Ministerial guidelines
Architectural Heritage Protection: Guidelines for Planning Authorities
Protected structures, architectural conservation areas, curtilage, and works to historic buildings.
Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht · 2011 · 267 pages
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- Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelines for Planning Authorities 149 CHAPTER 9 ROOFS CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSALS AFFECTING EAVES ETC. 9.4.15 Alterations to the treatment of the eaves and verges of a roof, which materially alter the character of the roof and the entire structure, should not be permitted. Exposed rafter ends should not be enclosed with the addition of fascia boards and soffits, as this alters the appearance of a roof, and possibly the entire façade. Overhanging eaves and verges are a distinctive architectural feature of many buildings and should not be truncated. 9.4.16 The covering of previously uncovered parapets and blocking courses with lead or an other weatherproofing material should generally not be permitted where it would tend to distort the proportions of the building. The upper surfaces of cornices should only be covered by a lead flashing if the porosity of the stone or the absence of saddle joints makes this unavoidable. In such instances, the depth of the drip at the edge of the cornice should be kept to a minimum to avoid the presence on the façade of a dark line where none was intended and similarly with any upstand at the back of the cornice. The planning authority should approve details in advance of works commencing. 9.4.17 Where decorative bargeboards, consoles, valances or brackets are in good condition or capable of repair, they should be retained and repaired. The addition of fascia boarding to provide fixing for gutter brackets should not be permitted as this will alter the appearance of the building. Dormer windows, access hatches, skylights and rooflights IDENTIFYING SPECIAL FEATURES FOR PROTECTION 9.4.18 Original or early dormer windows, external access hatches, skylights and rooflights are features of importance on a roof. Dormer windows used during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries tended to be confined to secondary elevations. Surviving early eighteenth-century dormers are very rare and should be considered for protection. Castiron framed rooflights should be identified and retained wherever possible. 9.4.19 Dormer windows, skylights or rooflights may retain old glass, whether coloured or painted, or early plain glass such as crown glass. Bargeboards, finials, ridge tiles, ridge combs and other details associated with individual dormer windows should also be identified and protected as part of the character and special interest of the building. The application of proprietary spikes or wiring may be necessary to deter birds congregating as their droppings damage masonry. Such additions to architecturally significant buildings should be designed to be unobtrusive and reversible The eaves of a building can be vulnerable to weather-related problems, typically parapet walls become saturated as they are exposed on both sides to rain. Problems will also arise where the blockage of the gutter concealed behind a parapet may not be readily noticed. However, where they exist, parapet walls are usually an important architectural feature of the building Original dormer windows were usually designed as part of the architectural vocabulary of a structure and may contain a wealth of detail such as finials, ridge tiles, bargeboards and slate-hung or glazed cheeks
- CHAPTER 9 ROOFS Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelines for Planning Authorities 150 CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSALS AFFECTING DORMERS ETC. 9.4.20 Proposals to remove or alter original or early dormer windows, access hatches, skylights and rooflights from a protected structure will affect the character of the structure and should be carefully scrutinised. Alterations to these features will affect the overall appearance of the structure and, in some cases, the appearance of an entire terrace of buildings. 9.4.21 Original dormer windows should be retained and repaired rather than replaced. The enlargement of existing dormers and the linking of dormers should not be permitted where this would adversely affect the external appearance of the building. Old or interesting glass, whether coloured, painted or plain, should be conserved when repairing skylights, rooflights and dormer windows. 9.4.22 Where it is proposed to install new dormers or rooflights, the extent of potential damage to historic roof structures should be considered. If the building is part of a terrace, the proposed addition may upset the balance of the whole architectural composition. New rooflights and dormers on minor or concealed slopes may be considered acceptable in some cases. Low-profile ‘conservation-type’ rooflights with a central glazing bar should be used in preference to standard modern types. Where a large increase in natural lighting is required in the roof space below, it is usually preferable to permit the use of patent glazing in place of the existing roof cladding rather than the use of excessive numbers of rooflights which would disrupt the visual appearance of the roof. 9.4.23 Where it is proposed to reinstate a lost dormer or to replace a later unsympathetic alteration, this may be permitted, provided sufficiently accurate evidence exists either from an adjacent dormer or from old photographs or drawings. However, if such an alteration would result in an obtrusive patching of the roof-covering, it may not be appropriate to permit it. Rainwater goods IDENTIFYING SPECIAL FEATURES FOR PROTECTION 9.4.24 Rainwater goods which