A Birnam couple’s home improvement project has turned into a planning battle with Perth and Kinross Council over the seemingly minor detail of window thickness. Alan and Loraine Thomson, residents of Perth Road for nearly three decades, replaced their aging timber windows in late 2023. Believing the work to be straightforward, they opted for UPVC double-glazed replacements, also altering the opening mechanism and removing the sash horns.
However, their Perth Road property lies within a designated conservation area, and these changes triggered enforcement action from the council. The Thomsons, who say they were unaware of the conservation area designation, subsequently submitted a retrospective planning application in April 2024. This application sought to officially approve the alterations they had already made. Council Rejects Application, Citing ‘Too Thick’ Windows
The council declined the Thomsons’ application, stating that the new UPVC windows were “too thick” and featured an “inappropriate” opening mechanism. The refusal notice highlighted the negative visual impact of the changes on both the cottage itself and the broader conservation area’s aesthetic. While acknowledging the attempt to maintain a similar glazing style, the council argued that the thicker frames, especially on the lower windows, appeared incongruous and disrupted the established architectural harmony.
This decision was then reinforced by the Perth and Kinross Local Review Body (PKLRB) earlier this year, leaving the Thomsons facing the prospect of having to revert their windows back to their original state. The PKLRB echoed the council’s concerns, specifically pointing to the window frames’ thickness, profile, and altered opening mechanism as reasons for their decision. Couple Appeals to Scottish Government, Claims ‘Unfair Treatment’
Unwilling to accept the PKLRB’s verdict, the Thomsons have escalated their case to the Scottish Government, claiming they have been unfairly targeted. They contend that other homes along Perth Road have undergone similar window replacements without facing comparable scrutiny. Their appeal emphasizes the efforts made to replicate the original sash window style and the comparable frame sizes to the original timber ones, maintaining that their new windows don’t significantly detract from the character of the conservation area.
The Thomsons also challenge the assessment of ‘increased framing thickness,’ arguing that a direct comparison is impossible since the original timber windows no longer exist. They express frustration over what they perceive as inconsistent enforcement of conservation area regulations, questioning why they were specifically required to submit a planning application and subsequently faced refusal.
Their appeal is currently under review by planning reporter Keith Bray. Should the appeal fail, the Thomsons could face significant costs and disruption, having to reinstall windows that comply with the council’s strict guidelines. The outcome of this case is likely to be closely watched by other homeowners in conservation areas across Perth and Kinross, highlighting the importance of obtaining planning permission before undertaking even seemingly minor exterior alterations.
This situation serves as a reminder for residents in Perthshire’s many conservation areas. It’s crucial to check with Perth and Kinross Council’s planning department before starting any external home improvements. The council offers a range of resources, including online guides and pre-application advice services, to help homeowners understand the regulations and navigate the planning process. These resources are designed to prevent situations like the Thomsons’ and ensure that the region’s unique architectural heritage is protected while still allowing for necessary home modernisation.
However, their Perth Road property lies within a designated conservation area, and these changes triggered enforcement action from the council. The Thomsons, who say they were unaware of the conservation area designation, subsequently submitted a retrospective planning application in April 2024. This application sought to officially approve the alterations they had already made. Council Rejects Application, Citing ‘Too Thick’ Windows
The council declined the Thomsons’ application, stating that the new UPVC windows were “too thick” and featured an “inappropriate” opening mechanism. The refusal notice highlighted the negative visual impact of the changes on both the cottage itself and the broader conservation area’s aesthetic. While acknowledging the attempt to maintain a similar glazing style, the council argued that the thicker frames, especially on the lower windows, appeared incongruous and disrupted the established architectural harmony.
This decision was then reinforced by the Perth and Kinross Local Review Body (PKLRB) earlier this year, leaving the Thomsons facing the prospect of having to revert their windows back to their original state. The PKLRB echoed the council’s concerns, specifically pointing to the window frames’ thickness, profile, and altered opening mechanism as reasons for their decision. Couple Appeals to Scottish Government, Claims ‘Unfair Treatment’
Unwilling to accept the PKLRB’s verdict, the Thomsons have escalated their case to the Scottish Government, claiming they have been unfairly targeted. They contend that other homes along Perth Road have undergone similar window replacements without facing comparable scrutiny. Their appeal emphasizes the efforts made to replicate the original sash window style and the comparable frame sizes to the original timber ones, maintaining that their new windows don’t significantly detract from the character of the conservation area.
The Thomsons also challenge the assessment of ‘increased framing thickness,’ arguing that a direct comparison is impossible since the original timber windows no longer exist. They express frustration over what they perceive as inconsistent enforcement of conservation area regulations, questioning why they were specifically required to submit a planning application and subsequently faced refusal.
Their appeal is currently under review by planning reporter Keith Bray. Should the appeal fail, the Thomsons could face significant costs and disruption, having to reinstall windows that comply with the council’s strict guidelines. The outcome of this case is likely to be closely watched by other homeowners in conservation areas across Perth and Kinross, highlighting the importance of obtaining planning permission before undertaking even seemingly minor exterior alterations.
This situation serves as a reminder for residents in Perthshire’s many conservation areas. It’s crucial to check with Perth and Kinross Council’s planning department before starting any external home improvements. The council offers a range of resources, including online guides and pre-application advice services, to help homeowners understand the regulations and navigate the planning process. These resources are designed to prevent situations like the Thomsons’ and ensure that the region’s unique architectural heritage is protected while still allowing for necessary home modernisation.