Thinking about brightening up your home with a skylight? Skylights are a brilliant way to flood your living space with natural light, potentially cut down on energy bills, and add a touch of architectural flair to your property. But before you start the process, there's an important question to address: do you need planning permission for a skylight?
The Short Answer
In most cases, you won't need planning permission to install a skylight in the UK. Skylights often fall under what's known as 'permitted development rights'. This means you can make certain types of minor changes to your home without having to go through the full planning permission process.
However, as with many things in life, there are exceptions to this rule. Let's look into the details to help you understand when you might need to seek planning permission and when you're likely in the clear.
When You Might Need Planning Permission
While skylights are generally considered permitted development, there are situations where you'll need to apply for planning permission:
Listed Buildings: If your property is a listed building, you'll need to obtain listed building consent for any alterations, including adding a skylight.
Conservation Areas: Properties in conservation areas may have stricter rules. While you might not need full planning permission, you may need to apply for 'conservation area consent'.
Restrictive Covenants: Some properties have restrictive covenants that limit alterations. Check your property deeds to see if this applies to you.
Flats and Maisonettes: Permitted development rights often don't apply to flats and maisonettes. You'll likely need to seek planning permission.
Significant Changes: If the skylight would significantly alter the appearance of your property, especially from the street view, you might need planning permission.
Size Details : If your skylight extends more than 150mm from the plane of the existing roof slope, you'll need to apply for planning permission.
Comparison: Planning Permission vs. Permitted Development
To help clarify the differences between planning permission and permitted development, here's a handy comparison table:
Aspect | Planning Permission | Permitted Development |
Application Process | Formal application required | No formal application needed |
Cost | Application fee applies | No fee |
Timeframe | Can take 8-12 weeks | Can start work immediately |
Restrictions | Varies based on local authority | Set national guidelines |
Alterations Allowed | Can potentially make significant changes | Limited to minor changes |
Certainty | Provides legal certainty | Less certain, but generally safe for skylights |
Building Regulations: Another Consideration
While you might not need planning permission, you'll still need to comply with building regulations. These ensure that the work is carried out safely and to a good standard. Key points to consider include:
Structural integrity of your roof
Fire safety
Energy efficiency
Ventilation
Fall protection
It's always a good idea to use a professional installer who's familiar with these regulations to ensure your skylight installation is up to code.
If you're considering adding a skylight to your home, reach out to FV Conservatories for a free, no-obligation quote. With our expertise, you can ensure your skylight installation is not only compliant but also perfectly suited to your home's needs.
FAQs About Skylight Planning Permission
Do I need planning permission for a roof lantern?
Roof lanterns are generally treated the same as skylights. In most cases, you won't need planning permission unless your property falls under one of the exceptions mentioned earlier.
Can I install a skylight in a loft conversion?
If your loft conversion is being done under permitted development rights, adding a skylight is usually allowed without additional permission. However, if your loft conversion required planning permission, you should check with your local authority.
Will adding a skylight affect my neighbours?
Generally, skylights don't cause issues with neighbours as they don't overlook other properties. However, it's always polite to inform your neighbours of any work you're planning.
Can I install a skylight myself?
While it's possible to install a skylight yourself, it's a complex job that requires roofing skills and knowledge of building regulations. For most people, it's best to hire a professional.
How long does it take to install a skylight?
We can typically install a skylight in 1-2 days, depending on the complexity of the job and the type of skylight.
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