Do I need permission to replace Single Glazed Timber windows with Double Glazed Timber in a Conservation Area?

This is where the planning system is somewhat vague about what is required. It is typical for a council to say “if you are in a conservation area but not in an article 4 and your building is not listed, you can replace your windows as long as they are like for like.”

However ‘like for like’ is a vague and potentially misleading term. When you dig a little deeper, you discover that like for like would imply replacing single glazed with single glazed and that switching from single to double glazed constitutes a ‘material change’ resulting in planning permission being required. Our advice is always to seek permission before carrying out any work to avoid potential delays and costs further down the line. House sales and purchases for example can be affected by not having the required permissions in place first.

What is an article 4 direction?

An article 4 direction provides additional planning control in a particular location. It allows the council to remove permitted development rights over some alterations, such as replacement windows and doors, new porches, exterior painting. It also includes changes of use from an area or property in certain limited situations where it is necessary to protect the local area.

Modern Improvements when replacing historic windows

Local authorities will often want you to repair windows and doors unless they ‘are beyond economic repair.’ A key concern in today’s world is thermal efficiency which is often the driver for replacing windows in the first place. We know good quality joinery companies, some with very specific local knowledge and who hand make everything bespoke for each project.

Where do we come in and what does our service include??

We carry out the following:

• OS maps to locate the property is

• The time to produce and complete the following statements and tasks required:

• Planning team to undertake a site visit to inspect the proposed works in detail, take pictures of the existing property and measure as required to produce drawings.

• Produce technical drawings of the proposed works including scale section and elevation drawings, as well as detailed drawings.

• Produce a report on the existing property to try to highlight the reasons that the works are necessary with images highlighting specific areas.

• Drawing elevations of the relevant parts of the property.

• Provide location & block plans.

• Consulting with the council to answer any queries they may have about the application.

We provide:

• Building Elevation drawings

• Cross-sections of window/door styles

• Design Statement

• All co-ordination with the Local Authority

This enables a cleaner process for the client and puts the responsibility and time consuming tasks onto us as consultants.

If you are thinking about upgrading your windows or doors to double glazed timber we would be happy to assist with any questions you might have at an early stage.

Areas in which we have worked:

London – Hackney, Camden, Ealing, Hounslow, Lambeth, Southwark, Westminster, Haringey, Richmond, Hammersmith and Fulham

Useful links:

Brentham Estate Guidance

Norfolk – North Norfolk, Norwich City Council, Kings Lynn & West Norfolk, South Norfolk and Breckland Council

East Anglia – South Cambridgeshire, Cambridge City Council

Get in touch:

hello@studio-163.com

Tom @ 07562949255