Listed Building and Double Glazing

[DavidO]

Does anyone have any experience or expertise re replacement of windows in Grade 2 listed residential buildings. I am considering a significant renovation job which is G2 listed. There is existing planning consent but it does not appear to include replacement of any of the windows. The statement in the approval document simply states “existing made good”. I can’t think why the planners or conservationists would want to retain the existing windows as they have no architectural or historical merit as far as I can tell (pics attached). To me they look like 1970s ish replacements complete with inappropriate lintel and sills. What does anyone think about persuading the planners to accept a tasteful, heritage sympathetic but energy efficient replacement (about 10 windows in total; similar story with all of them). Many thanks!!

[mjc55]

Hmm, difficult that one.  This as I understand it but others with more specific knowledge may be along to correct me later.

 

The point about listing is that it should stay in the style that it was at the time it was listed.  This is even if, to some, the style of any part of the building is ugly, inefficient or not up to current standards.

 

It may be that there are more efficient windows around that match the style of your windows, I don't know.  Again, others with more knowledge in this area may well be along to suggest what you might do.

 

Conservation officers have a difficult job as many people want to upgrade to modern standards, but their job is to maintain an "historical" building in the manner to which it was listed (not built).

 

I suspect that a conversation with your local CO would help.

[Nickfromwales]

Find some sample images of houses with the same windows in that you are considering, then send the questions and ask directly. 
 

Often depends which way the wind is blowing, unfortunately. 

[garrymartin]

Take a look at https://historicengland.org.uk/images-books/publications/adapting-historic-buildings-energy-carbon-efficiency-advice-note-18/ released in February 2026.

 

I also recently learned about vacuum double glazing when I was looking at similar issues on listed buildings. Might be of interest if you can't get approval for standard double glazing.

 

https://www.vacuumglazing.co.uk/landvac-enhance-heritage-vacuum-glazing/

 

 

 

 

 

 

[garrymartin]

Oh, also, something else I learned on Buildhub from @Dan1983 is Astragal bars which are decorative, surface-mounted strips applied to both the inside and outside of double or triple-glazed window panes to create the authentic, subdivided appearance of traditional small-paned Georgian windows. They might be useful for your situation, given your original images.