POOR WINDOW REPLACEMENTS being used on buildings of historic or conservation value are a cause for concern in Moray – and have prompted a public consultation.
Moray Council are seeking the views of members of the public over draft guidance prepared to advise anyone planning to repair or replace windows and doors – in particular where their property has historic value.
The draft guide would aim to control the use of cheaper UPVC windows and doors in a bid to preserve the character of a building, in particular at high-visibility elevations – this would effectively mean that a material change to the appearance of the building would require planning consent.
Any work being undertaken on listed buildings already requires specific consent, but in Moray there are conservation areas that requires similar attention. Now a Council spokesman has said the number of instances of poor window replacements being used in Moray was on the increase.
He added: “The proliferation of inappropriate replacement windows and doors over a number of years has resulted in the significant loss of historic fabric, architectural detail, and interest to individual historic buildings in Moray,” he said.
“This fabric has been lost through uncontrolled replacements to the point where the predominant character is no longer historic in appearance. Protecting elevations from UPVC would go some way to redressing the balance.”
The draft guidance is open to comment for the next four week, during which time architects, householders and community council are being asked to submit views via the Moray Council Website.
All comments received will then be considered and help to shape the final version of the guidance which will then be presented to councillors for approval.