Crittall windows London: What Homeowners Should Know About Planning and Installation
- September 8, 2025
- General
Installing new Crittall windows can be a fantastic way to transform any London property; offering distinctive art-deco and industrial aesthetics, excellent thermal performance and longevity, these windows combine beauty and practicality.
However, navigating London’s planning requirements, parking restrictions, and building regulations requires careful preparation. Here’s everything homeowners need to know before embarking on their Crittall steel windows project in the capital.
Understanding London’s planning permission requirements
Borough-specific regulations
London’s 32 boroughs each have distinct planning policies that directly impact Crittall steel windows installations. Many London properties fall within conservation areas where planning officers scrutinise any external alterations. Steel frames with their characteristic narrow profiles often align with conservation requirements, but approval isn’t automatic.
What’s permitted in one borough may require full planning permission in another.
Key considerations include:
- Window size and opening restrictions
- Materials and colour limitations
- Conservation area requirements
- Listed building constraints
Can Crittall windows be installed in a London conservation area?
London’s conservation areas mean many homeowners face stricter regulations when installing steel windows. The good news? Crittall windows’ authentic heritage design, dating back to Francis Henry Crittall’s original innovations, often satisfies conservation officers’ requirements.
Conservation area considerations:
- Original window proportions must typically be maintained
- Glazing bar patterns may need to match existing designs
- Colour restrictions often apply (though iconic black steel is usually acceptable)
- Double glazing may require special slim-profile units
For listed buildings, consent from both the local authority and Historic England may be required. However, Crittall’s authentic designs and modern thermal performance often gain approval where other window systems fail.
Navigating London’s logistical challenges
London, a bustling hub of movement and activity features many densely populated areas, often complicating window installation projects.
Parking restrictions and access
London’s complex parking regulations can significantly impact installation timelines and costs. Most residential streets have controlled parking zones, resident parking schemes, or loading restrictions that affect delivery and installation schedules.
Essential planning steps:
- Apply for parking suspensions well in advance (typically 2-3 weeks minimum)
- Consider crane requirements for upper-floor installations
- Plan for multiple delivery phases if access is restricted
- Factor suspension costs into your budget
Building manager and leasehold considerations
Many London properties are leasehold, requiring additional approvals before installation can proceed. Building managers and management companies often have specific requirements that go beyond statutory planning permission.
Typical requirements include:
- Formal consent from the freeholder or management company
- Insurance and liability documentation
- Detailed installation schedules to minimise disruption
- Compliance with building-specific guidelines on materials and contractors
Working hours and noise restrictions
Many London boroughs strictly enforce construction noise limits to maintain a balance between construction work and peace for local residents.
Noisy construction work is typically restricted to:
- Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM
- Limited noisy work on Sundays or bank holidays
Installation of internal steel doors and screens may continue outside these hours as they generate minimal noise, but external work must comply with local restrictions.
Lightfoot’s Crittall range
At Lightfoot Windows, we offer the complete spectrum of authentic Crittall steel windows, from the popular Homelight range ideal for residential applications to the robust Corporate W20 system designed for larger commercial buildings.
Our collection includes the energy-efficient W20 TE range, which delivers exceptional thermal performance without compromising the distinctive aesthetic appeal that makes Crittall windows so sought-after. Each system maintains the characteristic narrow steel frames that define the art deco era while incorporating modern double glazing.
Our partnership with Crittall as a Specialist Partner means we can specify and supply bespoke solutions tailored to London’s diverse architectural landscape. Whether you’re renovating a Victorian terrace, updating a 1930s apartment, or working on a contemporary new build, our range accommodates every application.
Our showroom in London displays working examples of these systems, allowing clients to experience the quality and craftsmanship that makes the Crittall name synonymous with exceptional craftsmanship.
Local expertise matters: choosing a professional installation team
Alongside selecting the perfect Crittall windows for your home, it’s crucial to choose an installation team who can utilise local knowledge to understand any logistical challenges, adhere to planning requirements and ensure a professional result.
London’s Victorian and Edwardian properties often feature irregular openings and structural quirks that require detailed site surveys. Professional installers experienced with London properties can identify potential challenges early, ensuring first class results.
London’s unique challenges require installers with specific local experience. Understanding borough requirements, parking systems, and typical property layouts makes the difference between smooth installation and costly delays. At Lightfoot, we have decades of experience working in and around London, and you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that our professional team is adept at handling any challenge with ease.
Transform your London property with authentic Crittall windows
Our team understands London’s unique challenges and requirements. Contact us today using our online contact form, call 020 8662 9090, or email general@lightfootwindows.co.uk to discuss your project with our experts.
Want to get a quick estimate on new Crittall windows? Simply visit our ‘Get An Estimate’ page and fill out the required information, and one of our friendly experts will get back to you within 48 hours.