pontmorlais heritage quarter - Merthyr Tydfil Town Centre Partnership

PONTMORLAIS HERITAGE QUARTER 

R e v i s i o n A , April 2011 

CONSERVATION AREA MANAGEMENT PLAN 

Donald Insall Associates Ltd

PONTMORLAIS HERITAGE QUARTER: CONSERVATION AREA MANAGEMENT PLAN 

CONTENTS 

1.0 Introduction 

2.0 The Heritage Value of Pontmorlais Heritage Quarter 

3.0 Potential Threats to the Heritage Value 

4.0 Planning Policies 

5.0 Proposed Planning Measures 

6.0 Framework for Design and Maintenance Standards 

7.0 Community Engagement and Training Initiatives 

8.0 Putting the Management Plan into Practice 

APPENDIX 

A 

Plan of Pontmorlais Heritage Quarter 

DONALD INSALL ASSOCIATES 

C h a r t e r e d A r c h i t e c t s , H i s t o r i c Building & Planning C o n s u l t a n t s 

7A Northumberland Buildings 

Queen Square 

BATH 

BA1 2JB 

Tel: 01225 469898 

Fax: 01225 332312 

Email: bath@insall-architects.co.uk 

Web: www.insall-architects.co.uk 

BATH • BELFAST • CAMBRIDGE • CANTERBURY • CHESTER • CONWY • LONDON • SHREWSBURY 

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1.0 INTRODUCTION 

This Management Plan has been developed from the Merthyr Tydfil Town 

Centre Conservation Area Character Appraisal (CACA) compiled by The 

Conservation Studio in collaboration with Merthyr Tydfil County Borough 

Council (MTCBC). The CACA was adopted by the Council’s Planning and 

Regulatory Committee on 24 th June 2009. Merthyr Tydfil Town Centre was 

declared a Conservation Area under section 69 of the Planning (Listed 

Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 on 1 st July 2009. The CACA has 

since been reviewed, specifically in relation to Pontmorlais Heritage Quarter, 

and a separate CACA Review document prepared. 

The Management Plan sets out objectives for the long-term protection and 

enhancement of Pontmorlais Heritage Quarter which comprises part of the 

Town Centre Conservation Area as identified on the plan at appendix A. 

MTCBC was successful in the first stage of a Townscape Heritage Initiative 

(THI) application to the Heritage Lottery Fund for Pontmorlais Heritage Quarter. 

The Conservation Area Character Appraisal Review and Management Plan 

have been prepared to support the more detailed second stage submission. 

Whilst much of the town centre’s historic environment has been designated a 

Conservation Area, this should not be regarded as an obstacle to change but 

seen as an opportunity to ensure high quality positive intervention, which 

consolidates the architectural and historic value of the area. Historic buildings 

and sites demonstrate qualities of design, workmanship and use of materials 

that cannot readily be reproduced. Their form and inter-relationship provide an 

important backdrop to everyday life for those who live, work and pass through 

the town centre. The past and present functions of a place reflect its interaction 

with people and affect the values they ascribe to it. 

The Management Plan sets out a framework for future action. This document 

relies on the analysis contained within the CACA, and subsequent CACA 

Review, to identify the issues and opportunities for beneficial change within 

Pontmorlais Heritage Quarter. It is an initial assessment of matters that need to 

be addressed and makes suggestions for policy, guidance and community 

involvement. Once the Management Plan is adopted by MTCBC it will carry 

significant weight as a material consideration in determining applications within, 

or which visually affect, the conservation area. 

In the event that the THI bid is successful, the Management Plan must be 

formally adopted and put into practice for at least ten years after the THI 

scheme has ended to ensure the conservation benefits achieved by the THI are 

sustained in the longer term. The Appraisal and Management Plan should be 

regularly reviewed throughout the THI implementation phase, and at least fiveyearly 

thereafter. 

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2.0 THE HERITAGE VALUE OF PONTMORLAIS HERITAGE QUARTER 

The special character of Pontmorlais Heritage Quarter derives from: 

• C19 and early C20 dense, urban development of the area as a 

commercial, civic, social and spiritual centre as a result of the rapid influx 

of labour to serve the industrial expansion of Merthyr Tydfil. 

• A concentration of good examples of C19 and early C20 civic, social, 

religious and commercial buildings. 

• Landscape modelled by the industrial archaeology of late C18 tramway 

routes linking the ironworks to the Glamorganshire Canal and the 

subsequent development of the Penydarren Tramroad by Trevithick, 

running along the eastern boundary of the area. 

