Construction is scheduled to get underway soon on a $420 million window manufacturing plant in Locust Grove, Ga., about an hour’s drive south of Atlanta, that will create approximately 900 jobs.

Renewal by Andersen, the full-service window replacement division of Bayport, Minn.-based Andersen Corp. which operates manufacturing sites across North America and Europe, is building the facility.

The structure will be located at The Cubes, a 79-acre site about a mile from Interstate 75, and a new interchange at Bethlehem Road that will provide access to transportation routes, local and regional distribution as well as amenities and a labor force.

It will be the company’s first manufacturing facility in Georgia.

The company has a logistics distribution center in Douglasville and a windows and doors office in Marietta.

Construction on the manufacturing facility will begin later this year, with full operations expected to begin in 2025.

COURTESY ANDERSEN CORP. — Construction is scheduled to get underway on a $420 million window manufacturing plant in Locust Grove, Ga. Renewal by Andersen operates manufacturing sites across North America and Europe and is building the facility.

“With a strong labor force, favorable business environment, and accessible transportation, the State of Georgia, Henry County and the City of Locust Grove in particular, is a great place to do business,” said Andersen Corp. President and Chief Executive Officer Chris Galvin.

Privately-held Andersen Corp. and its subsidiaries operate more than 20 manufacturing and distribution facilities in North America, providing window and door products for new residential, light commercial, home improvement, and remodeling segments.

“This facility will bring a significant amount of advanced manufacturing positions and represents the largest economic development project in our city and county’s history,” said Locust Grove Mayor Robert Price.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said in a statement: “Thanks to our robust infrastructure network, companies are able to reach 80 percent of the US market within a two-day drive or two-hour flight from the Peach State.

“This manufacturing facility will be just the latest to benefit from this unique advantage of our number one state for business.”

Henry County Board of Commissioners chair Carlotta Harrell said the project benefits the community in many ways.

“This project not only represents the largest single investment by a company in our community’s history, but also opportunities for our citizens who are interested in advanced manufacturing positions.

“The company will be an outstanding anchor for our new I-75/Bethlehem Rd. interchange, with our partnership consisting of Locust Grove, state and federal partners on this critical transportation project already paying dividends for our community.”

GDEcD commissioner Pat Wilson said while it is Renewal by Andersen’s first manufacturing facility in Georgia, Andersen’s products have been in the state for years, including in the stores of the largest Georgia-based home improvement company.

PRESS RELEASE

Published February 1, 2023

United Windows & Siding (720-535-4767), serving clients in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, and surrounding communities, announced a new selection of energy-efficient windows to replace old and original windows on residential properties in the area.

Wheat Ridge, United States – February 1, 2023 —

The Midwest window installation company now offers a wide range of options and styles to suit any home. The team, with over 40 years of combined experience in the industry, also provides siding and door replacements to local homeowners.

More details can be found at https://unitedwindowsandsiding.com

Following the recent announcement, United Windows & Siding installs windows manufactured by leading brands such as Alside, Milgard, Atrium, Sunrise, and others. The company offers various window types, including single-and double-hung, geometric, sliding, casement, and awning.

Window replacement projects are a viable option when a homeowner seeks to increase the curb appeal of their property by adding a new (and highly visible) feature. Additionally, new windows allow for a home to be more energy efficient as they prevent heat from escaping.

The Alside-manufactured windows installed by United Windows & Siding, for instance, feature innovative aesthetic and mechanical components to provide a window that is both visually appealing and structurally sound. Its CoreFX composite reinforcement enables secure mounting of hardware while the non-conductive material reduces the transfer of energy for superior thermal performance.

Homeowners who want to further weatherproof their homes can opt for double-pane or triple-pane windows combined with a durable frame material like vinyl. They can also arrange additional features like low-E glass and inert gas fills to their windows to increase energy efficiency to an even higher level.

All of United Windows & Siding’s window installation jobs come with a lifetime warranty and no trip or labor fee. Their warranties also transfer to new homeowners when the house is sold.

