Upgrading or replacing windows for period properties and listed buildings.

Upgrading or replacing windows for period properties and listed buildings…

Upgrading or replacing windows and doors for period properties and listed buildings should be undertaken with great care and thorough research to ensure the traditional authenticity of the windows and the architectural character of your property is retained.

It requires planning and often navigating complex regulations. However, there sometimes comes a time when replacing older windows is necessary or highly advisable to improve their integrity and the property’s energy performance. Whether you’re considering restoring original sash windows or replacing casement windows there are some vital questions you need to answer before making any big decisions.

Lets take a look…

What’s the listing status of your property?

Is your property or, building Grade I, II or Grade II* listed or, in a conservation area? We’re guessing probably II? Grade II listed buildings account for 92% of all listed buildings in the UK. Depending on what status your property is, each status comes with different regulations which in turn, will affect what you can and can’t do with your windows.

Listed buildings are subject to Listed Building Consent, failure to get consent can lead to a criminal offence therefore, it’s vital before any work is undertaken that this is obtained. If your building isn’t listed but, your property has planning restrictions you’ll likely need to discuss these with the local planning authority. Find your local planning authority here.

Specific Requirements for my area?
Permitted Development Rights (PDRs) allow homeowners to make certain property changes i.e. altering or changing windows without needing full planning permission. However, in certain designated areas where stricter planning controls are in place these rights do not automatically apply. For example;

– National Parks
– Areas of outstanding natural beauty
– Conservation Areas
– World Heritage Sites

In these areas PDRs are limited you’ll normally need to obtain planning permission for changes that would otherwise be permitted under PDRs in other areas. If at any point you’re unsure about planning it’s best to always check with your local authority as each authority interprets and applies rules differently. Getting it wrong could be costly and could mean redoing the job.

Article 4 Directions

Local councils can also apply Article 4 Directions in areas where PDRs do apply by default to further restrict or remove these rights. This is often done to protect special neighbourhood’s character or, address local planning concerns.

Is casement or sash window repair a viable option?

Certain local authorities may prefer a repair rather than replacement of windows especially if the window is historically significant. Like-for-like repairs do not require planning permission. Completing repairs to a high standard is clearly a worthwhile venture and in some cases essential. However, if your windows have degraded beyond economical repair or are inappropriate in terms of design and material a replacement could be your best option.

Which materials are approved for my property?

Upvc is always a popular choice when it comes to modern homes however, not always suitable for heritage properties. Wooden windows tend to be the preferred choice. Using a good quality timber is imperative, it extends durability, resisting insect and fungal attack. Stability is important too on less stable timbers the constant contraction and expansion eventually leads to failure in the coating, allowing water to penetrate & accelerate the rate of damage and decay.

Here at Silent View Windows we are able to help match new windows with the existing window types including structural and aesthetics characteristics. We are able to sensitively upgrade heritage projects with the help of  The Residence Window Collection – designed to replicate 19th Century timber windows but, fuses traditional aesthetics with modern material, creating a window that is both elegant and energy efficient. It has gained widespread approval from local authorities in conservation areas and Grade II listed buildings throughout the UK. This approval allows for a smoother installation process for installers like ourselves.

New windows & Energy Efficiency

New or restored windows can greatly improve your homes energy performance without compromising its historical integrity.

Unless inappropriate windows have been fitted it’s likely your windows will be single glazed. Of course, single glazed are less efficient than modern double glazed wooden windows. Whether you can double glaze a window in a conservation area will ultimately be down to the Local Authority. Double Glazing can be integrated sympathetically into replacement windows using conventional Double glazing, slim double glazing or vacuum glazing.

How will you document the process for planning records?

It’s essential you keep detailed records of any work done for listed buildings. With Silent View Windows we’ll keep record of all communications & detail every step of the way should you ever require any documentation.

Period homes & planning permission

If you are replacing your existing windows in a period home with like for like replicas, the general rule is that you do not need permission as long as the window replacements meet building regulations and FENSA approval.  

Our team at Silent View Windows are committed to preserving your windows historical integrity while ensuring they meet modern performance and efficiency standards. Get in touch to make an enquiry or, if you have any questions our friendly team will be more than happy to help. Give us a call on 01844 397700 or get in touch here.

Take a look at a previous job we completed in the heart of Thame High Street where we helped sympathetically transform a local historic building – an old bank into luxury new apartments >> read the case study here.