Conservation Area: Farndon Conservation Area (032)

Farndon is historically important as a large medieval settlement at an important bridging point of the River Dee and through its association with Holt at the time of the civil war in the seventeenth century. Farndon has a dominant setting on the border between England and Wales. There are impressive views of the sandstone cliffs and the Church tower from the south west, and of the river corridor when leaving over the old bridge. There are two main parts to the conservation area, the river edge and the historic village. The Church is the main focal point with framed views evident throughout the village. The tower can be seen when entering the village· form the B5130 with the Farndon Arms, a large-scale building, below. Despite containing some impressive buildings, the most interesting feature in Farndon is the plan form. High Street is the main road, its townscape quality greatly enhanced by a continual bend. Off this there are several routes continuing the built form to the west and north but more importantly leading eastwards and southwards to the road circling the church. The combined effect is a compact street plan with numerous lanes and interesting views within the built-up area. There is a relatively consistent building line throughout the village with the majority of the buildings abutting directly onto the road. Some properties are set back with sandstone and brick walls defining their boundaries. Sandstone and brick walls are an important feature in parts of the village helping to enclose spaces, particularly along parts of Church Lane. High Street has a definite urban feel with the building line providing a hard edge and numerous large-scale properties having a dominant effect on the streetscape. Towards the centre of High Street, the street space becomes more open as the pubs and shops are set back with open fronts. There are areas of open space along the western part, and these are important in varying the townscape quality, providing breaks in the built form, opening the space and allowing views out. At the end of High Street there is an enclosed green view of mature trees and hedgerows as the road bends and leaves the village. There has been some recent infill development along High Street situated away from the road. There is a car park in front with a sandstone wall helping to define the street space and concealing views of the cars. The effect of this development has been quite neutral and in future new development should take a positive role in enhancing the conservation area. The other routes in the village, particularly north and directly west of the Church, have a rural feel with dispersed development, mature planting and hedgerows and many properties are set within large gardens. The contrast of these areas with High Street is important in defining the overall character of the area, providing quieter and stiller spaces off the main route. It also increases legibility, asserting the importance of the High Street and providing the built area with a hierarchy of spaces. The riverbank provides a definite natural setting with good landscape features providing a strong contrast with High Street. The sandstone cliffs acting as a definite edge between the village and the river. There are open views to the west and east along the river corridor. This area has high recreational, value with footpaths and picnic facilities provided. There are some buildings along the river edge and any further development would not be allowed. The willows along river edge help to enclose the space.