14 Grosvenor Place, Lambridge

14 Grosvenor Place is part of a Grade I late Georgian terrace located along London Road, within the Bath conservation area and World Heritage site. The building is particularly significant with regards to the architectural merit of its symmetrical, rusticated façade, as well as its uniformity of scale and appearance with the rest of the terrace.

BPT considers this application in relation to the original application approved in 2018, and supports the principle of the overall scheme. The cleaning of 14 Grosvenor Place would re-establish a greater visual unity throughout the terrace with regards to cleanliness and the quality of maintenance, and generally enhance the setting of multiple listed buildings.

However, our previous position emphasised the necessity of further, detailed information regarding methods of cleaning when considering the Grade I value of the site. This was consequently reflected in the Conditions supplied with the formal consent.

Therefore, we support this application and the provision of further detail regarding lime mortar repairs and lime pointing that will enhance the appearance of the listed building, and ultimately the historically and aesthetically-sensitive location within the Bath conservation area and World Heritage site. Nonetheless, whilst we appreciate the precise mapping of the location of the stainless steel pins and their function as “armatures to support larger exposed or heavy repairs”, we would appreciate some documented justification for this necessary harm to historic fabric in accordance with section 16 of the NPPF and Policy BD1 of the Core Strategy and Placemaking Plan to adequately demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of the building’s significance.

Upon consideration of the original application, we would further recommend the use of a natural bristle brush rather than stainless steel bristle brush, as the former can cause some harm through the removal of the surface layer of historic stonework. Therefore, natural bristles are preferred as a more sensitive, yet still effective, alternative.