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To comply with national advice, it is proposed that further consultation including public meeting should be held in the area to discuss the appraisal and to seek views on the boundaries. This would be followed with a report back to this committee on the results of such consultations and any necessary amendments to the appraisal and boundaries.

As a result from consultation the boundary was slightly altered in response to comments received. The amended boundary was put to Planning Committee on 5th October 2005 (item 29) and a final boundary was designated at Cabinet on 15th November 2006 (item 12).

A report was prepared by Donald Insall Associates on behalf of Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council. Its purpose is to advise on the creation of a Conservation Area, which would protect and enhance the character of the area around Mount Wood.

The designation of a Conservation Area provides the Local Planning Authority with additional powers to protect and enhance the area's special characteristics. The scope of this Conservation Area Appraisal is based on the guidance published by English Heritage.

LOCATION

Location Context

The study area is located between Prenton and Higher Bebington on the outskirts of Birkenhead to the north of the Wirral Peninsula. It is situated on a hill of New Red Sandstone (Keuper strata) which, with Bidston Hill to the north and Storeton Hill to the south, forms the segment of one of a pair of parallel ridges at 80m above sea-level.

The sandstone was laid down during the Permian and Triassic periods and forms the bedrock of not only the Wirral but also surrounding Cheshire and Merseyside. Its use as a building material is evident throughout the region.

The population of the Mount Wood area is exclusively residential.

Study Area Boundary

The study area is approximately rectangular in shape. It focuses on Prenton Reservoir and those roads which immediately surround it. To the north it is bounded by Prenton Lane which leads from central Birkenhead westwards towards Prenton. Storeton Road forms the eastern boundary. The southern boundary is formed by Stanley Avenue, beyond which is open countryside. To the west, the area is bounded by Golf Links Road and Prenton Golf Course.

It should be noted that the area studied is slightly more extensive than the area recommended for Conservation Area status.

HISTORY

Early History And Origins

Although there is evidence of Roman occupation throughout the Wirral, there would appear to be debate on the extent to which archaeological finds can be interpreted as proof of major settlements.

There is no evidence of any early settlement (either Roman or subsequently) in the location of the study area nor in the immediate vicinity. The 'Roman Road' which lies at the foot of the Mount Wood hill and leads to Storeton, has been shown to be of the mediaeval period.

The surrounding place-names of Prenton, Storeton and Bebington are of Anglo-Saxon origin, the ton indicating the presence of an enclosed farmstead. However, evidence suggests that much of the Wirral remained as open heath, scrub and some woodland until the Middle Ages.

The Domesday Survey of 1086 indicates settlements at both Prenton and Storeton and it would appear that Prenton was held by Walter de Vernon at that time. Prenton appears to have been one of only three Wirral manors which included woodland and it is possible that Mount Wood was part of that woodland. However, by this time, the Wirral was clearly not heavily wooded.

During the 12th century a large area of the Wirral was re-forested by Ranulf of Meschines (3rd Earl of Chester) and, in 1327, a Royal deer park (Shotwick Park) was created by Edward III within the forest.

Development

Throughout the 15th - 18th centuries those areas not forested were steadily converted for agricultural use.

By 1845 the roads now known as Prenton Lane and Storeton Road, which enclose the study area, had been established. At that time the land was owned by a group of men - John Winder, Lyon Winder, Edmund Henry Lyon and Uvedale Corbett. However, most appears to have been let for pasture and farmland. By far their largest plot, however, was the Mount Pleasant Wood which they retained un-let, together with the approaching hill roads.

By 1872 a portion of the woodland had been given over to the Reservoir and Reservoir Road was constructed by this time, though it remained undeveloped.

Between 1872 and 1899 both Prospect and Acrefield Roads had been laid out and residential development commenced. A Church (St. Stephens) had been established at the junction of Reservoir Road and Prenton Lane, and the map of 1899 shows an Institute building alongside the Church. In fact this building was a small corrugated iron structure which had been used temporarily as the Church until the present building could be constructed. However, both the Church and the recognised use of the smaller building as an Institute are indicative of the status and wealth of those moving into the area.

