3 Northumberland Buildings, Wood Street, City Centre

Whilst we appreciate the challenges of advertising this business on the listed building, we are concerned regarding the metal signage affixed to the elevation as this impacts negatively on the special interest of the listed building by intruding upon the character and composition of the façade and potentially harming the historic fabric. This type of signage affixed straight to Bath ashlar could set a dangerous precedent for Bath’s listed buildings if agreed. On balance we do not have an objection to the hanging sign but would urge the applicant re-think and omit the façade signage.

The proposed scheme would neither preserve nor enhance the special interest of the listed building. The scheme would be contrary to Section 16 (Conserving and Enhancing the Historic Environment) of the NPPF, policies B1, B4, and CP6 of the B&NES Core Strategy and policies CP6, HE1, D.9, B.4, of the Placemaking Plan. We would therefore recommend the application be amended or refused.