9 Abbey View, Widcombe, Bath

Application 23/00107/LBA was previously granted listed building consent for the upgrade of the existing modern units to 14mm slimlite double glazed timber sash windows and French doors. It is noted that the application previously proposed glazing of a standardised 24mm thickness, but proposals were revised to incorporate a slimmer profile double-glazed unit. The works as currently proposed are restricted solely to the upgrade and replacement of the rear French doors.

In response to the Climate Emergency, BPT is supportive of the principle of retrofit measures where these sustain heritage significance or respond to the special architectural and historic interest of a listed building; alterations are expected to be visually coherent with the character of the building, the shared group value of the Grade II terrace, and the broader character and appearance of the conservation area.

We maintain that the principle of replacement and thermal upgrade is acceptable and encouraged, where this would result in no loss of historic fabric.

Where we acknowledge that the existing French doors are located to the rear of the building and is well-enclosed by the adjoining terraced properties, we continue to express a strong preference for the use of slimlite glazing where this is a finer profile more compatible with the listed building. Standard 24mm double glazing tends to be less sympathetic in appearance due to their chunkier profile and ‘double reflection’. We therefore strongly recommend the consideration of a slimmer profile 14mm glazing as a more sensitive alternative, as previously granted consent for the same reasons.

There is currently a lack of justification as to why slimlite double glazing could not be used as per the previous listed building consent.