500-lp-statement of needs · 500-lp-rep-statement of needs 2020-03-27 1 statement of needs section...

Supporting Documentation Witton St Helen – Car park

Note to parish

This bundle includes all the supporting documentation to your faculty application as required

under Rule 5.5 of the Faculty Jurisdiction Rules 2015.

List of documentation

Item Description Page

Overview

1 Statement of Needs received 7 May 2020 2

2 Statement of Significance received 7 May 2020 5

3 Schedule of Works or Proposals from the Petition for Faculty dated 11 May 2020 10

Proposals

4 Drawings of Landscape Projects dated 7 May 2020 numbered 500-LP-GF-GA-001 Rev

P1, 500-LP-GF-GA-002 Rev P1 and 500-LP-GF-GA-003 Rev P1, 500-LP-GF-GA-004 Rev

P1 and 500-LP-GF-GA-005 Rev P1, all received 7 May 2020

11

5 Drawings of Landscape Projects dated 7 May 2020 numbered 500-LP-GF-SEC-100

Rev P1 and 500-LP-GF-SEC-101 Rev P1, all received 7 May 2020

16

6 Drawings of Landscape Projects dated 7 May 2020 numbered 500-LP-GF-DET-400

Rev P1, 500-LP-GF-DET-401 Rev P1 and 500-LP-GF-DET-405 Rev P1, all received 7

May 2020

18

7 Design and Access Statement of Landscape Projects dated May 2020 received 7 May

2020

21

Correspondence

8 Correspondence between DAC office, others and parish dating from 14 February to

29 May 2020

34

__________________________________________

Caroline Hilton, DAC Secretary 11 June 2020

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ChesterDBF

CH

500-LP-REP-Statement of Needs 2020-03-27 1

Statement of Needs Section 1. General information This should provide an overview of the parish and the current use of the building. St Helen’s Church is a Grade I listed building located in Northwich Conservation Area. For centuries, people have turned to the Church to help them mark significant times in their lives. Weekly events include Sunday worship, baptisms and funerals. The Church hosts major civic events including the Service of Remembrance in November and the annual Civic Service of the town administration and the church is at full capacity (300 people). Local schools also use the church regularly for assemblies and other special services to support their RE curriculum. The local community regards St Helen’s as ‘our parish church’. The Church serves an extensive area; 19,924 residents were recorded in the civil parish (2011 Census). However poor pedestrian connections from the town centre add to the numbers of people arriving by car, exacerbating parking issues on Church Road and in the local area. The ‘Vision for St Helens in the 21st Century’ is designed to benefit the community though an increasing range of activities from Saturday opening, film nights, mums and toddlers’ sessions, inclusive worship, learning, sharing and participation. Although these are severely restricted due to the lack of car parking facilities. The churchyard has provided the setting for the church for over 650 years and is designated as part of the curtilage of the Grade I listed Church itself. It was a burial space for the local community, however burials ceased in the 1960s and is seldom used other than as a pedestrian shortcut. The Churchyard is currently managed by Northwich Town Council who undertake works on behalf of the Parochial Church Council. Section 2. What do you need? Briefly explain your needs (not your proposals). Append any brief for your architect. The Church is currently undergoing a renewal; increasing numbers of activities are being provided but the difficulties and frustration caused by the lack of parking is ultimately discouraging people from attending, therefore inhibiting the Church from fulfilling its vision. In order to serve the Church’s activities and the community, it is essential that the on-site parking provision is improved to provide:

- A formal gathering place for events and processions - Provision for disabled parking spaces to improve accessibility - Fire vehicle access into the churchyard - Alleviate traffic and parking issues in the local area.

Section 3. The proposals Set out what you are proposing to do in order to meet the needs set out in section 2.

• Parking Spaces - enlarge the existing parking facilities by 21 spaces, including 3

disabled bays (in line with the Department for Transport guidelines) • Fire vehicle access - widening of the eastern gateway and access road within the

churchyard by approximately 400mm to comply with minimum access requirements. • Pedestrian gateway - provide a separate pedestrian gateway from Church Road,

allowing the vehicle gateway to be locked at night. • Trees - the Fraxinus excelsior tree, which is in a declining state and seems to have

worsened since the tree survey was carried out, is to be removed to ground level. • Soft landscape - a boundary hedge and tree planting to screen the parking area • Hard landscape - porous reinforced grass to allow infiltration of surface water

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• Grave markers – 7 traditional grave markers are to be lifted and relocated; a Commonwealth War Grave is to be preserved in its current location. Openings in the boundary hedge are designed to maintain a connection to the adjacent gravestones.

Section 4. Why do you need it and why do you need it now? Justify your proposals by explaining why you can’t meet your needs without making changes. Also include anything which may have prompted the proposals. As part of St Helen’s mission ‘Serving Christ, Serving the Community’ and vision for the 21st century, increasing numbers of activities are being provided but the difficulties and frustration caused by the lack of parking is ultimately discouraging people from attending. The current access and parking arrangements are unviable and problematic to pedestrians, vehicles and local residents. Improvement of the on-site parking facilities is essential to improve accessibility and alleviate parking issues in the local area. Additionally, widening the eastern gateway and access road will enable fire vehicles to access the churchyard in an emergency; something which is not currently possible. The parish cannot maintain its important role within the community unless the on-site parking facilities are improved. Section 5. Justification If the proposals are likely to harm the significance outlined in the Statement of significance, explain how the proposals would result in public benefits which outweigh such harm (public benefits include matters such as liturgical freedom, pastoral wellbeing and putting the church to viable uses that are consistent with its role as a place of worship and mission). Harms

• Designations – the churchyard is designated as part of the curtilage of the Grade I listed Church and lies within Northwich Conservation Area.

• Grave markers – there are a variety of grave markers including chest tombs, pedestal tombs, ledger stones, upright headstones, kerbs, crosses and obelisks.

• Archaeology – the churchyard has a long history of burials and was the historic site of Witton Grammar School

Benefits

• Mission – support St Helen’s mission by overcoming obstacles (poor access, inadequate parking) which discourage people from attending activities and worship

• Worship – provide a formal gathering place for events and processions • Inclusive access – provision for disabled parking spaces • General access - alleviate parking issues in the local area which are problematic to

pedestrians, vehicles and local residents • Fire vehicle access - enable fire vehicles to access the churchyard in an emergency

Mitigation

• Soft landscape - a boundary hedge and tree planting has been designed to screen the parking facilities, reducing its visual impact

• Commonwealth War Grave - the CWG adjacent to the proposals is to be preserved in its existing location, framed by a hedge and planting. The CWGC have been consulted throughout the design process and have no objections/support the design

• Grave markers - lifting and relocating grave markers has been kept to a minimum whilst ensuring the extension of parking is viable

• Surface levels – the design / surface levels have been developed with careful consideration to prevent intrusion on below ground archaeology.

• Location - a feasibility study in 2016 examined the potential to redevelop the churchyard to make an improved setting for the Church and visitors in a sensitive and

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historic site. It identified the most appropriate location for additional parking as the south-east section of the churchyard. The area is framed by a sandstone wall with fewer grave markers and trees in comparison to the rest of the churchyard.

Summary The churchyard lies within the curtilage of the Grade I listed Church and is located within Northwich Conservation Area, but the broken and dilapidated grave markers give the churchyard a forlorn appearance. There are a variety of grave markers within the churchyard, but most are in various stages of decay, ranging from unevenly settled markers to broken and fragmentary stones. Many upright stones have been laid flat for safety reasons. The proposals have been carefully designed to reduce visual impact, prevent intrusion on below-ground archaeology and minimise impact on grave markers. By improving access, providing a formal gathering space and alleviating parking issues in the local area, it will overcome obstacles which currently discourage people from attending activities and worship. In order to serve the Church’s activities, the community and its long term mission, it is essential that the on-site parking provision is improved.

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STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION

The history and architecture of St Helen’s Church, Witton, Northwich are described in detail

in several published works. These include Old Cheshire Churches (Richards, 1947), The

Buildings of England: Cheshire (Pevsner et al, 2011) and various publications on Cheshire

Churches by Fred H Crossley (1937 – 42). Detailed information is also set out in two church

guides – Historical Notes and Records of the Parish Church (St Helen’s) Northwich (Weston

1908) and An Illustrated History of Northwich Parish and Church (Harries and Lynch, 1981).

More detailed information is held in the Cheshire Record Office. The basic facts are as

follows.

St Helen’s was originally established as a chapel of ease to St Mary and All Saints, Great

Budworth. The date of its establishment is not known, but the earliest fabric surviving on

site dates from the mid-fourteenth century. (There are three small carved heads at the

western end of the south arcade which appear to be of earlier date but their provenance is

not documented). At this time the parish of Great Budworth contained seventeen

townships, a cluster of which was based on salt production at the confluence of the rivers

Dane and Weaver. Of these the largest was Witton (Wich-tun, literally Salt-town). Witton is

situated on elevated ground above the flood plain of the Dane and Weaver and was the

residential quarter. The smaller enclave of Northwich (originally simply Wich – saltworks )

was located around the Dane and Weaver bridges on ground which is still liable to flooding,

and largely consisted of brine pits and salt houses. St Helen’s ceased to be a chapel of ease

on 7th August 1900 when the new parish of St Helen Witton was formed. Whilst the name

Witton persists, St Helen’s has been known as Northwich Parish Church for several

centuries.

