Windows Doors Architectural Joinery SPG

7/24/2019 Windows Doors Architectural Joinery SPG

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Supplementary Planning Guidance

Windows, Doors and

Architectural Joinery

November, 2001


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The Council is updating its planning policies to respond to the needs of businesses and residents. A Supplementary Planning

Guidance Note is one of many material considerations that can be taken into account when determining planning applications.

The Council receives many enquiries about windows and doors, especially in older properties. This is largely due to the age of

these buildings and the need to carry out repair and maintenance which has led to the replacement of original detailing, often

to the detriment of the streetscape. The Council therefore wishes to ensure any change is of the highest quality.

If your property is a Listed Building or stands within a Conservation Area with an Article 4 Direction see later description,

there are restrictions governing works that can and cannot be carried out. If you are considering replacing windows, doors or

external joinery such as porches, verandahs and bargeboards, then it is wise to consult the Councils planning department at

Wesham Council Offices to check if planning permission is required, or for general advice. This booklet is intended to set out

the Councils planning policies, which are a material consideration in determining planning applications and advise owners of

period properties on the maintenance, repair and reinstatement of traditional windows, doors and joinery.

Purpose of this Guidance

The purpose of this guidance is twofold. It clarifiesCouncil policy on the replacement of architecturaljoinery, i.e. all aspects of decorative timber, windows,

doors, bargeboards and soffits, particularly inConservation Areas.

It is also intended to be a general guide to aid therepair, reinstatement and maintenance of traditionaljoinery in properties built prior to the Second WorldWar in order to help prevent undue loss.

Above: Late Victorian porch complete with originalstained glass and carved joinery.

It is important that traditional joinery detailing isretained as this is integral to the property andcontributes significantly to the character of individualbuildings, streets and the townscape.

Much of the boroughs building stock is approaching100 years old or more and requires maintenance toensure its continued survival. Windows and doors in

particular are subject to wear and tear, however, theirlifespan can be extended by regular maintenance andrepair such as painting and only in a few cases iswholesale replacement necessary.

The Need for Guidance

Some individual owners are maintaining theirproperties on a piecemeal basis, which can affect thearchitectural unity of a street. Alterations to thewindows and other joinery detailing in one propertycould immediately create disharmony with adjoiningproperties. This is particularly evident where traditionaldetailing on period properties is replaced with modernmaterials and designs, which have no historicalprecedent. Although most properties are nowindividually owned, many were built on a block basiswhere a small group of builders built entire streets with

similar detailing and it is this which denotes character,i.e. the feel of an area.

Well-maintained Victorian front door, complete withoriginal acid etched and leaded feature glazing,moulded joinery and brass door furniture.


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Why is Original Detailing Important?

Original detailing makes a vital contribution to theappearance and character of period buildings. Originalwindows, doors and external joinery can be the mostimportant architectural features as they always reflect,and often determine, the architectural style andcharacter of the parent building.

Unsuitable replacement windows, in particular, canhave a harmful effect on a buildings appearance,especially so in buildings which form part of a group ofsimilar properties, such as a terrace or pair of semis.

Today, many window salesmen and some buildersvigorously try to persuade us to alter traditional periodbuildings and most people genuinely feel this will addvalue to their homes. Crude and unsympathetic mass-produced windows and doors in plastic and aluminiumare replacing perfectly sound originals, as many

householders do not know of alternatives.

The insertion of unsympathetic modern windows anddoors will completely ruin the look of a traditionalbuilding and may considerably reduce its market value.

Above: This entire terrace in Lytham still retains all theoriginal cruciform style sliding sash windows anddecorated bargeboards and is consequently unified.

Below: The visually damaging consequences ofuncoordinated replacement of doors and windows canclearly be seen in this terrace.

Above: Victorian decorative bargeboards greatlyenhance this property in St. Annes on Sea towncentre.

Below: This property used to have decorativebargeboards like above, but these have been replacedwith plain UPVC. The building has, therefore, lost asignificant architectural feature.

Above: External joinery detailing, notably the style ofwindows, half timbering and the verandah, are keyelements of this Queen Anne style house anddetermine the architectural style of the building.

