The charms of Bath's Great Pulteney Street are a magnet for film crews making period dramas, such as The Duchess or Vanity Fair.

And the street's residents are also keen to bring a more authentic look to their houses.

Members of the local residents' association are trying to persuade planners to allow them to reinstall original features to their homes.

Planning applications from 39 buildings in Great Pulteney Street and neighbouring roads such as Edward Street, Laura Place, Henrietta Place and Sydney Place, have been submitted ask to put up 18th century ironwork and lanterns.

They want to complete the traditional appearance of Great Pulteney Street, presenting the houses as they would once have appeared.

The ironworks, known as overthrows, were intended to be built in front of each house when the street was built in 1789.

But it is unclear as to whether they were ever built – they may have been abandoned because of lack of funds or put up and taken down to make weapons during World War II.

But four years ago John Sheaff, then treasurer of the Pulteney Estate Residents' Association, suggested people should club together to install the lanterns.

Residents who wanted to take part in the scheme had to raise approximately £2,000 for each entire house, many of which are divided into flats. Nearly 170 people pledged their support.

Mr Sheaff, who served as treasurer for five years, said his idea was based on his admiration of the overthrows with lanterns in Lansdown Crescent, which were installed in the late 1960s.

"Great Pulteney Street will look beautiful with these lanterns restored," he said.

"Once they are erected it will encourage others who do not have them to put them up outside their properties."

Association chairman, Nigel Websper, who made the application on behalf of all parties, said: "It would look absolutely stunning if we are granted the permission to have these lanterns.

"I hope there will not be any objections and I think people here really want it too.

"We are absolutely delighted that 39 houses have applied for the overthrows and we think it will make a great improvement to the street.

"Hopefully as they go up people will see how wonderful they look and apply to have one too."

Bath and North East Somerset Council is considering the application.