A ROW has broken out in a leafy Lytham conservation area -- over plastic windows.

When timber windows at the rear of 11 West Beach, opposite Lytham Green, were replaced with uPVC a complaint was made to Fylde Borough Council and planners said the plastic would have to go.

Now, Mr David Haythornthwaite -- of 11 West Beach -- has appealed, pleading that having to remove the new windows and put back wooden ones was "excessive and unnecessary."

The windows that have become plastic are casement and a horizontal sash which have been replaced by uPVC sliding doors.

Council planners said a notice was served because of the effect of the work on the character of the building, which was of special architectural and historic interest The terraced property was built about 1830.

But Mr Haythornthwaite claims the form and style of the uPVC windows are comparative to the old timber ones, and constitute little appreciable difference in design and layout.

"The windows to the rear elevation are only apparent to two houses and as such do not detract from the architectural integrity of the building," he added.

He also claims that planners have not been consistent, because there are other plastic windows apparent at listed buildings in the conservation area.

"The windows are at the rear of the property and are not visible to anyone other than two householders," he says.

Members of the public can comment on the appeal within 28 days of the March 21 enforcement notice.

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