Do i need planing permission for changing the original standard window in bedroom 1 to French doors with ' Juliet balcony ' ?

Hi Mark This Best Practice guide to assist local authorities to determine when a building regulation application is required for work relating to the replacement of doors and windows when changing the size of the opening in any way. Most Building Control bodies are aware that if you enlarge a window opening by increasing its width you will usually require a new lintel and a Building Regulations application is clearly required for the associated structural work. However, what has not been as widely recognised is that an application is also required where the enlargement of the opening is downwards as the work is considered to be “building work” in accordance with Regulation 3(1)(b) ‘The provision or extension of a controlled service or fitting in or in connection with a building’. This having been a requirement since 1st April 2002 by virtue of Regulation 2 (1) where “controlled service or fitting” means a service or fitting in relation to which Part G, H, J, L or P of schedule 1 imposes a requirement. The requirement to submit an application extends to those people who are members of a competent person scheme for replacement of windows as the CPS only cover replacement of windows where they are the same size as originals. The following points are some areas where control may need to be exerted. 1. Enlargement of the window/door opening could cause conflict with energy efficiency requirements when based on the glazed area in relation to floor area (Regulation L1). 2. Unprotected areas in boundary situations could become excessive (Regulation B4). Hope this helps Trevor & Mike Asset Property Installations

Hi Mark, I would give your local planning office a call and ask them straight, they all have a difference in oppinion on this one depending on where the house is, ie conservation area etc. They are there to answer your question's. Hope this is of help. Regard's Paul Callaghan