THE CHURCHYARD

The church and churchyard are sited on an elevated spur of ground which falls away to the

west and north (on early maps the steep descent to the west is called Church Hill). The early

setting was of open fields and glebe land, and the churchyard itself was slightly less than

one acre in extent. As the surrounding district grew there was considerable pressure for

burials, and church records describe the ground around the church being progressively

mounded up, followed by later levelling works.

In 1557 Sir John Deane’s Grammar School was established. The school was originally housed

in a timber framed building on the southern edge of the churchyard. In 1773 this building

was replaced by a five bay stone building on the eastern edge of the churchyard. Probably at

about this time a vicarage and vicarage gardens were developed on the glebe land to the

south. In 1760 a broad walk lined by a lime avenue was created across the churchyard

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running from east to west. This tree-lined walk, called Church Walk, continued beyond the

churchyard to the west for some 500 metres into the centre of a rapidly expanding

Northwich. A baluster sundial was placed by the south porch in 1800. In the mid-nineteenth

century many of the lime trees were reported to be dying due to smoke pollution.

Pressure for burials from the mid-eighteenth century resulted in several enlargements of

the churchyard, achieved by taking in surrounding glebe land and by purchasing private

property. This included the relocation of Sir John Deane’s Grammar School to a site on the

western side of Northwich in 1869. The cleared site of the school was incorporated into the

churchyard which by this time had increased in area to three and a half acres. A low

sandstone ashlar boundary wall defines this larger churchyard on its western and southern

edges. In about 1890 a taller rock-faced sandstone wall was constructed along the northern

and eastern boundaries. The churchyard is crossed by a footpath running roughly centrally

on an east-west alignment, and descending to the west via a short flight of steps. The

eastern end of this footpath accessed off Church Road provides vehicular access to the

churchyard. From this central footpath two footpaths run off to the southern boundary and

to the north-eastern corner of the churchyard where a memorial lych-gate was erected in

1916.

The enlarged churchyard still did not satisfy the demand for burial space. Accordingly the

vicarage, vicarage gardens and adjoining glebe land were acquired by the recently formed

Northwich District Council which laid out a new cemetery. Northwich Town Cemetery was

formally opened in 1890. The vicarage moved temporarily to Witton House to the south.

From about 1900 the land to the east of the churchyard was developed for housing and

eventually a house at the northern end of Church Road was acquired as a vicarage. This

remains today as St Helen’s Vicarage.

St Helen’s is a closed churchyard and is maintained by Northwich Town Council. With one

exception burials ceased in the 1960’s. There is a variety of grave markers including chest

tombs, pedestal tombs, ledger stones, upright headstones, kerbs, crosses and a small

number of obelisks. Most of these markers are in various stages of decay, ranging from

unevenly settled markers to broken and fragmentary stones. Many upright stones have

been laid flat for safety reasons. Footpaths and areas of hard standing are paved with re-

sited ledger stones, many of which were overlaid with asphalt in 1902. It is clear that there

was a campaign of graver marker clearance in the nineteenth century, as all of the markers

which are in place are nineteenth and twentieth century whereas all of the stones used for

paving are eighteenth century.

An engraving of the church and churchyard was made in about 1800. This and photographs

from the period 1860 – 1960 show the churchyard to have had a generally open character.

On its prominent site the church and its tall tower would have been a very significant

feature in the local townscape. However, the setting of the church and churchyard was

radically and adversely changed in 1970 by the construction of a new dual-carriageway road

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called Chester Way, immediately to the north. In stark contrast to the urban grain of the

area, this dual carriageway was laid out according to contemporary highway principles. It

sits on a large earth embankment which descends in serpentine form from the high ground

to the east down to the river crossings, masking the church hill. The road makes pedestrian

movement from the town centre to the church very difficult. Planners at the time must have

been aware of this radical change in setting, and sought to screen the view of the road from

the church by carrying out extensive tree planting. This has had the effect of screening the

view of the church from the town and thereby compounding its new isolation. This planting

is unmanaged and despite some limited tree-felling is now so overgrown that in the summer

months only the tower top is visible from the town. The isolated character has led to the

churchyard being used for anti-social activities and efforts are constantly made to control

these.

THE CHURCH BUILDING

The fourteenth century sandstone ashlar church comprised a nave with aisles, a three-bay

chancel beyond a chancel arch and a western tower. In the late fifteenth century a

campaign of enlargement and remodelling commenced and continued over a period of

about fifty years. This began by widening the nave – the north arcade was dismantled and

re-erected four feet to the north. The north aisle was lengthened to the east and the

original chancel arch used to add an extra bay to the north arcade. Above the arcades a

clerestorey was built. The south aisle was lengthened by the creation of a new eastern

chapel (previously the Chapel of the Cross and now the Lady Chapel) and the chancel was

rebuilt. This new chancel was based on the choir at Lichfield Cathedral, having a polygonal

east end, and the chancel walls were raised to the height of the nave clerestorey. New oak-

panelled roofs were constructed, that over nave and chancel being continuous. A south

porch was built and the tower increased in height. All of this work was complete by 1540.

The overall appearance is late Perpendicular. The wall tops and tower are battlemented.

The tower is fine, with very good carved bands containing animal heads and floral motifs; it

may originally have had pinnacles.

The church lost most of its fixtures, monuments and stained glass during the Reformation

and Civil Wars and also in the 1840s. In 1736 a South Gallery was installed to provide

increased capacity. This was followed by a North Gallery in 1757. The galleries were

removed in 1841. In 1861 the eastern end of the chancel was rebuilt as a result of

subsidence.

Between 1882 and 1884 a major scheme of extension and reordering was carried out under

the direction of architects Paley and Austin. The pews and stone floors were removed, sub-

floor heating ducts installed and a new suspended timber and sandstone floor provided. The

north aisle was increased in width involving the construction of a new north wall and aisle

roof, and a new two-storey vestry constructed at the north east corner of the church.

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Internal plaster and limewash finishes were removed. New chancel fittings and furniture

completed these works. At the beginning of the twentieth century a new font was placed

beneath the tower. The original font remains by the south door.

The church originally had a peal of six bells, increased to eight in 1877. The earliest

reference to bells in the Church Warden’s Accounts is in 1692. Four bells are dated 1712,

one 1852, two 1877 with one undated. All eight bells were recast and re-hung in 1910.

St Helen’s has some excellent nineteenth and twentieth century stained glass. The polygonal

east end has a suite of windows installed by Wailes of Newcastle in 1863 depicting scenes

from the Life of Jesus. The east and south windows of the Lady Chapel are by Kempe,

installed in 1910, and the theme is the Cross. The remaining windows along the south wall

are all by Kempe or Kempe and Company, respectively themed and dated Children (1910),

God Will Provide (1903), Deliverance (1903), and the Gate of Heaven (1908). The west

window of the south aisle is by Wailes (1891) and the theme is Resurrection. The west

window under the tower is by Alexander Gibbs (about 1876) and the theme is Works of

Mercy. There is one stained glass window in the north aisle. This is the Millennium window

(therefore 2000), designed with the help of pupils from Church Walk Primary School on the

theme of Oscar Wilde’s story The Selfish Giant, and made by Lightfoot and Company of

Manchester.

St Helen’s pipe organ was originally constructed c. 1870 – 1880 by Young and Son of

Manchester and is listed (NO 4353) on the National Pipe Organ Register.

WITTON CHURCH WALK CHURCH OF ENGLAND AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOL

St Helens was instrumental in the establishment of the town’s National School in 1813.

Various buildings in the town were used, and in 1895 a Boy’s School was built just outside

the western boundary of the churchyard. Known as Church Walk School this became a

mixed church aided primary school. The 1895 building was replaced by a new school

building which opened in 2005.

SIGNIFICANCE

The Building

St Helen’s Church is listed Grade I on the Statutory List of Buildings of Special Architectural

or Historic Interest. The exterior of the church is somewhat severe and smoke-blackened by

historic salt and other industries in Northwich. This severe exterior masks the richness of the

interior which is light and spacious. The glory of the church is the magnificent oak panelled

roof with its wonderful carved and gilded bosses. The stained glass and continuity of nave

and chancel add to the impressiveness of the interior. Overall the building is of high

architectural and historic significance. In terms of specific elements the sixteenth century

and earlier fabric together with nineteenth and early twentieth century stained glass are of

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high significance. The remaining nineteenth and early twentieth century fabric is of

moderate significance.

The Churchyard

St Helen’s churchyard lies within Northwich Conservation Area and the baluster sundial is

listed Grade II. This is the largest open space in the town centre, but the scattering of

broken and dilapidated grave markers give the churchyard a forlorn appearance. The tree

planting intended to screen the adjacent dual carriageway is unmanaged and has become

overgrown. This has created a sense of physical and visual isolation from the town.

However, the role of the churchyard as the immediate setting of St Helen’s Church and until

recent years the burial place of the local community merits moderate to high significance.

