Lake tend to desert this area.
3.44
Lake Road including the junction of Reacliffe Road and The Drive
Lake Road and the junction of Reacliffe Road form a rather different character to that of
Dunwood Lane, this area is much more developed having a much more suburban feel. A
diverse character of residential buildings align Lake Road, The Drive and the cluster of
buildings surrounding the junction of Reacliffe Road and Lake Road. The piecemeal
scattering of late nineteenth century and early twentieth century villa development owes
this arrangement to the many local landowners selling off parcels of land at auctions to
local builders who were all utilising the contemporary styles of this period. The rural
aspect of the area can still be appreciated; dry stone walls retain wooded plantations that
sit behind the villas west of Lake Road. The wooded plantations act as a back drop to the
villas and to the overall setting of the area creating a sense of seclusion and a desirable
place to live.
3.45
Buildings of note are the eighteenth century Lilac Cottage, Red Cottage [Fig. 11] and
Yew Tree Cottage belonging to the early tenanted agricultural farms within the area.
They are stone built and are comparatively simple functional structures with a minimum
of decoration. Lilac and Red Cottage line the road edge while Yew Tree Cottage sit at a
right angle to the road edge with a later extension forming an L shape plan.
3.46
The cluster of buildings at the meeting of Rudyard Road and Reacliffe Road, form a
group of interesting buildings. This cluster, in the height of the tourism phenomenon, was
in a prominent position being the first group of buildings tourist’s leaving Rudyard
Station would have arrived at [Fig. 12]. Lakeland Lodge, the most prominent building at
this meeting place, is a recent residential conversion, and has been formerly known as
The Poachers Tavern, Railway Hotel and the Station Hotel in the nineteenth century
when this building was greatly enlarged. This building incorporates an earlier building
with a date stone of 1607. The earlier part of the building can be seen to the western
façade that faces Dunwood Lane. This building is thought to have been a tavern from the
early part of the nineteenth century conveniently located at the junction of the roads to
Biddulph, Leek and Endon. An 1851 guide referred to two public houses in this location,
the other being Rock House.
3.47
It is known that Rock House [Fig. 12] was being used as a public house in the midnineteenth century. To the end of the nineteenth century this building formed a parade of
14
shops with the adjoining Ivy Cottage and Camrose Hall. Camrose Hall is a tall imposing
structure that sits on the road edge, the building has a steep rock face impression, having
a rough stone finish. It was built as a significant commercial investment in 1891 offering
accommodation at the upper levels and three lock up shops at ground floor level, which
survived until the 1960s. Since the steady decline in tourism attracted to Rudyard
following the Second World War these buildings have eventually been converted to
residential houses. Their frontages to the ground floor have been slightly adapted to
accommodate this change in use. Ivy Cottage is a stone built property, today it has a
distracting render applied and its windows are out of character.
3.48
Rudyard Hotel incorporates an early nineteenth century water bailiffs cottage to its
eastern range, it was significantly enlarged in 1851 to provide refreshments to the visitors
attracted by the NSR railway day excursions on offer to Rudyard Lake. This building was
further enlarged in 1906/7. Built of stone, the hotel is of the gothic style, with outward
facing gables, heavy bargeboards, double height canted bay windows, cruciform
windows, pinnacles, tall decorated chimney’s and steep slated roofs. Its massing and
siting are set within large enclosed grounds expressing the buildings legibility as a non
residential building. [Fig. 13]
3.49
The 1880 auction producing the villa development within Lake Road commenced with
the erection of Vine Cottage and Rose Cottage. They are of the Arts and Crafts style with
mock timber framing to the upper floor, mullioned windows to the ground floor,
traditional slate roof covering an unusual feature within this area. The villas were
designed to appear as if they had developed over centuries, asymmetrical features such as
the different positions of doors, the canted corner on Rose Cottage and the different
shaped plaques to the front elevation all retain this model [Fig. 14].
3.50
1 and 2 Fern Cottage was another development to emanate from the 1880 auction, built
by 1884. They incorporate vernacular materials and fashions, the cottages were built of
coursed stone, long and short quoins, low eaves with outward facing first floor gables
containing the upper floor windows. Contemporary embellishments included the
projecting ground floor windows, overhanging eaves, large decorated bargeboards, tall
decorated chimney’s, pinnacles and decorated ridge tiles. Again, they had a front and rear
garden with low stone boundary walls with decorated flanking gateposts, originally with
a timber picket style fence above the low standing wall. Original windows, doors,
chimney, and timber picket style fence have been removed harming the overall
composition [Fig. 15].
3.51
Underwood House another house to come from the 1880 auction incorporates an earlier
eighteenth century cottage and is one of the more substantial buildings on Lake Road.
3.52
The 1890 auction produced a greater number of villas that still exist within Lake Road
today. This auction produced far more detached villas than the previous auction. Now
detached opulent villas generate a new character dimension of opulence to this area.
Albury House, Nabwood [Fig. 16], Sylvian House and Pine Cottage all contain revival
features of the nineteenth century. Sylvian House being of a more simple design
15
compared to the other villas.
