Is cost a valid consideration in planning application

[clembo4]

Hi,

I have just had planning permission refused to replace old steel windows with UPVC as we live in a conservation area.

The council have come back saying that I should install replicas in aluminium.

The problem here is that aluminium is three times the price and the council's decision means I can't proceed due to cost.

This effectively means that I can't do any work and we are left with old, sealed (pray there isn't a fire) and thermally inefficient steel windows.

I was wondering whether anyone has any precedent for an appeal being made on the grounds of cost.

Thanks,

Andrew.

 

[jeds]

No. Cost isn't a material consideration.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

As a wise old conservation officer once told me, if you don't like the rules implied when one buys in a conservation area, a listed building or similar then don't buy it.

 

[cjard]

Would wood be an option for your location?

 

[clembo4]

Wish I had hadn't - arts and crafts is rubbish - oh how I miss horta

 

[clembo4]

Was the wise old conservation officer talking to an apprentice conservation officer. Just wish they had riba next to their name and then I would respect their rounded opinion - tell me Mr co what is your opinion on gargoyles

 

[^woody^]

Are you drunk?

 

[rjm2k]

Wish I had hadn't - arts and crafts is rubbish - oh how I miss horta

must say that when all these TV property programmes talk about listed buildings rather than "oh how lovely" my first thought it avoid like the plague! I once stopped at a hotel which was in a converted peel castle and on grand designs, far above listed status. From what I could work out, English heritage gave them less hassle than your local councils planning or conservation officers with their clipboards!

In this day and age of masses of insulation , epcs , carbon quotas etc can't the environment be used as an argument?

 

[OwainDIYer]

In this day and age of masses of insulation , epcs , carbon quotas etc can't the environment be used as an argument?

The environment would probably prefer aluminium or steel windows which are likely to last longer than plastic ones.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Was the wise old conservation officer talking to an apprentice conservation officer.

No. Whilst tony1000BC doesn't mind living in a favela some of us would prefer not to. And no I don't live in a conservation area either.

 

[SimonH2]

Is there any ground for appeal on the basis that local policy and/or this decision goes against national guidance (specifically energy efficiency section - Part L ?) of the Building Regs ?

But I'm with the others, when I see stuff on TV - my reaction is "run away" when they mention listing or conservation area status. I'm not far outside the Lake District National Part - and some of the tales I've heard about the LDSPB (Lake District Special Planning Board) make me keen to stay outside of it.

 

[^woody^]

Is there any ground for appeal on the basis that local policy and/or this decision goes against national guidance (specifically energy efficiency section - Part L ?) of the Building Regs ?
.

No, because it does not

 

[luisdesign]

You can buy replacement energy efficient windows that are NOT upvc. The planning department are not saying you are not allowed to upgrade your windows, they are saying that you need to at least use windows that respect the original materials. Don't waste your money on an appeal. You'll need it for your windows.

In general aluminum windows tend to be about 30-50% more expensive than upvc, with timber about 100% more. But you get better quality for that, and a much better appearance as well.