Planning permission?

continualdiamond

Does anyone know if you need planning permission or buildings regulations when it comes to enlarging a window in your house? or for that matter putting in double glazed windows?

Basically we want 2 windows (same size) as double glazed, also 1 double glazed back door. Then we want 1 window enlarged and put in double glazing, it involves obviously taking out some bricks, where increasing the height of the window, not the width.

Debt_Free_Chick

Building control, I think - but put a call into your local authority and they'll confirm it.

Humpty

What is the current size?
How much bigger will it be?
Is there a concrete lintel above the current window?

Cheers

Humpty

jennifernil

If the one you want to enlarge is at the front you should consult planning too.

oakview

If your are doing the work yourself then you need building control, if it is being done by a company you should be ok and they should supply a fensa certificate for each new window and door.

McAzrael

oakview wrote:

If your are doing the work yourself then you need building control, if it is being done by a company you should be ok and they should supply a fensa certificate for each new window and door.

They may supply a FENSA or CERTASS or BSI or Building Control certificate, or advise you to arrange a building control inspection yourself. FENSA do not have a monopoly. All replacement windows in dwellings (that is, in the dwelling itself and not any attached conservatories, porches or garages) in England and Wales come under building regulations and it is the homeowner's responsibility to ensure compliance. Doors with more than 50% glazed area also come under building regulations.

bobber

Really sorry to nip in here,continualdiamond, hope you dont mind if I ask a quick question on your thread please?

Doors with more than 50% glazed area also come under building regulations.

That's really useful to know McAzrael - Ive just been searching for the answer to that!
Do you know if the same applies to side panels/sidelights? We are hoping to find timber sidelights with slightly less than 50% glazing and have a builder to install - it would be great if they were exempt too.
So Im assuming we wouldnt have to notify Building Control at all then hopefully?

cat79_2

replacement windows may need planning permission. Unfortunately local authorities deal with this differently. The best advice is to go to your local authority and ask the development control section. In my area, we take applications from people who wish to enlarge windows/put windows in, in flats (some councils do not), we always do, when considering applications in conservation areas and listed buildings (listed building consent also required). In addition, to enlarge a window, whilst usually that does not require permission in say a detached house (outwith CA and not listed) there may be a condition attached to the origianl consent for the house/scheme of housing requiring that no alterations are made to the exterior of the house without consent from the planning authority. In listed buildings and houses within CA's it is often not desirable that windows are enlarged and/or mullions removed.

In properties in conservation areas, if the windows on surrounding properties are timber it is unlikley that UPVC would be approved (particularly on the front elevation or any publicly visible elevations).

To sum up, if your property is not listed, not in a CA or a flat (though may not apply to your local authority), you are unlikely to require planning permission to put in a new window/enlarge existing opening. In addition,to simply replace single with double glazing also would be fine. Its more the frames that are the issue in areas of special control. But best to check with your local authority to be sure.

Advice based on scottish planning regs.

ormus

in a normal house, PP is not usually required for this sort of work.
all work comes under BC, though for safety reasons.
a straight replacement is not any problem, but enlarging maybe of course.
re a new lintel etc..

floyd

We had a window replaced with large french doors which were double the height of the existing window and didn't need permission for that