Grade 2 Windows: What You Need To Know

In England, a grading system is used to protect properties considered of historical value. As well as public buildings and the grand former homes of the great and the good, this grading system also applies to thousands of relatively ordinary homes and other buildings. The designation regime is set out in the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 (ref. 1) and the list is maintained by Historic England and currently covers over 400,000 buildings.

The English grading system is split into three categories. Grade I are buildings generally considered to be of exceptional national importance and the regulations surrounding their use and renovation are incredibly strict. Grade I buildings make up just 2.5% of the total.

Grade II* buildings are considered to be of more than special interest and make up around 5.8% of all listed buildings. The remaining listed buildings, well over 300,000, are Grade II and the majority of these are domestic dwellings. Properties in this category are regarded as being of special interest warranting every effort to preserve them.

If you own a Grade II listed property you are subject to a range of regulatory requirements when it comes to renovations.

Can you change the windows in a Grade II listed property?

If you want to replace old windows on a Grade II listed property you will first need to secure the permission of your local authority planning officer. The Local Government Association provides a list of local authorities across the country.

Many Grade II listed properties will have older wooden frame windows that are now past their best.  Older windows in period properties can be draughty and a major source of heat loss. Over time, older windows may be prone to deterioration and can increase your heating bills as you attempt to heat your property.

A cold property with condensation can lead to a build-up of dampness and mould which, if left untreated, can lead to respiratory problems. In addition, damaged or deteriorated windows may be easier to tamper with and can become a security risk.

Can you install double-glazed windows in a Grade II listed property?

It’s perfectly possible to install new double-glazed windows into a listed building. However, the glazing will need to comply with the conservation guidelines pertaining to the property and planning permission will need to be obtained. Any new double-glazed windows will need to preserve the historical character of the building and not interfere with the architectural significance that resulted in the property becoming listed.

Conservation officers from the local authority as well as restoration professionals and window specialists such as Joinery Solutions SW will be able to assist in ensuring any new windows are fully regulatory compliant. In practice, this is likely to mean any new windows will be timber as you will need to convince the planning officer that any replacements will closely replicate the original windows. Should your initial application be rejected it’s possible to submit a revised application for consideration.

Restore or Replace

Depending on the current state of your windows you may be able to refurbish existing windows to restore their appearance, improve their thermal efficiency and increase their longevity. In many cases, timber window restoration will not require planning permission, but it’s important to discuss your plans with the planning authority before you begin.

In cases where windows are in too much of a state of disrepair, then timber window replacement may be the only realistic option. If that’s the case you will need to secure planning permission before the work begins. It’s advisable to speak to your local planning department before submitting an application as they will be able to advise what might be appropriate prior to the work starting.

Listed Building Window Services from Joinery Solutions SW

If you live in or are working on a home that’s Grade II listed, then it’s essential that your chosen joinery partner understands the requirements of manufacturing and restoring windows that meet the planning requirements.

At Joinery Solutions SW, we’re experienced at refurbishing and replacing timber windows in Grade II listed properties across the region. We’ve worked on numerous heritage projects over the years and whether you require work on sash or casement windows, you can be sure that our team has the skills and knowledge to uphold the beauty of your Grade II listed building.

Contact us today to find out more about how we can help.