MP loses her appeal over office uPVC alterations
AN MP has lost an appeal against a council’s refusal to grant retrospective planning permission for alterations she made to her constituency office in a conservation area.
Fay Jones, Conservative MP for Brecon and Radnorshire, says she accepts the ruling, but defended making the changes on the basis that they provided extra security for herself and her staff following the murder of Labour MP Jo Cox by a far-right fanatic.
Powys County Council turned down Ms Jones’ planning application, saying the installation of a uPVC window was out of keeping with the conservation area in which her office is situated.
The council’s decision has now been upheld by Welsh Government planning inspector Clive Sproule.
In his decision letter, Mr Sproule states: “[It] is the materials, lack of characteristic detailing and bulky form of the UPVC units … that most conspicuously erode the appearance of the conservation area by reducing the prevalence of characteristic wood framed doors and windows.
“The architectural features of the frontage that have been retained around the new door and window are characteristic of the conservation area. They highlight the contrast between the traditional construction materials and their detailing and the unsympathetic appearance of the UPVC units installed at the appeal site.”
Mr Sproule goes on to state that there is a building very close to Ms Jones’ office that has a glazed shopfront with a metal frame, and there are other examples of uPVC/metal doors and windows that have been installed within the conservation area.
He adds: “Nevertheless, Temple
Street, in common with other areas of the conservation area, typically has business premises and other buildings with wood framed doors and windows.
“The conservation area contains many buildings with wooden doors, windows and glazing bars that, through their profile, proportions and designs, are clearly characteristic of the designation.
“The presence of other modern materials is not therefore determinative of the area’s character or appearance, and where they exist, they are not good examples to follow. Accordingly, the installation of the UPVC front door and window on the appeal site failed to preserve or enhance the appearance of the Llandrindod Wells conservation area, which conflicts with [local planning policies].
“In reaching my decision, I have considered whether there are public interest grounds that make an exceptional case for overriding the strong presumption against granting planning permission for developments which damage the character or appearance of a conservation area. In doing so I have attached considerable importance to the need to protect the personal safety of politicians and their staff and I have had regard to the specific requirements of parliamentary security teams when vetting constituency offices.
“The costs to the public purse of the potential relocation of the constituency office have also been raised. However, there is no tangible information to indicate that other less damaging security options have been properly explored. Neither is there any cogent evidence that timber replacement frames would provide significantly less security than UPVC.
“In these circumstances, it has not been demonstrated that an exceptional case on public interest grounds exists to justify the impacts of the development on the conservation area.”
Welsh Liberal Democrat Cllr Pete Roberts wrote a Facebook message saying he had formally objected to the unauthorised uPVC window’s installation, adding: “The inspector agreed with me. I hope the applicant will now arrange for the restoration of these windows without further cost to the public purse or additional action by planning officers in a timely manner.”
Ms Jones said: “I hold my hands up to the fact I didn’t know the office I rent in Llandrindod Wells is in a conserva
tion area. You wouldn’t know that from looking at the buildings – they’re mixed and there’s one with a metal frontage a couple of doors down.
“The new door was put in following advice from the parliamentary authorities about security concerns. I have received death threats and two MPs have been murdered in recent years. I don’t want to erect unnecessary barriers between myself and constituents, but the safety of my staff has to be paramount.
“I am getting advice from my planning consultant and will be submitting a new planning application.
“This has been a very long and drawn-out process – it’s been going on for three years since shortly after I became an MP in December 2019.”