part L and sash windows

[njk]

Greetings all.

I have a bit of a problem with my local council. I have a terraced house on 4 floors that I am converting into 2 flats. The local building inspector has demanded that I have to change all the 21 sash windows (original victorian in good condition) to new double glazed ones. Since the windows were in good conditions I did not allow for this massive extra cost. The reason for this, the inspector told me, is due to part L and the conservation of energy.

Is there any way out of this? If I live in a conservation area I am not allowed to change them and if I don't live in a consevation area I have to.
Doesn't make sense.

Any ideas?

 

[JohnD]

secondary glazing.

 

[^woody^]

Do a DER/TER calculation on the whole flat to demonstrate an overall acceptable emission rate figure. You may need to compensate elsewhere with better insulation or energy saving installations

 

[stuart45]

I think that the worst U value you can have for windows is 3.30 when using a SAP rating on a new build, and single glazing is around 5.0. I don't know if this applies to a conversion but it might be the same.

 

[ivararnason]

I have the same problem, I live in Hastings and the council told me I have to replace the sash windows because im converting into 2 flats, and even if I want to convert the windows by fitting double glasing with new beads with weather seals etc wich makes them just as good as ugly plastic windows, having had a talk with the building inspector
they have now told me I might be allowed to do this if I can prove how much they insulate, how can I prove that?

 

[^woody^]

how can I prove that?

By reading the two posts above yours!

 

[ivararnason]

Just wanted to comment on the cost, it is not much cheaper to convert them to double glasing than replacing them with new ugly ones.

 

[eddiespaghetti]

I think that the worst U value you can have for windows is 3.30 when using a SAP rating on a new build, and single glazing is around 5.0. I don't know if this applies to a conversion but it might be the same.

Needs to be 2W/m2.K to prove reasonable provision for a 'material change of use' though as suggested, you maybe able to barter with your BCO to improve the building in other (cheaper) areas!

http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/england/professionals/en/1115314231799.html[/url]