Church Of The Ascension, Claude Avenue, Twerton

The Church of the Ascension is a Grade II Edwardian church situated within a late Victorian terraced context. Whilst situated outside of the Bath conservation area, it remains an element of modern architectural heritage within the World Heritage site.

BPT acknowledges the need for the update of the current building’s heating system. However, we feel this is a missed opportunity to integrate a system that utilises a more sustainable, carbon neutral energy source, such as green electricity, in response to the Climate Emergency.

The Trust also feels that an opportunity has been missed to relocate the existing gas meter cupboard at the front of the building that is currently a significant detriment to the façade of a listed building. The current position of the gas meter cupboard does not justify a replacement in the same location, indicating a lack of consideration for the historic authenticity and aesthetic character of the building. BPT strongly recommends that another location is found for the gas meter cupboard that neither impacts the visual significance of the church, nor its historic fabric.

Whilst the Trust does not object to the installation of gas boiler vents in the outdoor back passage to minimise the visual disturbance of the building and its context, we question the proposed size and material of the vents. We would recommend that a more appropriate material be used in place of white plastic, such as stainless steel. This will reduce the visual harm to the façade of the building through the use of higher-quality materials, whilst reducing the likelihood of later replacement.

We also query the proposed loss of historic fabric necessary to install the vents, and suggest that this anticipated harm be further considered within the application to demonstrate a suitable consideration of the harm versus the benefit of the scheme in accordance with section 16 of the NPPF.