Tag: planning

Replacing Your Windows

Close up of some traditional Edinburgh tenement windows.

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:

  1. Opening Method
  2. Number of window panes
  3. Orientation of Window Panes
  4. Colour of Window Panes
  5. Dimensions of the Window Frame
  6. Dimensions of the Astragals
  7. 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.

Have a look at our Quick Guide to Windows for more information. Full details on Altering or replacing existing windows is online in Planning circular 1/2024: householder permitted development rights.

Drop in event – We want your views on our draft Planning Design Guidance

We are currently updating some of our planning guidance documents and would like to hear your views on the new draft versions.

We are hosting a drop in event if any want wants to come along and speak to the team.

Come along between 1-4:30pm on Monday 3 February at The City Art Centre (2 Market St, Edinburgh EH1 1DE)

We will be there to answer questions and discuss any aspects of the draft guidance.

The online consultation is now open here until 3 April 2025.

Calling all historic property owner-occupiers!

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.

Focus group participants will receive a £10 e-gift card and in-person workshops will end with a catered lunch.

Learn more and sign up on the project information page.

Amendment – Princes Street and Waverley Valley Strategy – Come and speak to the team

Unfortunately due to unforeseen circumstances tomorrow’s drop in session has had to be cancelled.

Please note the other two drop in sessions will go ahead as planned:

  • Wednesday 29 January – 3pm to 7pm – Waverley Station main concourse
  • Monday 3 February – 1pm to 5pm – City Arts Centre, 2 Market Street, EH1 1DE

You can comment on any or all of the proposals on our online survey until 21 Feb 2025.  

Princes Street and Waverley Valley Strategy – Come and speak to the team

The Waverley Valley includes East and West Princes Street Gardens, including the Ross Bandstand, Waverley Station, Waverley Market and East Market Street. 

Residents, businesses and other interested groups are being asked to comment on a strategy to revitalise Princes Street and the wider Waverley Valley to create a more vibrant and welcoming city centre.

The new vision will guide the long-term regeneration of this part of the city centre, including promoting a mix of shops and services for residents and visitors, protecting the area’s historic and architectural importance, supporting businesses to be more climate resilient, and encouraging temporary ‘pop-up’ uses within vacant units   

A 12-week consultation on the draft Princes Street and Waverly Valley Strategy began in November. You can comment on any or all of the proposals on our online survey until 21 Feb 2025.  

Come and speak to the team

Over the next few weeks we are holding in-person drop-in sessions for anyone to come and speak to the team:

  • Thursday 16 January – 10am to 2pm – Central Library foyer, 7-9 George IV Bridge, EH1 1EG

Cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances

  • Wednesday 29 January – 3pm to 7pm – Waverley Station main concourse

  • Monday 3 February – 1pm to 5pm – City Arts Centre, 2 Market Street, EH1 1DE

The draft strategy aims to:

  • People crossing the road and tram lines at a busy crossing point on Princes Street. Buses & shops are in the background.
    Create a more accessible city centre – The masterplan for comment recommends guiding the area from the West End of Princes Street along to Waverley Station to become more accessible, with improvements such as additional ramp access to Princes Street Gardens, a footbridge over the Waverley Valley, more public spaces to enjoy, an improved crossing and pedestrian improvements to Castle Street, the Mound Precinct, and Waverley Bridge.
  • Wide view of Princess Street on a busy day. People fill the pavement and buses are lined up on the road. To the right of the image is Princes Street's mix of architecture and rooftops.
    Revitalise Princes Street – Working with developers, the strategy suggests improvements to Princes Street with temporary pop-up premises, building wraps and artwork and encourages mixed-uses for the prominent high street. Improvements to historic buildings, including the Ross Bandstand, are also suggested to create better opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy the area.
  • The Ross Fountain on a bright, sunny day. Plants and greenspace surround the fountain. Trees are in the background and a silhouette of Edinburgh Castle sits above.
    Protect green spaces – The strategy looks to integrate climate resilience and biodiversity measures to protect the existing Waverley Valley and Gardens from climate change and to plant more trees and flowers – also promoting sustainable transport options and the retrofitting of historic buildings in line with Edinburgh’s net zero aims.
  • View of train tracks leading to Waverly Station, with new buildings along the edge of the tracks. In the background is a car park and the edge of Old Town and North Bridge.
    Make improvements to Waverley Station – Shape the future of Waverley Station and the area around it. Its key position between the Old and New Towns makes the station a vital connection between the Old and New Towns. Network Rail’s Waverley Masterplan recognises the need to restore and modernise the station.

Find out more at edinburgh.gov.uk/princesstreet