Paul Jackson is by no means the only homeowner to find that planners do not favour his efforts to reduce carbon emissions by upgrading his Victorian house in the Highbury conservation area in north London (4 August).
After 15 years of making sliding sash windows, I still struggle to come to terms with planners’ outdated views. Every council operates differently but in many cases homeowners are just as conservation-minded as planners. We find that most of our customers with period properties choose windows that match the character of their homes. But, like Mr Jackson, they also seek other benefits such as reduced carbon emissions and reduced energy bills, as well as security and low maintenance.
My company, Masterframe, has a sliding sash window recommended by the Energy Saving Trust. It reduces heat loss and CO2 emissions by 74% compared with a single-glazed timber window.
I have personally helped many homeowners in conservation areas successfully apply to replace their sash windows – and overturn decisions that have gone against them.
I am a passionate believer in using authentic designs and good materials to preserve the character of our properties.
But we shouldn’t have to compromise our 21st-century standards – or our efforts to reduce our carbon emissions.
Alan Burgess, managing director, Masterframe Windows
