Cleveland Row, Hampton Row, Bathwick, Bath

Proposal
External alterations to include construction of pontoon with access ramp on the River Avon and bank at Cleveland Pools.
Our Response

Cleveland Baths (now Cleveland Pools) is a Grade II* early 19th century lido with associated changing rooms and a former caretaker’s cottage, situated within the Bath conservation area and World Heritage Site. Due to its close proximity directly on the southern bank of the River Avon, it is located within the Green Infrastructure Network and Ecological Network. The Baths were originally built as public pleasure baths in 1815, originally fed with water from the river, and are believed to be one of the oldest public outdoor swimming pools in England. The Baths are architecturally distinctive in their intentionally symmetrical emphasis, and orientation of the changing rooms around the curved edge of the pool in the style of a miniature Georgian crescent. Consequently, it strongly contributes towards the Georgian Architecture and social ambitions OUV of the Bath World Heritage Site, as well as Bath’s international significance as one of the Great Spa Towns of Europe. Cleveland Baths currently remains on the Heritage at Risk Register.

BPT previously supported lapsed application 15/00955/FUL (originally permitted). We note that the parameters of the proposal remain broadly similar, and therefore reiterate our comments as previous below (see in quotation marks):

"We support this proposal as it presents a scheme that will greatly improve access and connectivity between Cleveland Pools and the river. The scheme will enhance the significance of the designated heritage asset (Grade II*) by improving the amenity and therefore experience of the site by reinstating a historic link with the river."

We recommend further details are provided regarding the proposed appearance and finish of the proposed balustrade around the pontoon edge to ensure a recessive and understated appearance.

It is additionally suggested that further explanation is included with regards to the type and function of the Water Source Heat Pump (WSHP) to be incorporated into the pontoon (open loop collector, pond mat, etc.), and how this would be secured. We acknowledge that it would be sensible and have a reduced material and visual impact to incorporate the infrastructure for the WSHP and the proposed pontoon into one cohesive whole, but note that further information should be provided to elaborate on any significant material or aesthetic changes.

Application Number: 21/04819/LBA
Application Date: 26/10/2021
Closing Date: 25/11/2021
Address: Cleveland Row, Hampton Row, Bathwick, Bath
Our Submission Status: Support