• The narrow and gently winding route of High Street Pontmorlais, with 

most properties built directly at back-of-pavement, creating a strong 

sense of enclosure and ever-changing oblique views. 

• The variety of styles and finishes along High Street Pontmorlais which 

result in a visually exciting streetscape. 

• Small side streets, alleyways and yards opening off High Street 

Pontmorlais and forming intimate, modest spaces of more informal 

character. 

• Building groups and distinctive individual buildings of significant 

townscape value. 

• A prominent group of early C20 landmark buildings set in landscape on 

rising ground to the north of Pontmorlais West and Penydarren Road, 

created following the redevelopment of Penydarren Park and forming a 

backdrop to Pontmorlais Circus. 

• The grouping of Hope Church, the Old Town Hall, Carnegie Library and 

St. David’s Church, all of which are detached and set back from the 

pavement line to create a broader street and greater sense of civic 

space at the southern end of High Street Pontmorlais. 

• The use of local, traditional building materials and details. 

3.0 POTENTIAL THREATS TO THE HERITAGE VALUE 

The special character of Pontmorlais Heritage Quarter is threatened by: 

• Further loss of architectural detail and historic features such as, shop 

fronts, chimneys, windows, railings, barge boards and decorative 

plasterwork. 



• Inappropriate modern interventions such as satellite dishes, electrical 

cabling, security alarms and rerouted drainage on the frontage of 

buildings; modern roof lights, large external flues and roof vents that 

stand above the roof line; shop fronts that don’t relate to the façade 

above. 

• The concentration of take-away food outlets along High Street 

Pontmorlais which contribute little to daytime activity and accentuate the 

poor mix of uses in this commercial area. 

• Numerous unoccupied or partially occupied buildings and ‘buildings at 

risk’ including derelict and structurally unsafe property and associated 

‘temporary’ hoardings and sheathing that blight the character of the area; 

areas such as the north side of Pontmorlais West and Penydarren Road 

consequently lack activity and invite antisocial behaviour 

• Poor management of domestic and commercial waste; prevalence of flytipping 

and graffiti in areas that are not on the main thoroughfare. 

• Inappropriate modern repairs or replacements such as modern flush 

doors, PVC rainwater goods, windows, doors, cladding and fascia 

boards; modern window replacements that sit flush to the elevation; 

inappropriate stylised reproductions of windows and shop fronts; 

pebbledash render; steel palisade fencing and profiled sheet metal 

cladding to rear of buildings. 

• Unsympathetic shop fronts with solid or perforated roller shutters, overdominant 

lettering or signage, oversized fascia boards and illuminated 

signs; inappropriate colour schemes that conflict with the architectural 

detail and subdivision of the buildings. 

• Poor quality infill development where new buildings bear no relation to 

the special character of the conservation area. 

• Lack of maintenance resulting in failing roofs and blocked rainwater 

goods, organic growth, water ingress, failing external finishes; the poor 

condition and appearance of many buildings due to lack of routine 

maintenance. 

• Loss of enclosure at Pontmorlais Circus following the demolition of the 

Owain Glyndwr public house and numbers 51 to 55 High Street 

Pontmorlais in the 1970s; the current demolition of the Castle Cinema at 

the south end of High Street will result in a gap site at the junction with 

Castle Street in the medium term, until the site is redeveloped. 

• Revised traffic flow along High Street Pontmorlais which has relegated 

this section of the town centre to a side street despite having commercial 

rents in line with the main shopping area to the south. 

• The clutter of uncoordinated public realm signage and street furniture 

around Pontmorlais Circus 



4.0 PLANNING POLICIES 

Pontmorlais Heritage Quarter lies within the designated Merthyr Tydfil Town 

Centre Conservation Area and contains a number of statutory Listed buildings. 

All development within the conservation area should be rigorously tested for 

compliance with national, regional and local conservation policies and other 

relevant policies of the emerging Local Development Plan. Proper consideration 

should be given to these in determining all planning, conservation area and 

listed building consent applications. 

Relevant national policy is contained principally within Planning Policy Wales 

(Edition 3 – July 2010), chapter 6, Conserving the Historic Environment. Further 

guidance is provided in the Welsh Assembly Government’s Technical Advice 

Note 12, Design (2009) and Welsh Office Circular 61/96, ‘Planning and the 

Historic Environment: Historic Buildings and Conservation Areas’ and Circular 

1/98, ‘Planning and the Historic Environment: Directions by the Secretary of 

State for Wales’. 

The Mid Glamorgan (Merthyr Tydfil County Borough) Replacement Structure 

Plan 1991-2006 (adopted August 1996) reiterates national policy guidance 

under policies EV9 and EV10. 

