Planning Permission for New Windows and Doors

Guide to planning permission for new windows and doors

Our guide on what to look out for when planning to change your windows and doors — especially if you are living in Greater London.

Have you decided that the time has come to replace some or all of your windows and doors because they no longer offer security and efficiency? If so, you will need to consider some important points and possible problems you might face under the planning process, particularly if you live within Greater London. The good news is that you might be allowed to make changes under Permitted Development Rights (PDR) without any problems, but there are also two potential hurdles which come under the headings: Conservation Areas and Article 4 Direction. This guide should help you navigate the rules.

PDR Permitted Development Rights

PDR allows the homeowner to make small changes without the need to apply for planning permission. These are homes that do not fall into any Conservation Area or Article 4 Direction area. But note that this does not apply to flats and maisonettes, as these do not have permitted development rights. PDR is based on the condition that the changes being made are small and in keeping and will not have a negative impact on surrounding properties, nor disrupt the overall symmetry of the neighbourhood.

However, to be certain that you can make changes under PDR, it is always good practice to contact your local authority if the changes you wish to make are more than a like-for-like replacement. In other words, if you are planning a different type of glazing layout or product material, we would always advise you to contact your local council for approval.

To find your local planning authority, click the link below and enter your postcode:

Find your local planning authority

Article 4 Direction

Article 4 direction is a planning rule that allows councils to restrict PDR, depending on the property type. Councils have the authority to refuse changes to a building’s fabric to protect the surrounding area from anything that may adversely affect neighbouring properties.

To check if you are in an Article 4 Directions area, you can go online to look at the planning portal on your local council’s website. This should display relevant information and maps of your area. Further details can be found on the UK Government website by clicking on the link below.

Planning Permission in England & Wales

Conservation Areas

Properties within a Conservation Area enjoy a particular status designed to preserve and protect their historic features. The focus is to ensure that buildings are renovated, repaired or enhanced to maintain the original fabric.

Conservation Areas are governed by legislation, which means the rules must be strictly adhered to, especially when replacing windows and doors. However, if you are replacing like-for-like in material and design, you generally do not need planning consent in a conservation area that is not covered by an Article 4 Direction. Again, it’s important to check before starting any work. There are over 1000 Conservation Areas in Greater London, all of which are managed by their respective local authorities.

Owners of properties that fall under this bracket of planning will be asked to submit more stringent and extensive details, such as computer-assisted drawings (CADs), profile sections, and even details like the depth of glazing.

Enfield Windows is a market leader in supplying and installing timber windows and doors and since many of our projects fall within Article 4 and Conservation Area legislation, our sales team already has wide experience in guiding clients through the process.