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Thanks fazer71, I have pm'd you regarding your query. It is so difficult to know what will best reduce the noise. I have been told by the window refurbish guy that replacing the sash's with double glazing would have the same effect on the noise having the whole lot replaced. Whereas the companies that replace the whole window and don't offer just the sash replacement say this is not the case. Thanks for all your advice and good to hear the experiences of those who have had their sashes converted.

I have decided to go with the recommendation of having the sash itself replaced with wooden double glazing and keep the original surround. This means I don't have to go through the rigmarole of the planning permission. Thanks again to all for their kind advice on this.

Thank you to every one who has posted and pm'd. According to the planning department, Oakhurst is a conservation area, the regulations changed in 2008. After a lengthy conversation with them, I feel none the wiser. The gentleman basically said that it depended on whether other houses on the road had uPVC but then it might not. He advised that I apply for planning permission but that it was a time consuming process and would cost ?150. I would really rather not do so unless I need to. In response to the aesthetics of uPVC, I agree that they don't always look great but was going for an expensive option that does imitate well. I was hoping to keep the original surround which is sound and install double glazed sliders as Frazer71 suggested. All 3 double glazing companies told me this was not possible though. If any one knows this to not be strictly true, please let me know, it may be that it is simply something that they don't do. The windows have been maintained and have draft excluder materials. I am hoping to install double glazing purely to reduce noise (though a little extra warmth wouldn't go amiss) as it is my bedroom and being at the front of the building, I am lacking in sleep! Thanks again.

I am hoping to replace my ground floor bay sash window at the front of the house. The replacement would be pvc with a wooden surround and in design, very similar to the originals. As Oakhurst Grove is a conservation area, I was wondering if anyone has any experience of the planning permissions required. I have a horrible feeling I would be required to use the very expensive option of all wood frame. Thanks to any one who can advise.