Garages to Rear of 7 Forester Lane, Bathwick, Bath

The Trust has no objection to an infill development on this site. However whilst we acknowledge that this application is not visible within the public realm, the proposals are in our view substandard with considerable design issues that will impact on the character and appearance of the conservation area. The bland boxy design with the large extent of glazing show very little design input and the unrelieved rear elevation is also uncharacteristic of the conservation area. The form and size of the building does not relate positively or respectfully to the prevailing pattern of local built forms. There is little doubt this building does not take any cues or references from its local context and fails to preserve or enhance the local townscape character. The use of recon stone and grey recon slates are unacceptable and again point to a lack of understanding of local context, in which Bath stone ashlar or red brick are the main elements of the materials palette. In our view the architect and applicant should return to the drawing board.

The proposed scheme by virtue of its design, massing, form and scale would neither preserve nor enhance the character and appearance of the conservation area and would detract from the special qualities of the WHS. The scheme would be contrary to Section 12 (Conserving and Enhancing the Historic Environment) of the NPPF, policies B1, B4, and CP6 of the B&NES Core Strategy and policies CP6, D.1, D.2, D.5, D7, HE1, BD1 of the Placemaking Plan. We would therefore strongly recommend the application be withdrawn or refused.