Garden Flat 1, Sydney House, Sydney Road, Bath

Proposal
External works to replace UPVC window to south west elevation of lower ground floor with hardwood window.
Our Response

Sydney House is a Grade II mid-19th century detached villa attributed to John Pinch the Younger, now internally subdivided into flats and maisonettes, situated within the Bath conservation area and World Heritage Site. It is located in the north-eastern corner of Sydney Gardens, a Grade II designated Park and Garden and overlooks the easterly junction of Warminster Road and Beckford Road, although public views are partially obscured due to mature planting to the north and south. The proposed area of change appears to be located on the east elevation, recessed behind the south-eastern corner, and is therefore well-screened from public views. The existing, unauthorised uPVC window is of no historic or architectural value.

The Trust is supportive of the proposed replacement of the uPVC window which is a detractor to the material and architectural integrity of a listed building. The replacement with a like-for-like six-over-six hardwood sash window is encouraged to reinstate the traditional joinery detailing of the building.

However, considering the proposed replacement of a non-historic window on a well-concealed and less architecturally prominent elevation of the building, the Trust feels this could be a positive opportunity for a traditional timber sash window to be fitted that utilises slimline glazing rather than single glazing to ensure an improved thermal performance in light of the current Climate Emergency.

Application Number: 21/00736/LBA
Application Date: 16/02/2021
Closing Date: 01/04/2021
Address: Garden Flat 1, Sydney House, Sydney Road, Bath
Our Submission Status: Support