PLANS have been submitted to improve a home's thermal insulation in the town centre.

The applicant Mr Messer submitted a planning application to Northumberland County Council to reroof 10 Osborne Avenue, a terraced house, to improve thermal performance including new dormers to the front and rear elevation, and insulating and cladding a gable wall.

A design and access statement said the property was built in 1903.

"The proposal for the new dormer window facing the front street is to match as closely as possible the details of the existing dormer windows on Osborne Avenue." 

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The statement said the proposal for the new dormer window facing the rear lane will be similar to others in surrounding streets, as there are a variety of gabled-pitched dormers and flat-roofed dormers to both front and rear elevations nearby.

Materials will match the character and age of the building but will ensure long life with minimal need for maintenance.

The proposals will not affect the current access to the property for pedestrians or service and emergency vehicles.

The proposed cladding on the gable wall of 10 Osborne Avenue will be visible from the public highway. Whilst this will be a new application in the immediate area, it is a material of traditional appearance which is expected to weather well over time.

The new cladding will be made from zinc.

"Zinc is a very durable, high-quality material with a natural finish, and it is carefully detailed, to improve the ‘legibility’ of the architecture and not to interfere with the stonework to the front elevation. This will enhance the setting, improving the appearance of the existing blank gable brickwork wall. The construction/installation will also have minimal physical impact on the existing structure so could be reversed in future, and it will greatly improve the thermal efficiency and comfort of the house," the statement said.

No issues were identified in an ecology checklist.