Two iconic Grade I listed buildings in Bath have recently received planning permission and Listed Building Consent for measures aimed at significantly reducing their carbon emissions. This marks an important step forward for energy conservation in Bath’s 5,000 listed buildings, setting a positive example (though not technically establishing precedence in planning terms).
In the past two years, there has been a significant shift in planning policy in Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES) regarding historic buildings. Just two years ago, these kinds of measures would not have been allowed, but gradually, policy has evolved to more favorably support energy conservation efforts to reduce carbon emissions in heritage buildings. This change in approach reached a key milestone with the approval of these two prominent buildings. Transition Bath has played a crucial role in supporting these applications, reviewing and commenting on over 300 planning submissions this year alone.
The Francis Hotel , on the south side of Queen’s Square The hotel has been granted permission for a range of upgrades that will significantly reduce its carbon footprint, representing a major planning achievement for Bath:
- Air source heat pumps
- Secondary glazing
- Vacuum glazed sash windows (offering the same performance as triple glazing but the thickness of single glazing)
- Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery
- Solar photovoltaic panels (solar PV)
- Insulation
Similarly, the Assembly Rooms, owned by the National Trust, has been granted permission for:
- Air source heat pumps
- Vacuum glazed sash windows
- Solar PV
- Underfloor heating