If you live in a conservation area you are probably well aware that there are additional restrictions on the home improvements that you can make in comparison to the average UK property.
Installing new double glazed windows is no exception. Windows play a major role in the overall aesthetic of your home and are one of the first things that passers-by and visitors notice when they look at your property.
The right windows can massively enhance the look of your home, whilst the wrong ones stand out like a sore thumb so it no surprise that restrictions have been placed on their installation in listed buildings and properties in conservation areas.
What are conservation areas?
In a designated conservation area, there are strict rules in place to prevent a property from being out of character with the surrounding locale. These places have been deemed to have a significant historical importance and restrictions introduced to ensure that they remain as such.
Conservation zones where additional planning is needed for double glazing installations are far more common than you might think, with a minimum of 1 in every single local authority in England alone.
Should a local authority deem that your new windows are not in-keeping with the aesthetic of the area, they have the power to withdraw development rights for your property with immediate effect using something which is known as an Article 4 direction.
What challenges are faced by property owners in conservation areas?
All property owners wishing to make significant alterations to their property in the UK are required to obtain the relevant planning permission.
Normally, this doesn’t apply to windows, especially those that are of a similar design to their predecessors. However, if you live in a conservation area, or a listed property, you will need permission to replace or even repair your windows with new double glazing.
Failing to do so could be a costly mistake if you go ahead with installation only for the windows to later be judges as unacceptable and their removal required by law. Failure to abide by these rulings can land you in seriously hot legal hot water.
If you are unsure on your exact legal requirements regarding new window installation, get in touch with local expert glaziers Edinburgh. Edinburgh is home to many listed properties and areas of historical significance and any window company that operates in the area will be all too aware of the requirements that need to be met.
After a single glance at your property they will likely be able to narrow down their product range to windows that are likely to be approved by the local authority and won’t cause you too many issues.
Why do period properties need double glazing installation?
With all the restrictions surrounding new window installation in conservation areas and on period properties, it is no surprise that many homeowners put off replacing their windows to avoid the hassle.
However, leaving single glazed windows in place can cost you an absolute fortune in energy bills, especially as many large listed buildings are difficult enough to keep warm as it is.
By following the advice In this guide and finding a great window installation firm in your area, the process of installing windows in a conservation area doesn’t have to be the nightmare it sounds. There are a huge range of different timber and uPVC window designs on the market these days and there are likely to be several within a single installers range that would be acceptable to the local authorities.
Many homeowners dismiss the option of uPVC windows out of hand as they believe that their plastic composition would look out of place and be rejected out of hand by the council. However, modern wood effect uPVC is incredibly realistic and is often approved for installation in conservation areas across the UK.
This allows you to get the best of both worlds, with windows that perfectly compliment the aesthetic of your lovely home as well as being incredibly energy efficient, easy to maintain, and lasting for decades to come.
Window repair
If your home is particularly important in terms of historical significance, there is a risk that approval for double glazing installation will be denied. This can be incredibly frustrating, especially if your windows are damaged, leaking or in a state of disrepair.
If this is the case, look for an expert conservation window repair expert in your area. They will be highly experienced in carrying out repairs that are in-keeping with the rules and regulations regarding listed properties whilst still ensuring that your units are weatherproof and are as effective at preventing heat transfer as is possible for single glazed windows.