A 200-year-old pub wants to remove its windows and replace them with uPVC versions to reduce heating bills.
The owners of the Royal Oak in Copmanthorpe have applied for permission to replace rotten timber window and door frames.
Repairs are no longer economical, planning documents state.
The new windows would also be double glazed to help make the building more energy efficient.
Plans lodged by the the Royal Oak’s owner the Stonegate Group would see the window frames removed and heritage-style PVCu replacements fitted.
These are designed to replicate the style and dimensions of the existing wooden ones.
“The proposals are of good design and will have no detrimental effect/ harmful impact on the street scene in terms of their style, proportions, and materials,” planning documents state.
“The proposals do not affect the external appearance of the building and will not bedetrimental to the character of the conservation area.”
The pub, on Main Street, is not listed, but it is on York’s Local List of Heritage Assets. It says the earliest record of the building which became the Royal Oak dates back to 1793.
“It is a fine example of an 18th century dwelling house in the heart of the village Conservation Area,” the list entry says.
The pub is located in the oldest part of the village close to listed buildings including St Giles church.
The plans stated: “The Royal Oak is a core facility situated in the village centre, serving quality food and drink to local customers and visitors alike.
“The proposals provide the opportunity to improve the thermal efficiency of the building by bringing it up to current building regulations standards, thereby reducing soaring energy bills and hopefully helping to ensure the long-term viability of this important local business.
“The proposal will help ensure the viability of this village asset and community hub well into the future.”
You can read and comment on the planning application here.