2 Verdun Mews, Mont Neron, St. Helier

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A decision made (19.01.07) to maintain refusal of planning permission for 2 Verdun Mews, Mont Neron, St. Helier.

Subject:	2 Verdun Mews, Le Mont Neron, St Helier Replacement Windows
Decision Reference:	MD-PE-2007-0095	Exempt clause(s):		n/a
Type of Report (oral or written):	WRITTEN & ORAL	Person Giving Report (if oral):		Marion Jones
Telephone or e-mail Meeting?	n/a	Report File ref:		RW/2006/1706
Written Report Title:	Request for re-consideration of Refusal of Planning Permission	Written report – Author:		Marion Jones
Decision(s - Maintain Refusal of :- Replacement windows to principal elevation. Approval of replacement aluminium sliding patio doors to rear on grounds of safety.
Reason(s) for decision: Replacement windows to principal elevation - The proposed replacement windows and door would by virtue of their materials and details detract from the intrinsic architectural quality of this building which is over 80 years old and would therefore be contrary to Policy HWD5, 1999, of the Jersey Island Plan, 2002. Replacement sliding patio door - Issues relating to safety and location of sliding patio doors to the rear of the site meant that replacement could be supported.
Action required: Approval of replacement patio doors subject to replacement design being agreed by the Minister for Planning and Environment. Minister would prefer the use of timber but will consider suitable alternative materials – to be agreed.
Signature: (Minister)			Date of Decision: 19 January 2007

2 Verdun Mews, Mont Neron, St. Helier - maintain refusal

Application Number: RW/2006/1706

Request for Reconsideration Report

Site Address	2 Verdun Mews, Le Mont Neron, St. Helier.

Requested by	Mr & Mrs. Terry-Marchant	Agent	Normans Window Dept

Description	Replacement windows. REQUEST FOR RECONSIDERATION of refusal of planning permission.

Type	Replacement Windows

Original Decision	REFUSED

Conditions	None.
Reasons	1. The proposed replacement windows and door would by virtue of their materials and details detract from the intrinsic architectural quality of this building which is over 80 years old and would therefore be contrary to Policy HWD5, 1999, of the Jersey Island Plan, 2002.

Determined by	Delegated Refused

Date	10/10/2006

Zones	Built-Up Area

Policies	HWD5

Recommendation

Maintain Refusal

Comments on Case	2 Verdun Mews is located to the south east section of, Le Mont Neron, at Les Grands Vaux, St. Helier. The dwelling forms part of a pair of mews cottages within a small court yard juxtaposition at right angles to ‘Verdun Cottage’. Policy HWD5 is clear that it will encourage the retention of original window and door features for buildings which are over 80 years old. The applicant’s have requested that the Refusal Notice issued in October 2006 be reconsidered on the grounds of, safety, context and wider environmental considerations. Concerns regarding safety relate to the “partial mechanical failure of existing aluminium sliding patio door” to the rear of the site. The “breakage of sash cords in the front windows of the upper storey, with the potential risk for trapped fingers, as well as the possible obstruction of rapid ingress or egress in case of emergency such as fire”. In terms of context the applicants’ highlight that part of the property is double glazed as are the windows to several of the surrounding neighbouring properties. The use of PVCu double glazing was addressed during the determination stage of the application when it was noted that the adjoining property to the east of the site had PVCu windows to its principal elevation. However, it was felt that on balance the loss of the existing timber windows would seem unnecessary as their loss would be harmful to the character of the dwelling and that of adjacent dwelling to the north/west which would appear to have retained its original timber windows. The applicant’s have now submitted images, not previously available, to demonstrate the design of the proposed replacement PVCu windows to the principal elevation. Although the principal façade of the property is not highly visible from Le Mont Neron, Policy HWD5 has been applied to protect the existing timber windows to the principal elevation which show no direct signs of timber disrepair. The replacement of the existing aluminium sliding patio doors to the rear of the site does, in light of the additional information regarding safety, prove acceptable. However, the issues surrounding broken sash cords to the front windows of the upper storey can be remedied through repair by a reputable joiner specialising in window repair. Wider sustainability issues regarding insulation have also been put forward by the applicant to help demonstrate their need to replace the existing windows at the property. It is worth noting that it is still not widely understood that if historic windows are well maintained, they can last almost indefinitely. When carefully overhauled and draught-stripped, they can provide a level of performance which in terms of noise reduction and air infiltration is a good as many alternative products made from PVCu and aluminium. Whilst it may prove acceptable to use PVCu to the rear of the site the retention through Policy HWD5 of the original windows to the principal façade should be encouraged. Inspite of the additional design images submitted it is still considered that the loss of the existing windows to the principal elevation would detract from the intrinsic architectural quality of this building which is over 80 years old and would therefore be contrary to Policy HWD5, 1999.

Recommendation	Maintain Refusal

Reasons	As above.

Background Papers	1:2500 Site Plan Request for reconsideration letter 21st November 2006 Images of site and proposed replacement windows E:Mail correspondence

Endorsed by		Date