Plans to insert partitions in the first-floor offices of an estate agent in Bath have been refused.
The application to carry out the work at Grade II listed 7 Princes Buildings, which is home to Allen & Harris, said two smaller office spaces would meet their needs and allow for continued occupation of the commercial unit.
It said that the work would be reversible. The application also mentioned that the upper floors had been sub-divided as part of the conversion into flats.
But Bath & North East Somerset Council planners said that adding glazed and solid walls and a suspended ceiling would be “alien” to the character of the room and erode its simple form and symmetrical balance.
They said no evidence had been provided to justify that if the work isn’t done that it will result in the cessation of the use of the building and compromise its long-term conservation.
Regarding conversion work on the floors above, council officers said in their report that listed building applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis and follow the most up-to-date legislation.
“Other factors contributed to the approval of the scheme on the upper floors, but these do not change the harm present in this proposal.”
