The Studio, 19 Caroline Buildings, Widcombe, Bath

19 Caroline Buildings forms part of a Grade II early 19th century residential terrace situated in the Bath conservation area and World Heritage Site. It forms an elevated, three storey elevation to the roadside with an elevated pavement, and backs onto the Kennet & Avon Canal towpath to the south-east. 19 Caroline Buildings has been the subject of extensive rear expansion from the mid-19th century onwards. The building has since been internally subdivided into four flats. The focus of works is on the garage to the rear of the garden site which opens onto the Kennet & Avon Canal towpath. A structure of a similar footprint was present from the mid- to late 19th century onwards. The existing structure is constructed from a mix of traditional coursed Bath rubble and ashlar stone and red brick; historically up until the mid-20th century it would have featured an external staircase though this has since been removed.

We welcome the opportunity for the refurbishment of the canal-side elevation, which as existing is in a poor, dilapidated condition. The retained use of a sectional style garage access would be in keeping with the building’s more utilitarian, outbuilding character.

Consideration of a more traditional fenestration pattern across the principal garden-facing elevation would be preferable within the setting of the listed building.

BPT previously responded to application 21/00920/LBA with regards to the proposed installation of PV panels on the garage roof. We therefore maintain our previous comments as follows:

“In light of the current Climate Emergency, BPT is supportive of the installation of PV panels where this would not significantly compromise historic fabric or the distinctive character and appearance of the historic environment. Due to the shallow roof pitch of the rear workshop, we feel that the addition of PV panels on the south-eastern roof slope would not be of significant visibility from the canal towpath, but there is longer-range visibility from the south from Abbey View Gardens and the allotments that should be considered.

We strongly recommend that further design information is provided for the panels to ensure a low visual impact; the use of monochrome, non-reflective panels with a matte finish is recommended in accordance with Policy SCR2 of the Core Strategy and Placemaking Plan. Black frames are favoured to mitigate an otherwise strident appearance out of character with Bath’s roofscape. We additionally suggest that the panels sit as flush as possible with the roof line to lower them out of the line of sight from the towpath.”