Street Record, Lansdown Mews, Lansdown

Lansdown Mews is an unlisted mews street and former livery yard situated within the Bath conservation area and World Heritage Site. The street layout appears to originate from around the early 19th century, with the area finally being identified as Lansdown Mews by the late 19th century. The mews has been subject to extensive 20th century modifications, but the street remains collectively indicative of Bath’s vernacular palette and contrasting mix of formal townhouses and more modest outbuildings and coach houses now converted to residential use. The retention of the cobbled surface treatment is of particular aesthetic and evidential value that cumulatively creates an attractive off-shoot of Lansdown Road, and one of several views ‘through’ Lansdown Road’s built frontage. The site is immediately overlooked by a cluster of Grade II late 18th century terraced townhouses along Fountains Buildings.

We acknowledge the need for improved security for residents of this area. However, we do maintain some concerns regarding the visual ‘closing off’ of this lane from wider public view. We feel that the design show in the proposed elevations currently looks dense and solid in appearance, and we encourage the consideration of a lighter, more transparent design whilst appreciating the need for the railings to be secure (anti-climb, etc).

We further encourage the intention expressed in the D&A Statement for the gates to be left open during the day to better mitigate visual harm to and enclosure of the streetscape.

We strongly suggest that further detailed drawings and sections of the proposed railings are submitted for consideration by the case officer to ensure a high-quality design and material finish.