Project guideUsually permitted

Windows & doors in Kensington & Chelsea: Planning Permission Guide

A guide to replacing windows and doors in Kensington & Chelsea — when you need planning permission and typical costs.

96%
approved in Kensington & Chelsea
£548
application fee
8 wks
typical decision
—
Usually permitted

Based on 71 decided applications in Kensington & Chelsea over 12 months (68 granted, 3 refused).

Kensington and Chelsea is overwhelmingly covered by conservation areas, with intense Article 4 Directions restricting external changes, front garden paving, basement extensions, and window replacements. Listed building coverage is among the highest in London, including large sections of Chelsea and South Kensington. Basement developments are subject to additional council policy restrictions. Professional planning advice is essential for any external alteration.

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Recent windows & doors decisions in Kensington & Chelsea

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

Granted

Repair and repainting of door and its immediate surrounds.

SW52026-08-18
Refused

Details required by condition 3 (submission of details) of listed building consent 24/03342 (Exchange of single-glazed timber windows and…

SW72026-06-25
Granted

Replacement of all elevation windows and flat balcony doors to a block of 10no. flats with double glazed white coloured uPVC of casement …

2026-05-01
Granted

Installation of retractable awning to rear bay window at upper ground floor (Retrospective Application)

W112026-04-27
Granted

Replacement of existing modern single-glazed sash windows with vacuum-glazed timber sashes on front and rear elevations; upgrading any or…

W112026-04-17

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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