1 Cambridge Place, Widcombe Hill, Widcombe, Bath

1 Cambridge Place forms one of a pair of Grade II late Georgian semi-detached dwellings situated in the Bath conservation area and World Heritage Site. The building as a whole features six-over-six single glazed bordered sash windows. Although it is unclear as to whether these windows are original to the building, the existing fenestration style matches the blind windows running down the centre of the building’s street-facing elevation.

In principle, the Trust is supportive of the installation of secondary glazing to improve the thermal performance of the building without compromising its historic features. The use of magnetic secondary glazing is a less invasive, reversible measure. We feel this measure would be a positive, easily reversible addition to improve the energy efficiency and residential comfort of a historic building and ensure its long-term, sustainable use with a negligible visual impact.

However, we query why certain windows appear to have been excluded from the scheme, such as those on the second floor. The Trust emphasises the benefits of a whole house approach to energy efficient retrofits, and highlight that any less than substantial visual effects of installation would be further mitigated by ensuring the continued, uniform appearance of the building’s principle elevation across all floors.