contribute to the special character of a structure can include plain or decorated lead or cast-iron hopper heads, profiled or half-round gutters, square section or round downpipes and decorative fixings and brackets. The fixing methods of the gutters should be identified. Traditional gutters are either supported on iron straps or brackets which project from the eaves, or they may rest on a projecting stone or brick course at the head of the wall. While well-designed new dormers may be acceptable where they do not conflict with the architectural character of a structure, the profusion of many different-sized dormers on a terrace usually detracts from the character of the area as well as that of the individual structures (top). New rooflights may also have an adverse effect, particularly when installed on a principal elevation or where several are grouped or spread out over the roof (bottom) Original lead rainwater goods (bottom) are rare survivors and often incorporate dates or impressed or embossed marks. This example is embossed with a fleur de lis and a Tudor rose. In the Victorian period the design of rainwater goods came to be an intrinsic part of the design of the structure (left). The style of the fixings – some with decorative clasps – may also be integral to this design
- Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelines for Planning Authorities 151 CHAPTER 9 ROOFS 9.4.25 A roof may retain evidence of interesting early water-collecting systems on or within the structure such as tanks, cisterns, pipework, internal guttering and the like. Such features should be identified and, even where subsequent alterations have rendered them redundant, efforts should be made to retain them in place. CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSALS AFFECTING RAINWATER GOODS 9.4.26 The character of the structure will be altered by the removal of early rainwater goods. In many buildings, particularly Victorian buildings, the design of rainwater goods was an integral part of the overall design. In other structures the existence of early and original details adds to the special interest of the building. Many buildings, often cottages and farm buildings, were designed without rainwater goods and proposals to install gutters and downpipes on such structures will require careful consideration. 9.4.27 Original or early lead, iron or more modern pressed steel rainwater goods and their associated features should be retained. The use of extruded aluminium or plastic rainwater goods and associated fittings on a protected structure is rarely appropriate and should not be permitted. 9.4.28 Where the repainting of rainwater goods is proposed, the colour used should be sympathetic and appropriate to the character of the building. In cases where a profiled cast-iron gutter is mounted above the moulded brickwork of an eaves cornice to form the corona, the gutter should be painted to blend in with the brickwork thus visually completing the cornice. Lead gutters, hopper heads and downpipes should not be painted. 9.5 Insulation of Roofs 9.5.1 The insulation of a traditional roof can have farreaching effects on the way in which the roof performs. The performance of a traditional roof was designed to rely on the ventilation of the roof space by the movement of air through gaps between the slates and tiles or through thatch. Insulation of a traditional roof to enhance energy efficiency will generally bring about the need for additional ventilation, requiring alterations to the eaves and ridge or the addition of vents in order to prevent the timbers within the roof space from being damaged through excessive moisture build-up and condensation. The location and type of vents and any proposed alterations to eaves and ridges should be carefully considered. Insulation of the roof space should only be undertaken where it can be achieved without damage to the fabric and appearance of the roof. The effect on cladding materials, such as slates, thatch or lead sheeting, should be assessed whether during the course of the works or from subsequent erosion due to condensation. Industrial complexes and country houses often had their own systems of rainwater collection and may retain water cisterns, usually of cast iron but occasionally of lead. Even where these are now redundant they may be features of social and technical interest which should not be unnecessarily lost Any necessary ventilation required as a result of insulating a roof should be carefully designed to be visually unobtrusive and appropriately sited, usually in locations concealed from principal views of the structure, such as behind parapet walls. In this case ridge vents project a minimal amount, and are just visible on the skyline Galvanised steel gutters and downpipes are prone to damage and rust attack; their use, along with rainwater goods of extruded aluminium and uPVC, is generally inappropriate on a historic structure, such as this courthouse. It is doubtful whether these rainwater goods are performing adequately, given the apparent warp and rust
