Proposal
Installation of a wall mounted EV (Electric Vehicle) charging point.
Our Response

19 Great Pulteney Street forms part of a Grade I Georgian terrace constructed in 1789 by the architect Thomas Baldwin. This forms one of the most architecturally valuable regions of the Bath conservation area and World Heritage site, and can be identified as part of Bath’s “Outstanding Universal Value” due to its 18th Century architecture and monumental Georgian town planning. The terrace rear is identified as visually important; the rear of the building elaborates on its original function whilst also identifying changes in use, construction and design, a historical narrative critical to the building’s interpretation. Therefore, the aesthetic consequences of a scheme must be considered in relation to both the front and rear facades of the terrace to fully encompass how development will affect the building’s listed significance.

BPT strongly supports the principle of this proposal. We encourage the suitable implementation of energy-efficient measures and micro renewables within historic buildings and landscapes so long as these retrofits are sensitive to the significance of their context in accordance with Policy CP1 of the Core Strategy and Placemaking Plan. In light of the recent Climate Emergency, there is a heightened need to find low-carbon and carbon-neutral solutions whilst ensuring that Bath’s distinctive historic character and fabric is not compromised.

Having considered this application, the Trust supports the implementation of an EV charging port to the rear of 19 Great Pulteney Street. Whilst the architectural merit of the rear elevation is recognised, the installation of a wall-mounted charging port on the boundary wall is located away from the elevation of greater architectural significance, and will be largely inconspicuous, although we would request that a more permanent form of screening be suggested in place of a plant pot. The wall has been identified as dating to the 1980s; therefore, there will be no impact on historic fabric.

We commend the intended use of an electric vehicle to reduce fuel consumption and minimise air and noise pollution. We would like to highlight the heritage benefits of electric vehicles to both material and intangible heritage which will consequently enhance the quality of our historic environment whilst minimising contributions to the Climate Crisis.

However, we would request some information regarding how the charging port will be supplied with electricity, and whether any installed cabling will have an impact on the appearance and fabric of 19 Great Pulteney Street. We are also unclear as to why the charging port could not be installed on the other side of the wall, with cables routed through, thereby permanently concealing it from the roadside which would be of a greater benefit to the conservation area.

Therefore, BPT supports the principle of private EV charging ports within the Bath conservation area and World Heritage site, so long as there is no detriment to historic fabrics, buildings, or environments in accordance with Core Strategy and Placemaking Plan Policies B1, B4, BD1, CP1, CP6, D1-D4, and HE1. We maintain that the suitability of retrofit measures will be determined on a case-by-case basis as recommended by national conservation principles.

Application Number: 19/04527/LBA
Application Date: 17/10/2019
Closing Date: 27/11/2019
Address: 19 Great Pulteney Street, Bath
Our Submission Status: Support