Replacing a window with French Doors

Unitoons

Hi All,

I am moving into my new house soon (hopefully) and would like to replace the window at the back of the house (which overlooks the back garden) with either French Doors or Patio Doors.

Can anyone advise if I would need planning permission for this? Or building regs?

thanks

PasturesNew

You might need planning permission - depends if it's a listed building or in a conservation area - and, increasingly, a lot of newer developments have removed your "permitted development rights" so you'd need it for anything.

Building regs will ALWAYS be required.

uk_messer

If you're keeping the same width (no change to lintel) then it may not need anything. Just call up your council and they will advise.

Gloomendoom

PasturesNew wrote: »

Building regs will ALWAYS be required.

Not always.

I want to do the same thing so asked my local building control office. They told me that I did not need building regs as long as I did not not disturb the existing lintel.

leveller2911

Gloomendoom wrote: »

Not always.

I want to do the same thing so asked my local building control office. They told me that I did not need building regs as long as I did not not disturb the existing lintel.

Not strictly true because if you replace an existing window with either another window or a pair of French doors all the work will need to comply with building regs and you will either need to employ a FENSA registered installer or apply to your local building control for a Building notice.....

Either way you need to comply with building regs.

Gloomendoom

leveller2911 wrote: »

Not strictly true because if you replace an existing window with either another window or a pair of French doors all the work will need to comply with building regs and you will either need to employ a FENSA registered installer or apply to your local building control for a Building notice.....

Either way you need to comply with building regs.

The window I was replacing was internal... so very strictly true in my case. But I agree, it is a good idea to check with BC before you start.

leveller2911

Gloomendoom wrote: »

The window I was replacing was internal... so very strictly true in my case. But I agree, it is a good idea to check with BC before you start.

Even if its an internal window it should comply with building regulations for glazing.........;)

thebaldwindowfitter

Not notifiable to FENSA

The FENSA scheme does not cover the following and work should be notified to the local authority: The FENSA scheme also does not cover any glazing work in the following but the work does not need to be notified to the local authority:
• New build dwellings • Detached garages and sheds
• New domestic extensions • Most caravans, mobile homes and holiday chalets
• Any glazing work in commercial and industrial buildings • Repairs to windows or replacement insulating glass units
• Listed buildings or those in conservation areas
• Listed buildings or those in conservation areas
• Doors with less than 50% glazing
• Room conversions e.g. bathroom converted into bedroom, new loft conversions
• Communal areas for flats
• The removal of Brickwork (e.g. conversion of windows to patio cut outs, door to window, window to door) are not considered replacement like for like products and should not be registered under a replacement window, door and roof light Competent Person scheme.
You need to speak to building control fensa registered installers CANNOT self certify alterations as above

Unitoons

Thanks everyone! I will call my council for advice. The house is just a bog standard semi so I can't think there would be any issues even if planning were required!