Proposal
Replace 1960s shopfront with new timber shop frontage.
Our Response

1 Railway Street is an unlisted shop building, likely dating to the late 19th to early 20th century, situated within the core of the Bath conservation area and World Heritage site. It is positioned directly adjacent to the south-east building of the 2009-2010 Southgate development, and therefore forms part of Bath’s popular shopping district.

The Trust is supportive of the proposed replacement of the existing shop frontage, which currently is of neutral aesthetic or historic interest, and in a poor state of repair. We feel the proposed replacement in painted timber would be more in keeping with the use of traditional shopfront vernacular throughout the conservation area and World Heritage site.

However, we would unfortunately highlight the incomplete nature of this application, due to the lack of information provided regarding the proposed painted finish or signage design and materials, details which are necessary for the LPA to determine whether this application will suitably preserve or enhance the shopfront character of the conservation area. There is additionally no information supplied regarding the proposed awning’s appearance or material type; the Trust maintains that a high quality canvas with a modest reach should be utilised, and does not support the use of plastic awnings. We would therefore recommend further information is submitted before this application is allowed to progress.

We would ask for clarification regarding the potential inclusion of the west elevation in the scheme.

Application Number: 20/02763/FUL
Application Date: 31/07/2020
Closing Date: 04/09/2020
Address: 1 Railway Street, Bath
Our Submission Status: Comment