UPVC Sash Windows in Conservation Areas
What is a Conservation Area?
The first conservation areas were created in 1967, and there are now over 8000 conservation areas in England.
Conservation areas vary greatly in their nature and character. They range from historic towns and cities, 18th - 19th century suburbs, model housing estates, country houses, to historic transport links
Section 69 of the Civic Amenities Act 1967 gave local authorities the power to designate properties as being within an area, as Conservation areas. Which have a special architectural or historic interest that the local council wants to preserve or enhance.
Masterframe - Bygone Collection
Testimonials
Planning inspector, Bristol Council
"The window appears to replicate a traditional sliding sash window very closely. The effect is so convincing that it is difficult to differentiate between the two (original wooden sash and Bygone window) even at close quarters".
Senior Technical Officer, Wigan Council
"We used Masterframe Windows as they are better value than hardwood, but give the same appearance. The windows have a deep bottom rail and glazing bar with a unique continuous horn, which Masterframe clearly spent a lot of time and effort on, making it the best feature".
Conservation Officer, London Borough of Haringey, Clyde Circus Conservation Area
"The replacement units are made of U-PVC but are of a high quality design which accurately replicates the style and painted timber finish of the existing single glazed timber units. From the submitted material by the applicant, it is considered that the replacement window would preserve the traditional character of the building and conservation area".
Senior Planning Officer, The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
"Having reviewed therefore with the sample, I am content that these windows would be of a similar appearance to the original wood windows. Therefore the replacement of the windows with those I viewed (i.e. the timber effect graining) would be permitted, and planning permission would not be required".
Masterframe - Bygone Collection - Before and After Examples
Listed Buildings
The Grades in England are I, II* and II. The buildings are graded to show their relative architectural or historic interest:
- Grade I buildings are of an exceptional historic architectural interest
- Grade II* are particularly important buildings of more than a special interest
- Grade II are of special interest, warranting every effort to preserve them
- Article 4 (2) Direction can be introduced by the local planning authority and it is to encourage the retention of the high quality features of buildings in the Conservation Area. Planning permission will be required for a number of changes including windows and doors.
- Article 4 (1) Direction can be introduced by the local planning authority but requires to be approved by the government. Planning permission will be required for a number of changes including windows and doors.
Listing currently protects approximately 500,000 buildings, of which the majority - over 90% - are Grade II. Grade I and II* buildings may be eligible for English Heritage grants for urgent major repairs. You are extremely unlikely to get any form of grant for a Grade II listed building.
Listed Building Consent
Anyone who wants to demolish a listed building, or to alter or extend one in any way that affects its character, must obtain "listed building consent" from the local planning authority. It is an offence to demolish, alter or extend a listed building without listed building consent.
Appeals
If an application for listed building consent is refused, or granted subject to conditions, the applicant has the right to appeal to the Secretary of State. The procedure for appealing is virtually identical to the procedure for appealing against a refusal of planning permission. The applicant can include, as one of the grounds of appeal, an argument that the building is not of a special architectural or historic interest and ought not to be listed.
VAT
Some listed building enjoy a more favourable position on the payment of VAT on works than unlisted buildings. Alterations to non business listed buildings are not subject to VAT as long as work is carried out by a VAT registered builder and with listed building consent. This relief only applies to qualifying listed buildings carried out with the appropriate consent.
