Windows in Conservation Areas

Permitted Development Rights for altering or replacing windows in a Conservation Area changed on 24 May 2024.

For information on the legislation please read Class 7A of The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Scotland) Amendment Order 2024. Alternatively, more detailed information can be found on Circular 1/2024: Householder Permitted Development Rights; pages 73 to 76.

Exceptions to be aware of:

• Class 7A does not apply within a World Heritage Site.
• Outwith Conservation Areas, Prior Notification is not required for altering or replacing windows. However, you may wish to apply for a Certificate of Lawfulness for confirmation.
• Class 7A does not cover replacement doors (this includes French windows/doors and concertina/bifold/sliding windows) and therefore Planning permission is still required for alterations to or replacement of doors within a conservation area, unless an exact like-for-like replacement. Please note that properties that are listed will also require Listed Building Consent.
• Class 7A does not cover the formation of new openings/installation of new windows.

Listed Buildings

Listed Building Consent (LBC) is still required for alterations to or replacement windows in a Listed Building or structure. This includes buildings and structures which are listed by virtue of being curtilage listed.

Prior Notification will only be required with Listed Building Consent, if the window is on the principal elevation or side elevation where that elevation fronts a road, within a Conservation Area and the design is changing.

It remains the case that LBC will only be granted where altering or replacing windows can be justified and where all proposed windows will be of an appropriate design, opening method, colour, and material. Please note that UPVC will not be acceptable on Listed Buildings

Conservation Areas

Windows on the front of a property or side elevation that fronts a road in a conservation area

If the window(s) to be replaced or altered are on the principal elevation or side elevation which fronts a road and are not the same or substantially the same design as the existing window(s) in the following respect then you must apply for a determination as to whether Prior Approval will be required by submitting a Prior Notification.

Same or substantially the same:

• The manner in which the window is opened and closed.
• The number, orientation and colour of the panes comprised in the window.
• The dimension and colour of the frame of the window or any astragal bars comprised in the window.

Please be aware that the Scottish Government have given no definition of ‘substantially the same’ in this context and each case will be considered on its own merits. If you are in any doubt if Prior Notification/Approval is required, then it is strongly advised that you submit a Prior Notification Application Form.

Windows to the rear or side elevation where it does not front a road in a conservation area

Windows which are not on the principal elevation or side elevation that fronts a road, have no restrictions on the design or appearance of the replacement/altered window and you will not need to submit a Prior Notification. However, you may wish to apply for a Certificate of Lawfulness to confirm that the replacement/altered windows do not require planning permission.

Mixed Developments

If you plan to carry out additional works along with window alterations or replacements in a conservation area, and these works require Planning Permission, you only need to submit a single Planning Permission application for both the windows and the other developments. There is no need to submit a prior notification/approval form.

Applying for Prior Notification/Approval

To determine if you need prior approval, please complete the Prior Notification application form which can be downloaded from the eplanning.scot website within the paper forms section.

Your application form should be accompanied with the following:

• Written Description
• Materials
• Plan Indicating Site
• Fee – Please see our current scale of fees on the Planning Costs and How to Pay section
• Photos of Existing Windows
• Manufacturer Details (Scaled drawings) of proposed windows

This should be sent to development.central@fife.gov.uk or to the following address:

Glossary of Terms

Fronting a Road

Facing onto a Road

Principal Elevation

The elevation of the original dwellinghouse which by virtue of its design or setting, or both, is the principal elevation

Side Elevation

The elevation of the original dwelling linking the principal elevation with the rear elevation.

Rear Elevation

The elevation of the original dwelling that is opposite its principal elevation

Conservation Area

An area of special architectural or historic interest. This can be checked on our Conservation Area Webpage

Road

As defined by section 151 of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984. A road is any way over which there is a public right of passage including its verge. A road is therefore not confined to only publicly adopted roads used by motor vehicles.

This can include but is not limited to back lanes, closes and paths.

Curtilage Listed

A building or structure is considered to be curtilage listed if it is within the boundary (curtilage) of a Listed Building and forms part of the land. This includes any object or structure that, although not fixed to the building, has been part of the land since before 1^st July 1948.

Contact the Planning Team

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