By 1910 the area was an established residential suburb and Mount Wood Road, Burrell Road and Pine Walks had all been laid out by this time.

The development of the Wirral for residential use is closely linked to the improved transport connections and communication with Liverpool. In particular the opening of the Mersey Railway Tunnel in 1886 provided links to one of the countries most important ports and commercial centres, enabling wealthy businessmen to move to the countryside of the Wirral yet remain close to their work. The map of 1910 shows the Mount Wood area remaining largely surrounded by fields. Areas such as Meols Drive, Bidston and Caldy also became fashionable.

Residential development was further encouraged by the opening of Prenton Golf Club in the 1900s. The game of golf had become extremely popular during the last quarter of the 19th century and courses opened across the Wirral to provide rest and relaxation for the many businessmen who chose to live there.

Historic Uses And Their Influence

Little of the former uses of the Mount Wood area are legible in the early 20th century housing development. However, from the historic maps, it can be seen that both Acrefield and Prospect Roads follow the lines of field boundaries.

Mount Wood Road itself and part of Pine Walks appear to follow the lines of forest tracks. The curve in Burrell Road appears to have been formed to accommodate a former quarry (now the garden of the house known as 'The Quarry').

The area's former use as woodland is evident from the many mature trees which remain, though early photographs show that the woodland was not dense and suggest that the residential development resulted in considerable tree loss.

TOWNSCAPE & FOCAL BUILDINGS

Townscape

The 'townscape' of the area may be defined as large, individual buildings set within spacious grounds. The nature of the development is such that buildings are seldom perceived together and do not form significant groups.

Because properties are set back substantially from the road and shielded by heavy and mature planting, they are seen only fragmentally. However, roofs are often visible against the sky and, in this context, roofscapes assume greater importance.

Focal Buildings

Whilst many of the houses in the Mount Wood area are visually striking, they have been designed to nestle within their landscape. However, properties which are situated at road junctions enjoy greater prominence.

18 Prospect Road is clearly visible on the approach up Burrell Road, whilst 6 Prospect Road (Beech House) terminates the view along Acrefield Road. 18 PineWalks is visible at the end of Burrell Road.

The most dominant buildings within the area are Prenton Reservoir and St. Stephens Church. The reservoir, which terminates the view up Reservoir Road is, because of its elevated position, visible from Pine Walks. Similarly, St. Stephens Church is located on the brow of the hill in Prenton Lane and also provides a focus.

Boundaries And Surfaces

Because the buildings within the area are mostly set back from the road and shielded by mature planting, the boundaries between properties and street assume a greater significance.

There are a variety of boundary types (see gazetteer) including timber fences, hedges, stone and brick walls and combinations of these.

Surfaces are almost exclusively of tarmac, although granite setts occur at a number of road junctions. Occasionally alternative materials are used for carriage crossings but mostly these are also tarmac.

ARCHITECTURE & MATERIALS

Prominent Styles

The houses found within the Mount Wood area represent an eclectic mix of styles.

The early houses, dating from 1872 – 1899, are fine examples of the period. Large brick and slate, 3-storey buildings (often with red brick details), they are, however, typical of their age and lack any sense of individuality. It is possible that they were constructed speculatively to satisfy the growing demand for suburban residences. These houses are found in Acrefield Road, Storeton Road and Prenton Lane.

The houses which form the core of the Mount Wood area are of a different nature altogether.

Dating primarily from the early 1900's, they are individually designed (often by prominent local architects - see below - for known clients). They may be characterised broadly as 'Arts and Crafts' and display features common to the style, such as steeply pitched roofs with low eaves; small, horizontally grouped windows; tall decorative chimneys; and decorative timberwork. However, each house is distinctive.

Pevsner and Hubbard note that these houses represent some of the best examples on Merseyside of domestic architecture from this period.

Later properties, such as those which date from the 1930's and 1950's (predominantly on Stanley Avenue) display similarities but are often smaller and more modestly finished.

Examples of late 20th century buildings are also evident, primarily on Golf Links Road and Stanley Avenue. Whilst most display the individual design approach typical of the area, some are of a much poorer design quality and lack distinctiveness.

