Published: Thursday 5 June 2025
Switching to double glazing should be a simple process, and for people who live in houses, they can usually make this change without planning permission. Now the Council is consulting on a new local development order which would mean that people in flats could also install double glazing without planning permission, if the windows are similar in appearance.
The order would be the first of its kind in the country as it would also apply to all residential buildings in conservation areas.
Cllr Johnny Thalassites, lead member for planning and environment, said:
"Residents shouldn't need to become planning whizzes to install double glazing in their homes. Most people have enough to be getting on with without their local Council getting in the way of going green.
"This order is all about making it easier for residents to do the right thing – and it means local people can make their homes warmer and more energy efficient, so long as they meet a small number of conditions to protect the local area.
"Last year, 79 of 85 applications for changes to windows were granted in K&C, so it is a no-brainer to look at how we can simplify the process - giving residents more certainty and cutting unnecessary bureaucracy."
What would the order mean for changing the windows in my home?
The new local development order, if adopted, would allow replacement windows in flats if the new window is “of similar appearance” to the existing window.
This could mean installing double glazing where only single glazing is in place, or replacing old double-glazed windows with more modern and efficient products, helping people to make their homes warmer and greener.
The order also would allow uPVC windows to be replaced with wood.
Is there any help for homeowners thinking about greening their homes?
Yes! The Council is producing householder guides for greening. So far there are guides for flood adaptation and windows. The windows guide would be updated to reflect the new order, if it is adopted after the consultation.
How will the Council protect heritage and safety?
The draft order includes guidance on how to make sure any new windows are in keeping with the building and the local area. Homeowners and landlords can also refer to our householder guides, where they can see the full process for making changes to their homes. The local development order would remove the need for planning permission, but other permissions may still be required, for example from the building freeholder or building control.
Last year, 92 per cent of applications for changes to windows were granted planning permission, so this process is about removing bureaucracy to make that process easier.
Where can I have my say?
You can respond to the consultation via the Council's planning consultation pages until Wednesday 16 July 2025.