Proposal
Provision of railing on boundary wall with Holloway. Formation of pathway in graveyard. Provision of stone plaque in graveyard.
Our Response

The Chapel of St Mary Magdalen is a Grade II late 15th century Anglican chapel with 19th century additions, possibly by HE Goodridge, situated within the Bath conservation area and World Heritage Site. It forms part of the historic and contextual setting of Grade II mid-18th century Magdalen House to the immediate north-west. The street scene is characterised by long stretches of coursed rubble stone boundary walls with a mixture of stone copings, and more informal cock ‘n’ hen capping opposite. The boundary walls by merit of their architectural, historic, and material relationship with the chapel, intersecting with the chapel porch, and therefore form part of the curtilage listing. The cemetery within the boundary wall is of a higher level than the street and therefore sits up behind the coping of the boundary wall.

Whilst there are no proposed alterations to historic fabric, we note the addition of railings would have a visual impact on the existing line of the wall, and the short stretch of railing would be somewhat visually jarring, and therefore proposals should be considered in relation to the current historic and architectural significance of the listed building. We strongly recommend that further details regarding the proposed railings are submitted as part of this application, including further material specifications, finish, and detailed drawings.

We note no reference is made to the protection of the existing holly hedge along the boundary wall in the Arboricultural Method Statement. We would encourage the necessary action is taken to ensure the hedge’s protection and retention during any works to soften the appearance of the railings and complement the established green character of the streetscape.

Application Number: 21/01643/FUL
Application Date: 06/04/2021
Closing Date: 14/05/2021
Address: Chapel Of St Mary Magdalen, Holloway, Widcombe, Bath
Our Submission Status: Comment