Windows in Residential Properties Local Development Order

Closed 16 Jul 2025

Opened 4 Jun 2025

Contact

020 7361 3012

planningpolicy@rbkc.gov.uk

Feedback updated 24 Oct 2025

We asked

Whether the Council should make a Local Development Order which would remove the need for a separate planning permission to change windows in all (non-listed) residential properties.

You said

Thirty-nine responses were received. Of these twenty-nine were wholly supportive, with a further five respondees supportive in principle but raised some concerns or caveated their support. This includes a response from the Lots Road Neighbourhood Forum. Three responses were negative and didn’t support the making of the LDO. Two further responses, both from statutory consultees noted that they had no view.

We did

The Council has decided to make the Local Development Order. In order to allay some of these concerns the LDO have been drafted to make it explicit that changing a window from one made of wood to one made of uPVC will not be allowed under the LDO. An additional clause has also been added to state that the adding of film to a window, or replacing conventional glass with mirrored glass, is not permitted by the LDO.

Overview

The Council is considering making a Local Development Order (LDO) which will remove the need for separate planning permission for new windows as long as the new window is “of similar appearance” to the existing window. This could mean installing double glazing where only single glazing is in place, or replacing old double-glazed windows with more modern and efficient products. This will help people to make their homes warmer and greener.

The order also would allow uPVC windows to be replaced with wood. 

More details, including exactly what will be allowed under the LDO, are available here.

Why your views matter

The Council recognises that the appearance of window can have a significant impact on the character of a building and of the wider area.  Therefore, we want to consult our residents and our amenity societies to make sure that we reach the right balance, making it easier to replace windows but on only a way that continues to protect our buildings.

We will consider all comments made before deciding whether to amend or make the LDO.

Areas

  • All Areas

Interests

  • Consultations
  • Planning