Museum extension plans rejected

The museum is grade-I listed

A plan to extend a Georgian museum in Bath has been rejected.

Proposals for a £10m glass structure to be built on to the back of the Holburne Museum were rejected by Bath & North East Somerset Council on Wednesday.

The museum, on Great Pulteney Street, said it requires more space to display its artefacts.

A vigorous campaign was mounted in opposition to the plans which were described as "totally inappropriate for a conservation area".

Vince Baughan of the 'Halt the Holburne' campaign said: "The Development Control Committee's refusal is fantastic news. It is good news for Bath, for Sydney Gardens and for the Holburne museum building. It would have been a disaster if this extension went ahead.

"Bath is currently in the grip of development fever, a fever that is serving to dilute the unique character of the city, and putting our World Heritage Status at risk. This glass and tile cube would add to the dilution. It would set a dangerous precedent for the city," said Mr Baughan.

The extension would have provided space for new galleries, display areas, and education and visitor facilities, including a shop and cafe.

The museum, which attracts 33,000 visitors a year, is a grade I-listed building in a grade II-listed landscape.

A council spokesman said the application was rejected on the grounds that the extension would harm the building and the conservation area.