Listed buildings
Many of our customers live in listed buildings and especially for those lucky enough to live in Bath – a World Heritage Site – realise that we are all trustees for whoever comes after us. The Bath Preservation Trust puts it very well. To quote from their website:
"It has been said that windows are “the eyes of a building”: they are one of the most prominent and expressive features, reflective of a building’s history and developments in technology. Old windows should be retained and repaired and, if beyond repair replaced like for like. The Trust advocates that traditional glazing bars are retained in a design and reinstated when there are no compelling reasons to the contrary and provided the architectural detail is correct. The Trust will not normally support proposals for double glazing in listed buildings and discourages the use of UPVC in the Conservation Area. We advocate the restoration and reinstatement of internal shutters to provide insulation and assist the prevention of heat loss and to reduce noise."
The Bath & N E Somerset Local Plan stresses the same things:
"There are many instances when a seemingly small alteration can damage the historic character and appearance of an area, including:
- replacement of original timber doors with 'off the shelf' designs in uPVC or tropical hardwoods
- replacement of original timber sash or casement windows with uPVC or tropical hardwoods that do not match the original glazing pattern or design
We very much hope that you will support the Council in preserving and enhancing our built heritage, not just for ourselves to enjoy, but for future generations."
Amen.