Barnabas House, 2 Bladud Buildings, City Centre, Bath

2 Bladud Buildings forms part of a section of Grade II mid-18th century terraced townhouses at 1-15 Bladud Buildings, situated within the Bath Conservation Area and World Heritage Site. It forms part of the adjoining approach to the Grade I Paragon, a significant architectural setpiece indicative of innovations in 18th century town planning. No. 2 forms part of a localised group of shopfronts on the junction with Broad Street, but remains in residential use which is reflected in its elevational treatment. It reflects the homogeneity and careful balance of the wider terrace, reflected in its symmetrical three bay form with a central pedimented window across the upper first and second floors, although the multi-pane sash windows have been replaced with later single pane alternatives. The ground floor is instead indicative of later alterations with the insertion of three arched window reveals. Where the rear of Bladud Buildings contributes to the terraced backdrop of Walcot Street, No. 2 is entirely enclosed from public view due to the build-up of later development to the south, including the YMCA building.

BPT is generally supportive of the proposed scope of window refurbishment and repair, where this would facilitate the retention of existing windows and their improved performance and use by occupiers. The replacement of cracked glazing panes and renewal of features such as staff beads and pulley systems are understood to be necessary where fabric is already indicated to be in poor condition.

The windows across all floors are indicated to be 20th century by Historic England, but no further information regarding age or provenance is provided as part of the application. Where existing sash windows are single pane, these are evident as later additions which are not original to the building’s historic construction and composition, and as such are evidentially of a lesser historic and material significance. Where windows are demonstrably 20th century additions, there would be no loss or change to historic fabric.

The installation of Ventrolla brush pile draft proofing to address heat loss is supported. We take the opportunity at this stage to encourage consideration of potential works, either as part of this application or in future, for thermal improvements to be made to the existing single glazed windows, such as the addition of secondary glazing. Where existing glazing is not historic, there would also be capacity for the introduction of slimlite double glazing, although suitability would remain dependent on the quality of the proposed fenestration and finish.