Installing plastic double-glazing was like 'dressing up your great granny in hot pants' says conservation body

BAA is being forced to remove plastic double-glazed windows from a listed building it owns in Stanstead.

The action was taken by Uttesford District Council after it was alerted to unauthorised work by the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB).

The airport operator replaced the windows on a grade II listed timber-frame and thatched cottage at Woodgates End in Broxted.

The council is insisting that BAA submit a formal application to replace the windows with more suitable glazing.

Douglas Kent, the SPAB technical secretary, said: “Putting plastic double-glazed windows into an old building is like dressing your great granny up in hot pants.

“It looks horrendous and even from an energy conservation viewpoint is one of the least effective measures you can take. This is sheer vandalism and shows a blatant disregard for the law.”

SPAB said it was concerned about the plight of listed buildings owned by BAA near Stansted and will continue to monitor their condition.

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