Part L 2010
Introduction
In November 2009, John Pyatt, Managing Director of Crittall Windows addressed a press briefing on the subject of the proposed changes to Part L of the Building Regulations, due to be published in April and come into force in October 2010.
John argued that under the latest proposals, the removal of exemptions for buildings of historic character would mean that homeowners lose the right to choose what replacement windows are installed in their home. Faced with the choice of ruining the appearance of their historic home by using inappropriate materials, and doing nothing, then many will choose to do nothing, and lose the opportunity for energy-saving improvements.
Here is how the press have reacted
Building Magazine 19 November 2009
Part L change could spell end of steel-framed windows by Stephen Kennett
Crittall Windows boss says end of historic building exemption in Building Regulations, due to come into effect next April, will 'limit personal choice'
Proposed changes to Part L of the Building Regulations could spell the end of steel framed windows and result in the historic character of many early 20th century and art deco buildings being irreparably damaged.
The proposals, which are due to come into effect next April, will see an end to the exemption for buildings of a historic character. Currently Part L recognises that listed buildings and those with a special historic character or in conservation areas need sensitive handling so that improving their thermal performance does not damage the building's historic quality or heritage appearance.
The exemption will instead be replaced with "special considerations". John Pyatt, managing director of Crittal Windows says: "What is now proposed has less clarity than before. It is open to inconsistent decisions from one borough to another, it downgrades the important role of local authority conservation officers and it prevents imaginative solutions that preserve the historic character while reducing carbon emissions".
Pyatt believes the changes will mean that it will not be possible to replace steel framed windows like for like. "The proposed regs will limit personal choice. Faced with these obstacles many owners will either be forced to ruin the appearance of their properties by using alternative window materials, or they will abandon plans to renew their windows and so forego any energy-saving improvements," he added.
Crittal began manufacturing steel windows and curtain walling in the early 1900s and it has been used on modern movement landmarks such as the Boots D10 Building which opened in the thirties.
Architects Journal 17 December 2009
Part L reform could remove exemptions for historic buildings, says Geoff Wilkinson
In the run up to the Copenhagen climate summit, we have seen a rush by all the political parties to show their green credentials with headline announcements on 'green deals' and 'boiler scrappage' schemes.
At long last, there seems to be recognition that, no matter how far we take Building Regulations for new construction, we will fail to tackle global warming until we do something about the existing building stock. This is great news for the energy conservation groups, but what effect will it have on heritage conservation groups?
Window manufacturer Crittall has recently started a campaign to highlight the proposed changes within the Part L consultation documents that were released earlier this year. The current Part L includes exemptions for heritage buildings that were taken from the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, but which are optional.
It is proposed that some, perhaps all, of these exemptions be deleted because they overlap with the general exemptions to the Regulations, and this has caused confusion. It is proposed that this exemption be removed, but specific guidance be provided in the approved document as to where special considerations apply, and how to arrive at an appropriate balance between heritage and energy conservation. However, it should be noted that the current exemptions for historic buildings are conditional on the nature of the work, and that these buildings are not exempt per se.
The consultation document indicates the need to consult the local authority conservation officer, but with planning applications down by almost 30 per cent and pressure on public finances, not all councils will be able to retain a dedicated post for this function after April. This will put the ball firmly into the court of the building control officer to decide on the balance between the two factors.
The Crittall campaign rightly focuses on window replacement as this is one of the most important areas of building conservation. English Heritage is quite clear that 'window openings establish the character of an elevation; they should not generally be altered in their proportion or details'.
This is English Heritage's stance in 90 per cent of appeal cases for replacement windows, with the appeal dismissed because the replacement would detrimentally affect the character of the building.
Conversely, window replacement can generate energy savings of 20 to 40 per cent in pre-1970 buildings, and is one of the most popular home improvements, with an estimated two million replacement windows installed each year. This creates a huge problem for clients who are caught between differing interpretations within local authorities. To make matters more confusing the majority of window replacements will not be inspected by either the local authority building inspector or the private approved inspector, having been certified by the installer under the FENSA industry standard system.
It is too early to predict just how the balance of power will finally rest between planners and building control until the final draft of Part L is released in April 2010. In the meantime, I would recommend that anyone working on heritage projects seeks to gain approval before October next year when the revised guidance will take effect.
Geoff Wilkinson is a building regulations expert and former vice-chair of the Association of Consulting Approved Inspectors (ACAI)
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