Unit 1 Pets At Home, Mero Retail Park, Lower Bristol Road

The Trust objects to this proposal on the basis that the solar film will remove from external view the Mero space frame roof which is a key part of the special architectural interest of the building and the basis for its listing. Therefore the proposal detracts from the ability to view, appreciate and better reveal this special feature of the building and therefore harms its significance. No other options appear to have been considered and the application documentation is of poor quality, providing no justification for the need for solar film of this dark colour or its impact on the appearance of the building. We understand it should be possible to use clear solar film (such as those used in historic houses for conservation) and would recommend this option is investigated.

The proposed scheme would neither preserve nor enhance the special interest of the listed building. Therefore the proposal would be contrary to the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas Act) 1990, 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, HE1 of the Placemaking Plan. We would therefore recommend that the application is amended or refused.