double glazing in conservation area

pigeonpie

Do you have to apply for planning permission to double glaze windows in a conservation area? The window is boxed, possibly Edwardian; the middle does not open, just the 2 sides and it's wood.
What would be the best solution for sound proofing purposes as it's a bedroom which is directly above street level?
My friend would prefer to replace the whole window which isn't that attractive with one that opens more fully as well, as has been done at the back of the property (not visible from the street).

Do you need planning permission for internal shutters as I suggested that would block noise too.

thanks

[Deleted User]

You need planning permission to replace the whole sash including frame. If you replace just the sash, then it's considered as 'repair', so you don't need planning permission. This what my local planning officer told me.

Like you, I wanted d/g sashes, so I rang up my local conservation officer and asked if it was ok. He said I should go for a single glazed panel blah blah... but wouldn't object to d/g sashes as long as I got rid of of those horrible louvre windows that I had inherited.

One thing, make sure you choose a FENSA registered company to do the work. If you're in North London, I can recommend someone to you, it's a small company that do beautiful work, my Edwardian sashes were (I sold the place last year) BEAUTIFUL, they looked exactly like my neighbour's who still had the original windows. :T

[Deleted User]

Forgot to add, internal shutters shouldn't need permission. Give your local planner a call, they are always very helpful.

pigeonpie

The local planners and the adjective 'helpful'....ho hum! I am in SE London.
Not sure if North Londoners know where that is or would work there but pm me if you think so- thanks!

boom

I think the answer is "it depends" on the area and the conservation stuff.

Where we are moving to the whole area is a conservation area. I telephoned the planning people and, surprisingly, they were very helpful. The answer in our case was that there are no restrictions on doors/windows and hence we can do whatever we like with our doors and windows. This isn't necessarily the case with things like roof / dormer windows though.

Speak to your planning people and they should help you...

Norma_Desmond

I live in a conservation area and National Park; planning controls are pretty strict - I've got original wood sash windows and I've been told that I would have to replace them like-for-like (not that I want to!), and that my roof would have to be 'done' with local slate.

Debt_Free_Chick

Just call the Local Planning Authority - probably a division of the (London) Borough Council.

Conservation Areas are designated as areas to be protected, because of their architectural and/or heritage interest. The Planning Authority will probably want you to preserve the nature of the original windows - if the windows you want don't "stick out like a sore thumb", you'll be fine. If the window frames are currently wood, then replace with pressure-treated softwood frames, with double glazed glass. Or, if you can afford it, hardwood (though there are few benefits over pressure-treated softwood, especially if you are planning to paint).

HTH