Window Opening question

[Sid1968]

Require some advice please

Mid terraced property customer wants to split the front master bedroom in to two creating smaller bedroom and a bathroom (moving it from the back to the front of the property).

For the bathroom a new small window opening is required

is that a planning application or building regs only


thanks in advance

 

[Nakajo]

So the window is in the side elevation?

 

[awaitcall]

Front elevation

 

[Nakajo]

Are there any other small windows in the front elevation?

 

[awaitcall]

Not a small one

Mid terraced house. 2 windows on each floor master bedroom first floor and front room on ground floor. Also a front door entrance

Standard terraced house windowns 6 x 3ft

 

[Nakajo]

I don't know where everybody's got to today. Well, as long as the property isn't listed/in a conservation area/subject to any article 4 exclusions, and permitted development rights are intact, then you should not need to apply for planning permission for insertion of new windows of a similar appearance to those already there - but I'd get the view of the duty planning officer just to be sure.

 

[GeoffJ]

Apply to get a lawful development certificate (LDC) to protect your backside.

 

[Nakajo]

I can't see that an LDC would do much in this instance.

 

[tony1851]

Inserting a new window in a front elevation is permitted development, pure and simple. (unless a listed building etc).
(No point in asking the planning department - by default they will just say it does need p.p. to get the fee in)

 

[Nakajo]

tony1851 My only concern is that requirement to match existing windows. Presumably, it means in terms of style and materials only?

 

[Nakajo]

Ah, yes - https://planningjungle.com/wp-conte...-10-Worst-Permitted-Development-Loopholes.pdf

I'm surprised that this is permitted frankly, given that the insertions are plainly so different from the originals - but there we are.

 

[tony1851]

Yes, it's a common misconception that new windows need planning permission, even among planning officers, who should know better.

Look in Class A of the GPDO, and there is no prohibition on new windows to any elevation. As this is not expressly prohibited, it is permitted.

 

[Nakajo]

Yes, it simply says that materials must be of a similar appearance to those used in the construction of the exterior - appropriately vague.

 

[awaitcall]

Update

Confirmed by building control is permitted development

Thanks everyone

 

[Nakajo]

Building Control? What would they know?