3.53
The Beeches and The Hollies were also built on plots of land sold in 1890, built to
provide accommodation and refreshments. Influenced by the Arts and Craft movement
they contain sixteenth and seventeenth features, they are deliberately tall and imposing
structures, with large steeply pitched prominent gables. Large heavy bargeboards and
eaves supported on heavily decorated timber brackets with tall elaborate chimneys
projecting from the shared central valley add to this dominant presence. Owing to the
relaxation of recessed windows in the 1894 London Building Act it was common to find
canted projecting timber windows as at The Beeches and The Hollies. The projecting
basements of stone housed refreshment rooms under heavily timber balustraded
balconies. The guest accommodation was accessed through a lych style gate to the
Hollies at roadside edge and up a large stretch of stone steps. Alterations to these fine
properties have included replacement plastic windows and doors and the removal of stone
boundary walls in order to gain a car parking space. A basement tea room has been
altered to house a garage on the southern property of The Beeches [Fig. 17].
3.54
Apart from the eighteenth century cottages along Lake Road beyond The Beeches and
The Hollies heading north the quality of the street scene diminishes. Modern
development dominates this area, and has been designed with little regard for the
surrounding context, although the backdrop of vegetation softens the harsh contrast of
building materials and massing. Poor fencing and awkwardly defined garden areas and
hard standings are unsightly [Fig. 18].
3.55
There were once lean-to’s at Albury House and Pine Cottage, used to provide afternoon
teas and places where bicycles could be stored have now been replaced by a modern
conservatory and a modern lean to. There were numerous purpose built tearooms and
guesthouses located along Lake Road and in close proximity to Rudyard Hotel. Today
only The Beeches and The Hollies remain although they are now residential properties.
Today the purpose built tearooms have disappeared and no architectural evidence exists
to display this historically significant period of Rudyard’s History.
3.56
The Drive is a cul de sac of modern residential housing, except for The Old Post Office,
The Cottage, White Barn and most notably Winshaw Knoll. Originally known as The
Knoll, built in 1894/5 is the largest house built in this area. It has many discernible
features of the Arts and Craft style. The building sits at a high level above Rudyard Road,
from this viewpoint the house is very imposing and sets the scene of opulence to the area
[Fig. 19].
3.38
Reacliffe Road
The area located within the bend of Reacliffe Road, beyond The Crescent takes on an
entirely different character to that of the former sub areas. The most prominent buildings
within this area were mainly built between the mid to late nineteenth century. This area
was originally much more dispersed, with a scattering of large opulent houses set within
exposed leafy grounds, having spectacular views over the lake and surrounding
landscape. Tree-lined walks, edged with rough dry stone walls, created within a
16
woodland setting, obtain glimpses of the lake and steep roof pitches of the secluded
houses [Fig. 20]. A sense of mystery and seclusion has been created, significantly
increasing the desirability of the area. The area signifies a greater hierarchy of opulence
to that of Lake Road, larger houses afforded larger grounds, creating a much more
irregular scattering of buildings, all deliberately positioned to maximise on views over the
lake.
3.39
The most prominent building material used in the construction of buildings within this
area of the conservation area is of coursed sandstone with Staffordshire blue plain clay
tiled roofs. Predominating features are those of stone mullioned windows, steep roof
pitches and buildings displaying a variety of features of popular nineteenth century styles.
3.40
All of the main residences within the area are accessed from private roads via Reacliffe
Road. There is a predominance of dry stone walls enclosing fields and the grounds to the
houses. The early agricultural character of this area can still be appreciated amongst the
nineteenth century development and that of more recent years [Fig. 21].
3.41
Since the early twentieth century piecemeal infilling as taken place within the grounds of
Spite Hall, altering the character of the area and producing a more visually cluttered
setting. A caravan park and several chalets have sat within the grounds since the late
1920s. Today, the many chalets and caravans have been replaced, adversely affecting the
character and setting of this area [Fig. 22]. Further, more permanent new development as
encroached upon the setting of Spite Hall consisting of the redeveloped St Elmos.
Originally St Elmos was a timber chalet dating from the turn of the twentieth century.
This new build is out of character and is currently having a detrimental impact upon the
character and appearance of this area.
3.42
Prior to the exploitation of Rudyard by the NSR Rudyard still very much only housed a
small rural community. Foxholes was built in 1856 as an agricultural smallholding and
was one of the last buildings of this nature to be built within this area before its
exploitation. The building was erected using rough coursed sandstone applied to the
ground floor and a mock timber framed upper floor, displaying stone mullioned windows
and a series of timber lights with plain clay tiled canopies over.
3.43
Rudyard Villa, known today as The Villa was built for Matthew Gaunt a magistrate and
local landowner as a private residence in 1860. Today it is still used as a private residence
retaining many of its original features. This building is of the popular gothic style that
was widely used during the nineteenth century. Built using a rough sandstone finish,
steeply pitched high gothic roofs, stone mullioned windows and projecting gables are all
displaying the typical gothic features from this era. [Fig. 23]
3.44
Spite Hall, [Fig. 22] formerly known as Keepers Cottage was built in 1865, it was
supposedly built to block the view of The Villa to the lake. Laying adjacent to The Villa
within close proximity it was renamed Spite Hall as it is thought the hall was built to spite
Matthew Gaunt, owner of The Villa. Spite Hall is a simple structure with little decoration.
