24 Queen Square, Bath

24 Queen Square forms the central Palladian feature of a Grade I Georgian terrace of monumental townhouses situated within the Bath conservation area and World Heritage site. It remains a significant example of Georgian town planning and innovations in dramatic urban topography, and therefore strongly contributes to the OUV of the World Heritage site. The stonework of the ornate, primary south elevation as existing is heavily soiled with what appears to be deposits of sulphur dioxide.

The Trust is generally supportive of the proposed remedial repairs for paint removal, cleaning, and localised stonework and ironwork repairs. However, we are surprised by the current condition of the building and the degree of stonework damage, as shown in photographs as part of the application, considering its Grade I status. We would reiterate our recommendations 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.

We would additionally ask for clarification regarding whether the overthrow will be included in the proposed remedial and redecoration works. We would note the World Heritage Enhancement Fund’s interest in the preservation and restoration of overthrows in areas of Bath, such as Cavendish Place and Great Pulteney Street, as a distinctive aspect of the historic lighting and public realm of the World Heritage site.

Furthermore, whilst we find the works as proposed to be appropriate, we would suggest that the possible cleaning of the south elevation is considered, as either part of current or future works to the building, which would significantly improve the appearance of a Grade I listed building whilst reinstating the Bath stone colour and vernacular appearance of the terrace as a whole to the benefit of the conservation area and World Heritage site.