Fire safety windows at The Parade, Hall Road, Aveley

“This is a Thurrock Council full planning application seeking planning permission for the replacement of glass block windows on the front elevation of a block of flats known as 1A to 6A The Parade. The glass block windows would be replaced with uPVC casement units to provide improved ventilation to communal areas in line with a current fire risk assessment.”

“This planning application seeks approval for the replacement of glass block windows on the front elevation with uPVC casement units to provide improved ventilation to communal areas in line with the fire risk assessment. There are no proposed changes to any residential accommodation or business uses within the block.”

“The application site comprises The Parade a post-war, three-storey block of flats located on the northern side of Hall Road, within the southern part of Aveley. The building accommodates commercial uses at ground floor level, with residential flats above and on ground floor. Ground floor flats benefit from independent access, while three communal entrances provide access to internal staircases serving the upper floors.”

“In terms of appearance, the building is constructed of red brickwork with white casement windows. The ground floor section is rendered white around the concrete openings. Glass brick panels are situated adjacent to the communal entrance doors and continue up to the first floor, allowing light into the stairwells. The main roof is pitched, finished in concrete tiles, and dotted by a series of chimney stacks.”

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

“The replacement of the windows is proposed at first floor. The proposed uPVC windows would be the same width and height of the existing openings along the front façade of the building, therefore there is no change to the size of any openings. The majority of the windows of the existing flats in 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.”

“In conclusion, the proposed works are considered to be both necessary and proportionate, responding directly to fire safety requirements while keeping changes to the building’s appearance to a minimum. The replacement windows ensure that the overall look and character of the building is preserved. The scheme therefore respects the local setting and aligns with the aims of the NPPF and Core Strategy Policies CSTP22 and CSTP23.”

“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.”

“Members were advised the proposal seeks to remove the existing glass brickwork from the apertures on the building’s front façade at four locations and install new, manually openable, double glazed uPVC casement windows. It was confirmed 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.”

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