When you need planning permission
If your property doesn't have what are called 'permitted development rights', you'll need planning permission to replace or create new windows.
The type of building and its location determines if it has permitted development rights.
Flats and maisonettes
You need planning permission to replace or insert windows in flats and maisonettes because they don't have permitted development rights.
Find out how to apply for planning permission
Houses
When you don't need planning permission
Most houses don't need planning permission to replace windows and create new windows because houses have permitted development rights. This is as long as:
- the materials of the proposed windows are of a similar appearance to the materials of the existing windows
- any upper-floor side windows are:
- obscure-glazed (not clear-glazed) and
- non-opening, or the parts of the window that can be opened are more than 1.7 metres above internal floor level.
If your proposal doesn't meet the points above, you'll need to get planning permission.
When you do need planning permission
Not all houses have permitted development rights. In some areas these rights have been removed by a planning control known as an 'Article 4 Direction'. Most Article 4 Direction areas are in the borough's conservation areas.
You can check if your property is in an Article 4 Direction area and find out if you need planning permission by reading the relevant guidance for the Article 4 Direction area.
Find out how to apply for planning permission
Listed buildings
If your property is statutory listed, you'll need to follow the advice above, and you'll need listed building consent to change your windows.