Important to know
Permitted development rights for altering or replacing windows in a conservation area changed on 24 May 2024. This means that if you wish to make changes to your windows within the boundaries of a conservation area, you may need to submit an application for prior approval.
The requirement for listed building consent (LBC) remains unchanged and you will require listed building consent if you are seeking to alter or replace windows to a listed building, including for buildings and structures listed by virtue of being curtilage listed. More information about Listed Buildings can be found further down this page.
Whether or not prior approval is required in a conservation area depends on several factors. One key consideration is whether the window is facing a road, which can include back lanes, closes, paths, and associated verges and is not limited to routes accessible by motor vehicles. This is clarified in more detail below.
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. 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.
Windows on the front of a property or side elevation
If you have windows on the front of a property or side elevation that fronts a road in a conservation area, you must apply for a determination as to whether prior approval will be required by submitting a prior notification. If the window is on the principal elevation or a side elevation which fronts a road and would not be substantially the same as the existing window to be altered or replaced in the following respects:
- The manner in which the window is opened and closed.
- The number, orientation and colour of the panes comprised in the window.
- The dimensions and colour of the window frame 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 of a property or side elevation
If you have windows to the rear of a property or side elevation where it does not front a road in a conservation area, 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.
Listed buildings
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.
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
- Plan indicating site
- Materials
- Fee - see 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:
Planning Services
Fife House
North Street
Glenrothes
KY7 5LT
Glossary of terms
Facing onto a Road
The elevation of the original dwellinghouse which by virtue of its design or setting, or both, is the principal elevation
The elevation of the original dwelling linking the principal elevation with the rear elevation.
The elevation of the original dwelling that is opposite its principal elevation
An area of special architectural or historic interest. This can be checked on our Conservation Area page
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.
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 1st July 1948.
Contact the Planning Team
Use the button below to get in touch with the Planning Team about progress updates, planning restrictions, pre-application information requests, Completion of Development Certificate, etc.
