Liverpool Council Mandates Replacement of Unauthorized Window Changes at Former Leaf Site
Liverpool City Council has declared that the replacement of historic 1930s windows at a former restaurant location in the city center was "unacceptable" and must be rectified with new installations. This decision follows an investigation launched last autumn into unauthorized alterations made to the frontage of the building at 65-67 Bold Street, previously home to the Leaf café.
Controversial Work and Retrospective Application
The controversy began when work was carried out on the building, which involved the removal and destruction of original Crittall windows dating back to the 1930s. These were replaced with aluminum windows that failed to accurately replicate the historic design, breaching the council's development rules. The work was undertaken by the building's landlord, Lead Properties Liverpool Ltd, rather than the tenant, restaurant chain Loungers, which operates popular venues like Cosy Club and had submitted plans for new signage and lighting.
Loungers expressed disappointment over the window removal, stating they were "as disappointed as everyone else" by the action. In response, a retrospective application has now been filed by Lead Properties Liverpool Ltd to replace the unauthorized aluminum windows with metal replicas designed to match the original style as closely as possible.
Heritage and Safety Concerns
A heritage statement submitted with the application explained that the original windows were removed based on professional advice indicating they were beyond repair and posed safety risks due to their size and first-floor location, making them non-compliant with modern safety guidelines. However, the council found the replacement work unacceptable because it did not follow proper planning procedures or replicate the historic aesthetic accurately.
The new proposal aims to address these issues by:
- Replacing the aluminum windows with like-for-like metal replicas.
- Matching the original window openings and patterns, including bow windows in specific bays.
- Replicating the wave pattern glazing bar, a key feature of the 1930s design.
Apology and Community Impact
The building's landlords, Natalie and Graham Haywood, who also owned the Leaf café, issued a public apology, acknowledging that "poor professional advice" was followed regarding planning permission and window specifications. They stated, "This was an error, and we fully accept responsibility for it. We apologise for the concern this has caused to the local community and the new tenants, Loungers."
The exterior of the building, now housing the Deco Lounge, was unveiled in January with the aluminum frames in place, but the council's order means further changes are required to comply with heritage standards. The replacement windows and façade repairs have been developed through discussions with the council and specialist manufacturers to ensure they restore the building's historic character while meeting safety requirements.
