Plans to knock down eight private garages at Lambridge and build a mews house on the site have sparked objections, including about the impact on parking “in an already crowded neighbourhood”.
The garage block is between Grosvenor House and Coach Cottage at Ringswell Gardens.
Inconsistencies in the drawings and other documents submitted by WBC Group have been pointed out, including that the height of the proposed building is “clearly a complete two-storey structure”, although it is varyingly referred to as being one-and-a-half storey with two bedrooms, and also as one storey with two bedrooms.
Elsewhere in the documents submitted to Bath & North East Somerset Council, the proposed house is also referred to as being a one-and-a-half storey family home featuring three bedrooms.
The scheme includes gardens, a new garage and a dedicated parking space, along with spaces for bin and cycle storage.
WBC Group withdrew a similar application for the site in March after Historic England and a council conservation officer raised concerns about the proposed two-bed, one-storey mews house with two parking spaces.
At the time Historic England said that although it felt the scale of the development was acceptable, it was unhappy with proposed features that were not typical of this part of the city, including man-made, slate-like tiles.
It felt the design was out of context in the “highly sensitive location” close to Grade I listed Grosvenor House, within the Bath Conservation Area and the City of Bath World Heritage Site.
Of its revised application, WBC Group says: “Our strategic vision is centred around the creation of a residence that serves as a sophisticated and harmonious addition to the already residential environment of Ringswell Gardens, thereby elevating the overall character of the area.”
It adds: “In essence, our proposal is a harmonious blend of practicality, sustainability, and architectural sensitivity.
“By seamlessly integrating with the local context, we aspire to contribute a residence that not only meets but enhances the quality and character of its surroundings.”
The design is said to prioritise natural light and ventilation, and sustainability and green design principles are incorporated to minimise environmental impact.
In its response, Bath Preservation Trust says the proposed loss of the garage block is welcomed in principle as it does not provide a positive contribution to the setting of the listed buildings or the character of the conservation area.
However, it has some design concerns and says there should be revisions to provide a more “subservient” design so close to listed buildings.
Objections from local residents include: “The disruption to the entire neighbourhood for an extended period, the reduction in parking spaces available in an already crowded neighbourhood, the general aesthetics of the house have all not been considered and or improved upon in this new plan.”
Another warned: “The prevailing parking situation in the immediate area is already strained due to a scarcity off-street parking options and the recent introduction of residents’ parking schemes in nearby roads.
“Unrestricted parking in the area is used regularly by commuters who ‘park and walk’ the relatively short distance to town or catch a bus from the stop adjacent to Alexander Buildings.
“The existing garages currently alleviate the demand by removing eight vehicles from the road. Removing these garages would exacerbate the already challenging parking conditions.”
Another objector observed: “Eight garages would be lost and also the spaces in front of the garages. This is potentially 16 parking places. With parking spaces at a premium, this would cause problems.”
One said they feared this would set a precedent for other garages in the local area to be demolished and homes put up instead “which will almost certainly be used for Airbnb so will not help the local housing situation in any way whatsoever”.
The council’s highways team have said they consider the proposed parking is appropriate.
A decision on the plans is expected in September.
