Beer Craft Of Bath, 3 Argyle Street, Bathwick, Bath
3 Argyle Street forms part of a Grade II late 18th century terrace at 1-5 Argyle Street, situated within the commercial core of the Bath conservation area and World Heritage Site. It is situated overlooking the principal facades of, and is contemporary to, the Grade II* late 18th century terrace 8-17 Argyle Street. 3 Argyle Street features an unusual 1925 shopfront by FJ Amery and Son with bowed oriel windows either side of the central shop access. The wider streetscape of Argyle Street features a diverse mix of mid/late 19th century and mid-20th century shopfronts which are significant in reflecting a ‘narrative of change’ in Bath’s commercial character, whilst reinforcing the variety of traditional shopfront characteristics, forms, colours, and materials seen throughout the conservation area. As such, 3 Argyle Street forms an intrinsic part of the traditional, commercial streetscape around and over the Grade I Pulteney Bridge, and therefore we emphasise the importance of maintaining the existing, historic appearance, materiality, and character of this part of the conservation area.
There is an existing pavement licence for 2x tables and 8x chairs, valid until 39th September 2022 (see 22/00889/PAVE).
It is noted that as part of proposals, it is intended to reinstate the external shopfront canopy. However, as yet there is insufficient information to assess the proposals as no proposed elevations, sections, or details of the proposed canopy or canopy mechanism have been submitted as part of this application. Photographs of the shopfront from the 1970s and 1990s (Bath in Time) show that a Dutch canopy was previously in situ, which perhaps better reflected the rounded protrusions of the shopfront bays. We therefore suggest that a similar design may be appropriate to the distinctive architectural and aesthetic qualities of this shopfront.
Further details are required regarding the proposed material, colour, and finish of the canopy; a high-quality canvas should be used rather than plastic. We maintain a preference for an awning colour which would complement and sit recessively against the existing shopfront, without additional lettering or logos.
From the application, it remains unclear as to the condition of the two under-pavement vaults – from the photographs provided in the D&A Statement, it appears that these may have been painted/rendered. They are currently in use as ancillary storage spaces. The installation of what appears to be a freestanding walk-in fridge would limit impact on historic fabric, although there would be an associated change to the perceived character of the space. We suggest that further details are provided regarding any potential fixings or connecting points for any ducting or wiring. We also highlight that any potential impact is considered in relation to changes in humidity and how warm air from the fridge exhaust is ventilated.