Do you need planning permission (UK) to open up an old existing window?

Question

we have an old (120 yrs) cottage and up in the loft there is a window, bricked up from the outside, the inside is only partially blocked, (I mean you can see the old wooden lintel and the old curved interior bricks of the window.)

! would like to open this window up to allow light in, for storage purposes, do we need planning? it looks straight onto the neighbours gable end, no windows etc.

thanks!

Answer 1

If you lived in a listed building and permision was required to block it off in the first place then you would probably need permission to unblock, but in your case I shouldnt think so.

Answer 2

I would ask the plannig department, as they can quickly advise you if its needed or not.  Check your local council website for information too.

Answer 3

NO is the answer. However you will need to inform the council so that they can inspect the work and Issue you with a certificate of compliance because in effect you will be putting in a new window, unless you have the window fitted by a FENSA registered company. Planing permission applies to new build, any other work requires building regs. Contrary to what some people think, FENSA is just a register of competence that is enforced by the local council. As you own the property, you would know if it is listed or not

Answer 4

the real question here is ..the window that's bricked up ..can you see from outside that there was a window there originally ...or has the window been professionally bricked up and bonded in so no one would know ?..if it plain to see then photo it ...and inside ..then take to planners ...even if front does not show still photo inside and take it to them ...that's it

Answer 5

No not if it's already there.

Answer 6

You only need planning permission if you're extending or changing the use of the property.  However, if your cottage is listed or in a conservation area, you need permission for any alteration that will change its outside appearance.  So if it was listed or conserved with a bricked-up window, you have to get permission to unbrick it.

Answer 7

No.

Answer 8

YES, you need planning permission for all window work done now to comply with the FENSA regulations, plus with the age of your property it may be in a conservation area or even listed.

if you apply for planning permission the worst that can happen is that its either refused or you're told its not essential and given.

if you do the work without planning permission they will take you to court make you undo all you have done then re-apply for the permission. thye do NOT allow retrospective applications anymore.

Answer 9

You need to check with the council and explain the situation. They can advise if there are any special restrictions etc. You should aslo be aware that openings can involve building regulations if there is a risk of fire speading to another property (which sounds unlikely in your case), and the thermal implications of what you are wanting to do.

It may have been a structural expedient (it is too late historically for the Window Tax) so you need to be sure that the lintol and arch are capable of supporting the opening when you have taken the bricks away.

Answer 10

no you shouldn't need to it is only needed if you are building on the site.