The current Merthyr Tydfil Borough Local Plan 1996-2006 (adopted May 1999) 

sets out Council’s criteria for assessing development affecting the built heritage, 

including locally listed buildings, under policies BH2, BH3, BH4 and BH5. The 

emerging Merthyr Tydfil Local Development Plan 2006-2021 identifies the 

Council’s aspirations in terms of ‘strategic objectives’ that are then further 

refined into ‘strategic policies’, ‘area-specific policies’ and ‘topic-based policies’. 

In terms of the historic environment, strategic objective 11 is the most pertinent: 

‘to ensure the continued protection and enhancement of the natural, cultural, 

built and historic environment’ and cross references the following relevant 

policies: 

• Relevant strategic policies: BW4; BW5; BW6; BW7 

• Relevant area-specific policies: AS4; AS5; AS6; AS15 

• Relevant topic-based policies: TB1; TB6; TB7; TB8; TB9; TB10 

The issues raised by the MTCBC Built Heritage Strategy and Action Plan 2008 

and Merthyr Tydfil Town Centre Strategic Review 2009 are discussed 

elsewhere in the review of the CACA. The future re-designation of land in or 

around the conservation area through preparation or revision of the LDP may 

be detrimental to its character or setting. The special character of Merthyr Tydfil 

Town Centre Conservation Area should therefore be considered before any 

proposed changes to land designation. 

The planning measures identified in the following section are intended to guide 

implementation of the emerging LDP. Each policy is structured to show the 

issues or potential threats to the heritage value, a recommended strategy and 

other actions to reduce the threat. 



5.0 PROPOSED PLANNING MEASURES 

5.1 Existing Buildings 

5.1.1 KEY ISSUES 

a) Alteration and extension of the superstructure of a building can lead to 

the loss of some of its historic value and townscape qualities and can 

have a negative impact on the character and appearance of the area as 

a whole. 

b) Alterations to listed buildings, such as the insertion of replacement 

windows and changes to dormer windows and roof coverings, may be 

detrimental to the appearance of individual buildings and their immediate 

setting, and may also set a poor precedent to other owners. 

c) Alterations to other buildings of heritage value have been carried out in 

the past, most notably inappropriate repairs and replacements, and the 

installation of unsympathetic shop fronts and associated security 

measures. These changes have not respected the character of the 

buildings or the conservation area. The impact has been an incremental 

erosion of the conservation area’s qualities. 

d) New fixtures, such as aerials, satellite dishes, roof-lights, signage, 

ventilators and air conditioning equipment detract from the character of 

an individual building and the area as a whole. 

e) Poor condition of an individual site or building can be detrimental to the 

appearance of the area and may set a bad example to other owners. 

This is a particular problem where buildings are unoccupied or only partly 

occupied or where there has been a lack of routine maintenance. 

f) Change of use of a building can lead to a number of incremental 

changes that over time erode the value of the building and the character 

of the area, as may the mix of uses. 

5.1.2 RECOMMENDED STRATEGY 

a) Alteration and Extension: where alteration or extension is necessary for 

the continued use of a building it should: 

• not detract from the character and appearance of the area and be 

subservient to the parent building. 

• be prioritised towards the less significant areas of the building (e.g. a rear 

elevation or previously altered area). 

• involve the least possible degree of change to or loss of historic fabric. 

• use like-for-like traditional materials where renewing original fabric unless 

an alternative can be adequately justified in terms of its visual effect on 

the conservation area. 

• leave a record of the date when any significant changes were made. 

• where possible enhance the character of the building 



b) Alterations to Listed Buildings: Any proposed alterations to a listed 

building should be sympathetic to its historic fabric and appearance, and 

be fully justified. 

• owners of listed buildings will be notified of unauthorised changes to their 

buildings. 

• where evidence is available, (e.g. in the form of dated photographs) 

enforcement action will be taken to ensure that either the original fabric is 

reinstated or an application for retrospective consent is made for 

alterations that are considered acceptable. 

c) Alterations to Unlisted Buildings within the Conservation Area: through 

example and encouragement the local authority will: 

• promote reinstatement of historic features and replacement of unsuitable 

modern elements. 

• take the opportunity to secure improvements to existing detrimental 

features (for example, inappropriate windows) as part of any new 

building work. 

d) New Fixtures: building owners should carefully consider the need for 

external apparatus: 

• satellite dishes and aerials should not be visible from the public realm. 

