Maisonette, 6 Lansdown Place West, Lansdown, Bath

6 Lansdown Place West forms part of the Grade II late 18th century terrace of monumental townhouses situated within the Bath conservation area and World Heritage Site. The building is one of three that were completely rebuilt in 1948-1950, following complete destruction during the Blitz, although built to match the adjoining buildings. Its value is therefore derived from its reinforcement of the group value and homogenous design of the terrace, as well as its contribution to the grouped historic and architectural value of the Grade I Lansdown Crescent, as well as the flanking Grade II Lansdown Place East. The area remains hugely significant in its presentation of Georgian monumental architecture and town planning, and the designed visual homogeneity and harmony throughout the Lansdown Crescent assemblage which contributes to Bath’s World Heritage OUV.

In response to the Climate Emergency, BPT is supportive of the principle of retrofit works to improve the energy efficiency and thermal performance of Bath’s existing building stock, where this does not result in adverse impact to the special interest of a listed building or the character and appearance of the conservation area.

We acknowledge that the existing windows are non-historic in origin and are in a poor condition, necessitating replacement. This offers a positive opportunity for the implementation of energy-efficient retrofits without the loss of historic fabric.

We emphasise the importance of ensuring a high quality appearance harmonious with the traditional window profile of Bath’s Georgian terraces. This can be achieved through the use of an appropriate style of glazing bar thickness and profile to ensure the timber frame isn’t overly heavy or blocky in appearance.

The proposed sections indicate that the thickness and depth of the proposed glazing bars and sash frames would match the existing windows, and as such there would be a very limited change of appearance to the principal façade of a listed building. The proposed windows would be in keeping with the established character and appearance of the building, and, as designed, the wider group value of the terrace and the set-piece of Lansdown Crescent.

Full-scale sections of the proposed sash would be helpful to better illustrate the intersection of the proposed slimlite glazing with the glazing bars and meeting rails.

This proposal could help provide an invaluable opportunity to monitor the thermal and acoustic efficiency of the windows, before and after, whilst also observing any additional repercussions such as changes in humidity levels. This information could then be used to more accurately assess the suitability of slimlite installation in Bath’s historic building stock.

BPT is very interested in working with the applicant to reach an acceptable solution and get a better understanding of the existing window condition and performance, to be reassessed post-retrofit.