St Edmundsbury Borough Council has successfully defended an important enforcement notice in the heart of the Bury St Edmunds conservation area.
The planning inspector ruled in favour of the council following an appeal brought by Linda Barton against the enforcement notice relating to a house on Northgate Street. The notice was issued in April after three UPVC windows, a UPVC front door and a fanlight were installed at the house without permission. The enforcement notice requires them to be replaced with timber windows and doors and a timber and glass fanlight which match those which were replaced with the UPVC versions.
The Northgate Street area of Bury is subject to restrictions called Article 4 Directions, which are designed to help protect the special nature of an area. The restriction means that property owners cannot carry out some alterations, such as making changes to the front of a building or changing doors or windows. Such work may need planning permission in areas covered by these directions. Homeowners can check if their property is covered by an Article 4 Direction on St Edmundsbury's planning web pages or by calling the planning helpdesk on 01284 757675.
In his report, the planning inspector described the terrace of houses at Northgate Street as having "a modest charm, spoilt by the use of UPVC windows and doors". He also said "I believe that to allow the retention of the windows and doors at the appeal property would simply add to the harm already caused to the terrace".
Cllr Helen Levack, chairman of the Development Control Committee, said:
"We welcome this ruling from the planning inspector, as it is vitally important to protect the special nature of the conservation areas in our borough. This success again shows that St Edmundsbury takes enforcement very seriously and will take action where necessary."
ENDS
ISSUED BY LIZHEARNSHAW, COMMUNICATIONS UNIT, ST EDMUNDSBURY BOROUGH COUNCIL. Tel 01284 757033. liz.hearnshaw@stedsbc.gov.uk
