If you want to replace your windows in listed buildings or change your windows in a Grade II listed property, you must generally get permission or Listed Building Consent. Our first Heritage Series article outlines the key considerations, upgrade options, style alterations, glazing, and listed consent requirements below. Compiled by our team of experienced listed window craftsmen, this will help you navigate the options, regulations, and consent for listed windows in Yorkshire areas and other UK regions.
Although good building conservation practice is to retain the original features of your building wherever possible, window repair rather than replacement is often merely a short-term fix and equally expensive. As long as you can show the replacement will honour the historic legacy of your property, either in a replica or an upgraded, sympathetic look, a wiser replacement option will be consented. If your window is beyond repair or modern and not an original feature of your property, replacement windows are recommended, and we can help with this.
Explore Replacement ProjectsYou will be granted Listed Building Consent if the windows are rotten, frames are leaking, are extremely draughty, show signs of water ingress or damage, and are beyond maintenance; replacement is your best option. Alternatively, if your windows were crafted in low-grade softwood like pine or a more modern material that was not original to your property, like UPVC, they are unsuitable for your property’s historical heritage.
In these cases, a replacement is essential. It will readily be granted Listed Building Consent.
Discuss Your OptionsListed building control is a planning control that protects buildings of special architectural or historic interest. In addition to any planning regulations, listed building status can demand planning permission for alterations or replacements where it wouldn’t ordinarily be required, such as a change of windows. Your local planning authority controls it and prevents the unrestricted demolition, alteration or extension of a listed building to retain its charm and character. Furthermore, it’s regulated according to Section 7 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 (LBCA Act), so you can be held to account for any unauthorised alterations. If you proceed with works without a listed building consent, you may be served a Listed Building Enforcement (LBE) notice.
Enforcement Notice GuideIn some cases, you can alter the window style on your listed property. For instance, you could change a sash window in a Grade II listed home to a casement or mock sash window instead. Although replacements should usually be on a like-for-like basis, a change in window style is possible if the existing windows are unsuitable for use and the improvement upholds the property’s historic fabric. Also, should your windows not be original to your building, you may revert to the original style. For instance, if your Grade II listed property has UPVC windows, you are encouraged to upgrade to a timber-framed style.
UPVC Replacement ProjectYou can upgrade your existing windows to be more energy-efficient through improved glazing, introducing heritage-designed slim frame secondary glazing and draught-proofing measures without consent. However, a full window replacement is the wiser choice if you wish to use far more optimised glazing solutions that will significantly reduce your energy bills. You may also improve your energy ratings by updating your window style or frame to vastly improve your heat loss and airflow through upgraded timber frames that incorporate draughtproof technology and specifically designed thermal glazing for listed properties; however, you will need consent for these upgrades.
Listed Buildings & Double GlazingThere is scope for double glazing in listed buildings, which must be sought during Listed Building Consent, and it is usually granted under the following conditions:
Otherwise, the general rule for double glazing in listed buildings where they are of particular historical interest or the windows remain in an acceptable condition is that it is not usually appropriate.
Double Glazing For Grade II GuideYou can replace sash windows in a listed property, significantly improving its operation and eliminating draughts. For the best efficiency, and following your consent guidance (which we can help you with), restored sash windows on listed properties can also be fitted with slimmer profile, thermal-efficient double glazing precisely specified for your Grade I or Grade II listed property, draught-proofing technology and pretreated frames for a long-lasting, significant improvement.
Listed WindowsTo pursue a listed building consent application for replacement windows or double glazing, you must first submit a pre-application enquiry to your local council. They will thoroughly assess, advise you on further options or limitations, and instruct you on any additional listed building consents that may be required and the next steps. For instance, pre-application and advice in North Yorkshire can be found here. Alternatively, tap here to find further local area listed consent links below. However, for our clients, we will help you through every step, as should be the case for anyone working with an experienced listed building joinery manufacturer or architect.
Can We Help?DHW began at a Yorkshire workbench in 1989, shaped by a simple belief: craftsmanship matters.
Because we design and manufacture everything ourselves, nothing leaves our workshop without care, precision and pride. No production lines. No off-the-shelf shortcuts.
Just skilled joiners, quality timber, and work done properly — built to last for generations.
We have been manufacturing, installing, and finding solutions to meet listed building consent regulations for decades, and our distinguished craftsmen understand every intricacy along the process. Our helpful and knowledgeable showroom team can help you navigate the rules and permissions, and we can even source a trusted local architect to ensure a hassle-free process.
Brief us on your project, and let’s have an exploratory conversation with no obligation to buy: just expert, honest advice.
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