The Webb Estate and Upper Woodcote Village Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan-DRAFT - Roofs, windows, doors, external brickwork and render

Roofs, windows, doors, external brickwork and render

8.4  Other alterations to roofs

8.4.1 The form, structure, materials and features of historic roofs are almost always of interest and should be retained. Large steeply pitched roofs with prominent chimneys are typical in the Webb Estate and an important feature. Where repairs or reroofing is required, materials and detailing should be an accurate match for the original. Where possible, the original tiles should be retained and reused. Details such as ridge tiles, flashing, barge boards, decorative soffits and finials should be retained or restored.

8.4.2 Artificial roof coverings should not be used, even if the product claims to match the appearance of the original material. Where the original roofing material has been lost and the roof needs to be replaced, reclaimed materials are encouraged. The replacement should match the original material in terms of colour, dimensions, texture and quality, or the most appropriate material for the age and style of the building should be reinstated to maintain coherence and protect the integrity of the conservation area. While clay tiles are typically used, other roofing materials may be appropriate for certain buildings.

8.4.3 Chimney stacks are important features of the roofscape and should not be removed or altered. Repairs may be necessary to stabilise the chimney, but the height should not usually be reduced or pots removed. Where additional ventilation is required, it should be provided at the eaves and ridge line and should not be visible. Vents should not be installed on the roof slope. 

8.5  Window alterations and replacement

8.5.1 Many historic buildings in the Webb Estate and Upper Woodcote Village Conservation Area were designed with timber sash or casement windows. Original windows should be retained and repaired wherever possible, particularly historic glass, leaded lights, and stained glass, as they contribute to the character and significance of the building.

8.5.2 Where replacement is necessary, a like-for-like approach will generally be acceptable. In unlisted buildings, traditional timber windows can typically be replaced with high-quality, slimline double-glazed heritage-style windows in timber frames that closely replicate the original design, dimensions, and detailing. Replacement windows should match the original material, typically timber or steel. UPVC and standard aluminium windows will generally be considered inappropriate and are unlikely to be supported.

8.5.3 Where windows have been altered or unsympathetically replaced, reinstatement of traditional windows is encouraged. When replacing previously altered windows, the new window should be sympathetic to the building’s age, architectural style, and original materials, ensuring a cohesive and historically appropriate appearance.

8.5.4 Alterations to the original configuration of windows, the size and proportions of window and door openings, or details such as lintels, sills, reveals and decorative surrounds will generally not be appropriate (except where reinstating historic features that have been lost). Key features such as glazing bars, leaded lights, and decorative joinery should be preserved or accurately replicated to maintain the building’s character and historical integrity.

8.5.5 Repairing and overhauling existing windows is often more cost-effective than replacement and helps preserve both the property's appearance and value. Regular maintenance, including repainting, can further extend their lifespan. Additionally, thermal performance can be significantly enhanced through draught-proofing, discreet secondary glazing, or the use of curtains, blinds, or shutters. 

8.6 Doors and porches

8.6.1 Traditional doors in the conservation areas typically made of solid timber. Where possible, original doors should be retained as these are integral to the character and appearance of the conservation area. In most cases, these can be repaired and refurbished, even if they are in poor condition. Where replacement is necessary, it should be carried out on a like for like basis. Any replacement should use high-quality solid timber and closely replicate the original design, ensuring it aligns with the building's age, style, and the character and appearance of the conservation area.

8.6.2 Side lights and top lights are significant features of traditional door designs in the conservation areas and should be preserved in their original form, without being covered or altered. The use of UPVC, composite, or aluminium doors is generally not acceptable within conservation areas. Additionally, external security grilles, bars, or shutters should not be installed on doors or windows, as such additions detract from the character and integrity of the conservation area.

8.6.3 Porches, where part of a building's historic design, contribute significantly to its character and appearance. Original porches, steps, and door surrounds are key architectural features and should be preserved. Historic open porches must not be removed or enclosed, as such alterations could adversely affect the conservation area's character. The addition of new porches or canopies may be considered acceptable, provided they are sympathetically designed and detailed to complement the original facade. 

8.7 Masonry, brickwork and render

8.7.1 Brickwork, stone, tiles, roughcast render and other original facing materials should not be painted, rendered, or covered with cladding. This could affect the appearance of the building or group, cause damage to the building fabric, and introduce a long-term maintenance burden. Such works will not normally be permitted. Where inappropriate painting or cladding has taken place, the council supports its removal, provided this can be achieved without damaging the historic fabric of the building. It is important that a specialist undertakes the work using appropriate non-abrasive and non-invasive methods.

8.7.2 Repairs to brickwork should accurately match the bond, colour, texture, dimensions and pointing of the original brickwork. Any decorative features should be retained, and where necessary repaired or reinstated. In all cases, skilled bricklayers with an understanding of historic brickwork should be employed.

8.7.3 Where necessary, older brickwork should be repointed with an appropriate natural hydraulic lime mortar mix carefully matching the existing pointing. A flush or slightly recessed mortar joint profile is usually most appropriate. Cement based hard mortar should not be used on older buildings as it is less permeable and flexible than a lime-based mortar and can lead to deterioration of brickwork. This is one of the principal causes of decay in historic masonry and can cause irreversible damage to the underlying fabric.

8.7.4 Traditional render and roughcast can usually be repaired by removing the damaged area and repairing with a mix to match the original. Traditional coatings are usually lime-based and should never be repaired or replaced with modern cement based or waterproof coatings as this can alter the appearance of the building and cause serious damage to the building fabric. 

8.8 External services and fittings

8.8.1 External services, such as ventilation equipment, flues, satellite dishes, air conditioning units, or electrical equipment including security lighting, burglar alarms, and cameras, should only be installed where absolutely necessary and must be designed and positioned to minimise their visual impact. They should typically be placed in unobtrusive locations, such as walls and roof slopes to minimise visibility from the street and should include adequate enclosure or screening to ensure they do not detract from the character or appearance of the building or its surroundings.

8.8.2 Satellite dishes will only be acceptable where they cannot be easily seen from the street or other public areas - usually at the rear of the property below the level of the roof ridge, or on hidden roof slopes.