146 North Road, Combe Down, Bath

146 North Road forms part of a series of Grade II mid-19th century terraced cottages situated within the Combe Down character area of the Bath conservation area and World Heritage Site. It forms one half of a semi-detached pair with 148 North Road with a three bay Bath stone ashlar façade and pitched roof; the façade has later become somewhat unbalanced by the asymmetrical insertion of the door to 146 North Road, indicating a later division of what was formerly a single dwelling. The front elevation currently features a slight contrast in window fenestrations between 146 and 148 North Road; 146 North Road incorporates a later style of one-over-one sash timber windows with moulded horns. The rear elevations are concealed from public view, facing directly onto long strip gardens that back onto the garden setting of the Grade II mid-19th century detached dwelling Rosemount on Gladstone Road.

The proposed works would be focused on the rear extension, built around the 1960s, and therefore would not affect any historic fabric. Any alterations to the rear extension would be well-concealed in views from Gladstone Road, where No. 146 is set well back within a generous garden strip and further screened by adjoining residential development and private gardens to the south. As such, there would be no change to publicly-experienced views of the streetscape along North Road or Gladstone Road, or the associated character and appearance of the conservation area.

The applicant highlights the opportunity to consider upgrading the existing single glazed casement window with slimlite “to ensure improved thermal performance in the light of the current climate and energy emergency.” BPT is strongly in favour of the installation of slimlite double glazing where there would be no visual or material impact on historic fabric or the special interest of a listed building. The use of a double glazed unit would help to mitigate the existing damp and cold internal conditions of the rear extension, although consideration of additional retrofit measures is recommended to best address the described issues.