Streetscape

Excellence in the design and presentation of the public realm demonstrates effective community engagement and consultation with local groups and residents. Along with the use of consistent and cohesive high-quality approaches to urban design and streetscape maintenance to ensure the city is visually coherent.

For further guidance on signs and adverts within the historic environment, click here.

BPT supported traffic restrictions within the city centre to further prioritise pedestrians and cyclists, and promote use of sustainable transport. The creation of ‘walkable’ streets would allow for improved activation of the streetscape with spaces to sit, explore, enjoy, and experience Bath’s historic streetscapes and buildings. Read BPT’s response to the Journey to Net Zero consultation here.

1. The public realm should reflect and reinforce the established characteristics of the local area and strengthen Bath’s sense of visual cohesiveness.
2. High quality urban design and street furniture should seek to reinforce Bath’s colour palette, texture, and material finish using the Bath Pattern Book.
3. Historic pavement lines and surfaces such as pennant stone pavements and setts should be repaired and retained in situ.
4. Opportunities for street greening and planting should be maximised in appropriate locations. BPT has supported initiatives for urban street planting by B&NES Council, recognising that increased street greening results in numerous benefits for the quality of streets, the health and wellbeing of residents, and the environment. Noting there may be certain areas where tree planting would conflict with historic sightlines and views.
5. Outdoor seating and advertising should minimise pavement ‘clutter’ and ensuring that spaces remain easily navigable by all street users.
6. Revitalisation of the public realm should maximise opportunity for cultural enrichment, such as art installations or heritage interpretation.
7. Street lighting and illuminated signage within the Conservation Area and World Heritage Site, should seek to minimise impact on the ‘dark skies’ character of the City. Read our Dark Skies position statement and find out more about our campaign against excessive lighting and lightspill here.