Planning Permission

Landscaping is just one of the things that planning permission takes into account whilst considering your application.  The council will also look at the appearance of your building, road access and the impact on the general environment.

More often than not, you will need separate permission from both Building Regulations & Planning Permission.

Windows and Doors

In terms of windows & doors, if you don’t live within a conservation area, listed building or flat then it is unlikely that you will need planning permission of any kind.

This is because the alterations made to your home are minimal and unlikely to overstep any rule or affect your neighbours.

If you do however, then planning permission must be sought before any major changes are implemented. The good news is, your double glazing installer should be able to sort that out for you but if in any doubt, always contact your Local Planning Authority.

In most cases, you do not need planning permission for:

• Any repairs, maintenance or minor improvements such as re-painting your window or door frame.
• Replacement windows and doors of a similar appearance to those used in the construction of the house.
• A new bay window may be treated as an extension and may need permission.
• New windows that are on a upper-floor side elevation must feature obscure glazing and either be non-opening or be more tan 1.7 metres above the ground.

Roof Lights and Skylights

New roof lights or skylights will not require planning permission providing:

• They are not protruding more than 150mm beyond the plane of the roof slope
• They are not higher than the tallest part of the roof
• If they are in side elevation roof slope they must feature obscure glazing and either non opening or be more then 1.7 metres above floor level.

Note: You may need to apply for planning permission if you council has made an Article 4 Direction withdrawing permitted development rights. If you are a leaseholder, you may also need to require planning permission from your landlord or management company.

Can I Install Double Glazing in a Listed Building?

Listed buildings are properties that are considered to have historical or architectural significance. Every building that was built before 1700 is listed and the majority of buildings that were constructed between 1700 and 1840 are also listed.

For newer buildings there are no specific criteria that mean they will be listed. They may be considered unique architecturally or have significance to an historically significant person or event.

Listed buildings are protected by law and if you own a listed building you must retain planning permission before you install double glazing. For more information please click here.

Conservatory Planning Permission

Conservatories, like double glazing, do not usually require planning permission and are considered to be a permitted development.

However, there are set limitations on size and height. Before you install your conservatory, you will need to find out whether you require conservatory planning permission.

Double Glazing on The Web recommends you visit the Government’s planning portal to view all regulations for yourself. Requirements will change depending on which part of the country you are in, planning permission is different in England and Wales.

In the majority of cases, you do not need planning permission if your conservatory:

• Is no more than half the size of your existing property. It must also not be wider than the original width
• Has no fronting highway with verandas, balconies or raised platforms
• Is not higher than your existing property. If within two metres of a boundary, the eaves must be no higher than three metres