In general you do not need planning permission to replace windows in a conversation area such as within the Yorkshire Dales. However, it is strongly advisable to consult your local conservation officer.

Permission is required if the area has been designated an article 4 directive. This prevents window and door replacement without planning permission.

Typically local authorities (e.g. Yorkshire East Riding) encourage:

“Like for like repair or replacement, although new and innovative designs which harmonise with the original building may be acceptable in appropriate locations. There will be a need for the use of high quality materials and design.”

This means that openings which were designed for sash windows should contain replacement sash windows and openings designed for side hung casement windows should contain side hung casement windows. The replacement should replicate original detailing as far as possible and be of high lasting quality.

A Conservation Officer can provide helpful advice on the type and style of appropriate windows and can liaise with your glazing supplier to ensure an approved planning application.

Historically, when local authorities have encouraged or stipulated using traditional materials i.e. wood frames which allows for thin frames to support light, thin glazing.

Modern glazing tends to be thick and heavy requiring thick frames to support it. However, recent developments in aluminium now mean that this is no longer the case which makes replica aluminium with it’s associated benefits a viable alternative.

Alitherm Heritage slim and ultra slim framed thermally efficient aluminium windows and Alitherm Heritage Doors are now available.

These can be made to match the windows of a bygone era found in many homes in conservation areas

Alitherm Heritage have been used to replace windows in conservation areas such as:

• The Yorkshire Dales National Park
• North York Moors National Park
• Addingham, Baildon, Ilkley, Menston, Harrogate and Knaresborough (to name but a few)
• Ketton and Barnack near Stamford, Rutland, East Midlands

And Alitherm Heritage slim systems have already been approved for listed building projects by many councils which makes it likely although not guaranteed for approval in conservation areas. Councils include:

London Boroughs of Islington, Camden and Tower Hamlets, Watford Borough Council, Essex County Council and Leeds City Council as well as Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service.

• Alitherm Heritage profiles have been developed to precisely match the slim profiles of traditional steel windows.
• Window furniture is synonymous with Victorian and Art Deco styles – including ‘Monkey Tail’ and ‘Bulb’ options.
• Alchemy anodising offers eight colour matches, including shades of gold, bronze, silver, grey and black, and combines the unique style and aesthetics of traditional anodising.

Alitherm Heritage is a versatile high quality window suited for use in conservation areas.

Read more about Alitherm Heritage

According to Historic England (formally English Heritage) “window frames and glazing patterns which complement the building’s style, will be encouraged.”

“Quality is enduring, even though taste and fashion may change. The eye appreciates the aesthetic qualities of a place such as its scale, composition, silhouette, and proportions, and tells us whether the intervention fits comfortably in its context. Achieving quality always depends on the skill of the designer. The choice of appropriate materials, and the craftsmanship applied to their use, is particularly crucial to both durability and to maintaining the specific character of places.”

The Old School House

The Historic Ketton House

Kingsley House

Grade II Listed Farmhouse

Blackmill Mill – Ancient Scheduled Monument – TV Featured

Get unrivalled expert customer service from technical advisors

Typical help provided includes:

• Choosing the right product
• Getting the right made to measure size
• Help with ordering
• Information and advice on what your local conservation officer requires

Download the Alitherm Heritage Documents above and request your free Alitherm Heritage sample which we will be glad to send you to support your application – just pick up the phone and ask.