12 Apr Repairing or Replacing a Listed Building’s Windows – What You Need to Know
Traditional timber windows, such as sash windows, are a common feature of listed buildings. These period properties have considerable historic and architectural significance and are protected by the planning system (which oversees the development of buildings and land).
Historic England, the public body that helps to preserve places with strong links to the past, emphasises that windows make a particularly important contribution to a listed building’s heritage. ‘They are eye-catching features that give your house character through their design, materials and workmanship and help tell its story.’
But what happens when your listed building’s sash windows or other windows (which could well be original) need attention? Perhaps rainwater has penetrated old frames or the sashes won’t slide anymore because paint has been applied too thickly. How do you go about repairing or replacing windows without compromising your home’s historical integrity or falling foul of the planning system?
Rest assured that our Devon joinery experts help numerous owners of listed buildings to achieve their desired outcome. Read on to learn how to make changes to a listed building’s windows and find out more about the superb timber windows that form part of our Listed Range.
England Has Half a Million Listed Buildings
According to Historic England, there are approximately 500,000 listed buildings across the country, encompassing everything from cottages to castles. Most were built before 1850, but some later properties possess enough historic and architectural interest to be listed as well.
All listed buildings appear on the National Heritage List for England. Historic England puts forward suggestions, but the government has the final say about which buildings deserve a place on the list.
There are three categories of listed building:
- Grade I listed buildings are of exceptional historic and architectural interest.
- Grade II* listed buildings are of considerable historic and architectural interest.
- Grade II listed buildings are somewhat less remarkable, but still of special historic and architectural interest. Almost 92% of listed buildings belong to this category.
Breathing New Life into Devon’s Historic Homes
Devon has a rich history and is home to several thousand listed buildings. For example, there are 160 in Newton Abbot, where our workshop is based.
We repair and/or replace timber windows at Grade I, II* and II listed buildings. Highlights include restoring original box sash windows to their former glory at a Grade I listed Plymouth manor house and producing exact replicas of the original casement windows at a Grade II listed Teignbridge cottage.
We have the knowledge and skills to help listed building owners negotiate the planning system and can be relied on to design, manufacture, install and renovate timber windows in a historically and architecturally sensitive manner. Our Listed Range is specifically designed to fulfil the stringent planning requirements applied to listed buildings’ windows without losing sight of modern concerns such as energy efficiency.
Applying for Listed Building Consent
If you live in a listed building, you’ll need your local planning authority’s consent to alter the design or functionality of your windows or replace them. The relevant authority has to be satisfied that the proposed work won’t undermine your home’s character and that any replacement windows are truly necessary and will match the original style. (That’s why we take a ‘tailor-made’ approach and our Listed Range has numerous customisation options with regards to the layout, profiles, paint, etc.). After all, your original windows may be of particular interest. Perhaps they reflect a particular style of craftsmanship or are glazed with antique glass.
You’re likely to need to apply for planning permission (as changes to windows usually affect a property’s exterior) and listed building consent, which involves providing details of the proposed work and how it’ll affect the building. That might sound difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. You can obtain valuable advice from our experienced surveyors and your local conservation officer. What’s more, we have the expertise to guide you through the process and supply the necessary technical drawings.
By contrast, you don’t normally need permission to repair a listed building’s existing windows (though it’s important to check with your local authority to make sure), as long as the repairs match the original style. We’re well versed in like-for-like repairs and restore windows to a high standard.
Window Restoration and Replacement for Devon’s Listed Buildings
Thanks to our superb Listed Range, sash window restoration and other products and services, your historic, listed home can continue telling its story in a dignified, authentic manner.
Do your listed building’s windows need to be repaired or replaced? Simply contact JTP Joinery today for expert advice and craftsmanship.