1 Alexandra Place, Combe Down, Bath

1 Alexandra Place is an unlisted late 19th/early 20th century end-of-terrace dwelling, situated within the Combe Down character area of the Bath City-Wide Conservation Area and World Heritage Site. It forms part of a homogenous, two storey section of terrace in a mix of ashlar and coursed stone with hipped bay windows and projecting two storey stack elevations to the rear. The terrace is set back from the main streetscape of Tyning Road on a narrow side lane, characteristic of Combe Down’s grain and layout, and as such is of limited visibility in mid- and long-range views. The building’s townscape presence is limited to close range views from along Alexandra Place.

In response to the Climate Emergency and in efforts to contribute towards B&NES Council’s objectives to reach Net Zero by 2030, BPT is supportive of the principle of the installation of PV panels within the historic environment, where they can be sited to preserve and enhance the character and appearance of the conservation area.

Where it is proposed to install panels on the south-facing hipped end of the roof, we note that views of this part of the building are very constrained due to the narrowness of the lane, coupled with the building’s immediate roadside presence. As such, the installation of panels in this context would be of limited visibility, and would be screened in wider views by virtue of being enclosed by the surrounding development. Any harm would be outweighed by the benefits of integrating microrenewables and the associated generation of low-carbon energy.

It is generally recommended that further design details of the proposed panels are clarified as part of this application to ensure a non-intrusive appearance and finish in accordance with Policy SCR2 of the Core Strategy and Placemaking Plan. PV panels should be monochrome with a matt finish to minimise reflectivity and associated sun glare, and should sit as flush with the roof slope as possible.