Flats 1 2, 8 Marlborough Buildings, Bath

8 Marlborough Buildings forms part of a Grade II late 18th century terrace of townhouses situated within the Bath conservation area and World Heritage Site. It forms part of the streetscape setting of the Grade I Royal Crescent and the Grade II Royal Victoria Park. Due to its unbroken length and scale it dominates the streetscape with long, unobscured north-south views from Cavendish Road towards Lower Bristol Road. The principal street-facing elevation has retained a large degree of the terrace’s original, designed homogeneity with rusticated ground floor detailing and clean three bay façade, albeit with some later alterations. The rear elevation is more diverse in its fenestration styles and rear extensions, contributing towards a more varied backland character indicative of a narrative of change visible from along Cow Lane and Ring Common allotments.

Considering the Grade II status of the building, we do not feel that adequate information has been provided regarding previous alterations and changes to this building. Whilst the existing photographs do indicate a potential stone infill of a pre-existing window opening, there is no clarification as to when this window was removed and whether it could be considered a historic alteration, to enable for a fully considered assessment of potential loss of historic fabric. However, we do acknowledge the proposed aesthetic benefits of a new window in this opening which would restore a degree of visual alignment with the ground and second floors.

Should the principle of a new sash window in this location be considered appropriate, we note the potential for the insertion of slimlite glazing. With the insertion of a new window, this could offer a positive opportunity for the implementation of energy-efficient retrofits without any additional loss of historic fabric.
In the light of the declared Climate Emergency BPT is generally supportive of retrofit measures where this would be coherent with the special architectural and historic interest of a listed building.

We note that the proposed sash window profile would implement 23mm glazing bars, which would likely be capable of taking slimlite glazing without further potentially adverse alterations to the glazing bar thickness or profile.

We acknowledge the short-range public visibility of the rear of the terrace from Cow Lane and the allotments. Slimlite glazing in this location could be considered an addition to the established eclectic backland appearance and character of the terrace rear.