It is built of coursed sandstone and has stone mullioned windows with a simple plain clay
17
tiled roof. Its principal façade faces away from The Villa, and has only one upper floor
window to its rear, facing The Villa. There were a series of ugly stone gargoyles pulling
out their tongues, which faced towards The Villa, they were recorded to be sited within
the patio area.
3.45
Fairview was the first large family house built within this area, accessed directly from
Reacliffe Road via a lodge at the entrance. The house and lodge were built in 1879/80 by
John Munro a wine and spirit businessman from Inverness. This is a rough stone built
building that wanted to make a statement. It holds features that were outdated for this
period of experimentation of styles. It has a confused front facade, with an Italianate door
pediment and a first floor window with margin lights to line up with the ground floor bay
window. The outward facing gables and the arrangement of windows above first floor are
features found in the gothic style. This house was set within large grounds that could be
accessed from a terrace, down a stone staircase adding to the grandeur and sense of
tranquillity. Today the building is used as the John Munroe Independent Hospital,
resulting in large extensions to the western side of the building. The building has been
largely extended and adapted to house this new use, unfortunately this has altered the
character, setting and appearance of the building.
3.46
The largest house in this area is Horton Lodge built as a gentlemen’s residence at a vast
expense in 1890 for a prominent Manchester Politian and brewer Stephen ChestersThompson. The following year he built the Horton Lodge Boathouse, unfortunately he
over reached himself and both properties were up for sale in 1893. Horton Lodge sat
within large landscaped gardens, in a secluded position with foliage to the outskirts of its
land, the lodge benefitted from spectacular views in a quiet idyllic position. The property
was purchased in the 1920s by the North Staffordshire Miners Welfare. In 1950 it was
purchased and used as a special school, today it is used by the Horton Lodge Community
Special School. These more recent uses have subsequently led to the lodge and its
grounds being greatly enlarged and adapted, altering the character and appearance of
opulence to one of a more institutional character. [Fig. 24]
3.47
The character of this part of the conservation area, prior to the 1920s was a desirable,
prosperous and enchanting place to live attracting upper class gentlemen and their
families to buy plots of land and build upper class opulent houses within large landscaped
gardens. Since the 1920s the character of this area was altered, it was once a place where
excursionists would stop and rest in the tearooms of Spite Hall and St Elmos tearooms
from their lakeside walk. This character disappeared after the Great War when the
number of excursionists declined. The area is now characterised for its provision of
tourist accommodation in the form of caravans and chalets set within the grounds of large
houses whose grounds were once peaceful, secluded by heavy wooded areas. The charm
and desirability of this location has attracted many visitors to the area, taking advantage
of its location and setting. [Fig. 25]
3.48
There was a large scattering of wooden chalets from 1910 onwards within the bend of
Reacliffe Road and to the far north end of the lake. Today very few of these chalets
survive in their original form. Many have been converted, with some of the original
18
timbers just visible, others have been completely replaced with larger chalets or
residential housing. The redevelopment of chalets, particularly those that can be seen
from Reacliffe Road as it turns in an easterly direction towards the lake still convey the
historical tourism development within this part of Rudyard. The existence of these chalets
and their gypsy-like evolution has created a new interesting character within this area,
which still retains the character of Rudyard as a retreat. The more permanent modern
development within this area is adversely affecting the character of Rudyard as a retreat.
The materials used for the modern development is not in keeping with other buildings
found within this area, and their openness and lack of more permanent boundary walls are
out of keeping with this area. [Fig. 26]
3.49
Cliffe Park Hall and retreats to the north of the lake
This area of Rudyard is characterised by belts of natural ancient wooded areas upon an
escarpment rising from the banks of the lake. Attractive artificial walks were created in
the nineteenth century weaving through wooded areas and out to open fields, the
approaches to Cliffe Park Hall and Lodge have been highlighted by equally spaced
planted trees [Fig. 27].
3.50
The earliest origins of Rudyard Lake can be comparatively experienced and understood
the most within this area since the building of Cliffe Park Hall and Cliffe Park Lodge,
only minor development has taken place in the form of boathouses along the western
bank. The boathouses along the western edge of the lake present a vision of the
nineteenth century tourism origins in Rudyard and display a different character to that of
the early nineteenth century origins of the lake and the influence prominent families
within the area have had over land usage.
3.51
The introduction of the railway line in 1849, aligned with the eastern perimeter of the
lake was aligned by tree plantations to either side. Today the railway line has been
removed, and only a miniature railway line exists that leaves the railway station to the
south of the lake up to the centre of the eastern side. Today the track is still evident,
allowing access for walks and anglers to access the eastern side of the lake. Railway
bridges located to the north and south of the lake retain and convey the historical
evidence of a previous railway line [Fig. 28].
3.52
Cliffe Park Hall was the first house to be built following the damning of the reservoir,
built in 1811 at an estimated cost of £25,000. The castellated mansion was built by John
Haworth, the son of a local landowner. Built of local coursed dressed stone the building
displays many typical features of Gothick Style, pinnacled parapets, centre stacks
disguised as turrets, gothick-arch casements with flat labelled heads [Fig. 29].
