Double-glazed sash windows at 7 Wordsworth Terrace, Penrith

What was proposed

Listed Building Consent was sought to replace the front and rear single-glazed timber sash windows with double-glazed timber sash windows.

“Listed Building Consent is sought for the replacement of existing single-glazed timber sash windows with double-glazed timber sash windows to the front and the rear of the Grade II Listed residential dwelling. The proposed works seek to replace the existing windows with replacements which match the current timber materials, design, and finish. The site is located within Penrith Conservation Area.”

“The application is recommended for refusal. THE PROPOSAL 3.1 Listed Building Consent is sought for the replacement of existing single-glazed timber sash windows with double-glazed timber sash windows to the front and the rear. SITE DESCRIPTION”

Officer report

The site

The property is a Grade II listed two-storey dwelling in a terrace within the Penrith Conservation Area.

“The application site is located within the Penrith settlement boundary and lies within a designated Conservation Area. The property forms part of a terrace of eight dwellings and is a Grade II listed building. It is constructed of red sandstone with quoins, blocked eaves, a natural slate roof and a stone chimney, and is arranged over two storeys. The site occupies a position close to a road junction.”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended refusal because insufficient evidence justified losing historic windows, causing harm to the listed building and conservation area.

“Whilst the principle of replacing windows is acceptable in principle, insufficient evidence has been provided to justify the replacement of the existing historic windows. As a result, the proposal would lead to the unnecessary loss of historic fabric and would fail to preserve the significance of the listed building and the character and appearance of the Conservation Area.”

Officer report

Public speaker

The applicant said the replacements would closely replicate the existing windows, improve sustainability and retain the building’s appearance.

Committee discussion

Members discussed installation details, secondary glazing, the condition of the windows and why comparable applications had been approved.

“Councillor N Vecqueray asked how the decision had been balanced between preservation in a conservation area and ensuring building remained sustainable. The Conservation Officer responded that consideration was based on if the objectives of the work could be achieved realistically via a different method. In this case it had been determined that secondary glazing would achieve the same result as proposal.”

“Councillor A Connell questioned why other properties had been approved for similar work. The Development Manager advised that applicants in other cases had submitted a window condition report, which had not been done for this application. The images provided and the officer examination however had determined that the condition of the windows currently did not support their replacement.”

Minutes

Why the application was deferred

Members considered that more information was needed and proposed deferral to allow a window condition survey to be submitted.

“Further to this Councillor Atkinson asked if the submission of a window condition report would result in a change to the recommendation for the application. The Development manager stated that they could not comment as such a report did not exist and that if one was submitted it would have to be assessed before an amended recommendation could be provided.”

“Councillor M Robinson noted the age of the building and windows, dating from the 18 th and 19 th century. She added more details on their condition was needed.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee resolved to defer the application.

“RESOLVED that the application be deferred.”

Minutes