17 Kensington Place, Walcot, Bath

17 Kensington Place forms part of a Grade II section of late 18th century terraced townhouses by John Palmer, situated within the Bath conservation area and World Heritage Site. It contributes to the immediate streetscape setting of a number of other Grade II sections of contemporary terrace at 6-10 and 1-5 Kensington Place, also attributed to John Palmer, as well as other Grade II terraces at Percy Place, Lower East Hayes, and the Grade II former Kensington Chapel, now a warehouse.

We presume from the D&A Statement that the glazing of the single pane tripartite windows as existing can be dated to the same time that the glazing bars were removed (“mid-20th century”), in which alteration is considered acceptable. The use of through glazing bars is appropriate.

The insertion of traditional-style sash windows at sub-basement level is positive and in-keeping with the rest of the building, although the omission of the proposed timber cills is preferable. Considering the restricted public visibility of the sub-basement level of the rear elevation and the current non-historic casement windows in situ, this could be a positive opportunity for the integration of slimlite double glazing in the style of a traditional sash window, to ensure an improved thermal performance in light of the current Climate Emergency.