3.53
The Cliffe Park Estate extended over several hundred acres of land across the northwestern side of Rudyard Lake. The hall is located two hundred yards from the lakeside
itself upon an elevated piece of land, with a wooded escarpment to its rear creating a
spectacular backdrop to the hall. The hall obtains spectacular views over the lake,
presenting a highly prominent building within the Rudyard Lake area.
19
3.54
By 1871 Cliffe Park Cottage had been built, as the lodge to Cliffe Park Hall, it is now
named Cliffe Park Lodge, it has been derelict for a number of years and is on the English
Heritage Buildings at Risk Register. The building stands alongside Reacliffe Road the
earth track leading to Cliffe Park Hall, it lies within an almost secluded position
overlooking the lake. It provides a subservient vision of its grander Cliffe Park Hall. Its
view has been blighted by the modern redevelopment of the Rudyard Lake Sailing
Club.[Fig. 30]
3.55
Boathouses are generally sited to the western banks of the lake upon the individual plots
of land sold off from the Cliffe Park Estate auction. Piecemeal development of the
boathouses has taken place over the last one hundred years, many original boathouses
have been extended or replaced. The variety of styles and materials of these boathouses
has resulted in an almost shanty town appearance. Earlier boathouses were generally built
of stone and the most lavish of them is the Lady of the Lake [Fig. 31] and Lower Horton
Lodge. Others were modest and simple in design. The early twentieth century boathouses
were built of timber and corrugated iron and were built on large stone foundations, for
example the Challinors [Fig. 32] and The Blakeley Boathouses.
3.56
The earliest boathouse is the Earl of Macclesfield boathouse built in the mid nineteenth
century. It sits on the eastern bank near the weir, this building is attractively positioned
within the slope of the bank and is enclosed within the woods to the rear. [Fig. 33]
Local Materials, Details and the Public Realm
Timber
3.57
With the majority of housing within Rudyard dating from the nineteenth century, no
timber framing exists. Timber has been used as a decorative feature within Rudyard, and
was used for windows and doors and panelled fencing above low standing front boundary
walls. Vine Cottage, Rose Cottage and Pine Cottage located on Lake Road all incorporate
English revival features all containing mock timber framing to their upper floors.
3.58
There is a variety of timber sash windows and casement windows within Rudyard, their
style and form of construction follows the variety of housing styles. Sadly there are no
early timber casement windows of the eighteenth century cottages remaining within
Rudyard and many nineteenth century windows and doors have been replaced by
inappropriate plastic counterparts. Many of the earlier boathouses and chalets are
constructed of timber and contain timber panelled facades, a notable example is The
Brackens.
3.59
Stone
Sandstone of the Millstone Grit series forms the Griddlestone Edge, stone has been
quarried from this area in the past. There were three quarries within Rudyard, there was a
small scale quarrying operation at Whorrocks Bank (South end of Reacliffe Road), one
adjacent to Foxholes and another (fallen into disuse c. 1849) on the site of what was to
become Rudyard Station. These quarries were mined most notably for the Jubilee Stone
20
at the Junction of Lake Road and Reacliffe Road [Fig. 34].
3.60
Stone came from these small local quarries for walling. Stone for ashlar (smoothly
dressed stone with fine joints) or dressed stone for detailing might come from further
afield, so that mullions, quoins, eaves and copings may provide a contrast with the body
of the house.
3.61
Stone is the prevalent building material within Rudyard, creating an area of distinguished
character.
3.62
3.63
3.64
3.65
Brick
By the mid-eighteenth century brick was no longer just fashionable for the gentry but was
in regular use in urban areas. Brick became widely used in the nineteenth century, it came
to Rudyard in the late nineteenth century with the villa development. With the expansion
of the village during the mid to late nineteenth century, only a handful of buildings were
built using brick. The preferred bond was the decorative Flemish bond; it was a
particularly popular bond within the Midlands.
Bricks were only used as a building material and not as a walling material in Rudyard,
although Albury House [Fig. 35], The Beeches and The Hollies were built using brick
their boundary walls were of stone. Bricks in Rudyard tend to be predominantly mass
produced deep orange-red bricks uniform in colour, texture and appearance. The face of
the bricks tended to be smooth as opposed to a rough finish. However, as brick was
bought from a variety of sources there is a wide variety which needs careful matching if
repairs and extensions are intended.
Street Surfaces
Old photographs show pavements to be unfinished compacted earth carriageways with
Edwardian postcards showing rough shaped, irregular kerb stones. Little historic
surfacing has been retained in the village with the exception of stone setts, pebbles and
roughly shaped kerb stones to the fronts of Red Cottage and Lilac Cottage. Stone setts
can be found before the entrance gates to the Horton Lodge Community Special School,
set within these setts are wrought iron runners [Fig. 36]. Stone steps lay to the south east
side of Nab Wood Cottage, linking Lake Road and Reacliffe Road, today this path is
overgrown and surface materials of the path can not be obtained. Much of the historic
street surfaces have been superseded by tarmac and concrete kerb stones.
Street Furniture
Using evidence from old photographs, there was little street furniture within Rudyard, it
mainly consisted of public railings, gates and the occasional historic lamppost. Today
there is very little public railings left and there are no historic lampposts. The original
wrought iron and cast iron side gate remains to Horton Lodge Community Special
School, with the remains of an oil or gas lamp fitting above the stone gatepost.