Additional details can be found at https://www.google.com/maps/place/United+Windows+%26+Siding/@39.7881745,-105.1351218,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x876b8551aa1acf27:0x4b2a42430e831f26 !8m2!3d39.7881745!4d-105.1351218

For all replacement and installation projects, United Windows & Siding provides a complimentary in-home estimate. The team works closely with each client to customize their windows so that they match their home’s decor.

A satisfied client said, “Adrian was very professional and easy to work with. His crew did a wonderful and timely job on our siding and windows. We had all of the windows replaced, his pricing was competitive. We are very appreciative and will be using United windows and siding for future projects.”

More information is available https://www.google.com/maps/place/United+Windows+%26+Siding/@39.7881745,-105.1351218,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x876b8551aa1acf27:0x4b2a42430e831f26!8m2 !3d39.7881745!4d-105.1351218

Contact Info:
Name: United Windows & Siding
E-mail: send e-mail
Organization: United Windows & Siding
Address: 12090 Ridge Rd Unit B, Wheat Ridge, Colorado 80033, United States
Phone: +1-720-535-4767
Website: https://unitedwindowsandsiding.com/

Release ID: 89089225

If you detect any issues, problems, or errors in this press release content, kindly contact [email protected] to notify us. We will respond and rectify the situation in the next 8 hours.

COMTEX_423616984/2773/2023-01-31T23:34:57

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When we journey out to discover something, we do not always find what we wish or think we need. When the little boy in Laura E. Richards’s short story “The Golden Windows” sets out to find gold and diamonds, he learns that one’s perspective and wonder for life is what is true and worthy.

The little boy lives in a house on a hill. Across from his house, there sits another house on another hill. This house is special because it has “windows of clear gold and diamonds” and, every evening, the windows glow and shine.

One special day, the little boy’s father decides that the little boy has earned a holiday. His father says, “Take this day for your own; but remember that God gave it, and try to learn some good thing.”

Excited, the boy packs some bread and heads off to find the house with the gold and diamond windows. He wants to see such a wonderful house.

His journey to the house is very pleasant. His footprints and shadow keep him company as he walks and dances his way, with wonder and curiosity leading him.

A Sudden Realization

Finally, the little boy reaches the top of the hill and finds the house. But, to his great disappointment, he finds that the house’s windows are simply glass.

When he knocks on the door and describes his confusion to the mother, she explains that they are common people and would never have such spectacular windows. This new knowledge is shocking. The little boy has been enlightened, but also gravely disappointed.

To comfort him, the mother gives him a treat. Then she sends her little daughter out to comfort him. The little girl shows him around their farm. She shows him her cow and all her special treasures. Hey, in turn, describes his cow and all his special treasures. They both wonder at each other.

However, when the little boy explains his desire to find the windows of gold and diamonds, he is surprised to hear that the little girl knows of the windows but, she says, he is on the wrong hill.

The next sight also proves enlightening for the little boy. The windows that the little girl speaks of belong to a house on a neighboring hill. She says that she also wonders at such special windows.

Though the little boy does not discover what he set out to find, he finds something far more important. He sees that the way we see things, our homes, and families, will make them worth more than gold or diamonds.

The little boy’s father advises: “Take this day for your own; but remember that God gave it, and try to learn some good thing.” (famveld/Shutterstock)

Richards shows that we must be thankful for what we have. We might go out searching for new and brighter things, but we must not forget the special treasure that we have: our home. Our homes and families are far more precious and valuable than any gold or diamonds.

When we look at things with wonder, they will reflect that wonder and shine more brightly than any gold or diamonds.

Firefighters in Vail rushed to put out a garage fire on Juniper Lane early Saturday morning after the homeowner called to report an odor of burning electrical equipment. When crews arrived, smoke was coming from the garage door.

Vail Fire

Once inside, they discovered the fire coming from the corner where two e-bikes were located. The fire was under control in 10 minutes.

Damage is estimated at $250,000 which includes damage to the garage, the vehicles parked inside and the e-bikes.

