Plans to replace sliding windows at Arlington House with tilt and turn models have been rejected by Thanet councillors.
The tilt and turn application made by property leaseholder Freshwater last year and resubmitted this year provoked more than 160 objections, including from the Twentieth Century Society and flat owner Tracey Emin, with many expressing anger that it will “destroy the architectural character of (the tower block) and prevent future generations from appreciating its fine qualities.”
Objectors said the style of window will ruin the outside façade of the 1960s block and reduce views of the coast from inside.
At a meeting last night it was highlighted that those who own their flats in the 18 storey block are being asked to pay between £35,000-£40,000 for the windows they do not want.
Arlington resident association chairman Tony Fisher said all private owners will decline to have the Freshwater windows fitted.
This means up to 106 flats would not have the work done while just 36 flats owned by Freshwater would – resulting in, Mr Fisher said: “A complete mis-matched mess, windows of different shapes and sizes, opening in different directions and reflecting light all over the place. The homogeneity we are used to will be completely destroyed.”
He urged the council’s planning committee to defer any decision until they had seen an alternate application from Tracey Emin, which says there are sliding window options available with two models which also allow the retention of secondary glazing installed in many of the flats.
Margate Central ward councillor Rob Yates, who was a tenant at the block for five years, read out a statement on behalf of resident John Moss.
He said: “This matter is unique in that the applicant seeks to replace the windows in 106 privately owned flats against the wishes of those homeowners.
“The flat owners object to the proposal for the operation of the windows being changed from sliding to tilt and turn. Insult is then added to injury by virtue of the applicant then expecting the flat owners to pay for windows they do not want – despite a Deed of Undertaking in 2012 that the applicant would meet those costs.
“The applicant is of course entitled to change the windows of the 36 flats it retains and lets to shorthold tenants – but this will then lead to an unsightly mismatch of windows on both sides of this dominant and highly visible building.”
He added: “The Planning Committee has no option but to reject the application that is currently before it. There are better and more acceptable options available.”
Cllr Yates added that Thanet council’s conservation officer said there had not been adequate information submitted and the proposal would create a “visual blight.” He said councillors should be able to consider the alternative options submitted by Tracey Emin, which would retain sliding widows and “be £1million cheaper.”
Councillors were unanimous that they could not support the tilt and turn windows plan with Cllr Kristian Bright pointing to the tower block’s ‘iconic’ status and how it would be aesthetically damaged.
Cllr Jill Bayford agreed and said exploring ‘better solutions’ should take place while Cllr Steve Albon said the appearance of the building was part of what makes it important even though it isn’t listed.
Council leader Rick Everitt said the changes would create something “visually unacceptable,” Cllr Heather Keen said the example of different thicknesses between tilt and turn and sliding options had made up her mind to reject the plans while Cllr Becky Wing pointed out the plan was “bonkers” and would “devalue the look of the building.”
Councillors rejected the motion on grounds that the design, frame thickness,method of opening and lack of homogenous appearance would “disrupt and alter” the external character of Arlington House” and so harm the character building and its contribution to the Margate seafront conservation area.
The rejection was greeted by applause from the public gallery.
Following the decision long-time campaigner on behalf of Arlington House and its lessees, John Moss, said: ”Freshwater and its agents have been trying to push through these tilt and turn window plans for almost two years. At no point have they discussed the matter with lessees.
“When the subject of new windows came up in 2012 as part of the proposed Tesco development on the Arlington site, Freshwater signed an agreement with TDC whereby Freshwater would pay for new windows in Arlington House. Now Freshwater is attempting to not only alter the design of the windows but to also foist the extortionate cost upon lessees.
“Very few lessees will agree to have their windows changed to something they do not want and at a price they simply cannot afford.
“The building would look a mess with two types of windows of differing design. Those are the reasons why we have challenged the matter and why TDC has agreed with us.”
Artist Tracey Emin said: “{It was a)} fantastic unanimous vote last night by Thanet council to reject the tilt and turn window plan for Arlington House.
“For me personally it was such a relief. The decision restored some of my faith back into humanity.”
It’s an architectural monstrosity knock it down.
This is the type of mindless comment we have come to expect from mindless people.
Do you have the money to purchase the flats from the current owners ?
Do you have the accommodation to rehouse the current tenants ?
Do you have the money to demolish the building and clear the site ?
Perhaps you should engage your brain before making idiotic comments.
I agree with Plumbob; demolishing this eyesore would enhance Margate’s skyline.
destroy the architectural character of (the tower block) and prevent future generations from appreciating its fine qualities.
Well, just like her dirty bed, I suppose some will find value in it. 99.99% of people have always thought it was an eyesore, that should never have been built.
Good decision by TCC. Arlington House should be a listed building.
If it rots any further, it will be a listing building.
Thanks Tracey for putting the voice of sanity and the resistance out there. It was always about profit.
Ironically, she’s an insane woman who profits from squalor.
2.5 million for her rancid bed I think.
Ahhhh envy, what an obvious beast.
I’m assuming you have a rancid bed of your own.
I believe councillors made the right decision, but What was the council planning officer’s recommendation ?
“Some buildings can’t be energy efficient. I think this building is iconic and I think the matter we’re discussing is an aesthetic one.” NO – the matter the Planning Committee should be considering is a Planning Issue! Some buildings have to be made energy efficient by 2030. And lets see if they can be £1m cheaper. With current landlord, unlikely. Meanwhile, tenants have to put up with draughty, cold flats.
Don’t worry about that-the government make those pronouncements knowing they have no chance of actually doing it & that they won’t be around when the timescales they set come to pass.
Well done Tracey!
Love that building
I thought you had more class than that.
What does that mean exactly?
You look good, and obviously like things that look good… something that can hardly be said for Arlington House.
All a matter of taste!
Oh and I have seen a photo of you!
Your taste is obviously impeccable.
Specsavers isn’t that far from it.
It’s a great building but let’s not kid ourselves it does not need “two sets of different windows with different designs” to look a mess .Take a look any day or night at the side elevations with its window dressings. It’s not a good look is it ? it’s impact on the neighbouring environment is not a positive one .
Regardless of what we think of the building, Improving the thermal efficiency for those who live there is paramount.
Whatever is chosen, It will be a long time before the works go ahead. Even if planning is granted there’s an onerous process called Gateway 1, 2 and 3, to follow before any works can be done on high rise buildings now (post Grenfell) and about 80% of applications to the Building Safety Regulator are being refused because they don’t meet all the required standards.
And money! I have a friend who lives in there and she has to find approximately £35000 for the exterior cleaning and windows!
Some rich git is making a packet off the poor somewhere! Does Marmite van Hoogstraten own it?
This is the same Tracey Emin who put a Neon Light on a Victorian Mortuary and called it visionary