• avoid installing ventilators, flues, soil and vent pipes on roofs or 

elevations fronting the public highway; where they are absolutely 

necessary their visual impact should be minimised in terms of their 

position, configuration, size and design. 

• roof-lights, if necessary, should be flush with roof slope and positioned so 

as not to be visible from the public realm; they should not adversely 

affect the character of the building. 

e) Buildings in Poor Condition: the local authority will consider serving 

Section 215 notices where the condition of a building or site is 

detrimental to the character or appearance of the conservation area. 

Where it is clear that emergency or immediate repairs are required to any 

listed unoccupied building, or part of a building, in order to protect its 

heritage value and contribution to the character of the conservation area 

the authority will: 

• contact the current owner (as recorded at the Land Registry) 

• advise of the need to keep the building in good repair 

• if the owner refuses to carry out the necessary repairs, consider serving 

a Section 54 (Urgent Works) notice 

f) Change of Use: in considering applications for change of use, the 

Council will: 

• request information on the design of refuse storage, parking, waste 

pipes, ventilation fixtures, satellite dishes, aerials and any other fixtures, 

such as signage. 



• ensure that proposed changes of use are of an appropriate scale in 

relation to neighbouring buildings. 

• ensure that proposed change of use or new development do not result in 

a detrimental change to the character of the area. 

5.1.3 RECOMMENDED ACTIONS 

• Promote an understanding of the special qualities of the conservation 

area. 

• Through example and encouragement, promote good conservation 

practice for older buildings and sympathetic change to more recent 

buildings. 

• Encourage the use of pre-application design statements for complex or 

large development proposals as a basis of discussion between the 

developer and the planning authority. 

• Guidance leaflets will be drawn up to cover design and development 

control issues specific to Pontmorlais Heritage Quarter. 

• Regularly visit the conservation area, noting any sites or buildings in a 

poor condition. 

• Notify building owners of unauthorised changes and take necessary 

enforcement action. Where changes are unenforceable and not 

attributed to the current owners, potential for grant-funded reinstatement 

will be investigated. 

5.2 New Buildings and Infill Developments on Gap Sites 


a) The setting of existing buildings of heritage value and the character of 

the conservation area as a whole may be adversely affected by new 

development; views into and out of the conservation area may be 

compromised. 

b) The quality of new buildings may be inadequate and may lack the design 

attributes of the historic buildings that characterise the conservation area, 

thereby failing to preserve or enhance its character; the predominantly 

C19th character of Pontmorlais may be diluted by the design and 

appearance of new buildings within the conservation area. 

c) The scale, massing, proportions or position of new buildings and infill 

developments may be at odds with the pattern of existing buildings; new 

buildings may detract from the townscape and historic development 

patterns that characterise the conservation area. 




a) Setting and Context: 

• Applications for planning permission for new development within the 

conservation area should if appropriate, include an impact assessment to 

demonstrate that views into and from the conservation area are not 

adversely affected and that the setting of existing buildings is preserved 

or enhanced. 

b) Quality of Design: 

• There will be a strong presumption in favour of using materials traditional 

to the area as identified in the CACA. Artificial materials (e.g. 

reconstituted slate) must be avoided. 

• Modern materials of good quality may be appropriate if it can be 

satisfactorily demonstrated that they do not have an adverse effect on 

the character of the conservation area. 

• Any new building work must respect the design and detailing of existing 

buildings of heritage value in the conservation area 

c) Scale and Proportion: 

• Relative positions of existing buildings and their relationship to the road, 

pavement and site boundaries should be respected. 

• General proportions and massing of existing neighbouring buildings, 

including ridge and eaves heights, should guide new development. 

• New development should respect the established building pattern as 

defined by historic ownership boundaries throughout the conservation 

area; infill development on gap sites should be influenced by historical 

precedent and the nature of adjoining buildings of heritage value. 


• Promote an understanding of the special qualities of the conservation 

area. 

• Adopt stringent design criteria in determining future planning applications 

and require that all applications are accompanied by sufficient, relevant 

design details. 

• Encourage the use of pre-application design statements for complex or 

large development proposals as a basis of discussion between the 

developer and the planning authority. 

5.3 Architectural Character & Detail 


a) Details, materials and finishes contribute to the architectural or historic 

character and appearance of a building and their alteration or loss can be 

detrimental to the property and the area. 



b) Shop fronts of poor design and ground floor street frontages that don’t 

relate to the façade above may have an adverse effect on the character 

of an individual building and the appearance of the conservation area. 


a) Details, materials and finishes: 

• Existing original features and previous good quality, sympathetic repairs 

or replacements should be retained if at all possible. Where their renewal 

is necessary, it should be on a like-for-like basis in terms of design, 

materials and workmanship. Changes to primary features such as 

windows, doors and chimneys should be carefully considered by the 

local authority. 

