New historic building guidelines

30 October 2012

Trades people and heritage groups are among those being called on to take part in a consultation about guidelines for the preservation of historic windows and doors.

The Planning and Environment Minister, Deputy Rob Duhamel, has issued new planning guidance for consultation which seeks to highlight the importance of windows and doors in historic buildings as part of our built heritage.

“Historic windows and doors are an integral part of the fabric of old buildings and add to their special character in both the town and countryside. We would like to hear the views of all those interested in or affected by the guidance, including the owners of historic buildings, heritage groups and trades people who work with historic buildings,” said Deputy Duhamel.

Planning policy for the protection of historic windows and doors is provided by the 2011 Island Plan. The guidance seeks to clearly set out what this policy means and how it will be applied in practice.

“Many properties have already lost their historic windows and doors. The scale of loss of these original features is considerable and there are few properties where historic windows and doors remain wholly intact. The aim of planning policy is to ensure that the character of individual historic buildings and the character of a street or lane are not further eroded but that each case is also considered on its own individual circumstances,” said Deputy Duhamel.

Planning permission is required for works affecting windows and external doors in Listed buildings and potential Listed buildings. Works involving their repair or replacement in historic buildings must be the subject of a planning application.

The guidance also seeks to set out the information that is required to enable planning applications that affect historic windows and doors to be properly considered.

The draft guidance is available online to view and comment on or it can be obtained from the Department of the Environment, South Hill. Comments should be submitted by 14 December 2012.

Protection of historic windows and doors consultation (government and administration section)