Boathouse Restaurant, Newbridge Road, Bath

The Boathouse is an unlisted restaurant within the Bath conservation area and World Heritage site. It sits prominently along the A4 route into the city centre, and therefore has some contribution to the material and aesthetic appearance of the conservation area. It is also positioned within Bath’s Green Belt and the Cotswolds AONB in a critically green area alongside the River Avon.

BPT does not object to the proposed design or colour palette of the signs within this application. We would instead question the need for such a large number of signs; the proposed street views show a cluttered appearance due to the concentration of signs along the junction turn-off. When considering the otherwise green appearance of this entryway into the city, we would advise against large groups of signs which will be cumulatively detrimental to the character of the area without suitable commercial justification.

However, the Trust does object to the proposed size of illuminated signs both on the side of the restaurant building and on the roadside. We feel that the proposed number of illuminated signs will be unnecessary, and cumulatively be of detriment to the existing verdant character of this area of the conservation area. When considering the site’s sensitive location along the riverside as well as along the arterial A4 route into Bath city centre, we advocate design that is respectful of its rural setting whilst adhering to Bath’s uniform principles of design.

Therefore, whilst we do not object to the installation of new signage, we feel that the volume of signage and its accompanying illumination will be of detriment to the conservation area in accordance with the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, section 16 of the NPPF, and Policies B1, B4, CP6, D1, D2, D8, D9, HE1, and NE2 of the Core Strategy and Placemaking Plan. We would advise that this application be reconsidered with greater acknowledgement of its contextual setting.