• Repair of worn or damaged features should always be considered before 

replacement; for example, partially decayed timber doors and windows 

may be economically repaired by a suitably skilled joiner allowing the 

retention of original historic fabric and detail. 

• Upgrading should be considered before replacement to meet modern 

requirements; for example, draught stripping and secondary glazing of 

existing windows should be considered in preference to wholesale 

replacement. 

b) Shop Fronts: 

• Promote reinstatement of historic features and replacement of unsuitable 

modern elements. 

• Take the opportunity to secure improvements to existing detrimental 

features (for example security shutters) as part of any new building work. 

• Historic architectural features should be retained and, if replacement is 

necessary, traditional design, materials and workmanship should be 

used to replicate the original. 

• Resist internally illuminated signs and ensure that all signage is of a 

quality suitable to the building to which it is attached and respects the 

character of the conservation area. 


• Promote an understanding of the architectural character and detail within 

the conservation area. 

• Prepare guidance for local owners and residents particularly on the 

design and detailing of shop fronts and the integration of associated 

security measures. 

• Adopt stringent design criteria in determining future planning applications 

and ensure that all applications are accompanied by sufficient, relevant 

design details. 

• Through example and encouragement, promote good conservation 

practice for older buildings and sympathetic change to more recent 

buildings. 



• Take enforcement action where appropriate for unauthorised work. 

• Ensure adequate recording is undertaken before any major works are 

carried out to a significant building. 

5.4 Hard and Soft Landscape 


a) Historic boundary walls, railings and gates contribute to the character 

and appearance of the conservation area and their loss, alteration or 

unsympathetic replacement can adversely affect the area. 

b) Existing trees and hedges form an important backdrop and sense of 

enclosure around the edges of Pontmorlais Heritage Quarter and their 

loss would be detrimental to its appearance and setting; soft landscape 

also provides some relief and counterpoint to the dense urban character 

of the area. 

c) Poor or inappropriate hard landscaping around buildings of heritage 

value may detract from their setting. 


a) Boundaries: 

• Existing historic boundary walls and gateposts should be retained; their 

alteration as part of any planning permission will only be considered in 

exceptional circumstances and when fully justified and mitigated. 

• Demolition of historic lines of enclosure will be strongly discouraged. 

• Repairs or renewal of original boundary details will be carried out using 

like-for-like traditional materials. 

• Reinstatement of historic features and replacement of unsuitable modern 

elements will be actively encouraged where any alteration works are 

being considered. 

b) Soft Landscape: 

• Trees that contribute to the character of the conservation area will be 

retained or where they need to be removed for reasons of health and 

safety, replaced by trees of appropriate species and maturity. 

• When new trees are planted the impact of the tree on important views, 

both now and when it reaches maturity, will be considered. 

• The local authority will consider serving a Section 215 notice where the 

condition of the curtilage of a property or site is detrimental to the 

character or appearance of the conservation area. 



c) Hard Landscape: 

• A detailed landscaping scheme must be submitted with all planning 

application for new buildings or significant alteration to existing sites. 

• Parking provision and anticipated vehicular movements must be 

considered along with the occupancy level and use of any proposed 

building. Proposed uses for existing buildings where the scale of car 

parking detracts from the character of the conservation area will be 

rejected. 

• New boundary treatments must reflect the prevailing historic boundary 

treatments of the area. 

• Surfacing for yards, car parking, paths and hard-standing must be of 

good quality and use traditional materials. 


condition of the curtilage of a property or site is detrimental to the 

character or appearance of the conservation area. 


• Promote an understanding of the special landscape qualities of the 

conservation area. 

• Prepare guidance leaflets for local property owners and residents. 

• Ensure that applications are accompanied by landscaping schemes 

showing the retention of original features and boundary treatments, and 

any new proposals or alterations. 

• Take enforcement action where appropriate. 

• Encourage property owners to repair or reinstate historic boundary 

treatments and paved surfaces using traditional materials. 

