When is Permission Required to
Replace Windows?
Windows are an important feature of a building that contribute to the character of the property
and of the street in which the building stands. They are also elements of the building that are
increasingly subject to alteration or replacement.
This leaflet indicates where permission is necessary, the type of permission required and what is
likely to be permitted.
The Council’s planning policy covers three categories
1 Listed buildings
These are buildings of national, architectural or historic importance. Any alterations to such
properties, both internal and external, which will change the appearance of the property, require
‘listed building consent’.
2 Unlisted buildings in conservation areas subject to an ‘Article 4 Direction’
Under town planning law it is possible to carry out some alterations to properties without obtaining
planning permission. However, some forms of alteration are not always in keeping with the
traditional design and materials that give conservation areas their character. In such situations
an ‘Article 4 Direction’ can be introduced: this means that householders have to obtain specific
planning permission for these alterations. For example the alteration of windows or doors on a
property would require planning permission.
3 Unlisted buildings in conservation areas not subject to an ‘Article 4 Direction’
These properties are not covered by any special restrictions like Article 4 Directions or listed
buildings. As such alterations to windows can be carried out without the need for planning
permission.
Outlined below is guidance on replacement windows in relation to
each category of building.
1 Listed buildings
Any replacement or alteration of traditional windows should be identical to the original windows
in terms of appearance and materials.
In the case of windows which have previously been altered these should be replaced with
traditional windows which are appropriate to the age and character of the building
(a)
(b)
For example if a window has been previously replaced (a), this should be replaced with a window
of an appropriate type to the age and style of the property (b).
Within modern extensions windows should be of a sympathetic character to the building.
2 Unlisted buildings in conservation areas subject to an ‘Article 4 Direction’
Any replacement or alteration of
traditional windows should be with
windows of an identical appearance.
The use of traditional materials will be
encouraged however the use of modern
materials will be accepted.
For example a timber sash window (a)
can be changed to a UPVC sash window
(b) with planning permission.
Windows which do not replicate a sash
(a)
(b) window would not be acceptable for
(c)
(d)
example a mock sash window (c) or a
casement window (d).
In the case of windows which have
previously been altered, consideration
should be given to restoring a window of
a traditional appearance to the property,
however, the use of windows which are
of a similar appearance but a different
opening mechanism will be allowed.
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
For example a replacement window (e)
can be restored to a sash window (f)
but a UPVC window(g) or a mock sash
(h) would be acceptable. These works
would require planning permission.
3 Unlisted buildings in conservation areas not subject to an ‘Article 4 Direction’
Windows on these properties can be altered without the requirement of planning permission.
Owners are, however, encouraged to replace or alter traditional windows with windows of an
identical appearance or appropriate to the age and character of the property.
Should works to such properties require a planning application, for example an extension, careful
consideration should be given to the design of the new windows. The windows would be required
to be of a type sympathetic to the age and character of the building.
Doors
Doors are often also considered for replacement at the same time as windows. This policy does
not cover doors and further information can be found in the leaflet entitled ‘Doors’.
Always check which permissions are required before starting work
If you are thinking of changing the windows in your property you should write to the Council’s
One Stop Shop providing information on the existing windows in your property and details of the
windows you’d like to install. Informal, written advice will be provided outlining any formal consent
that may be required such as planning permission, listed building consent or building regulations.
Details should be submitted to:
One Stop Shop, Development Control, Bryan Hanson House, Hanson Square, Hartlepool, TS24 7BT
or alternatively E-mail: developmentcontrol@hartlepool.gov.uk
For further information about this leaflet contact:
Landscape Planning and Conservation
Bryan Hanson House
Hanson Square
Hartlepool
TS24 7BT
Email: landscape.planning@hartlepool.gov.uk Tel: 01429 523275