Materials

The houses of the Mount Wood area, whilst distinctive and individual in design, draw from a limited palette of materials.

Many are predominantly of brown brick, but with half-timber detailing at first floor. Equally many are exclusively rendered (textured render, such as pebble-dash) and some have now been painted.

The late Victorian properties are mostly roofed in slate, whilst the later Edwardian houses employ clay plain tiles.

Typical Features

Given the individuality of the house designs, it is difficult to summarise all of their features. However, the most common are:-

• Steeply-pitched roofs: these often swoop to low eaves. Dormers are also common.
• Gables: these occur frequently on the front elevations
• Eaves: often deep, providing greater modulation of the façade (particularly in strong sunlight) 

• Horizontal emphasis: frontages are usually wide and this, together with low ridge and eaves heights and horizontal window groupings results in horizontal emphasis. (The earlier, late Victorian properties, with vertical sliding sash windows, have a more vertical emphasis)
• Chimneys: mostly tall
• Brick detailing: used to accentuate particular features, such as porches, chimneys, etc.
• Porches: a number of properties display loggia-style 3-arched (or more) porches.

 

LANDSCAPE

Setting And Relationship With Surrounding Area

The Mount Wood area straddles the crest of the Storeton / Bidston ridge. It is therefore approached up hill from both the east and west. From a distance the tree tops are visible on the skyline. From the summit of the ridge there are views across Birkenhead to Liverpool, with both the Anglican and the Metropolitan Cathedrals visible.

Views to the west are across mostly open / flat countryside. However, views to the west are limited from the public domain, being obscured by houses and mature planting. Prenton Lane offers a westerly view from an elevated position, whilst Stanley Avenue offers a lower perspective.

Character And Relationship Of Spaces

The area can be defined as linear and sequential, each road leading from another.

A number of the roads are very straight, exposing at a single glance the streetscape. However, the curves in Stanley Avenue, Pine Walks and Golf Links Road provide some concealment allowing the streetscape to unfold more slowly. Generally the roads are quite wide and, therefore, junctions provide areas of greater spaciousness and opportunities to view a broader picture.

Green Spaces And Planting

Greenery predominates throughout the area and plays an extremely important part in defining its character. Grass verges line three of the streets and mostly contain mature trees.

Mature trees and planting within front gardens also contribute substantially to the quality of the environment. Plot sizes are large and provide the opportunity for extensive planting to surround and engulf the houses. Although properties are large, they do not dominate their surroundings.

In contrast, the War Memorial on Prenton Lane is a very formal open space. The verticality of the memorial is emphasised by the flatness of the surrounding grassed area.

CHARACTER ASSESSMENT

Overview

The Mount Wood area represents a unique early 20th century housing development.

An 'unplanned' development, the road layout nevertheless sits comfortably within the landscape, following elements of topography (Burrell Road curves around a former quarry; Mount Wood Road and Pine Walks follow the line of woodland tracks) and history (Acrefield and Prospect Roads follow the lines of field boundaries).

The houses form an exceptional collection of individualistic substantial houses, designed mostly by known architects of the time. Some of the designers are more renowned for their commercial work (such as Briggs Wolstenholme and Thornley, designers of one of the Three Graces which dominate Liverpool's waterfront) and therefore these houses represent a less well-recorded part of their oeuvre.

The woodland setting has been maintained by spacious plots which have allowed planting and trees to mature and greenery therefore now dominates the street scene.

The area is located behind frontage properties on the main roads (Storeton Road and Prenton Lane) and, with the exception of the tree-tops, remains to some extent hidden.

BOUNDARY DEVELOPMENT

The final boundaries of Mount Wood Conservation Area were designated at Cabinet on 15th November 2006 (item 12) after going to Planning Committee on 5th October 2006 (item 29). The final boundary can be seen on Map 3, the process is outlined below:

Donald Insall Associates Proposed Boundary (MAP 1)

A Character Appraisal Report prepared by Donald Insall Associates on behalf of Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council recommending a boundary for Mount Wood Conservation Area with the guidance of English Heritage (2006). Its purpose is to advise on the creation of a Conservation Area, which would protect and enhance the character of the area around Mount Wood Road. It has been a concern that development pressures were threatening and eroding the aesthetic and historic qualities of the area. The designation of a Conservation Area would provide the Local Planning Authority with additional powers to protect and enhance the area's special characteristics.