5.5 Public Realm 


a) Repair and maintenance of pathways and pavements should be 

improved in order to preserve and enhance the appearance of the 

conservation area (e.g. patchwork repairs to riven paving in Roberts 

Lane) 

b) Management of the existing public realm (e.g. Tramroad Side North) may 

be inadequate and set a poor example to conservation area residents. 

c) Street lighting, pedestrian signage and other street furniture design 

requires careful consideration, both within Pontmorlais and in the 

immediate surroundings in order to preserve and enhance the setting of 

the conservation area; similarly highway markings, signage and other 

features can be detrimental to the character, appearance and setting of 

the conservation area, being visually intrusive and of inappropriate 

design. 



d) The revised traffic priorities through Pontmorlais Heritage Quarter have 

effectively changed the hierarchy of the original street pattern in Merthyr 

Tydfil Town Centre Conservation Area making High Street Pontmorlais 

subordinate to the lower part of High Street to the south of its junction 

with Castle Street; this has altered the relationship between Pontmorlais 

and the southern area of the town centre. 


a) Repair and Maintenance: 

• Ensure that all highway and pedestrian signage and street furniture is 

necessary and of an appropriate design and construction. 

• Repairs must be carried out using like-for-like traditional materials; 

maintain and reinstate historic materials and details where the 

opportunity arises. 

b) Management: 

• Encourage reporting of occurrences of fly-tipping and graffiti etc. and put 

procedures in place to swiftly remove material that is harmful to the 

visual amenity and character of the conservation area. 


condition of property is detrimental to the character or appearance of the 

conservation area. 

c) Street Furniture, Signs and Highway Details and Markings, etc: 

• Ensure all new surfaces respect and enhance the character of the area 

(e.g. avoid discordant colours and over-complex designs). 

• Remove visual clutter where the opportunity arises (e.g. remove or 

integrate free-standing signs, CCTV masts and lamp posts). 

• Co-ordinate the design, materials and colour for all street furniture items. 

• Ensure that lighting is designed such that source and level of illumination 

respects and enhances the character of the area. 

• Use only road markings and signage that are the minimum necessary to 

comply with highway safety. 

d) Traffic Management: 

• Re-evaluate vehicular priorities and management along High Street 

Pontmorlais and Tramroad Side North with the aim of re-uniting 

Pontmorlais with the southern section of the town centre. 

• Ensure that parking restrictions are enforced. 


• Prepare and agree a long-term maintenance plan for the area, including 

targeted maintenance and monitoring regimes, and carry out physical 

improvements where necessary. 



• Prepare and agree a schedule of desirable works, and consider ways in 

which these may be funded. 

• Obtain advice on alternatives to standard practice where appropriate. 

• Carry out an assessment of existing parking provision in and adjacent to 

Pontmorlais Heritage Quarter including service access to commercial 

premises; recommendations should take into account the Town Centre 

Strategic Review and Masterplan. 

• Carry out an audit of the existing public realm and prepare an inventory 

of materials, street furniture, lighting, etc. 

• Agree an overall design approach and implement it when opportunities 

for improvement and enhancement arise. 

6.0 FRAMEWORK FOR DESIGN AND MAINTENANCE STANDARDS 

The strategy for design within Pontmorlais Heritage Quarter is outlined in 

section 5.0 of this document under the following headings: 

• Existing Buildings 

• New Buildings and Infill Developments on Gap Sites 

• Architectural Features 

• Hard and Soft Landscape 

• Public Realm 

Guidance will also be made available to property owners and residents covering 

design and maintenance issues specific to Pontmorlais. A design guide / leaflet 

will be prepared to cover the following topics: 

• Shop front design including fenestration, signage, awnings, illumination 

and security. 

• Appropriate materials and techniques for the repair and restoration of 

buildings within Pontmorlais covering roofs, fascias, dormers, windows, 

doors, walling, render, paving and rainwater goods, and explaining the 

benefits of good, regular maintenance. 

• Appropriate colour schemes for historic buildings 

• Maintenance advice including clearing of rainwater goods and drains; 

keeping paths, fences and gates and other means of access in good 

condition; dealing with litter, waste collection and disposal; addressing 

vandalism; landscape management; redecoration cycles. 

The leaflet will be produced in a user-friendly format and avoid the use of 

technical terminology where possible. 

Many of the problems facing the historic environment are the result of long-term 

neglect, lack of maintenance or poor perception. Further learning and training 

initiatives are summarised in section 7.0 of this document below. Proposals for 

recording, reviewing and managing the built heritage are included in section 8.0. 



7.0 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND TRAINING INITIATIVES 

It is critical that MTCBC take the lead in stewardship of the historic environment 

as conservation is integral to improvements in the local economy, employment 

opportunities and facilities. However, it is equally important that owners, 

residents, local businesses and other interest groups are well informed and 

closely involved, as the historic environment affects so many aspects of local 

life. 

7.1 Key Issues 

• The local community may not be fully aware of the purpose of a 

conservation area, the benefits designation may bring, and how they can 

influence its future. 

