Introduction

The purpose of this page is to give information relating to planning requirements related to home energy additions and alterations to homes within the Grange Conservation Area. The information is believed to be accurate but there are many aspects of planning regulations which are complicated and each application is decided on its own merits. Verifying planning requirements with building professionals and the planning department is always sensible.

Conservation Areas (CAs), of which there are 60 within Edinburgh, are designated to provide additional protection to areas and buildings of architectural and historic significance maintaining their character and appearance. In areas not covered by this status certain developments come under the description of Permitted Development Rights (PDR).  In conservation areas ‘Article 4 Directions’ require permission to be sought for these developments.

In addition, further protection against undesirable development is provided by the process of listing a particular building and, even if planning permission is not required, owners may find it necessary to apply for Listed Building Consent (LBC).

There are three categories of listing:

• A – buildings of national importance;
• B- buildings of regional importance
• C(S)- buildings of local importance.  Within the Grange Conservation Area there are 8 A listings, 100 B listings and 52 C listings.  More information about how to check whether your home is in a conservation area, or is listed, is on our Planning Guidance page (section 1).

As a general principle, the intention of the planning department is to retain original features of buildings as much as possible; thus repairs are preferred to replacement; replacement of parts of buildings should be in materials which match the original and replicate the appearance of the original features and any additions should be ‘sympathetic’ to the structure.

Useful information can be found on Edinburgh Council and Scottish Government websites and links are included at the foot of this document.

Matters relating to planning permission for the measures listed below are periodically reviewed and so it is important to seek advice or research the subject thoroughly.  It is always a good idea to consult the planning department to see if what is proposed is acceptable to them and whether formal consent is required. It may be that a reply from them stating that the proposal is regarded as permitted development would save the expense of an application and would be a useful document when selling a property to demonstrate that the development was agreeable to the authorities.   You can apply for a Certificate of Lawfulness to demonstrate that your development is lawful.

Other tiles on the HOME ENERGY webpage refer to various measures which can, and should, be undertaken to minimise energy losses in ones home. Here we focus on planning aspects of subjects such as microgeneration and double glazing.

Low carbon energy

This includes such development as ground source heat pumps, air source heat pumps and microgeneration such as solar panels and wind turbines.

It is easy to deal with the wind turbine matter as these are not permitted within CAs or within the curtilage of listed buildings. Admittedly, in locations which have copious grounds they may be permitted if they comply with certain criteria, but this is unlikely to arise in urban settings.

Ground Source Heat Pumps are permitted subject to a requirement to respect the appearance of the property, but planning permission may be required for internal alterations to accommodate plant associated with their installation.

Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs) are generally permitted, but currently only one unit per property and cannot be installed at the front or the side of a building if that elevation faces onto a road. It used to be that they had to be installed at ground level, but recognising that owners of upper flats may wish to avail themselves of these devices recent consultations suggest that the planners may permit installation at such locations. Listed Building Consent is required for an ASHP within the curtilage of a listed building.

Solar Panels are permitted in conservation areas, but not on listed buildings and panels must not be visible from the road. They must therefore be installed on rear facing or side facing roofs providing these too do not face onto a road.

There are several criteria which must be met to permit installation of air source heat pumps and solar panels. If going down that path it is essential to make oneself aware of these before work commences.

Double glazing

Double glazing is probably the most familiar method of energy saving for most residents and is permitted but, as ever, with certain restrictions.

Recent legislation, in 2024, has relaxed rules relating to installation of double glazing within Conservation Areas although this relaxation does not extend to listed buildings. Planning permission for unlisted buildings is no longer required to alter your windows. In effect this means that the use of uPVC double glazing is no longer prohibited.

There are, however, criteria which must be met. Windows to the rear of a property or to the side (providing these do not face onto an adjoining road) may be replaced without seeking planning permission. Windows at the front of a building and to the side if facing onto a road may also be replaced providing the appearance is not altered. Many double-glazing manufacturers now make conservation style windows in uPVC. Replacement windows should be of the same opening method; replicate the original number, orientation and colour of panes; have the same dimensions and colour of frame and astragals. Mock astragals on the glass surface or within the double glazing units will not be allowed.

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 the replacements proposed without the need for full planning permission.  This proposal application should contain a location plan, description of the proposed replacement windows and the requisite fee.

In the case of listed buildings, wooden frame double glazing is permitted but, if in good order, retention of original sashes is preferred with deepening of the reveals to accommodate the double-glazed units. Any replacement should be in wood and replicate original features such as astragals and match the original windows in every way. Slimline double glazed units of 4mm panes with a maximum gap of 6mm  (i.e. 14mm total width) are generally permitted.  Listed properties will have to apply for LBC and owners of properties of A and B listings may have to comply with more stringent requirements.

Secondary glazing 

A less expensive measure than double glazing is secondary glazing. As this is classified as a removable measure, planning permission should not normally be required unless it impacts on the architectural detail of a property. Secondary glazing should not affect the appearance of the existing windows and should not prevent the use of shutters. Wherever possible secondary glazing should be fitted immediately inside existing sashes or a suitable position within the window reveal. Meeting rails and frames should be as small in section as possible and be behind existing rails.  External secondary glazing in CAs and on listed buildings is not permitted.

References and sources

www.gov.scot/publications/circular-1-2024-householder-permitted-development-rights/pages/1/

www.edinburgh.gov.uk/downloads/file/36319/quick-guide-to-windows

https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/downloads/file/27028/listed-building-and-conservation-areas

https://www.gov.scot/publications/guide-conservation-areas-scotland