Replacing windows in a conservation area

There are over 8,000 conservation areas in England alone. Do you live in a conservation area?

The definition of a conservation area is “an area of notable environmental or historical interest or importance which is protected by law against undesirable changes.”
Conservation areas exist to protect the special architectural and historic interest of a place – in other words the features that make it unique and distinctive.
When replacing windows in a conservation area you must do so with care and planning permission must be sort in advance.

You should begin by getting in contact with your Local Planning Authority and Building Control Service to advise them of your plans.

You may discover that an Article 4 direction has been enforced by the planning authority which basically requires you to make a planning application for any window replacement that would otherwise have been categorised as being a “permitted development”. Article 4 is there to protect conservation areas from work that threatens their character.

It can take some time for any sort of decision to be made on whether you have permission to replace your windows, so please make sure you plan well in advance and expect a long process – it could take several months.

A lot of planning authorities reject the use of standard UPVC windows in listed buildings and at homes in a conservation area as they’re considered to be an unsuitable solution.

What is the best solution?

Residence 9, part of our Heritage Window range, is regularly accepted by planners for conservation areas because it is designed to match the drawings found in Article 4 directions.

Article 4 solely set outs the dimensions and detailing of how windows should look, not the type of material they’re made from. Although it is hard to believe, due to its resemblance to timber, our heritage windows are manufactured from UPVC and unlike most UPVC windows, this very rarely prevents it from getting the nod from planners.

Our windows were designed to replicate the key principles, shapes and dimensions from the Article 4 Conservation Area guidelines for windows, and integrate market leading technology into the design using virtually maintenance free materials.

Here at West Yorkshire Windows, we offer heritage window products and we are highly experienced at installing in conservation areas. We can guide you and help with the design and style of your property, maintaining the character and heritage but ensuring the very best quality products.

Want to find out more about our heritage windows & doors? Request a brochure or a quote online or visit one of our showrooms in Wakefield or Doncaster.