The pattern of use

For more than five hundred years St Helen’s has been the spiritual focus of life in Northwich

and Witton. There is an active and committed congregation which places a high value on the

church. Worship includes a regular Sunday Club but this does not have any proper place to

meet. While attendance at Sunday worship has declined significantly over the last fifty years

the local community regards St Helen’s as ‘our parish church’. Baptisms and funerals take

place pretty well on a weekly basis. The church is the venue for major civic events ranging

from the Service of Remembrance in November to the annual Civic Service of the town

administration and on these occasions the church seats more than three hundred people

with no space to spare. Local schools use the church regularly for church assemblies and

other special services and to support their R.E. curriculum. The Family Worker from Witton

Church Walk School uses the church to host parenting programmes, and other local

providers use the church for special events. The absence of pews means that the spacious

nave and aisles are very flexible. Seating can be moved or re-arranged quickly to permit a

wide range of activities. There is a regular pattern of social use and a growing pattern of

cultural activities, although these are severely restricted due to the lack of catering,

adequate toilet and car parking facilities. In addition, the churchyard is seldom used other

than as a pedestrian shortcut because of its forlorn appearance and anti-social activity.

These and other deficiencies are explained more fully in the Statement of Need. Taking all of

these points into consideration we believe that St Helen’s is of high social significance.

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We petition the Court for a faculty to authorise the following-

Please fully and accurately state the works or other proposals for which a faculty is sought. Where relevant, include the number and date on the architect’s or surveyor’s drawings or other specifications. If it is proposed to dispose of any item details must be given.

The works or proposals must be the same as those in respect of which the Diocesan Advisory Committee has given any advice (subject to any modifications that have been made to take account of advice received – if any modifications have been made they also must be described here).

SCHEDULE OF WORKS OR PROPOSALS

See Uploaded documents

Copies of the Standard Information Form and any drawings, plans, specifications, photographs or other documents showing the proposals must be provided with this petition.

Page 2Monday, May 11, 2020 10:02 AM

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TITLE

LOCATION

CLIENT

STATUS

SCALE

© All information contained within this document remains copyright of Landscape Projects Ltd. and shall not be reproduced without prior consent.

(1) Do not scale from this drawing - use written dimensions only. (2) All dimensions are in millimeters unless noted. (3) All dimensions shall be verified on site before proceeding with the work. (4) Contractor to report and discrepancies or errors before proceeding on site. (5) Landscape Projects shall be notified of any discrepancies. (6) Engineer to specify all sub-bases. Any below ground construction is indicative.

DATE

REFERENCE REV

DRAWN

Northwich

Planning

500-LP-GF-GA-001

RL

2019-10-28

P1

CHECKED NS

JOB TITLE St Helen Witton Church

REV P1 RL 2020-05-07 Planning Issue

1:500 @ A1

N

Parochial Church Council

Location Plan

+44 (0) 161 839 8336

[email protected]

31 BLACKFRIARS ROADSALFORDMANCHESTERM3 7AQ

C H U R C H R O A D

C H E S T E R W A Y

C H U R C H W A L K

P R I N C E S A V E

V I C T O R I A

R O A D

V I C A R A G E R O A D

W E S T V I E W G R E E N A L L R O A D

K I N G S W A Y

S C

H O

O L

W A

Y

KEY

Boundaries:

Application Boundary

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TITLE

LOCATION

CLIENT

STATUS

SCALE

DATE

REFERENCE REV

DRAWN

Northwich

Planning

500-LP-GF-GA-002

RL

2019-10-28

P1

CHECKED NS


REV P1

1:200 @ A1

N


Existing Site Plan

+44 (0) 161 839 8336

[email protected]


KEY

Application Boundaries:

Red Line Boundary

Gravestones:

Gravestones from topographical survey

Traditional gravestone noted on site

Commonwealth war gravestone noted on site

C H U R C H R O A D



RL 2020-05-07 Planning Issue

12 of 39

TITLE

LOCATION

CLIENT

STATUS

SCALE

DATE

REFERENCE REV

DRAWN

Northwich

Planning

500-LP-GF-GA-003

RL

2019-10-28

P1

CHECKED NS


REV P1

1:200 @ A1

N


Proposed Site Plan

+44 (0) 161 839 8336

[email protected]


KEY

Application Boundaries:

Red Line Boundary

Gravestones:


Traditional gravestone noted on site

Commonwealth war gravestone noted on site

C H U R C H R O A D




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C H U R C H R O A D

KEY

Boundaries:


Site Preparation

Gravestones:

Gravestone to be relocated

Gravestone to be protected during works

Soft Landscape:

Tree to be removed to ground level only, stump to be left as close to ground level as possible.

Tree to be retained.

Existing turf to be removed and topsoil to be retained in heap in a convenient location on site.

Hard landscape:

Churchyard wall - works to be carried out by a Stone Mason - Carefully record and number all stone wall units, dismantle and store for re-use. Exact details TBC.

Scarify existing tarmac wearing course; remove from site. Existing features to be removed and stored.

Regrading:

Excavate area to reduce levels (where necessary) and prepare base to receive hardcore / topsoil

Notes:

(1) Locations of existing gravestones / trees are based on the 2015 topographical survey by Paragon Surveys 'PS-1198-TS-02'(2) Stone mason to carry out a detailed review of proposed works to the sandstone wall(3) Tree survey undertaken by Landscape Projects Ltd during July 2015 & March 2017(4) All trees within church boundary under the managment of the town council and ongoing condition review by the Clerk of Works.(5) Tree works:- All tree works to be carried out between July & September or Novemeber & February. Tree works to avoid season for nesting birds - All tree works should be carried out in accordance with current best practice guidelines & BS3998:2010 - Tree works recommendations- Tree works to be carried out by Arboricultural Association approved contractor

T66

Trees to be removed:

Low growing vegetation to be cleared.

TITLE

LOCATION

CLIENT

STATUS

SCALE

DATE

REFERENCE REV

DRAWN

Northwich

Planning

500-LP-GF-GA-004

RL

2020-01-02

P1

CHECKED NS


REV P1

1:100 @ A1

N


Site Clearance incl. Tree Works

+44 (0) 161 839 8336

[email protected]





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1:3

1:4.5

1:4

1:21

1:21

1:40

1:21

1:60

+20.24e

+19.50e

+19.70e

+19.82e

+20.30e

+20.20e

1:21

+20.30p+20.30p

+19.74p+19.74p

+19.715p+19.715p

+20.42p

+19.97p

+20.07p

+19.51p

+20.35e

+19.55e

+19.45e

+19.29e +19.35e

+19.60e+19.90e

+20.00e+20.45e

+20.50e

+19.87p

+20.04p

+19.71p

1:6.3

1:5.5

1:7

1:14

1:6.5

1:40

1:13

1:10

1:12

1:7.5

1:80

+19.71p

+19.68p

1:60

+20.26p+20.14p

+20.02p

+19.90p +20.13p

+19.94p

+20.10p+20.20p

+20.20e

+20.40e1:5

1:7.51:14

+19.27e

+19.30e

1:18

1:5

+20.48e

+20.60e

+20.90e

+20.50e +20.56e

+20.53e

C H U R C H R O A D

KEY

Boundaries:


Levels:

Existing level

Proposed level

Direction and gradient of proposed fall

Extent of regrading

Hard Landscape

Gravestones:


Traditional Gravestone noted on site (not surveyed)

Commonwealth War Gravestone noted on site (not surveyed)

Surfaces:

S01: Reinforced grass surface: Bodpave85 by TERRAM or similar, infilled with structural soil. To be seeded with hardwearing grass seed mix, suitable for ground reinforcement and vehicle overrun.

S02: Bitmac to match existing footpath

S03: Bitmac to match existing road

S04: Blister tactile paving by Marshalls or similiar, 400 x 400 x 80mm. Tone: buff to match existing and constrast surrounding paving tone.

Kerbs & Edgings:

K01: Pre-cast concrete kerbs: Conservation kerbs by Marshalls or similar to match existing road edging. Size: 63mm wide x 150mm high x 915mm length, Tone: Silver grey

E01: Timber edging: 150mm x 38mm board with 50mm x 50mm x 300mm softwood pegs @ 900mm centres. All timber to be tanalised and FSC certified.

Fencing / Boundaries:

B01: Church Road boundary wall. Details of works TBC.

B02: Temporary hedge protection: Timber post and tensioned wire fencing. Approx 800mm high.

G01: Vehicle gate: double leaf, approx 1500mm high x 3100mm clear width. Vertical bar, galvanised and ppc, RAL colour tbc. To be supplied with key in lock, handles, gate stop and drop bolts. Posts to be set behind Gate Piers.

G02: Pedestrian gate: single leaf, approx 1500mm high x 1200mm clear width. Vertical bar, galvanised and ppc, RAL colour tbc. To be supplied with handles, gate stop and drop bolts. Posts to be set behind Gate Piers.

Street Furniture:

F01: Parking bay markers: Bodpave85 white markers, to snap-fit to paving grid.

F02: Timber bollard: Pointed top, square section timber bollard approx 1000mm high by Woodscape or similiar approved. All timber to be tanalised and FSC certified.

Soft Landscape:

P01: Grass seed with 150mm topsoil. To be seeded with general purpose seed mix to match surround lawn.

P02: Bulb and herbaceous planting. 200mm topsoil and 100mm mulch. Planting incorporating native and nectar rich species.

H01: Hedge: Fagus sylvatica (Beech). Approx 900mm high. 150mm topsoil.

