Planning Permission for Windows 2021

Establishing whether you need planning permission for windows can be tricky in 2021. With so many different styles of windows available, it’s hard to know whether or not this home improvement requires planning permission.

However, you’ll be relieved to know that the majority of windows don’t require any planning permission. Despite this, it is good practice to reach out to local building authorities just in case. If you do need planning permission for windows, but you don’t get approval, you could be hit with a £5000 fine.

In addition, local building authorities could also demolish any renovations you have made that don’t adhere to their regulations.

If you’re looking to work out whether your new window renovations require planning permission, this guide from us at Double Glazing on the Web should go some distance to clearing up any confusion.

What is Planning Permission?

Planning permission is the official term for getting approval for any structure or extension being constructed onto a property. The majority of the time, this relates to things like conservatories or house extensions.

Planning permission is required for any home improvement project that isn’t considered a ‘permitted development’. This refers to any construction projects that adhere to national government guidelines, and therefore do not need to be approved by local authorities.

As mentioned, planning permission is a legal requirement which must be sorted out if required. In any instance, if you’re unsure in any way as to whether or not you may need planning permission for windows, you should speak to your local building authorities. Remember that regulations are different in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland to what they are in England.

It’s also important to note that needing planning permission for windows doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t be able to have your them installed. There’s still a chance that in many instances, you will get approval for the project. For more information on planning permission, you can use Planning Portal.

Planning Permission for Windows – Is it Needed?

In the majority of instances, new windows do not require planning permission. In addition, any repairs, maintenance or minor improvements can all be completed without approval.  As the majority of all windows are considered permitted developments, they are nationally allowed to be fitted through supply only or with an installer without any planning permission.

However, as with any home improvement, you may need to seek planning permission for windows in a house in a designated area. This includes national parks and listed buildings. With the latter, you must seek permission before making renovations, even if you select windows that maintain the period feel of an older home.

You do not need planning permission for windows on the side of your house generally unless they are at a side elevation. In this instance, they must be obscure glazed without any opening mechanisms or over 1.7 metres above the ground. If they don’t adhere to either of these, you may need planning permissions for your roof windows.

Bay Windows Planning Permission

The only exclusion from this, however, is bay windows. Unlike traditional casement or sliding sash window frames, bay windows extrude from the front of the house. This, in turn, gives off the illusion of more space, making them a popular home investment.

However, if you’re investing in bay windows in a room that doesn’t currently have them fitted, they are instead treated as an extension. As a result, this means that you may need planning permission for windows.

Extensions are also considered permitted developments and mostly only require planning permission if they exceed a certain height or surface area. This is unlikely to be an issue with bay windows. However, an issue may arise if you’re looking to install bay windows on the side of a property.

You will need to seek out planning permission for bay windows if the desired extension would be wider than half of the original house. This refers to the surface area of the house when it was first built, or since 1948 if it’s an older home.

With any bay window installation, it’s a smart idea to reach out to your local building authorities to be sure.

Does Replacing Windows Require Planning Permission?

If you aren’t working with a new build project, then you’ll be wondering whether you need planning permission for replacement windows. As mentioned, if the new windows are of a similar style to the existing ones, this isn’t a problem, and you won’t need planning permission for windows.

However, if you live in an older property, you may need to seek approval. If you live in a period home, you’re likely thinking of replacing the windows with new frames that deliver better thermal efficiency.

If your home was built before 1700, it will be named as a listed property which means you have to seek planning permission before replacing the windows. This includes any other double glazing services which don’t replace the existing frame.

In addition to this, a large portion of homes built between 1700 and 1840 are also named as listed buildings. This again means that any window replacements may require planning permission.

Planning Permission for Windows in Flats – Is it different?

Planning permission for windows in flats and maisonettes differs significantly to planning permission for windows in houses. Any window replacement in a flat may require local approval.

However, you’re generally safe if the window replacement is totally like for like; in style, appearance and size. Any differences could require planning permission for windows.

In the instance that you’re a leaseholder, you may also need to gain approval from your landlord or management company. This applies even if you’re looking to replace the windows with like for like replacements.

Living in a listed property or in a conservation area can also affect whether you need planning permission for windows in flats or maisonettes. In these instances, you’ll almost certainly need to seek local approval, as is the same with houses.  If you have any doubts though whatsoever, you should contact your nearest building authority just in case.

Get in Touch with Local Installers

Double Glazing on the Web’s primary purpose is to be a network where customers and installers can meet. We only approve the country’s best local and national installers. As a result, you know that when you come to us, you’ll be dealing with reliable, accredited home improvement specialists.

If you’re interested in getting a free online price for new windows, you can use our online quote generator at your leisure to work out a rough cost. We can then put you in touch with installers in your area. At that point, they’ll be able to tell you whether or not your windows need planning permission.

In many instances, they’ll be able to handle the planning permission side of having new windows installed for you. If you use a FENSA approved installer, they will also be able to provide a certificate upon completion to give you total peace of mind. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.