You can use our new tool to check if your project needs planning permission.

Flats

You must apply for full planning permission for changes to a window or door if any of these apply:

  • it will be installed where there was not one before
  • it will be made of a different material to the existing. For instance replacing a timber window with a uPVC window
  • it will be of a different size to the existing
  • it will differ in appearance to the existing. For instance replacing a sash window with a casement window or changing the glazing bar pattern.

If your flat is a listed building (or part of), you must apply for listed building consent for this.

Houses

You must apply for householder planning permission for changes to a window or door if any of these apply:

  • it will be made of a different material to the existing. For instance replacing a timber window with a uPVC window
  • your house is covered by an Article 4 Direction and you want to install or replace windows/doors. This is if they will be on the front of your house or side if seen from the street
  • a new window will be located on the upper floor of the side of your house (including the roof slope). It would be clear-glazed and openable. That is unless the opening part of the window is more than 1.7m above the floor of the room in which it is installed.

If your house is a listed building (or part of), you must apply for listed building consent for this.

Can I replace my timber windows with uPVC windows?

You must apply for planning permission. If your property is in a conservation area, replacing timber windows with uPVC windows would not be accepted. Find more information in Chapter 4 of Camden Planning Guidance 1 - Design (pdf)

Can I replace my single glazing with double glazing?

Flats

If there is no change in material, colour, size and design planning permission is not needed. This is as long as your flat is not a listed building or covered by an Article 4 Direction .

Houses

If there is no change in material planning permission is not needed. This is as long as your property is not a listed building or covered by an Article 4 Direction.

Can I get confirmation that I do not need planning permission?

Apply for a Lawful Development Certificate to prove that a window or door is lawful. This is both for existing and proposed items.

Am I likely to get planning permission?

To find out whether your proposal is likely to be accepted, you can apply for pre-planning application advice.

How do I apply?

You can apply via the national planning portal. To find out what information is needed with your application, see making a planning application.

Still not sure whether you need planning permission?

If you need further advice about whether you need planning permission, contact planning advice and information.