Conservation Area: Northwich Conservation Area (089)

Five main elements are seen as going together to make up the special character of the centre of Northwich: a) The River Weaver and its confluence with the Dane This was the raison d’etre of the Roman settlement of Condate. It was the town’s greatest environmental asset and has enormous potential quite apart from the existing interest along its banks – Hunts Locks, the Waterways Board offices, the swing bridges and other reminders of the one-time commercial importance of the river. b) Castle Hill Historically this was the centre of the town. There is little of historic interest to see above ground now, but the hillside is vital to the character of the town centre forming an attractive ‘backcloth’ with its skyline of trees and the spire of Holy Trinity Church. c) High Street/Witton Street The timber-framed buildings which evolved to deal with the problems of subsidence have developed into a distinctive local tradition. In spite of the intrusion of a number of poor buildings, it is still a very handsome street and pedestrianisation has recently made it a particularly pleasant place to walk and shop. The new shopping centre is also especially good of its kind and has been included in the proposed conservation area. d) St Helen’s Church This is the architectural high-point of Northwich. Although it has been cut off from the town centre by the dual carriageway, it remains an essential part of the character of the whole area. The conservation area boundary takes in the church and sufficient of the surrounding area to protect its setting. e) London Road, Leftwich This area forms a particularly attractive approach to the town centre and links with the Weaver at Hunts Locks. Its fine mature trees and a number of interesting buildings (weaver Hall, the Bowling Green public house, Victorian timber framed houses and a fine terrace of cottages in late Georgian style) make it a logical continuation of the conservation area.