No one was injured and the cause of the fire is being investigated.

Vail Fire Marshal Ryan Ocepek stated, “while this was an unfortunate incident, the damage could have been a lot worse had the homeowner not noticed the fire.”

Vail Fire

He also noted that “with the increasing popularity of mobility devices such as e-bikes, the incident serves as a reminder that there are a number of precautions that should be taken when charging lithium-ion batteries. For those who own any type of device with a lithium-ion battery, the following fire safety practices are recommended by Vail Fire & Emergency Services and the National Fire Protection Association:
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when charging lithium-ion batteries
• Only use the original equipment manufacturer’s battery and charger
• Only purchase devices that have been tested and labeled by a nationally recognized testing lab.
• Do not charge devices while unattended or while you sleep
• Do not charge electronic devices in the path of emergency egress

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Yes to reimbursements for roof replacements. No money for impact windows if your home already has hurricane shutters.

Those two answers to frequently asked questions about what improvements will qualify for state home-hardening grants of up to $10,000 should finally provide clarity for applicants confused by their inspection reports and information on the My Safe Florida Home program website.

The $150 million program, authorized by state lawmakers during a special legislative session last May, offers $2 for every $1 spent by homeowners on wind-mitigation improvements that helps to lower their home insurance costs.

That means that applicants approved for grants can receive up to $10,000 from the state if they spend $5,000 or more on qualifying improvements.

The program began accepting applications through its website mysafeflhome.com in late November. Since then, more than 22,000 homeowners have signed up for free wind-mitigation inspections and nearly 10,000 inspections have been completed.

But as of last week, only 1,301 grant applications had been submitted and 792 grant applications had been approved. The program has enough funding to provide full $10,000 grants to 11,500 homeowners.

[ RELATED: Should big insurers be required to cover homes in Florida along with autos? ]

In an interview last week, Department of Financial Services officials overseeing the program provided answers to two frequently asked questions:

Will the program provide grant funding based on the entire cost of a roof replacement if inspection reports recommend installing a Secondary Water Barrier under their roof covering and/or strengthening their roof-to-wall connections or roof-to-deck attachments?

And will the program provide grant funding for homeowners who have hurricane shutters but want to upgrade to impact glass?

Regarding the roof question, applicants are in luck.

Homeowners approved for grants can get reimbursed for the entire cost of a roof replacement if their windstorm mitigation report states that they can get an insurance discount for installing a water barrier or strengthening their roof attachments, the officials affirmed.

The program will not limit the reimbursement to the cost of installing the connections or the water barrier and force the homeowner to pay the balance of the roof replacement cost.

The confusion resulted from homeowners’ inspection reports stating that their roof coverings complied with Florida’s current building code while there was no evidence of a secondary water barrier or roof attachments that meet current windstorm codes.

Stephen Fielder, chief business officer for the state’s Department of Financial Services, which is administering the program, said in an interview that it wouldn’t be realistic for the state to only pay a portion of the roof replacement cost.

“It’s physically impossible to strengthen roof to deck attachments or replace Secondary Water Barriers without replacing the roof,” Fielder said. “We can’t say we’re only paying to replace the barrier or add the attachments because that would be useless.”

[ RELATED: After latest insurance reforms, what rights do policyholders have left? ]

Applicants who decide to replace their roofs and seek the $10,000 reimbursement grant should ensure that they can prove that the qualifying improvements have been made.

Proof could be established by asking the roofing contractor to photograph the water barrier or strengthened attachments before the roof covering is installed, he said.

Regarding questions about whether the state will pay for impact windows if homes already have hurricane shutters, Fielder acknowledged that some applicants will not be happy with the response.

If an applicant’s inspection report shows that the home has aluminum shutters that can be installed before a hurricane or mechanical shutters that can be closed over windows, that applicant will not qualify to be reimbursed for the cost of upgrading to impact windows, he said.

