Permitted Development Rights for Roof Alterations

Looking to make changes to your home's roof? You might be able to do so without applying for full planning permission, thanks to what's known as 'Permitted Development Rights'. These rights specifically cover "any other alteration to the roof of a dwellinghouse," as outlined in the legal framework: Schedule 2, Part 1, Class C of The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended).

Before you begin planning, it's important to understand that these rights only apply if your home meets specific conditions. You cannot use these permitted development rights if:

• Your property is a building containing one or more flats, or if your home is a flat within such a building.

• Your house was converted from a previous non-residential use into a dwelling using permitted development rights.

• Your property was constructed as a 'New Dwellinghouse' under permitted development rights.

When planning your actual roof alteration, you must also ensure it complies with the following strict guidelines:

• Your proposed changes must not extend more than 150 millimetres beyond the line of your existing roof slope.

• The alteration must not be higher than the highest point of your current roof.

• If you include any windows on the side of your roof, they must be 'obscure-glazed' (meaning they aren't clear, ensuring privacy). Furthermore, if these windows can open, you must install them so that the opening part is 1.7 metres or more above the internal floor level of the room.

For a more in-depth understanding of the technical details surrounding permitted development rules, especially if your project involves common undertakings such as loft conversions, adding additional storeys, or installing solar panels, you should always consult the government’s official publications. You can find comprehensive guidance here: Permitted Development Rights for Householders – Technical Guidance