Proposed Trees:

T01: Typical species to include Crataegus, Carpinus betulus, Ilex aquifolium, Prunus, Pyrus. Size 20-25cm girth, minimum 2400mm clear stem.

+19.72e

1:60

+19.72p

S01

S02

S02

S03

S04

K01

K01K01

E01

E01

B01

B02

B02B02

B02

B02

B02

G01

G02

F01

F01

F01

F02

P01

P01

P01

P01

P01

P02P02

P02

H02

H02

H02

H02

H02

B02

B02

H02

H02H02

T01

T01

T01

T01

T01

T01

T01

P01P01

T01

E01

NOTES:(1) An explanation and description of the landscape features are provided within the Design & Access Statement.(2) Final selection of materials, tree and plant species and street furniture elements subject to detailed testing, assessment and procurement conditions(3) Landscape proposals and locations of existing gravestones / trees are based on the 2015 topographical survey by Paragon Surveys 'PS-1198-TS-02'(4) Stone mason to carry out a detailed review of proposed works to the sandstone wall(5) Ground conditions unknown. Engineer to confirm subbase.

B01

TITLE

LOCATION

CLIENT

STATUS

SCALE

DATE

REFERENCE REV

DRAWN

Northwich

Planning

500-LP-GF-GA-005

RL

2020-01-02

P1

CHECKED NS


REV P1

1:100 @ A1

N


Car Park & Associated Works General Arrangement

+44 (0) 161 839 8336

[email protected]





15 of 39

TITLE

LOCATION

CLIENT

STATUS

SCALE


(1) Do not scale from this drawing - use written dimensions only. (2) All dimensions are in millimeters unless noted. (3) All dimensions shall be verified on site before proceeding with the work. (4) Contractor to report and discreoancies or errors before proceeding on site. (5)Landscape Projects shall be notified of any discrepancies. (6) Engineer to specify all sub-bases. Any below ground construction is indicative.

DATE

REFERENCE REV

DRAWN

CHECKED

JOB TITLE

REV P1

N

+44 (0) 161 839 8336

[email protected]


Northwich

Planning

500-LP-GF-SEC-100

RL

2019-12-01

P1

NS

St Helen Witton Church

RL 2020-05-07 Planning issue

1:100 @ A1


General Arrangement Sections A&B

+20.

40e

+20.

02p

+20.

64e

+22.

08TO

G

+22.

00TO

G

+21.

49TO

G

+20.

77e

+20.

65e

+20.

02p

+20.

24e

+20.

21e

+20.

21e

APP

LIC

ATI

ON

BO

UN

DA

RY

APP

LIC

ATI

ON

BO

UN

DA

RY

+19.

45e

+19.

34e

CHURCH ROADCAR PARK

DETAIL iSECTION A @ 1:100

P01 S01 T01H01/B02

CHURCHYARDPLANTINGREGRADING

F02

CHURCHYARD

PLANTING

+20.

50e

+20.

34e

+20.

61e

+20.

01p

+20.

20p

+20.

67e

APP

LIC

ATI

ON

BO

UN

DA

RY

APP

LIC

ATI

ON

BO

UN

DA

RY

+20.

36p

+20.

00e

+20.

01e

+19.

85p

+19.

74e

DETAIL iiSECTION B @ 1:100

CAR PARK

P02 F02 S01 P01 S03H01/B02

H01/B02 H01/

B02H01/B02

K01 K01S02

E01H01/B02

P02

WIDENEDACCESS ROAD FOOTPATH PLANTING

S01S01

PLANTINGCHURCHYARD

1:3

1:4.5

1:4

1:21

1:21

1:40

1:21

1:60

+20.24e

+19.50e

+19.70e

+19.82e

+20.30e

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1:21

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+19.60e+19.90e

+20.00e+20.45e

+20.50e

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+20.04p

+19.71p

1:6.3

1:5.5

1:7

1:14

1:6.5

1:40

1:13

1:10

1:12

1:7.5

1:80

+19.71p

+19.68p

1:60

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+20.02p

+19.90p +20.13p

+19.94p

+20.10p+20.20p

+20.20e

+20.40e1:5

1:7.51:14

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+19.30e

1:18

1:5

+20.48e

+20.60e

+20.90e

+20.50e +20.56e

+20.53e

KEY PLAN @ 1:400

B

B

A

A

C H U

R C H R O

A D

KEY

Levels:

Existing level

Proposed level

Hard Landscape

Surfaces:


S02: Bitmac to match existing footpath


Kerbs & Edgings:


E01: Timber edging: 150mm x 38mm board with 50mm x 50mm x 300mm softwood pegs @ 900mm centres. All timber to be tanalised and FSC certified.



Street Furniture:

F02: Timber bollard: Pointed top, square section timber bollard approx 1000mm high by Woodscape or similiar approved. All timber to be tanalised and FSC certified.

Soft Landscape:


P02: Bulb and herbaceous planting. 200mm topsoil and 100mm mulch. Planting incorporating native and nectar rich species.


Proposed Trees:


16 of 39

TITLE

LOCATION

CLIENT

STATUS

SCALE



DATE

REFERENCE REV

DRAWN

CHECKED

JOB TITLE

REV P1

N

+44 (0) 161 839 8336

[email protected]


Northwich

Planning

500-LP-GF-SEC-101

RL

2019-12-01

P1

NS



1:50 @ A1


General Arrangement Sections C&D

20.45e+

PRESUMED AREA OF ARCHEOLOGY

19.89e+

20.22p+

20.20e+

19.6

5e+

19.6

0e+

19.8

0e+

20.0

0e+

DETAIL iSECTION D @ 1:50

APP

LIC

ATI

ON

BO

UN

DA

RY

APP

LIC

ATI

ON

BO

UN

DA

RY

CAR PARK PLANTINGPLANTINGCHURCHYARD CHURCHYARD

H01/B02

T01P01 S01 H01/B02

P01

PRESUMED AREA OF ARCHEOLOGY

19.95e+

20.10e+

20.50e+

20.70e+

DETAIL iSECTION C @ 1:50

ACCESS ROADCHURCHYARD CHURCHYARD

S03 K01K01

APP

LIC

ATI

ON

BO

UN

DA

RY

APP

LIC

ATI

ON

BO

UN

DA

RY

P01

1:3

1:4.5

1:4

1:21

1:21

1:40

1:21

1:60

+20.24e

+19.50e

+19.70e

+19.82e

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1:21

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+19.29e +19.35e

+19.60e+19.90e

+20.00e+20.45e

+20.50e

+19.87p

+20.04p

+19.71p

1:6.3

1:5.5

1:7

1:14

1:6.5

1:40

1:13

1:10

1:12

1:7.5

1:80

+19.71p

+19.68p

1:60

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+20.02p

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+19.94p

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1:7.51:14

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+19.30e

1:18

1:5

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+20.60e

+20.90e

+20.50e +20.56e

+20.53e

KEY PLAN @ 1:400

C H U

R C H R O

A D

DD

C

C

KEY

Levels:

Existing ground level

Proposed ground level

Hard Landscape

Surfaces:



Kerbs & Edgings:




Soft Landscape:



Proposed Trees:


17 of 39

TITLE

LOCATION

CLIENT

STATUS

SCALE



DATE

REFERENCE REV

DRAWN

CHECKED

JOB TITLE

REV P1

N

+44 (0) 161 839 8336

[email protected]


Northwich

Planning

500-LP-GF-DET-400

RL

2019-12-01

P1

NS



Varies @ A1


Existing Wall Details

1220

300

CC

Detail iiiWALL & COPING ELEVATION @ 1:8

300

270

240

30

SECTION C-C @ 1:8

2450

App

rox

1500

(var

ies)

350

422

350

530

280

190

A A

BB

Detail iiGATE PIER ELEVATION @ 1:8

350

350

SECTION A-A @ 1:8

530

530

SECTION B-B @ 1:8

Detail iEXISTING GATEWAY ELEVATION @ 1:20

SANDSTONE WALL GATE PIER VEHICLE AND PEDESTRIAN GATEWAY GATE PIER EXISTING SANDSTONE WALL

45°

junc

tion

25°

junc

tion

See Detail ii

KEY PLAN @ 1:400

Detail iiiPHOTOS OF EXISTING WALL

18 of 39

KEY

G01: Vehicle gate: approx 1500mm high x 3200mm clear width. Double-leaf. Vertical bar, galvanised and ppc, RAL colour tbc. To be supplied with handles, key in lock, gate stop and drop bolts. Posts to be set behind wall pillars. - Posts: 80mm x 70mm x 5mm box section steel posts.- Gate frame: 20mm x 50mm x 5mm SHS frame- Vertical infill: 20mm diameter infill bars - Footings: to Engineer's details - Fittings: Gates to be lockable with drop bolts.

G02: Pedestrian gate: approx 1500mm high x 1200mm clear width. Single leaf. Vertical bar, galvanised and ppc, RAL colour tbc. To be supplied with handles, gate stop and drop bolts. Posts to be set behind wall pillars.

General:- All dimensions subject to on site measurements - Minimum 60mm clearance to bottom of all gates. - Maximum clear width between vertical offets 100mm- Finish: All steel to be galvanised and powder coated, Tone: RAL 9005 (Jet Black).