The reason is that the insurance premium discount would be the same for installation of any of those opening protections. Upgrading from shutters to impact windows will not provide any additional insurance discount.

Under the state laws authorizing the program, only improvements that reduce insurance costs qualify for the matching grant, he said.

“We’re sympathetic to the issue, but how do I tell other homeowners [with wind-mitigation needs]’Sorry, we ran out of money.’”

However, homeowners who don’t have shutters when their inspection takes place can get reimbursed for getting impact windows because that would improve the homes wind-protection status and thus qualify them for an insurance discount they couldn’t get with no shutters, Fielder said .

Another upgrade that applicants have asked about involves garage doors and doors that provide access to the outside. Florida Building Code requires that replacements for garage doors and exterior doors must meet impact resistance codes enforced only in Broward and Miami-Dade counties.

[ RELATED: Can’t stop thinking about insurance? New album will get you through holidays ]

Until last week, the program planned to only reimburse replacement costs for impact-rated garage and exterior doors to applicants approved for grants in those two counties.

But since then, program officials decided to extend grant eligibility for those improvements to almost any home eligible to participate in the program — meaning those in the state’s “wind borne debris region” that covers all of southern Florida, the Panhandle and much of the remaining coastlines.

However, outside of Broward and Miami-Dade, the reimbursement is only available if the garage door or exterior doors being replaced have glass windows, confirmed Devin Galetta, communications director for the Department of Financial Services.

To reach the My Safe Florida Home program, call 1-866-513-6734. Ron Hurtibise covers business and consumer issues for the South Florida Sun Sentinel. He can be reached by phone at 954-356-4071, on Twitter @ronhurtibise or by email at [email protected].

I live in an old farm house in the middle of nowhere. That said, it’s pretty good as far as old farm houses go. The foundation is solid, the walls are strong, and the previous owners did a good job of keeping it in good repair.

Nevertheless, there are some improvements that need to be made. The siding is on its last legs, the landscaping needs to be touched up, and the windows are more than a little drafty.

They are the old-style windows with wooden frames that are held open with weights. They keep most of the bad weather out, and I’m grateful to have them. But if there is a strong enough wind outside, we get a nice cold breeze inside the house.

Usually, this doesn’t bother me. I knew the condition of the house, the condition of the windows, when I bought it. I knew that there would be work to do before everything was as I wanted it to be.

But every now and then, a glimmer of irritation enters my mind. Every now and then, when the wind is especially strong and the house feels especially drafty, I wonder, “Why didn’t I buy a house with better windows?”

In those moments I go outside and take a walk. I expose myself to the raw, unfiltered weather of the countryside. I allow the wind to whip around me, finding its way into all my private places. I allow the rain to splatter my face, making it hard to see. And I allow myself to experience life without my drafty farm house windows.

Doing this helps me put things into perspective. My windows do not keep out all of the bad weather. But they keep out most of it. They do not hold all of the warmth in the house. But they hold a good bit of it.

The windows in my home are imperfect. But that does not stop them from being good.

When I think about this, I think about human life and the impossible standards we have for it. In the West, we want everyone to be tall, thin, wealthy, and objectively attractive. They must be intelligent, funny, and independently wealthy.

To be anything less is to be a failure; to be an old, drafty window on a farm house.

Some respond to the impossible standards of the Western world by attempting to tear them down. But this is a mistake. It’s like removing all the furniture from your home so that you don’t have to worry about wobbly chairs.

What if, instead of focusing on standards set for us by society—either ignoring them or striving for them—we focus on the good things we do in our current state—as we are.

What if, instead of focusing on the large worldly problems that we cannot fix, we focus on the small ones that are within our control.

So, if we are concerned about the world’s climate crisis, we can respond by planting a tree. If we are discouraged by the problem of world hunger, we can respond by making a meal for loved ones. If we are struggling with anger, we can respond by giving our friend a compliment.

As humans, we are imperfect. But our lack of perfection doesn’t stop us from being good.

And while it may be true that we cannot fix every problem in the world or in ourselves, we can fix some of them.

