
Prior to committing to purchase and have triple glazed units installed one of the things that the owner of the property must do is to consider
whether planning approval will be required in respect of having the work carried out.
Many rules have been relaxed over the past couple of years,
but there are still many regulations relating to the replacement of windows and doors that planning authorities insist on.
The glazing company that has been chosen to carry out the installation will most likely already know how the regulations will affect your property,
but if not, they generally find out on your behalf.
Remember, their reputation is at stake which means that they will want to get it right too.
However, as a general rule, in most instances, it is unlikely that planning approval will be required to install triple glazing.
For instance, if the windows and doors are of a similar appearance to those that are being replaced,
are unlikely to involve any significant alteration to the property or affect the neighbours then planning permission is unlikely to be needed.
As your homes insulation levels will be improved by installing triple glazing,
in the majority of cases your new doors and windows compliments the government’s latest round of home improvement initiatives.
If triple glazing is being fitted to existing window and door frames then it is unlikely that planning approval will be required.
There are certain occasions when the installation of triple glazing will require planning permission.
For instance, if the property is located in a conservation area,
the planning authority will wish to ensure that the replacement windows and doors are in keeping with the locality.
If the windows and doors are seen as an improvement or are not visible to members of the public then planning permission may be granted.
Also, if the property is a listed building then listed building consent must be sought.
Again, any good triple glazing company will be able to advise and indeed help you meet regulations by dealing with the council on your behalf.
If triple glazing is to be installed in a commercial property such as an industrial unit, hotel or a flat then planning approval is normally required.
If the council had issued an Article 4 Direction that withdrew permitted development rights planning approval will be required.
There is certain documentation that you should get once the job is done.
1- a written personal guarantee
2- a written invoice and receipt of payment
3- a FENSA, BM TRADA or Certass Certificate after work has been completed!
(It’s your guarantee that they local authority has been informed & it's required when selling your home.)
4- an insurance backed guarantee.
For more on Glazing regulations see
Conservatories and Regulations