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What You Need to Know About Rooflights and Planning Permission

  • January 17, 2023
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Conservation Rooflight Installation

Rooflights add a lot to a home, including elegance, light, and long-term value. However, one of the most frequently asked issues is whether installing a rooflight requires planning approval.

In this blog post, we’ll answer that issue and review other important considerations for installing a rooflight, such as exceptions to the standard planning conditions, so keep reading.

Does Installing Rooflights Require Permission?

In general, installing a rooflight does not require planning permission if specific standards are met and instead comes under what is known as a building’s allowed developments. The following are the characteristics it must meet:

  • The rooflight is not permitted to protrude above the highest point of the existing roof.
  • All installed windows must be less than 150mm above the current roof plane.
  • For side-facing windows (for privacy), obscure glazing needs to be utilised.
  • The windows should not be openable unless they are higher than 1.7m above the floor.


If these standards are unmet, you will need further planning clearances.

Can a Rooflight Be Installed in a Listed Building?

There are numerous more variables to consider when installing a rooflight in a listed building, barn conversion or property in a designated Conservation Area. First, determine whether the property is subject to an Article 4 Direction.

Local planning authorities grant these, and if your listed property is covered by one, you’ll need to consult with them, and chances are you’ll need to obtain additional planning approvals before you can even consider installing a rooflight.

Building Regulations Approval is Still Required

If the good news is that your rooflight will most likely not require planning permission, the slightly less good news is that you will almost certainly need Building Regulations approval to install a rooflight. Why?

– You’ll most likely need to modify the roof structure (typically the rafters or joists) to install the rooflight (by cutting an opening for it).

– A proposed rooflight must demonstrate energy efficiency to avoid excessive heat loss.

– It must be demonstrated that the roof can hold the weight of the planned new rooflight; if not, structural adjustments will be required.

Your local Conservation Officer will decide on your application for a conservation rooflight. They will assess the original characteristics of your property, those of any nearby properties, and the character of the local neighbourhood.

Your conservation roof window will almost certainly need to be built of classic metal (rather than a modern plastic version) and require a glazing bar. Importantly, it will almost certainly need to sit flush with the roof line to have the least apparent impact from the ground level.

Last Thoughts

So, assuming your rooflight fits the above standards, you should have no trouble specifying and installing a rooflight without any additional planning clearances.

If you’ve been considering installing a rooflight but aren’t sure what your alternatives are, look at the website for some ideas.

Alternatively, contact us, and we’ll walk you through the steps and discuss our customised solutions. To discuss your project and provide expert opinions on what would best suit your property. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with The Rooflight Company on:  01993 833155

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Why Cast Iron Guttering Is Ideal for Period and Listed Properties

Cast iron offers an authentic appearance that complements traditional architecture. It’s also robust, long-lasting, and often required to meet listed building consent conditions. Unlike plastic alternatives, cast iron guttering retains the historic integrity of a building and weathers beautifully over time.

It’s also worth noting that modern cast iron systems benefit from factory-applied protective coatings, making them easier to maintain and install than in decades past. Cast iron offers seamless integration into any historic elevation when matched carefully to the existing system or surrounding details.

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Find out more about our products by giving us a call
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