6.4.1 A unifying characteristic of Bath is the
generally uniform heights and scale of its buildings.
- Within the core of the city and its immediate surroundings, the
majority of buildings are three to four storeys high with attics
and basements (and sometimes sub-basements). There can be
considerable variation in height between buildings of the same
number of storeys. This is due to different floor to ceiling
heights which traditionally were defined by the ‘rates’ described
in 5.5.10. In the major C18 developments there was often a
hierarchy of scale between the grand frontage blocks and the
smaller scale service blocks to the rear.
- Outside the city centre the majority of buildings are two
storeys in height with the exception of occasional three or four
storey C18 or C19 terraces.
6.4.2 Much of Bath's C18 and early C19 buildings are
elevated on a series of C18 vaults approximately four to five
metres above the natural ground level thus avoiding the need for
otherwise costly and difficult ground excavation.
Section: Belmont, Building of Bath Museum, Vineyards, Paragon,
Chatham Row
6.4.3 Bath's skyline and roofscape is punctuated by
the tower of Bath Abbey and by church towers and spires.
6.4.4 The integrity of Bath’s skyline and roofscape
and the balance of views within, to and across the city were harmed
by the introduction of a series of C20 buildings. Among them are
the former Empire Hotel (1899-1901), Snow Hill tower block
(1955-57), the City of Bath College (1957-63), Rosewell Court
(1961), Kingsmead House (1964-65), the University of Bath (1966),
former Telephone Exchange (1966-67) with a taller slate-hung
extension (1971-72) and Pines Way building (early 1980s).
These buildings also fail to relate sensitively to their immediate
neighbours and the public realm.
6.4.5 The Snow Hill terraces fail to climb and
follow the contours of the hillside. The resulting clash with
neighbouring buildings is accentuated by the green roofs of Snow
Hill's terraces.
6.4.6 Key points include
·
Bath is characterised by buildings of generally uniform heights and
scale; typically three to four storeys in the core of the city and
two storeys outside the city centre.
·
Bath’s skyline and roofscape is punctuated by Bath Abbey and
occasionally by church towers and spires
·
Later tall buildings generally harm the integrity and balance of
city views
·
Human scale buildings and surrounding area (private and public
spaces and streets)
·
Characteristic roofscape articulated by chimneys, ‘M’ shaped roofs
and parapet walls
·
Modern buildings are often out of character due to deep plan forms,
large unbroken roof expanse, flat roofs and poorly designed roof
service facilities
