16 – 17 Walcot Buildings, Walcot

16-17 Walcot Buildings form part of a Grade II Georgian terrace situated along London Road, within the Bath conservation area and World Heritage site. Previously of solely residential function, both dwellings developed a commercial function in the 1830s, with the extant shop windows possibly dating to as early as the mid-19th century. 16-17 Walcot Buildings consequently contribute to the social and evidential significance of the terrace’s commercial history, and retain a strong aesthetic, and until recently functional, relationship with their context.

We note that the current lower ground floor extension to 16 Walcot Buildings is described as “mostly likely built as a workshop in the second half of the 20th century”, and based on this summary would not constitute historic fabric. However, considering the previous presence of a bakery from the late 1830s-1940 to the rear of 16 Walcot Buildings, it is possible that the current extension is either built over or is a later alteration of the previous structure, as evidenced by the survival of the stone arch with brick infill which currently functions as part of the extension and boundary wall between 16-17 Walcot Buildings. We would therefore encourage any additional surviving remnants associated with the bakery to be documented and assessed as part of this application due to its important evidential contribution to 16 Walcot Building’s early commercial function.

Furthermore, should this proposed change of use be consented, we would strongly recommend that a Condition is attached to ensure that the proposed residential use of the ground and lower ground floors is not for short term holiday lets, but rather for local residents.