27 Denmark Road, Twerton, Bath

27 Denmark Road forms part of a Grade II early 19th century residential terrace, situated within the Bath conservation area and World Heritage Site. The terrace is modest in scale at two storeys, with a regular two bay form in Bath stone ashlar, although the majority of dwellings in the terrace have since been painted or rendered. Historic England notes that 27 Denmark Road, along with neighbours at 21, 22, and 26 Denmark Road, remain “reasonably complete”; a large number of dwellings have had their original doors and windows replaced with inappropriate modern alternatives, whereas 27 Denmark Road retains traditional style tripartite windows on the ground and first floors and a 6-panel front door.

In light of the declared Climate Emergency, BPT is supportive of sensitive energy efficient retrofits where these are sympathetic to the special historic and architectural interest of a listed building, or the character and appearance of the historic environment.

We are therefore typically supportive of the installation of slimlite glazing where this would not result in the loss of historic fabric and be appropriately sympathetic in glazing thickness, fenestration articulation and design. However, we note that this application provides minimal detail regarding the existing windows and whether they are of any material or historic value to the building. We emphasise the need to ensure that the existing windows do not comprise historic glazing or original sash frames before these can justifiably be replaced.

We recommend that further details are provided regarding the proposed repainting of the principal elevation, as well as clarity on the proposed colour and finish to ensure this sits well with the light, muted colour range present along the terrace as existing. The use of a permeable paint which will allow the historic stonework to ‘breathe’ is preferred, although we assume that the existing painted finish would be retained rather than stripped back to the original stonework?