Plas Penyddeuglawdd was built as a farmhouse, and is noted in the list description as being one of the few buildings that pre-date the expansion of Rhyl as a resort. The house is now surrounded by suburban development, and it is hard to imagine a time when it stood in open countryside. The house is a multi-period building, with the original farmhouse possibly dating from the 17th century, slightly earlier than indicated in the list description. This building forms the rear range, and in the early 19th century the building was extended to the front. In 2007 the SPAB commented on a scheme
Plas Penyddeuglawdd Rhyl Denbighshire
that included the development of two substantial houses within the grounds, as well as alterations to the farmhouse. The Society successfully argued that the new houses, together with the associated landscaping and car parking, would detract from the setting of the farmhouse. The proposals for the conversion of the farmhouse were also felt to be unsympathetic, with surviving historic fabric swept aside with little thought to its interest. A new scheme is now being considered for
the building. Fortunately, this is an improvement on the previous proposal. There would still be some development within the grounds, but the new dwellings would be single-storey and designed to reflect the former agricultural use of the site. For the existing building, the current scheme advocates a more sympathetic approach than was previously proposed, but the Society has voiced concerns about the plan to further divide the building to create a third dwelling. Historically, the early 19th-century range was
divided into a small cottage on the left hand side with the rest combining with the rear range to form a larger second dwelling. This arrangement survived throughout the 20th century. The third dwelling would be created by spitting the larger dwelling into two. This is felt to have a negative impact on the internal layout and historic fabric, as well as compromising the setting of the building by the division of the external space into small, separate gardens. The condition of the farmhouse is poor and
conserved. The tower visibly tilts to the west, and any further movement is being monitored. Some stabilisation of the tower is proposed, but the extent of the support needed awaits specialist engineering advice; the tower, incidentally, will accommodate facilities for astronomy. The exterior masonry will have its cement pointing replaced and be protected with limewash. SPAB very much welcomes in principle this
scheme which retains the church in public use and to public benefit.We will be making some suggestions of detail and look forward to the production of some more detailed plans on which we will be pleased to comment further, and we certainly pay tribute to the commitment of the local population and encourage them in their search for major funding.
Judith Leigh Casework 24 Cornerstone, Vol 32, No 2 2011
continuing to deteriorate. It is hoped that a suitable solution can be reached that ensures a sustainable future for the building without compromising its interest and character.
JanetPoole
JOHN LAWRENCE
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