Monday 1 February 2021

Guidance for Replacement Windows

The Residents' Association are unable to offer guidance on individual cases.  
Please contact Royal Greenwich Planning officers for assistance - Royal Greenwich Planning

The latest edition of the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s Planning Guidelines for the Progress Estate was published in October 1998 (‘Planning Guidelines’) and has been replicated in the Resident Association’s leaflet The Progress Estate: When do I need planning permission?

Subsequently, the Council (as it then was) published Guidance for Replacement Windows as uPVC frames overtook the availability of replacement timber frames (‘Guidance’).

People considering replacing their windows are strongly advised to contact Royal Greenwich’s Planning Department to discuss their requirements before committing themselves to any expenditure. Neither the Progress Residents Association nor its committee members, jointly or severally, can be held responsible for this note or if the Royal Borough publishes revised Guidance. As of 24th September, 2013, the Planning Department’s contact numbers were 020 8921 5782 for people whose postcodes are SE9 1_ _ and 020 8921 5708 if they are SE9 6_ _ .

Planning Guidelines state that timber is the preferred material for replacement windows. This preference still applies, however in recent times the majority of new windows installed have  tended to be in uPVC. The proportions of the original frames are a fundamental characteristic of the design of the houses on the estate. If your preference is to use uPVC frames it is important that the proportions and dimensions of the replacement frames closely match those of the original frames. Unfortunately, most mass-produced plastic windows tend to have rather thick sections, and-cannot convincingly replicate the proportions of the original frames. However, experience has shown that some manufacturers can produce good approximations. In all cases where timber frames are replaced with uPVC, only external glazing bars are acceptable. Leading should only be used where it replaces existing leading.

The following dimensions for replacement windows are recommended to residents as parameters to work within when making a planning application. The houses have various sizes of window opening, but adherence to these dimensions should help to retain the proportions of the original windows.

All applications for planning permission will be dealt with on their individual merits. Residents are advised not to commit themselves financially to a particular window installer before obtaining planning permission for new windows. Drawings showing accurate representations of the proposed windows (including dimensions) should accompany applications.

Any Resident having difficulties tracing a supplier of frames of with these dimensions may write to  the Residents Association at TheProgressEstate@gmail.com who will provide assistance if they can.

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