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Navigating planning requirements for window work in London's conservation areas and listed buildings. We advise at survey and help you understand what's achievable before any money is spent.
Planning requirements for window work vary significantly depending on whether your property is in a conservation area, is listed, and which Local Authority you're in. Getting this wrong — fitting windows that haven't been approved, or paying for a planning application when permitted development applies — costs time and money.
At every survey, we assess the planning context of your property and give you a clear view of what we believe will and won't be approved — before you commit to anything. For straightforward cases this is part of the survey at no extra charge.
For more complex cases — particularly listed buildings or properties in boroughs with stricter conservation officers — we can provide a written planning assessment to support your application or pre-application enquiry.
Book a consultation →In many conservation areas, yes — but usually only slimline double glazing, which has a narrower unit that doesn't alter the sightlines. Standard IGU is typically refused. Vacuum glazing is increasingly accepted, including in some listed buildings.
In conservation areas, replacing windows that are not like-for-like usually requires planning permission. Repairs and draughtproofing typically don't. We'll tell you clearly which category your work falls into at survey.
Listed building consent is required for any works affecting the character of the building. Single glazing is almost always required. Vacuum glazing is now accepted by some LAs and Historic England on a case-by-case basis.
Nearly 75% of RBKC has conservation area status — one of the highest proportions of any borough in England. We carry out a large proportion of our work in the borough and are familiar with the council's approach to window replacements, glazing specifications, and what conservation officers will and won't accept.
Since June 2026, like-for-like timber double-glazed window replacements have been permitted without planning permission in RBKC — a significant change that opens up more options for homeowners in the borough. We can advise on whether your project qualifies.
Westminster has over 50 conservation areas, many with their own specific guidance. Belgravia, Mayfair, and Bayswater all have detailed character appraisals that affect what's permitted. We know the key requirements in most Westminster conservation areas.
Every property is surveyed in person — no estimates from photos, no hard sell.