Conservation Areas and Listed Buildings
When changing the exterior of your home, if it's in a conservation area - you'll need an expert – this is where we come in!
Understanding Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas
Listed Buildings are protected under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, which safeguards properties of special architectural or historic interest. There are around 500,000 listed buildings across the UK, categorised into three grades:
Grade I – buildings of exceptional interest (approx. 2.5%)
Grade II* – particularly important buildings of more than special interest (approx. 5.5%)
Grade II – buildings of special interest, which account for over 90% of all listings
Listed properties can also be located within designated Conservation Areas, which are areas identified by local authorities as being of special architectural or historic significance. In these zones, planning controls are tighter to preserve key features such as façades, windows, boundary walls, and even paving.
Any alteration that may affect the character or appearance of a listed building—or a building in a conservation area—requires formal consent from your local planning authority before work can begin.
Contact us for a FREE quote, or
call us on 01279 456670 to find out more.
How We Can Help with Listed Window Replacement:
If your listed property’s timber windows are beyond repair, we can assist with like-for-like replacements that meet planning and heritage standards. Our team is experienced in navigating the consent process and can support you in preparing the necessary documents for full replacement approval.
We also offer advanced glazing solutions that retain traditional aesthetics while dramatically improving energy performance. If approved by your planning authority, vacuum glazing can be specified in our listed building-compatible sash windows, offering the look of single glazing with exceptional insulation.
Learn more about vacuum glazing here ›
If you’re unsure where to start, get in touch—our team is happy to provide advice tailored to your property.
Planning Support for Listed and Conservation Properties
Navigating planning regulations for listed buildings or properties in conservation areas can be time-consuming and frustrating. That’s why we offer a full planning support service to handle the paperwork for you. Whether your home is subject to an Article 4 direction, listed status, or located in a designated conservation area, we can help. Our service includes preparing and submitting planning applications, supplying required drawings, and writing Design & Access Statements and Heritage Statements where needed. We’ll also liaise directly with your local authority to give your application the best possible chance of approval.
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Sash Window Shop Planning Services:
Planning Permission Services for Window and Door Changes:
We recognize that changing your windows and doors can be a daunting task, especially when planning permission is required. Generally, planning permission is not necessary for window changes, but there are exceptions. At Sash Window Shop, we provide a comprehensive turn-key solution for customers purchasing our windows and doors. Our service ensures that all your planning requirements are met, making the entire process smooth and stress-free.
Thorough Planning Assessment:
We will conduct an in-depth investigation of your property’s planning history and the local area, identifying any pertinent precedents. Based on our findings, we will offer an assessment of the likelihood of your planning application being approved. Furthermore, we will provide expert advice on the most appropriate type of glazing, window construction, and required glazing bar details if applicable.
Sash Window Shop planning services are available as an addition to new window and door orders and are not available for third-party products or as standalone services.
By choosing our planning services, you can rely on us to manage the entire process. We will create and submit all necessary documents for your planning application, offering a comprehensive service that includes:
* Existing and proposed elevation CAD drawings.
* Detailed CAD section drawings for each window and door you wish to replace.
* Design and Access Statement.
Heritage Statement.
* Site and location maps.
* Completion of Local Authority planning application forms
After preparing your planning application, we will submit it on your behalf and act as your representative throughout the entire planning process. We will respond to any questions from your local authority and engage with planning officers as needed. If modifications to your application are required, we will collaborate with the planning officer to ensure all necessary adjustments are made.
Specialized Services for Timber Window and Door Replacements in Conservation Areas:
We excel in providing expert guidance and support for replacement window projects within conservation areas, Article 4 areas, and listed buildings. We are well-versed in the intricate regulations and restrictions that come with conservation area planning and listed building consent, and we are dedicated to helping you work your way through these complexities.
Our services include a thorough evaluation of your property and its environment. We take into account the architectural style of your home, the materials used in its original construction, and the surrounding landscape. This detailed assessment allows us to offer a variety of replacement timber window options that enhance the aesthetic appeal of your property while respecting the unique character of your area.
We collaborate with you to understand your specific needs and preferences, along with the regulations and guidelines pertinent to your conservation area or listed building. Our knowledgeable team provides comprehensive information about the planning process and supports you at every stage, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience.
What If My Planning Application Is Denied?
We strive to ensure that your planning application is successful. We will not submit an application if we believe it is likely to be refused, unless you have expressly agreed to proceed with the understanding that an appeals process might be necessary.
If you’ve placed an order with us and your planning application is denied, we will gladly refund your deposit in full, excluding any incurred planning and administration fees.
Estimated Time Frames:
* Upon placing your initial order, it takes approximately 3-4 weeks to prepare all necessary documents, gather required drawings, and conduct relevant surveys. This period ensures we are ready to submit your planning application to the local authority.
* Once submitted, the time frame for your local authority to validate your application varies by location and can range from 1-4 weeks.
* After validation, the local authority typically takes up to 8 weeks to decide on your application. If modifications are needed to address concerns or requirements from the planning officer, this process may extend by a few additional weeks.
* Following approval, your joinery will enter production. Depending on the season, this process cantake between 10-14 weeks before your windows and doors are ready for installation.