We need tighter rules on opaque glass says South Liverpool Councillor

Lib Dem Councillor Flo Clucas is calling for tighter rules in Liverpool on opaque glass in planning agreements.

Cllr Clucas, who represents Allerton and Hunts Cross, raised the issue in a motion to the City Council.

The problem is that sometimes planning permission involves the need for opaque glass, but officers allow material which can be stuck on and peeled off.

This means that windows that overlook private areas and are meant to be opaque to prevent this are in fact perfectly clear.

Cllr Clucas is worried that this could lead to a "snoopers charter".

The motion will go to the Cabinet member for regeneration for a reply.  The text is pasted below:

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Council notes that where ‘opaque glass’ is specified in planning applications, that often an opaque film, stuck on the existing glass is accepted by the Planning Department.  For those with children, or women living alone, such a practice can be most upsetting, as the film can easily be removed from the glass, leaving a clear view of gardens, bathrooms, and other sensitive areas of homes, creating a ‘snoops charter’.  It is particularly distressing where the Planning Inspectorate has specified ‘opaque glass’, yet a removable film covering of clear glass is deemed adequate by officers.  This has recently happened in Allerton and Hunts Cross to the distress of those women whose homes are overlooked.

Council requests the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Transport to consider that the practice of accepting the use of sticky backed film, on clear glass instead of opaque glass is no longer approved and that opaque glass is required, where it is specified within the application.’

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