Fact

Timber sliding sash windows can stil l beeconomically manufactured today

Fact

Good quality timber, regularly maintained, willlast as long as UPVC

Fact

Detrimental changes to one property canvisually harm neighbouring properties


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Historical Development

The Borough of Fylde contains a diverse range ofbuildings, which echo the popular architectural stylesof the period they were built.

Much of the boroughs building stock dates from thelate Victorian and early 20

th Century periods, circa

1870 1920. There are important groups of Georgianand early Victorian properties in Lytham and Kirkham,along with individual cottages and farmhouses of thisperiod dispersed throughout the borough. Propertiesbuilt during the 1920s and 1930s are also significant,in so far as their joinery detailing expresses adistinctive architectural style.

Sash Windows

The sliding sash window was the dominant windowtype used in Georgian, Victorian and most Edwardian

properties when they were built.

The basic mechanical workings of the sash windowhave changed very little, but architectural fashion,together with improvements in glass manufacture, hadan immediate effect on the appearance of sashwindows throughout this period.

A sash window consists of an outer timber box setinto a brickwork reveal. The two glazed sashes runfreely between grooves formed in the outer sides of thebox and are hung on a weighted counterbalancesystem. This consists of iron weights moving in a

chamber inside the outer box, which are attached tothe sashes via cords run over pulleys at the top of thebox.

It is accepted that building owners can face problemswith older sash windows, such as draughts, rattles andjamming. However, as will be explained later,straightforward repairs usually costing much less thanwholesale replacement, which obviously retains theoriginal character and appearance of the building, canovercome these problems. Remember that olderwindows are 100 years old! When they were new theyworked perfectly.

Above: Typical vertical sliding sash window, withcruciform style glazing bars and horns either side ofthe top sash (to strengthen the joints). This style wasprevalent right up to the 20

thCentury.

Above: Late Victorian bay window. This is significant

because the top lights on all four sash windows havespecially moulded top rails, which form a delicate archdetail, and frame the bay window.

Fact

Most windows are replaced when they can beeconomically repaired

Summary of identifiable transitions inarchitectural fashion:

Georgian / Regency 1714-1837

Early Victorian 1837-1850Mid-Victorian 1850-1870

Late-Victorian 1870-1901

Edwardian 1901-1910

Pre-Second World War 1910-1939

Georgian multi-paned sashwindow from ahouse inKirkham. Theglazing bars keepthe frame rigid,

hence theabsence ofhorns.


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Georgian and Regency Periods (1714-1837)

Lytham Hall is the finest Georgian property in theborough, but there are concentrations of 3-4 storeyGeorgian townhouses and terraces of smaller housesin Kirkham and Lytham. Many of the farmhouses andcottages located in rural Fylde date from the Georgianperiod and are important survivals of a distinctive style.

Windows are an extremely important ingredient inGeorgian architecture, which is always well balancedproportionally and consequently echoed by the sizeand sub-division of window openings.

Georgian windows are characterised by six or moreindividual panes of glass in each sash. This is afunctional solution, as it was not technologicallypossible to cheaply produce larger panes of glassduring this period. External doors were sub-dividedinto six panels of diminishing sizes, but had no glazing.

An arched fanlight above the door illuminated thehallway.

Above: Late Georgian town house, Kirkham, stillretains original multi-paned sash windows andpanelled front door.

Georgian joinery is well proportioned with thedimensions of components such as glazing bars and

mid-rails kept as thin as possible. Externally, therewas no ornately carved decorative joinery, even on thegrandest properties this was always confined to theinterior design of staircases, wall panelling andarchitraves.

Some Georgian properties have later Victorianalterations, such as large pane sash windows, baywindows and timber verandahs. These should beretained as they are generally sympathetic to thebuilding much more so than some 20

th Century

alterations.

Above: Late Georgian town house, Kirkham, whichhas had large pane sash windows installed during thelater Victorian period.

Below: Georgian terrace, Bath Street, Lytham. Thehouse in the foreground retains multi-paned sashwindows but other houses have had larger paneVictorian sash windows installed. Notice, also, thearched fanlights above the entrances. These are sub-divided with delicate glazing bars.

Glass size increased during the Regency era, whichmarked the transition between the Georgian andVictorian periods. This was due to technologicaladvances which improved manufacturing processes,and the abolition of Government duty on glass. Inprovincial areas, though, the Georgian style multi-paned sash window was often still used right up to themid-19

thCentury.

