Combe Down House Surgery, Combe Down House, The Avenue, Combe Down

Combe Down House is a Grade II early to mid-19th century detached residential villa, now pharmacy, situated within the Bath conservation area and World Heritage Site. The building utilises a modest, plain Bath stone ashlar façade with sash windows and symmetrical chimney stacks to the north and south. The original porch with inset squared posts has been retained, although the bay window to the south looks to be a later addition which is now used to display advertisements for the pharmacy. The building was extended to the far south in the early 21st century.

BPT previously commented on pending application 21/01235/AR with regards to an absence of adequate information and the inappropriate proposal of an aluminium fascia.

We are therefore pleased to see that our comments have been considered as part of the latest submission of an LBA. We are supportive of a proposed replacement timber fascia of a matching size and shape as the sign currently in situ. The reuse of the original fixings would ensure no further irreversible loss of historic fabric.

It is indicated in the proposed drawing that the timber panel would be painted; however, due to the blurry quality of the drawings submitted, it is difficult to make out further annotations regarding the detailing of the sign, and whether the lettering is also intended to be hand painted. Considering the sign’s position on a listed building, we maintain that the application of vinyl lettering would not be appropriate and a traditional signage approach is therefore favoured.

In the absence of further clarification, we recommend that a matte finish is selected as a more appropriate alternative to gloss.