Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is a Listed Building?

A. Listed Buildings hold a lot of history and are one of the most significant ways in which the history of the United Kingdom is preserved and protected for future generations. When a building or area is of historic interest, it is considered a place of national importance and is added to the National Heritage List for England. This listing implies extra restrictions on changes you might want to make to the building’s interior and exterior.

There are three categories of listed buildings:

Grade I buildings are of exceptional interest, only 2.5% of listed buildings are Grade I.

Grade II* buildings are particularly important buildings of more than special interest; 5.8% of listed buildings are Grade II*.

Grade II buildings are of special interest; 91.7% of all listed buildings are in this class and it is the most likely grade of listing for a home owner. Surprisingly the total number of listed buildings are unknown, as one single entry on the National Heritage List for England (NHLE) can sometimes cover a number of individual units, such as a row of terraced houses. However, we estimate that there are around 500,000 listed buildings on the NHLE.

Please see some of the projects we have completed on Listed Buildings or for more information get in touch.

Q. Are you allowed to use double glazing for Listed Buildings?

A. Yes — double glazing can be used in listed buildings, but it will usually require approval from your local authority through Listed Building Consent.

Acceptance often depends on how sensitive the proposed windows are to the character and appearance of the property. In many cases, traditional-looking double-glazed windows that closely replicate the original design, sightlines, and detailing are far more likely to gain approval than standard modern replacements.

There is also increasing recognition of the need to improve the thermal efficiency of historic buildings, provided this can be achieved without harming their architectural or historical significance. Because of this, carefully designed slimline double glazing is now being accepted in many listed buildings and conservation areas across the UK.

Every listed property is different, so it is always recommended to speak with your local conservation officer or a specialist manufacturer experienced in heritage glazing before carrying out any work.

For more than 3 decades Touchstone Glazing Solutions and Design Glass have been repairing, restoring and replacing windows in historic buildings all across the UK. Our double glazing system has been specifically designed to replicate and function in the same way as the original glazing without damage to the building and wherever possible retaining the original fabric of the window. Therefore, we believe that we have created a product that makes double glazing for listed buildings an achievable outcome.

Q. How long does it take to receive Listed building consent?

A. The timeframe for receiving Listed Building Consent can vary depending on the local authority and the complexity of the proposed work. In most cases, once a valid application has been submitted, a decision is typically made within 8 weeks.

However, more complex applications or projects involving significant changes can take longer, particularly if additional information is requested or further consultation is required.

Working with an experienced heritage window specialist and providing detailed drawings and specifications from the outset can often help the process run more smoothly and improve the chances of approval.

Touchstone offers a comprehensive service to support applications including scale drawings, site meetings with Conservation Officers, Architects and, if necessary, window condition reports. We can also offer testimonials and evidence from similar completed work when applying for double glazing in a listed building.

Q. Do we need Listed building consent in order to change our windows in a Listed building or heritage site?

A. Absolutely yes! Listed building consent will always be required when changing windows whether single or double glazed. However repairs to existing windows can be done without, although it is still wise to take advice.

Q. Where can I find specialist advice?

A. It is important to obtain expert advice when considering alterations and repairs to Listed Buildings. Surveyors/ Conservation Architects can provide advice on the structural condition of the fabric of the building and works required for its repair and maintenance. It is particularly important to obtain specialist advice where alterations and repairs have an effect on historic detail and design.

In both cases it is advisable to find a consultant who specialises in your type of historic building. The following specialist organisations and interest groups will be able to provide you with detailed advice or put you in touch with local specialists.

Listed Property Owners Club - https://www.lpoc.co.uk/‍ ‍

RIBA Conservation Architects Register - https://www.architecture.com/working-with-an-architect/conservation-register‍ ‍

Glass and Glazing Federation - https://www.ggf.org.uk/

At Touchstone, along with our sister company Design Glass, we are passionate about historic windows. As well as site meetings, compiling specialist reports and offering advice, we also provide a full renovation service of steel windows and leaded lights. Information and advice on our patented double glazing system can be offered by way of drawings, as well as CPD for architects and professionals. We will happily come and meet you on site to discuss the project further or you are more than welcome to visit our workshop and showroom.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss a particular project please do not hesitate to contact us.