Question 1

Trickle Ventilators

Accepted Answer

How Desirable are Trickle Ventilators in Replacement Windows? We intend to replace our existing timber framed windows with uPVC framed ones and, since we are in a Conservation Area, need planning Consent. After initial objection by the Conservation Officer we think we have identified a suitably similar profile and colour to match that existing – she seems content with it. However she is concerned that fitting trickle ventilators in all the windows will detract from the appearance of our prominent building (built 1982) and is asking us to justify their installation. I consider that their incorporation is desirable and this seems to be a common view but I lack authoritative backing for that view. Can anyone assist. Any available factual evidence would also be helpful. This is more a property management query than a planning matter. I gather that building regs only require trickle ventilators in replacement windows if the existing windows have them - which the Conservation Officer is using as an argument to resist them. The FRPA responds: My own view from experience of living in and managing a block where the flats are prone to condensation is that trickle vents are highly desirable for mitigating condensation and indeed my own local authority actually have 'recommended' them when Enviromental Health Officers have been called to investigate cases of damp and/or condensation. So my advice would be to contact the Environmental Health Dept of you local Council for advice as to how best to ventilate the flats within your development. (most authorities have this advice online and or leaflets). Personally I don't think it is unreasonable for a Planning Application to be granted for these vents provided all the safeguards relating to design within a conservation area are met and I think it would be difficult for Planners to defend such a decision at appeal should they be refused as a matter of principle. If the building is listed this may be much more difficult as English Heritage would need to involved but we have a number of conservation areas in my area and we receive lots of applications like this and I don't recall any being refused JUST on the grounds of a trickle vent.

Question 2

Trickle Ventilators

Accepted Answer

How Desirable are Trickle Ventilators in Replacement Windows? We intend to replace our existing timber framed windows with uPVC framed ones and, since we are in a Conservation Area, need planning Consent. After initial objection by the Conservation Officer we think we have identified a suitably similar profile and colour to match that existing – she seems content with it. However she is concerned that fitting trickle ventilators in all the windows will detract from the appearance of our prominent building (built 1982) and is asking us to justify their installation. I consider that their incorporation is desirable and this seems to be a common view but I lack authoritative backing for that view. Can anyone assist. Any available factual evidence would also be helpful. This is more a property management query than a planning matter. I gather that building regs only require trickle ventilators in replacement windows if the existing windows have them - which the Conservation Officer is using as an argument to resist them. The FRPA responds: My own view from experience of living in and managing a block where the flats are prone to condensation is that trickle vents are highly desirable for mitigating condensation and indeed my own local authority actually have 'recommended' them when Enviromental Health Officers have been called to investigate cases of damp and/or condensation. So my advice would be to contact the Environmental Health Dept of you local Council for advice as to how best to ventilate the flats within your development. (most authorities have this advice online and or leaflets). Personally I don't think it is unreasonable for a Planning Application to be granted for these vents provided all the safeguards relating to design within a conservation area are met and I think it would be difficult for Planners to defend such a decision at appeal should they be refused as a matter of principle. If the building is listed this may be much more difficult as English Heritage would need to involved but we have a number of conservation areas in my area and we receive lots of applications like this and I don't recall any being refused JUST on the grounds of a trickle vent.

Trickle Ventilators

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