Councils and Housing Associations often work closely together . But we’ve just had an interesting case in Rochford where they’ve been opposing each other.
Springboard Housing Association wanted to fit new UPVC window frames and doors to homes in Lever Lane. But Rochford District Council refused. The council said that the UPVC would harm the appearance and character of the Rochford Conservation Area.
Springboard appealed against the decision and we’ve just heard the Inspector Mr Simon Rawle’s decision.
He’s come down on the council’s side and dismissed the appeal. His reasoning:
“I am firmly of the view that the proposed replacement of the timber windows with PVCu would not be acceptable as it would neither preserve nor enhance the character or appearance of the conservation area. Rather , the proposal would represent an unwelcome and inappropriate form of development at odds with this sensitive location within the conservation area”