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Richmond Conservation Area Windows & Listed Building Guide (2025)

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The London Borough of Richmond upon Thames is unique: over 85 designated conservation areas cover the borough, from Kew and Richmond Green to Twickenham and Barnes. Its riverside settings, Georgian terraces, and Victorian cottages make it one of the UK’s most protected heritage environments.

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Barnsbury Joinery delivers heritage-grade sash window restoration and replacement designed to meet Richmond Council’s strict conservation requirements while enhancing comfort, security, and sustainability.

 

What Richmond Council Requires:

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  • Visible changes (materials, glazing, colour, profiles) almost always need consent

  • Listed Buildings: require Listed Building Consent for all alterations

  • Article 4 Areas: remove permitted development rights; timber authenticity is strictly enforced

  • Materials: Only timber is acceptable; uPVC will be refused

 

Repair, Replacement & Glazing Options:

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  • Timber sash repair: We repair decayed sections, replace cords/weights, seal draughts, and restore original paintwork.

  • Like-for-like replacements: Bespoke joinery crafted to match original details, including lamb’s tongues, horns, meeting rails, and glazing bar thickness.

  • Slimline double glazing: Widely supported where authentic profiles are maintained; typically 11–14mm units with putty glazing.

  • Secondary glazing: Frequently used for listed interiors to boost performance without affecting external appearance.

 

Richmond Green Cottage:

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  • Property: Grade II cottage near Richmond Green

  • Problem: Severe draughts, condensation, and poor acoustic performance

  • Solution: Front-facing sash windows replaced with like-for-like timber incorporating 12mm slimline units; rear-facing windows fitted with secondary glazing

  • Outcome: Reduced heat loss by 35%, significant sound insulation, seamless approval by Richmond Council

 

Sustainability & Energy Efficiency in Richmond

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Richmond Council has ambitious climate goals. Barnsbury Joinery supports these through:

  • Slimline units with U-values around 1.5 W/m²K

  • Sustainably sourced timber

  • Heritage-friendly paint systems with low VOCs

  • Secondary glazing systems that deliver acoustic insulation for properties near Heathrow flight paths

 

Step-by-Step Application Support:

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  1. Heritage survey & condition report

  2. Drawings, sections, and a heritage impact statement

  3. Planning/LBC submission to Richmond Council

  4. Consultation & decision (approx. 8–12 weeks)

  5. Joinery manufacture & conservation-grade installation

 

FAQs – Richmond

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Q: Can I use slimline glazing in Richmond conservation areas?
A: Yes, often approved where profiles remain authentic. We provide details officers expect to see.

 

Q: How strict are Article 4 controls?
A: Very strict. Even minor alterations require applications and detailed drawings.

 

Q: Can secondary glazing be used in listed properties?
A: Yes. Secondary glazing is a common and accepted way to improve energy efficiency without external alterations.

 

Q: How long does Richmond take to decide?
A: Normally 8–12 weeks; complex sites may take longer.

 

Q: Do you handle commercial projects?
A: Yes — we manage heritage window surveys and phased programmes for blocks, estates, and commercial portfolios.

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👉 Book a Richmond heritage window survey with Barnsbury Joinery — we’ll guide you through approval, design, manufacture, and installation. Please call us on: 0207-1646305

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