Roof repairs and solar panels at 15 Milsom Street, City Centre, Bath

“25/03501/LBA - Pending Determination - External works for repairs to roof and installation of PV panels and AOV rooflights…”

“OFFICER ASSESSMENT This planning application seeks consent for Repairs to roof and installation of PV panels and AOV rooflights. Permission is required for the installation of PV panels as the building is listed. Roof repairs and installation of AOV rooflights do not require planning permission and the impact of these will be assessed under the corresponding listed building application.”

“Site Description: 15-18 Milsom Street are a group of four Grade II listed buildings located in the conservation area and the double-inscribed World Heritage Site that consists of the City of Bath and the Great Spa Towns of Europe UNESCO inscriptions. The buildings are attributed to Thomas Jelly and historically constructed as dwellings. Subsequently the ground floors were converted into shops and many of the shop fronts are of historic interest.”

“13/00833/LBA - Consent - 10 May 2013 - External alterations for the provision of new extract duct to rear of building.”

“23/02257/LBA - Consent - 24 July 2024 - Internal alterations for the conversion of the first, second and third floors of 15-16 Milsom Street to 5no. residential units.”

“Policy D1, D2, D3 and D5 of the Placemaking Plan have regard to the character and appearance of a development and its impact on the character and appearance of the host building and wider area. Development proposals will be supported, if amongst other things they contribute positively to and do not harm local character and distinctiveness.”

“Policy HE1 requires development that has an impact upon a heritage asset, whether designated or non-designated, will be expected to enhance or better reveal its significance and setting. There is a duty placed on the Council under Section 72 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act to pay special attention to the preservation or enhancement of the character of the surrounding conservation area.”

“SUMMARY OF CONSULTATIONS/REPRESENTATIONS Ecology: The Bat Survey indicated no presence of bats was found during the survey, but there are known populations in the local area, including a bat roost in the locality. There is no objection subject to the conditions, including compliance with the working regulations recommended in the Preliminary Bat Roost Assessment and the Bat Survey, including carrying out the works in consultation with a suitably qualified ecologist.”

“One support comment received: Great development to see PV panels proposed in a sensitive way to the location to increase renewable energy generation at the location where it will be used!”

“There were no public speakers in relation to the application.”

“In response to a Member’s question, it was confirmed that it was highly unlikely that the building would not be able to take the weight of the solar panels as the majority of roofs were able to do so.”

“Cllr Crossley moved the officers’ recommendation, and this was seconded by Cllr Simon.”

“RESOLVED that listed building consent be granted subject to the conditions set out in the report.”