What Options do we Have for Replacing the Windows in Our Period Home?
“Replacement windows typically offer better thermal efficiency… however, as soon as you start talking about conservation, aesthetics usually become the most important factor”
Q My wife and I are renovating a listed property which sits in a conservation area. Where windows need replacing, what options and/or alternatives are there on the market that would be accepted by both listed building and conservation officers? We’ve heard that this can be a tricky area to navigate when choosing appropriate materials and styles. John Davis, Suffolk A Rep lace mentlymartyn offer better hay worththermal windows efficiency, says: typicalsound-proofing and security than old windows— even those that have been painstakingly repaired. However, as soon as you start talking about conservation, aesthetics usually become the most important factor. The first thing to note is that there are three different scenarios for replacing windows here: listed buildings, conservation areas and Article 4 Directives. In a listed building you always need local authority planning permission to replace windows. In general they will only consider like for like replacements, in terms of both the appearance and materials used. So, effectively, replacement windows must be exactly the same as those being replaced; if you had timber sash windows before, you’ll need identical timber sash windows now. As a result, it’s often simpler to repair existing windows to bring them up to scratch. Conservation areas are different, as they’re concerned with appearance but not materials. So accurate, authentic modern replacements are fine. On top of that, if you’re replacing windows in a private, self-contained home, you won’t normally need planning permission to change windows. This is where products like our Genesis Collection flush sash and vertical sliding sash windows come into their own, as they’ve been specifically designed to replicate traditional windows, while offering much better thermal efficiency and security than the originals. Article 4 Directives, which are sometimes attached to buildings within a conservation area, are like a halfway house between con- servation tect of ics, ning interest, not the permission materials. appearance and they listed are if you But concerned status. of want you buildings Designed will to with change need and aesthet- to areas plan- your prowindows. are authentic Again, in modern appearance replacements should be that acceptable, but you will need approval from your local conservation officer or planning authority first. It’s always best to contact your local authority before you do anything, to check what you are and aren’t allowed to do in your local area.