Windows error could cost firm £115k

8:26pm Wednesday 9th January 2008

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A DEVELOPER converting a grade II-listed chapel may be forced to rip out £115,000 worth of brand new windows after installing the wrong type.

Barnett Construction has told Rossendale Council that it was an "oversight" and is asking for permission to keep the UPVC windows at the former methodist chapel, off York Street, Crawshawbooth.

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And it has won the backing of 18 local traders who have signed a petition supporting the bid. They are keen to see the rundown building be turned into 12 apartments.

But council officers are recommending the windows be removed as they are "historically and architecturally incorrect" for the 1870s chapel.

Now the matter will be decided on by councillors at a meeting next week.

Barnett Construction was granted planning permission for the apartments in 2004, subject to conditions which stated it must use double-glazed timber framed windows.

But brown UPVC frames with a woodgrain finish were installed.

In a report, the council says the UPVC frames are an unauthorised change which has "resulted in a colour that is historically and architecturally incorrect for the building".

It goes on to say that the "construction, shape and design are at odds with the period and character of the chapel."

In his report the council conservation officer recommends that the UPVC frames and associated panels used in the implementation were used "unnecessarily and unacceptably harm the special architectural and historic interest of the listed building".

He recommends that the current applications be refused and action taken to secure the replacement of the window frames and associated panels.

English Heritage argues for the use of timber windows against other materials, covering issues of energy efficiency, longevity, repair and maintenance, the council report says.

But the agent, Alan Kinder Associates, says that the insertion of the UPVC windows was an "oversight", in documents included in council agenda papers.

It says changing the window design would cause massive problems with regards to sound transmission and acoustic regulations.

Alan Kinder Associates also says that the windows were the most expensive and realistic wood grain finish foil available on the market and that they had all had been individually hand-crafted to suit their opening.

Neither Barnett Construction nor Alan Kinder Associates were available for comment.

The item will be discussed at a development control meeting on Tuesday, January 15.