New Legislation Opens the Door for Rehau Heritage Windows in Scotland’s Conservation Areas

For homeowners in Scotland’s conservation areas—whether in Glasgow, Edinburgh, or elsewhere—maintaining your property’s historical charm while upgrading to modern standards has often felt like a compromise. Traditional timber box sash windows, a cornerstone of Scotland’s architectural heritage, have long been the default, leaving little room for alternatives when replacements were due. But thanks to updates in 2024 Scottish legislation, you can now swap your ageing timber sash windows for our Rehau Heritage windows without needing planning permission. Here’s why this change is a breakthrough for conservation area residents.

A Shift in Permitted Development Rights

In May 2024, the Scottish Government enacted The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Scotland) Amendment Order 2024, revising Permitted Development Rights (PDR) to balance heritage preservation with modern living. A key update affects window replacements in conservation areas, offering homeowners more freedom than ever.

Previously, replacing windows on a principal elevation (the front) or a side elevation facing a road in a conservation area often required planning permission if the new windows deviated significantly from the originals. The 2024 legislation changes that:

“You will not need to notify the planning authority and submit additional information if the proposed window matches (i.e. is the same or substantially the same as) the existing window as regards:

• Opening mechanism (e.g. sash and case)

• The number, orientation and colour of panes within the window (e.g. six-over-six configuration)

• The dimensions and colour of the window’s frame and any astragal bars.”

Crucially, the material doesn’t have to match—meaning our uPVC Rehau Heritage windows can replace timber originals without issue, providing they align with these criteria. This shift acknowledges that modern materials can preserve a building’s traditional look while delivering practical benefits.

Why Rehau Heritage Windows Are the Perfect Fit

At Sash Windows Scotland, we’ve designed our Rehau Heritage windows to marry heritage aesthetics with contemporary performance. Here’s why they’re ideal under the new rules:

• Authentic Operation: They slide vertically, just like traditional timber sash windows.

• Replicating Sightlines: Slim profiles, deep bottom rails, and optional astragal bars replicate the number, orientation, and colour of panes in historic designs.

• Energy Efficiency: Unlike draughty timber windows, Rehau Heritage windows offer double-glazing options for better insulation and lower energy bills—all without altering the external appearance.

• Durability: Made from uPVC, they resist Scotland’s damp climate, avoiding the rot and repainting timber demands.

• Noise Reduction: Enhanced sealing and glazing cut urban noise, perfect for busy conservation areas.

  
  

Because our windows meet these legislative standards, you can replace your timber sash windows—on any elevation—without planning permission, making upgrades straightforward and hassle-free.

A Win for Conservation and Comfort

This legislative update is more than a technical tweak; it’s a chance to enhance your home responsibly. Timber windows, while iconic, often struggle in modern contexts—single glazing leaks heat, and maintenance can be relentless. The 2024 changes recognize that replacements like Rehau Heritage windows can maintain the visual heritage of conservation areas across Scotland while solving these issues.

Whether your windows face the street or sit at the rear, the process is now simpler. As long as the replacement aligns with the three criteria outlined in the legislation, you’re free to upgrade without delay. For homeowners in conservation areas, this means preserving the charm of your streetscape while enjoying 21st-century comfort.

Your Next Step

For Scottish homeowners in conservation areas, this is your opportunity. Whether you’re tackling rising energy costs or weary of maintaining weathered timber, our Rehau Heritage windows deliver a solution that respects the rules and elevates your home. At Sash Windows Scotland, we’re here to make it happen. Get in touch at info@sashwindowsscotland.co.uk to explore how we can transform your property—keeping its history alive and its future bright.