Windows & doors in Tower Hamlets: Planning Permission Guide

A guide to replacing windows and doors in Tower Hamlets — when you need planning permission and typical costs.

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Windows & doorss in Tower Hamlets at a glance

0%

approved

8

weeks typical

Based on 42 decided applications in Tower Hamlets over 12 months (0 granted, 42 refused).

Tower Hamlets has conservation areas in Spitalfields, Bow, Limehouse, Wapping, and around the Isle of Dogs. Article 4 Directions restrict alterations to Georgian and Victorian terraces, particularly around Spitalfields and Fournier Street. Listed building density is notably high in Spitalfields and Wapping. Flood zones along the Thames and Lea add restrictions for outbuildings and basement extensions.

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

Recent windows & doors decisions in Tower Hamlets

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

Article 36 (DMP 2010)

Temporary erection of an outdoor sculpture, to sit on a square floating pontoon at the edge of th...

E32026-04-13
Permit

Replacement of existing external door

E12026-04-13
Permit

Replacement of existing double glazed UPVC windows with double glazed UPVC windows

E22026-04-13
Permit

Proposed alterations to the front elevation to include new metal door, replacement of existing me...

E12026-04-09
Permit

Proposed alterations to the front elevation to include new metal door, replacement of existing me...

E12026-04-09

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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