Archive Council News

23.12.04

Cefn Mawr Conservation Area

The distinct character of Cefn Mawr, one of Wrexham's most historic villages, has been recognised by Wrexham's Executive Board as members designated part of the village a Conservation Area.

The designation will provide general controls over the demolition and alteration of buildings and will ensure that any new developments are designed in a way that preserves the distinct character of the area.

The designation will support a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund for a Townscape Heritage Initiative in Cefn Mawr which, if successful, will result in £2.5 m of funding to improve and regenerate the area.

There are two Grade II Listed Buildings within the new Conservation Area, Plas Kynaston and Cefn Kynaston, and many fine examples of unlisted buildings, in particular commercial properties which date back to the late 19th Century, many of which retain their original timber shopfronts. One particular building, 110 High Street, dates back to the 18th Century and is a rare survivor and excellent example of the first labourer's cottages to be built in Cefn Mawr. The boundary of the Conservation Area wraps around the quarry, the centre of the area's early industry, and from which stone was quarried to construct many of the early buildings and structures in Cefn Mawr.

In his report to Members, Chief Planning Officer, Lawrence Isted said:

"The special character of the area comes from its location, which overlooks the Vale of Llangollen, and has developed on a range of different levels each tier being linked by a network of narrow paths and streets. It has a unique industrial history that began with the discovery of rich resources deposits of stone, iron ore, coal and clay which were all quarried, mined and extracted from the area. This was followed by an effective transport system centred about Thomas Telford's Aqueduct, currently a contender for World Heritage site Status, and a tram system that linked the industrial developments of the area. The area's architecture, developed over the last 200 years with a mixture of local materials, has created a varied townscape with fine examples of commercial and private buildings make the area distinct and one that should be protected and preserved as part of its regeneration."