We’re very proud in being a timber only company, helping to preserve London’s architectural heritage.
Listed Buildings are protected under the Planning Act 1990 (Listed Building and Conservation Areas) and covers buildings of architectural, or historical character and interest.
There are around 500,000 listed buildings in the UK and they are given one of 3 statuses:
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Grade I (around 2.5% of all listed buildings) – buildings of exceptional interest
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Grade II* (around 5.5% of all listed buildings) – particularly important buildings of more than special interest
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Grade II (around 92% of all listed buildings) – buildings that are of special interest and the most likely grade of listing for a home owner
Listed buildings can also be located in Conservation Areas, which is a part of land deemed worth preserving by law. This means all historical details of interest; such as buildings, street paving and trees should be preserved to a regulatory standard. There are over 8,000 sites that benefit from this act in the UK today.
Before making changes which affect the character of a listed building, or conservation area, planning consent is required by law from your Local Authority.
Do I need planning permission to change windows and doors in London?
The answer to this question depends on where you live and the type of property you live in. The rules are different for each of the following four categories:
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Houses, flats, and offices which are NOT in a conservation or listed
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Houses which are in a conservation area and not listed
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Flats and offices which are in a conservation area and not listed.
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Listed buildings of all grades (houses, flats, and offices).
A brief description of rules for each category is below, please note that this is for guidance only and if you are unsure about the rules that govern your property please contact your local planning authority.
Category 1 - Houses, flats, and offices which are NOT in a conservation area or listed.
Planning permission is NOT needed for houses. Planning permission is USUALLY NOT needed for flats and offices, but this is decided at local level and is at the discretion of your local planning authority.
Category 2 - Houses which are in a conservation area and are not listed.
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Planning permission is NOT needed for houses to replace the windows and doors on condition that the new items are ‘like for like in materials and appearance’. Timber must be replaced with timber, and sliding sash with sliding sash.
Category 3 - Flats and offices which are in a conservation area and not listed.​
Planning permission is NOT needed for flats and offices to replace the windows and doors on condition the new items are ‘like for like in materials and appearance’. However, each local planning authority has a local policy regarding flats and offices and they may insist on a planning application.
Category 4 - Listed buildings of all grades, both houses, flats and offices.
Yes, Planning permission is needed in every instance.
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If the style of window will be changed
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If the frame material will be changed
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If you wish to make a change to the type of glazing (eg double glazed) and the original glass will be lost
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If the windows will be repainted to a different colour
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If you wish to replace modern-style windows with a traditional style which is more appropriate
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Usually, making repairs or making a like-for-like replacement would not require consent. However, we always recommend you check with Planning Services first so as to avoid serious repercussions.
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* Slimlite Double Glazing is thinner than standard double glazing and is suitable for use in many existing casements or Sashes. It reduces CO2 emissions, saves on your heating bills and cuts noise pollution. It is also widely accepted by Planning Authorities.
Instances where you need planning consent for windows:
