A decision on plans to install UPVC windows on a listed building has been deferred.

The owner of the grade II listed building on Fourth Street Barrow Bridge has put forward an application to replace the timber windows with UPVC sliding slash ones.

When the proposal was first put to the planning committee, Bolton councillors called for samples of the building to assess the impact of the change saying they are keen to preserve the wood look.

Barrow Bridge planning application will test heritage policy

The Conservation Area is a model village dating from 1830 and the terraces are all listed grade II.

The issue was again debated at Bolton Council's planning committee meeting.

Cllr Roger Hayes was sympathetic with the views of the resident and said: “Traditional wood windows can cost a lot of money and residents in the area are not rich, so this is costly for them.

“UPVC now is produced that looks like painted wood, so it can look good.”

Cllr John Walsh was concerned with the inconsistency of approving and sometimes disapproving UPVC windows.

He said: “In my ward we approved a UPVC door but refused another, so it’s inconsistent.”

Cllr  Elaine Sherrington said she had experienced a similar issue with moisture on wood windowpanes.

She said: “It would be good to have something that looks like wood but is not traditional wood.

“I do have a problem with traditional wood after living in a house with wooden doors and windows and they needed replacing but now with plastic, they’ll last longer.

“And because the wood is not static, the windows move too so you end up having to replace them too.”

The existing windows are non-original timber windows in a poor condition.

Their replacement in UPVC sliding sash would present an improvement in appearance to the existing but in the original plans would still have a plastic finish and a non-traditional appearance but the owner has agreed to choose a style that looks like wood.

Guidance by Historic England states that where a timber window of an inappropriate pattern, is to be replaced the new window should be designed to be in keeping with the period and architectural style of the building.

READ:Absolute Bar & Bistro reopen after revamp

The decision was made to defer the matter for more information.