Do You Need Planning Permission For Double Glazing?
If you are looking to replace your windows or add new double-glazed windows to your home, it’s important to know whether or not you are going to need planning permission before work starts.
Whilst much work falls under ‘permitted developments’, ensuring that you are adequately informed about the dos and don’ts of installing double glazing is key. Understanding these rules can save you time, money, and potential headaches later, and ensure that your home improvement project runs smoothly whilst keeping in line with local regulations.
Firstly, What Is Planning Permission?
Planning permission is the formal approval process from your local authority to carry out certain types of building or land development. This legislation is in place to ensure that developments align with local planning regulations and don’t negatively impact the surrounding area.
It is your responsibility to seek planning permission and ensure that, if required, it is granted before any work begins.
When You Won't Need Planning Permission To Install Double Glazing
If you are looking to replace your existing windows with new double-glazed windows of the same size, shape, and style, and made from similar materials, you will likely not need planning permission.
For example, you’re replacing your existing windows with new ones that are similar in appearance. As long as they are the same size, method of opening, glazing pattern, material and colour, this counts as a like-for-like swap.
What’s more, many properties have ‘permitted development’ rights, therefore meaning that certain changes, such as replacing windows, can be done without needing planning permission.
Adding new windows is usually fine under permitted developments. However, the overall guidance is complicated about exactly what is a permitted development. Adding new windows may be permitted development when they are added to the rear or side of the property; however, upstairs side windows must be obscure-glazed and non-opening or located more than 1.7 metres above floor level to protect privacy.
You must also keep in mind that even if your windows don’t require planning permission, you should understand when you need building regulations, covering aspects such as thermal performance and health and safety.
When Will Your Require Planning Permission?
Typically, you can install double glazing without planning permission; in some situations, you will need formal sign-off. Therefore, understanding these scenarios is vital to avoid legal issues and ensure that your home improvement project starts on the right foot, fully compliant with local regulations.
Listed Buildings
If your property is a listed building, whether that is Grade I, Grade II*, or Grade II, virtually any exterior alteration, including replacing or altering windows and doors, will require Listed Building Consent.
This is a separate process from planning permission; however, they are often applied for concurrently.
Listed Building Consent is designed to protect the architecture and historical interest of the building; therefore, any changes must be sympathetic to its character.
Carrying out unauthorised work on a listed building is a criminal offence.
Conservation Areas
If your property is located within a conservation area, there will be stricter rules for changes.
Some ‘like-for-like’ changes will be permitted; however, councils will require you to file for planning permission if the new windows differ in appearance, are on the front of the property or any elevation visible from the street, and are subject to Article 4 Direction.
Article 4 Direction refers to specific local orders that remove certain permitted development rights. In turn, this means that changes that would not normally need permission require sign-off. To ensure that your property is not affected by Article 4 Direction, it is best to check with your local council.
Flats and Maisonettes
Unlike houses, flats and maisonettes have different legislation. When it comes to external alterations, they do not have permitted development rights. Therefore, changing windows in a flat or maisonette, including installing double glazing, will almost always require planning permission.
If you are a leaseholder, you will also need official permission from your landlord or freeholder.
Designated Areas
Beyond conservation areas, limitations may apply to properties within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), a National Park or a World Heritage Site.
How To Check Whether You Need Planning Permission For Double Glazing
If you are ever unsure, it is best to contact your local planning authority. After all, the nuances of planning law are complicated, and local interpretations can vary. You don’t want to get caught up in any planning-related issues.
What Happens If You Don't Get Planning Permission?
Carrying out work on your property without the necessary planning permission can lead to serious consequences, even if done innocently or unintentionally. Whilst it may not be a criminal offence to carry out work without planning permission, being caught doing so can be costly, stressful and could impact the property’s future.
Often, the council will permit a retrospective application. However, if the breach involves a previously rejected development, the council can file an enforcement notice requiring you to put things back as they were previously.
The Importance Of Building Regulations
Building regulations are a crucial part of ensuring the safety, health and welfare of those in and around a property. They also promote sustainability and environmental protection. Since 2002, all replacement glazing in England has fallen under UK Building regulations, as compliance is a legal requirement.
The main areas of building regulations that cover windows are thermal heat loss, safety glazing, ventilation, fire safety and means of escape.
To ensure that your double glazing meets building regulations, use an installer that is registered with well-known schemes for glazing, such as FENSA or CERTASS. An installer registered under either of these bodies will be able to self-certify that their work complies with Building Regulations.
Feeling Unsure?
If you are feeling at all unsure about whether or not you need planning permission for double glazing, or where you stand in terms of planning requirements, get in touch with the Homeglaze team. Since 2010, we have been operating within the home improvement industry, and with over 100 years of experience, we’ll be more than happy to help and give you the advice you need about double glazing in Essex.