117 High Street, Upper Weston

117 High Street forms part of a pair of Grade II Georgian houses situated within the Bath conservation area and World Heritage site. The dwelling’s exposed boundary wall and gable end strongly contribute to the visible vernacular use of limestone rubble throughout Weston, the view of which is beneficially framed by the open green slope to the south of the dwelling. Due to the boundary wall’s position and material connection to the main building, contextual relationship with the dwelling, and apparent visual age, it can be assumed that the wall falls under the curtilage listing of the main property.

The Trust has some concerns regarding the proposed driveway, and the associated loss of green space which suitably complements the setting of a listed building whilst enhancing the retained open, village character of the conservation area. In particular, the exposed slope running down to the High Street as part of the junction into the Harcourt Gardens cul-de-sac positively frames the dwelling’s west elevation and the staggered aspect of the boundary wall. The insertion of a driveway and a secondary boundary wall will therefore obscure 117 High Street’s gable end with detriment to the building’s current vernacular contribution to the central streetscape of the conservation area. We additionally feel that the loss of green space in so prominent a position along the High Street will neither preserve nor enhance the appearance of the conservation area.

We are concerned that despite the proposed loss of part of the western section of the boundary wall to form a new entrance into the garden, there has been no LBA submitted as part of the overall scheme, with the current application providing no further detail regarding the age or associated significance of the wall. We would therefore strongly recommend that the applicant consult with the conservation officer as to whether an LBA is required before this application progresses further.

With regards to the proposed replacement of the existing railings, we feel that this application offers a positive opportunity for the installation of a high-quality, traditional boundary treatment. However, we are unable to assess the suitability of the proposed railing design without the submission of relevant drawings and details to the LPA. We would additionally recommend that more detailed elevations of the proposed rubble wall along the western boundary of the proposed driveway are submitted to ensure that the wall will be of a suitably harmonious design which will complement the setting of a listed building.