Land South Of 378 Wellsway, Bath

This is a prominent site overlooking the townscape in the WHS and we object to this application on the basis that the scheme overdevelops this small plot and the scale, massing and height of the building is excessive and at odds with the character and appearance of the local area. The design of the building is bland and lacking the quality required for a gateway location to the WHS. We object particularly to the flat stepped back roof which is at least one storey too high; this scheme should respect the slope on which it sits and the height should step down to meet the height of the Millennium Building, not dwarf it. We recommend that the building is scaled down considerably in both height and scale so that it assimilates more respectfully and cohesively with the local townscape and urban grain. In particular the provision of Policy D.7 come into play here which cites that corner infill must carefully consider primary and return frontage regarding heights, scale, massing and design and respect the local townscape character.

The proposed scheme would neither preserve nor enhance the character and appearance of the local 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.2, D.5, D.7, HE1, B.4 of the Placemaking Plan. We would therefore recommend the application be withdrawn or refused.