Windows in Historic Buildings
Are you considering replacing the windows in your home, but are unsure if you need planning permission? The type of property you have and the protection in place can affect whether or not you need to apply for planning permission.
When You Don't Need Planning Permission
If you live in a conservation area, you don't need planning permission if both of these conditions apply:
- Your property is a single dwelling house.
- The new windows will be of a similar appearance.
When You Do Need Planning Permission
You do need planning permission if one of these conditions applies:
- Your property is a flat or business.
- The windows will be in a different style or appearance.
Keep in mind that listed building consent will always be required to replace windows in a listed building.
Living in a Conservation Area
A common misconception is that living in a conservation area means you automatically have to apply for planning permission to replace your windows. The designation of a conservation area requires new windows to be of a similar appearance to the existing. To use new windows of a different appearance will require planning permission but will be supported if the existing windows are not traditional or appropriate to the age and style of the building. Even though you may not need planning permission, there are still many reasons why you might want to choose traditional timber windows.
Neighbouring properties in a terrace. One still has traditional timber sliding sash windows and the other has replaced them with uPVC sliding sash windows. The uPVC windows have not matched the original proportions or detailing of the adjacent timber windows.
The Benefits of Timber Windows
An area being designated as a conservation area can raise house prices as it is recognized as an attractive and characterful place to live. Conservation areas typically have a lot of timber windows, which are considered to be one of the architectural elements that give an area its special quality. Replacing timber windows with uPVC windows can lessen the special quality of a place and result in a loss of property value.
In 2009, Historic England identified the loss of timber windows as the number one threat to conservation areas. A survey of estate agents found that the loss of traditional windows and doors was considered the biggest threat to property values in conservation areas. Of those asked, 82% of estate agents thought original features added value to the property and helped them sell more quickly.
Timber sliding sash windows with fine glazing bars. The windows on the ground floor slide vertically whereas the windows on the first floor slide horizontally.
Are Timber Windows Affordable?
Timber windows have a reputation for being expensive, requiring a lot of maintenance, and not having a long lifespan. However, this perception is largely due to low-quality timber windows installed following the Second World War and successful advertising from the uPVC industry in the 80s.
A quality timber window has a lifespan of 50 years, twice as long as the most expensive uPVC window. There is also not much difference in price between timber windows and top-end uPVC or ‘timber alternative’ windows. Timber windows can be repaired, prolonging their lifespan beyond the initial 50 years. In contrast, a uPVC window cannot be repaired and must be replaced after the slightest damage or at the end of its lifespan.
Two identical properties with very different windows which have greatly altered their character. The property on the right has traditional sliding sash timber windows. Whereas, the property on the left has uPVC casement windows.
Many existing timber windows may look beyond repair, but they can often be retained, repaired, and even upgraded to match the performance of a new uPVC window. Basic repairs, proper refitting of a timber window and installing draft brushes can stop drafts, and single glazing can sometimes be replaced with double glazing or slimline glazing that retains heat just as well as uPVC windows. Without needing to alter your existing timber windows, secondary glazing can also be installed internally and has better thermal performance than double glazed windows. Repairing or upgrading your existing timber windows costs significantly less than replacing them with new timber or uPVC windows.
For a timber window to reach its full lifespan and beyond, maintenance is required. Repainting of timber windows is generally recommended every 5 years. However, uPVC windows are not fully maintenance-free. To reduce discoloration, which is not reversible, uPVC windows are recommended to be fully washed every 4 months, and moving parts are recommended to be lubricated every 6-12 months.
Both properties with modern uPVC windows but the lack of glazing bars and division of the window has altered the character of the property on the left. The property on the right does have modern uPVC windows and the proportions are slightly off but has made an attempt to retain the more ‘traditional’ look with some subdivision.
Environmental Impact of Timber and uPVC Windows
uPVC windows are not environmentally friendly, especially when compared with timber windows. Reducing resources used is always the best option for the environment. This is another reason why repairing and upgrading your existing windows is the best all-round option.
A huge amount of non-renewable resources and energy are required to manufacture uPVC windows. It will take many years for the improved thermal performance of your home to offset the resources used in the manufacture of uPVC windows. The vast majority of uPVC windows end up in landfills. While some manufacturers sate uPVC windows are recyclable, only a small part of the frame is possible to be recycled and most of that is not as the frame has to be broken apart to separate the recyclable plastic. Only 3% of plastic used in uPVC windows is recycled and the rest is put into landfill or incinerated. Harmful chemical gases are released from inside the double-glazed units as they deteriorate in landfills or incinerated.
In contrast, timber windows use a renewable resource and can improve the thermal performance of a building when upgraded and maintained correctly. Timber windows are also not harmful to the environment when disposed of.
A characterful building with lovely detailing in the render and around the windows on the first floor and to the timber bargeboards on the dormers. However, this is overshadowed by the unsympathetic uPVC casement windows with incorrect proportions which draw the eye away from the pleasing retained details.
In conclusion, if you're considering replacing your windows, it's important to check if you need planning permission. If you live in a conservation area, you may not need planning permission, but there are still many benefits to choosing traditional timber windows. Timber windows are more affordable over their lifespan than the alternatives, long-lasting, and environmentally friendly, making them a great choice for any home.
If you wish to install windows that have a different appearance to your existing windows, it is recommended that you apply for heritage advice to discuss the most appropriate style for your property. Heritage advice can help you understand the historical and architectural significance of your property and guide you in making informed decisions about the changes you want to make. For more information about heritage advice and how to apply, you can visit the Buckinghamshire Council website at https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/heritage/get-heritage-advice/