At Lea Hough Chartered Surveyors, we are committed to delivering high-quality professional services to our clients, while also contributing to our local community where possible. Our Chartered Surveyors recently completed a window replacement project at the Almshouses in Blackburn on a pro-bono basis.
The Almshouses are a row of six terraced houses located in a Conservation Area in Blackburn, Lancashire. These houses are owned by The Nancy Derbyshire Trust, a registered charity dedicated to providing affordable housing for the elderly.
The project involved updating the original timber sliding sash windows, which dated back to the early twentieth century and were in a very poor condition. The windows also lacked functionality, failing to open and providing a poor level of insulation. This not only affected the living conditions of the residents but also posed a safety hazard.
To preserve the character of the buildings, we opted for new windows in a “heritage-style uPVC” material. These windows were designed to match the existing aesthetic of the Almshouses, while also providing the benefits of modern materials. The windows were double glazed to ensure improved energy efficiency and noise reduction.
The main challenge we encountered during the project was obtaining Conservation Area Consent and planning permission. The location of the Almshouses in a Conservation Area requires any alterations to the external appearance of the buildings to be approved by the local planning authority.
To address these issues, we conducted a condition report on the existing windows and obtained a specialist Heritage Statement from a heritage consultant. This documentation provided the necessary evidence to support the planning application, highlighting the need to replace the windows due to their deteriorated condition.
Once planning permission was obtained, we wrote a detailed specification that outlined the requirements of the project. This included the materials and styles to be used for the window replacements. We then sought tenders from reputable contractors, ensuring they adhered to the specification.
Throughout the project, we oversaw the contractor’s work, ensuring that it was completed to the highest standard. Regular site visits were carried out to monitor progress and ensure the project remained on track.
The project has now been successfully completed, providing significant benefits to the residents. The new windows have not only improved the aesthetics of the building but have also enhanced the living conditions for the residents.
This has been achieved whilst safeguarding the heritage value of the Almshouses, ensuring that the modern upgraded materials matched the original look and feel of the building, preserving its character.
For any information about our project management services or for advice on listed buildings, please get in touch.