In the moments when we forget this—when irritation creeps into our minds because we’re not smart enough, not tall enough, not thin enough—it can be helpful to take a metaphorical walk and ask ourselves the following questions:

1. Am I a murderer?

2. Am I a thief?

3. Am I a liar?

If the answer to each of these questions is “no,” we are doing more good for the world than we realize. That’s not to say that we are not causing any harm. But, like a drafty window on a cold winter’s day, we are not letting the worst of the storm enter our vicinity. And there is real value in that.

There is value in doing the best we can, even when we know it may not be enough.

And we can help see that value by reminding ourselves of the alternatives, looking at the darker parts of human nature and rejoicing in the fact that we walk a different path, a holy path.

Because everything we do in the name of the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha is holy. And even if we do not get it right every time, the world is a better place because we try.

Namu Amida Butsu

Related features from BDG

The Extraordinary Gift of Impermanence
Impermanence, Suffering, and Non-Self
Metta Corners the Market
Geshe Tenzin Namdak: Living in a Material World
Smartphones, Parenting, and Struggling to Set a Good Example

More from The Ordinary Buddhist by Sensei Alex Kakuyo

PRESS RELEASE

Published January 27, 2023

Easy Garage Door Services, a new garage door repair company, is proud to announce its arrival in the Houston area. The company, which specializes in repairing and maintaining garage doors, aims to provide top-notch service to homeowners and businesses in the area.

Houston, TX – January 27, 2023 – Easy Garage Door Services maintains its position as an industry leader on the backs of its cutting-edge products, skilled workers, and dedicated service to customers. The company’s primary goal is to provide quality and affordable garage door services to the city’s people. There are several reasons to work with them.

The garage door repair company offers a wide range of services, including repair, installation, and maintenance of garage doors. They can fix broken springs, cables, openers, and any other garage door part that needs repairing. They also offer a wide range of garage door styles, colors, and materials to choose from, which the company’s skilled technicians can install.

Easy Garage Door Services is committed to providing fast and efficient customer service. The company understands the importance of having a functional garage door, which is why they offer same-day service and 24/7 emergency service. People can submit a request on their website whenever convenient. The team’s fast response means that a team of experts quickly respond to any requests. The company offers a customized approach for all problems.

In addition to their excellent service, Easy Garage Door Services also offers competitive prices. The company is determined to provide affordable service without compromising quality. Therefore, they also offer free estimates for their services so that customers can budget for their garage door repair or replacement needs. Whether it is a garage door spring repair, replacement, or installation, the company will do it at reasonable prices.

The company is excited to serve the Houston community and looks forward to helping homeowners and businesses with their garage door needs. Easy Garage Door Services is dedicated to providing the best service possible and ensuring that its customers are delighted with their work. Since starting the business, the team has achieved an excellent track record replacing garage door springs and amassing extensive knowledge in the field. That allows them to pinpoint the source of any problem and implement the solution. The team completed 3.5K projects in 2022 alone.

Anyone that needs maintenance or garage door repair in Houston area, look no further than Easy Garage Door Services. Contact them today to schedule an appointment or to receive a free estimate.

About Easy Garage Door Services

Easy Garage Door Services is a locally owned and operated business that has been in the industry for many years. The company’s experienced technicians have the skills and knowledge to handle any garage door repair or maintenance need. Easy Garage Door Services has the expertise to get the job done right, whether it’s a simple repair or a complete door replacement

Media Contact
Company name: Easy Garage Door Services
Contact person: Patricio Arel Quiroz
E-mail: send email
phone: (832) 570-3845
Address:12122 Fairmeadow Dr
City: Houston
State: TX 77071
Country: United States
site: https://easygaragedoorrepair.com/

Heffernan’s Home Services is a leading Indianapolis company for safe, effective, affordable window cleaning services for commercial and residential properties.

We love love love Heffernan’s! Their team is amazing. Window cleaning, gutter cleaning, cleaning and staining our deck and fence. We’ve been happy and impressed customers for almost three years.”

