A HOMEOWNER has been given the go-ahead to install uPVC windows despite living in a conservation area, after planners said it would only be seen by the neighbours.

East Lothian planners approved the replacement windows at the detached property in North Berwick, which they said was on a "relatively modern" housing estate.

And while they acknowledged that it would be going against normal policy to allow the changes in a conservation area, they said an exception could be made because of the house’s location.

They said: “The use of uPVC as a framing material for windows and doors is not normally acceptable in conservation areas in East Lothian.

"However, in this instance, the applicant’s house forms part of a relatively modern housing development which is characterised by modern-style houses.

“Due to its location within the housing development, the applicant’s house is not be visible from outwith the housing development. Therefore the proposed replacement windows and doors would not be visible from outwith the housing development.”

The house is on Glasclune Gardens and the applicant was granted permission to replace all the single-glazed timber windows and doors with uPVC frames which would bear a similarity to the original.

East Lothian Council’s planning policy states that replacing windows in a conservation area must “preserve or enhance the area’s special architectural or historic character”.

However, it has exceptions where the replacement makes no visible difference, the building itself does not contribute to the character of the conservation area or changes will not impact on it or cannot be seen by the public.

No objections were lodged against the application, which has been approved by planning officials.