Replacement windows and timber strips at 1 The Square, Birchington

What was proposed

The application sought retrospective permission for uPVC replacement windows and modified timber lining strips on the building's first-floor front and west elevations.

“LOCATION: Installation of replacement timber windows with uPVC to the first floor front and west elevation (retrospective), together with the installation of modified timber lining strips to uPVC frames…”

Officer report

The site

The site is a prominent mock-Tudor two-storey building in Birchington Conservation Area, with a residential unit above a ground-floor takeaway.

“No.1 The Square is a mock-tudor two storey detached building prominently located in the centre of Birchington. It consists of a residential unit on the first floor and a take-away at ground floor.”

Officer report

Earlier applications and enforcement

Two earlier applications for uPVC windows were refused, and an appealed enforcement notice requiring timber windows was upheld but not complied with.

“F/TH/19/0527 - Installation of replacement timber windows with UPVC to the first floor front and west elevation and replacement of existing timber shop front to UPVC. Refused 19 Aug 2019.”

“The Enforcement Notice was appealed and dismissed, thereby refusing to grant planning permission and upholding the enforcement notice, which had a compliance period of 4 months (from the appeal decision date of 5th September 2023).”

Officer report

Why officers recommended refusal

Officers considered the uPVC windows and timber strips visually incongruous, bulky and harmful, with no public benefit outweighing the less-than-substantial heritage harm.

“Enforcement action was subsequently taken, with an enforcement notice served on the applicant requiring the removal of the UPVC windows and the reinstatement of timber windows (details provided in the planning history section of this report). The appeal was dismissed, and the enforcement notice was upheld, with a timescale provided of 4 months for the removal of the unauthorised UPVC windows. The Enforcement Notice has not been complied with.”

“The uPVC windows and modified timber lining strips by virtue of the materials, bulky design and finishes proposed would be incongruous and prominent and would fail to respect or enhance the special character and appearance of the Birchington Conservation Area. The harm caused is less than substantial and is not outweighed by any public benefit.”

Officer report

Responses from consultees

The parish council objected, the conservation officer objected, and no representations were received from neighbouring property occupiers.

“Letters were sent to neighbouring property occupiers, a site notice was posted close to the site. No representations have been received.”

“Birchington Parish Council: Object on the grounds that the property is in a conservation area and the proposal to have disguised uPVC windows was unacceptable…”

Officer report

Who spoke

A speaker spoke in favour of the application, and the Principal Planning Officer outlined the report.

The committee's decision

The Chair proposed and the Vice Chair seconded refusal, and the committee agreed the motion when it was put to the vote.

“The Chair proposed and Vice Chair seconded that the officer recommendation to REFUSE the application, for the following reasons:”

“When put to the vote the motion was AGREED.”

Minutes