1.1 Bath has evolved over
time in response to political, social and economic conditions and
continues to evolve to this day. The cumulative effect of these
changes has created the distinctive character of Bath which is so
valued by residents and visitors alike. An understanding of this
character is fundamental to informing any changes and in achieving
good design that continues to maintain and enhance the character of
Bath.
1.2 This document presents
the results of the Bath city-wide character appraisal which was
carried out in 2004 and 2005. This has been prepared to assist
residents, businesses, developers, agents, amenity societies,
planners, decision makers, visitors and the local community in
understanding the character of the city, its setting and its
component parts. It also provides the context for more detailed
assessments which will be needed to inform specific proposals and
for studies such as the Bath conservation area character appraisal
which is planned to be carried out following this study.
1.3 Public consultation on
the Bath city-wide character appraisal as a Supplementary Planning
Document took place between 20 June and 18 July 2005. A summary of
the comments received and council’s responses is available on
request.
1.4 This document was
adopted on 31 August 2005 as a Supplementary Planning Document to
policies 1, BH.1, BH.6, BH.8, BH.15, D.1, D.2, D.4, HG.7, GB.2,
NE.1, NE.2, NE.3, NE.12 and NE.15 of the Bath & North East
Somerset Local Plan including Minerals and Waste Policies Revised
Deposit Draft 2003; policies C1, C2, C3, C4, GB2, H13, L1, L2, L3,
L9 and L20 of the Bath Local Plan adopted June 1997; policies
LNC.1, LNC.2, CH.4, GEN.2, WGB.1, CH.5, HO.4, HO6 and HO.12 of the
Wansdyke Local Plan Deposit Draft November 1995 (as amended
September 2000) and policies 1, 3, 17 and 19 of the Joint
Replacement Structure Plan adopted September 2002. It is a material
consideration in planning decisions affecting Bath and carries
considerable weight in decision making, having been subject to
scrutiny and amendment through public consultation.
1.5 The Bath
city-wide character appraisal covers the area of Bath and its
immediate environs. This complements Bath & North East Somerset
Council Planning Services’ ‘Rural Landscapes of Bath and North East
Somerset: A Landscape Character Assessment: Supplementary Planning
Guidance’ (2003). This Bath city-wide character appraisal has also
been informed by earlier studies listed in Appendix 1.
