Somerset House, Sion Hill, Lansdown, Bath

Somerset House is a Grade II late 18th century detached villa by John Palmer, situated within the Bath conservation area and World Heritage Site. It forms part of the immediate setting of the Grade I late 18th century Cavendish Place. Somerset House features as an elevated landmark feature due to its bayed, horizontal emphasis, and location at the top of the steep north-south slope coming up along Cavendish Road. The eastern extension that forms part of the focus of the application is a later, 20th century addition, and is largely concealed from close public view due to its elevated position above the carriageway and the thick, mature planting along the eastern boundary.

In light of the current Climate Emergency, BPT feels this is a positive opportunity for the integration of slimlite glazing without the loss of historic glazing. We note that aspects of the side extension such as the conservatory are difficult to see from the streetscape, and therefore slimite glazing in these areas would be of reduced visual harm to the special architectural interest of the listed building.

Considering the proposed replacement of the non-historic ‘porthole’ window on a well-concealed and less architecturally prominent elevation of the building, BPT feels that the traditional-style sash window proposed for installation could also utilise slimlite glazing. However, we query the use of thicker glazing bars (23mm) when single glazing is currently being proposed for this window.