External material must match existing

[chopc]

When planning permission states above - does this mean you have to have windows that match the old windows as well? We have wooden framed windows and doors and were hoping for upvc windows and doors instead when we extend

Anyone?

No I don't think so. You should be able to use upvc unless your house is listed maybe? I always thought it was about the brickwork and renderring.

Front or back? We’re in a conservation area and have lots of rules about matching existing but we had no trouble putting in aluminium windows and doors in our recent rear extension (which definitely don’t match the timber Victorian windows). I think it was more the brickwork and roof which had to be in keeping. At the front however we wouldn’t be allowed uPVC it would have to be wood.

House is not listed, not in conservation area and it is at the back and we don't have neighbors at the back

I did write to planning to ask but they want me to send in another pre planning application in order to answer 🤷🏽‍♀️. A fee is required each time

Really doubt it will be an issue

That’s cheeky that they want a fee to clarify their own unclear instruction. I think I’d write saying “we understand the requirement to apply to brickwork and roofing (or whatever you are planning to match) but not windows”. If they disagree they can tell you!

Your planning application should have a Case Officer assigned to it.
Their job is to clarify any queries.
You certainly should not be paying an additional fee.
Get your local councillor involved if required

Have tried that with regards to a previous query and it didn't work. Very cheeky way of making money now that you don't need planning for some works

@WhereDoesThisToiletGo in response to a previous query my case worker said she cannot give me a formal answer unless I submit it as a pre planning query for which there is a fee to be paid

I don't recall asking the council's permission before changing the windows of my previous house from wood to upvc 🤔