planning permissions

Daveburton · 25 Jul 2006

We are trying to change our existing (rotten!) wooden windows for upvc units and are getting a mixed response on the requirement for planning permission....

The window companies contacted state that we do not require any planning permission.

Our council (Brent (London)) states that we require full planning permission (due to our being in a flat).

We own a share of the freehold for the property and are not in a listed building/conservation area. We are, however, in what they cleverly call (depends who you ask) an area of "Distinctive Residential Character".

Please can someone help us negotiate this planning minefield... We don't want to run into issues when we try to sell in a few year's time

Mr. Tickle · 25 Jul 2006

Sorry, but this is easy.

If the people who organise planning permission are telling you that you need planning permission, then you need to get planning permission.

If the people that are TRYING TO SELL YOU WINDOWS are saying that you don't need to go to that hassle; just sign the order and pay them money and they'll put windows in - do you think they are concerned with you having to get retrospective permission or more concerned with when they'll get paid?

BTW - i really really would listen to your local council, specially if you're in an 'area of distinction' (Lucky you!!).

Go with the governing body - they are the ones that can pull the rug from underneath you.

casey25 · 25 Jul 2006

My advice is to go to a FENSA registered company - they notify building control of any changes made to your property regarding windows and doors as they can self certify their work.
If you do decide to do it yourself, you are supposed to notify Building Control first with details of what you are doing, what spec is being used etc, then they will check afterwards.
Or, like i have just done, get the work done, make sure it's to the right spec, then pay around £70 for a regularisation inspection by building control who will then tell you whether what you have done is ok or not. If it is, you get a certificate, if it isn't, you get a report of whats needed to put it right.

Daveburton · 25 Jul 2006

So am I right in thinking that if the company is FENSA regulated then we do not need to go down the route of obtaining permissions?

Static · 25 Jul 2006

http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/england/genpub/en/1011888239467.html
Now that you have asked the planning office if permission is required you should submit an application as they are more likely to do a check on you now. See link above

Static · 25 Jul 2006

Also: http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/england/genpub/en/1011888236900.html
oh and planning permission and building regulations (fensa) are 2 different things

biffvernon · 25 Jul 2006

No! Don't do it. Plastic windows are evil. If you really can't repair the wooden windows then replace them with new wooden ones. Much more beautiful, much better for the planet and much cheaper in the long run as wooden ones should last for centuries instead of barely decades, (if you use the right wood and the right paint, anyway).

JohnD · 25 Jul 2006

I like plastic windows. My working hours are shorter and my profits are higher, in my evening job as a housebreaker.

biffvernon · 25 Jul 2006

Oh, you know how quickly a blow lamp cut through PVC, then.

Richard C · 26 Jul 2006

Daveburton said:
So am I right in thinking that if the company is FENSA regulated then we do not need to go down the route of obtaining permissions?

As has already been said, Planning Permission & Building Control (Regs) are 2 different things. All new/replacement installations are notifyable & subject to BC. If you use a FENSA company they can certify their own work & will advice the Council BC for you. Generally you don't need planning permission for new/replacement windows unless you live in a listed building or in an area the Council deems to be of special interest. In your case the council has deemed it so & this almost certainly to ensure the external look of the property remains in keeping with the surrounding character of the area so you should apply - a FENSA company may do this for you but make sure you see the Council permission before they start work. If it is an area of special interest, I doubt they will allow UPVC in any case!

biffvernon · 26 Jul 2006

If you still think there is some merit in PVC windows then read this: http://www.greenspec.co.uk/pdf/Enviro_Impacts_of_PVC.pdf

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