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Traditional Buildings - repairs and alterationsTraditional but often unlisted buildings are vital components of the character of Conservation Areas. Seemingly small but inappropriate alterations to these buildings can easily damage the appearance of the wider area. Repair of traditional windows and doors is often a better and cheaper alternative than wholesale replacement. Draughty and ill-fitting windows and doors often only need stripping of old paint layers. For reducing noise and draughts, secondary glazing and draught proofing are very effective alternatives to sealed unit double glazing. Traditional window designs are part of the character of local buildings. When replacement windows are installed, these should match the original designs. Modern top hung night vents and large sheets of fixed glazing are rarely appropriate. Timber windows and doors are generally appropriate. Modern substitutes such as PVCu and aluminium do not look the same, and often have poor environmental consequences. Modern Georgian style doors with integral fanlights have no historical basis and should be avoided. Paint is the traditional finish for external joinery. European hardwoods such as oak and elm were usually left unfinished to weather naturally. Timber stains and varnishes are modern introductions, and need to be used with care to avoid inappropriate colours. Repointing of stone walling and brickwork should always be undertaken with great care, as the visual character of a building or boundary wall can be destroyed by ill advised work. Hard cement rich mortars and raised ribbon pointing should be avoided. Bagged mortar joints are the traditional finish in the district. Roughcast render on stone buildings is a traditional finish, and should be retained where existing. Removal of render can expose poor quality porous stone to unacceptable weathering. Stucco plaster finish to more formal buildings are part of the original architectural concept and should be retained. Stone or brick walling should not be painted as this can lead to damage of the walling materials, as well as resulting in dramatic visual alteration. Boundary treatments, such as stone walls or native hedging, which are characteristic of the area, should be retained. Coniferous hedging, and timber panel fencing often appears incongruous and out of place in traditional settings. |
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