NOTES:(1) To be read in conjunction with drawing 500-LP-GF-GA-005 General arrangement (2) The drawing shows illustrative design intent for costing and planning purposes. All structural calculations and detail design to be coordinated between fabricator and structural engineer. (3) Fabricator to provide shop drawings for comment and approval prior to manufacture

TITLE

LOCATION

CLIENT

STATUS

SCALE



DATE

REFERENCE REV

DRAWN

CHECKED

JOB TITLE

REV P1

N

+44 (0) 161 839 8336

[email protected]


Northwich

Planning

500-LP-GF-DET-401

RL

2019-12-01

P1

NS



1:20 @ A1


Proposed Wall Details

Detail iiPROPOSED WALL ELEVATION @ 1:20

EXISTING SANDSTONE WALL G01: VEHICLE GATE G02: PEDESTRIAN GATE EXISTING SANDSTONE WALL

EXTENT OF NEW WORKS- REFER TO LP DRAWING 500-LP-GF-DET-405

45°

junc

tion

EXISTINGGATE PIER

NEWGATEPIER

NEWGATEPIER

25°

junc

tion

1:3

1:4.5

1:4

1:21

1:21

1:40

1:21

1:60

+20.24e

+19.50e

+19.70e

+19.82e

+20.30e

+20.20e

1:21

+20.30p+20.30p

+19.74p+19.74p

+19.715p+19.715p

+20.42p

+19.97p

+20.07p

+19.51p

+20.35e

+19.55e

+19.45e

+19.29e +19.35e

+19.60e+19.90e

+20.00e+20.45e

+20.50e

+19.87p

+20.04p

+19.71p

1:6.3

1:5.5

1:7

1:14

1:6.5

1:40

1:13

1:10

1:12

1:7.5

1:80

+19.71p

+19.68p

1:60

+20.26p+20.14p

+20.02p

+19.90p +20.13p

+19.94p

+20.10p+20.20p

+20.20e

+20.40e1:5

1:7.51:14

+19.27e

+19.30e

1:18

1:5

+20.48e

+20.60e

+20.90e

+20.50e +20.56e

+20.53e

KEY PLAN @ 1:400

Detail iEXISTING WALL ELEVATION @ 1:20

SANDSTONE WALL GATE PIER VEHICLE AND PEDESTRIAN GATEWAY GATE PIER SANDSTONE WALL

45°

junc

tion

25°

junc

tion

19 of 39

KEY

G01: Vehicle gate: approx 1500mm high x 3340mm width (approx. 3200mm clear width between gate piers). Double-leaf. Vertical bar, galvanised and ppc, RAL colour tbc. To be supplied with handles, key in lock, gate stop and drop bolts.

- Posts: 80mm x 70mm x 5mm box section steel posts. Posts to be set behind gate piers. - Gate frame: 20mm x 50mm x 5mm SHS frame- Vertical infill: 20mm diameter infill bars - Horizontal infill: 20mm diameter infill bars - Footings: to Engineer's details - Fittings: Gates to be lockable with drop bolts.

G02: Pedestrian gate: approx 1500mm high x 1340mm width (approx. 1200mm clear width between gate piers). Single leaf. Vertical bar, galvanised and ppc, RAL colour tbc. To be supplied with handles, gate stop and drop bolts.

- Posts: 80mm x 70mm x 5mm box section steel posts. Posts to be set behind gate piers. - Gate frame: 20mm x 50mm x 5mm SHS frame- Vertical infill: 20mm diameter infill bars - Horizontal infill: 20mm diameter infill bars - Footings: to Engineer's details - Fittings: Drop bolts.

General:

- All dimensions subject to on site measurements - Minimum 60mm clearance to bottom of all gates. - Maximum clear width between vertical offets 100mm- Finish: All steel to be galvanised and powder coated, Tone: RAL 9005 (Jet Black).

NOTES:(1) To be read in conjunction with drawing 500-LP-GF-GA-005 General arrangement (2) The drawing shows illustrative design intent for costing and planning purposes. All structural calculations and detail design to be coordinated between fabricator and structural engineer. (3) Fabricator to provide shop drawings for comment and approval prior to manufacture

TITLE

LOCATION

CLIENT

STATUS

SCALE



DATE

REFERENCE REV

DRAWN

CHECKED

JOB TITLE

REV P1

N

+44 (0) 161 839 8336

[email protected]


Northwich

Planning

500-LP-GF-DET-405

RL

2019-12-01

P1

NS



Varies @ A1


Gate Details

Detail iPROPOSED GATEWAY ELEVATION @ 1:20

EXISTING SANDSTONE WALL G01: VEHICLE GATE G02: PEDESTRIAN GATE EXISTING SANDSTONE WALLEXISTINGGATE PIER

NEWGATEPIER

NEWGATEPIER

45°

junc

tion

25°

junc

tion

1:3

1:4.5

1:4

1:21

1:21

1:40

1:21

1:60

+20.24e

+20.30e

+20.20e

1:21

+20.30p+20.30p +20.42p

+20.07p

+19.51p

+20.35e

+19.55e

+19.45e

+20.50e

+19.87p

+20.04p

+19.71p

1:6.3

1:5.5

1:7

1:14

1:6.5

1:40

1:13

1:10

1:60

+20.26p+20.14p

+20.02p

+19.90p +20.13p

+19.94p

+20.10p+20.20p

+20.20e

+20.40e1:5

+19.27e

+19.30e

1:18

1:5

+20.48e

+20.60e

+20.90e

+20.50e +20.56e

+20.53e

KEY PLAN @ 1:400Detail iiiDETAILED PLAN @ 1:25

Detail iiGATE ELEVATIONS @ 1:10

90 90

20 20

90 90

20 20

90 90

20 20

90 90

20 20

90 90

20 20

90 90

20 20

90

20

90

20 20

90 90

20 20

90 90

20 20

90 90

20 20

90 90

20 20

90 90

20 20

90 90

20 20

2020

150

150

2020

90

20 20

90 90

20 20

90 90

20 20

90 90

20 20

90 90

20 20

90

20

150

150

2020

1500

1340

1500

334070 70

20 20

90 9090 90

20

min

60

2020

150

150

2020

min

60

2020

70 70

min

60

90 90

20 20

G01 G02

Post to be positionedbehind Gate Pillar.

Posts to be positionedbehind Gate Pillar.

Post to be positionedbehind Gate Pillar.

Horizontal bar toalign with with

gate pier detail

Height of gatesto align with

height of wall

N

20 of 39

St Helen Witton Church, Northwich

Design and Access Statement

500-LP-DAS-St Helens May 2020

Landscape Architecture 6 Design

Revision P1

Date 2020-05-07

Author NS-RL

Purpose Issued for planning

D2020 Landscape Projects. All rights reserved. No part of this document

may be reproduced in any form, without prior permission from the

author.

Prepared by Landscape Projects.

Landscape Projects

31 Blackfriars Road

Salford

Manchester

M3 7AC)

+44 (0)161 839 8336

.44 (0)1M 839 7155

NOTE

For technical reasons it has not been possible to incorporate

scaled drawings into the discussion document. Any views are

included for illustrative purposes only, references to scaled

drawings are provided.

=landscrnprojects

31 Ellackfriars Road Salford Manchester M3 7AQ PHONE: 0161 839 8336 FAX: 0161 839 7155 EMAIL: [email protected]

St Helen Wilton Church I Design and Access Statement I May 2020

Landscape Projects I Landscape Architects I Page 2

21 of 39

St Helen Witton Church | Design and Access Statement | May 2020

Landscape Projects | Landscape Architects | Page 3

Contents

1 Introduction 4

1.1 Background 5

2 Site Context 6

2.1 Usage 6

2.2 Condition 6

3 Existing Car Park and Proposed Extension 7

3.1 Existing Features 8

4 Historic Development 11

5 Constraints 12

6 Proposals 14

6.1 Materials 15

6.1 Site Preparation 16

6.1 Sections 17

6.1 Details 20

7 Landscape Management and Maintenance 22

8 Summary 24



1 Introduction

This document is the Design & Access Statement prepared in support of the planning application for improving the on-site car parking provision at St Helen Witton Church in Northwich. It has been produced by Landscape Projects Landscape Architects, on behalf of the Parochial Church Council (PCC).

This application seeks approval to improve the on-site parking provision to provide a formal gathering place for events and processions. The works, which include widening of the eastern gateway on Church Road, will ?C IJGC 9DBEAN L?I> OG; K;>?9A; 799;HH G;FJ?G;B;CIHwhich are not currently provided.

This document will also be used for submission to the Diocese of Chester, Diocesan Advisory Committees (DAC) for Faculty Approval.

22 of 39


1.1 Background

This document follows a feasibility study which examined the potential to redevelop the churchyard to make an improved setting for the Church and its visitors in what is a sensitive and historic site. It identified the most appropriate location for additional parking as the south-east section of the churchyard, refer to figure 1.1 and Section 3.

Figure 1.1 I Site Location Plan Refer to LP drawing 500-LP-GF-GA-001

Landscape Praise,. I Landscape Architects I Page 5



2 Site Context

2.1 Usage

St Helen’s Church is a grade I listed building (Historic England list entry number: 1329880) located in Northwich Conservation Area. For centuries, people have turned to the church to help them mark H?=C?O97CI I?B;H ?C I>;?G A?K;H$ 6;;@AN ;K;CIH ?C9AJ:;

Sunday Worship, Baptisms and Funerals.

