Orchard Spring, Church Lane, Batheaston

The proposed site of development forms part of Church Farm, situated within the Bath Green Belt and Cotswolds AONB. Towards the south of the site is a cluster of Grade II 18th-19th buildings of a mixed agricultural and residential function. Whilst located outside of the Batheaston conservation area, it remains an important aspect of the village’s rural setting and agricultural character.

Should this application be consented, we would encourage (as already suggested in the D&A Statement) that a Condition is attached in which the cottage’s residency will be solely restricted to rural workers. We feel that the cottage’s function should remain attached to Church Farm to prevent the potential future fragmentation of the site, and the use of the cottage as a precedent for residential development.