Common misconception re Local Authority Planning and Building Control Departments

neilsolaris

Hi,

I just wanted to ask advice and hope someone can help me.

Back in October, I had some PVC double glazing installed to replace my sash windows. 95% of the properties on my road are PVC double glazed. There's nothing in my deeds to say I can't do so, and my property is not listed.

However, no sooner had I got it done, when I got a letter through informing me that my next door neighbour had applied for it, and got refused, on the basis that we are in a non-designated heritage site. I inspected the council website beforehand, and didn't find any information on this. A woman at the council said that at some stage soon they will be writing to me soon to instruct me to replace my windows to something that they deem appropriate.

When I pointed out that there were identical properties with the same double glazing to us (including the neighbour downstairs!), she said they can't do anything if it is 4 years old. Because they know when we installed ours we seem to be targeted.

My question is, is it worth us fighting the council? If we refused to replace our windows what would happen? Would they just fine us? If the fine was less than the replacement value then that would seem preferable, unless there were other repercussions.

I should add, it's quite a poor neighbourhood in general, and the few original sash windows on my street and surrounding streets are in a shocking state of repair. The woman at the council said their reasons for asking us to replace our windows are to do with improving the appearance of the town's "assets". To me, the double glazing on my street and surrounding streets look infinitely superior.

Thanks for your help and advice.

John_Pierpoint

Sod the rule of law, we just make it up as we go along?

Is this simple "mission creep", jobs for the boys or something to do with the "localism" bill ?

Perhaps it is simply the central government making sure to unload the responsibility onto your local councilor rather than have you grumbling to your over worked MP?

http://www.bassetlaw.gov.uk/pdf/Non-Designated_Heritage_Assets-Criteria%28July_2012_update%29.pdf

http://www.southnorthants.gov.uk/Advice_Note_4_Sash_Windows.pdf

If it is "localism", how about posting a picture of your street and challenging the unrepresentative jury of MSE people, to recognise your nasty plastic windows?