Site Of Former Ministry Of Defence Offices, Warminster Road, Bathwick, Bath

Proposal
Variation of condition 24 of application 16/04289/EFUL (Erection of 6 no. apartment blocks to provide 87 no. new dwellings (Partial revision of application 14/02272/EFUL) granted on 09.08.2017
Our Response

The proposal to change from Bath stone to render (including imitation rustication at undercroft level) on the two blocks is in our view unacceptable. These are the city facing elevations, visible in long views, and given the pastiche classical styling of the scheme these elevations should be in finely jointed Bath stone ashlar to match the materials palette of the 18th century city. Render usually appears hard, white and blank in long views and could therefore be harmful to the OUV of the WHS.

The proposed change in materials would neither preserve nor enhance the character of the conservation area and the special qualities of the World Heritage Site. It is therefore contrary to Section 12 (Conserving and enhancing the historic environment) of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), policies; B1, B4 and CP6 of the B&NES Core Strategy and policies CP6, D.1, D.2 HE1, B4, BD1 of the Placemaking Plan. We would therefore recommend that the proposal to change material be refused.

Application Number: 18/01407/EVAR
Application Date: 03/05/2018
Closing Date: 03/05/2018
Address: Site Of Former Ministry Of Defence Offices, Warminster Road, Bathwick, Bath
Our Submission Status: Object