Stonebeck, North Road, Bathwick, Bath

Stonebeck is an unlisted late 20th century dwelling situated within the Bath conservation area and World Heritage Site. The site was formerly the wooded garden setting of the Grade II* Bathwick Hill House. The area is noted for its intentionally green, “picturesque” character as part of the early 19th century expansion to the east and creation of a semi-rural ‘suburb’ to meet increased interest in living outside of the urban city centre. The area forms part of the green landscape ‘bowl’ of Bath with Bathwick Meadows, part of the recognised Skyline, to the immediate south of the area.

We have some concerns regarding the extensive volume of trees proposed for felling (25 total), particularly the focused loss of trees along the southern boundary which may have implications for the cumulative tree coverage across the area in wider landscape views. The trees highlighted (excluding T3) are indicated to be in reasonable health and of varying fair – poor structural condition within the tree assessment report. There is currently a lack of justification for the scale of felling works proposed and the resulting, cumulative impact on local green character. We strongly encourage consideration of mitigatory replanting of suitable species where appropriate, perhaps to reinforce key areas of visibility such as the southern boundary.