Conservation style uPVC windows allowed in Bristol Conservation Area

Tetlow King Planning (TKP) is delighted to have secured full planning permission on appeal for over 200 conservation style uPVC windows – replacing life expired existing timber joinery – on a prominent and sensitive site in central Bristol.

_{Image provided courtesy of Graham Rivers Architects}

Oliver Marigold, Principal Planner at TKP was the planning agent for the applicant LiveWest, a Registered Provider with over 37,000 homes across the south west.

Jacobs Court is a five-storey building on St George’s Road and York Place in central Bristol providing 60 affordable flats. It is within and surrounded by Conservation Areas and adjacent to Grade II listed and locally-listed buildings.

The existing timber windows are life expired and will be replaced by the energy efficient and sound proofed uPVC windows.

Bristol City Council refused consent, citing a general policy of not supporting uPVC in Conservation Areas.

At appeal, TKP demonstrated that the materials, colour and style of the windows would improve the building’s appearance and benefits for the residents. TKP also provided evidence of another appeal in the city where an Inspector concluded that modern buildings do not require the same degree of protection as traditional buildings.

The Inspector ruled that, despite being contrary to the Council’s official guidance, the uPVC windows and doors would have a neutral effect on the area and would retain a sliding sash window style common in Bristol. He found that they would not have a harmful effect on the character or appearance of the Conservation Area or other heritage assets.