Replacement Windows & Doors

A design guide by Kinross-shire Civic Trust

WHY CONTROL REPLACEMENT WINDOWS AND DOORS?

Windows and doors are important elements in the design of all
buildings. Ill-considered replacements can have a detrimental affect
on a building 's appearance. Almost all windows and doors will
eventually require replacement due to wear and tear, lack of
maintenance or the desire to improve insulation.  Of late there has
been a marked increase in the number of replacements in a
proliferation of styles. Often the replacement of windows and doors
will require formal consent from Local Planning Authority and such
consent will normally only be given if the replacements will conform
to the guidelines in this leaflet. Where consent is not required
property owners are urged to consider the design of the replacement
units.  Remember that inappropriate replacements may deter potential
future purchasers of the property.


WHEN IS CONSENT REQUIRED? 1. LISTED BUILDINGS Strict regulations
govern any changes to the appearance of a listed Building.  You will
require Listed Building Consent to change the style of windows doors
and are strongly advised to contact the Planning and Industry
Department before ordering replacement units.

2. BUILDINGS IN CONSERVATION AREAS Many buildings in Conservation
areas are Listed Building and are subject to the controls detailed
above.  Unlisted building in Conservation Areas enjoy a greater
degree of freedom.  However, because of the impact that just one
ill-considered alteration can make special controls have been
introduce in many Conservation Areas.  Please check with the Planning
And Industry Department to ascertain whether your property is
affected by such measures.

3. ALL OTHER BUILDINGS Planning permission is not required for a
change of window or door style in a detached, semi-detached, or
terraced house.  Permission is required for such a change in flat or
maisonette, or any building other than a private dwelling if, in the
opinion of the Planning Authority, the change will make a significant
alteration to the appearance of the area in general.

Where Formal planning consent is not required please bear in mind
that unsuitable replacements may spoil the appearance of your
property and that of the area in general.

IF YOU REQUIRE ANY ADVISE OR IF YOU ARE IN DOUBT AS TO WHETHER OR NOT
PERMISSION IS REQUIRE PLEASE CHECK WITH THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT.  A
STAFF MEMBER WILL BE PLEASED TO HELP YOU.

DESIGN GUIDELINES a. Windows Older buildings in this area generally
have vertically sliding sash and case windows.  Each sash and may be
subdivided by astragals.  The pattern of subdivision will vary
depending upon the age and style of the building.

Pointers for acceptable replacements:-

1. Windows should match or be very similar in appearance to the
originals.

2. The opening method should be the same as that of the original.  A
secondary method of opening for cleaning and maintenance is
acceptable.

3. Astragals should be retained and must project forward of the
glass. Those sandwiched between double glazing are not acceptable.

4. Windowframes, subframes and cills should normally be finished in
white. Occasionlly an alternative color may be appropriate, but bare
aluminum is never acceptable.

5. Some types of P.V.C. windows have very thick framing which looks
clumsy and out of scale. It also reduces the area of glazing and
should be avoided.

6. Remember that the windows you are replacing may not be originals. 
They may themselves be replacements or may have been altered by, for
example, the removal of astragals.  If possible return to the
original style.

7. Never remove mullions (the stone or timber pillars separating
windows grouped in two's and three's).

Paired Windows with Separate Mullion

b. Doors.  The age style and quality of a property dictates the style
of door most suitable.  A fine Georgian house may have a panelled
with an intricate fanlight and ornate doorpiece but a farmhouse or
cottage would have only a simple panelled or vertically boarded door
with a simple fanlight.

Georgian Door

Pointers for acceptable replacements:-

1. Replace in original style and retain original fanlights. 2. Do not
be tempted to use an elaborate door on a simple building.

3. Doors were almost always painted.  Hardwood doors are a modern
introduction unsuited to most older buildings.

4. Without exception double glazed aluminum doors appear totally out
of place on older properties.

Cottage Door

UNAUTHORISED WORKS

Enforcement action will normally be taken against those who carry out
works requiring planning permission  or Listed Building Consent
without the benefit  of such consents.

Such action normally requires that the property is returned to its
former state or to such other conditions as the authority may
consider reasonable in preserving the character of the building.


 Factsheet 5  August 1992

REPLACEMENT WINDOWS AND DOORS