Victoria Lodge, Weston Road, Lower Weston

Victoria Lodge is a Grade II Victorian residential dwelling, formerly a shop, situated in the Bath conservation area and World Heritage site. The single storey kitchen wing, which is the subject of this application, is the surviving classical shopfront of a Victorian plantsman, on which the remains of the painted sign are still visible. This aspect of the building is therefore highly unusual, and of particular historic and social interest to the streetscape of Lower Weston.

In principle, we are supportive of the proposed roof works, in particular the replacement of man-made slates with natural slates to improve the appearance and functionality of a listed building. Due to the prominent position of the kitchen wing along the road, the reinstatement of natural roof slates will have a visually significant effect that will directly enhance the appearance of the conservation area.

However, we cannot fully assess the suitability of this scheme without the provision of existing and proposed roof plans. We are further disappointed by the lack of proposed elevations provided as part of the application, and recommend that these are submitted to the LPA before this application can progress further.