Planning permission for windows & doors

If you live in a house, but don’t live in a conservation area you will generally not need planning permission to change your windows and doors as you have what are called ‘permitted development rights’. These are rights granted by parliament which allow you to make changes to your home.

There are a couple of rules that govern replacing windows under permitted development. These are:

• If you are replacing existing windows with new timber windows, they must have a similar visual appearance (shape, colour, and size) to those currently installed.
• Any upper-floor windows on the side of your house need to be obscure-glazed.

Replacement windows will also need to pass current building control regulations in regards to thermal efficiency and safety.

In most cases you won’t need planning permission for your house as long as the windows are like-for-like. I.e., if your current windows are made of timber your replacement windows must be made of timber too. And you won’t be able to replace sash windows with casement, for instance.

Additionally, your replacement windows must be of the same shape and size and be similar in overall aesthetic. You are unlikely to be able to replace white sash with black sash windows, for example.

Article 4 directions may also apply in your local area, in which case you may need to pass other restrictions.

Whilst it’s difficult to say whether your property will get planning permission, there are a few situations in which your windows will not get permission, these are:

• If your windows or doors are economically repairable, you are unlikely to get permission. Instead, you will be encouraged to repair your existing windows.
• If you are trying to install uPVC or change from aluminium windows to timber, for instance.
• If you are trying to change from single to double glazing. In Grade II listed buildings, ‘heritage’ slimline double glazing may be approved.