First Floor, 14 – 15 Portland Place, Lansdown, Bath

14-15 Portland Place constitute two Grade II late 18th century terraced townhouses, now internally converted into flats, situated within the Bath conservation area and World Heritage Site. The two dwellings, originally separate, have now become partially merged with the first floor flat running across the first floor of both buildings. Portland Place forms a triangular arrangement of terraced late 18th century townhouses, the majority of which are now Grade II or Grade II* listed, at the top of the steep north-south slope looking down towards Julian Road. A central triangular green is identifiable likely from the early 19th century, which contributes to the enclosed balance of residential and private green space seen throughout Bath’s squares, circuses, and crescents. 14-15 Portland Place forms an unusual corner frontage on Portland Place, marking where the terrace would have originally connected back onto a terrace of buildings running along Ballance Street which were consequently demolished in the late 20th century. Due to the loss of this section of built streetscape, the less formalised rear elevations of Portland Place is clearly visible in Bath rubble stone, with a number of varied later extensions and alterations informing a ‘narrative of change’ of identifiable evidential significance.

The rear windows identified for alteration are indicated to be “C19 or C20” in the HE listing description, and are of a single pane sash design, although this hasn’t been clarified as part of this application. The replacement of the lower sashes are therefore likely to be considered acceptable so long as this does not constitute a loss of historic glazing.

Considering the proposed extent of sash replacement in this area, there could be a positive opportunity for the reintroduction of a historic glazing profile, or the use of slimlite double glazing where this would be materially compatible with the existing window frame.