Peterborough Consistory Court: Coningsby Ch, August 2001
The PCC petitioned to allow a polycarbonate guard to be installed over a new stained glass window. The DAC and English Heritage had advised against the petition upon the basis that the modern material was out of keeping with the fourteenth century appearance of the exterior; it was difficult to keep clear of debris; the window could not be cleaned naturally by rainwater; polycarbonate changes colour over time and accordingly has to be replaced periodically. The chancellor added his concerns that it is a reflective material that would reflect sunlight. A polycarbonate guard had been used recently on a different and newly installed stained glass window. The DAC had not advised against that, as it was a window not seen by people entering the church for services. The chancellor ruled that granting the earlier unopposed petition to use polycarbonate on the other window had created a reasonable expectation that the current petition would be granted. With hindsight he considered that the earlier petition had been granted in error. The chancellor refused the petition but granted an alternative petition that a wire mesh guard be installed.
(2002) 6 Ecc LJ 412