Proposed Boundary for Public Consultation (MAP 2)

An amended boundary was designated at Cabinet on 16th June 2005 subject to a six week consultation period and report back on any necessary boundary changes.

Final Boundary for Mount Wood Conservation Area (MAP 3)

As a result of consultation the boundary was slightly altered in response to comments received. The amended boundary was put to Planning Committee on 5th October 2005 (item 29) and a final boundary was designated at Cabinet on 15th November 2006 (item 12).

NEGATIVE FACTORS

Overview

There are a number of issues, which can impact on the character of an area. These fall broadly into the following categories:-

• Quality of later 20th century development
• Unsympathetic extensions
• Alterations to historic detailing and materials
• Development pressures and loss.

Quality Of Later 20th Century Development

New residential developments which have been constructed within the study area post the 1960's cannot generally be seen to have preserved or enhanced its historic character. Examples are evident on Acrefield Road, Burrell Road, Prospect Road and Prenton Lane, where blocks of apartments have replaced single houses.

These flat developments have resulted in rooflines, which have less interest, greater building volume and mass and the loss of frontage gardens to parking. Furthermore, although brick has been used as the main construction material, this is generally in a colour alien to the area. Such developments erode the character of the area.

More recent developments on Prenton Lane are equally out of character and of a poorer quality than the historic buildings.

At Burrell Close, a cul-de-sac of 21 houses has been introduced on land formerly occupied by Mount House and its adjacent historic property. The houses lack the quality of materials, detailing and individuality characteristic of the area and the layout and open plan front gardens produces a significantly different effect to the spacious early 20th century form.

Unsympathetic Extensions

Unsympathetic extensions to historic properties do not generally stand out as a major issue or threat to the character of the area. The older buildings are of a design, scale and robustness that can absorb minor changes without significant loss of character. Particular exceptions are extensions of two storeys and conservatories, which have not been designed in keeping or with reference to the original and are situated on prominent elevations.

Alterations To Historic Detailing And Materials

However, the most common alterations appear to be to windows and boundaries. The diversity of house designs within the area means that windows do not conform to one particular style. However, replacements with uPVC windows are invariably unable to precisely replicate the originals. Where differences are subtle (e.g. width of glazing bars, flatness of profile etc.), replacement windows affect the character of the area most on properties which are not set-back substantially within their plots, or extended.

Although there are examples of these types of alterations, they are sufficiently few and, as yet, their impact on the character of the area is not great.

Development Pressures And Loss

Whilst the Mount Wood area has, to date, managed largely to retain its character, the loss of original buildings and replacement with inappropriate development has been most damaging.

Given the large plot sizes within the area, pressure for re-development is immense. This can occur in two ways:

1. Demolition of a single property to be replaced by either a cluster of houses or blocks of apartments. Both lead to increased ratio of built form to plot size, loss of spaciousness, loss of mature planting, loss of varied roofscape.
2. Subdivision of plots to allow the construction of another detached house. Whilst mature planting may be retained and a varied roofscape introduced, this form of redevelopment still results in the loss of spaciousness and increased ratio of built form to plot size.

Examples of these types of redevelopment are evident within the Mount Wood area but, so far, have not completed eroded its character. However, government Planning Guidance (PPG3) advising Local Authorities to increase residential densities for new development, coupled with dramatic increases in property value has created a situation whereby the value of a single house on a large plot is significantly less than the value of the plot with planning approval for a higher density development. Furthermore, recent Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) has restricted new development in West Wirral resulting in even greater development pressure in the east.

If demolition and new construction at higher densities continues unchecked, the spacious and green character of the area would be seriously compromised.

For more information, or advice on any issues relating to buildings of special architectural or historic interest, Conservation Areas or Ancient Monuments in Wirral, please contact our Conservation Officer:-

Conservation Officer
Technical Services Department
Cheshire Lines Building
Canning Street
Birkenhead
Wirral, CH41 1ND

Telephone :- 0151 606 2020