REPLACEMENT WINDOWS AT A BLOCK OF FLATS IN HIGHGATE
One of the leaseholders in a 5-storey block of 15 flats erected in 1968 on Hornsey Lane, in the Highgate Conservation Area, wished to to replace the windows in the rear elevation. The originals were stained single-glazed timber sashes with wide frames and 2 intermediate transom bars. Some windows in other flats had been already previously replaced using materials, opening modes and glazing patterns different from the originals but appeared similar by use of various dummy transom bars. We advised applying for permission to use simple modern windows without transom bars, on the basis that this would be in keeping with the building. Since responsibility for replacing windows rests with individual leaseholders the Local Authority had to be convinced that the architectural quality of the Conservation Area would be enhanced by this, even though it might be sometime before all the flats adopted the modern design. When the benefits of increased clear glazed area, and reduced heat loss were taken into account, the Planning Authority agreed and granted consent.