— Nikki Walker

INDIANAPOLIS, IN, UNITED STATES, January 26, 2023 /EINPresswire.com/ — Before investing in professional services, most Indianapolis businesses and homeowners may want to know the benefits of professional window cleaning. Of course, many would think of DIY to save money. But certain benefits and results are known only to experienced technicians and cleaning companies. For example, a professional window cleaning service can help maintain the property’s appearance, increase the building’s energy efficiency, and create a more inviting atmosphere for visitors. Those concerned about pricing, detergents, and the credibility of technicians may contact a trustworthy business like Heffernan’s Home Services for quick online quotes and services included in residential and commercial window cleaning in Indianapolis IN.

Although most homeowners regularly clean and maintain home interiors and exteriors, the house windows often go a miss for various reasons. However, a dirty window or a problem closing and opening the window can hinder the outside view and impact the overall aesthetics and appearance of a residential home. In addition, clean windows help filter out UV rays, reduce allergens, and clear away dust, dirt, and debris that can accumulate over time. Window cleaning can also help reduce the risk of permanent damage to glass and other window materials and ensure that the windows are properly sealed so they are not susceptible to leaks. Therefore, hiring a professional window cleaning in Carmel, IN, or other Indianapolis localities every few months can be a good idea for homeowners. The good news is that some contractors, such as Heffernan’s Home Services in Indianapolis, are working with the clients to determine a cost-effective window cleaning for their properties.

“We love love love Heffernan’s!
Their team is amazing. Window cleaning, gutter cleaning, cleaning and staining our deck and fence. We’ve been happy and impressed customers for almost three years.” – Nikki Walker

Similarly, clean windows can make a property look more attractive, which can be especially beneficial for businesses looking to attract customers or homeowners looking to increase the value of their property. In addition, regular cleaning can help to protect windows from damage and extend their life. It can be significant for commercial properties, where windows are exposed to more wear and tear than residential ones. So, it makes sense for business owners to employ professional cleaners for commercial window cleaning in Westfield, IN, to maintain an attractive and inviting environment for customers.

Clean windows can help improve insulation and reduce the energy consumption of a building. It can result in significant cost savings over time. In addition, professional window cleaners use specialized equipment and techniques that can help to ensure that windows are cleaned safely and efficiently, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries. With high customer ratings, affordable pricing, the latest techniques, and safe cleaning solutions, Heffernan’s Home Services can be a viable option for window cleaning services for homes and commercial buildings in Indianapolis.

About Heffernan’s Home Services

Heffernan’s Home Services is a leading exterior and window cleaning service in Indianapolis, offering reliable and cost-effective window cleaning, house washing, and roof cleaning services. The company has a customer-centric approach, trained window cleaning technicians, and provides a 1-week rain warranty.

Chris Heffernan
Heffernan’s Home Services
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January 26, 2023, 15:45 GMT

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Three West Seattle Crime Watch reports this morning:

(One of the broken car windows in the neighborhood)

CAR WINDOW RAMPAGE: We’ve heard from multiple people about this. Here’s what Marcus other chantell reported:

We along with many of our neighbors in the Fairmount Park neighborhood (we’re on the 5400 block of 37th Ave SW specifically) woke up to smashed car windows this morning. From talking with other neighbors out to survey the damage, it sounds like at least a couple dozen cars may have been hit.

They’ve talked to an officer who told them the report number for all the incidents is 23-022558. Another reader who emailed us said it was believed to have happened around 1 am.

BUSINESS BREAK IN: thanks to Mary for the tip. Burglar(s) hit another business overnight – this time, Dough Joy donuts in The Junction. We went to the shop to ask about it.

Dough Joy is usually closed Tuesdays – but they’re there today cleaning up and expect to be ready to open on their next regular day, Thursday. They told us the burglar(s) took two iPads. This is at least the fifth Junction business burglary/burglary attempt in the past month – after By and by, Cherry consignment, Junction True Valueand Menashe & Sons Jewelers. the West Seattle Junction Association tells WSB they’re talking about ways to improve business-district-wide security.

