6 Johnstone Street, Bathwick, Bath

6 Johnstone Street forms part of a Grade I early 18th century section of terraced townhouses designed by Thomas Baldwin, situated within the Bath conservation area and World Heritage Site. It forms part of the group setting of the Grade I terrace 9-15 Johnstone Street, and the wider streetscape context of the Grade I Great Pulteney Street. Johnstone Street is now sharply truncated by the insertion of the Recreation Ground at the eastern end, but through its homogenous, balanced design, use of traditional materials, and contribution towards the monumental ensemble of Great Pulteney Street running from Pulteney Bridge towards Sydney Gardens, it constitutes part of the Georgian Architecture and Town Planning OUV of the World Heritage Site.

We have some concerns regarding the treatment of Vault 1, in particular the proposed insertion of an infill wall with no apparent means of access as indicated on the proposed floor plans. We acknowledge that Vault 1 as existing displays some indicators of previous subdivision, such as a level change. However, the subdivision of this space with no means of access would cut off a large section of Vault 1 from the rest of the property with detriment to the architectural and historic interest of a listed building. There are additional concerns regarding future maintenance and use, and a possibility of unmonitored deterioration of historic fabric. Without benefit of a site visit, we are unable to accurately assess the suitability of the subdivision of the vaults and leave this to the case officer; however, we maintain that this space should remain an accessible part of the property.