The church is currently undergoing a renewal; an increasing number of activities are being provided 8JI I>; :?<O9JAI?;H 7C: <GJHIG7I?DC 97JH;: 8N I>; A79@

of parking is ultimately discouraging people from attending, therefore inhibiting the Church from serving I>; 9DBBJC?IN 7C: <JAOAA?C= ?IH K?H?DC$

The Churchyard has provided the setting for the church for over 650 years and is designated as part of the curtilage of the Grade 1 listed Church itself. It was a burial space for the local community, however burials ceased in the 1960s and it is seldom used other than a pedestrian shortcut.

The church grounds are currently managed by Northwich Town Council who undertake works on behalf of the Church PCC (Parochial Church Council).

2.2 Condition

The broken and dilapidated grave markers give the churchyard a forlorn appearance. There are a variety of grave markers within the churchyard, but most are in various stages of decay, ranging from unevenly settled markers to broken and fragmentary stones. /7CN JEG?=>I HIDC;H >7K; 8;;C A7?: P7I <DG H7<;IN

reasons.

NORTHWICH

CEMETERY

CHURCHYARD

CHURCH

Figure 2.1 | Aerial photograph of the Church & Churchyard

N

Figure 2.2 | Photos of the Churchyard

23 of 39


3 Existing Car Park and Proposed Extension

PROPDSED DAR PARK

Ex TENSION

Figure 3.0 I Photos of the Area of Interest

Landscape Projects I Landscape Architects

A feasibility study identified the south-east section of the Churchyard the most appropriate location for additional parking for the following reasons:

Landscape - the landscape in this area Is open. gently undulating lawn. overlooked by housing along Church Road.

Access - vehicle and pedestrian access is already provided via the gateway from Church Road.

Existing Parking - 3 disabled parking spaces are located in the immediate vicinity of the church (photo 4) and are currently accessed via this gateway.

Gravemarkers - there are significantly fewer grave markers in comparison to the rest of the Churchyard.

Trees - there is one tree within the area of Interest; a Fraxinus excelsior which is in a declining state.

I Page



3.1 Existing Features

• Churchyard and Gravemarkers

The churchyard at St Helens Witton Northwich was closed to burials in the 1960’s. It is maintained by Northwich Borough Council, whose responsibility it is to mow grass, tend to trees and hedges, and ensure safety of gravemarkers.

There is a wide range of gravemarkers still visible throughout the church grounds, In the vicinity of I>; EGDEDH;: 97G E7G@" I>;G; 7G; H?=C?O97CIAN <;L;G

gravemarkers than elsewhere. There are 6 which are shown on the site survey carried out in 2015, and 3 noted on site. These include simple stone slabs in stone materials including local sandstone, imported yorkstone, slate, granite and marble. More elaborate Headstones sometimes feature kerbs. There are several cremation memorials, as well as large Ledger 4IDC;H" A7?: P7I$ 5>;G; ?H DC; )DBBDCL;7AI> 67G

Grave commemorating the death of a combatant in the First World War.

Much discussion has taken place regarding the design of the car park to avoid impact on gravemarkers and their setting; this included a site meeting with Andy Knowlson, the representative of the Commonwealth 67G ,G7K;H )DBB?HH?DC" L>D 9DCOGB;: >?H

satisfaction as to the arrangements made to retain the Commonwealth War Grave in situ.

Military gravemarker Cremation MemorialFreestanding monument (laid !at)

In distance : Ledger stone (laid !at)

Figure 3.1 | Gravemarkers

24 of 39


Figure 3.4 I Existing Fraxinus excelsior true Figure 3.61 Existing ground levels

• Trees

The churchyard was surveyed in 2015; the tree within the area of interest is Frasinus excelsior which is in a declining state, and appears to have worsened since the tree survey was carried out.

• Ground Levels

The area in focus is framed by gentle slopes to al l sides, with the lowest point in the south-west corner of the site and highest levels to towards the Church and Eastern gateway.

The surface levels within the area vary from +19.2 to +20.83.




• Boundaries

A sandstone wall comprises the eastern boundary. The wall extends along Church Road and is approximately 1.5m high with coping and two gate piers. The boundary walls are designated within the Grade 1 listing as part of the curtilage of the church.

• Gateways

An opening in the eastern boundary wall provides a gateway to this section of the churchyard. The gateway features a single leaf steel gate set back from Church Road and provides access for vehicles and pedestrians; it does not currently provide the B?C?BJB L?:I> G;FJ?G;B;CIH <DG OG; K;>?9A; 799;HH$The gateway is designated within the Grade 1 listing as part of the curtilage of the church.

• Paley and Austin

Between 1882-1886 the church underwent substantial refurbishment and expansion to designs by the Lancaster-based Architectural practice Paley and Austin. A sandstone wall, with stone piers and cappings at entrances, was erected on the north and east boundaries of the churchyard. This forms the boundaries and gateways which exist today.

Figure 3.2 | Church Road Boundary Wall

Figure 3.3 | Church Road Gateway

25 of 39


4 Historic Development

Figure 4.1 I Chet.ic plan and images of the former WItten Gramm. School


The grounds around St Helens Church have been used as a burial ground for centuries, as well as a location for a Grammar School. A desktop review of historical records show that:

• Unti l the end of the 18th century. the churchyard at the east side of the church was smaller than today, and Included a small Grammar School, situated against the wall of the churchyard.

• Witton Grammar School was built in 1726 (although there may have a been a much older building on the same site)

• Northwich experienced a rapid expansion in population In the beginning of the 19th century, leading to a pressing need for additional burial space. The churchyard was expanded eastwards, and the Grammar School demolished in 1869. Church Lane seems to have been cfiverted, and the resulting area was levelled and cleared for burials

At around the same time St Helens Church underwent an extensive renovation and enlargement, M designs prepared by Paley and Austin. highly respected church architects, based In Lancaster. It was during these works that the sandstone wall, gates and Piers were constructed along Church Lane.

I Page 11



5 Constraints

The proposals have been carefully designed in what is a sensitive and historic site. The design development has explored a series of ways to appropriately address the following design considerations:

• Improve accessibility

• Fire vehicle access

• Reduce visual impact

• Minimise impact on gravemarkers

• Prevent intrusion on below-ground archeology

26 of 39


nemaren:

m....-zvaponr„.

Proposed Car Park Extension For scaled drawing refer to LP drawing 500-LP-GF-GA-003

P,5k,5-s I Landscape Architects I Page 13

Figure 6.0 I General Arrangement Refer to LP drawing 500-LP-GF-GA-005


6 Proposals

1. Car Park - enlargement of the existing parking facilities by 21 spaces, including 3 disabled bays (in line with the Department for Transport guidelines) to provide a formal gathering place for events and processions.

2. Widening of Gate and provision of Pedestrian Gate - dismantling and re-erection of northern gatepost, installation of double leafed gate, and provision of new opening in existing sandstone wall for pedestrian gate. This will provide a lockable gate arrangement, capable of accommodating emergency vehicles.

3. Soft landscape - boundary hedging and tree planting is designed to screen the car park and reduce the visual impact. A reinforced grass surface provides continuity with the surroundings whilst withstanding vehicular loads.

4. Boundary hedge - openings in the boundary hedge are designed to maintain a connection to the adjacent gravestones. The design of the car park allows the Commonwealth War Grave to be preserved in its current location, framed by the hedge.

5. Layout and Levels - the design of the car park and surface levels have been developed with careful consideration to prevent intrusion on below ground archaeology.


27 of 39



Trees to be removed:

6.1 Materials

Hard Landscape

Reinforced grass: Bodpave85 by TERRAM or similar, int illed with structural soi l. To be seeded with hardwearing grass seed mix, suitable for ground reinforcement and vehicle overrun

Bitmac footpath / road surface to tie in with existing

Conservation kerbs by Marshalls or similar to match existing road edging.

Timber edging to match existing. All timber to be tanalised and FSC certified.

Vehicle / pedestrian gates: double leaf, vertical bar, galvanised and ppc. To be supplied with key in lock, handles, gate stop and drop bolts. Posts to be set behind Gate Piers.

Timber bollard: Pointed top, square section timber bollard approx 1000mm high by Woodscape or similiar approved. All timber to be tanalised and FSC certified .

Soft Landscape

• Trees - typical species to include Crataegus, Carpinus betulus, I lex aquifolium, Prunus, Pyrus. Size 20-25cm girth, minimum 2400mm clear stem.

• Hedges - Fagus sylvatica. Approx 900mm high.

I Page 15


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ilex men...a

CCU Be.alea.13.....1•1

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retz=vo---- :iiEr=grolEF-7vr.•=0„

Figure 6.2 I Site Preparation incl. Tree Works Refer to LP drawing 500-LP-GF-GA-004

6.2 Site Preparation

Trees - The existing Fraxinus excelsior tree, which is in a declining state and seems to have worsened since the 2015 tree survey was carried out, it is to be removed to ground level. Replacement tree planting is proposed to screen the parking area.

Gravemarkers - a minimum of 7 gravestones are to be lifted and relocated - the exact number will be based on construction area requirements and the discovery of any additional gravestones which have not been recorded in the topographical survey.

