4 January 2019 · Delegated - Head of Development Management (Stephen Butler)
25, Church Street, Peel, Isle Of Man, IM5 1hn
The application sought permission to replace all existing timber sash windows (except the dormer) with double-glazed uPVC vertical sliding sash windows at a terraced property in Peel Conservation Area.
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The principal consideration was whether the proposal preserves or enhances the Peel Conservation Area. The Registered Buildings Officer noted the building is a good example of late Victorian/Early Edw…
Environment Policy 35
Requires that within Conservation Areas, only development which preserves or enhances the character or appearance of the Area is permitted, protecting special features contributing to character. The officer assessed the window replacement against this, finding the loss of decorative timber sashes would fail the test as they positively contribute to the area's appearance. No tension noted, but emphasis on protecting individual features over general uPVC acceptance.
General Policy 2
Seeks to direct development to respect its site, favouring traditional materials. Assessed alongside ENV35; uPVC replacement deemed not to respect the site's conservation character.
Environment Policy 34
Supports use of traditional materials to respect site context. Replacement with modern uPVC failed this test in the conservation setting.
The Alteration and Replacement of Windows Circular 1/98 - Policy 6
States original windows should preferably be repaired; if replaced and visible from public view, must match original opening method, glazing bars, and frame sections regardless of material. Proposal's uPVC, despite vertical sliding sash, does not preserve the timber decorative elements, failing exact replication.
No objection.
Peel Town Commissioners considered application 18/00899/B for replacement windows at 25 Church Street, Peel, and stated they do not object to the proposal.
Peel Town Commissioners
No ObjectionThe Peel Town Commissioners considered the following planning applications at their Committee meeting and they do not object to the proposals contained within these applications subject to any conditions stipulated below:; d. 18/00899/B Replacement windows at 25 Church Street, Peel
The original application to replace timber windows with uPVC sliding sash windows at 25 Church Street, Peel, was refused for failing to preserve or enhance the Peel Conservation Area per EP35 and Peel Local Plan. The appellant argued the windows were beyond repair, the house dated from 1928 (not Victorian/Edwardian), and replacements would harmonise better without anomalous leaded glazing. The Council defended refusal emphasizing the unique decorative features' contribution to the CA. The inspector accepted windows needed replacement but found proposed design too bland, lacking detailing, causing significant harm to the CA, conflicting with policies. The appeal was dismissed by Mr M Perkins MHK on 19 June 2019.
Precedent Value
Even where windows beyond repair, replacements in CAs must meticulously replicate original detailing, pattern and features; generic 'like-for-like' uPVC insufficient if losing significant decorative elements. Future applicants should prioritize repair or exact replication over modern simplifications.
Inspector: Brian J Sims
