Basement Flat, 44 Bathwick Street, Bathwick, Bath

44 Bathwick Street forms part of a Grade II section of early 19th century terraced townhouses comprising of 39-44 Bathwick Street, situated within the Bath conservation area and World Heritage Site. The principal façade of the building forms part of a significant Georgian thoroughfare connecting the Grade II* early 19th century Cleveland Bridge with the Grade II Sydney Gardens, a late 18th century commercial pleasure garden. It forms the setting of a high concentration of Grade II late 18th century terraced townhouses along Bathwick Street in a varied scale and architectural detailing. The focus of this application is along the rear of the terrace where there is a greater diversity of later additions and alterations that indicate a ‘narrative of change’ distinctive to Bath’s backland character.

In the light of the declared Climate Emergency, BPT is generally supportive of retrofit measures that protect elements that contribute to the special architectural and historic interest of a listed building; alterations are expected to be visually coherent with the character of the building, and respect the special architectural and historic interest of a listed building and the wider character and appearance of the conservation area.

BPT is not opposed to the replacement of the existing, non-historic French doors and fanlight, which are reportedly in a poor condition. This offers a positive opportunity for the implementation of energy-efficient retrofits without the loss of historic fabric.
We acknowledge that the works are focused on the rear elevation of the building, and therefore would be of restricted public visibility. However, we maintain that the replacement French doors should be materially and visually sympathetic to sustain the integrity of the listed building and be consistent with the traditional material character of the wider terrace and sustain its shared group value. This can be achieved through the use of appropriate detailing such as through glazing bars of a suitable profile to retain a harmonious aesthetic whilst avoiding an overly heavy or blocky appearance which would sharply contrast with the finer fenestration along the terrace rear.

We therefore recommend that further details are provided regarding the proposed French doors and fanlight. The type of double glazing has not been specified; slimlite glazing (12mm) would be more appropriate than a standardised double glazing (24mm) as a more sensitive alternative that would sit more recessively in an area of single glazed multi-pane sash windows.

We suggest that further sections are submitted to clarify whether through glazing bars would be used. The use of applied glazing bars would be inappropriate in this location.