FactOriginal timber is of a higher quality than thatused in common joinery today

FactSash windows are often painted shut or thecords are broken both very easy to rectify


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Victorian Period (1837-1901)

In common with Britain as a whole during the IndustrialRevolution, there was a rapid expansion of buildingactivity in the borough during the Victorian period.Kirkham and Lytham both grew significantly and St.Annes on Sea was developed in its entirety towardsthe end of the 19

thCentury.

The Victorians revived earlier styles such as Gothicand Romanesque and often blended these in the samebuilding, resulting in a rich fusion of overlapping taste.This richness of architectural expression was alwaysreflected in the styling of external joinery and variationsin the appearance of windows and doors.

It was not possible to cheaply mass-produce largersheets of glass until the mid-19

th Century, when the

availability of large sheets of good quality cheap glasshad an immediate effect on window design. Individual

panes became larger, and the window joinery becamethicker to compensate for the loss of the internalglazing bars, which made the sash rigid.

Whereas the meeting rails of Georgian sash windowswere so thin as to be indistinguishable from the otherglazing bars when the windows were closed, themeeting rails of large-paned Victorian windows arethicker, clearly dividing the upper and lower sashes.The sashes had to be strengthened with full morticeand tenon joints at the corners hence the horns thatappear on windows towards the mid-19

thCentury.

Bay windows are a feature of Victorian properties, andare usually confined to the ground floor front parlour,but larger properties had bay windows at first floorlevel together with double and triple openings to allowin more light, and confirm the status of each room.

Different types of window opening and hierarchy areshown in this well-proportioned Victorian property. Baywindows, triple and double openings allow in more lightand confirm the status of each room. Sub-division bystone or wooden mullions accords with the strongvertical emphasis, which is always a feature ofVictorian architecture.

Machines were developed which could take over thework of a skilled carpenter, hence the proliferation ofornately carved joinery detailing. At roof level, mostproperties had distinctive steep gables with ornatelycarved bargeboards, which are prominent in thehouses built by William Porrit in St. Annes on Sea.Victorian ornament during this period often echoed theGothic style, forming curved window-heads in pointedarches and using glazing bars as tracery.

Above: Mid-Victorian houses in Lytham influenced bythe Gothic Revival. This styling is expressed in thepointed window surrounds and consequently thewindow joinery has been specially made to fit.

Stained and leaded glass became more commonplaceand was ideally suited to reflect the styling of both theGothic Revival and Art Nouveau periods inarchitecture. Even the most modest terraced housesoften had at least one stained glass panel, usually inthe front door or vestibule fanlight.

Late Victorian villa, St. Annes on Sea influenced by theFrench Empire style. The styling is expressed through

the margin-glazed sash windows and elevationalhierarchy. The symmetrical composition is somewhatbroken by the ad-hoc replacement of windows on thisprincipal elevation.


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Edward ian Period (1901-1910)

Towards the close of the 19th Century, the Arts and

Crafts movement revived interest in seventeenth andeighteenth century domestic architecture andtraditional craft skills. This was a response to themass-production of the Victorian era, which wasperceived to have replaced traditional craft skills.

The Edwardian period was epitomised by the QueenAnne Revival - a blend of 18

th Century English and

Dutch traditions. The Queen Anne style becamepopular during the 1870s, especially in London, whichwas home to prominent and influential artists andarchitects, but did not filter through to provincial areasuntil the 1900s. Much of the Edwardian developmentof St. Annes on sea, Ansdell and Fairhaven is clearlyinfluenced by the Queen Anne style.

Above: Queen Anne style house, Lytham clearlydisplays subdivision of glazing and a combination ofmulti-paned sliding sash and casement frames.

Prominent, white-painted window joinery was widelyused and smaller panes of glazing were reintroducedin sash and casement windows. The faade and roofpediments and gables were often characterised byJacobean styling in the form of applied timber framing

painted black and white.

Provincial builders often mixed styles, and there areexamples of speculatively built houses, which display acombination of Victorian Gothic, Classical and QueenAnne inclinations.

