Steepholm, Weston Lane, Lower Weston, Bath

Steepholm is an unlisted late 20th century semi-detached dwelling which forms part of the Gainsborough Gardens residential suburb, situated within the Bath conservation area and World Heritage Site. Weston Lane is characterised by a predominant boundary treatment of coursed rubble stone walls and hedgerow planting. Whilst there is some variety in boundary wall heights and construction methods, this form of boundary delineation has been carried through into examples of newer-build dwellings, consequently reinforcing the overt appearance and character of this area of the conservation area. Gainsborough Gardens features a similar, referential treatment in the use of low block work boundary walls reinforced with hedging; whilst Gainsborough Gardens is set back from Weston Lane, Steepholm is located on the junction and is therefore of heightened visibility from the main thoroughfare through the conservation area.

We note that Breydon already features horizontal feather edge timber fencing, but there does not appear to be a relevant planning permission associated with this fencing. We therefore question whether this can be considered an acceptable precedent for similar works elsewhere.

We originally objected to similar works for the erection of a 1.5m high fence at Abinger on the other side of the junction (see 21/04368/FUL). We therefore maintain our objection as follows:

“BPT is therefore resistant to the replacement of hedging with a wooden boundary fence, which we feel would be an incongruous and jarring addition to the streetscape, out of keeping with established boundary treatments in this part of the conservation area. We have some concerns regarding the erosion of green planting which makes a considerable addition to the character of the area.

This application in its current form is therefore contrary to the Planning (Listed Building and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, section 16 of the NPPF, and Policies B1, CP6, D1, D2, D3, and HE1 of the Core Strategy and Placemaking Plan, and should be refused.”