Tresco Cottage, Beechen Cliff Road, Bear Flat, Bath

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.

The existing single pane sash windows are indicated to be non-historic insertions that post-date 1942, where original fenestration was lost due to bomb damage. They are indicated to be in a poor, “fragile” condition despite cited ongoing maintenance. This offers a positive opportunity for the implementation of energy-efficient retrofits without the loss of historic fabric.

Replacement would be in a like-for-like fenestration style, utilising a single pane sash with sash horns. We acknowledge this would be consistent with the existing style of the windows already in situ, as well as examples of other installations along the terrace. This application could pose a positive opportunity for the reinstatement of a more traditional multi-pane fenestration style and profile as an additional heritage gain, but the works as currently proposed would already result in public benefit where the appearance of the listed building would be sustained whilst integrating thermally efficient upgrades to fabric.

The existing and proposed window sections appear to show a consistent sash profile and thickness, but it would be helpful to clarify any differences in scale or measurements for the benefit of the case officer.

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.