Do You Need Planning Permission to Change Flat Windows?

[fredieG]

Hi,

We have just moved into our flat and want to get
the windows changed from the old single glazed to
new double glazed.

The flat is not listed or inside a conservation area and
several of the neighbours in the block have already
changed their windows without planning permission.
I have spoken to the management company and they
are fine with us changing the windows.

Planning permission would probably take a couple
of months and we would much prefer to have the windows
in before winter.

If we copy the existing window design but in modern
equivalent material (aluminium) then should
we be Ok to go ahead without planning consent?

 

[tony1851]

Under the circumstances, highly unlikely your local planning department would take an interest.

 

[jamesnewhere]

Just got PP for my window replacements London area.For my flat.


Not in a conservation area or any thing similar.

Similar design windows to existing and even more similar to my immediate neighbours.

Full application £170.00 fee to council and after 8 weeks waiting which involved my neighbours getting a letter from the council re objections,so far the planning plod has visited my place once to take photos of the existing windows.

Planning result is = permitted development.

Be very aware that sales people will not mention planning permission as it might put off a potential new window customer.

Planning Rules for flats are very different than those for houses.

So sorry PP is necessary.

 

[jamesnewhere]

removed duplicate reply.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

So sorry PP is necessary.

No that is incorrect. You cannot say that just because you had to apply (or they took your money and didn't let on it was PD) for planning permission that that applies to the OP. If the new windows match the existing then PP is unlikely to be required. Also, different LA's take different approaches with regards to this. There is no yes/no answer to this.

 

[jamesnewhere]

It's very necessary in London,as per my window installation company who dealt with the planning application.

As per my council,replacement windows in flats will need a full planning application submitted.

Looking at the planning application searches on my councils internet site (last 6 months) shows 8 planning applications for replacement windows on individual flats and 2 planning applications for complete block of flats window replacement.None of them are in conservation or similar areas.

Maybe different around the county but the question was from a person in London.

Easy cash for the council

James.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Maybe different around the county but the question was from a person in London.

There are 33 different Council's in London, they each have their own planning policies.

 

[AronSearle]

The guidance says you need to apply for planning permission if you are putting in windows with a different appearance.

Looks like councils are interpreting this as single to double glazing.

>insert expletive.

 

[fredieG]

Thank you for the replies.

Is there a way I can apply for retrospective
planning approval after the windows have
been fitted? so that we do not have to
wait for permission.

I just cannot imagine the council asking for the
windows to be removed if they would have
given us permission anyway. And with so many
others having these windows in the block it
would seem totally unreasonable if they did.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Thank you for the replies.

Is there a way I can apply for retrospective
planning approval after the windows have
been fitted? so that we do not have to
wait for permission.

I just cannot imagine the council asking for the
windows to be removed if they would have
given us permission anyway. And with so many
others having these windows in the block it
would seem totally unreasonable if they did.

Exactly, just get on with it.

Even if they raised an objection the worst you will ever get is some snotty letters, it would be seen to not be in the interest of the public to take any legal action.

Provided you don’t fit purple windows where they are white at present for example.

And if they said you needed to apply for PP after the event then yes you could apply for retrospective approval.