§ Mr. Nigel JonesTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make it his policy to require planning permission for reinstatement of windows which overlook other premises. [153741]
§ Keith HillThe Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has no plans to require planning permission for the reinstatement of windows. There is a right to install or replace windows in dwellinghouses without needing to apply for planning permission; this has relieved local councils of a potentially large administrative burden. However, where development requires specific planning permission, Planning Policy Guidance Note 1 says that it might be material to consider the question of 'overlooking' or loss of privacy experienced by a particular resident.