There was sympathy for Richhill Women’s Institute (WI) at a recent ABC Planning committee meeting, as the PVC windows they fitted to the first floor of their property will have to be replaced by traditional timber windows.
Despite strong representation from Richhill Women’s Institute and Alderman Gareth Wilson, the recommendation to refuse planning permission for replica PVC windows, in lieu of timber windows, was endorsed by committee members – who heard there was a concern that Heritage Lottery would be reluctant to fund other schemes in the market town, should non-compliant windows be allowed to remain in place.
Richhill Women’s Institute is based at 43 Main Street, Richhill, in an area which is rich in architectural heritage.
The ABC planning officers’ report recommending refusal stated: “The proposed development…fails to make use of traditional or sympathetic building materials.
“It would fail to preserve or enhance the character, appearance and setting of Richhill Conservation Area. The proposed development…is not sensitive to the character of the surrounding area in terms of the use of materials.”
Senior planning officer, Trudy Chapman explained: “The windows were previously timber sliding sash which were painted white, but these were replaced with white PVC windows in late 2022.
“The WI seek to replace these unauthorised PVC windows with new PVC windows, which would include some traditional detailing.
“The application site is located within Richhill Conservation Area. The site is also located opposite a row of eight listed buildings. The conservation area guide contains guidance specifically in relation to Richhill Conservation Area.
“The document is very clear in relation to window design and materials, and it states that replacement of new windows should always be timber construction.
“The character of the village would suffer profoundly if windows and doors were to be widely replaced with unsuitable modern counterparts.”
Alderman Wilson (DUP, Cusher DEA) spoke in favour of the planning application, stating: “Just looking at the area, there are Housing Executive properties just to the right of this building, and they have simple white framed windows as well.
“There are a number of other residential properties up in the Square that have PVC windows.
“Don’t be under the impression that this property stands out like a sore thumb. I do feel that this issue is one that [can be] easily resolved without further major financial implications for Richhill. It is well within your scope to turn around this application for the benefit of Richhill WI.”
Speaking on behalf of Richhill Women’s Institute, one of their representatives, introduced as Brenda, also made a strong case in favour of the planning application, stating: “[Regarding] the proposed replacement windows for the first floor, this action was initiated following one objection to the PVC windows from an unknown source.
“Having contributed to and enhanced village life for many women over the past 75 years, and supported other village activities on a charitable basis, we are extremely saddened.
“It has caused us much distress that we appear to have been singled out. That is why we have respectfully contested this decision since May 2023, and let it be known that other buildings in the vicinity of listed buildings are of modern construction.
“Small windows on the upper floor of the house owned by the WI since 1952 – which the deeds do not specify as listed – are receiving undue attention.
“Yes we put in PVC windows, yes they are on the front of the building, however, unless you were purposely looking for any difference they go unseen.
“Richhill WI have admitted their unwitting error at the time of installation, hence the reason for this new application to refit new PVC sash windows with horns, so that they would maintain the visual importance of the area.
“We cannot see why new windows should always be of timber construction, especially as we are not listed.”
Alderman Wilson claimed there were double standards in terms of what is deemed acceptable in that part of Richhill: “When you look to the right-hand side and you see the Housing Executive structure, you could say also ‘Well, why weren’t the Housing Executive made to put slide and sash windows in?”
Senior planning officer, Trudy Chapman, said the guidance was quite clear regarding the requirement to use timber windows: “The Richhill Conservation Guide is very clear that timber is really the only option.
“In this case [the windows] were timber originally and they should have been replaced with timber. The conservation guide has been in the public domain since February 1993. It’s available on the DfI website.”
Jim Speers, from the Richhill Buildings Preservation Trust, took the view that the WI ought to have known about the requirement for timber windows, and he expressed concerns regarding future Lottery funding for heritage projects in Richhill: “It was quite clear there was evidence there that Richhill was a Conservation Area. The desire was to enhance the area and bring back vacant space into productive use.
“The upper storey of the WI hall was by and large unusable, and hence got a sizeable portion of money – £84,000 in all – to bring it back into productive use.
“It has been let as a flat and there is an income stream as a consequence of that.
“At this moment in time, as chair of the Trust, we are trying to have a meeting with Heritage Lottery, with a view to a visit to the village. If you bring them back and they see that you haven’t properly policed the funding that you originally got, your credibility is at stake.”
Cllr Kevin Savage (Sinn Féin, Banbridge DEA) proposed to go along with the recommendation to refuse planning permission for replica PVC windows. His proposal was seconded by Cllr Julie Flaherty (UUP, Portadown).
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