5 Church Street, Widcombe, Bath, Bath and North-East Somerset, BA2 6AZ
Internal and external alterations including a replacement rear extension.
With reference to the Design and Access Statement, please note that comments are limited to the proposed solar panels, mechanical ventilation and window replacement.
5 Church Street (No.5) is included on the National Heritage List for England at Grade II. List entry number 1394071, first listed on 5 August 1975. The proposal site is located within the World Heritage Site (WHS) and the Bath-City wide conservation area.
The existing photographs document refers to the top floor, rear windows being replaced with 6 over 6 glazing (image 5); however, this is not depicted in the proposed elevation drawing in which 2 over 2 windows are shown.
If the officer is content that the existing windows subject to replacement do not add to the significance of No.5, then their replacement is acceptable in principle subject to appropriate design.
It is not wholly evident as to whether or not the rear roof slope is visible and if so to what degree; however, there is a concern that if visible, the solar panels may be an incongruous addition to the listed building. Of course, if the Local Planning Authority (LPA), identify any harm resulting from the scheme, then they will need to carry out the ‘balancing exercise’ as per the provisions of section 16 of the National Planning Policy Framework (December 2023).
The proposed mechanical ventilation is broadly acceptable in principle, subject to the specific details of any associated external work.