Tesco Express, 243 Englishcombe Lane, Southdown, Bath, Bath And North East Somerset, BA2 2ER

243 Englishcombe Lane is an unlisted commercial building situated within the World Heritage Site, and the indicative townscape setting of the Bath conservation area. The Southdown area is primarily residential in character and appearance.

BPT resists the principle of illuminated signage. Bath is recognised as a low-illuminated city in which the maintained low levels of lighting complement the historic character and appearance of the city, and create a distinctive evening and night-time atmosphere. Therefore, the use of illuminated signage would be of detriment to the special qualities of the World Heritage site, and out of character with the otherwise residential character and appearance of Englishcombe Lane.

We note application 08/01141/AR was permitted for trough lighting, to which the Trust originally objected. Should this have been implemented, the current application would therefore propose an excessive, detrimental addition of further external illumination. The Trust will continue to object to illuminated signs where they are considered to detract from the character, visual amenity value and special qualities of the World Heritage site.

This application is contrary to Policies B1, B4, BD1, D8, and D9 of the Core Strategy and Placemaking Plan, and should therefore be refused or withdrawn.