Commonwealth war grave - is to be preserved in its existing location. The CWGC have been consulted throughout the design process given the close proximity of a Commonwealth War Grave to the site. Following an on-site visit and discussions with the design team, the CWGC confirmed they have no objections and support the proposals.


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EN

DETAILS NOT TO SCALE Refer to LP drawing 5OO-LP-GP-SEC-100

Landscape Projects I Landscape architects

KEY PLAN. PON 6.3 Sections

L.1-1--- ----).4.: -) • Soft Landscape - the long sections demonstrate how the boundary hedge and tree planting screen

A reinforced grass surface provides continuity with maintain a connection M the adjacent gravestones. the parking area; openings in the boundary hedge

the surroundings.

die

KEY PLAN aoo

DETAILS NOT TO SCALE Nisi' le LP drawing 500-LP-GESEC-101

Reinforced grass - the ground conditions below the car park are unknown; there is sufficient space to establish a porous sub-base incorporating a geo-grid reinforcement, however, the exact depth of the subbase will need to be confirmed by a Structural / Civil Engineer.

I Paget


Landscape PrCtECIF 1 Landscape Architects I Page to

29 of 39


Proposed Levels Refer to LP drawing 500-LP-GF-GA-00.5

- - - LEVELS TO REMAIN AS +DUSTING —


—a-

4116LROF.C.I.11

Grading and Site Levels

rnB proposed car park will be constructed on porixsi fill malarial *rich wil l be spread over the existing site this structural build up will create a robust surface which will be free-draining. This will ensure that, once the existing topsoil has been removed (no deeper than 300mm) there will be no need to undertake deep excavations for drainage, kerbs or other features. This wil l thereby ensure that will ne no impact On underlying features and archaeology.

The plan adjacent shows areas where levels are to be raised together with a small area where topsoi l will he excavated from Misting surfaces.

MI Uplift in levels

Decrease in levels

Location of lamer Pillion Grammar Saecol

I Page 19



6.4 Details

• Gateway

The opening in the sandstone wall is to be widened by approximately 400mm to comply with minimum clear L?:I> <DG OG; K;>?9A; 799;HH

A separate pedestrian gateway from Church Road is proposed, enabling the vehicle gate to be locked at night.

A stone mason will need to carry out a detailed review of the proposed works to the sandstone wall.

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G5B8GHCB9"K5@@ ;5H9"D=9F J9<=7@9"5B8"D989GHF=5B";5H9K5M ;5H9"D=9F G5B8GHCB9"K5@@

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DETAILS NOT TO SCALE

Refer to LP drawing 500-LP-GF-DET-401

30 of 39



• Vehicle Access

The access to the car park extension makes use of the existing gated entrance off Church Road. Traffic Regulations on Church Road restrict vehicle movement M one-way direction, approaching the site entrance from the south. Speeds are limited to 20 mph, and there are parking restrictions on both sides of the carriageway.

The current width of the entrance gate is insufficient to accommodate emergency vehicles and it is therefore proposed to widen the entrance; this will require dismantling and re-erection of the northern gatepost, and the widening, by some 300mm, of the entrance drive.

The sIghthne and visibility splay for vchicles exiting the site Is shown on the plan adjacent.

• Pedestrian Access

A new pedestrian gate is proposed M be installed immediately to the north of the vehicle gate, with a new footway extended to connect the entrance drive M the footway on Church Lane. This wil l provide level, step free access from the site boundary to the entrance doors of the Church, In compliance with Approved Document M and DDA access requirements.

I Page 21



7 Landscape Management and Maintenance

The design proposals for the car park extension set out to ensure a robust, resilient facilty which will G;FJ?G; 7 ADL A;K;A D< B7?CI;C7C9; 7C: ADC= I;GB

management. Particular features of the design which assist this approach are:

• Robust reinforced grass surface, which provides an easily mown surface, which will be managed in the same way as the existing church grounds.

• 2DGDJH HJG<79;" 7AADL?C= ?COAIG7I?DC D< HJG<79; L7I;G

into the ground, in the same way as current site 9DC:?I?DCH$ 1K;GPDL EGDK?H?DC ;CHJG;H 7AA HIDGB

water is retained on site, obviating the need for additional and complex drainage systems.

• -;:=;H & ADL >;:=;H L?AA :;OC; 97G E7G@ 8DJC:7GNwith the churchyard, and partially screen cars from view. Maintenance will be limited to two trims per year.

• Asphalt access road : low maintenance surface, draining to existing gulleys.

31 of 39


ataiizac

Em.

kit„Vt.:77.417x7

Proposed Car Park Extension For scaled drawing refer to LP drawing 500-LP-GF-GA-003

Lcncscacc Prop, 3, I Landscape ArthilOCLS I Page 23



8 Summary

St Helens Church in Northwich provides a thriving community service, making provision for a large parish with a wide range of residents, and performing the role of the Parish Church of Northwich. In order to continue to provide these services, it is necessary for the church to provide additional car park spaces. The ;M?HI?C= H?I; EGDK?H?DC D< % HE79;H ?H ?C7:;FJ7I;' I>;G;

are no opportunities to provide car parking within the wider vicinity of the Church, and therefore the Church seeks to extend the car parking provision within the Church grounds.

This Design and Access Statement sets out to support the Planning Application and Listed Building Consent Application for the extension of the existing car park provision at St Helens Church Witton, Northwich. It describes the existing site, and outlines the key constraints which have impinged on the layout and design of the proposed car park. It shows that the design has been carefully adjusted to:

• accommodate existing site features such as gravemarkers

• make use of existing access routes• avoid archaeological features, and ensure minimal

excavation• use sustainable materials including reinforced

grass to ensure a “soft touch” and minimise long term maintenance.

• integrate into the characteristic setting of the Grade 1 listed Church building, and its curtilage.

The Planning Application and Listed Build Consent <DGBH" 0DI??O97I?DC D< 2GDEDH;: 6DG@H ID 5G;;H ?C 7

Conservation Area drawings and Statement of Need should be read in conjunction with this Design and Access Statement.

32 of 39

Landscape Architecture B Design

landscape projects

31 Olackfriars Road SaLford Manchester M3 7AQ PHONE: 0161 839 8336 FAX: 0161 839 7155 EMAIL: postRiandscapeprojects.co.uk

33 of 39

Witton St Helen – Car park - Correspondence with parish

Attachments are listed according to the numbering on the supporting documents list

• Attachments in brown are included within the overview section

• Attachments in blue are included within the proposals section

Date Message

14/02/2020

To: Caroline Hilton

From: Rebecca Lyons

of Landscape Projects

We are contacting you in relation to a Faculty Application. Your details

were provided to us following a call to your Main Office.

We are a team of Landscape Architects working on behalf of the PPC at

St Helen Witton Church in Northwich. Our client wishes to extend

the current parking facilities within the Churchyard and we believe this

requires Faculty Approval in addition to Planning Approval.

Please could you advise us on the requirements for the application,

format and any associated costs?

The Churchwarden, Sue Williams, has offered to be the Petitioner for the

application.

19/02/2020

To: Rebecca Lyons of

Landscape Projects

From: Caroline Hilton

I confirm that the proposed extension of carparking facilities within the

churchyard will require faculty permission (as well as planning

permission).

The Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC) considers proposals and faculty

applications for works to church buildings and churchyards, and will

need to be provided with the following details of the proposed carpark

extension:

• Plan showing the carpark layout as existing and proposed

• Photographs showing the affected area

• Details of the surfacing of the carpark extension

• Details of drainage

• Details as to whether any trees would need to be felled or

shrubbery removed

It would basically be helpful for you to provide us with the same details

that you provide to the local authority for the planning application.

Also required to support the parish faculty application is:

• Statement of Needs – sets out what is needed and why, and the

justification for the impact of the proposals on the significance

of the church and/or its setting

• Statement of Significance - sets out the overall significance of

the church and its setting, also focusing on the significance of

the area affected, and what the impact of the proposals will be

It is usually the applicant from the church who will provide these

documents. I attach the Church Buildings Council template for the

Statement of Significance and Statement of Need as a guide for

completing these documents. The faculty application itself is submitted

via the Online Faculty System.

34 of 39

The next available meeting of the DAC is Friday 27 March and the

deadline for the DAC office to receive submissions for the meeting is

Friday 13 March.

When the DAC considers the proposals they will either offer informal

advice if they don’t feel able to make a recommendation at that point, or

will recommend the scheme. If the proposals are recommended I will

then proceed to raise the Notification of Advice on the Online Faculty

System and the public notices will then be available to be printed off and

will need to be displayed at the church for 30 days. At the end of the

public notice period the applicant will need to post the Certificate of

Publication with a copy of the public notice to the diocesan Registry. It is

at this point that the faculty fee, which is now £302.00 becomes

payable in order for the Registry to carry out their process and refer the

faculty application on to the diocesan Chancellor for his determination.

(The instructions regarding the faculty fee are sent to the applicant once

the Notification of Advice and public notices have been raised). The

faculty fee can be paid by cheque or electronic transfer.

I can pencil in a place on the agenda for these proposals at the meeting

on 27 March, in anticipation of the supporting documentation being

received by 13 March.

