Some demolition work will be required as part of plans to improve access at the Grade I listed Mansion House at Prior Park College by installing a lift.
Photo © Prior Park College
The changes are said to have been “carefully considered” to minimise potential impacts on the heritage significance of the building, which dates from 1748.
The Catholic independent day and boarding school at Ralph Allen Drive is within the Prior Park estate. The Mansion House, which dates from 1748, is the main hub for the school and is described as “the architectural centrepiece of the site, with expansive views over the parkland and Bath”.
It is used for a range of public and third-party functions, including weddings.
A new lift is proposed between the basement, ground floor and first floor, improving access through the building, including the main entrance, reception, function spaces, dining/catering facilities and administrative offices.
Modifications are also proposed to a lower-ground-floor door at the rear of the Mansion House to provide level access to the rear garden from the dining hall.
Historic England, the government’s statutory adviser, was consulted prior to applications for planning and listed building consent being submitted to Bath & North East Somerset Council.
Historic England agreed that the position chosen for the lift in the mansion is the “least harmful”, as the rooms affected are secondary, and are for the most part, reconstructions after fire damage.
It also supported the proposal for a lift as long as the detailed design is “sensitive”, and any historic fabric affected is carefully removed.
Historic England also supported the provision of level access from the west wing to the rear garden, “subject to the minimisation of visual impact of the external ramp structure by lowering the door threshold”.
The applications say the improved access will allow the college to comply with the Equalities Act 2010 for the benefit of staff, pupils and visitors, and support in the diversification of income for the college.
The planning reference is 25/04041/FUL and the deadline for comments is 20th November.