Above: This Edwardian detached house, St. Annes onSea, is greatly enhanced by the original timberverandah clearly influenced by the Art Nouveau stylewhich is characterised by whiplash curves and free-flowing lines. The timber casement windows retainoriginal stained glass.

Above: Lytham property, which displays a combinationof High Victorian Gothic and Queen Anne Revivalinfluences. The steep eaves owe their styling toGothic influence, whilst the round casement windowsand triangular pediments above the ground floor baywindows are Queen Anne. This building demonstratesthe mixture of styles, expressed through windows andjoinery detailing.

Above: Ornate Queen Anne entrance characterised byleaded stained glass.

Fact

Stained and leaded glass can be repaired and isstill made today by many local companies

Reintroducing original features into periodproperties need not necessarily cost much

money, but this investment will always pay backas it w ill considerably increase the value andmarketability of the property


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Late Edwardian / Pre-Second World War Period(1910-1939)

Wooden casement frames superseded sliding sashwindows as the 20

th Century progressed, but stained

and leaded glass in a variety of Art Nouveau inspireddesigns remained popular right up to the 1920s.

During the 1930s, the style of doors and windowsinclined towards an Art Deco slant, distinguished bysunlight motives and more modern cubist forms. Thiswas tamed, certainly in domestic properties, whoseoverall appearance remained conservative by safelyadhering to the popular vernacular idiom.

Above: Early 1920s Tudorbethan style dwelling with

leaded casement windows and applied timberdecoration. Casement frames superseded sashwindows towards the end of the Edwardian period, butleaded lights remained popular right up to the 1930s.

Pre-War suburban houses built throughout theborough display sunburst motives in the form ofleaded lights and their joinery detailing, for example,front doors. This is becoming increasingly rare andought to be preserved, as it is an integral part of thesuburban style of the 1920s and 1930s.

There are examples of metal frame windows anddoors, which date from the 1920s and 1930s andcontain curved glazing and strong horizontal emphasis,which is evocative of a modernist style.

Above: The Modernist style of this 1930s block offlats is clearly expressed by the strong horizontal formof the windows. All the original metal frame windowshave been replaced with UPVC except for the righthand side second floor window and central staircasewindow(shown). The new windows attempt to simulatethe originals, but do not have the characteristic curvedcorner glazing that was a key feature of the originals.

Fact

Older windows can be repaired and fitted withdraughtproofing and opening mechanismsoverhauled for ease of operation


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Repair and Reinstatement Options

Many buildings in the borough are in excess of 100years old and due to their coastal position they doundoubtedly suffer quite severe weather at certaintimes of the year. However, older timbers are superiorin quality to timber used in common joinery today. Oneof the main problems is educating owners that olderwindows can be repaired, fitted with draught proofingand pulleys and ropes can be renewed for ease ofoperation as opposed to replacement with modernwindows that are not suitable in these buildings.

Original joinery is integral to period buildings andshould always be retained and repaired. There aresolutions to overcome the perceived problemsresulting from old windows, such as draughts, decayedsections and jamming. This can save time and moneyand meet the needs of comfort and insulation whilstpreserving valuable original detailing.

Original joinery is often replaced when it only needsrepairing. This may result from owners not knowinghow to carry out repairs, the sometimes mistakenbelief that modernisation will enhance the value of theproperty, or from the glossy brochures and highpressure selling techniques from companies whichspecialise in replacement windows and doors.Similarly, where one house in a street is improved,this usually generates interest among neighbours whofeel the need to improve their own properties.

Above: Rotten timbers can be cut out and replacedwithout having to replace the entire window.

Today, the need for insulation and energy efficiency isof paramount importance, but people assume oldwindows and doors cannot be updated. This is notcorrect there are many companies who specialise in

upgrading and repairing sash windows to meet modernenergy requirements without the need for wholesalereplacement. Upgrading is usually cheaper thanreplacement and preserves the character of theproperty and unity of the streetscape.

Above: Upgrading a sash window to meet modernenergy efficiency standards.

It is straightforward to overhaul sash windows. Often,the windows are painted shut or are jammed due to

broken sash cords. The cords can be renewed easilyas the windows were designed to facilitatereplacement. The sashes can be temporarily lifted outby removing the wooden beading and scraping offexcess paint. New sash cord is sold in hardwarestores, and the D.I.Y. enthusiast can refurbish all thewindows of a modest-sized home in one or twoweekends.

