Planning – Application Comments

Consultation Date: Fri 14 Jul 2023

Comment Date: Fri 11 Aug 2023

23/00479/LBC | Refurbishment and double glazing of original sash windows to 1st floor and ground floor windows on front elevation | 11 Holyrood Place Plymouth PL1 2QB
The Hoe Neighbourhood Forum would like to support this application. It should be noted that the windows of No.7 Holyrood Place appear to be original Georgian windows whereas No.11 has replacement windows, identified by them having the later 'horn' style of sash. The owner has also been advised that the glazing panes appear to be of a modern acoustic laminated type.
Therefore, these windows are neither original sash or glazing panes and therefore the proposal to refurbish them is supported by the HNF. It should be noted that there are many types of slim-line double glazing and would look to the Council's Heritage officer as to which type would be most appropriate.
One of the greatest concerns that residents of Listed Buildings in Conservation areas have, is how to bring heritage housing stock up to modern, and affordable, levels of insulation in order to meet Net Zero targets in response to the current Climate Emergency. Several residents, over the past few years, have approached Plymouth planning officers to ask about fitting double-glazed panes in replacement sash windows, often in combination with removable secondary single polycarbonate glazing, only to be told that secondary double-glazing was the Council's preference. This has led to many instances of framed secondary glazing which harms the internal heritage look.
This application is therefore being seen, by other residents, as a test case for what the Council's position is today, but this does not seem the best way forward. What residents need is a guidance document on all such improvements that are suitable for heritage areas, such as the one issued by Bath City Council's. They issued a 'free award-winning 76-page guide to making Bath's historic buildings more energy efficient - the guide shows that preserving heritage and tackling climate change are not mutually exclusive'. This was issued to Bath residents in 2011 and has been followed by Supplementary Planning Documents and other documents via their association with the Bath Preservation Trust and could be taken as a model example of what Plymouth residents need.

Penny Tarrant
Chair of the Hoe Neighbourhood Forum