Changing Openings

Door and window openings establish the character of an elevation and should not generally be altered in their proportion or details. Alterations will only be considered where all reasonable alternatives for continued use have been carefully examined. Sometimes such alteration is unavoidable, but it should be noted in load bearing masonry walls this will almost always create a structural weakness for all time. Where it is proposed to close existing openings it will be important that evidence of that opening is featured in the new work. Sometimes this will entail the retention of the window or door and blocking in behind. This is particularly important in terraces for the sake of the overall design of the terrace. On other occasions it may be acceptable to simply recess the blocking to maintain the outline of the old opening or to conserve a sill or an architrave as evidence of the change. In this way the pattern of change can add to the historic interest of the building.