A DECISION to reject plans to replace timber-framed windows in a house with a PVC alternative has been overturned after councillors were told people “have the right to keep their homes warm”.

East Lothian Council planners refused to allow the owners of a house in Aberlady permission to replace the windows and doors of their cottage with white uPVC-framed alternatives, saying it would set an “undesirable precedent” in the street and be detrimental to the village’s conservation area.

However, a meeting of the council’s Local Review Body was told that a site inspection revealed six of the 12 properties on Elcho Terrace, where the applicant lived, had already installed windows using the same type of frames.

And it was pointed out that a new housing development planned for a field next to the houses would be outwith the area classed as conservation and allowed to use any style of windows.

Members voted unanimously to uphold an appeal by the applicant against the refusal.

Councillor Lachlan Bruce said: “We are denying someone the right to have the same as their neighbours.

"Common sense dictates that we uphold the appeal. These people deserve the same rights as their neighbours to keep their homes warm.”