Obtaining Southwark's permission to replace windows

[Oxenford]

I'm a leaseholder with Southwark having the freehold, and am looking to replace my old box-sash windows with something warm and dry in time for winter. However, they're not in bad enough condition for Southwark repairs to replace them (they would only give a fresh coat of paint) so I'm looking to do it independently but with their permission.

Has anyone got any tips on going through the process of getting Southwark's permission? Seems I'm going to have to fork out ?400 for their permission, then an unspecified amount for surrendering my lease and having a new one reissued where they're no longer responsible for upkeep of the windows. Annoyingly high for something that's clearly in both our best interests, but if I have to do this then I will.

Does anyone know how long the process takes, how much is costs and whether I can go ahead and get the work done while waiting for Southwark to do their bits?

[fredbear]

we replaced windows in the rear of our flat 3 3ftx3ft we did not realise we had to get permission but just did it.when we realised we told southwark, all they wanted to know was did they have a fensa certificate.

[Oxenford]

Thanks for that fredbear. Were you replacing like-for-like or was it a change of style? If I could just follow suit that would be so much better than going through all the hurdles they've put up now...

[James Barber]

Hi Oxenford,

I've just helped two families do this in East Dulwich.

If you email me I'll set the wheel in motions. The two families had been having a hard time from Southwark but my involvement they tell me has really helped.