Listed school wins 30-year fight for windows

A grade II* listed school has won a 30-year fight to get double glazed windows and doors.

Templewood Primary School in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, is a post-war pre-fab design which dates from 1950.

Welwyn Hatfield Council voted unanimously to approve the installation of replacement windows and doors against the recommendation of officers, who said this would "materially harm the significance and character" of the building.

Hillary Skoczylas, chair of governors, said the school was "extremely thrilled" and the support from the local community "sent a powerful message to the council".

Ahead of the development management committee meeting, staff, governors, parents, children and former pupils protested outside the Welwyn Hatfield Council offices.

The school wants to replace the single glazing with double glazed windows, but use the same material.

Planning officers had recommended the "public benefits (of replacing the windows) to outweigh the identified harm do not exist".

Historic England, which had to be consulted because of the listed status, expressed concerns but acknowledged "there does appear to be a need to improve the thermal performance of the building".

Mrs Skoczylas said: "Last year we spent over £45,000 on energy bills. It is shocking."

She added they receive no additional funds to pay for the energy inefficiency.

"Children need to put on their coats in the winter and in the summer we have to ask parents to bring in fans because the classrooms are so hot," she said.

Karen Brennan, who has been working in the office at the school for 23 years, said new windows and doors would "make a huge difference"... it is a very cold school".

Mrs Skoczylas said to get the listed building consent was "amazing", but this was step one and "we will need further reports and progress by Herts County Council".

She said that under the terms of the listed building, consent work would have to start within the next three years.

Hertfordshire County Council has been approached for comment.

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