City's 'unique heritage' to be preserved by architect

Bath is home to many examples of well-preserved Georgian architecture

City leaders have appointed their first architect-in-residence for a pilot scheme which aims to preserve the area's unique heritage.

Architect Bob Allies will provide a "design excellence" framework for Bath, which will guide councillors, developers and planners.

He will work with the University of Bath, UNESCO and Bath and North East Somerset Council (BANES) during the 18-month trial.

Leader of BANES council Kevin Guy said the role will help to balance the needs of Bath as a UNESCO World Heritage city with the "needs of residents and businesses".

The trial is being funded by a £60,000 donation from the Medlock Charitable Trust.

The role also involves outreach activities related to the city, such as helping to develop national and international partnerships for the university and BANES council.

Bob Allies is interested in how settlements can evolve by building on their "historic form and identity"

Mr Allies, co-founder of the Allies and Morrison architectural firm, said he hopes the pilot scheme might become a template for other towns and cities.

“This is such a far-sighted initiative, putting architecture and urbanism at the top of the agenda," said Mr Allies.

"The council’s commitment to achieve the highest quality of design, not just in the world heritage site and its setting, but in the wider region of north to east Somerset is really significant.

"I hope together we can make a difference," he said.

The city was listed by UNESCO in 1987 as a cultural site with 'outstanding universal value' and 'cultural significance'

The University of Bath’s department of architecture and civil engineering professor Marion Harney said she hoped Mr Allies will have a "major contribution to Bath for years to come, and protect the outstanding universal values of the unique city".

"We should aspire for excellence in design, which is so much more than functional, low maintenance and inoffensive, which is what could happen in the absence of good design guidance," she added.

The architect-in-residence will not be involved in the local authority’s planning process to avoid any potential conflicts of interest.

If the initial pilot scheme is successful, then it could be extended.