Do I Need Planning Permission To Install Roof Windows?

Let’s tackle a question we regularly get asked at Sterlingbuild and take a look at getting the right info from the UK government’s Planning Portal.

As more and more people work from home on a regular basis, adding a

TLDR - QUICK LINKS

If you are already sold on getting roof windows and just need the links, we’ve added shortcuts for all the sections you need.

• Doors and Windows regulations – The rules (Planning Portal, opens in a new tab)
• Extensions – Our bespoke Aluminium & uPVC Windows & Doors
• Amazing Sterlingbuild Extensions and Loft Conversions
• Flat roof window buying guide
• Sun tunnel buying guide
• Sterlingbuild recommends… (Add 3 showcase products)

What is the Gov.UK’s Planning Portal?

The

“The Planning Portal should be one of the first places you visit when you've decided to make any kind of building renovation to your home.”

The Portal is updated on a weekly basis with the latest news on planning and developments whilst also offering help to homeowners with no construction background.

There’s also a great interactive house tool where you can get all kinds of information about house renovation and upgrades. Check it out here.

What can the Planning Portal help with?

Doors & Windows… obviously!

When it comes to installing rooflights or skylights in your home, generally there isn't a need to apply for planning permission as long as the following limits and conditions are met:

• Any windows installed must protrude no more than 150 millimetres above the existing roof plane
• No alteration can be higher than the highest part of the roof or stand out above the roof ridge
• Side-facing windows are to consist of obscure glazing for privacy purposes and should not be openable unless 1.7m above the floor

If you want to know more or think you might not meet the criteria we recommend you can read more at

What about Extensions?

An extension can be seen as a fantastic way to open up your home and allow for more natural light to flood in. The extra space it will also bring means the extension is one of the most popular choices when it comes to home renovation. See our

Any extension is considered to be permitted development and does not require an application for planning permission subject to a handful of limits and conditions including:

• No more than half the area of land around the "original house" would be covered by additions or other buildings
  In this sense, the term "original house" means the house that was originally built, or as it stood on 1 July 1948.
• No extension is to be higher than the highest part of the roof
  This includes building above the ridge - which is not permitted.
• Maximum height of single-story extension to be no more than 4m
  This would include any flat glass rooflights that are to be incorporated into the

   

  building.

The permitted development conditions apply to

If your development is going to be over 100m², there may be a charge under the Community Infrastructure Levy.

Loft Conversions

Moving up instead of out seems to be one of the most popular themes of the 21st century with more homeowners looking to develop instead of moving to a bigger property.

Investing in a loft conversion will cost you on average £20,000 (depending on what part of the country you live in) but it can add a lot more to your home in terms of value and required living space.

Planning permission itself is not normally required for a loft conversion, however, much like an extension, your development must meet and exceed specified conditions.

These conditions differ from house to house with different condition limits being set depending on what house you have (detached, semi-detached, terraced).

The conditions in question are specific to

What if I have a Balcony?

The Planning Portal says in

"A balcony is defined as a platform with a rail, balustrade or parapet projecting outside an upper storey of a building. A "Juliet" balcony, where there is no platform and therefore no external access, would normally be permitted development."

However,

Our friends at VELUX say none of their windows

If in doubt, we will always advise you to talk to your

Are there Exceptions to the rules?

Yes, there are some conditions where you may need to apply for planning permission. This is when an Article 4 direction made by your local authority withdraws permitted development rights.

Article 4 directions are made when "the character of an acknowledged importance would be threatened", such as homes in a

Another instance where you may need to get permission is if you are a leaseholder, and you may need to seek consent from your landlord or management company.

Do You Need Building Control Approval?

Inserting a roof window into the existing roof is classed as a material alteration, as it is technically a structural and/or thermal alteration. An external window or door is a "controlled fitting" under Building Regulations, and as a result of this classification, there are certain standards outlined in the Regulations that must be met when such a window or door is replaced.

One way to avoid any confusion is to use an installer registered with the relevant competent person scheme, such as the

Take a look at the Competent Person Schemes information on the

Discover Roof Windows at Sterlingbuild

*All information correct as of 3rd July 2017

So where do I start with roof windows?

You already have, Sterlingbuild offers everything you need to daylight your home with roof windows. You’ll find our friendly staff will bend over backwards to help you get what you need and be able to point you in the right direction to get your project off the ground and daylighting your home, office, business premises and everything in between. We’re here to help you get it done.

Our ranges are tailored to all budgets and requirements:

• Need bespoke aluminium doors and windows?
• Want to add daylight sticking to a budget?
• Looking for more information about sun tunnels?
• Looking for ideas and inspiration?
• Need a tradesman?
• Already got roof windows and need accessories?