Conservation

Conservation

Plas Dulas - proposed demolition

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This autumn saw a campaign headed by Mark Baker and the Llanddulas community to save Plas Dulas from demolition. Plas Dulas is a mid nineeenth century holiday villa surrounded by two acres of landscaped grounds on a sloping hill side. Some of the buildings are probably eighteenth century but the gardens became known for an interesting mediterranean planting when owned by Richard McGillivray Dawkins from 1907. Dawkins was appointed Oxford University First professor of Byzantine and Modern Greek. Also a keen amateur botanist he was immensely proud of his garden and tried transplanting specimens from sites of archaeological digs to his garden. Mature Holm oaks, walnut trees and an ancient and magnificent sorbus have survived the logging activities of the current owner.

Conwy Council and the Full Planning Committee recommended refusal of this planning application 11/11/09 and the Llanddulas and Rhyd-y Foel Trust are considering alternative uses for this site. It would be great if the walled garden became a community garden. For updates see: www.plasdulas.co.uk

Conservation Committee

WHGT now have a Conservation committee which met for the first time on Friday 30th Oct 2009. This group is co-ordinated by Ros Laidlaw and chaired by Liz Whittle.

Members of this committee are: Ros Laidlaw, Elaine Davey, Judith Martin-Jones, Pru Probert, Glynis Shaw, Gwyneth Hayward and John Borron.

A review of the current planning legislation in relation to Historic parks and gardens was followed by recommendations for establishing a central log of WHGT response to planning applications. The range of planning applications to be considered was then discussed with examples of recent Cadw case work. This meeting was very helpful as branch response to planning applications has to be done within strict time limits so clear guidance on procedure as outlined by Liz was very welcome.

In practice this work can be very time consuming as more gardens and parks are being threatened by inappropriate development. It is hoped that WHGT can continue to work effectively for the conservation of these sites and particularly those listed on the register.

WHGT and Conservation

WHGT aims to conserve, document and promote the parks and gardens of Wales.

To be effective in conservation WHGT carries out the research necessary to identify the features and elements of a designed landscape which are to be saved and why they are of special interest. The special character of a park or garden and its layers of history must be clearly defined and documented.

WHGT aims to raise an awareness of heritage landscape values amongst the public, property owners and those whose duty it is to save and protect our environment. Many people relate to buildings at risk but are less aware of impacts to their setting and its landscape.

WHGT strives to ensure that appropriate steps for restoration, enhancement and preservation are undertaken. Enabling developments often lose more than they save.

Not all gardens can be saved but with will and perseverance WHGT will help secure the parks and gardens of Wales and ensure their long term maintenance and conservation.

Those interested in the research of parks and gardens should contact Ros Laidlaw or committee members of their local branch. Do get in touch if you know of a park or garden in need of conservation.

Ruthin Castle

The owner of Ruthin Castle planned to site a 15 woodland chalets in the parkland which is listed in the Register of Landscapes, Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales., compromising the archaeological and historic interest of the site. The garden and parkland is the setting to Ruthin Castle within the curtilage of a 13th century castlle with medieval walls which are themselves a Scheduled Ancient Monument. This site also lies in a Conservation Area, a Local Landscape Area and a Green Barrier. WHGT succeeded in getting the proposal called in by the Welsh Assembly Governement on the grounds that upholding the heritage status of this site was a national issue. Ruthin is the only one of the Edward I castles in private ownership and in need of protection from unsuitable development.

A Public Inquiry was scheduled for March 2009 but was cancelled. The owner was required to submit an Environmental Impact Assessment deemed satisfactory to the Planning Inspectorate. At present the future of Ruthin Castle is not known. Local papers said it was on the market for £5.5 million and the owners are now said to live abroard.