Windows & doors in City of London: Planning Permission Guide

A guide to replacing windows and doors in City of London — when you need planning permission and typical costs.

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Windows & doorss in City of London at a glance

99%

approved

£258

application fee

8

weeks typical

Based on 114 decided applications in City of London over 12 months (113 granted, 1 refused).

The City of London is almost entirely conservation area, with extensive listed building coverage reflecting centuries of heritage. Residential permitted development is extremely limited due to the dense mix of commercial and listed contexts. Any external alteration typically requires both full planning permission and listed building consent. The City Corporation maintains detailed design guidance for each conservation area.

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Approval probability, 5 nearest comparables, refusal reasons — for your specific address.

Recent windows & doors decisions in City of London

The 5 most recent decided applications. Addresses redacted to postcode area.

Granted

Submission of details of the integration of window cleaning equipment and the garaging thereof, plant, flues, fire escapes and other excr…

EC4R2026-04-07
Granted

Submission of details of the integration of window cleaning equipment and the garaging thereof, plant, flues, fire escapes and other excr…

EC4R2026-04-07
Granted

External alterations to shopfront to replace a set of fixed double-glazed window with an operable window.

EC2M2026-03-31
Granted

Submission of particulars and samples of new external materials to be used on the building including new timber framing to windows, glazi…

EC4R2026-03-30
Granted

Submission of particulars and samples of new external materials to be used on the building including new timber framing to windows, glazi…

EC4R2026-03-30

These are borough-wide. See the 5 nearest to your address.

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Permitted Development Rules

Replacing or adding windows/doors may need planning permission in conservation areas or for listed buildings.

Replacing windows and doors like-for-like generally doesn't need planning permission. However, in conservation areas or listed buildings, changes to the appearance of windows and doors may require consent.

Typical Costs in London

Window and door costs depend on the number of openings, material choice, and style.

Windows & doorsLondon

Typical total

£3,000£15,000

Typically includes

Windows/doorsInstallationMaking good

Typically excludes

Planning application feeBuilding regs fee

Highly variable depending on number of windows, material (UPVC vs timber vs aluminium), and style. Per-window costs typically £500–£1,500.

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Which Professionals Do You Need?

Window replacements rarely need professional services. Suppliers typically handle measurement, manufacture, and installation.

This project is unlikely to need specialist professional services beyond a competent builder.

Architect / designerNot needed

This type of project does not typically require architectural services.

Structural engineerNot needed
Party wall surveyorNot needed
Planning consultantNot needed

This guidance is based on a typical semi-detached house with no special constraints. Listed buildings, conservation areas, and attached properties may require additional professional input.

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Conservation Areas & Listed Buildings

In conservation areas, changing window materials (e.g. timber to UPVC) or styles may need planning permission. Listed buildings always need Listed Building Consent for any window or door changes.

Conservation areas

Properties in conservation areas often have reduced permitted development rights. Some project types (like side extensions) lose PD rights entirely. An Article 4 Direction can remove additional PD rights.

Listed buildings

Listed buildings (Grade I, II*, or II) have no permitted development rights at all. Any external alteration requires Listed Building Consent in addition to any planning permission. An architect experienced in heritage work is essential.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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