In 1755 the Bath Corporation granted a lease of land north of George Street, called the Town Acre, to Daniel Milsom, a wine cooper, at a yearly rental of £100.  

Daniel already held Milsom's Garden, a large tract of land extending southwards from George Street, and his intention was to develop the two properties for building purposes.  

The Corporation's Minutes for September 20th, 1760 record their decision ... 'to let Mr Milsom take all rents and profits of his Garden and Town Acre for 35 years, and at expiration to deliver up all right and title in both estates and the rents thereof forever.  They to join with him in the building leases for 99 years agreeable to a plan to be settled by both parties, Mr Milsom to be at all expense of making Common Sewer and to prepare the ground for building."   

At the Corporation's meeting on February 20th, 1761 the plans were approved for the proposed buildings.