PVC-U claims precedent in Bristol conservatiuon area
27th February 2018

REHAU says an installation in Bristol’s Sneyd Park conservation area has set a precedent for the city after one local resident won consent on appeal for PVC-U windows to replace draughty, inefficient timber despite opposition by local residents‘ groups.

The owner of the top floor flat chose vertical sliders fabricated by Roseview Windows using the Rehau Heritage system after seeing them in the showroom of local installer Panoramic Windows.

Rehau’s Kevin O’Neill takes up the story: “Mr Hall was keen to upgrade his windows to improve his comfort levels and reduce heating costs. He didn’t want wooden windows again, but hadn’t seen any PVC-U windows that he liked either. The varying shapes of window in the property (angled, arched and square) further complicated the customer’s requirements.

“As the property was in a conservation area, Mr Hall diligently applied for permission to replace his windows, which he thought would be approved within a few months. Unfortunately, it took much longer to get the planning application approved, as the local council and residents‘ group were adamant that wooden replacements should be specified to maintain the character of the property.

“The application was initially refused but approved on appeal after an independent inspector was satisfied that replacement PVC-U windows would not adversely affect the appearance of the conservation area. In fact, he assured the council they would appear almost identical to the existing timber windows and advised them to see a sample window for themselves, which Panoramic was happy to provide.“