Planning Permission and Building Regulations for New Windows

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Alexandra works in the marketing department, and in 2014, bought her first house, which turned out to be somewhat of a ‘project’.
Since then, the whole house has needed renovating, which has helped her gain a knowledge of basic DIY, decorating and making the best of a small space.

By Alexandra Giles

What’s the difference between planning permission and building regulations?

Planning permission establishes whether you can build at all and is decided on a case-by-case basis by your local authority.

Building regulations are related to specific structural aspects of the build, and all builds must comply with these regulations. There is no decision-making process, unlike planning permission, it is a simple case of whether the work has followed the specified rules.

Do I need planning permission to change my windows?

In most instances, you do not need planning permission if you are replacing your windows with new windows that won’t change the appearance of your home.

For example, if you are replacing your uPVC, white framed casement windows with aluminium, grey casement windows you will not need planning permission, as long as you don’t fall into one of the following:

When you will need planning permission:

If you live in an area under Article 4 Direction.
If you live in a listed building.
If you are installing new bay windows. These count as extensions.
If you want to install upper floor windows on the sides of your house without level 4 or 5 obscured glass.
If you want to install upper floor windows into an opening frame that is within 1.7m above the floor. If it is higher than this it can be in an opening frame.

Level 4 of 5 obscured glass means whatever is behind the glass is considerably or totally obscured (like most bathroom windows). Click here to see a quick example of the different levels.

Article 4 Direction means that some buildings will not have the right to undertake permitted development. These are often buildings in conservation areas, but aren’t always. Your local council will be able to tell you if your house falls under Article 4 Direction.

Your local council and your window fitters will be able to advise you on whether planning permission is necessary for your window instalment.

How do I get planning permission?

Most planning permission applications are submitted online via the planning portal. You will need to fill in a standardised form that is sent to your local planning authority.

Planning permission applications for householders cost £172. This is a set national fee – local councils cannot change it.

What building regulations are relevant?

All replacement windows are subject to Building Regulations. Rest assured that all Origin windows satisfy and surpass Building Regulations for emergency exist, restricted openings and marine based dwellings.

If your installer is a registered member of the self-certification scheme known as FENSA then they will self-certify that the new windows are compliant.

If they are not they will have to apply for Building Regulations approval at least 48 hours before work is started.

Regulations are related to thermal standards, ventilation, emergency exits and restricted openings. There are also specific regulations for marine based dwellings.

The right thermal standards are achieved by using low-emissivity glass and at least double-glazing unless you live in a listed property. At Origin Global we use Aerogel, a state-of-the-art technology that is the world’s best insulator with the lowest thermal conductivity of any known solid material.

Safety glass must be used on all windows within 800mm of the floor.

Interested in Origin Windows? Speak to your local installer today.