Summary of Local details
21
3.66
Roofs, roofing materials and dormer windows
The eighteenth century vernacular buildings within the area tend to have quite simple
roofs, the original roofing material is unknown, today they have Staffordshire blue plain
clay roofing tiles with plain flush verges. Early nineteenth century photographs show
raised stone parapet verges and stone kneelers to those at the western end of Dunwood
Lane.
3.67
The nineteenth century witnessed the mass production and distribution of the
Staffordshire blue plain clay roofing tiles from the Potteries, now regarded as the typical
local roofing material. Early tiles were handmade with a distinctive camber and rougher
texture whilst later machine made tiles have a more even profile and smooth sheen. All
were handmade and have an irregularity that cannot be simulated by modern machine
made tiles. Most roofs in Rudyard are laid using Staffordshire blue plain clay tiles but
some of the more extravagant Victorian properties have alternate bands of plain and fishscale tiles such as those found at Rudyard Villa. A roof pitch of about 35 degrees is
required to fix the tiles which gives the characteristic narrow gable and steeply pitched
roof.
3.68
Welsh slate was also available in the late nineteenth century but were not widely used in
the village. Rudyard Hotel, Vine Cottage and Rose Cottage on Lake Road are the only
buildings in Rudyard with a slate roof and lead flashings.
3.69
A number of the Victorian buildings including the Lady of the Lake have overhanging
eaves and verges, with a mixture of plain or decorated bargeboards. The nineteenth
century revival styles tended to have overhanging eaves some with exposed rafters and
some have decorative eaves details as at Rudyard Hotel.
3.70
Dormers are not a regular feature of local vernacular buildings within the Staffordshire
Moorlands and are not a predominant feature within Rudyard. Many of the villa
residences are architect designed or built to designs taken from pattern books of the
period. Gablets were a popular feature used in many of the revival styles, mocking low
built medieval cottage buildings. Gablets are a common feature found in many of the villa
residences, there are some attractive decorative gablets with patterned ridge tiles,
bargeboards and a finial, some have a mock timber framing above windows, windows to
the gablets were generally sited across the eaves line.
3.71
3.72
Windows, window surrounds and finishes
The village has an interesting mix of traditional window types. Traditional horizontal side
hung casement windows set within square openings were the predominant type found in
the early eighteenth century cottages [Fig. 37]. The variety of nineteenth century
vertically sliding sash windows brought many different window compositions.
The vertically sliding sash windows were the preferred window type of the nineteenth
century and predominated within Rudyard. Most vertically sliding sash windows are set
behind the outer face of the brickwork behind a rebate creating characteristic shadows. In
Rudyard they mainly consisted of two over two or one over one window lights, many of
22
the later revival buildings along Lake Road had divided upper pains as at The Hollies
[Fig. 38]. As glass technology improved subsequently supplying larger sheets of glass,
glazing bars were no longer required and frames became increasingly slender throughout
the nineteenth century, with the lack of any internal support and the great weight on the
frames sash horns were introduced to strengthen the frames. Today many of the original
timber sash windows have been replaced with replica UPVc windows placed nearer to the
edge of the building façade, removing characteristic shadowing.
3.73
The Arts and Crafts movement of the late nineteenth century influenced the design of
many of the buildings within Rudyard and shifted away from the vertical renaissance
window type to the more vernacular horizontal window type. Windows were divided into
rows of lights sometimes with stone mullions, their upper portions divided with fixed
leaded lights and opening side hung casement windows below [Fig. 39]. The villas
displaying the popular gothic style tended to use cruciform windows divided by
chamfered stone mullions and transoms. Cliffe Park Hall retains its original Gothick style
windows, the window tracery is very fine and beautifully detailed.
3.74
The early traditional windows have large flush stone lintels and flush stone sills. The
majority of the revival villas have flush stone lintels and slightly projecting stone sills,
some villas having a continuous stone banded sill or framed within stone surrounds. In
other revival villas, windows are set within stone chamfered mullions and transoms,
generally these can be found in the gothic style housing. Shallow brick arches with a
slightly projecting stone sill were used to the sides or rear of the villa properties, not the
principal facades. Brick or tiled sills are not a feature used within this area.
3.75
Many historic buildings in the conservation area have suffered damaging alterations from
replacement windows. Top-hung opening windows, storm-proof casements and double
glazing are a creation of the twentieth century and cannot replicate the fine joinery details
of traditional windows. This damage is exacerbated by failing to match the subdivision of
original windows, constructing frames in inappropriate materials such as UPVc, and
staining rather than painting (the traditional finish). This is particularly harmful for the
villas and cottages where the unified elegance is ruined by thoughtless piecemeal
alteration [Fig. 40].
3.76
3.77
Doors
Traditional doors are a mixture of panelled doors and vertically boarded doors.
Historically, the simpler eighteenth century historic buildings would generally have had
vertically boarded (plank) doors. The width of the boarding and moulding is often a guide
to their age. Panelled exterior doors with a rectangular fanlight above were common for
the villa development.
Few historic doors survive within the conservation area and there has been widespread
replacement with UPVc doors and doors of modern off the peg designs. These are
eroding the character of the area. Surviving historic doors have a patina and charm that is
not easily replicated.
