Windows & doors in Durham: Planning Permission Guide
A guide to replacing windows and doors in Durham — when you need planning permission and typical costs.
Check if your windows & doors qualifiesWindows & doorss in Durham at a glance
approved
application fee
weeks typical
Based on 25 decided applications in Durham over 12 months (22 granted, 3 refused).
Durham borders or partially overlaps North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales National Parks, the North Pennines AONB, the Durham Castle and Cathedral and Frontiers of the Roman Empire (Hadrian's Wall) World Heritage Site — properties near those boundaries are on Article 1(5) land where permitted-development rights are restricted. Durham has 92 conservation areas — extensive heritage coverage restricting external alterations across many streets. 3,136 listed buildings recorded.
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Approval probability, 5 nearest comparables, refusal reasons — for your specific address.
Recent windows & doors decisions in Durham
The 5 most recent decided applications. Addresses redacted to postcode area.
Increase depth of the original dwelling, new roofs, increase in roof height and inclusion of second floor accommodation. Previous rear ad…
Replacement roof, windows & doors, additional windows to the rear, installation of PV & ASHP to the rear
Recover roof and replace windows and external doors. (amended description).
Replacement of all existing brown timber/uPVC windows and external doors with white uPVC, including the enlargement of some existing wind…
Variation of Condition 3 (Windows) in relation to application DM/23/01633/FPA relating to the change of window material
These are borough-wide. See the 5 nearest to your address.
Get my report — £9Permitted 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 North East England
Window and door costs depend on the number of openings, material choice, and style.
Typical total
Typically includes
Typically excludes
Highly variable depending on number of windows, material (UPVC vs timber vs aluminium), and style. Per-window costs typically £400–£1,100.
Get a personalised cost estimate based on your actual windows & doors dimensions.
Get my estimateWhich 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.
This type of project does not typically require architectural services.
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.
Find out exactly which professionals you need for your windows & doors.
Get personalised guidanceConservation 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.
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 (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.
Check if your property is in a conservation area or has other planning constraints.
Check my propertyFrequently Asked Questions
Just want a quick yes/no for your windows & doors?
Run our free 2-minute check to see whether your project likely qualifies as permitted development in Durham. For personalised approval odds and nearby comparables, get the full report above.
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