Architectural feature removed from communal block without notice.

[Captain Haddock]

I have just discovered that a feature from the housing block I live in has disappeared!

The block we live in has six separate private households and we've all got along bar one owner who has let his property out with not a few incidents and problems with his tenants. However, I am not sure he is involved, solely, in the following.

When we first moved here back in 2000 there was a radial piece of stonework - i.e., the circular window - on the side of the building that protruded slightly onto the pavement (please see the attached). For some reason, even though I always look at my side window when I walk homeward, this afternoon I looked at the building and the feature is gone!! I am gobsmacked, to use a modern term of surprise.

The photo I supplied is a Photoshop montage and only represents the idea of what was there in situ. I am puzzled as to how this was removed (the local council have not been in touch about it) so I must presume that agents unknown have removed this.

I'm goign to to dig out my title deeds which WILL have the original photos of this building and to also contact the local authority and my lawyer. Would anyone else care to chime in about this? I'm in Scotland but I'm sure UK-wide beagles can offer their own input.

[Kati]

Re: Architectural feature removed from communal block without notice.

tagging [MENTION=15129]Crazy council[/MENTION] [MENTION=87380]Diana M[/MENTION] [MENTION=39710]des8[/MENTION] [MENTION=77627]Openlaw15[/MENTION]

[des8]

Re: Architectural feature removed from communal block without notice.

I understand (probably mistakenly) that in Scotland blocks of flats or tenements have Tenement Management Schemes.
Referral to the scheme, together with your title deeds might provide an answer.

Does the alteration make a deal of difference to the appearance of the building, which looks modern so presumably not in a conservation area?
Other than not being informed of the alteration, does it actually impinge on you to any extent?

[Openlaw15]

Re: Architectural feature removed from communal block without notice.

I have just discovered that a feature from the housing block I live in has disappeared!

The block we live in has six separate private households and we've all got along bar one owner who has let his property out with not a few incidents and problems with his tenants. However, I am not sure he is involved, solely, in the following.

When we first moved here back in 2000 there was a radial piece of stonework - i.e., the circular window - on the side of the building that protruded slightly onto the pavement (please see the attached). For some reason, even though I always look at my side window when I walk homeward, this afternoon I looked at the building and the feature is gone!! I am gobsmacked, to use a modern term of surprise.

The photo I supplied is a Photoshop montage and only represents the idea of what was there in situ. I am puzzled as to how this was removed (the local council have not been in touch about it) so I must presume that agents unknown have removed this.

I'm goign to to dig out my title deeds which WILL have the original photos of this building and to also contact the local authority and my lawyer. Would anyone else care to chime in about this? I'm in Scotland but I'm sure UK-wide beagles can offer their own input.

It's a Job for the X-Files' Mulder and Skully! Never mind the radial stone problem, I just saw a ghost!

[Diana M]

Re: Architectural feature removed from communal block without notice.

I like that feature too What a pity it's gone because it's 'softens' that side elevation.

Normally removing windows needs planning permission in the same way as adding windows. I suppose there's always the possibility that it was installed without permission so the Local Authority have made them remove it. Check with them first.

Di

[paulajayne]

Re: Architectural feature removed from communal block without notice.

Window Tax ??

[Crazy council]

Re: Architectural feature removed from communal block without notice.

we have these near us, your not allowed to change them here, because there a reflection of our fishing past. But, i have seen these cause serious condensation issues in roof spaces. When my kids were young, i used to tell them thats were they locked kids up that broke there parents rules.

At you council, check if its in a conservation area, if so, the details of if plannings needed or not are there.

Window Tax ??

lol, we have some very old examples of how people got around that near us as well,

[Captain Haddock]

Re: Architectural feature removed from communal block without notice.

To be clear, the radial did not have glass inserted into it. Apologies, I should have mentioned that in the OP.

Dug out the plans/photos from all those years ago. Sadly, that view of the building does not appear on these documents. I've been away on business so am going to ask the neighbours if they know of anything happening.

[Captain Haddock]

Re: Architectural feature removed from communal block without notice.

I understand (probably mistakenly) that in Scotland blocks of flats or tenements have Tenement Management Schemes.
Referral to the scheme, together with your title deeds might provide an answer.

Does the alteration make a deal of difference to the appearance of the building, which looks modern so presumably not in a conservation area?
Other than not being informed of the alteration, does it actually impinge on you to any extent?

We have no 'factor' looking after our building. We all pitch and repair as needs be.

It is actually on the edge of a conservation area. The adjacent blocks are Victorian tenements but any new builds had to follow a certain form, i.e., sloped roofs.
TBH, no, it doesn't affect me personally in any way. I'm just puzzled at it's removal and even more alarmed that it's taken me this long to notice it!

[des8]

Re: Architectural feature removed from communal block without notice.

Should have gone to Specsavers?

[Captain Haddock]

Re: Architectural feature removed from communal block without notice.

Should have gone to Specsavers?

Yes. And too busy dreaming!

Will update if and when necessary. Thx for input.

[Crazy council]

Re: Architectural feature removed from communal block without notice.

guessing one like this. ( sorry for the big piccy, dont know how to shrink it on my phone ) ( behind my house that ) Although old and sometime protected features, you can get planning to cover/change them, becuase they can cause problems in a more modern roof space. like damp and condensation, They were meant for a time of less sealed roofs. ( or when it was ok to lock your kids up in the roof as a punishment ) .