23
3.78
Chimneys and porches
The number and position of the chimneys are an essential feature in historic buildings,
reflecting the interior design, and the relative wealth of the owner.
3.79
By the mid-eighteenth century smaller houses began to have more than one heated room,
each with a chimney breast for a coal fire, and served by gable end chimneys.
3.80
Chimney stacks are a distinctive element in the roof-scape of the village and some of the
villas and estate designed buildings have elaborate details including those at Cliffe Park
Hall. The eighteenth century chimney stacks tend to be simple in design and are generally
located at the verge. Chimney stacks to the nineteenth century buildings tended to be
more prominent and were sometimes used as a decorative feature, particularly the ones at
Lakeland Lodge. They were located in differing positions; some are located to the roof
verges, others are sited centrally on the roof, depending on the revival style. Many of the
chimney stacks of this period were located at the ridge or located down the roof slope.
Generally, they were tall prominent structures, mostly of stone, although they would also
be of brick in brick built buildings. Many stacks have been disfigured by poor rebuilding,
truncating or removal.
3.81
Porches are not generally a feature of vernacular buildings in the District and historically
were limited to wealthy seventeenth and eighteenth century houses. Farmhouses and
cottages generally had internal lobbies instead.
3.82
Porches were generally worked into the architecture of the Arts and Craft Style housing
and were not seen to appear as an add-on. Continuous porches over the ground floor
window and door was a popular feature used in the last decade of the nineteenth century,
an example of this can bee seen at Albury House. Porches can be seen integrated into low
slung roofs as at Wynforde and Glenwood Cottages [Fig. 41].
3.83
Boundaries
The status of a house and its owner were mirrored in the garden walls. Mortared walling
with well-tooled capping stones and decorative gateposts were provided for gentry
houses, and dry stone walls with simple capping stones for farmhouses and cottages.
3.84
Dry stone walling using heavy rectangular greeny-brown gritstone blocks is an essential
part of the character of Rudyard and can be seen throughout the village, particularly along
Dunwood Lane.
3.85
There are a variety of field enclosures and boundary wall features within the area, the
style and composition of these walls are a distinctive dating feature. Earlier stone
boundary field enclosure walls and those to the earlier eighteenth century cottages consist
of rough dry stone walling of differing heights with rounded coping stones [Fig. 42].
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Later nineteenth century field boundary walls are low rough dry stone walls with
alternate long and short coping stones, there is an 1896 dating stone in the dry stone
walling to the back of the Jubilee Stone [Fig. 43].
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Stone was the predominant walling material used within Rudyard. Traditional brick was
not used for boundary walls within this area. The variety of stone boundary walls within
Rudyard are a major contributor to the character and appearance of the conservation area.
The boundary walls of the villa development were generally low, mortared rough stone
boundary walls, in blocks of regular courses. They generally had stone coping stones,
which normally curved up to the height of the square stone flanking gateposts in a variety
of profiles. Old photographs show, above the wall stood a timber picket fence or hedge
[Fig. 44].
Green spaces, trees and boundaries
The contribution of green spaces, trees, hedges and other natural or cultivated elements to
the character of the conservation area is of considerable quality, variety and value.
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The overall impression is that of buildings set in clearings carved out in a woodland
setting. In some cases the buildings play a secondary role in complementing but not
competing with their natural setting. This is an important character trait along with trees
and vegetation which often form a visual backdrop. In most cases it is the trees and
planting that dominate, although the extent of this does vary a little across the
conservation area dependent on the density of buildings.
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Significant open green spaces have been identified on the Villagescape Analysis Map 4.
The most significant open green spaces within the conservation area are those located to
the south of the weir, south of Rudyard Road [Fig. 45], Dunwood Lane and the open
green area located to the north of Cliffe Park Hall. Together these spaces form an
informal green infrastructure of undeveloped space which, as a result of the type of
vegetation present, contributes to the semi-rural and woodland appearance of the area.
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Significant trees and hedges have been identified on the Villagescape Analysis Map 4.
Whilst this is not exhaustive it does show the prevalence of trees and hedges which are
visually important in the area. Large wooded areas throughout Rudyard, particularly
located on the western banks of the lake provide a genuine rural character, which
disguises the village. Intriguing glimpses of rooftops and chimneys can be obtained
across the valley. Mature planted trees aligned along the lakeside walks are also
prominent features.
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A number of roads contain street trees, including Lake Road and Reacliffe Road. These
create enclosure, adding to the wooded character of the environment and should be
retained wherever possible and replaced if removal is essential [Fig. 46].
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The importance of stone boundary walls has been referred to under the section on local
detailing. Evidence of these boundaries are shown on the Villagescape Analysis Map 4.
The prominence of walling generally followed the status of the building.
