The Sash Window Man, planning permission and building regulations

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Planning Permission & Building Regulations

Planning Permission
If you live in a flat or a maisonette you will almost certainly need planning permission if you want to fit a new window.

If you live in an old house you may well be in a conservation area.

Even if you don't think you need planning permission it is always best to check.

If you are restoring or repairing an existing window then it is unlikely that you will need planning permission or building regulations approval.

Building Regulations
The building regulations were changed in April 2002 in order to make sure that all new windows comply with enhanced standards of thermal insulation (protection of the ozone layer).

If you are fitting a new timber window it needs to achieve a U value of 2. In simple terms this usually means that you have to have double glazed sashes that are 24mm wide overall (2 panes of 4mm glass with a 16mm gap. To include one pane of low e glass ).

There are exceptions, particularly if you live in a listed building, but you need to be aware of this issue as it could create a problem when you try and sell your property later on.

If you would like help dealing with planning or building control issues we are happy to manage this for you.