Built Environment Section, Cultural Heritage, Peak District National Park Authority: Application: Discharge of Conditions 3 to 6 on NP/DDD/0414/0444 Application Number: NP/DIS/0814/0924 Address: Shamble Cottage, Hill Cross, Ashford-in-the-Water I was consulted on listed building consent application NP/DDD/0414/0444 and my comments of the associated discharge of conditions application NP/DDD/0414/0444 are as follows: Condition 3 external face to the proposed bathroom vent The research on traditional vents is welcomed; see information provided on Conservation Vent Grille (Cast Iron Air Brick Company) by the applicant.  However, this vent will project out from the external wall face.  I would suggest that the agent investigates a simple flush fitted cast iron grate/air  brick,  painted  in  a  recessive  colour  (black/dark  grey)  or  the  same  colour  as  the surrounding stonemasonry, so that the new feature is discreet.  Examples of simple flush fitted grates can be seen at the following: http://www.castironairbricks.co.uk/product-category/cast-iron-air-bricks/
 
  
http://www.longbottomfoundry.co.uk/gutters-pipes-fittings.htm http://www.britannia.uk.com/services/cast-iron-air-bricks
 
  
The above names are not a recommendation but are examples of the grill/air brick type that would be preferable in this proposed location. Condition 4 proposed flue for the Living Room wood-burner As noted in my comments on the initial listed building consent application, there is no objection in principle to the introduction of a flue, for a new wood-burner, in the lounge.  This is because the lounge is situated within a single storey structure built to the rear elevation of the property in 1984 (see planning permission NP/WED/284/75).  The proposed flue will therefore not physically affect any historic fabric.  However, full details of the proposed flue, including height and finish, were requested so that the new works do not detract from the host building. There is no objection in principle to the proposed width (although it would be preferable if it was narrower) and  proposed black powder-coated finish.  However, I am concerned about the proposed  height  as  proposed  in  the  discharge  of  conditions  application.   The  information accompanying  the  discharge  of conditions  application  states, 'The proposed  flue will finish 600mm above the ridge line.  Firstly, there is no indication whether the ridge line is the ridge to the principal building or the ridge of the rear lean-to extension.  This needs to be clarified.  I would also suggest that the agent discusses the proposed work with the local Building Control Department to establish if the flue has to be so tall.  In addition, if the flue is so tall will it require bracing/support  to  keep  it  in-situ?   Additional  information  is  therefore  required  before  this proposed works can be assessed fully and the condition discharged. Condition 5 Living Room tri-fold wooden doors The removal of the u-pvc doors from the rear extension is welcomed.  As stated in my comments on the application, there are no objections to the introduction of the tri-folding doors.  I support setting the proposed doors back from external wall face.  A drawing showing the full details of the doors would have been preferable. There is no objection in principle to timber doors with Argon filled double glazing.  Details of the proposed paint finish should be provided along with the new door furniture. This condition cannot be discharged without this information. Condition 6 new windows The removal of the u-pvc windows is welcomed and the introduction of timber windows is supported.  However, I have a number of concerns regarding the proposed windows.  These comprise:

1.
I cannot support  *stick-on glazing bars* and  *trickle vents* for replacement windows in a historic building.  This is because these details will detract from the character of the heritage asset.
2.
I would therefore recommend true glazing bars with a moulded profile at a width of 18mm. The proposed ovolo profile to the internal face of the glazing bars is welcomed. 
3.
Ideally, the glazing should be puttied-in and beads omitted. 
4.
The windows should be set back approximately 75mm from the external wall face unless there is a justification not to.  
5.
The  drawings  of  the  proposed  windows  submitted  with  the  discharge  of  conditions application are small with no annotated scale.  Dimensions of the proposed windows sections should be provided so that the sizes and proportions can be assessed. Ideally, drawings of the proposed windows, at an *appropriate scale,* should be submitted.  
6.
Ideally, the proposed double casements, comprising  one opening window and one fixed window, should have balanced proportions. 
7.
The  drawing  of  a  proposed  casement  submitted  with  the  listed  building  consent application showed flush fitting casements, with no storm-proofing detail.  The flush-fitting units are welcomed but there should be clarification that each window will have this same detail.
8.
It would be preferable if the windows opened inwards rather than outwards. It this is not possible a justification should be provided.
9.
We have not sourced any evidence of the former windows to the 2nd floor window 
openings and the design of the original windows may have been different to that of the proposed.  However, I would suggest that the windows to the 2nd floor front elevation should not be top hung. I would suggest that as many of these windows as possible are fixed and that any proposed opening windows are pivot hung at the sides or inward opening hoppers with hinges at the base.  These windows are too large to be side hung. In summary, details should be supplied on which windows are to be fixed and those that will open.  Details of how the opening lights will be hung should also be provided. 
10. Solid timber would be preferable to laminated timber for the new window frames. 11. Details of the proposed paint colour and finish for the windows should be provided.
Ideally a colour swatch of the RAL number should be submitted. 
12. Details of the proposed window furniture should be provided. 
I would suggest that this condition is not discharged until the outstanding information has been supplied and the above matters resolved. Rebecca Waddington Conservation Officer Cultural Heritage Section Peak District National Park Authority 16 September 2014