The worst enemy of timber is damp. If only a smallarea is decayed, the frame can be cut back to soundtimber and a new piece of wood spliced in, sandedsmooth and painted. Where whole elements such as

sills are completely decayed, it is still possible toreplace the decayed section rather than replace theentire window.

Some commonly held myths about timber

doors and windows:

Myth 1: Only UPVC windows are manufacturedtoday.

Myth 2: If sash windows are stuck and the cordsare snapped, they cannot be repaired.

Myth 3: Original windows cannot be upgraded tomeet modern insulation standards.

Myth 4: Replacement is easier and cheaper thanrepair.

Myth 5: UPVC double-glazing will enhance theappeal and value of my property.

Myth 6: Timber requires too much maintenanceand will not last as long as UPVC.

Myth 7: Timber sash windows cannot be madesecure and are easily broken into.

Myth 8: Stained glass cannot be repaired and is nolonger manufactured.

Myth 9: UPVC windows are indistinguishable fromtimber originals.


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Reinstatement of Joinery

In the few cases where original joinery is beyondrepair, it should be replaced with identical copies of theoriginal. A skilled joiner can undertake this work andwill appreciate the opportunity to apply his skills.

If original detailing has been removed in the past, thenreinstatement should be encouraged, as it is usuallypossible to work out what the originals looked like andto get copies made. The first step is to examineneighbouring properties, which may still retain originalwindows, doors and external features such asverandahs, porches and bargeboards. Alwaysremember that close attention to detail is the key toauthentic reproduction. Mouldings, rebates andchamfers should be copied exactly and the dimensionsof the stiles, rails and glazing bars should match theoriginals precisely.

The repair and reinstatement of period features willenhance the value of the property and assistmarketability especially when compared withproperties which have been severely altered. There isa market for period properties that retain originalfeatures.

Stained Glass and Leaded Lights

A particularly fine Art Nouveau style stained glassfanlight enhances this property.

Stained glass is now highly prized and is a key sellingpoint when retained or reinstated into older properties.Original glass should be re-used in new windows if theframes are beyond repair. Genuine leaded glass has a

distinctive quality and is usually rippled and reflectslight uniquely. This quality cannot be reproduced bythe modern fake stained glass, which uses lead stripsand coloured film applied to the inside face of a totallyflat piece of glass.

Stained and leaded glass panels can be repaired ifsections are broken. A quick look in the Yellow Pageswill reveal a number of local firms who undertake thiswork. Missing panels of stained glass can be copiedfrom an old photograph or from other houses in thestreet which still retain their original detailing. This isnot necessarily expensive and will definitely enhance

the appeal and value of the property.

Maintenance

Once windows and doors have been restored to goodworking order it is important to maintain them properly.Regular painting is essential. White was not the onlycolour used in historic painting schemes dark green,burgundy and chocolate brown were widely used.Colour schemes make the streetscape look muchmore lively and interesting - certainly more so thanwhen compared to the monotony of white UPVCwindows and doors. There is no reason why properly

maintained timber cannot last as long as UPVC.

Important points to address when reinstatingdoors and windows:

1. Is the method of opening authentic?Casement windows made to simulate

sashes (often called dummy sash) appearinauthentic when in the open position andlack the depth of true sash windows.

2. Are the dimensions of glazing bars, stilesand mid-rails true to the originals?

3. Original stained, leaded and acid-etchedglass should be incorporated into newwindows not faked using applied leadstrips and coloured plastic film.

4. Original ironmongery, such as handles,

letterboxes and sash clips should also bere-used.

5. Hardwood should be used in preference tosoftwood for all new joinery, as this is ofbetter quality and longer lasting.

6. If a joiner claims he cannot carry out thiswork, or gives the impression he is notinterested, get someone else.

7. New timber should be primed, undercoatedand top-coated with a good quality exterior

rade aint.


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What is the Councils Policy on ReplacementWindows and Doors?