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Negative factors
Areas having a negative impact upon the character and appearance of the conservation
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area have been identified on the Villagescape Analysis Map 5. Several elements of
modern living severely detract from the character and appearance of the conservation
area:
Dereliction and disuse of Cliffe Park Lodge
Redevelopment of historic boathouses, retreats and chalets
Unsympathetic modern development
Untidy car park to Rudyard Hotel and garage along Dunwood Lane
Visual impact caused by parked cars
The siting of wheelie bins to front gardens and to the sides of buildings
The loss of original gates for modern replacement gates
Bland repetitive nature of modern replacement windows and doors, including UPVC
The loss of chimney stacks and chimney pots
Modern boundary wall materials particularly reconstituted stone and timber fencing
Large areas of vehicle hard standing, unattractive materials and inadequate enclosure
Garages located at roadsides
Absence of traditional materials for kerbs and pavements
Overhead electricity, telephone wires and poles
Design and placing of street lighting, painted lines and traffic signs
Unauthorised satellite dishes on front and side elevations, chimney stacks and ridges
The dereliction and disuse of Cliffe Park Lodge
The continuing dereliction and disuse of Cliffe Park Lodge is damaging to the overall
importance of character and usage of the area. The dereliction and disuse of the building
could eventually lead to the loss of such a highly significant building. This would have a
substantial detrimental impact upon Rudyard Village and should be avoided through
enforcement and communication with the owner.
Unsympathetic modern development
Generally, where new buildings are proposed, they should respect predominant
traditional materials and detailing within the area. New development should respect the
siting, massing, height, orientation and scale of traditional buildings within the area.
Development proposals should have regard to existing aspect and prospect views
throughout the area. Where redevelopment or extensions are proposed the intention
should be to maintain existing gaps between buildings and their boundaries. All proposals
for development should seek to respect and maintain the current dominance of trees and
other vegetation in the area.
New developments over recent years particularly along Dunwood Lane and Lake Road
have tended to result in new development located within open sprawling gardens, leaving
new buildings clearly visible from the road, rather than glimpsed between trees [Fig. 47].
Whilst in many cases new planting has matured, there is a need to safeguard the sylvan
nature of the area by requiring dense new planting and the retention of as much existing
mature vegetation.
Garage buildings of unsympathetic materials and details are starting to appear along
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roadsides. Many are cut into the slopes along Dunwood Lane, dominating the roadside
and are harmful to the character and appearance of the conservation area [Fig. 48].
Redevelopment of boathouses
There has been a significant loss of late nineteenth century/early twentieth century
boathouses, retreats and chalets within the area. The popularity of Rudyard as a place to
live and the attraction of Rudyard Lake as a visitor destination particularly since the
Second World War have led to new unsympathetic new build properties upon unsold
virgin plots. In recent years the purchasing of boathouses, retreats and chalets for
redevelopment proposals have escalated leading to the loss of many important boathouses
and the introduction of many unsympathetic new builds.
Areas for improvement
Unsightly areas include the Rudyard Hotel car park which has modern signage and
gateposts adding to the visual clutter of the entrance and building. Poor surfacing, a
modern fire escape stair and air conditioning unit to prominent views and an absence of
planting are all unsightly and are a detriment to the character and appearance of the
conservation area [Fig. 49].
The garage to the side of Sunnybank Cottage on the south side of Duwood Lane has a
corrugated iron roof and a tarmac surface to the side of the road and is bounded by a steel
post and chain link, this is untidy and visually intrusive when entering the village from
Dunwood Lane.
Parked cars and vehicle hard standings in front gardens
Parked cars along Lake Road and Dunwood Lane are damaging to the character and
appearance of the area, many historic boundary walls have been taken down to form
parking spaces breaking up the street scene and creating open unfinished gaps in what
were solid unified stone boundary walls [Fig. 50]. Painted road lines, lettering, street
signage and bollards particularly along Dunwood Lane all emphasise the visual clutter
and subsequent impact of many roads.
Overhead electricity and telephone wires and poles
Electricity and telephone facilities are also essential but consideration should be given to
placing them underground as the posts and the criss-crossing of wires is visually
damaging. Street lighting is essential, in some places street lighting as been attached to
telegraph poles, minimising the visual clutter. Alternatively columns of more traditional
design and of a lower height may help to reduce the wide emptiness of streets. Crisp
white lighting is preferable to yellow sodium lights which create blurred images. Long
term liaison with the necessary authorities should be a priority.
Satellite dishes on front elevations, chimney stacks and ridges
Enforcement action is necessary to secure the relocation of satellite dishes away from
prominent elevations, especially on the north side of Dunwood Lane.
Piecemeal alterations to significant buildings
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Throughout the conservation area unique qualities are being gradually eaten away by the
incremental destruction of historic detailing. Finely stylised housing representing
nationally renowned styles of the nineteenth century feature details unique to their time of
construction. Timber sash and casement windows, traditional doors and stone work are
seen throughout the conservation area. These are now extremely vulnerable to removal
due to the pressure to individualise property and the availability of cheap off the peg,
inferior products such as standardised windows and doors. Failure to replicate the
appearance of historic windows and doors; the use of top opening lights, staining and
double glazing all damage the local character of the village. Part L of the Building
Regulations specifically allows exemption for buildings in conservation areas from
complying with the Regulations where historic detailing is threatened by building
alterations.
Loss of stone walls and replacement in modern materials,
Key features of the area are the heavy stone boundary walls along roadsides and dividing
the gardens of many villas with large flanking stone gateposts. These are vulnerable to
removal or replacement with modern alternatives of which rusticated concrete and larch
lap fending is the worst offender.
