3 Mount Beacon Row, Richmond Lane, Beacon Hill, Bath

3 Mount Beacon Row forms part of a stepped terrace of Grade II early 19th century houses situated within the Bath conservation area and World Heritage Site. The terrace is made up of modest two-storey dwellings in Bath stone ashlar with projecting stone hoods on shaped brackets over the doors and double pitch clay tile roofs. A number of the terraced dwellings, including 3 Mount Beacon Row, have retained traditional-style timber sash windows of a 6-over-6 or 4-over-4 profile; several of the properties to the north have replaced their sash windows with inappropriate uPVC alternatives.

The proposed replacement of existing uPVC rainwater goods with cast aluminium equivalents would be a positive change which would enhance the appearance of a listed building and the wider Grade II terrace.

We commend the removal of cementitious mortar and repair with a more appropriate lime-based alternative, but note that further details such as material samples and a method statement may be required.

However, considering the building’s Grade II designation, we are surprised at the absence of a Heritage Statement as part of this application, particularly regarding the proposed opening up of the rear ground floor window to fit double glazed doors. We strongly recommend that the significance of the heritage asset should be described in relation to the proposed extent of works and their potential impact on the special architectural and historic interest of a listed building.