16 Southville Terrace, Lyncombe, Bath, Bath and North-East Somerset, BA2 4LZ

Proposal

Erection of a two storey rear extension and a single storey side extension. Installation of solar panels, air source heat pump and rain water harvesting system.

Our Response

16 Southville Terrace (No. 16) is located within the World Heritage Site (WHS) and the Bath-City wide conservation area, both designated heritage assets. It is likely that No. 16 dates from the second half of the nineteenth century and has been traditionally constructed using the typical pre-1919 approaches.

Note that the consideration of the scheme is limited to the retrofit elements.

It appears that No. 15, attached to the south-west, has as an array on the roof-slope of the front elevation (south-east). It seems to have been in situ since at least 2009 (see Google Street view).

It is noted that the scheme has been subject to pre-application advice provided by the Local Planning Authority.

Whilst not subject to planning permission, the Design and Access Statement (D&A) at p. 1 refers to the intention to internally insulate all external walls. It should be noted that this can lead to problems with the function of natural materials in traditionally constructed buildings, which can lead to other issues such as damp. Perhaps an informative could be attached to any positive decision notice highlighting guidance from Historic England on this type of intervention - https://historicengland.org.uk/images-books/publications/eehb-insulating-solid-walls/ (Energy Efficiency and Historic Buildings – Insulating Solid Walls (Historic England: 2016)?

If the attic space is to be fully insulated, as per page 1 of the D&A, then reference to the following advice from Historic England could be brought to the attention of the agent and/or applicant.

https://historicengland.org.uk/advice/technical-advice/retrofit-and-energy-efficiency-in-historic-buildings/upgrading-thermal-elements-installing-insulation/insulating-roofs-in-historic-buildings/ (Insulating Roofs in Historic Buildings (Historic England).

The submission refers to the proposed installation of an air source heat pump (ASHP); however, details seem to be lacking, though it is noted that this element is under consideration. Again for reference, Historic England have published – Heat Pumps in Historic Buildings – Air Source Heat Pump Case Studies – Small-scale Buildings (2023) (https://historicengland.org.uk/images-books/publications/air-source-heat-pumps-historic-buildings/)

With reference to the proposed solar panels, it appears that some will be visible in the street scene. It is unlikely that they will detract from the character of the conservation area of the outstanding universal values (OUVs) of the WHS; however, any subsequent applications for the wider properties of the street may present a cumulative issue. Though this is not material to the determination of the subject application.

The retrofit elements of the scheme are broadly acceptable and supported in principle; however, whilst it is recognised that some aspects do not require planning permission and therefore not material to decision making. It is important to be mindful of the un-intended consequences of some interventions in historic traditionally constructed buildings.

Application Number: 24/03198/FUL
Application Date: 29/08/2024
Closing Date: 03/10/2024
Address: 16 Southville Terrace, Lyncombe, Bath, Bath and North-East Somerset, BA2 4LZ
Our Submission Status: Comment