Old Broadway and its buildings
Besides being of superior quality, the Old Broadway houses were designed with a flair beyond that expected of an ordinary builder. Most of the houses are constructed in a red Accrington brick, with steeply pitched roofs in a plain red tile. Occasionally a slated roof is apparent.
The brickwork is sometimes relieved by areas of render or black and white timber work. Large, often ornately-designed chimneys add interest to the skyline, as do gables and the occasional dormer.
The distinctive character of the buildings is partly created by the shapes of the gables, bays, projecting windows, balconies, roofs and stained glass.
Fortunately much of the original character of the properties remains intact with only minimal alterations to the fronts of the houses and to the garden walls, which are so influential in establishing the visual character of the area.
All the properties have large gardens, those on the front being bounded by a substantial and well detailed wall built in the same brick as the house which it surrounds. Gateposts identify each driveway.
It is the relationship of the properties to each other and to the garden walls, pavement, road and central, grass verge which creates a cohesive whole, giving the conservation area its special character.
Maintenance of an appropriate road surface, kerbstones and street lighting will be essential in the future in order to retain the area's character.