The Council wishes to control the quality of changes toListed Buildings and Conservation Areas in order topreserve and enhance their unique character.Removal of original joinery detailing and replacementwith non-traditional components can materially affectthe character of the townscape. The Council,therefore, wishes to ensure that essential repairs andalterations are of the very highest standard and do nothave an adverse impact upon individual buildings andentire streets.

Fylde Borough Councils planning policies, which seekto preserve and enhance the Boroughs environmentalassets, especially the built heritage, accord with theaims of national planning guidance prepared by theGovernment.

Government Guidance

The Government wishes to promote good quality urbandesign in cities, towns and villages and consequently,preserving original architectural features upholds thisgoal.

Central Government gives guidance to local authoritieson planning policy by a series of Planning PolicyGuidance Notes (PPGs). This is to ensure theconsistency of local planning policies throughout thecountry. The relevant guidance in respect of windowsand doors in historic buildings is PPG 15 Planning and

the Historic Environment.

The Governments conservation body EnglishHeritage has published a wide range of material inthe form of leaflets and booklets, which advisesowners on the repair and upkeep of period properties.

Examples of Unsympathetic Al terations to OriginalWindows, Doors and Joinery

Above: The left hand side UPVC window tries toreplicate the original sash window on the right, but themeans of opening is different (bottom-openingcasement) and the central vertical glazing bar is

obviously stuck on. The UPVC window lacks thedepth of the original sash and appears flat incomparison.

It must be noted that UPVC windows designed tosimulate originals often fail to provide convincingreplicas.

Above: The right hand side house shows an attempt

has been made to replicate the original windows.However, the new windows are dummy sash top-hung casements with applied horns, not true slidingsashes. The dimensions of the glazing bars,especially the mid-rails, are too wide. Stained paintfinishes also have little historic precedent. It is closeattention to detail, which is the key to authenticreproduction.

Fact

In only 5% of cases is wholesale replacementof rotten windows necessary

Timber Sash Windows, Framing OptionsLeaflet 4, English Heritage Publications

Extract from PPG 15 on alterations to his toricbuildings - windows:

The insertion of factory made standard windows ofall kinds, whether in timber, aluminium, galvanisedsteel or plastic is almost always damaging to the

character and appearance of historic buildings. Inparticular, for reasons of strength the thickness offrame members tends to be greater in plastic oraluminium windows than in traditional timber ones.Modern casements with top-opening or louveredlights or asymmetrically spaced lights are generallyunsuitable as replacements for windows in historicbuildings. Such alterations should not be allowed.

Q. Why are dummy sash casement frames notacceptable, when they look like sash windows?

A. Dummy sash windows are poor replicas forsliding sashes as they lack the depth and threedimensional qualities of true sash windows, andlook obviously out of place when open.


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Fylde Borough Council DevelopmentControl Policies

The Councils Local Plan contains policies tosafeguard the special character of listed buildingsconservation areas.

There are approximately 184 listed buildings in theborough and 9 designated conservation areas.

The Planning Committee will have regard to therelevant Local Plan policies when consideringapplications affecting listed buildings or those inconservation areas.

In this document, the Council has adopted a number ofspecific policies, which relate to the replacement ofwindows and doors in conservation areas. These willalso be used as a material consideration whendetermining planning applications.

Examples of Unsympathetic Alterations to OriginalWindows, Doors and Joinery

Above: Pair of semi-detached Edwardian houses nowunbalanced and out of harmony due to the

unsympathetic replacement of windows on the lefthand side dwelling.

Above: These houses built in St. Annes on Sea byWilliam Porrit in the 1890s are some of the finestVictorian houses in the area. The left-hand side UPVCdoor does nothing to enhance this quality. It canclearly be seen that the original door had etched glassand ornate joinery detailing.

Above: The newer window on the left hand side bearsno relationship to the original sliding sash. The means

of opening is completely different and the proportionsand dimensions of glazing bars are uncomfortable onthe eye. UPVC windows often sit uncomfortably intothe period building in which they are installed.

Listed buildingsBuildings of special interest, which warrant everyeffort being made to preserve them.

Conservation AreasAreas of distinctive character, which it is desirableto preserve and enhance.

