Proposal
Repair of coursed stone wall on East flank at basement level, replacement of decayed timber external door lintel with a new hardwood door lintel on the outside face of stone…
Our Response

7 George Street forms part of a Grade II 1800 terrace of houses, now with commercial ground floors, situated within the Bath conservation area and World Heritage Site. It forms part of a modest three storey break in a streetscape of otherwise grander 3 ½ - 4 storey terraced buildings. The focus of this application is primarily to the rear of the property which is concealed from public view, and includes a significant number of later additions and alterations associated with the use of the property, including a number of condensers which have been cantilevered off the external basement wall, over an area of collapsed stonework. We have been unable to find record of a previous listed building consent for these fixings. Considering the location of the collapse, it is possible that the focus of condenser fixings may have placed this wall under increased pressure, although this is for the confirmation of a qualified structural engineer.

We are surprised by the current condition of the existing property, and maintain the need for regular, ongoing maintenance to prevent minor issues from becoming more significant structural or material problems in future, often resulting in irreversible harm to or loss of historic fabric and associated significance.

The proposed repair works offer a positive opportunity for much-needed maintenance in this area. The condensers are proposed to be decommissioned and removed from the walls to allow for repairs; we strongly recommend that a more sympathetic solution is found for the positioning of on-site condensers, and query whether these could be freestanding to minimise further harm to, or pressure on, historic stonework. If there is a possibility of a reduced number of condensers being recommissioned, this would be a welcome alteration. We further suggest that any outdated or redundant cabling or goods could be removed to further relieve pressure on the building and minimise unnecessary clutter.

We trust that the officer will clarify that an appropriate lime mortar would be used for the stonework repairs.

Application Number: 21/04843/LBA
Application Date: 27/10/2021
Closing Date: 09/12/2021
Address: 7 George Street, City Centre
Our Submission Status: Comment