• The skills and expertise of local residents’ groups, individuals or major 

landowners may be underutilised. 

• There may be a lack of education and training in traditional skills required 

to properly maintain and repair historic buildings, which could have an 

impact on the way the community engages with the historic environment. 

7.2 Recommended Actions 

• Establish a mechanism for dialogue between local residents groups, 

business groups and landowners to support businesses in Pontmorlais in 

terms of maximising viability and economic potential. 

• Consider forming a joint Conservation Area Advisory Panel (CAAP) 

covering all conservation areas in the County Borough, as suggested by 

Welsh Assembly Government, comprising a cross section of the local 

community and including representatives of business interests, amenity 

societies and other stakeholders. 

• Promote enhancement and maintenance works within the conservation 

area. 

• Engage school children by developing workshops / educational trails 

linked to the national curriculum and the Communities First strategies. 

• Make conservation area information readily available to residents, e.g. 

ensure that appraisals, management plans and strategic documents are 

readily available in local libraries and on the internet. 

• Draw on the resources available within the local community to help with 

reviewing the appraisal and management plan and to build community 

awareness. 

• Work with Soar Chapel which already provides bilingual educational, 

training and social facilities, youth outreach, nursery care and awareness 

courses to promote local culture and heritage. 



• Encourage the involvement of the Merthyr Tydfil Heritage Trust to help 

preserve the conservation area’s special character and to instigate 

enhancements where appropriate. 

• Engage local residents’ groups in the recording of the area in terms of its 

present day character and historical development. 

• Engaging the local Communities First partnership to support resident 

involvement in the project and to continue activities to raise prosperity 

and quality of life in Pontmorlais. 

• Organise one day training workshops in traditional building skills e.g. 

traditional window repair; use and application of lime; damp diagnosis; 

stone and brick repair. This would help foster awareness and interest 

amongst property owners, contractors and agents on the skills required 

for work on historic properties. 

• In conjunction with historic environment specialists e.g. Glamorgan and 

Gwent Archaeological Trust (GGAT); The Royal Commission of Ancient 

and Historic Monuments in Wales (RCAHMW); Cadw; organise 

awareness-raising events such as talks and exhibitions to highlight the 

richness of the historic environment of Merthyr Tydfil. 

• Ensure that Merthyr Tydfil is promoted in local and regional tourism 

initiatives and to support the development of events to encourage the 

use of Merthyr Tydfil town centre by local people and visitors. 

• Work with MTCBC, Wales Tourist Board, Merthyr Tydfil Historical Society 

and others to re-establish a Town Trail, linking buildings and places of 

note marked with plaques, and provide leaflets at key points. 

• Celebrate Merthyr Tydfil’s heritage through interpretation, events, 

festivals and awards. 



8.0 PUTTING THE MANAGEMENT PLAN INTO PRACTICE 

The Management Plan has a number of key objectives: 

• To improve the built environment of Pontmorlais Heritage Quarter 

through co-ordinated enhancement schemes 

• To raise awareness of the area’s heritage 

• To increase the diversity and viability of the commercial premises in the 

area to help create business and employment opportunities for new 

investors 

• To provide training opportunities in historic building repair techniques 

• To provide education initiatives to raise awareness of the historic 

environment and provide career opportunities for young people, for the 

benefit of the conservation area 

• To promote Pontmorlais and Merthyr Tydfil as a visitor destination 

• To improve public perception of Merthyr Tydfil, with residents, business 

owners and investors 

Many of the potential mechanisms for achieving these objectives have been 

previously identified in the MTCBC Built Heritage Strategy and Action Plan 

2008. 

8.1 Strategic Issues 

The strategy for the management of Pontmorlais Heritage Quarter should not 

be seen in isolation but within the context of MTCBC’s corporate strategies. It 

should also relate to a prominent heritage protection policy that is enforced 

through the planning process, the Council’s economic development and 

regeneration strategy, future housing, highway management, environmental 

health and sustainability considerations and others as they arise. 

MTCBC appointed a Heritage Champion in November 2008 to ensure that 

proper consideration is given to heritage and design issues in all decision 

making. There is an in-house MTCBC Regeneration Board which includes the 

Chief Executive, Council Leader, Cabinet Members, Heads of Service, Directors 

and others, but this has a broader agenda and is not focused specifically on 

heritage issues, the management of conservation areas and conservation-led 

regeneration. There is a case for a further officer forum that can respond to the 

issues raised in this management plan and have an input into the management 

of Pontmorlais Heritage Quarter, the Town Centre Conservation Area and other 

designated Conservation Areas within the County Borough. 

