AN EXPANDING company which threatenedto pull out of Kendal unless it could fit uPVC windows at its new premiseshas got its wish.

Whitby and Co, which imports andsupplies kit to the outdoor leisure industry, wants to relocate from theold fire station on Aynam Road to the empty Aynam Mills warehouse,boosting its workforce from 20 to 25.

South LakelandDistrict Council planners had insisted that all 103 windows at AynamMills, Canal Head North, be timber or metal-framed because the warehouseis in a conservation area.

However, Whitby and Co saidit could not afford that, as uPVC windows were £400 each, compared to £809for timber, and £925 for metal.

Nick Griffiths, companychairman, accused planners of being "unhelpful" and said the firm wouldseek premises in Lancaster if a compromise could not bereached.

Faced with a tough choice between conservationand jobs, SLDC's development control sub-committee voted yesterday(Thursday) to let Whitby and Co use uPVC windows, recommending they bebrown, rather than white.

Head of development controlPeter Ridgway said members had to decide what they thought was moreimportant - sticking to conservation area policy, or creatingjobs.

Michael Griffiths, a director of Whitby and Co,said wooden windows would cost £10,000 a year just tomaintain.

"We cannot afford it.

I'mafraid it's just not going to happen," he toldcouncillors.

He said Aynam Mills was an importantindustrial building which needed restoring to its handsome former state,as it was "a mess".

Kendalian Diane Burton said sheappreciated the "vigilance" of planners, but there was a risk Kendal wouldturn into "a pretty postcard tourist place" if firms movedout.

Coun Barclay Stainton said it was worth "givingaway a little on the windows" to keep Whitby and Co inKendal.

However, Coun Jim Blamire said it would beunfair to let Whitby and Co fit uPVC windows, but to continue forcinghouseholders to fit wooden-framed windows in conservationareas.

He said SLDC had taken people to court in thepast to make them remove uPVC windows, and the council should eitherdefend its policy every time, or drop italtogether.

Kendal Civic Society also felt it would be"inequitable" to prevent private householders from fitting uPVC windows ifWhitby and Co was allowed to do so.

Coun Bob Boltoncalled on the council to give more financial help to people carrying outexpensive renovations in conservation areas.

Coun JossCurwen suggested brown-stained uPVC would look better thanwhite.