Coach House, Bathampton Lane, Bathampton

Coach House is an unlisted Georgian property on Bathampton Lane situated within the Bathampton conservation area and the landscape setting of Bath’s World Heritage site. Whilst not directly adjoining a listed building, Bathampton Lane is characterised by its reasonable density of Grade II late Georgian and early Victorian detached dwellings with associated ancillary features such as historic boundary walls and wrought iron railings. Consequently, Bathampton’s streetscape is positively defined through a use of vernacular boundary materials in which Coach House’s use of Bath stone ashlar walling is historically and aesthetically appropriate.

Therefore, the Trust feels that the use of willow fencing will be of detriment to the material and visual palette currently present within the conservation area. The area is defined by its use of either Bath stone ashlar walls, wrought iron railings, or natural hedging for additional privacy. Whilst a couple of examples of contemporary timber fencing are visible, these are deemed to be visually inappropriate and not suitable for later replication.

Examples of willow fencing provided within the D&A Statement are not sourced from the Bathampton conservation area and are therefore not applicable. The presence of willow screens within the garden is also irrelevant, as these are largely concealed by the existing stone wall and therefore do not impact on the architectural streetscape and associated aesthetic and vernacular character of the conservation area.

Whilst BPT appreciates the need for additional screening for the privacy of residents, we would emphasise the unsuitability and incongruity of willow fencing within the established aesthetic tradition of the Bathampton conservation area. Therefore, this application is contrary to Policies B1, BD1, CP6, D1, D2, D3, D4, and HE1 of the Core Strategy and Placemaking Plan, and we would advise that a screening material more in-keeping with the character and local distinctiveness of the site is used such as hedgerow planting behind the existing stone boundary wall.