An old shop “in need of repair” in the centre of Bath could soon reopen as a wine shop and restaurant.

18 Green Street has been a shop since at least 1819 when it was a corset maker’s. It has since been a florist, ladies’ fashion shop, shoe shop, and — most recently — foot clinic Shuropody. Now the new owners have submitted a planning application to Bath and North East Somerset Council proposing restoring historic features and opening a restaurant in the building to serve small plates.

Currently, the building is in need of repair, with a design and access statement submitted with the application warning: “The beam and roof structure is in need of repair to prevent further damage to the historic fabric of the building.”

The new owners propose addressing these issues, while also undoing twentieth century alterations to reveal historic aspects of the building of which “only traces” remain. They propose stripping out the modern shop fittings and partition walls to reveal the original fireplace and limestone walls, while 1930s wooden panelling will be retained and re-established where possible.

The statement added: “The new small plate restaurant, wine shop and residential unit will enhance the community and ensure the entire building is brought back into beneficial use. […] The restored asset and new viable use should contribute to the character and distinctiveness of Green Street.”

You can view and comment on the application here.

LDRS, John Wimperis