A planning inspector has upheld a decision by Pembrokeshire County Council to refuse planning permission for the installation of UPVC windows at a property in Pembroke.

The appeal by Justin Wild was dismissed by Inspector Gwynedd P. Thomas because the replacement windows failed to preserve the character and appearance of the Pembroke Conservation Area.

Mr. Wild had applied for permission to remove five original timber framed sash windows at a three-storey former Georgian town house in Main Street and replace them with UPVC framed windows.

He was refused permission by Pembrokeshire County Council in October 2012 and appealed the decision.

In dismissing the appeal, Inspector Thomas said the UPVC frames resulted in a visually bulky design in comparison to the original timber frames and the internal glazing bars did not provide sufficient amelioration to overcome the significant difference in the window design and appearance.

"Whilst I saw examples of other UPVC framed windows in the Conservation Area, a number of original timber framed sash windows were still in place," he said.

"I consider the original windows within the Conservation Area make a significant contribution to its character and appearance. The loss of such windows with inappropriate replacement windows erodes this character and weakens the distinctive style and character of the built heritage."

Dismissing the appeal, he said he did not consider that the arguments made in support of the replacement windows were sufficient to justify the unacceptable harm that had been caused to the character and appearance of the Pembroke Conservation Area.