Many times in this Newsletter have we reminded residents that they live in a Conservation Area, subject to an Article 4 Direction. This means that any development on the front and side elevation of the property requires planning permission. Whilst putting in plastic windows would get a big “No! No!”, it does not mean that new wooden windows don’t require permission. You may argue that your new windows are so like the old ones, that the work is not “development”, but the Planners may not agree with you. In Ethelburt Avenue, a retrospective planning application has been demanded where new wooden windows, made by a nationally well known maker of replacement windows, had been installed.
To avoid this nail-biting situation after spending a huge amount of money, enquire of the City’s Planning Service before starting. Advice can also be obtained from the Conservation Officer, Jane Davies, tel: 023 8083 2555.
These days, for fuel and power conservation, installation of new windows must also comply with Part L of the Building Regulations.