Advice needed on windows for Grade 2 cottage

[sam1972]

I live in a 16th century grade 2 thatched cottage near Marlborough.

One of the windows in the bathroom needs replacing. The bathroom is a 1960s extension and is tiled. The window that needs replacing is wooden and double glazed, although the double glazing panel is shot as there is water inside the glass. As this is not part of the original cottage, does it mean I can have double glazed PVC or does it still need to be wood. I would prefer wood, but just wondering. Not sure if the extension would be listed, or just the original cottage

Thanks in advance xx

 

[Kearn]

Everything is listed, inside and out including garden and curtilage. Even all the modern rubbish that was added before the listing. However, it’s the elements that are of significance historic importance that matter when decisions are made and this is how a LBC needs to be presented.

COs normally don’t like double glazing, but you may be pushing on a less closed door given like for like would be double glazed. uPVC will highly unlikely be allowed, and rightly so. The 1960s window may still be repairable, and this is the preferred approach - you’d be amazed at what is repairable, assuming your window was made from decent wood, around the cusp of when the quality massively degraded.

Not sure if you fall under Wiltshire? If so, the conservation department there is a breath of fresh air - pragmatic, responsive and most importantly, they actually exist! In fact there’s a team of 5 COs. Unheard of! We’re not far along the road, near Devizes and have had a really positive experience this last year.

 

[sam1972]

Thanks very much, yes we come under Wiltshire Council, I guess I contact them via their website? Can we just go ahead with the repair, or do we still need to contact them. Will they visit us at home.

 

[Kearn]

The one downside is that Wiltshire won’t engage initially without a pre-app, at £100 and something… so an application - but you basically present what you want to do and they visit and feedback. If you’ve other work to do, it makes sense to pop it all in the pre-app once you get to full app, it helps smooth things through unless you go totally off piste or ignore their recommendations. Once the dialogue has started, you’ll have a direct CO contact to discuss with.

Developmentmanagement@wiltshire.gov.uk they are usually really responsive and helpful in terms of general admin and process.

Pre-application advice - Wiltshire Council

www.wiltshire.gov.uk

The pre-app is a pdf form via the council website not the Planning Portal. This really wasn’t clear to me initially!

Also, once you’ve emailed and submitted it won’t get accepted into the system until you’ve paid, and this is something you have to call up and do - they won’t chase for payment, even if they say they will!

Anything else - just shout.

 

[sam1972]

Thanks very much, yes we come under Wiltshire Council, I guess I contact them via their website? Can we just go ahead with the repair, or do we still need to contact them. Will they visit us at home

 

[sam1972]

Thanks so much, that's very helpful

 

[RichT]

Suggest a wooden window anyway, much nicer, you could get a quote from Bereco for a heritage flush casement where the double glazing is closer together which we often get approval for.

 

[sam1972]

Thanks, didn't want PVC anyway, it's pretty hideous and I think the house cannot breathe with too much plastic. My brother is a joiner and he said the current glass is the slimline type.