Windows & doors in Westminster: Planning Permission Guide

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

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Windows & doorss in Westminster at a glance

£258

application fee

8

weeks typical

The City of Westminster has the densest concentration of conservation areas and listed buildings in the UK, covering almost the entire borough. Article 4 Directions layer on top of this in many areas, restricting virtually any external alteration. Listed building consent is required frequently in addition to planning permission. The council's design expectations are among the most stringent in the country — professional planning advice is essential.

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

Recent windows & doors decisions in Westminster

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

Application Permitted

Replacement of front and rear windows to flats 7 & 8 including balcony doors.

W22026-03-27
Refused

Replacement front elevation windows in white wood grain effect uPVC sash style windows to match existing and matching traditional style f…

W102026-03-17
Refused

Replacement of existing timber single glazing windows with upvc double glazed windows to the front and 1 to the rear.

W102026-03-13
Application Permitted

Installation of replacement conservatory; replacement windows and doors including juliet balconies to rear first-floor windows; and insta…

SW72026-03-05
Application Permitted

Replacement of a window on the rear elevation with a door. (Linked with 25/04706/LBC)

W1G2026-02-24

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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