Do Rooflights Require Planning Permission?

27th June 2024

Are you planning on having a rooflight installed? You might be wondering what the planning permission regulations are for a project like this and what this could mean.  

Rooflights are a great way to improve your home as they bring in more light and create a sense of space, which can completely change the character of a room. However, as they also alter the exterior of buildings, it's only natural to question whether you might need planning permission.  

Read on for a straight-to-the-point explanation of the regulations and requirements of rooflights in England. 

What Are Government Guidelines On Planning Permission For Rooflights? 

As per government guidelines, most people will not need planning permission when installing rooflights in their rooms in England and Wales. However, there are a few rules that will need to be followed: 

• Rooflight Extension: Rooflights should not extend more than 150mm beyond the plane of the roof slope. This ensures minimal alteration to the building's profile. 
• Highest Part of the Roof: The rooflight must not protrude above the highest point of the roof, maintaining the original roofline. 
• Side-facing Windows: If the rooflight faces a side boundary, it must be obscure-glazed to protect privacy and positioned above 1.7 meters from the floor to comply with building regulations. 

When Might You Need Planning Permission?  

As with many home improvements, there are times when you might need to consider getting planning permission to install a rooflight.  

Situations where you should seek planning permission guidance include:  

• Listed buildings: If your property is a listed building, you should contact your local authority to clarify what permissions you need to obtain for your home renovations.  
• Properties in conservation areas: If you live in a conservation area, you might need to seek planning permission when installing a rooflight.  
• You live in a National park: If you live in a national park, you should speak to your local council as there often are restrictions on what can and cannot be done to the properties.  

How Do You Get Planning Permission?  

If you think you might need planning permission to install a rooflight in one of your rooms, you should contact your local authority. They will be able to provide all the information you need, confirming whether or not you need planning permission and what you will need to include in your application.  

Permissions from Landlords or Management Companies 

It is also worth mentioning that should you not own the property outright, you should seek permission from those who own the building.  

This could mean contacting your landlord directly or going through the property management company, which will discuss it with your landlord on your behalf.  

Building Regulations and Rooflights 

While it is unlikely that you will need to apply for planning permission to add a rooflight to your home, you must ensure that it meets building regulations when completed.  

The main points within building regulations of a rooflight will be to ensure that the new structure meets the energy and thermal efficiency and insulation requirements and the protection of the building against fire. 

There are several reasons why you will need to meet building regulations for your rooflight. These include:  

• Installing a rooflight usually requires altering the roof structure. 
• Either the roof can support the weight of the new skylight, or it needs to be reinforced. 
• You should consider the skylight's fire performance if it is near a boundary. 
• The rooflight needs to be sufficiently insulated to prevent heat loss. 

Our Experts Are Here To Help 

So, there you have it - as long as your new rooflight complies with the above, there'll be no need for planning permission, per se. However, you will need to make sure you comply with building regulations.  

If this has swayed you into adding a rooflight to your home, trust Alimax to install one. Based in Hampshire, we provide windows, doors and rooflights to commercial and residential buildings across Hampshire and Dorset.  

Our manufacturing facility is equipped with state-of-the-art machinery so you can be confident in the quality of our work and our manufacturing process.  

Don't hesitate to get in touch with us today to find out more about how our rooflights can improve your home.