Ring O’Bells, 10 Widcombe Parade, Widcombe

10 Widcombe Parade forms part of a Grade II Georgian terrace along Widcombe’s local high street, and has functioned as a public house from the mid-19th century. It is situated within the Bath conservation area and World Heritage site. Whilst the terrace rear faces directly onto a late 20th century residential cul-de-sac, Armes Court, it additionally overlooks Milbrook Lane and the rear of the Grade II* 6-24 Ralph Allen cottages, and can therefore be considered to have some historic and aesthetic value. The rear extensions are potentially Victorian in origin, and therefore constitute a curtilage element of 10 Widcombe Parade’s historic fabric.

We are supportive of the scheme’s overall improvement of the building’s accessibility, and the inclusion of specific facilities such as an accessible ground floor WC.

We feel that the proposal offers an improved use of the rear space by integrating it into the overall, functional footprint of the public house, and will enhance the usability of a community asset. We are additionally pleased to see the inclusion of public consultation comments within the D&A Statement, and commend this approach within areas such as Widcombe which have their own distinct community and architectural character.

The use of glazing to the rear will ensure a ‘light touch’ approach which will ensure that the backland character 10 Widcombe Parade will remain visually ‘open’.