Listed Buildings

[gixerchick]

We live in a Grade II listed building barn conversion. Keeping the house heated is costing a small fortune and we're looking at ways that we can make it more energy efficient. One major improvement would be to replace the doors and windows as they're currently wood, single glazed and let in a lot of draft. Ideally we'd like to replace with UPVC double glazing as it's approx �10k cheaper than wood double glazing. Although I took some convincing, I'm confident that this wouldn't change the apearance of the property as we have covenants that state the frames must be black and the sample of black UPVC that I have looks just like wood. However, given the length of the listed building consent (and possible planning permission) process I'd like to first find out if there are guidelines or precedents that will give us an indication of whether our proposal would be likely to be accepted. For example, somebody had once said to me that listed buildings can not be changed to double glazing but I'm not sure how much truth there is in this?

[The Builder]

Ask at the local district council planning dept. to speak to the Conservation Officer.
It's largely up to him. Their opinions vary so much - even though there are supposed to be common guidelines.
I'm converting a barn at the moment, and the Conservation guy doesn't even like Velux rooflights - whereas they are routinely fitted to quite sensitive buildings such as church conversions.
You might get loads of opinion, but, he's the only one who can tell you for sure.
Good luck

[weeal]

Oh you really dont want uPVC windows, it takes much more energy to make a plastic window than a timber window, plastic cant always be repaired, its not eco-friendly nor sympathetic to the original building. Its not value for money in the long run.

Planning may allow timber windows in a sympathetic style to the originals.

[The Builder]

Wee Snottyface is .............sorry that should be WeeAl....................her cold's better now LOL...........she's absolutely right. I really think you'll have a hell of a job to convince the Conservation Officer about uPVC................................but........Good luck :o)

[weeal]

tee hee Builder, that name did stick for a week

[weeal]

As for energy efficiency, dont know what your budget is like but have you looked at a Heat Recovery System? this would mean you wont need vents in the windows and also some could be fixedlights instead of openers which will save some pennies on the windows and less draftiness too