VIDEO OF FIRST WEST SEATTLE AUTOWORKS BREAK-IN: Last weekend we reported on two break-ins at West Seattle Auto Works (7501 35th SW; WSB sponsor), Friday night and Saturday morning. We included video of the second burglary, in which a white van was backed into the garage door twice, Today WSAW has shared video of the first burglary, in which a red Honda was driven up in front of the office and the burglars got out to smash their way into:

Just after a minute into the next clip, you’ll see the safe thrown out the window before one of the burglars struggles to get it into the vehicle:

In part of the security video, the vehicle’s plate is shown – CEK7902. One other number of note – if you have any information, the SPD incident number is 23-019442.

THE owner of an historic house on the corner of Prestonpans’ Preston Road and West Loan has been given permission to ‘brick up’ ground-floor windows after years of grief at the hands of vandals.

Owned by Anna Dunbar, the property, at Preston Farm, has suffered ongoing vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

Built in 1824, it is within a conservation area but council officials have approved a planning application for some windows to be infilled with stone.

Mrs Dunbar had reported anti-social behavior to the council as far back as January 2015.

In the planning application, she stated that she had been the victim of “multiple weekly incidents involving school children and teenagers knocking/hammering on the windows and shouting abusive language”.

Additionally, windows on the south and east elevations sit close to street level and “have been regularly targeted by vandals such that these windows have been smashed on multiple occasions”.

East Lothian Council planning portal (Image: East Lothian Council planning portal)

This image shows how the house would look with the windows infilled. Image: East Lothian Council planning portal

The East Lothian Council anti-social behavior team consulted on the planning application said that there was “justification” for the alterations to the building.

It had been made aware of numerous complaints of anti-social behavior in the vicinity of the property and was still making efforts to address the issue.

The brick infills will see the conservation area lose the white-painted, timber-framed, sash-and-case windows that council planners said “positively contribute to the character and appearance” of the town.

Council planners admitted they would not normally support such an application as it “would change, and somewhat alter, the character and appearance of the house and the character and appearance of this part of the Preston Conservation Area”.

However, the applicant’s supporting statement was accepted as the only method of preventing anti-social behavior in the area.

It stated that the alterations were required “to combat against ongoing vandalism to the windows on a long-term basis and to prevent the frequent anti-social behavior issues that the applicant and her family endures”.

Additionally, it was noted and accepted that other measures had been considered but these did not provide a viable long-term solution.

‘Sufficient justification’

East Lothian Council planners granted permission for the alterations on the condition that the windows be infilled with a natural stone (to be approved by officials) that would “be in keeping with the external finishes of the existing house”.

A council spokesperson said: “When reviewing this application, planning officers considered the repeated and sustained damage that has been caused to the property and the reasons for the proposals. The applicant was able to evidence clear reasons why this work was required and a commitment to minimizing the impacts on the conservation area by using natural stone.

“Having consulted with the safer communities team, officers concluded that there was sufficient justification to approve the proposals.

“Planning permission was granted subject to a condition requiring that a sample of the natural stone is submitted in advance for approval, in order to protect the character of the conservation area.”

DJ Johnston-Smith, chairman of Prestonpans Community Council, was concerned at such alterations in a conservation area.

He said: “Colleagues on our community council and local residents have expressed serious concerns about the dramatic impact this development will have on the historic streetscape of this part of our town.

“Given that the proposal is to make a fairly significant change to a building in one of the two conservation areas in Prestonpans, a separate and distinct communication from the local authority planning department notifying the community council of this application would have been very welcome.

“We would certainly have requested much more detail from the applicant than can be found in the planning application to try to understand why such a major alteration to the exterior of one of the historic landmarks in the town is absolutely necessary.

“According to the relevant 1997 act, conservation areas are localities ‘of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance’.

“It certainly remains to be proven how this proposed change is consistent with that stated aim of preservation or enhancement.”