Windows and alterations in conservation areas and listed buildings
Conservation areas
The council describes conservation areas as having special architectural or historic interest. There are 50 in Edinburgh, and extra rules control building work in them. If you plan work on a property in a conservation area, the council asks you to read its guidance on listed buildings and conservation areas first. You can browse every conservation area here, or check exact boundaries on the council's interactive map.
Replacing windows
The council says that, since May 2024, permitted development rights have changed. In a conservation area:
- Alterations to the rear of a property that isn't a principal elevation, or to a side elevation that doesn't face a road, don't need planning permission.
- Windows on the front or principal elevation, and side windows facing a road, can be submitted as an application for prior approval.
If you live in the World Heritage Site or a listed building, those changes don't apply. You should continue to apply for planning permission or listed building consent.
Listed buildings
Listed buildings are specially protected. If you plan alterations, the council asks you to review its planning guideline on listed buildings and conservation areas before starting work. You can check a building's listing on the Historic Environment Scotland portal.
Related
Statutory repair notices · Shared repairs · Search a street
Sources (checked 2026-11-06): Conservation areas · Listed buildings and conservation areas · Prior approval for window replacement. Summaries are our wording; the council's pages are authoritative.