Re: Re: reorganisation and destruction of irish catholic churches

St Mary’s Church, Buttevant, Co. Cork

Readers will recall that a referral was made to An Bord Pleanala in the matter of a declaration issued by Cork County Council under section 5 of the Planning and Develoment Act 2000 which held that the application of some 750 square feet of double glazing to the west transept window of St. Mary’s Church, Buttevant, Co. Cork was EXEMPT development and did not compromise the character of the protected structure and consequently did not require planning permission. Fortunately, ABP has found against Cork County Council and its Heritage Department and regards the imposition of such a massive amount of double glazing as comppromising to the secial character of the rotected structure and of the element (the window) itself. Below is the relevant section of the Inspector’s Report which was accepted by the Bord:

“The remaining works relate to the installation of secondary glazing in front of
the external face of the window. In this respect I would draw the Board’s
attention to Section 10.4.1 of the DoEHLG Architectural Protection
Guidelines, which state that the design of windows and the materials used in
their construction make a significant contribution to the appearance and
special character of a structure. The church has argued that the Guidelines
recognise the benefits of providing secondary glazing. However, this referral
relates to whether or not the works would materially affect the character of the
structure, either positively or negatively, and not to the merits of the works.
Given the stain glass nature of the transept window in question, its large scale,
and prominent location in the façade fronting Main Street, I consider that the
window the subject of this referral makes a significant contribution to the
character of the church. Furthermore, I note that the Appraisal of the church in
the National Inventory of Architectural Interest (attached) states that the
retention of original features such as [interalia] the stained-glass windows add
character and charm to the building and to the town. I note from my site visit
that similar secondary glazing has been installed to the corresponding arched
windows in the southern façade and to the west window of the sacristy. I
consider that these works obscure the tracery, and have a significant impact on
the external appearance of the window. I am in agreement with the assessment
by An Taisce and the referrer’s conservation architect, Jack Coughlan, that the
proposed aluminium screening would change the character of the west transept
window. As such, I do not consider that the provisions of Section 4(1)(h)
apply to the following specified works:
• installing secondary glazing immediately in front of the window
• secondary glazing to be mounted on vertical. aluminium frames,
immediately in front of the windows, amounting to 750 square feet;
• aluminium frames to be attached to stone-work and tracery.
The planning authority’s declaration also references Section 57 (1) of the Act.
As the church is a protected structure, Section 57(1) nullifies development
otherwise exempted under Section 4(1)(h) if it would materially affect the
character of the structure or any element which contributes to the special
architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or
technical interest. By the reasoning set out above, I consider that the specified
works involving the installation of secondary glazing to the window fall within
the scope of Section 57(1) of the Act, being works to a protected structure
which materially affect the character of the protected structure. Furthermore,
even if the Board considers that the works do not materially affect the
character of the building as a whole, I also consider that the west transept
window contributes to the special architectural interest of the building, and
that the proposed works materially affect the character of this element of the
protected structure. For this reason, the works in question cannot be
considered exempt development within the meaning of Section 57(1) of the Act,””

The window in question can be seen here on the left of the picture.