LISTED BUILDINGS
& FEATURE WINDOWS
WHAT IS A LISTED BUILDING?
"A listed building" is a building, object or structure that has been judged to be of national importance in terms of architectural or historic interest and included on a special register, called the list of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest.
Compiled by the Department for Culture Media and Sport the list includes a wide variety of structures from castles, houses and follies, to milestones and village pumps.
There are several categories of listed buildings ranging from:
- Grade I Buildings of exceptional interest (approximately 2% of all listed buildings)
- Grade II* Particularly important and more than special interest (approximately 4% of listed buildings)
- Grade II Buildings of special interest warranting every effort being made to preserve them (approximately 94% of listed buildings)
If your property is Grade II listed then you generally have more leeway than those of higher ranking.
Our craftsmen have many years of experience in designing and making bespoke windows for listed buildings, uniquely designed feature windows for new builds or replacement feature windows. We have unrivalled experience in this area and have undertaken many challenging and exciting projects.
The Sash Window Workshop will be happy to guide you through the processes and permissions needed for a project of this kind such as listed building consent. Where possible The Sash Window Workshop will ensure that the window will perform to the same high standards of thermal efficiency and durability as its other windows, so you can expect many years of service from our bespoke windows with the minimum of maintenance. Visit our advice pages about listed buildings and feature windows for more details.
WHAT IS THE LEGAL REQUIREMENT?
All listed buildings require listed building consent. This is in addition to any planning regulations that would normally apply. Listed building status can also result in the need to obtain planning permission where it would not ordinarily be required for example, creating a new doorway or replacing existing windows. The most important thing to keep in mind is that it is a criminal offence to carry out work that needs listed building consent without obtaining it beforehand.
Before undertaking any work on windows or doors we would strongly suggest that you talk to us first so that we can put you in touch with the best sources of advice. We have undertaken work with a wide range of listed buildings of all types and would be happy to place our experience at your disposal.
The process for obtaining permission to install new windows or doors in a listed building requires a greater level of detail than would normally be the case, for example it is not possible to make an application for “outline” listed building consent. Any application must provide sufficient detail, including drawings to allow the impact of the work to be properly assessed. In addition samples of the glass to be used, window and door furniture samples etc. may be required. To some degree the amount of detail required will depend on the level of listing the building has, the way the particular planning inspector likes to work and the extent of the work being proposed. The one hard and fast rule is discuss what you are seeking to do with the relevant planning officer and get as much guidance as you can from him before submitting plans. For more information call Google PPC.
FEATURE WINDOWS
At The Sash Window Workshop we take great pride in the quality of our workmanship. Nowhere is this truer than when we are commissioned to make a "feature" window. Our craftsmen see it as an honour to make a feature window. It is the pinnacle of craftsmanship to match existing detail exactly to deliver an exact replica of the existing window. Technical skills and material applications are often stretched to the limit of what is possible.
A normal window is designed to be as invisible and as functional as possible. The aim is to be sympathetic to the architectural heritage and design of the building, the building should be the star of the show. The window must function flawlessly, with the minimum of maintenance for many decades.
With a feature window it is the window that should be the star of the show. It should demand attention and inspire those who see it. It should have its own unique style and a quality in both design and construction that sets it apart from its siblings. Our feature windows come in all designs, shapes and sizes, from classic bow fronted windows to totally unique one off designs. To see examples of our work view our portfolio. To find out how we can make a feature window for you contact us on Google PPC.
