Good news for all types of homes in Kensington & Chelsea. Like‑for‑like replacement timber windows with the addition of Double Glazing is now permitted without the need for planning permission.
The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea has adopted a Local Development Order (LDO) allowing all residential properties across the borough to replace windows with like‑for‑like timber windows WITH the addition of Double Glazing WITHOUT the need for individual planning permission. This is a major win for flats and houses, including homes in conservation areas and properties subject to Article 4 directions.
What the new LDO allows
- Scope: Applies borough‑wide to residential properties (flats, dwelling houses, HMOs).
- Permitted work: Replacement or alteration of existing windows where the new window is of similar appearance, or where existing uPVC windows are being replaced with timber windows.
- Similar appearance: Defined by the Council as same material, style, pattern and design with minimal differences in frame dimensions or glazing bar profiles.
- Conservation areas & Article 4 directions: The LDO expressly overrides Article 4 Directions for the types of window replacement it permits, so like‑for‑like timber double glazing can be installed in conservation areas and where Article 4 directions applies.
- Important exclusions and conditions:
- Cannot be used for listed buildings. Planning permission is still required for listed building in all instances, we may still be able to help with this; please contact us by email or phone to discuss your listed building.
- Does not cover conservatory windows, roof lights or glazed/solid doors.
- Replacements must meet conditions for obscure glazing and non‑opening windows where currently required.
- The LDO permits timber to replace uPVC, but does not permit replacing timber with uPVC.
- Building regulations compliance and freeholder/leaseholder consent are still required. Sashed will take care of building regulations for you via the FENSA scheme.
Why this matters for homeowners
- You can now upgrade to high‑performance timber double glazing that retains the historic look of your windows without the time and cost of separate planning applications (where the LDO conditions are met).
- Better thermal efficiency, reduced noise, and improved lifespan compared with ageing single‑glazed or poor‑quality uPVC windows – preserving the character of your property.
- For flats and leaseholders: this opens a simple practical route to sympathetic upgrades where previously flats did not have ‘permitted development’ to change windows, and a planning application was technically required.
Practical checklist before you proceed
- Confirm your property is not listed.
- Ensure the new windows you want are “of similar appearance” as defined by the Council (same material, style, pattern, minimal frame/profile changes).
- Maintain required obscure glazing or non‑opening specifications where applicable.
- Obtain any necessary freeholder/leaseholder consents.
How Sashed can help
- We specialise in bespoke timber double‑glazed windows designed to match original profiles and glazing bar details so they meet the Council’s “similar appearance” requirement.
- We’ll assess your property against the LDO conditions and will only specify sympathetic timber double glazed windows that preserves your home’s character and complies with the LDO conditions. Site survey and quotes, are of course free.
Reference: Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Local Development Order.
Ready to upgrade? Book your free survey today using this form or call 020 31894472 – we’ll make sure your new timber windows are compliant, beautiful and built to last.