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- Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelines for Planning Authorities 153 CHAPTER 10 OPENINGS Doors and Windows 10.1 Introduction 10.1.1 Doors, windows and the openings that contain them are important architectural features of an elevation. The design of doors and windows and the materials used can be of significance in establishing the special character of a structure. The way in which the openings are formed and their architectural treatment is also important, as are the proportions of the openings themselves and the proportion of opening size to wall area. 10.1.2 In order to assess the qualities of openings that contribute to the character of a structure, the following should be considered: a) Are the openings original to the particular part of the building? b) If not, are they of interest as being part of a later remodelling of the structure? c) Have the proportions of the openings been altered? Have they been widened or the sills dropped? d) If the openings have been altered, are the alterations of interest or do they distort the proportions of the wall or façade? e) Have any openings been blocked up or made redundant by previous alterations? Were any of these blocked openings designed as dummy, or blind, windows? f ) Have any openings been added and, if so, are they of interest or do they distort a previously symmetrical or well-balanced elevation? g) Are the windows and doors original to the building? h) If not, do they contribute to the character of the building or do they detract from it because of unsympathetic design or use of materials? i) Are there other features associated with the openings? These might include porches, canopies, entrance steps and landings, railings, bootscrapers, fanlights, overlights, shutters, blind boxes, balconettes, window boxes and many others. Whether grand or simple, doors and windows are usually the main elements that, on first glance, establish the character of a structure. Their design, materials and arrangement can tell much of the use, history or status of the building
- CHAPTER 10 OPENINGS Doors and Windows Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelines for Planning Authorities 154 j) Are these features original? If not, do they nonetheless contribute to the character of the building or ACA? k) Do the windows or doors contain any original, early or interesting glass? 10.2 Openings in Structures IDENTIFYING SPECIAL FEATURES FOR PROTECTION 10.2.1 The manner in which structural openings are formed and decorated is important to the architectural character of a structure. Head details of special interest may include arches of rubbed bricks, stone voussoirs, and iron or timber lintels. There may be important associated features such as carved or decorated keystones. Sills may be of cut stone, brick, rendered brick, timber or metal. The treatments of the reveals should also be noted, whether these are rendered or not, or of cut stone or moulded brickwork. Surrounds to openings of decorative render should be identified and protected. The depth to which window and door frames are recessed within a wall is also an important feature and alterations to this relationship, when inserting replacement windows or doors, will affect the appearance of a building. CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSALS AFFECTING STRUCTURAL OPENINGS 10.2.2 Careful consideration should be given to proposals to alter openings in a protected structure or in any structure within an ACA. The architectural quality of a historic building may be compromised if the size of openings is altered; if existing openings are blocked up; if new openings are formed; or if door openings are converted to window openings and vice versa. Where the openings are a conspicuous part of the architectural design and this design would be marred by the proposed alterations, permission should rarely be given. Similarly, on prominent elevations, planning permission should not generally be given for the conversion of window openings to doorways or vice versa where this would be detrimental to the overall design of the structure. Consideration also needs to be given to the effect of alterations on the interior of the building. 10.2.3 The removal, partial removal or replacement of important features associated with the formation of the opening, such as arches, sills, keystones or architraves may adversely affect the character of the structure. 10.2.4 Proposals to block up, in whole or in part, the existing openings in symmetrical or well-balanced elevations should only be permitted in exceptional circumstances. Proposals to insert new openings in such walls should generally be refused although it may be considered permissible on minor or random elevations. Any new openings should be sympathetic with the architectural character of the building in terms of materials, design, scale and proportion. The treatment of structural openings may add considerably to the character of a building; here the elaborate brick and terracotta detailing and the arched window-heads add architectural distinction to the opening Openings that were later created or remodelled can contribute to understanding phases of the history of the structure. The late eighteenth-century fashion of lowering windowsills altered many earlier openings, but they can now be seen to represent a valid phase in the structure’s history. Restoring these windows to the original proportions would require the loss of later fabric of historical interest and should only be undertaken in exceptional circumstances, based on sound evidence and after all alternatives and potential consequences have been fully explored The inaccurately-detailed alteration of doorcases or other features will, in most cases, be to the detriment of the structure and often affect the character of an ACA also
- Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelines for Planning Authorities 155 CHAPTER 10 OPENINGS Doors and Windows 10.3 Doors 10.3.1 The details associated with the doors of a building are of importance to the special character of a historic building. Types of doorways may range from major entrances with elaborate architectural treatment to simple secondary doorways or entrances to minor structures. It is important to identify and protect the features of doors and doorways that contribute to the special character of the protected structure. 10.3.2 Inappropriate works to its doorways will damage the special interest of a structure and this should be a consideration when assessing a planning application for works to a protected structure. Proposals to remove, replace or otherwise inappropriately alter features of interest should be treated with great caution. The complete replacement of historic doors, and their associated elements, in protected structures should rarely be permitted where they are capable of repair. Doorcases IDENTIFYING SPECIAL FEATURES FOR PROTECTION 10.3.3 In buildings of high architectural quality, there may be doorcases and door surrounds of timber, stone, render or cast iron. They may incorporate columns, pilasters, pediments, cornices, consoles or other carved or moulded detail. All these details should be identified and retained and, where necessary, repaired appropriately. CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSALS 10.3.4 In cases where an entrance has, or will, become redundant because of alteration, the doorcase, door and other details of special interest should be retained in situ. This is particularly important in buildings where the doorway is a prominent feature of an elevation and where its removal would therefore alter the character of the building. Retaining the doorcase in place allows the possibility of its future reinstatement as an entrance. Doors and door frames IDENTIFYING SPECIAL FEATURES FOR PROTECTION 10.3.5 Original door leaves and frames should be protected, as should any later replacement work of obvious quality and good design. Most doors associated with historic buildings are constructed of timber and these may be panelled, match-boarded, ledged-and-braced or flush-sheeted doors. Other structures may have metal-framed doors with glazed panels or plain metal sheeting. While early, well-executed conversions of doors to windows, and vice versa, may now merit a place in the history of a structure, the entire removal of the principal entrance and its replacement with a window can rarely be considered acceptable, particularly where the works are carried out using inappropriate materials and to a poor-quality design Doorcases often contain details of surprising beauty and craftsmanship, such as these tiny carved caryatids which date from the early nineteenth century Front doors are traditionally strongly constructed from high quality materials. Panelling styles or applied decoration, seen in this ornate and well-maintained example, can be characteristic of an area or region
- CHAPTER 10 OPENINGS Doors and Windows Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelines for Planning Authorities 156 10.3.6 The quality of the original materials and craftsmanship of much historic joinery means that it is usually capable of repair. Throughout the country, many doors survive which are over two hundred years old and still capable of giving good service. Joinery that is original to a building or a replacement of definite quality should be retained. Original or early doors may be disguised by the later application of sheeting or boarding to the faces of the doors and may conceal panelling beneath. CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSALS 10.3.7 The installation of modern replacement doors, which have inappropriate design features such as integral fanlights, should not be permitted in a protected structure. The installation of doors of inappropriate materials will also damage the appearance of the building. For example, the use of uPVC or aluminium doors in an old building will affect its character and damage its special interest, as will the replacement of solid door panels with glass and vice versa. 10.3.8 An inappropriate finish applied to a replacement door or to an existing historic door will affect the appearance of a building. Most doors associated with protected structures are made of timber. Until the mid-twentieth century external joinery was generally given an applied finish such as paint. Sometimes the paint finish was grained or scumbled to resemble unpainted timber. Unpainted hardwood or stained or varnished softwood doors are therefore not appropriate for use in a historic building unless it can be proven that this was the original finish. 10.3.9 Where repair works are to be carried out to historic joinery, only the minimum amount of timber should be replaced using timber of a matching species and grain type. New pieces, where required, should be carefully jointed in. The profiles of decayed sections of moulded work should be copied exactly and spliced precisely into the existing work. Large-scale renewal of frames or sections of door joinery should always be avoided. Ironmongery IDENTIFYING SPECIAL FEATURES FOR PROTECTION 10.3.10 Where there is original or interesting ironmongery associated with a door, it should be retained in place, even where it has become redundant. Such ironmongery includes hinges, knockers, letter plates, lockcases, escutcheons, bell-pulls, handles, door-pulls, nameplates and numerals. Modern replacement doors of inappropriate design, materials or finishes should not be used. Where such doors now exist, as here, their replacement by an accurately profiled door, informed by research, should be encouraged. Alternatively a high-quality welldesigned contemporary solution, which would not adversely affect the character of the historical design, may be acceptable Previous repairs to this door and doorframe included the piecing-in of new material to the ends of the stiles. This fine and barely visible repair work has retained the original sturdy, clouted door hinge Redundant items of door furniture such as locks, knockers, hinges and bell-pulls are sometimes removed in the course of refurbishment works and often sold as antiques. However, where items of original and early door furniture are fixtures included in the protection of a building, their removal may require planning permission.
- Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelines for Planning Authorities 157 CHAPTER 10 OPENINGS Doors and Windows CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSALS 10.3.11 Original or interesting items of ironmongery associated with a door should be identified and retained in situ. If security issues arise, they may be augmented with sensitively placed modern locks or hinges rather than replaced. Fanlights, overlights and sidelights IDENTIFYING SPECIAL FEATURES FOR PROTECTION 10.3.12 Fanlights and overlights may be integral parts of the doorcase or may be housed in separate openings above the doorway. The doorway may also incorporate lights to the sides of the opening. These sidelights can not only be important decorative features of a protected structure but also play an important role in providing natural light to entrance halls. Some were designed to be openable to provide ventilation. Others contain integral lanterns. Fanlights, overlights and sidelights may be plain single openings, have simple timber glazing bars or contain elaborate metal-framed decorative glazed panels usually with lead cames on a zinc armature within a timber subframe. Some may have original iron security grilles internally, often decoratively worked. CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSALS 10.3.13 Fanlights, overlights and sidelights of interest should be retained and repaired as appropriate to the materials. In situ repair is the least disruptive method and should generally be preferred. However, in some cases, it may be necessary for a specialist restorer to remove the light to a workshop for repair. Where works are proposed to fanlights, overlights and sidelights, the opportunity should be taken to re-route any later cables away from their subframes wherever possible. Internal iron grilles, where they exist, should be kept in position. Porches and canopies IDENTIFYING SPECIAL FEATURES FOR PROTECTION 10.3.14 Original or early porches and canopies are important architectural features on many buildings and should be identified and retained. They may be constructed of timber, wrought or cast iron, brick, stone, glass or concrete. A similar feature is a portecochère which is a large porch designed to permit the through-passage of carriages or cars. 10.3.15 A porch or portico is an important feature of an elevation, particularly where it is associated with a significant entrance. Canopies over entrance doors are often important features in smaller, humbler buildings. Porches and canopies can be important features contributing to the character of an ACA. Cabling should not be routed into a building through a fanlight frame, as the drilling causes damage and can exacerbate problems that arise at the bottom rail – already vulnerable to rain-driven moisture – eventually making repair inevitable. There are also obvious adverse impacts on the appearance of the fanlight from such cabling Fanlights, overlights and sidelights may be integral parts of the design of a doorcase, contributing a decorative appearance as well as providing light to the interior; many are unique and, as they were handmade in small batches, fanlight details may be particular to a single street, square or town Porches, although functional items, are often decoratively designed. Whether original or later additions, porches, such as the one illustrated here, often contribute to the special interest of a structure
- CHAPTER 10 OPENINGS Doors and Windows Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelines for Planning Authorities 158 10.3.16 Because features such as porches and canopies are usually exposed, they tend to suffer maintenance problems and, consequently, many have been demolished. Others may have undergone insensitive alteration in the past which has disguised their importance such as the installation of replacement roofs or windows. Surviving features are increasingly rare and are usually worthy of protection. CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSALS 10.3.17 Where there is an open porch of a high architectural quality, as in many Neo-Classical or Gothic-Revival buildings, it should in principle not be glazed in but left open as originally intended. Where such glazing is proposed, it should be of considerable quality and reversible if possible. Where inappropriate glazing-in has occurred, its removal should be considered. 10.3.18 The removal of original canopies above entrances, whether constructed of timber, metal, glass or concrete, should not normally be permitted. Where porches or canopies are later additions to a structure and where they cut across or conceal work of a higher architectural quality, a judgement will have to be made on whether or not to remove the later work. However, if the later work has cut through a stone or brick façade, the visual appearance of the building following removal of the porch may not be desirable. In cases where a new porch or canopy is considered acceptable, it should be appropriate in design and materials to the existing building and should not detract from its quality and appearance. Entrance steps and landings IDENTIFYING SPECIAL FEATURES FOR PROTECTION 10.3.19 Many historic structures have steps or ramps up to the entrance. These may range from highly detailed flights of stone steps with railings or balustrades to simple stone, concrete, brick or tiled single steps or thresholds. 10.3.20 Where bootscrapers survive, these should be protected. Different types may be free-standing, mounted adjacent to the doorway or incorporated in the wall of the building or into the railings. CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSALS 10.3.21 Where the structure includes important entrance steps and landings, these features should be retained, even if the doorway they serve is no longer in use. They should generally be considered for removal only if they are modern alterations or additions subsequent to a subdivision of the building. Where there are worn or damaged stone This porch has undergone at least one phase of alteration, although several elements of interest survive, such as pointarched cast-iron windows, strapwork gates and stone steps. Any proposed restoration of a porch such as this should be well detailed, based on good evidence and incorporate surviving features of interest This aluminium canopy is an inappropriate addition to the early nineteenth-century doorcase. Any proposal to remove it should ascertain if the fixings have damaged any cut stonework that might survive beneath the modern render Most flights of steps are designed to complement a doorcase, whether immediately fronting it or including a landing or terrace leading to the entrance. Balustrades, railings, flagstones or tiling, where found, are usually integral parts of the design
Source Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht: Architectural Heritage Protection: Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2011) · Licence the publisher's termsText read from the publisher’s PDF; tables, maps and drawings do not survive as text, and page numbers are the PDF’s (its first page is 1). Check the original before relying on a passage.