Arlington House, Bath Street, City Centre

Arlington House is formed from a cluster of Grade I buildings along Bath Street and Stall Street, adjacent to the Scheduled Roman Baths. Consequently, Arlington House’s position within the core of the Bath conservation area and World Heritage site requires design that will preserve and enhance both the relevant listed buildings and the wider historic landscape.

BPT supports opportunities for the energy-efficient retrofit of historic buildings in light of the recent Climate Emergency, so long as this does not have a negative impact on the material authenticity of a listed building. The replacement of non-historic glass with high-performance double-glazing is therefore appropriate to improve the comfort of residents and ensure the building retains a sustainable and adaptable function. The existing design of the window frames, cills, and beading will be suitably replaced in a like-for-like fashion, replicating the Georgian-style six by six sash windows already in situ.

However, the Trust queries the lost opportunity for slimline glazing in the design. Whilst an effective retrofit, these would have a lessened visual impact on the listed buildings and the ancillary conservation area and World Heritage site. We request that a suitable consideration of the use of slimline glazing in this application be demonstrated before this application is approved.

We similarly address the lack of information provided regarding the stated “solar reflective coating to asphalt coating”. Unfortunately, we cannot fully assess this application without provision of further necessary documentation.