Following a Heritage and Regeneration Conference in November 2010, 

Heritage groups and societies in Merthyr Tydfil have recently undertaken to 

form a working partnership with Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, with the 

intention of developing a wider Heritage Forum within the County Borough and 

this should help foster a more coordinated approach. 

Community engagement and training initiatives have been previously 

discussed. 



8.2 Enforcement 

The local planning authority should: 

• adopt a more stringent approach to enforcement as a means of 

preserving and/or enhancing the character of the conservation area 

• make efficient use of existing legislation and use the full range of powers 

available, where necessary 

• give priority to reported breaches of planning law in the conservation 

area 

• conduct an enforcement audit of the town centre each year 

• make a Regulation 7 Direction to restrict deemed consent for the display 

of most classes of advertisements under The Town and Country 

Planning (Control of Advertisements) Regulations 1992 

• make an Article 4 Direction to restrict some of the permitted development 

rights for properties in the Pontmorlais Heritage Quarter under The Town 

and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 

The Article 4 Direction should restrict the following permitted development rights 

(referring to schedule 2 of the GPDO): 

Part 1, Development within the Curtilage of a Dwellinghouse 

• Class A: the enlargement, improvement or other alteration of a 

dwellinghouse 

• Class C: any other alteration to the roof of a dwellinghouse 

Part 2, Minor Operations 

• Class A: the erection, construction, maintenance, improvement or 

alteration of a gate, fence, wall or other means of enclosure. 

• Class B: The formation, laying out and construction of a means of access 

to a highway which is not a trunk road or a classified road, where that 

access is required in connection with development permitted by any 

Class in Schedule 2 

• Class C: the painting of the exterior of any building or work. 

Part 9, Repairs to Unadopted Streets and Private Ways 

• Class A: the carrying out on land within the boundaries of an unadopted 

street or private way of works required for the maintenance or 

improvement of the street or way 

Part 31, Demolition of Buildings 

• Class B: Any building operation consisting of the demolition of the whole 

or any part of any gate, fence, wall or other means of enclosure 

Enforcement should be closely co-ordinated with those managing the 

conservation area to ensure a proactive approach. Successful implementation 

of the recommended policies should go hand in hand with a reduction in the 

need for enforcement action. 

Local residents and business owners should be encouraged to approach the 

Council for informal advice before undertaking any works to a property within 

Pontmorlais Heritage Quarter or the wider conservation area. 



8.3 Monitoring Change 

Procedures need to be put in place to regularly monitor change within the 

Pontmorlais Heritage Quarter. A database will be compiled to cover all 

properties within Pontmorlais, including photographs, details of any recent 

applications, receipt of grant aid, works executed and any areas of concern. 

This will provide baseline information against which any change can be 

reviewed and also allow objective evaluation of the individual buildings in terms 

of their heritage value and contribution to the character of the area. 

• Each property should be externally inspected and photographed at least 

annually, both individually and in groups where appropriate. 

• Where works with consent are being carried out, photographs should be 

taken prior to and during the works, and upon completion. 

• Any unauthorised works or maintenance issues arising from the 

photographic survey should be dealt with promptly. 

• Where works involve the removal of historic fabric, a building recording 

exercise should be carried out prior to works commencing. 

8.4 Proposed Enhancement Schemes 

A prioritised plan will be prepared for enhancement schemes that would have a 

significant positive impact on the appearance and character of the conservation 

area. This should include a schedule of desirable projects / works and a longterm 

maintenance strategy for the area together with consideration of how these 

may be funded through schemes such as the Townscape Heritage Initiative and 

Town Improvement Grants. 

8.5 Ongoing Management 

The key priorities in the ongoing management of the Pontmorlais Heritage 

Quarter will be ensuring that: 

• the conservation area is managed within an integrated framework and in 

compliance with MTCBC’s regeneration strategy 

• the management strategy co-ordinates with other community and 

environmental improvement initiatives 

• there is good communication with key partners and stakeholders in any 

initiatives 

• the local community is engaged and kept informed, through involvement 

and awareness raising exercises 

• guidance leaflets and other explanatory publications are issued to enable 

good quality repairs and design proposals to become a reality 

• building owners are advised on how best to complete design, repair and 

maintenance works in a timely and cost-effective manner according to 

good conservation practice 

• results are regularly monitored for quality and reported to all stakeholders 

• the built environment is improved 



APPENDIX A 

Plan of Pontmorlais Heritage Quarter

pontmorlais heritage quarter - Merthyr Tydfil Town Centre Partnership

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