GGF Scotland strengthens relationship with Historic Environment Scotland

GGF Scotland strengthens relationship with Historic Environment Scotland

GGF Scotland has worked with Historic Environment Scotland to successfully amend a Planning Officer guidance document such that it reflects Glass and Glazing Federation advice.

The GGF Heritage Windows Group was set up in late 2014 to create a space where GGF Members can discuss the key issues affecting companies installing modern products in conservation areas.

The Group’s broad aims are to work with external organisations and in particular local authorities, English Heritage and Historic Scotland and to educate and inform the key decision makers on the installation and type of windows available for conservation areas.

To build relations with Historic Scotland and local authorities in Scotland , GGF Scotland set up a working party and held its first meeting on 17^th February 2015.

The working group’s main focus was to work specifically on Guidance as issued by Historic Scotland, and used by most (if not all) of Scotland’s Local Authority Planning Officers, as this was becoming a real issue for GGF Members, due to the non-viable sightlines being specified.

The first working group meeting included representatives from Historic Scotland, Local Authority Building Standards Scotland, Heads of Planning Scotland and GGF Members.

After further meetings, the GGF presented free Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Seminars to several Scottish Councils, as well as being asked to speak at the Scottish Planning Enforcement Officers Forum on 11^thDecember 2015.

With continuing support from both MSPs and MPs, GGF Scotland met with Historic Environment Scotland on 11^th December 2017 and it was agreed that the “Managing Change in the Historic Environment: Windows Guidance document” (as first published by Historic Scotland in 2010), would be changed with the GGF’s guidance references and information being agreed and accepted.

This has resulted in the GGF having direct links to guidance documents both in this newly amended document, but also on Historic Environment Scotland’s own website.

Meeting performance standards 

If you are replacing your windows you will want assurance that the units being supplied achieve the results you seek.  New glazing, in particular, Insulating Glass Units (IGUs), should be manufactured in accordance with the requirements of the Product Standard EN 1279-5, a requirement for legal compliance with the Construction Products Regulations (CPR).  The industry body, the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) has a wealth of information for consumers and providers on its website and in its publications which includes in the Industry Guidance details on the Construction Product Regulations and the tests that must be complied with to meet them. 

Alex Gray, GGF Scotland Chair commented: “The GGF Scotland working party are to be commended on this achievement after three years of consistent productive work with key external influencers. This inclusion will undoubtedly help guide building and planning officers to GGF guidance, and highlight that only compliant products should be specified.”