28 Perfect View, Walcot, Bath

28 Perfect View is an unlisted late 20th century semi-detached dwelling situated within the Bath conservation area and World Heritage Site. It is situated within the hillside setting of the Grade II late 18th to mid-19th century Beacon Wood House and its expansive woodland grounds; the site has been a group Tree Protection Order since 1975, and has been a heavily wooded feature in the townscape from at least the mid- to late 19th century. 28 Perfect View and its garden therefore does form part of the wooded hillside and cumulative contributes to the significant wooded ‘rim’ along the upper northern slope which forms a notable green backdrop to Bath’s terraced streets running up off London Road, and the wider landscape setting of the Camden and Larkhall residential area.

We appreciate the challenges of maintaining woodland on a steeply sloped site, and acknowledge the need to consider the possible risks to residential amenity of overhanging tree branches. However, we maintain that there is a need to consider the cumulative impact of proposed works on how the tree belt is perceived in wider landscape and streetscape views. We emphasise the need for new and replacement planting of appropriate species to replace felled trees, where appropriate, to retain a visually unbroken canopy as perceived in short and mid-range views to the south. We suggest that appropriate arboricultural advice or survey are sought to assess the current condition of the existing trees and whether their removal is necessary due to stability/health concerns.