Fylde Borough Local Plan policies, which relate

to windows, doors and external joinery:

Policy EP3New development within, or affecting the setting ofa designated conservation area where only bepermitted where the character and appearance ofthe area, and its setting, are appropriatelyconserved or enhanced

Policy EP4The Council will not permit any change of use,external or internal alteration or addition to a listedbuilding where there would be an adverse effect on

its architectural or historic character or where thedevelopment would prejudice its setting

Policy EP7The Council will seek to avoid the removal of localfeatures of quality or craftsmanship and will, whereappropriate, make any planning permissionconditional upon their retention

Taken from emerging Fylde Borough Local Plan1998-2006

Fact

The Council will take enforcement action

against owners who carry out works w ithoutplanning / listed building consent. This couldinvolve removal of the works and prosecution.


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Supplementary Planning Guidance Policies

Listed buildings

1. The Council will not permit the replacement ofauthentic timber windows and doors in listedbuildings unless they are wholly beyondreasonable restoration or repair.

2. Where authentic windows and doors within thelisted building are wholly beyond reasonablerestoration or repair, the Council will permit theirreplacement so long as the said replacements areexact replicas of the original windows and doors interms of means of opening, materials andfenestration detailing.

3. In the case of replacing windows and doors, whichare not authentic to the original architectural qualityof the listed building, i.e. the replacement of 1960s

alterations, the Council will only permitreplacements, which are authentic in style anddesign to the original character of the building.The Council may not permit the replacement ofsome earlier alterations, for example Victorianalterations of Georgian properties.

Conservation Areas

1. In buildings within conservation areas subject to anArticle 4 Direction see description, the Councilwill only permit the replacement of originalwindows and doors in cases where they are wholly

beyond reasonable restoration and repair.

2. Where authentic windows and doors within thebuilding are wholly beyond reasonable restorationor repair, the Council will permit their replacementso long as the said replacements are exactreplicas of the original windows and doors in termsof means of opening, materials and fenestrationdetailing.

3. The Council may allow the replacement of existingtimber sliding sash windows in Conservation Areaswith a sliding sash UPVC window only where that

replacement is of the exact design, form andprofile of the existing window(s) it replaces in termsof fenestration detail. Also, it ought to be set inreveal in the same position as the original boxsash window. Where such a UPVC replacementwill not be permitted will be where the existingwindows are of a unique form, which cannot beproduced in UPVC, or incorporate original stainedglass. UPVC will not be permitted in any listedbuilding.

4. In the case of replacing windows and doors, whichare not authentic to the original architectural quality

of the building, i.e. the replacement of 1960salterations, the Council will only permitreplacements, which are authentic in style anddesign to the original character of the building.

Examples of Sympathetic Repair and Replacementof Windows

Above: Example of new timber sash windows recentlyinstalled into a Victorian property in Lytham. The lowerright hand side window is original.

Above: UPVC sliding sash windows recently installedinto a Lytham house. Advances in UPVC technologyhave resulted in some fairly convincing replicas, butthe black rubber seals around the edge of the glassand the thickness of the mid-rails are a detraction.

Above: Original sash windows in a Lytham house,which have recently been fully refurbished, upgradedand draughtproofed by a national company, whichspecialises in this work.


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Do I Need Planning Permission orListed Building Consent?

Listed Buildings

The repair of existing windows and doors does notrequire Listed Building Consent.

Like for like replacement, identical in every way tothe original windows or doors in terms of materials,means of opening and joinery detailing would notrequire Listed Building Consent.

However, Listed Building Consent would berequired for replacement windows or doors if theywere not the same as the existing or originalwindows.

Conservation Areas

The repair of existing windows and doors does notrequire planning permission.

Like for like replacement, identical in every way tothe original windows or doors would not requireplanning permission.

However, planning permission is required toreplace windows and doors on most properties inconservation areas subject to an Article 4Direction*.

Residential houses in use as one dwelling (asopposed to divided into flats), in conservationareas not subject to an Article 4 Direction, canreplace their windows and doors without planningpermission.

Residential houses in use as one dwelling (asopposed to divided into flats) in areas, which aresubjected to an Article 4 Direction, do requireplanning permission for changing windows anddoors if the proposed replacements are different tothose being taken out.

Other properties within conservation areas (flats,shops, offices, etc.) do require planning permissionfor changing windows and doors if the proposedreplacements are different from those to be takenout.

