As part of our efforts to update the Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas planning guidance, the City of Edinburgh Council is collaborating with the University of Edinburgh to understand how the guidance can be improved to be more practical and accessible.
The University’s project, Giving Voice to Historic Property Owners, is now recruiting focus group and workshop participants. The project is specifically looking for owner-occupiers (you own the home you are living in) of listed buildings and properties in a conservation area in Edinburgh.
You can check here to see if your property is listed or in a conservation area.
It’s important that voices from as many conservation areas are included in this project. Owner-occupiers in the Leith, Southside, Portobello, Inverleith, Morningside areas are especially encouraged to sign up. But all historic property owners are welcome!
Focus group participants will receive a £10 e-gift card and in-person workshops will end with a catered lunch.
In May 2024 legislation came in that changes the need for planning permission for the replacement of windows in certain circumstances.
If your property is in the World Heritage Site or a listed building then these changes do not affect you and should you continue to apply for planning permission/ listed building consent.
If your property is in a Conservation Area the Permitted Development Rights have changed which means you may be able to alter or replace your windows without requiring planning permission. Alterations to windows to the rear of a property that is not a principal elevation (the elevation of the original dwellinghouse which by virtue of its design or setting, or both, is the principal elevation) or a side elevation that doesn’t face a road do not require planning permission.
Applications for Prior Approval can now be submitted to determine the acceptability of windows on the front/principal elevation and side windows facing a road. This allows the Planning Authority to consider whether the proposed replacements will need planning permission. The prior approval will consider the following matters:
Opening Method
Number of window panes
Orientation of Window Panes
Colour of Window Panes
Dimensions of the Window Frame
Dimensions of the Astragals
Colour of the Window Frame or Astragals
If the proposals significantly alter the character of the original windows, then it is likely that the Prior Approval will be refused and an application for Planning Permission would be required. Further guidance on the acceptability of replacement window can be viewed in our planning guidance on listed buildings and conservation areas .
Applications for Prior Approval must contain a location plan, description of the proposed replacement windows and a fee of £200. Forms can be downloaded at eplanning Scotland and submitted by email to us via planning@edinburgh.gov.uk.
If your property is outwith the World Heritage Site, a Conservation Area or is not a listed building then you do not need planning permission to replace your windows. Check if your building is in a Conservation Area or listed on our website here.
Planning Edinburgh 
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