18/03/2020

To: Caroline Hilton

From: Rebecca Lyons


We are preparing the relevant documents for the Faculty Application for

the parking proposals at St Helens Church, Northwich. We understand

that Church House is closed until May given the Coronavirus situation.

If possible, please could you update us on the following:

1. Do we need to obtain planning permission before a Faculty

Application is submitted and a recommendation can be made ?

2. Has the DAC meetings / review of Faculty Applications been

suspended until May?

18/03/2020


Landscape Projects

From: Caroline Hilton

Answering your queries in turn:

1. It isn’t a requirement that Planning Permission is in place before

the faculty application is submitted and recommendation is

made – however it is a good idea to get the planning application

process under way early as ultimately the works will need both

the faculty permission and Planning Permission to be able to go

ahead. The drawings and other supporting information that you

provide for the planning process can also be sent to us for the

DAC’s consideration.

2. With Church House closed for the time being, I am continuing

DAC work from home. We are looking to carry out the 27 March

DAC meeting by e-mail as a ‘virtual’ meeting, although the

deadline for submissions for that meeting has passed. The next

scheduled (virtual) meeting is on 22 May with a submissions

deadline of 8 May. Review of applications should still continue

35 of 39

although the speed of review may be affected during the current

circumstances.

18/03/2020

To: Caroline Hilton

From: Rebecca Lyons


Thanks for the swift update.

We'll submit the Faculty Application ahead of the 8th May deadline for

the 22nd May meeting, by this time we'll be expecting a decision on the

Planning Application, unless the current 8 week response time is

extended given the current circumstances.

07/05/2020

To: Caroline Hilton

From: Rebecca Lyons


With link

Further to our correspondence, please could you add St Helen's parking

proposals to the Agenda for the forthcoming DAC meeting? The

supporting documents can be accessed via the following

link: https://we.tl/t-87qefjkcpo

These will also be uploaded to the Portal for Faculty Applications.

1) Statement of Need

2) Statement of Significance

3) Drawings of Landscape Projects dated 7 May 2020 numbered

500-LP-GF-GA-001 Rev P1, 500-LP-GF-GA-002 Rev P1 and 500-

LP-GF-GA-003 Rev P1, 500-LP-GF-GA-004 Rev P1 and 500-LP-

GF-GA-005 Rev P1


500-LP-GF-SEC-100 Rev P1 and 500-LP-GF-SEC-101 Rev P1


500-LP-GF-DET-400 Rev P1, 500-LP-GF-DET-401 Rev P1 and

500-LP-GF-DET-405 Rev P1

6) Design and Access statement of Landscape projects dated May

2020

08/05/2020

To: Caroline Hilton

From: Sue Williams

I have completed the actions on the faculty application.

However, I had terrible trouble uploaded the documents from Rebecca.

Rebecca's link was not compatible with my laptop so she sent them

through with a different format.

I do not recall the resolution of the PCC was made as I have only just

received the costs of the project.

We do have a virtual PCC on the 19th May and will ask for the car park

to go on the agenda

11/05/2020

To: Sue Williams

From: Katy Purvis

I’ve uploaded the documents for you this morning

11/05/2020


Landscape Projects

I’ve added this to the agenda for the next meeting 22 May.

36 of 39

https://protect-eu.mimecast.com/s/EBAnCYMynFrkU0hxk1?domain=we.tl

From: Katy Purvis

11/05/2020

To: Sue Williams

From: Katy Purvis

Please could you amend the page 2 of the petition on the online faculty

system? You need to briefly describe what the proposal is about, rather

than refer to the other documents.

14/05/2020


Landscape Projects,

Sue Williams

From: Katy Purvis

We’ve heard back from the reviewing architect ahead of next weeks

meeting and he has made the following comments:-

• This is certainly a comprehensive and well considered proposal.

• Please could the parish offer further evidence or comment on

the need for the proposals, there is a question mark over not

encouraging car use, do parishioners live too far away to walk to

church?

• It looks like a sensible location but is there is a parking location

outside the curtilage of the listed building?

• The Parish should consider some surface water drainage to cope

with the more regular heavy rain showers of recent years; the

reviewer is concerned that relying only on ‘seepage’ may not be

enough.

• The ground works and alterations to the graves are covered by

existing protocols which will have to be followed.

• The tree can be replaced and the new planting looks promising.

• The layout and design is appropriate and contextual, although it

is difficult to hide a car park.

• The reviewer has concern about pedestrian access and

movement. The pedestrian gate can be simpler, it clashes with

the design of the principal gate. The pedestrian paving lets folk

into the churchyard but immediately transports them onto the

driveway. Separation of cars and walkers might need a little

more thought.

• There seems to be a ‘desire line’ past the war grave, which might

lead to a muddy path through the graves to the south porch?

Please could you let us know of any response to these comments, if

possible before the meeting next week, as that will help the committee

advise you more completely

14/05/2020

To: Katy Purvis

From: Rebecca Lyons


Thanks for sending over the comments below.

We will review accordingly and endeavour to respond ahead of the 22nd

May meeting.

21/05/2020

To: Katy Purvis

From: Rebecca Lyons


Thanks again for sending over the comments. Please see our responses

below in green.

We look forward to an update following tomorrow's meeting.

• This is certainly a comprehensive and well considered proposal.

• Please could the parish offer further evidence or comment on

the need for the proposals, there is a question mark over not

encouraging car use, do parishioners live too far away to walk to

church? The Church serves an extensive area which includes

several outlying suburbs such as Winnington (1.8miles), Higher

37 of 39

Shurlack (1.8miles), Leftwich (1.7 miles) and Greenbank

(1.6miles). Poor pedestrian connections from the town centre

add to the numbers of people arriving by car and exacerbate

parking issues on Church Road and in the local area.

• It looks like a sensible location but is there is a parking location

outside the curtilage of the listed building? The parish school

has some possible capacity, but it would not be available during

school hours, when many of the pastoral functions of the church

take place, and worse, it is at the foot of a steep slope therefore

making it unsuitable for universal access. Visitors currently park

on Church Road and local residential streets, creating access

issues with private driveways and pavements which are unviable

and problematic to pedestrians, vehicles and local residents.

• The Parish should consider some surface water drainage to cope

with the more regular heavy rain showers of recent years; the

reviewer is concerned that relying only on ‘seepage’ may not be

enough. The reinforced grass is a porous surface which will

allow surface water to infiltrate into the ground, replicating

current site conditions. Boundary planting areas provide an

overflow provision, ensuring all water is retained on site.

• The ground works and alterations to the graves are covered by

existing protocols which will have to be followed.

• The tree can be replaced and the new planting looks promising.

• The layout and design is appropriate and contextual, although it

is difficult to hide a car park.

• The reviewer has concern about pedestrian access and

movement. The pedestrian gate can be simpler, it clashes with

the design of the principal gate. The pedestrian paving lets folk

into the churchyard but immediately transports them onto the

driveway. Separation of cars and walkers might need a little

more thought. Currently, a single gate is provided for vehicles

and pedestrian access, and the driveway operates as a shared

surface. In order to permit pedestrian access through the

churchyard the existing gate has to be left partially open at all

times. As a result, unwanted vehicle access can be difficult to

control; hence why our Client wishes to provide separate vehicle

and pedestrian access gates. We considered the provision of a

separate pedestrian footway within the site, but decided that,

given the small amount of traffic, and the very low speeds, the

current pedestrian priority driveway would continue to function

perfectly well. Note : The provision of a separate footpath would

entail construction over graves, with all the attendant

engineering and archaeological impact. In addition there is good

evidence to show that drivers drive with caution when they know

they are sharing the same route as pedestrians.

• There seems to be a ‘desire line’ past the war grave, which might

lead to a muddy path through the graves to the south

porch? We don't believe this will be an issue - there are currently

numerous routes across the grass to the south porch, none of

which has become a desire line. The proposals to provide

hedges to screen the cars will also steer pedestrians to use the

main drive. Note : The hedges have been carefully designed to

38 of 39

avoid impact on gravemakers and their setting, the CWGC

representative confirmed that the war grave should remain in-

situ, and was encouraged by the boundary hedge which frames /

provides a setting for the war grave. If in the course of time a

desire line does emerge, it could be dealt with by the church

through a change in hedge management.

29/05/2020

To: Sue Williams,

Rebecca Lyons of

Landscape Projects

From: Katy Purvis

DAC advice

I am writing to let you know that at its virtual meeting of 25 May 2020,

the DAC considered the formal application for the car park, and resolved

to recommend the scheme, subject to the following provisos:

a) The parish to obtain any necessary planning consent

b) The works to be under the direction and subject to the

inspection of the Scheme Landscape Architect

c) The parish should photograph and record the memorials and

grave markers to be relocated by the works

This means we will shortly be in a position to issue the Notification of

Advice and Public Notice. The current guidance, available on the Chester

Diocese website, at https://www.chester.anglican.org/news/display-of-

public-notices-for-faculty-petitions.php, is that any new public notices

should not be displayed until after the current lockdown is lifted. We are

expecting this guidance to be updated soon, and will let you know if and

when this happens.

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https://www.chester.anglican.org/news/display-of-public-notices-for-faculty-petitions.php

https://www.chester.anglican.org/news/display-of-public-notices-for-faculty-petitions.php

500-lp-statement of needs · 500-lp-rep-statement of needs 2020-03-27 1 statement of needs section...

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