Flat 2, Weston Lodge, Symes Park, Upper Weston, Bath, Bath and North-East Somerset, BA1 4DW.
External alterations to replace existing wooden single glazed windows with uPVC double glazed windows.
The subject building is included on the National Heritage List for England at Grade II (list entry number: 1395095).
It is suggested that a greater understanding of what, if anything, the windows contribute to the significance of the building is secured, and of course the officer will benefit from the opportunity of a site visit. Notwithstanding this, the subject windows appear to be relatively modern.
The proposed use of double glazed upvc windows will be incongruous and harm the architectural value of the listed building and therefore its significance.
The scheme is contrary to the provisions of s.16 (2) of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, section 16 of the National Planning Policy Framework (December 2023) (the NPPF) and policies CP6 and HE1 of the B&NES Council Core Strategy and Placemaking Plan incorporating the Local Plan Partial Update (Volume 1 – District-wide Strategy and Policies) (January 2023).
Notwithstanding the above, any harm to the significance of the building, will require clear and convincing justification as per the provisions of paragraph 206 of the National Planning Policy Framework (December 2023) (NPPF). If less than substantial harm is identified, then the officer will need to undertake the balancing exercise as per paragraph 208 of the NPPF.
If the principle of replacing the windows is acceptable, then timber windows with draught-proofing and/or secondary glazing could of course be explored.