Proposal
External alterations for the removal and replacement of existing lettered signage and ornamental lion heads above the entrance to The Corridor with additional wrought iron/steel frame added to the existing…
Our Response

18 Union Street forms a Grade II section of early 19th century terrace with commercial ground floors, situated within the core of the Bath conservation area and World Heritage Site. This section of the terrace is 3 ½ storeys and is a typical example of Georgian vernacular with a symmetrical, balanced frontage in Bath stone ashlar, although now painted over, with recessed pilasters framing the first and second floors of 17-18 Union Street. The Corridor forms a distinctive access point on the ground floor between Union Street and Union Passage, with pink granite unfluted Doric columns, Corinthian capitals, and fine decorative detailing such as the gold-painted plaster lions’ heads which are present throughout The Corridor’s interior. The signage and detailing are currently in poor, weathered condition, and part of the signage was taken down 2017-2018.

We note that application 21/01004/AR appears to be incomplete, and the majority of the documents laid out in the plans schedule are not available under this reference number.

The Trust is surprised at the current condition of the entrance signage and particularly the historic detailing. We maintain that listed buildings require regular ongoing maintenance in order to prevent smaller issues becoming serious problems in future, often resulting in the irreversible and detrimental loss of historic fabric.

However, we are supportive in principle of the ‘like for like’ reinstatement of The Corridor’s signage in full, which has previously been left incomplete for a number of years. We acknowledge that the existing lions’ heads are beyond repair and replacement with new heads constructed as based on intact examples within The Corridor interior is necessary, and would enhance the special architectural interest of a listed building and preserve and enhance the character and appearance of the conservation area.

Application Number: 21/01000/LBA
Application Date: 03/03/2021
Closing Date: 01/04/2021
Address: 18 Union Street, City Centre
Our Submission Status: Support