Friends Takeaway, 3 New Street, City Centre, Bath

3 New Street forms part of a Grade II early 19th century stepped terrace of houses, now with commercial ground floors, situated within the core of the Bath conservation area and World Heritage Site. 3 New Street forms a central part of the terrace with a rendered Bath stone ashlar façade with matching raised platband surrounds that run across the terrace as a uniform whole, with a “19th century pilaster shopfront” (Historic England listing, 2010) and corniced timber fascia along the ground floor.

The commercial shopfront character and appearance of the core of the Bath conservation area and World Heritage Site is enhanced by its retained vernacular appearance, use of traditional materials and construction methods, and bespoke design approach. Consequently, shop frontages are expected to conform to relevant guidance regarding the appropriate use of materials, colours, and a lack of illuminated signage, in keeping with the wider historic character of the city conservation area and World Heritage Site.

We note that the unauthorised changes to the shopfront have not been included within the retrospective FUL or listed building applications despite shopfront works including repainting, new window vinyls, a new hanging sign, and what appears to be a new vinyl fascia board applied over the existing. There is additionally no validated AR application. Considering this constitutes works that would affect the special architectural interest of a listed building, we strongly recommend these are included within the submitted proposals, or submitted separately for consideration by the case officer.

We additionally highlight that a table and chairs permit was granted in 2009 for 2 tables and 4 chairs (see 09/01287/FUL). However, this appears to have increased to 6 chairs in the photographs included in the D&A/Heritage Statement (see 21/02937/LBA) but does not appear to be included within the retrospective proposals.