The Bathstore, 3 Rosewell Court, City Centre

3 Rosewell Court forms part of a series of new commercial buildings along James Street West within the Bath conservation area and World Heritage site. It contributes to the setting of multiple Grade II listed buildings along New Street and on Kingsmead Square; therefore, the Trust maintains that any changes in signage must suitably harmonise with and complement Bath’s shopfront vernacular in material, design, and form.

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 shared character of the Bath conservation area and the special qualities of the World Heritage site, as well as the setting of a Grade II building.

We additionally feel that the use of modern materials such as acrylic for the signage lettering is wholly out of keeping with the material character of the conservation area. We maintain that signage should either be hand-painted, or individually-mounted metal lettering, onto a timber fascia board.

We further object to the proposed installation of two fixed, illuminated bracket signs. Part of Bath’s aesthetic commercial character is its maintained traditional usage of hand-painted timber or high-quality metal hanging signs utilising decorative iron brackets. The proposed bracket signs will therefore be of direct detriment to the established shop front vernacular of the conservation area due to their overt use of modern materials and excessive external lighting.

With regards to the proposed vinyl detailing in the windows, it remains unclear as to whether these will be solid vinyls that will cover the entirety of the windows, or if the visual permeability of the building will be retained. We would appreciate if this detail could be clarified, and we would emphasise the importance of minimal vinyl usage to prevent from over-cluttering or deadening the streetscape.

This application will neither preserve nor enhance the appearance and character of the Bath conservation area, and will be of detriment to the city’s use of bespoke traditional signage and shopfront design. This application is therefore contrary to the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, section 16 of the NPPF, and Policies B1, B4, BD1, CP6, D1, D2, D8, D9, and HE1 of the Core Strategy and Placemaking Plan, and should be withdrawn or refused.