# Flat 4, 3 Grimston Avenue, Folkestone (uPVC replacement windows in conservation area)

- **Decision:** allowed, 3 September 2026
- **Decided by:** Planning Inspector: Martin Seaton (on recommendation of appeal planning officer J Kirkaldy)
- **Authority:** Folkestone and Hythe (South East)
- **Appeal reference:** 6009762
- **Application reference:** 25/1555/FH
- **Procedure:** written-representations
- **Development:** Replacement of 9 timber windows (4 retrospective) with uPVC at second floor and attic
- **Site context:** inside-settlement, conservation-area
- **Green Belt:** no
- **Framework applied:** August 2026 NPPF
- **Determinative policies:** HE9
- **Development plan policies:** Folkestone and Hythe Places and Policies Local Plan 2020 HB1, HB8
- **Main issues:** conservation area
- **Tags:** tier-2, conservation-area, upvc-windows, heritage-no-harm, appeal-planning-officer, transitional-no-consultation, drafting-slip

## Summary
uPVC windows at second-floor and attic level of a Folkestone conservation-area building were allowed, with detailed specifications by condition. They are seen only from a distance, among existing uPVC (DL ¶12-13). The inspector found a neutral effect, so no HE6 balance was needed (DL ¶17).

## What made the difference
The low visibility of the upper-floor windows, and uPVC already on the property. Once no harm is found, a less harmful alternative does not count against the scheme (DL ¶15); contrast PINS-6008669, where harm was found and the timber alternative decided the case.

## Policy findings
- **HE6(1): neutral.** upper-floor windows seen from a distance; details by condition; neutral effect on the CA, so no public-benefit balance (DL 9-17)

## Key facts
- Existing uPVC windows at the property (2009 permission) and in the street (DL 3, 11)
- Availability of a double-glazed timber alternative "does not mean as a prerequisite" that the proposal is unacceptable (DL 15)
- Letter cites "Policy HE6:5" for the public-benefit balance and says "no substantial harm" (DL 9, 17)

## Sources
- https://appeal-planning-decision.service.gov.uk/comment-planning-appeal/appeals/6009762
- https://appeal-planning-decision.service.gov.uk/published-document/accf534e-efad-47de-ab81-7ebe9f2396e2

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Source: https://planningdistilled.org/research/england/nppf-navigator/decisions/PINS-6009762.html

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