Nos. 223-245, GREEN LANE

Nos. 223-245, Green Lane comprise a group of almshouses, originally known as 'Ainsworth Homes'. They were built in 1907, though the architect is unknown. The buildings are constructed of pale-coloured brick in stretcher bond, with terracotta detailing, and have Welsh slate gable-end roofs. They are single-storey with attic accommodation, arranged as six semi-detached cottages forming a shallow crescent, with perimeter walls enclosing gardens. The end cottages are more elaborately decorated and have slightly different plans than the others.

The plan is compact, with a small entrance hall and stairs over a scullery contained under lower roof-lines to one side of each cottage, a parlour and kitchen to the rear, and a privy and coal store occupying a small wing. Each element is expressed externally under different roof pitches.

The end pairs are symmetrical, each featuring a corner tower topped with a leaded cupola, providing a terminal accent, and including an additional box room. Terracotta banding is present throughout. Each cottage has a three-light window with mullions, a transom and a flat window arch, all in terracotta. Dormers are under segmental gables, and some two-light casement windows have been altered. A round-headed doorway is accentuated with terracotta voussoirs and a keystone. The side elevations feature attractive, varied roof lines over the different elements—gabled over the hall and stairs, a lean-to over the scullery, and another lean-to over the privy wing—with windows having terracotta surrounds. To the rear are gabled dormers, two-light casement windows, and four-pane horned sash windows under depressed terracotta arches.

Overall, these cottages represent a carefully designed and detailed example of Edwardian picturesque composition. A front gateway, with a shaped gable, segmental pediment containing the words 'AINSWORTH HOMES BUILT AD 1907', over a segmental keyed arch, is attached to a low wall and is included in this listing.