Is there any situation where UPVC would beacceptable for use in Listed Buildings orConservation Areas?

There have been recent advances in UPVCtechnology, which has resulted in some fairlyconvincing replicas of traditional timber sliding sashwindows, and consequently in some situations, aUPVC sliding sash window may be acceptable.

The Council will allow the replacement of existingtimber sliding sash windows in Conservation Areaswith a sliding sash UPVC window, where thatreplacement is of the same design, form and profile ofthe existing window(s) it replaces in terms offenestration detail. Also, it ought to be set in reveal inthe same position as the original box sash window.Where such a replacement will not be consideredacceptable will be where the existing windows are of aunique, traditional form such as incorporating original

stained glass. Or where the buildings form part of thecurtilage of a listed building and require Listed BuildingConsent as being important to the setting of that listedbuilding.

UPVC would NOT be acceptable under anycircumstances in listed buildings

*Article 4 DirectionAdditional powers of control exercised by a localauthority to control detrimental changes inconservation areas, for example replacement ofwindows and doors with unsympathetic designs.

General Advice

If you are considering replacing windows, doors orarchitectural joinery irrespective of whether yourproperty is a listed building or stands within a

conservation area, please contact the PlanningDepartment at Fylde Borough Council, Wesham.Officers will be able to advise you on whetherplanning permission and/or listed building consentis required

Planning Department, Wesham: Telephone01772 671488

Original windows and doors should be repairedwhenever possible. In only around 5% of cases iswholesale replacement necessary.

In the few cases where original windows and doorsare beyond economic repair, they should bereplaced with identical copies of the originals,ensuring close attention is paid to recreating thedimensions of glazing bars and fenestrationdetails.

For general advice on repair, reinstatement andmaintenance of architectural joinery featuresincluding windows, doors, verandahs andbargeboards, please contact the Councils UrbanDesign and Regeneration Unit, St. Annes TownHall, telephone: 01253 721222.


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Frequently Asked Questions

The following are questions, which are often asked ofthe Councils officers.

Q. I live in a conservation area and wish to installUPVC replacement windows. Do I still need planningpermission as my immediate neighbours and otherhouseholds in the area have all installed UPVC in thepast?

A. If you live in a dwelling house i.e. not a flat; and youare not in an area covered by an Article 4 Direction* itmay be that you do not need permission. You shouldcheck with the Planning Department and have anyquery confirmed in writing. If you do require planningpermission, the guidance given in this document is ofparamount importance. Examples of bad alterations tobuildings occur in many streets. Their presence doesnot mean that they are appropriate or that they have

been approved. The advice in this guidance will apply,even if the property on either side of your building hashad inappropriate windows or doors installed.

Q. The double glazing salesman told me I did notneed planning permission for replacement windows inmy house, but now the Council is taking enforcementaction and has demanded I remove the new windows.Who is right?

A. If your property is a listed building, listed buildingconsent must normally be obtained prior to installing

replacement windows. If your property is within aconservation area and not a dwelling house, or in anarea covered by an Article 4 Direction* and a dwellinghouse, planning permission would normally berequired. It is the responsibility of the householder tocheck if permission is required if you are unsure,always speak to the Planning Department. Mostwindow companies have small print in their salescontract, which states it is the responsibility of thecustomer to check if planning permission is requiredand they cannot be held liable for any advice theirsalesman gives. The Planning Authority can take legalaction (Enforcement Proceedings under the Planning

Act) to make you remove the new windows andreinstate the original windows.

Q. My property was burgled and the police crimeprevention officer said the original sash windows wereinsecure and should be replaced with UPVC. Is thiscorrect?

A. This is not correct, as there are secure insurancecompany approved sash window locks readilyavailable, which can be easily fitted by householders.

Q. My Victorian house stands within a conservationarea but has had aluminium windows installed in therecent past. I now wish to replace these with UPVC.Do I need planning permission?

A. If the new UPVC windows are materially different tothe existing aluminium frames, then planning

permission may be required if an Article 4 Direction* isin place check with the Planning Department.

*Article 4 DirectionAdditional powers of control exercised by a localauthority to control detrimental changes inconservation areas, for example replacement ofwindows and doors with unsympathetic designs.

Windows Doors Architectural Joinery SPG

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