Replacement communal windows at 9 - 51 Calcutta Road, Tilbury

“This is a Thurrock Council full planning application seeks planning permission for the replacement of glass block windows on a block of flats known as 7-55 Calcutta Road Parade. The glass block windows would be replaced with uPVC casement units to provide improved ventilation to communal areas in line with the fire risk assessment.”

“PROPOSAL: Replacement of the thick glass brickwork windows on the rear elevation with uPVC casement units that will provide ventilation into the three communal areas where the self contained flats are located, as per recommendations in the fire risk assessment.”

“The application site is a three-storey block with commercial units on ground floor and residential units on the upper floors situated south on Calcutta Road. The flats on the upper floors are accessed through three communal entrances.”

“The application site is located within a designated shopping parade in Tilbury Town Centre. The surrounding area is predominantly residential in character, comprising a mix of medium- to low-rise housing developments.”

“There has been no pre-application advice given prior to the submission of this application.”

“The proposed works arise from a recent Fire Risk Assessment, which confirmed that the existing glass brickwork windows no longer comply with current fire safety requirements.”

“As existing the majority of the windows of the residential flats of the building are white double glazed uPVC windows. The proposed works will assure fire compliance while trying to minimise changes to appearance of the building. The proposed design and appearance of the application site is considered to blend in well with the existing window and façade treatment and overall would not harm the architectural character or visual amenity of the host building.”

“Condition recommended restricting the hours of construction activities…”

“The works as described in the application will be subject to Building Control approval. In particular, the works will need to be designed and constructed in compliance with parts B1& B5 of the Building Regulations 2010.”

“The application was advertised via individual neighbour letter and a site notice was erected nearby. No representations have been received.”

“Officers presented this item to committee. Members were advised that the application sought to remove the existing glass brickwork from the apertures on the building’s rear façade at three locations and install new, manually openable, double glazed uPVC casement windows. Members were advised the existing glass brickwork fails to meet fire safety requirements, particularly concerning smoke retention and restricted access for emergency responders.”

“There were no further questions or debate.”

“For (8): Councillors Fletcher, Sisterson, Cherry, Green, Jones, Kelly, Panjala, Shinnick Against (0): Abstain (0):”

“That the Chief Planning Officer be authorised to GRANT planning permission for the development subject to those reasons set out in section 16 of this report.”