Planning permission is not always necessary when you are replacing windows in a house. However, some people may require it. Listed buildings or conservation areas have special rules about window replacements. If you have a listed building or a property in a conservation area, you should consult your local council to see what your options are.
It’s not hard to imagine why planning permission is required for certain window changes. In fact, the majority of properties in the UK do not require any type of permission. For example, a new bay or bow window at the front of a home does not necessarily require planning permission. However, if the windows are to be added on the side or back of the property, you should seek permission from your local planning authority. This is especially true if the windows are to be replaced with newer styled or energy efficient windows.
Depending on your location, there may be other restrictions. For example, in some places, you may not be able to add skylights or roof lights that protrude more than 150mm. In others, your windows on the upper level of the side elevation of your home must be made of non-transparent glass. Aside from the usual zoning issues, you will also need to check that your new windows comply with the UK’s latest building codes.
If you’re lucky enough to own a uPVC home in Westminster, you may need to make a special planning application. In addition, you should be aware that a lot of historic houses and flats have a set of restrictions on what windows they can have installed. These restrictions vary from council to council. For example, you won’t be allowed to install a uPVC bay window in a listed property if you don’t have the appropriate permits.
For some people, the planning required for window replacement might be quite minor. Unlike in most other parts of the world, in the UK, the rule of thumb is that the vast majority of properties do not require any type of planning permission. On the other hand, you might need it if you have a leasehold property or one that’s in a designated conservation area. In any case, you should contact your local planning office or management company for advice.
In the end, though, the question remains whether you really need it. In most cases, you’ll only need to apply for a small permit to replace your existing windows. On the other hand, you might need to get a full planning permission for other types of window installation. For instance, if you plan to change the style and colour of your windows, you might need to apply for planning permission. If you don’t get the proper permission, you can end up with a huge fine. In other cases, you might only need to get approval to fit a secondary internal glazing.
The most important thing to remember when it comes to planning permission is to follow the guidelines. For example, the building regulations for windows will control what materials you can use, the quality of the installation, and how you can secure your property. This includes making sure that the doors and windows you install meet all safety and thermal performance standards. It’s worth getting the right kind of advice from a trusted window provider. They will be up-to-date on the current building codes and can help you decide on the best design for your windows.
Click here to learn more about replacement double glazed sealed units derby.