New Lease of Life for Bath Abbey

Bath and North East Somerset Council have granted planning permission and listed building consent to Bath Abbey.

Plans put forward to the Development Control Committee detailed improvements to be made to the public and ancillary support facilities at the Abbey.

The development will include a new Song School, alterations to the Kingston Buildings, the 1920s Jackson Extension, the Clergy Vestry and adjoining vaults and cellars.

After seven years of consultation, planning and work councillors on the Development Control Committee voted overwhelmingly in favour of plans.

Edward Mason, Rector of Bath Abbey, said: “We are thrilled to have been given planning permission, and are especially grateful for the warm encouragement and professional cooperation we have received. The vote is indicative of the strength of partnership of the Abbey with B&NES and many other organisations in the centre of Bath a shining example of how people can work together for the community’s good.”

Charles Curnock, Director of the Footprint project, said “This is a very significant day for the Abbey, for the Council and the city. We can promise you that we’ll continue to work closely with B&NES and all who long to see the Abbey and our community flourish. A huge amount of consultation, discussion and listening has gone into this and we’re very grateful to everyone for their contributions. Together, we want to protect the fabric of this precious building and to make it a space for everyone: and this is a big step towards this goal.”