I have rattled a few cages in my time but now I am really riled up and have one last attempt to try and achieve justice for my clients. Often listed building owners accept reluctantly that they are unable to install double glazing and compromise with shutters or secondary glazing – neither of which are satisfactory as they do not contain the heat or keep out noise.
This no longer the case as 7.7mm thick vacuum double glazing products are widely available for their unique properties and I have been successful in gaining listed buidling consent for its use in a couple of projects. However, when it comes to new construction in listed buildings and in curtilage buildings one would assume logically, that for sustainability reasons alone, vacuum double glazing which is infinitely thinner and superior to anything else, would be encouraged.
But no, not at all and nor has anyone tested it at appeal and I am not volunteering. I won’t miss this kind of ongoing conflict with the Local Authority.