Edinburgh Conservation Compliance
Non-Compliant Sash & Case Windows
Worried that your sash and case windows don't meet Edinburgh's conservation rules? Whether you've inherited a non-compliant installation, received a planning enforcement notice, or you're simply unsure where you stand, we help homeowners across the New Town, Old Town and conservation areas bring their period windows back into compliance.
What counts as non-compliant in Edinburgh?
Most of central Edinburgh sits within a conservation area, and thousands of properties carry an A, B or C listing. In any of these settings, replacement windows must match the original in design, materials, glazing pattern, sightlines and operation. Windows that fall short, typically uPVC, top-hung casements masquerading as sashes, chunky double-glazed units with thick spacer bars, missing astragals, wrong horn profiles, or visible trickle vents, are considered non-compliant and may have been installed without (or in breach of) Listed Building Consent or planning permission.
Common non-compliance issues we see
The most frequent problems we are called to inspect are uPVC or aluminium frames replacing original timber sashes; modern 24–28mm double-glazed units with prominent spacer bars that flatten the traditional profile; applied (stuck-on) astragal bars rather than true through bars; non-opening top sashes converted to fixed dummies; flush sash arrangements where a Victorian property would have had horns; bottom-hinged or tilt-and-turn casements installed in place of vertically sliding sashes; and missing simplex fittings, sash lifts or sash fasteners that should be period-appropriate.
Why it matters — enforcement, value and saleability
Carrying out works to a listed building without consent is a criminal offence in Scotland under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act, and the City of Edinburgh Council can serve an enforcement notice requiring you to remove or replace non-compliant windows at your own cost. Even where enforcement is not pursued, non-compliant windows almost always show up on Home Reports and conveyancing searches — driving down sale prices, derailing transactions, and making mortgage approvals harder. Bringing windows back into compliance protects both the building and your equity.
How we put things right
We start with a free, no-obligation site survey to identify exactly which windows are non-compliant and why. We then prepare a detailed specification, drawings, glazing bar profiles, timber sections, ironmongery schedule and a glazing strategy, that meets the standards required by the City of Edinburgh Council's conservation officers and, where relevant, Historic Environment Scotland. Where required, we manage the Listed Building Consent or Planning Permission application on your behalf, manufacture every window bespoke in our Canonmills workshop, and install with full project management.
Already received an enforcement notice?
Don't panic, and don't try to rip windows out yourself. Get in touch and we will arrange an urgent survey, prepare the technical specification and drawings the planning department needs, liaise with your case officer, and quote for a compliant replacement. We have worked through dozens of enforcement and remedial cases across Edinburgh's New Town, Old Town, Stockbridge, Marchmont, Bruntsfield, Morningside and Leith conservation areas.
Spot the warning signs
Red flags on a period property
If your windows show any of these characteristics, they are likely to be non-compliant in a conservation area or listed building.
- uPVC or aluminium frames in a conservation area
- Top-hung casements installed in place of vertical sliding sashes
- Thick spacer bars visible inside the glazing
- Applied (stuck-on) glazing bars rather than true through bars
- Missing horns on a Victorian or Edwardian property
- Trickle vents fitted to principal elevations
- Non-opening top sashes / dummy sashes
- Plastic-style sash lifts and modern locks on traditional frames
What we offer
Compliance FAQs
Non-Compliant Windows in Edinburgh
From planning enforcement notices to conservation approvals — common questions for owners of conservation-area and listed properties.
Still have questions?
Contact usWorried about a non-compliant installation?
Book a free compliance survey and we'll tell you exactly where you stand — and what it would take to put things right.
See also: Listed Buildings & ConservationReplacement Sash & Case