Do I Need Planning Permission to Install Double Glazed Windows?

When You Don’t Need Planning Permission to Install Double Glazed Windows

The good news is that, generally, you won’t need planning permission for any of the following:

• Secondary glazing on the interior of the property
• Installation of doors or windows that are very similar to property’s originals. (an exception would be a new installation in your bay window, as this is considered an extension and may need planning permission).
• Minor improvements, maintenance or repairs like applying a fresh coat of paint to doors or window frames.

Skylights and Rood Windows

You will find that for skylights and roof windows that you don’t need planning permission if:

• They are over 1.7-metres higher than floor level, non-opening or obscure-glazed if they are on a roof that elevates at the side.
• They are not placed at a position higher than the highest points of the property’s roof.
• They are not going to protrude over 150mm more than the roof slope plane.

In most normal circumstances, it is not necessary to apply for planning permission to install double glazed windows. So, what are the circumstances where you would need planning permission?

Image provided by authorised Evolution installer TV Windows

Times When You Need to Apply for Planning Permission

As changes to your home are unlikely to be particularly big and have an impact on the surrounding properties in your street and area, planning permission is not required. You will find, though, that there are exceptions, such as:

• If you are looking to install double glazed windows into a property that is a flat or number of flats.
• If your local authority has ordered an Article 4 Direction on your property, that removes permitted development rights.
• If your property is in a conservation area.
• If your property has been designated as a listed building.

A Little About Applying for Planning Permission

If you have checked with your local authority or council and need to apply for planning permission, you should be aware that the process is very involved and without experience, you could make mistakes. As well as the planning permission application forms, you need to pay the relevant fees and submit scaled drawings that show the property has it currently looks and what it will look with the changes made to it.

A planning application is best undertaken with assistance from your architect or window installation company.

How Long does it Take?

The process involved in applying for planning permission is fairly detailed and depending on your local council it can take a fairly long time. You need to allow, at the most, 8-weeks, to receive a decision from your local authority.

With all of this in mind, it’s best to seek assistance from an organisation or individual who has experience with applying for planning permission. Any mistakes you make could delay the application and work on your property and be expensive.

Evolution Windows Can Help

There is some good news, though, if your property is listed by your local authority as a conservation area. Evolution Windows have been designed and built to meet the strict guidelines for conservation areas in Article 4. So, if you get the necessary approval from your council, you could have either Evolution Flush or Storm windows installed into your home. These are ideal as they help to replicate the traditional look and feel of your property’s original timber windows without the disadvantages that come with wooden window frames, such as flaking, warping and the need to sand and repaint them regularly.

They are so good, in fact, that many experts have a hard time telling Evolution’s PVCu windows apart from real timber windows.