Such factors can only be reversed by taking positive action through long-term planning,
grant aid, information and publicity, and finally through the removal of domestic
permitted development rights to ensure the continued survival of historic features and the
gradual reinstatement of those that have been lost.
General Condition of Area and Built Fabric
The majority of buildings within the conservation area are in good condition, there is a
high economic base rate generally resulting in buildings being kept in use and in high
demand and their upkeep being maintained. The continuing disuse and dereliction of
Cliffe Park Lodge continues to blight the future of the building. Cliffe Park Lodge is
entered on the English Heritage Buildings at Risk Register.
Between 1999-2004 a Heritage Economic Regeneration Scheme was operated by the
District Council in association with English Heritage to promote the repair and
enhancement of historic buildings in the village centre. The aim was to create renewed
aspirations for the village, restore local pride and improve the High Street environment.
The scheme was successful in securing the reinstatement of period shopfronts and sash
windows, removing stone cladding and traditional building repairs. It also funded the
reinstatement of traditional street paving. The refurbishment of the mill will be the major
catalyst to the area’s transformation and should raise property prices in the area and
stimulate more investment in surrounding buildings.
The management plan for the village will establish the framework for monitoring the
condition of buildings in the conservation area and also to note surviving original
architectural features and fenestration - distinctive local detailing, doors, window and
roof coverings. This will be regularly updated to monitor changes to the condition of its
building stock and highlight any loss of significant architectural features. This can then
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assist in the management of the area and be used to attract grant aid and consider
appropriate levels of planning control.
Problems, Pressures and Capacity for Change
There are a number of threats to the character and appearance of the area. These include
the dereliction and disuse of Cliffe Park Lodge, unsympathetic new build properties, the
redevelopment of boathouses, retreats and chalets, the use of modern replacement
windows and doors and the loss of boundary walls.
The village has great capacity to change. The introduction of the visitor centre and
activity centre initiated by the Rudyard Lake Trust has attracted further visitors to the
area, keeping the area in active use and contributing to the vitality of the area. It is hoped
that this initiation can act as a catalyst for further investment within the area and sustain
the visitor attraction and subsequently the upkeep of this area. The introduction of local
shops and services should also benefit the local residents and visitors. A further
conservation-led grant scheme would be a catalyst in achieving the reinstatement of high
quality doors and windows, and boundary wall features. This should be backed up by
serving an Article 4(2) Direction to prevent the further loss of traditional architectural
features and fenestration detailing and encourage appropriate reinstatement.
4. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Public meetings were held prior to the designation of the Conservation Area in 1998.
Consultations were also undertaken with owners and businesses in the area. The Heritage
Economic Regeneration Grant Scheme, which operated between 1995 and 2005, involved
public meetings, press releases and house to house visits. During the operation of the
grant scheme staff and pupils of Great Wood County Primary School were involved in an
English Heritage citizenship project to look at the heritage of the village. The wider
community took part in the project, including District Council officers and members. The
case study now forms part of a national model to assist all primary schools in the
promotion of children’s social and cultural development.
The Conservation Area Appraisal will be the subject of public consultation prior to its
formal adoption by the Council. A management plan will be prepared to establish a plan
of action for securing the preservation and enhancement of the area and the local
community will also be involved in the preparation of enhancement schemes that are
proposed.
5. SUGGESTED BOUNDARY CHANGES
The current boundary prepared in 2010 was drawn to focus on the historic core of the
village incorporating all of the important phases of development that convey and narrate
the areas origin and evolution. The main phases of development within the area owes its
origins to the formation of Rudyard Lake and the introduction of the railway network.
Rudyard Village largely expanded to the south-west of the lake from the mid-nineteenth
century.
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Reviews will be undertaken to ensure that the boundary reflects the historic character and
appearance of the area. Vulnerable areas include the remaining historic boathouses,
retreats and chalets, the loss of period windows and doors, and loss of front boundary
walls is severely threatening the character of the area.
7. SOURCES OF INFORMATION AND CONTACT DETAILS
Sources of Information
Jeuda, B (1997) Rudyard Lake The Bicentenary 1797 – 1997, Churnet Valley Books,
Staffordshire
Jeuda, B (2001) Rudyard Reflections: A History and Guide for Walkers, Churnet Valley
Books, Staffordshire
Yorke, T (2007) The Victorian House Explained, Countryside Books, Berkshire
'Horton', A History of the County of Stafford: Volume 7: Leek and the Moorlands (1996),
pp. 65-77.
'Leek: Rudyard', A History of the County of Stafford: Volume 7: Leek and the Moorlands
(1996), pp. 216-219.
Staffordshire County Council, Planning for Landscape Change: Supplementary Planning
Guidance to the Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent Structure Plan, 1996 – 2011
'Horton', A Topographical Dictionary of England (1848), pp. 557-559.
Brunskill, R.W (2000) Vernacular Architecture An Illustrated Handbook, Faber and
Faber Ltd, London
Department of the Environment ‘List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic
Interest DoE 1986
Contact Details
Building Conservation Section
Staffordshire Moorlands District Council
Stockwell Street
Leek
Staffordshire
ST13 6HQ
Tel 0345 6053013
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