Planning permissions for windows & doors

When is planning permission required?

When you choose FineLine to design and install your new windows and doors, you’re in safe hands. We’ll carry out a full inspection to see whether planning permission is required. Generally including repairs, maintenance and minor improvements, in most cases, planning permission will not be required. However, if any of the following apply you may need consent to replace or make alterations:

The new windows or doors differ in appearance from those being replaced.

The property is a listed building.

The property is in a designated area, ie a conservation area or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

The property falls under an Article 4 Directive.

Fitting double glazing in leasehold properties, ie flats or maisonettes.

Opening, upper-floor, side elevation windows that are not obscure-glazed (unless the part of the window that opens is 1.7m from the floor).

Installing new bay windows at the front of the house.

A new porch that extends beyond 3m (including the walls).

Creating a new opening in a wall to replace windows and doors at the front of the house or facing a road.

Listed buildings and designated areas may also be restricted by colour, including re-painting.

Be sure to give your original planning permission a quick check to make sure there are no conditions attached.

Building regulations for windows and doors in Kent

Your new windows and doors must comply with the latest building regulations. This means that:

Replacement windows must have a minimum U-value of 1.6W/m2k or an energy rating of C.
Replacement doors must have a minimum U-value of 1.8W/m2k or an energy rating of E.
Windows and doors for new builds have a target U-value of 1.4/m2k.
Front door replacements for properties built since 1999 must maintain a level threshold.
For optimum ventilation, windows and doors with trickle vents may be required.
Safety glazing is required for doors that feature glazing up to 1500mm from floor level and unobstructed openable areas that are at least 0.33sqm and 450mm high and 450mm wide.
Fixed (non-opening windows) may be required to meet fire safety criteria.
Replacement escape windows must be at least 450mm x 450mm with a clear openable area of at least 0.33m², and the bottom of the openable area should be no more than 1100mm above floor level.
Fireproof doors are required for internal doors between a garage and the main dwelling, for loft conversions and in properties of more than 2 storeys where doors open into a stairwell.
Social housing building regs state that all habitable rooms in buildings of one or two storeys to be fitted with an escape window. Exceptions may apply for ground floor rooms that lead directly to an escape window or external door.

As FENSA Approved Installers, we are fully equipped to self-certify compliance with Building Regulations, eliminating the need for separate approval from your Local Authority.