Physical Influences
Geology
7.10.1
The majority of the area is limestone of the lower Jurassic
period.
Landform and Drainage Pattern
7.10.2
The landform is generally gently sloping down towards the River
Avon and is slightly steeper towards the Kennet and Avon Canal
below Abbey View Gardens.
7.10.3
Cold springs at Prior Park to the south of Widcombe feed Widcombe
Brook which then joins the Lyn Brook forming the canalised water
course in front of Prior Park Buildings. From here it then enters
the River Avon. A series of springs around Oakwood, Bathwick Hill,
form the Smallcombe Brook. This drains the Smallcombe Valley and
runs into the Kennet and Avon Canal at Abbey View Lock.
Land Use and Buildings
Land Use
7.10.4
The principal land use throughout the area is residential. There is
a vibrant shopping centre in Widcombe which serves local needs and
also has specialist shops that draw custom from a wider area. The
Garden Centre occupies a large space close to Widcombe Parade.
Building Form, Age and Heights
7.10.5
Terraces are one of the two principal building forms in the area
and vary from mid C19 three storey to late C18 two storey terraces.
This includes stepped terraces on the hills. The other principal
building form is the late C18 and early C19 villa either as an
individual house or as paired villas. Some canal side buildings
have been adapted for commercial use.
7.10.6
Carlton Gardens is a comprehensive redevelopment area dating from
the 1970s. The design of the three storey houses takes a modernist
interpretation of Georgian forms. The area sits at the foot of
Beechen Cliff and is highly visible from many parts of the
city.
Materials
7.10.7
The majority of the area's buildings are built of natural Bath
stone ashlar often with natural slate or clay tile roofs. Postwar
C20 housing within the area is principally built of reconstituted
Bath stone with concrete or clay tile roofs.
Streets and Civic Spaces
Street Pattern
7.10.8
The varied street pattern of the area reflects its topography,
watercourses and incremental development.
Density and Degree of Enclosure
7.10.9
The C18 and C19 two storey terraces and villas give a medium
density with many open views to the hillsides and valleys outside
the area. Widcombe, lower down the slopes on the edge of the valley
floor and adjoining the River Avon, has clusters of late C18 and
early C19 housing with some C20 infill and is consequently much
higher in density.
Vitality and Tranquillity
7.10.10
The river partly forms the northern boundary to this area. At
road level the presence of the river is spoilt by traffic, however
a river level path allows a more tranquil experience. The
Kennet and Avon Canal joins the River Avon at Widcombe and forms
the northern boundary to the character area. Features of the
canal include the locks and the basin.
7.10.11
Widcombe High street is dominated by one way traffic. Other areas,
away from the busier roads, are much more tranquil. The canal and
towpath have become an important route for walkers, cyclists and
boaters.
Materials and Boundary Treatment
7.10.12
The footways are predominantly tarmac with concrete or occasionally
pennant kerbs. Stone walls are the predominant boundary but there
are a few hedges.
Influence of Vegetation and Open Space
Trees and Shrubs
7.10.13
The area has many mature trees and shrubs and this helps create a
well established feel across the whole area.
Open Space
7.10.14
There is a well developed network of open spaces consisting of the
canal, its basin, locks, the adjacent towpath and several well
maintained green spaces. These provide a most valuable resource for
walking and cycling and other recreational activities. It is
altogether well used and much loved.
Features, Landmarks and Views
7.10.15
An important feature of the area is the canal itself. With its
basins, locks and bridges its value is historical as well as
physical. The raised course of Brunel’s railway over the river and
roundabout is a prominent feature of this area.
7.10.16
The tower of St Matthew's Church, Widcombe is a local landmark. The
area has strong localised views westwards across the city from
points east of the canal. From these both the spire of St John's
Catholic Church and the tower of Bath Abbey dominate the
skyline.
Cultural Influences
Historic Uses
7.10.17
Prior to the railways the canal was the most important transport
route for stone and other necessary bulk materials. Upon these
commodities the wealth of Bath was largely established.
7.10.18
Ralph Allen's Cottages are among the earliest surviving
purpose-built industrial houses. They were originally built for
Allen's stone masons who worked at the nearby stone wharf adjoining
Allen's gravity tramway which transported stone from the quarries
at Combe Down to the riverside.
